Abstract: A connection unit having a connector and at least one fluid line that is connected to the connector, wherein the connector has at least two connection ends and a connector section that connects the connection ends to one another. A fluid line end of a fluid line engages with at least one connection end of the connector. At least one compensation element is connected to the fluid line in the area of the fluid line end of the fluid line, the compensation element being supportable on at least one support stop via at least one spring element. Due to a pressure increase in the connector section, the compensation element is movable against the restoring force of the spring element in the direction of the support stop, with an increase in the internal volume of the connector section.

Abstract: A freeze protection material consisting of a closed-cell polymeric material that can be used to protect a variety of fluid systems from the damaging effects of thermal expansion of aqueous fluids container or transported therein. A method of protecting various fluid systems from freeze damage by applying a specialized freeze protection material therein.

Abstract: A vehicle brake line de-icing device for deicing the air brake lines of a tractor trailer or the like. The device is compact with a reservoir having flat sides for best chosen fit and/or mounting. The reservoir can selectively pivot and lock in differing rotational positions on the tubes on each end that are affixed to gladhand connectors for communicating with those on a vehicle. To thaw the brake lines, the user releases air through the brake lines and thereby circulates the antifreeze therethrough. This process thaws the brake lines in approximately 5 to 7 minutes, as opposed to an expensive 2-hour service call.

Abstract: An insulated sewer vent cover designed to passively prevent ice blockage, comprises a sealed annular insulating space comprising either entrapped air or an appropriate insulation material. The vent cover further comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged and chemically bonded plastic plumbing components which include a pair of bushings, a pair of couplers, and a pair of tubing sections of different diameters. These components are designed to be installed and chemically bonded onto an existing roof-mounted sewer vent pipe.

Abstract: In a device for conveying liquids or moist gases through a closed duct in a vehicle fuel cell power systems, freezing of the duct is prevented by providing a part of its internal wall flow passages or flow chambers with a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material absorbs liquid in disperse form at low temperatures through its capillary action and inhibits premature ice formation.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.

Abstract: A valve device for metering a fluid for metering a urea-water solution for the aftertreatment of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, which contains elements that flex or are compressed under high pressure so that the volume of the working chamber can change in order to limit high pressures, which arise in the event of a phase change of the fluid to be metered, to a non-damaging intensity.

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 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: 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 surge suppression apparatus (1) comprising a chamber (7) for receiving a liquid subject to pressure variation effects that are to be suppressed and an inlet (9) through which liquid is suppliable to the chamber (7), the arrangement being such that, in use, inlet flow exiting the inlet (9) is directed towards a wall (7c) of the chamber (7) at an oblique angle to that wall.

Abstract: The invention is a round, flexible, hollow tubular insert to be affixed in a central position within pressurized sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains. The insert will be employed to prevent sprinkler pipe, water pipe and water main ruptures due to the water within the sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main freezing. The insert is constructed of a thin-walled, flexible material that is capable of being deformed (e.g. compressed), thereby absorbing the expansion pressures exerted by the water in a frozen state (i.e., ice). The insert is constructed with guides to maintain a position in the center of sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains to absorb the radial freezing of water. By such absorption, the outer sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main itself will not be over-pressurized, thereby avoiding the possibility of a rupture. Upon the thawing of the frozen water, the flexible, hollow, tubular insert will return to its original shape.

Abstract: A pressure relief device mounts to heat exchange coils having fluid flowing therethrough. A base has an orifice formed therethrough extending through an orifice in the coil to the interior of the coil. A cover attaches to the base with bolts or other attachment means. A diaphragm strip inserts between the cover and the base to close off the orifice in the base. An o-ring or other gasket may also be utilized to seal the structure. When a rupture through the diaphragm occurs due to pressure buildup, the diaphragm strip may be advanced to reclose the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid handling apparatus for use in cold temperature conditions. In this respect, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a freeze protected conduit having a length comprising an elongated conduit for conveying or containing an aqueous liquid and an elongated compressible elastomeric material disposed within the conduit along its length. Alternatively, the conduit may comprise, at least in part, a substantially liquid impermeable membrane which is disposed in substantially adjacent relationship with a compressible elastomeric material. When exposed to freezing temperatures, aqueous liquid in conduits will freeze and expand. The compressible elastomeric material accommodates this expansion, thereby protecting the conduit from failure.

