# US 8,769,979 B2 · Apparatus and method for draining condensate > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,769,979 B2 - Document ID: US8769979B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/061,881 - Filed: 2008-04-03 - Published: 2009-10-08 - Granted: 2014-07-08 - Earliest claimed: 2008-04-03 - Assignees: Lennox Manufacturing Inc. - Applicants: James Frank Timbs; Christopher D. Beck; John Lawson Bauer, Jr. - Inventors: James Frank Timbs; Christopher D. Beck; John Lawson Bauer, Jr. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8769979B2 ## CPC - F24F 13/222: {for evacuating condensate} - F24F: AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING (removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced B08B15/00; vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings E04F17/02; tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts, terminals for flues F23L17/02) ## Abstract An apparatus for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element, the element presenting a footprint area, includes: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall. The first level is generally higher than the second level in an installed orientation. A first surface is situated substantially at the first level and is generally horizontal and presents a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with the footprint area in the installed orientation. A second surface generally extends from the second level at a first end of the apparatus to the first level at two loci separated by the first surface at a second end of the apparatus opposite the first end to orient the first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to the second surface. At least one third surface joins the first and second surfaces. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A draining apparatus comprising: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall, said first level being higher than said second level in an installed orientation, said substantially unitary plurality of surfaces including: a first surface of said plurality of surfaces being generally horizontal and presenting a generally planar expanse situated substantially at said first level in said installed orientation; a second surface of said plurality of surfaces generally extending from said second level at a first end of the apparatus to said first level at a second end of the apparatus opposite said first end to orient said first surface in a generally peninsular relationship with respect to said second surface; and at least one third surface of said plurality of surfaces joining said first surface with said second surface; and at least one flow-disrupting structure situated at said first surface, each respective flow-disrupting structure configured as chevron-shaped and extending from said first surface in a direction away from said second level, wherein said apparatus is configured for use with an element having a “V” shaped footprint area and said at least one flow-disrupting structure includes a pair of dam structures situated generally symmetrically with respect to an intersection locus of two legs of said “V” shaped footprint area. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured for use with an element having a footprint area with a “V” shape having two portions with substantially equal widths and substantially equal lengths; said two portions depending from a common locus in departing vectors establishing an acute angle, and wherein said planar expanse is generally coextensive with said footprint area. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of drain apertures traversing said peripheral wall generally at said first end. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said second surface includes a surface departure generally establishing a channel leading substantially to at least one drain aperture of said plurality of drain apertures. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured for use with an element having a footprint area with a “V” shape having two portions with substantially equal widths and substantially equal lengths; said two portions depending from a common locus in departing vectors establishing an acute angle, and wherein said planar expanse is generally coextensive with said footprint area. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of drain apertures traversing said peripheral wall generally at said first end. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A draining apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said second surface includes a surface departure generally establishing a channel leading substantially to at least one drain aperture of said plurality of drain apertures. ### Claim 8 A method for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element; said element presenting a footprint area; the method comprising: (a) in no particular order: (1) providing said element; said element presenting a footprint area; and (2) providing a draining apparatus; said draining apparatus comprising: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall, said first level being generally higher than said second level in an installed orientation, said substantially unitary plurality of surfaces including: a first surface of said plurality of surfaces being situated substantially at said first level and being generally horizontal and presenting a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with said footprint area in said installed orientation; a second surface of said plurality of surfaces generally extending from said second level at a first end of the apparatus to said first level at two loci at a second end of the apparatus opposite said first end to orient said first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to said second surface; and at least one third surface of said plurality of surfaces joining said first surface with said second surface; and at least one flow-disrupting structure situated at said first surface, each respective flow-disrupting structure configured as chevron-shaped and extending from said first surface in a direction away from said second level; and (b) orienting said element and said draining apparatus in generally abutting relation in said installed orientation, wherein said footprint area is a “V” shaped footprint area and said at least one flow-disrupting structure includes a pair of dam structures situated generally symmetrically with respect to a locus in said footprint area, said locus being an intersection locus of two legs of said “V” shaped footprint area. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A method for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element as recited in claim 8 wherein said “V” shaped footprint area has two portions with substantially equal widths and substantially equal lengths; said two portions depending from a common locus in departing vectors establishing an acute angle. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A method for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element as recited in claim 9 wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of drain apertures traversing said peripheral wall generally at said first end.