Sanitary hydrant

• US 8,955,538 B2
• Filed: 07/02/2013
• Issued: 02/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: WCM Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: WCM Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Ball, William T., Pilarczyk, Eric, Jackson, Cody
• Primary Examiner(s): Rivell, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): BARSS, KEVIN R
• Application Number:
  US13/933,264
• Publication Number:
  US 20130298997A1
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 137/73, 137/282, 137/291, 137/292, 137/301, 137/304, 137/599.11, 137/511
• US Class Current: 137/301
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 9/027 with features preventing frost damage
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 9/14 Draining devices for hydrants
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5327 Hydrant type
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5444 Lever actuator
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5497 Protection against freezing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87338 Flow passage with bypass

Abstract

A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Claims

1. A sanitary hydrant, comprising:

a standpipe having a first end and a second end;

a head for delivering fluid interconnected to said first end of said standpipe;

a fluid reservoir associated with said second end of said standpipe;

a means for altering pressure positioned within said reservoir and interconnected to said second end of said standpipe, said means for altering pressure comprised of a first end, which is interconnected to said standpipe, and a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve with a throat between said first end and said second end of said means for altering pressure;

a bypass tube having a first end interconnected to a location adjacent to said first end of said means for altering pressure and a second end interconnected to a bypass valve, said bypass valve also associated with said second end of said means for altering pressure,

wherein when said bypass valve is opened, fluid flows from said inlet valve, through said bypass tube, through said standpipe, and out said hydrant head; and

wherein when said bypass valve is closed, fluid flows through said means for altering pressure, thereby creating a pressure drop adjacent to said throat that communicates with said reservoir to draw fluid therefrom.

2. The hydrant of claim 1, further comprising a check valve associated with said means for altering pressure that selectively allows access to the internal volume of said reservoir.

3. The hydrant of claim 1 wherein further comprising a freeze recognition button that allows the user to ascertain if the water has been evacuated from the standpipe after flow of fluid from the hydrant is ceased.

4. The hydrant of claim 3 wherein said freeze recognition button is associated with a visual indicator.

5. The hydrant of claim 1 wherein a double check valve is associated with said head of said hydrant.

6. The hydrant of claim 5, wherein said double check valve is comprised of:

a valve body with threads that are adapted to receive a hose, said valve body also having an inlet volume and an outlet volume separated by an internally-disposed wall, a lower surface of said wall defining a valve seat, the valve body further including a vent that provides a flow path between the outside of the valve body and said inlet volume;

a seal positioned within said valve body in a volume located adjacent to said inlet volume, said seal adapted to selectively block said vent;

a valve cap interconnected to said valve body that is positioned within said volume that maintains the seal against said valve body, said valve cap having threads for interconnection to a sill cock of a faucet;

an inlet check valve comprising;

an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume, wherein said spring contacts an upper surface of said wall, an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring, an inlet check seal interconnected to said inlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage said seal, thereby opening and closing an aperture of said seal to control fluid flow from the valve cap into the inlet volume;

a drain spring positioned within said outlet volume that contacts said seat and a plunger that is adapted to engage a hose;

an outlet check valve comprising;

an outlet check body positioned within said drain spring, an outlet check seal interconnected to said outlet check body that is adapted to selectively engage said seat to either open a flow path between the inlet volume and outlet volume, or isolate the outlet volume from said inlet volume, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from an interconnected hose into the sill cock; and

an outlet check spring positioned about said outlet check body that contacts a portion of said outlet check body and a hub of said plunger.

7. A method of evacuating a sanitary hydrant, comprising:

providing a standpipe having a first end and a second end;

providing a head for delivering fluid interconnected to said first end of said standpipe;

providing a fluid reservoir associated with said second end of said standpipe;

providing a means for altering pressure positioned within said reservoir and interconnected to said second end of said standpipe, said means for altering pressure comprised of a first end, which is interconnected to said standpipe, and a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve with a throat between said first end and said second end of said means for altering pressure;

providing a bypass tube having a first end interconnected to a location adjacent to said first end of said means for altering pressure and a second end interconnected to a bypass valve, said bypass valve also associated with said second end of said means for altering pressure, wherein when said bypass valve is opened, fluid flows from said inlet valve, through said bypass tube, through said standpipe, and out said hydrant head; and

wherein when said bypass valve is closed, fluid flows through said means for altering pressure, thereby creating a pressure drop adjacent to said throat that communicates with said reservoir to draw fluid therefrom;

initiating fluid flow through said head by actuating a handle associated therewith;

actuating a bypass button that opens the bypass valve such that fluid is precluded from entering said means for altering pressure;

actuating said bypass button to close said bypass valve;

flowing fluid through said means for altering pressure;

evacuating said reservoir;

ceasing fluid flow through said hydrant; and

draining fluid into said reservoir.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising interconnecting a hose to said head with a backflow preventer therebetween.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising a check valve associated with said means for altering pressure that selectively allows access to the internal volume of said reservoir.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising actuating a freeze recognition button;

and

ascertaining if the water has been evacuated from the standpipe after flow of fluid from the hydrant is ceased.

