Abstract: A metering/dispensing head (10) and system for dispensing small doses of liquid nitrogen into individual filled cans (16) proceeding from a filling station to a closing station. The head includes a nozzle member (32) to which a source of liquid nitrogen under pressure is connected via pipe (12). The lower plane surface (72) of that member cooperates in close sliding relationship with the upper plane surface (70) of a rotary valve disc (40) around which are spaced triangular apertures (68). A small clearance separates those cooperating surfaces, but is of such a size as to effectively prevent loss of liquid nitrogen when the valve disc closes off a downwardly-pointing outlet nozzle (80) which opens into the lower surface of the nozzle member. A jet of liquid nitrogen exiting from said nozzle when uncovered by a said aperture in the valve disc injects a filled can moving beneath the nozzle member with a metered quantity of liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A dump valve for dumping liquid from the bottom of a tank comprising an elongated valve body insertable into the lower end of the tank so that the valve body extends deeply into the tank, the innermost portion of the valve body having an inner port communicating with the interior of the tank, the valve body having a portion extending exterior of the tank when the body is inserted into the tank, the valve body having a central axial bore extending therethrough and communicating with the inner port for directing liquid away from the tank, a drain passage connected to the exterior portion of the valve body and communicating with the axial bore for draining liquid from the tank, a pair of head plates connected to the exterior portion of the valve body, the head plates being connected to each other and forming a diaphragm chamber therebetween, a diaphragm held in sealed clamping engagement between the head plates and dividing the chamber into two separate compartments sealed from each other, an elongated valve ste

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

Abstract: A rising liquid level in a gas scrubber for an air compressor is sensed by a float in the scrubber which opens a normally closed pneumatic vent valve whereby a very small pneumatic signal is delivered through a pneumatic spool valve to the chamber of a large diaphragm liquid dump valve on the scrubber which is operated automatically to drain liquid from the scrubber to maintain a safe liquid level in the scrubber. The dump valve mounted on the scrubber side wall penetrates deeply into the scrubber to avoid freezing of the dump valve.

Abstract: A water line freeze protection system consisting of first and second branch pipes extending from a water service pipe, a water holding tank, a metering orifice between the first branch pipe and the holding tank, a pump and a check valve between the holding tank and the second branch pipe, the check valve permitting flow of water only in the direction from the pump to the second branch pipe, a float and switch secured to the holding tank to activate the pump at an upper water level and deactivate the pump at a lower water level, and an overflow pipe from the holding tank to pass water from the holding tank into a drain when the pump is none operational.

Abstract: A drain assembly including a drain pipe and a heater oriented to heat the drain pipe, in combination with a defrosting type refrigeration evaporator intended for use within an enclosure whose temperature is maintained lower than the freezing point of water. The drain pipe has a discontinuity positioned in an upper portion so that defrost meltage traversing the drain tube in the ordinary course will not leak out of the pipe through the discontinuity, but that meltage backing up in the drain pipe because the drain pipe has been plugged by ice or dirt, will flow out of the discontinuity onto the freezer floor rather than backing up further into the drain pan, and the discontinuity will be maintained free of ice because it is heat transfer relation to the heater.

Abstract: A system for providing temporary water service between a water main and one or more locations normally connected to the main in which a pipeline is provided above ground and has a supply section and a return section which are connected to the main. Each of the locations are connected between the supply section and the return section. The water is circulated from said supply section, through said location and to said return section in response to the ambient temperature dropping below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A solar water heating system for heating water in a solar panel and storing it in a water storage tank includes a pump which circulates the water in the system, from the water storage tank through the solar panel and back to the water storage tank; a freeze protection means permits water to bleed off from a location between the solar panel and water storage tank when the pump is off to maintain a flow of water through said solar panel and connecting parts thereof which are located in an area where freezing can be encountered. Means are provided to turn the pump on and off and a backup heating device is located in the water storage tank, such as an electrical heating unit, to provide heat when there is not sufficient solar energy.

Abstract: A gas regulation device to delay for a predetermined time the closing of a gas actuated main valve of the type having a main valve conduit connected to the main valve for carrying the gas which actuates the main valve. The regulation device comprises a first conduit which can be disposed in the main valve conduit to form a portion thereof and a check valve which is disposed in the first conduit so that gas can pass through the first conduit only in one direction. A bypass conduit is connected to the first conduit across the check valve such that gas can pass from the first conduit on one side of the check valve through the bypass conduit to the first conduit on the other side of the check valve. A flow regulation device is disposed in the bypass conduit to limit the flow of gas through said bypass conduit such that the pressure drop or increase required to open or close the main valve is delayed for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A protection device for automatically draining the water contained in a solar energy water heater in case of frost is a frost detector disposed externally of the heater, and includes a heat exchanger formed of a material having a good heat conductivity, preferably metal, secured to a small container filled with water through a bond having a good heat conductivity, and means responsive to a difference between the physical properties of water and ice, notably a variation in the density, and, therefore, a variation in volume and a variation in the electric resistivity. When the outdoor temperature has fallen below the water freezing point in this frost detector, the small volume of water contained in the small container is transformed into ice, and this icing is utilized for producing an electric signal controlling the draining of the heater.

