Abstract: A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and a machine compartment positioned proximate the freezer compartment. An icemaker assembly is positioned within the freezer compartment. A fill tube extends from the machine compartment into the icemaker assembly. A first solenoid valve is coupled to the fill tube. A second solenoid valve is coupled to the fill tube, wherein the first and second solenoid valves are positioned within the machine compartment. A controller is configured to independently open and close the first and second solenoid valves.

Abstract: An integral tilted poppet valve for controlled flow of fuel from a fuel dispensing nozzle, including a poppet skirt, embodied within the poppet valve accessory of this invention, the poppet skirt cooperates with the poppet stem, and the poppet holder and its seal disc, to furnish a sealing of the nozzle, through the poppet valve, when the fuel nozzle is not in use, but that upon actuation of the nozzle lever, elevating its poppet stem, the poppet skirt includes an upper inclined surface for biasing against the poppet holder and its seal disc, to tilt the opening of the nozzle to provide for a minor or trickle flow of fuel through the nozzle to furnish a more precise dispensing of the quantity and value of the fuel being delivered to a vehicle.

Abstract: A controller opens or closes a valve in response to the ambient temperature crossing a threshold value, for example to prevent the continued supply of water to pipes that might have frozen and burst. An output shaft (4) acts on a stem of the valve to rotate it between the open and closed positions. A clock spring (8) biases the output shaft towards one of those positions but is restrained by a latch (28) until a thermal actuator (30) operates mechanically to release the latch in response to a change in temperature. The latch may be a pawl (28) acting on a ratchet gear (22) that allows the output shaft (4) to rotate in one direction but not the other. The ratchet gear (22) may be mounted on an input shaft (14), which is connected to the output shaft (4) through a gear train (16-19) to give a mechanical advantage when turning the output shaft (4) against the force of the spring (8).

Abstract: Examples of a protection valve and a system of protection valves are provided to meet the water needs of a building, while reducing the risk of pipe bursting caused by water freezing in a domestic water system. In response to freezing temperatures, the protection valve/system actuates from run mode to protection mode. In protection mode, the protection valve/system inhibits water from flowing into the domestic water system and also drains water from it. Advantageously, draining the water reduces the likelihood of ice forming in the domestic water system. Even if ice did form, the protection valve/system opens the domestic water system to a drain, reducing the likelihood that water pressure can build up high enough to cause a rupture. Even if there is a rupture, the protection valve/system in protection mode inhibits water from flowing into the domestic water system and out through the rupture.

Abstract: Integrated flow control backflow preventer valve (“IFCBPV”) for new and existing wet- and dry-barrel fire hydrants, with barrel drain assemblies for dry-barrel hydrants, and hydrants equipped with such IFCBPVs, are presented. An exemplary IFCBPV can have a retaining screen comprising equidistant concave radial spokes intersecting at a central ring structure, a freely suspended check ball, and a lower ball seat with a seal. The upper surface of the retaining screen can be affixed to the hydrant's axial shaft, and can thus be used to open and close the hydrant via the ball. Alternatively, the retaining screen can be fixed and the axial shaft provided with a cup on its bottom that mates with the freely suspended ball that is caged between the retaining screen and the ball seat. An exemplary barrel drain assembly can comprise a spring-loaded piston, or alternatively, a check ball design as in the main barrel.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid drainage control system to drain a fluid from a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes determining a first ambient air temperature, determining if the first ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined drain set point temperature, isolating the fluid dispensation system from a fluid supply source by closing a supply valve located inside a temperature controlled area in response to the first ambient air temperature being less than the predetermined drain set point temperature, and draining the fluid from the fluid dispensation system by opening a drain valve subsequent to closing the supply valve.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid drainage control system to drain a fluid from a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes determining a first ambient air temperature, determining if the first ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined drain set point temperature, isolating the fluid dispensation system from a fluid supply source by closing a supply valve located inside a temperature controlled area in response to the first ambient air temperature being less than the predetermined drain set point temperature, and draining the fluid from the fluid dispensation system by opening a drain valve subsequent to closing the supply valve.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid drainage control system to drain a fluid from a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes determining a first ambient air temperature, determining if the first ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined drain set point temperature, isolating the fluid dispensation system from a fluid supply source by closing a supply valve located inside a temperature controlled area in response to the first ambient air temperature being less than the predetermined drain set point temperature, and draining the fluid from the fluid dispensation system by opening a drain valve subsequent to closing the supply valve.

Abstract: A freeze resistant manifold includes a plurality of conduits, junction, and expansion device. Each conduit of the plurality of conduits includes a respective first end in fluid communication with a respective second end. The junction is defined by each of the respective first ends of the plurality of conduits in direct fluid communication with a remainder of the first ends of the plurality of conduits. The expansion device includes a housing, plug, and linear actuator. The housing has a first housing end and a second housing end. The first housing end is in fluid communication with the junction. The plug is disposed between the first housing end and the second housing end. The plug has a substantially fluid-tight, sliding engagement with an inner wall of the housing. The linear actuator is to urge the plug towards the first housing end with a predetermined amount of force.

