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US 6,779,552 B1Granted
Domestic hot water distribution and resource conservation system
AssigneeFrederick E. Coffman
InventorFrederick E. Coffman
Life of this patent
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AssigneeFrederick E. Coffman
InventorFrederick E. Coffman
Estimating the term…
A domestic water distribution system that continuously delivers heated water to one or more hot water faucets. The system utilizes a convective return loop from the desired faucets, which is regulated by a flow control device. The control device is specifically designed to allow unhindered flow during circulation without allowing reverse flow when a faucet is opened. The flow control device has an easily accessible handwheel adjustment that is used to select the three modes of operation and the flow rate. These modes are called: HELD-ON, HELD-OFF, and NORMAL-OPERATION. With the first two modes being used to fill and flush the system as is necessary with new installation and recreation vehicles. Also, a lighter-than-water checking element is used, which allows the system to function in single-level plumbing installations without the need for inclined supply and return routing. The circulation is further assured by having the plumbing return and cold water supply connected to the base of the water heater, which creates a flushing action of sediment that accumulates inside and since plumbing insulation is not restricted, heat loss is limited.
A hot water distribution system for a single level comprising:
A valve for a hot water distribution system, said valve comprising a valve body, having an inlet, an outlet, a generally horizontal valve seat defined within said valve body between said inlet and said outlet and a check element mounted for vertical movement within said valve body above said valve seat, said check element having a specific gravity less than 1.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.
Domestic hot-water supply systems: recirculation systems
Arrangements or adaptations of sanitation devices
Check valves: with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
With heating or cooling of the system: hot and cold water system having a connection from the hot to the cold channel
Term ended 14 May 2022 (estimated)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of Invention
FIG. 1 shows a partial sectional view of the valve in a normal operating position and an end view indicating the section location.
FIG. 2 shows a section fragment of the valve in the closed position.
FIG. 3 shows a section fragment of the valve in the defeated or held-open position.
10 valve assembly
12 checking element
14 restrainer pin