Abstract: A device and method for purging a liquid carrying conduit with pressurized gas, the device having a reservoir for holding a quantity of gas which is connected to a supply of pressurized gas. The reservoir is also connected to the liquid carrying conduit. In response to a first signal, a first valve isolates the gas reservoir and the supply of pressurized gas and a second valve communicates the reservoir and the liquid carrying conduit. In response to a second signal the first valve communicates the reservoir and the supply of pressurized gas and the second valve isolates the reservoir and the liquid carrying conduit. The first signal can indicate when the liquid carrying conduit is carrying liquid and the second signal can indicate when the conduit can be purged. Preferably, this device can be attached to a gas well separator to prevent freezing of the pipe conveying liquid away from the separator.

Abstract: A solar energy system for heating water is disclosed. The system comprises a closed piping circuit in which water is pumped through a heat exchanger and storage tank which are not exposed to freezing temperatures up through a solar collector which may be so exposed. Protection against damage from freezing is provided by enabling drain-back of the water from exposed portions of the system and replacement with air when there is no water circulation.When water is circulating, a surge pipe bypassing the storage tank provides unimpeded flow of the full volume of water while extracting entrained air which is conveyed to the storage tank. Thus, solar-heated water does not flow through and is not stored in the storage tank during operation of the system, and the cost and inconvenience of insulating the storage tank in order to inhibit large energy loss is avoided.

Abstract: Freeze damage to pipes containing liquids is accomplished by including in the interior of the pipe an elongated section of tubing sealed at each end and containing internally an inert gas under pressure; a means for attaching one end of the tubing to the pipe to prevent linear axial movement of the tubing and a means at the other end of the tubing to maintain it concentrically within the pipe and to permit safe linear axial expansion of the tubing.

Abstract: A process for preventing freezing of solar collectors by automatic drainage of the water or liquid working fluid contained within the collectors the working fluid is drained from the collector, but remains within the closed solar collector circuit. Apparatus responsive to the pressure exerted on the collector circuit fluid by an external source of pressurized fluid acts to drain and refill the collectors. The pressure is transmitted through a moving transmissio means, which may be a deformable or movable wall, and which prevents transfer of the collector circuit fluid into the external source of pressurized fluid. The apparatus provides two storage tanks, one of which is provided with an auxiliary heater, the thermal yield being substantially improved by arranging one of the two tanks inside the other.

Abstract: An energy saver control system for prevention of water freezing in an outdoor tank, such as a stock tank, which involves a conventional type of water level control valve to maintain a selected level of water in the tank, and an electrical switch which is controlled by the pressure which is in the water line leading to the water level control valve. Means are provided to control the rate of water flow into the tank to a selected low value, sufficient for prevention of freezing of the surface of the water in the tank. When water is flowing into the tank the electrical heater is cut off. The electrical switch is controlled by the pressure in the water line leading to the water level control means.

Abstract: A closed pressurized solar heating system in which a solar collector is automatically drained of heat transport fluid and which contains no mechanical moving parts other than a system circulating pump. Pipe lines connect the solar collector to top and bottom openings of a sump tank which is initially filled with the fluid, water, to a level intermediate between the top and bottom openings. The sump tank contains an internal pipe extending from the top opening of the tank down to below the operating level of the transport fluid, which is lower than the initial fill level because of the fluid required to fill the collector. Drain-back automatically commences upon de-energization of the system pump, whereupon air from the upper part of the sump tank enters a vent in the sump tank internal pipe, breaking the vacuum existing within the flow return path from the collector and initiating fluid return from the collector to the sump tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-priming devices for indirect domestic water heating systems which device acts as expansion and contraction chambers for primary and secondary water in the system. The device consists of a closed housing divided internally by a wall intermediate its ends to form axially disposed first and second chambers. A open ended tubular member extends from the wall into the second chamber to provide communication between the chambers and an inlet and outlet is provided in the second chamber adjacent the wall. At least one inlet is provided in the first chamber at the end remote from the wall. The first chamber is connected to a primary water circuit and the second chamber is connected to the secondary water circuit to separate the water in one circuit from the water in the other circuit. The volume of the first chamber is substantially 4 to 4.

Abstract: A solar water heating system having main solar panels for collecting heat from the sun and transferring the heat to water flowing through it from an inlet line to a storage tank. A control system is located to shut the flow of water and drain the system when the absorbed radiation by the panels is below a predetermined level and to commence the flow of water and shut the drain when the radiation level is above the predetermined level. The control includes a conduit for transferring heat from a main panel or an auxillary panel to a thermostat which acts to move a lever. The lever thereafter controls the opening and closing of a drain valve and an inlet water valve either directly or through other levers and connectors.

Abstract: A solar water-heater absorber with upper and lower cylindrical headers has a rubber tube within each header. These tubes are sealed at one end and connected at the other ends to rigid copper tubes extending through sealed ends of the headers and connected to a pair of normally flattened rubber tubes housed within a further pipe. This pipe is disposed in a situation free from frost and its interior is connected to the water supply pipe line to the absorber.

