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: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.

Abstract: A valve device for use in preventing freeze damage caused by water freezing in water pipes in the home or other location. The device includes a cylindrical body portion which houses an apertured retainer plate and a bellows assembly with attached valve stem for coacting with a valve seat located in one end cap. The bellows is initially charged to an expanded condition with a fluid such as a gas mixture which contracts as the temperature approaches the freezing temperature of water. In one embodiment, the length of the valve body may be changed to compensate for changes in ambient temperature and pressure which can affect the relation between valve stem and valve seat.

Abstract: Apparatus for connection to an outdoor water line carrying water at a selected pressure, for producing a selected low flow rate of water from the water line when the outdoor temperature drops below a selected temperature, which comprises an orifice in the end of the water line of selected small diameter, a closed chamber means having an expansible portion, filled with a selected condensible gas, for which the vapor pressure varies with temperature in a known manner, and closure means positioned adjacent the orifice and means connecting the expansible portion of the chamber to the closure means to shut off the flow of water when the temperature is above a selected value, and to open the orifice to a small trickle flow of water, whenever the temperature outdoors is less than a selected value, such as the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having an outside coil, a tray beneath the coil for collecting condensate from the coil, a discharge conduit of the tray being positioned to discharge condensate from an entrance point to an discharge point of the discharge conduit, and a by-pass conduit portion disposed in the discharge conduit in fluid communication with a heat exchange medium of the coil to prevent conduit from freezing in the discharge conduit, the bypass conduit portion being defined by a pair of legs and the bight whereby the heat exchange medium flows through one of the pair of legs in a direction from the entrance point toward the discharge point and then is reversed by the bight to flow in the other of the pair of legs in a direction from the discharge point to the entrance point.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a plurality of refrigerant compressors, a plurality of ventilating fans and a cooling/warming water pump which is controlled by both a memory and a contact-less control unit in accordance with an outdoor temperature and a refrigerant temperature which are sensed by associated temperature sensors. Alternatively, the control unit may be connected to both protective devices disposed on the fans, the compressors, the pump, etc. and further connected to a digital indicator which indicates the operating status of the air conditioner.

Abstract: The freeze protection valve includes a valve housing (A) which has a bore (20) through a lower wall portion (22) thereof to define a freeze drain outlet (B). A valve assembly (C) including a valve cup (50), a valving element (54), and a valve element biasing spring (56) is biased away from the valve housing lower wall portion by a valve cup spring (60). A thermal sensing assembly (D) including a thermal sensing element (82) which is disposed closely adjacent the valving element urges the valve assembly toward the lower wall portion as the temperature of fluid around the thermal element increases and allows the valve cup biasing spring to move the valving element away from the lower wall portion as the fluid around the thermal sensing element cools below a preselected temperature. In this manner, the valve assembly opens the freeze drain outlet in response to the fluid at the bottom of the valve housing adjacent the valve assembly dropping below a preselected temperature.

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: This invention is a freeze protection valve assembly for preventing the freezing of water in pipes of residential and the like water systems. The valve is positioned in a reservoir containing water of the water system. If the water temperature falls below a predetermined minimum, the valve opens discharging water from the system at the same time bringing into the system the warmer waters from the underground supply. Since the valve is activated by the temperature of the water itself, water waste is minimized.

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.

Abstract: A freeze protection valve can be reset under cold ambient conditions without the need for artificial heating of the valve's temperature sensor. An auxiliary latch is used to hold the valve element closed. The auxiliary latch is automatically released as the primary latching mechanism of the valve becomes operative upon an increase in temperature of the liquid system served by the valve. Release of the auxiliary latch is effected by virtue of a small downward movement of the valve stem resulting from a camming action inherent in the operation of the valve's primary latch.In one version of the valve, a simple, drop-away key temporarily holds the valve stem down until the primary latch becomes operative. In another version, the valve stem is reset remotely through a bowden wire, and the resetting mechanism automatically engages an auxiliary latch.

Abstract: A self-actuating drip valve for attachment to a standard faucet for the prevention of freezing of exposed water pipes. An elongated housing includes means for securing one end of the housing about the open end of the faucet. A valve seat is provided within the housing so that it is substantially adjacent to the faucet when the device is in use. Substantially concentric extendible walls extend between the elongated housing and a base plate. A valve stem, terminating in a valve tip, is secured to the base plate and extends within the extendible walls. The base plate may be adjusted by threadable means for moving the valve relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: An improved multimode heat-pump type heating system designed to heat a plurality of rooms efficiently under a variety of ambient temperature conditions. When in its first mode the heat pump system employs an operating fluid, such as ammonia, and an absorbing liquid, such as water. The ammonia is initially evaporated in a cold heat source so as to absorb or extract heat therefrom. It is then absorbed by the absorbing liquid and both transported to a boiler where the two are again separated. The absorbing liquid returns to the absorbing area while the operating fluid flows to a condenser and condensed after which it is returned directly to the evaporator. A plurality of heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from the operating fluid, the absorbing liquid or the system to a room heating fluid. In the second mode, the evaporator and absorbing portions of the system are bypassed and only the operating fluid circulates from the condenser to the boiler past heat exchangers in order to heat the operating fluid.

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 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: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for connection to an outdoor water line carrying water at a selected pressure, for producing a selected low flow rate of water from the water line when the outdoor temperature drops below a selected temperature, which comprises an orifice in the end of the water line of selected small diameter, a closed chamber means having an expansible portion, filled with a selected condensible gas, for which the vapor pressure varies with temperature in a known manner, and closure means positioned adjacent the orifice and means connecting the expansible portion of the chamber to the closure means to shut off the flow of water when the temperature is above a selected value, and to open the orifice to a small trickle flow of water, whenever the temperature outdoors is less than a selected value, such as the freezing point of water.

