The present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature, wherein the valve is to prevent freezing of a pipe by allowing a working fluid such as water flowing along various pipes including water pipes, faucets, and water meters to continuously flow without freezing at a temperature below a freezing point, and a shape memory elastic body which is a configuration of the valve can control a flow rate of the working fluid flowing out of the valve by proportionally changing a yield stress by a phase change according to a temperature of the working fluid instead of performing a simple opening/closing operation.

The present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature, wherein the valve is to prevent freezing of a pipe by allowing a working fluid such as water flowing along various pipes including water pipes, faucets, and water meters to continuously flow without freezing at a temperature below a freezing point, and a shape memory elastic body which is a configuration of the valve can control a flow rate of the working fluid flowing out of the valve by proportionally changing a yield stress by a phase change according to a temperature of the working fluid instead of performing a simple opening/closing operation.

A geothermal heat containment barrier operable to be manipulated through an opening of a vault by at least partially folding the geothermal heat containment barrier, and positioned substantially horizontally against walls of the vault to reduce heat transfer through the barrier is provided. The barrier includes a central insulating core, a flexible outer frame, and an outer sealing trim. The central insulating core includes top and bottom outer surfaces and a perimeter edge. The central insulating core includes and/or contains an insulating material. The flexible outer frame has a shape memory and includes at least one flexible component having ends together such that the flexible outer frame is continuous and closed. The outer sealing trim is attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces and wraps around the perimeter edge of the central insulating core. The outer sealing trim is operable to press against the wall of the vault.

A geothermal heat containment barrier operable to be manipulated through an opening of a vault by at least partially folding the geothermal heat containment barrier, and positioned substantially horizontally against walls of the vault to reduce heat transfer through the barrier is provided. The barrier includes a central insulating core, a flexible outer frame, and an outer sealing trim. The central insulating core includes top and bottom outer surfaces and a perimeter edge. The central insulating core includes and/or contains an insulating material. The flexible outer frame has a shape memory and includes at least one flexible component having ends together such that the flexible outer frame is continuous and closed. The outer sealing trim is attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces and wraps around the perimeter edge of the central insulating core. The outer sealing trim is operable to press against the wall of the vault.

Generally discussed herein are examples water or other fluid management techniques, such as to help prevent damage to water or other fluid management equipment or help in winterization of the water or other fluid management system.

A system for controlling water delivery in to and out from a structure. Sensors in the structure determine a water leak from a water delivery system within the structure or an ambient temperature. A transmitter associated with each sensor transmits a signal to a controller, the signal indicating a water leak from the water delivery system or a temperature. Valves within the structure control the flow of water in to the structure, out from the structure, and within the structure. The controller receives the sensor signals and responsive thereto opens or closes one or more valves to stop water delivery into the structure, to drain water out from the structure, or to control water delivery within the structure. A source of pressurized gas activated by the controller applies pressure to water within the water delivery system and thereby assists with draining water from the structure.

A system for controlling water delivery in to and out from a structure. Sensors in the structure determine a water leak from a water delivery system within the structure or an ambient temperature. A transmitter associated with each sensor transmits a signal to a controller, the signal indicating a water leak from the water delivery system or a temperature. Valves within the structure control the flow of water in to the structure, out from the structure, and within the structure. The controller receives the sensor signals and responsive thereto opens or closes one or more valves to stop water delivery into the structure, to drain water out from the structure, or to control water delivery within the structure. A source of pressurized gas activated by the controller applies pressure to water within the water delivery system and thereby assists with draining water from the structure.

A fully serviceable frost proof mixing hydrant for supplying water at various temperatures to the exterior of a building. The mixing hydrant includes hot and cold water inlets and a chamber in which the water is mixed based on the position of a cammed wheel acting on a pair of poppets. These poppets act as temperature regulators and check valves to prevent cross-flow leakage and/or contamination. The mixing hydrant includes an inside tube or flow sleeve for delivery of water to an outside body tube in communication with a spout on the head of the hydrant. The flow from the inside tube to the outside body tube reduces turbulence and provides a better outlet flow from the spout. Flow control and temperature control are independent allowing the user to set the flow as desired then adjust the temperature as desired without affecting the flow.

A whole home water appliance system includes controller circuitry, a primary sump pump driven by an electric motor, and a secondary sump pump driven with a flow of water. The system also includes a water control actuator operable as a water main control device for a domestic water distribution network and a flow meter to measure the flow of municipal water supplied to the network. The controller circuitry selectively energizes the primary sump pump to extract liquid from a sump pit based on a liquid level in the sump pit. The secondary sump pump independently controlled by a hydraulic level sensor to extract liquid from the sump pit. The water control actuator controlled by the controller circuitry to shut off a municipal water supply to the domestic water distribution network in response to detection of a leak. Communication circuitry included in the whole home water appliance may wirelessly communicate.

A whole home water appliance system includes controller circuitry, a primary sump pump driven by an electric motor, and a secondary sump pump driven with a flow of water. The system also includes a water control actuator operable as a water main control device for a domestic water distribution network and a flow meter to measure the flow of municipal water supplied to the network. The controller circuitry selectively energizes the primary sump pump to extract liquid from a sump pit based on a liquid level in the sump pit. The secondary sump pump independently controlled by a hydraulic level sensor to extract liquid from the sump pit. The water control actuator controlled by the controller circuitry to shut off a municipal water supply to the domestic water distribution network in response to detection of a leak. Communication circuitry included in the whole home water appliance may wirelessly communicate.