Abstract: A water-escape conduit connector for use in the exterior above-ground vertical section of a water-discharge conduit having an interior vertical conduit segment communicating with a sump pump container or liner 14. The water-discharge conduit comprises an upstream segment, between the sump pump liner and the water-escape connector, and a downstream segment between the water-escape connector and the discharge or outlet end of the conduit. The novel water-escape device of the present invention is interposed in the water discharge conduit, at an exterior, above-ground location, to provide an emergency water outlet in the event that the downstream conduit segment becomes sealed against the free discharge of water therefrom.

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: An apparatus for compensating for variations in pressure exerted by a fluid within a container against the container to maintain the pressure below a pressure limit within a predetermined pressure range. The pressure range has an upper range limit above the pressure limit. The apparatus includes an insert member which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the fluid and which is at least substantially immersed within the fluid. The insert member is compressible over a volumetric range, which volumetric range is established to permit sufficient compression of the insert member to relieve the pressure against the container by a pressure difference. The pressure difference is at least equal to the difference between the upper range limit and the pressure limit. In its preferred embodiment, the insert member is freely floating within the container, though it may be tetheredly attached to a cover or other portion of the container to allow it to freely float within a tethered range of its attachment point.

Abstract: A winterizing plug for water lines of a swimming pool is disclosed. The winterizing plug cooperates with a port in the skimmer to displace water in the line and reduce the possibility of damage thereto. Water is displaced by means of air pressure maintained within the line.

Abstract: A water freeze guard valve having a water-filled actuator chamber and a linkage assembly for transmitting linear expansion movement, caused by ice formation within the actuator chamber, to force a poppet disc against the seat of the valve supply port and thereby close the valve when freezing conditions occur, a latch assembly for keeping the valve open prior to freezing weather, a spring to keep the valve closed during the subsequent thaw, and a lever for manually and selectively re-opening the valve. When installed in a water supply line for a building structure that is subject to freezing and thawing conditions, the valve shuts off the supply of water to the building structure during the freeze and prevents further supply of water to the building after the thaw occurs so that the interior of the building is not damaged by flooding.

Abstract: A water pipe anti-rupture system for preventing freeze damage provides for an injection molded string of hollow cups spaced apart by a common connecting rod. Periodically spaced cross stabilizing leg members are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the connecting rod for frictionally engaging the inside of a water pipe to hold the cups in place substantially in the center and along a length of water pipe with hollows down so that they can entrap air. This system prevents bursting of the pipes when water freezes.

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: A freeze prevention device for water systems includes a relief valve and an actuator having an elongated chamber which contains water and segments that sequentially sense the incremental expansion caused by ice formation therebetween. The segments are axially aligned within the chamber. The segments may be balls, truncated pyramids, and the like that have a sealing portion and an axial portion with a foot which is adapted to engage an adjusting screw or a wear compensating spring at the bottom of the chamber or the top of the adjacent segment. An actuation linkage transmits linear meovement of one or more segments to a poppet in a valve seat, thereby opening a valve port connecting water, from a water supply system or a tank, to a discharge port, whereby water may be bled from the water system to prevent freezing thereof, or steam from a steam system for admission to tracer lines.

Abstract: An automatically operated valve to prevent freezing of water lines. The valve is elongated, having threads on one end to be received in a conventional plumbing tee or the like, or in a threaded opening in a faucet. The opposite end discharges water during dripping, and has a nipple to receive a hose to divert the waste water. A temperature sensitive device is in contact with the water, and includes a tip that projects at high temperatures and retracts at near-freezing temperatures. A plunger in the elongate valve is moved to close a valve when the tip is projected, and a spring within the drip valve urges the plunger to open the valve when the tip is retractable. The temperature sensitive device is carried by the drip valve by mating threads so the position of the temperature sensitive device can be varied through the threaded engagement.

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.