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: A water or other hydraulic system is protected by a thermostatic drain valve having a bimetal disc arranged with a three port cavity and a specially designed and compliantly sealed valve core so that the spring action of the disc acting together with the pressure of the fluid in the system constitutes the only power required to operate the valve.

Abstract: Two or more open cycle vapor compression heat pumps of interdependently different capacities are placed in parallel arrangement intermediate a heat sink and a heat source for the transfer of sensible heat therebetween.

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: The pipe bleeder includes a small holding tank and a sample tube, both of which are filled with water and exposed to the ambient atmospheric temperature. The water in the sample tube freezes first when the ambient temperature is at freezing, which in turn causes a piston and then a push rod in the sample tube to move, the top of the push rod acting against a small cover plate in the holding tank, moving it away from a drain connection. When the cover plate is so moved, water from the water supply pipe will flow at a relatively slow but steady rate through the drain connection to the environment, maintaining a flow of water through the supply pipe and thus preventing the water in the water supply pipe upstream of the pipe bleeder from freezing. An exterior thaw tube is also attached to the drain connection in the holding tank.

Abstract: A temperature responsive drain valve (10) is disclosed for draining fluid lines (12) to prevent freeze up damage. The valve includes a housing (14) having a fluid passageway (15) therethrough. A temperature responsive thermal actuator (20) is mounted to the housing adjacent fluid inlet passageways (34). The actuator includes a temperature sensitive portion (22,23), which extends exteriorly of the valve housing and an output member which extends into the fluid passageway. A poppet valve member (42) has a self-aligning valve surface (46) and is mounted in the fluid passageway and biased toward a valve seat by a conical spring (47) which extends over a cylindrical portion (43) of the valve member. Cylindrical portion (43) is also guided by and extends through an opening (49) in a reaction plate (48). An outer biasing spring (51) reacts against the output member through a cage arrangement (54, 58, 67).

Abstract: A gate valve, mounted in a drain pipe connected to a downstream exposed end of a part of a plumbing system subject to occasional freezing, is controlled to open and close by opposed pressures of a spring and a temperature controlled pressure of a refrigerant fluid in an expansible and contractable bellows, the respective pressures being equalized at 33 degrees F. with gate valve closed, the pressure differentials therebetween resulting from temperature changes progressively opening and closing valve at temperatures below 33 degrees F. and closing it and keeping it closed at 33 degrees F. and above, and thereby preventing the plumbing from freezing, by allowing water to flow therethrough at and below freezing.

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: A solar heating unit especially adapted for use in conjunction with basementless buildings of the kind having a floor spaced above ground level, which space is traversed by plumbing lines. The solar heating unit includes a chamber into which air drawn from the interior of the building is delivered for absorption of heat and from which chamber heated air is discharged. Heated air discharged from the solar heating unit is delivered selectively to the interior of the building, to insulated enclosures encircling the plumbing lines, or both, or is exhausted to atmosphere.

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 allows equal static pressures to develop on opposite sides of the barrier, and a thermosensitive relief mechanism at the control port relieves the pressure on one side of the barrier when ambient temperature drops below a predetermined level. Unequal pressures upon the barrier shift the barrier, redirecting the flow within the valve.

Abstract: A heat applying assembly for thawing out clogged asphalt containing pipes.

Abstract: A drain valve for use in the cooling system of a diesel engine for a locomotive including a valve body having a drain fitting mounted in the bottom portion thereof and a solenoid operated valve assembly mounted therein for opening and closing the drain fitting. A thermostat assembly is removably mounted on the exterior of the valve body in close thermal relationship to the interior of the valve, said thermostat operable to energize the solenoid and open the drain fitting when the temperature inside the valve reaches a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has an exterior housing with a water pipe disposed therein leading from a below ground source of water under pressure to an above ground outlet valve mechanism which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A longitudinally extending electric heating element disposed within the housing in immediate heat exchange relationship with one side of the water pipe continually supplies heat to the pipe to prevent freezing of the water therein. Thermal insulation surrounds the heating element and pipe. A circuitous passageway, provided within the heated portion of the pipe by means of an open-ended tubular member disposed therein, causes continuous water circulation in the pipe for preventing build-up of heat at the water outlet valve of the watering device.

Abstract: An antifreezing system for an exterior water pipe servicing a mobile home wherein the mobile home includes a furnace having a forced hot air passage and a cold air return. The system utilizes a hot air closed circuit, thermally insulated, conduit system surrounding the exterior water pipe wherein one end of the conduit system communicates with the hot air passage, while the other end of the conduit system communicates with the cold air return. In this manner a flow of warm air through the conduit system is produced during furnace operation preventing freezing of the exterior pipes and conserving the energy required for antifreezing purposes.

Abstract: Water cock has non-freezing valve. Though temperature of the water flowing through the cock is lowered below the freezing point owing to the severe surrounding condition in the winter, the improved cock having a non-freezing valve does not stop its flowing of water. The cock has a thermo-element sensing the surrounding temperature and driving the non-freezing valve to shut and open according to the temperature. The thermo-element consists of a base portion containing heat-sensitive-material and a cylinder containing jelly-like material for transferring the expanding force of the heat-sensitive material to a shaft buried in the jelly-like material.

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 method of operating recuperative heat exchange means in the supply and exhaust ducts of a ventilation installation exposed to sub-freezing atmospheric condition so that the heat exchanger in the exhaust duct is allowed to ice up and is periodically defrosted. The method operates to control the temperature in the spent-air heat exchanger in various ways, including raising the input temperature of the the exchange medium to reduce the cooling effect on the spent air, or by reducing the flow of heat exchange medium to achieve the same result.

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.