11. A sanitary hydrant, comprising:

a standpipe having a first end and a second end;

a head for delivering fluid interconnected to said first end of said standpipe, said head comprising a handle translatable between an open position and a closed position;

a fluid reservoir associated with said second end of said standpipe;

a venturi comprising a first end which is interconnected to said second end of said standpipe, a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve;

a double check valve associated with said venturi that selectively allows fluidic communication with said reservoir;

a control rod disposed within said standpipe, said control rod comprising a first end operatively connected to said handle and a second end operatively connected to said venturi, wherein when said handle is in said open position, said control rod translates said venturi upward, and wherein when said handle is in said closed position, said control rod translates said venturi downward;

wherein when said handle is in said open position, said double check valve is in a closed position which prevents fluid flowing from said venturi into said reservoir; and

wherein when said handle is in said closed position, said double check valve is in an open position which allows fluid to drain from said venturi into said reservoir.

12. The hydrant of claim 11, wherein when said handle is in said open position, fluid flowing through said venturi creates a pressure drop that pulls fluid from said reservoir through said double check valve.

13. The hydrant of claim 11, wherein said double check valve comprises:

a valve body with a fixed inlet volume and a fixed outlet volume, wherein said inlet volume and said outlet volume are separated by a wall;

a valve cap, wherein the valve cap at least partially defines said fixed inlet volume;

an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume; and

an outlet check valve positioned within said outlet volume.

14. The hydrant of claim 13, wherein said inlet check valve comprises:

an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume;

an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring; and

an inlet check seal interconnected to said inlet check body that is adapted to prevent fluid flow from said inlet check valve into said outlet check valve when said double check valve is in said open position.

15. The hydrant of claim 13, wherein said outlet check valve comprises:

a screen piston;

a screen disposed on one end of said screen piston, wherein said screen filters out any rocks or debris present in said reservoir.

16. The hydrant of claim 15, wherein the internal volume of said reservoir comprises a bottom surface, wherein said screen of said screen piston extends outward from said valve body toward said bottom surface, and wherein contact between said screen and said bottom surface forces said double check valve into said open position.

17. The hydrant of claim 11, further comprising a freeze recognition button that allows a user to ascertain if fluid has been evacuated from said standpipe after flow of fluid from said hydrant is ceased.

18. The hydrant of claim 17, wherein said freeze recognition button is associated with a visual indicator.

19. The hydrant of claim 11, wherein a double check valve is associated with said head of said hydrant.

20. A sanitary hydrant, comprising:

a standpipe having a first end and a second end;

a head for delivering fluid interconnected to said first end of said standpipe, said head comprising a handle translatable between an open position and a closed position;

a fluid reservoir associated with said second end of said standpipe;

a venturi comprising a first end which is interconnected to said second end of said standpipe, a second end associated with a fluid inlet valve;

a double check valve associated with said venturi that selectively allows fluidic communication with said reservoir;

wherein when said handle is in said open position, said double check valve is in a closed position which prevents fluid flowing from said venturi into said reservoir; and

wherein when said handle is in said closed position, said double check valve is in an open position which allows fluid to drain from said venturi into said reservoir;

wherein said double check valve comprises;

a valve body with a fixed inlet volume and a fixed outlet volume, wherein said inlet volume and said outlet volume are separated by a wall;

a valve cap, wherein the valve cap at least partially defines said fixed inlet volume;

an inlet check valve positioned within said inlet volume; and

an outlet check valve positioned within said outlet volume; and

wherein said outlet check valve comprises;

a screen piston; and

a screen disposed on one end of said screen piston, wherein said screen filters out any rocks or debris present in said reservoir.

21. The hydrant of claim 20, wherein the internal volume of said reservoir comprises a bottom surface, wherein said screen of said screen piston extends outward from said valve body toward said bottom surface, and wherein contact between said screen and said bottom surface forces said double check valve into said open position.

22. The hydrant of claim 20, further comprising a freeze recognition button that allows a user to ascertain if fluid has been evacuated from said standpipe after flow of fluid from said hydrant is ceased.

23. The hydrant of claim 20, wherein when said handle is in said open position, fluid flowing through said venturi creates a pressure drop that pulls fluid from said reservoir through said double check valve.

24. The hydrant of claim 20, wherein said inlet check valve comprises:

an inlet check spring positioned within said inlet volume;

an inlet check body positioned within said inlet check spring; and

an inlet check seal interconnected to said inlet check body that is adapted to prevent fluid flow from said inlet check valve into said outlet check valve when said double check valve is in said open position.

25. The hydrant of claim 20, further comprising a freeze recognition button that allows a user to ascertain if fluid has been evacuated from said standpipe after flow of fluid from said hydrant is ceased.

26. The hydrant of claim 25, wherein said freeze recognition button is associated with a visual indicator.

27. The hydrant of claim 20, wherein a double check valve is associated with said head of said hydrant.