Abstract: A domestic solar water heater system is provided which includes a collector, a storage tank, and a circulating pump. The system also includes a solid state electronic control module which automatically stops the circulating pump when the temperature of the water in the collector drops below the temperature of the water in the storage system, so that water is circulated through the system only when solar heat is available to heat the water to a temperature above the temperature of the water already stored in the storage tank. The system also includes a valve module which, upon a signal from the control module, causes the water to drain out of the collector when the temperature of the water in the collector falls to freezing temperatures so as to prevent damage to the collector. The control module also serves to stop the pump, to close the valve module, and to drain the collector when the temperature of the water in the storage tank reaches a predetermined maximum temperature.

Abstract: A sill cock assembly is disclosed comprising a fluid outlet for location on the exterior of a wall, a fluid flow inlet adapted for location adjacent the interior of the wall, a conduit connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a selectively operable valve located adjacent the fluid flow inlet for alternatively opening and closing the fluid flow inlet, and a pressure release means located adjacent the valve to allow fluid communication in an inwardly direction from the conduit through the valve to the fluid inlet when the fluid pressure within the conduit due to freezing is greater than the fluid pressure of the inlet. A portion of the wall of the conduit is corrugated adjacent the valve to allow expansion of the conduit during freezing.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system comprises:(a) a solar converter in which liquid absorbs solar radiation, the liquid being solar energy absorptive,(b) first means to circulate said liquid for flow through the converter, and(c) means to effect removal of liquid from the converter in response to an undesirable operation condition in said system.

Abstract: A solar water heating system heats water in a solar panel and stores it in a water storage tank. A pump circulates the water in the system, from the water storage tank through the solar panel back to the water storage tank when energy can be transferred from the solar panel to the water. When the circulating pump stops, the water in the solar panel and associated conduits located in an area where freezing can be encountered drains down into the water storage tank and associated conduits which are located in an area where freezing will not be encountered. In order to provide for the necessary space in the system for draining, a predetermined air space is maintained in the top of the water storage tank by an automatic air replenishment system which includes a compressor for directing compressed air into said water storage tank at the top thereof at a predetermined maximum water level in accordance with a water level float operated control located adjacent the water storage tank.

Abstract: A displaceable frusto-conical channel is provided typically axially in-line in a housing, the housing being interposed in a fluid supply pipe, e.g. a water supply line. The truncated smaller end of the channel is downstream in terms of fluid flow. A ball is disposed in the channel so that a surge or high flow of fluid will move the ball downstream within the hollow channel until the ball constricts and stops fluid flow by contact with the inner wall of the channel. To complete the device, the upstream end of the channel is spring-loaded and a rod acts against the downstream end of the channel, typically in conjunction with a timer. When the timer is set, the rod holds the channel away from the tapered internal surface of the housing, to permit continuous fluid flow.

Abstract: An automatic freeze protection system for solar energy collector apparatus. The apparatus includes a solar collector for circulating water or another fluid to be heated by the sun. Sensor means are provided within the collector to monitor the temperature of the water, and whenever it approaches the freezing point, the sensor will automatically actuate a valve means to rapidly drain the water from the collector. When the temperature within the collector thereafter rises to a predetermined safe level, the sensor means will again automatically actuate the valve means to refill the collector with fresh water to be heated. The system provided thus avoids the need for anti-freeze or other freeze protection materials suggested by the prior art as well as isolated water loops, heat exchangers and other expensive safety equipment necessitated thereby.

Abstract: A thermally responsive freeze type actuator for operating an air conditioning throttle valve. The actuator includes a rigid walled tubular portion which contains water and is attached to an axially extendable and contractible bellows portion. The bellows portion contains an immiscible fluid such as oil which floats on the water. The pressure forces created by the formation of ice in the tubular portion is transmitted to the oil by compression of one end of a hollow bladder member made of flexible material such as rubber which extends axially through the tubular portion and the bellows portion.

Abstract: A system for solar heating of water in combination with a domestic hot water system having a hot water storage tank having an inlet and an outlet, and a controllable heater arranged for heating water for storage within said storage tank.A solar heat collector has a surface which absorbs sunlight to produce heat, and a heat exchange passage for water in heat conductive relation. Piping and pump means are provided for circulating water from said tank outlet through said collector heat exchange passage to said tank inlet.An inflatable elastic member extends substantially the entire length of said collector passage.Means are provided to maintain air within said inflatable member at a higher hydrostatic air pressure than the static hydrostatic water pressure in said passage whereby the collector is rendered tolerant to freezing.

Abstract: A system for transferring thermal energy from a solar energy collector to a storage tank by pumping water from the tank through the heat exchanger and back into the tank. Two temperature-sensitive thermistors sense respectively the temperature of the water as leaving the heat exchanger or as being held therein, and the temperature of the water in the tank or as leaving the tank; these thermistors are included in bridge circuits which provide control signals representing the collector and tank temperatures and the differences of these temperatures for controlling water circulation, collector heating and/or dumping of the water, for collecting thermal energy and for preventing the circulation from freezing or boiling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger wherein leg seals connecting with outlets from individual outlet headers of a heat exchanger are enclosed within a drain pot which is heated by vapor from one of the headers.