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. A valve body is longitudinally movably mounted in the inlet tube adjacent to the valve fitting. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the inlet tube between the interior and exterior ends thereof so that if residual water within and adjacent the exterior end of the inlet tube freezes and exerts pressure on residual fluid within the inlet tube adjacent the interior end thereof, the pressure relief valve will actuate to purge some of the high pressure fluid to decrease the pressure being exerted by such fluid to the interior of the inlet tube.

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 movable ball is located with a fluid conduit that extends from the interior of the inlet tube to the location of the potable water source. When the water pressure inside the inlet tube increases because of the presence of ice, the high pressure of such water moves the ball to open fluid flow of the high pressure fluid to the source of potable water which will be at a lower pressure, thus reducing the fluid pressure within the inlet tube and saving it from rupture.

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: An automatic water freeze prevention device having a first valve, second valve and third valve that cooperate to fill or drain a water utilization device according to pre-selected temperature conditions. These three valves are driven to their respective open/closed positions by an electrical power sending device that is, in turn, actuated by a temperature setting device that is associated with a temperature sensing device.

Abstract: An automatic water freeze prevention device having a first valve, second valve and third valve that cooperate to fill or drain a water utilization device according to pre-selected temperature conditions. These three valves are driven to their respective open/closed positions by an electrical power sending device that is, in turn, actuated by a temperature setting device that is associated with a temperature sensing device.

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 temperature-actuated valve includes an elongated housing having anterior and posterior segments, the anterior segment being connected to an outdoor water supply. A valve within the anterior segment opens in response to freezing temperatures, defining a fluid path that allows water from the outdoor water supply to flow through one or more discharge ports; and which closes when the temperature rises above freezing. The valve generally includes a piston movable within the housing and having a valve head, and a valve seat formed in the anterior housing segment; seating of the valve head against the valve seat closes the discharge port(s). The device also includes means for conducting water from the anterior housing segment to the posterior housing segment, the latter comprising an expansion reservoir for freezing water. When water freezes, its expansion moves the piston so as to unseat the valve head and thereby allow water to be discharged through the discharge port(s).

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for freeze prevention protecting an irrigation system. The response of the apparatus depends on environmental conditions. At a first temperature condition, the irrigation system is shut down. At a lower temperature condition, the system remains shut down and heat is delivered to the above ground portions of the system. In the event temperatures continue to decrease, a full drainage of the above ground portion of the irrigation system will be accomplished and alarm notification will be given.

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: A single constant displacement pump provides lubricant under pressure from an on-board grease reservoir through a two-position valve to a selected group of distribution manifolds mounted on a cotton harvester. Each manifold of the group is connected to a plurality of conduits which lead to harvester row unit lubrication points, such as on the picker bar cam tracks, picker drum drive gears and the lubricant cavity for each of the picker drums. A line from the picker drum cavity opens into and lubricates the drum thrust washer area. The quantity of lubricant to each point is determined primarily by relative conduit resistance, which in turn is controlled by conduit length and cross section so that individual metering valves or pumps for each lubrication point are obviated. Conduits of substantially equal length and cross section are provided for each group of points which are to receive equal amounts of lubricant.

Abstract: A water or other fluid containing system is protected by a thermostatically controlled drain valve having input, output, drain and control ports. A slideable barrier within the valve selectively directs the flow within the valve between the ports. A small coupling orifice through the barrier and a particularly designed closure for the orifice are provided. A thermosensitive mechanism delivers pressure to the control port to open this closure when ambient temperature drops below a predetermined level. Equal static pressures developed by flow through the orifice in turn develop unequal forces on opposite sides of the barrier, to shift the barrier, redirecting the flow within the valve.

Abstract: A control valve for a solar heating system is disclosed. The valve has a valve body which defines four chambers disposed end to end. A valve operating rod is movable axially through all four chambers uder motor control and carries a valve member for directing liquid through the valve. In one position of the valve member, incoming liquid is directed to an outlet for connection to a solar collector and liquid returning from the collector can flow through the valve body and back to the swimming pool. In the other position of the valve member, the liquid bypasses the collector and is directed back to the pool while liquid in the collector drains back into the valve body through the outlet and is removed by suction from a drain-down chamber in the valve body.

Abstract: A freeze protection system allows the working fluid contained in the communicating tubes of the solar collector to drain from both the input and output tubes of the collector when a first predetermined temperature of the working fluid is detected and to fill the collector via both the input and output tubes when a second predetermined temperature is detected. The invention includes valve mechanisms, of the spool valve variety, that communicate the working fluid to be heated to the collector and therefrom to a storage tank, a valve actuator and a sensor.