Patent ID: 6722386
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: E03B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A flow control apparatus for controlling a flow of water, the apparatus comprising:a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be attached to a water conduit; a flow control valve, the flow control valve comprising a thermostat and an opening formed in the flow control apparatus, the thermostat preventing water from flowing through said opening and out of the flow control apparatus when a first condition occurs and allowing water to flow through said opening and out of the flow control apparatus when a second condition occurs; and a valve having a valve opening formed therethrough, and wherein the bi-metal element actuates said valve, wherein when said first condition occurs, the valve is in a closed position, thereby preventing water from flowing through said valve opening, and wherein when said second condition occurs, the bi-metal element moves the valve to a second position, thereby allowing water within said flow control apparatus to flow out of said valve opening; wherein the first condition corresponds to air temperature rising above a particular temperature and wherein said second condition corresponds to air temperature dropping below a particular temperature; wherein the thermostat comprises a bi-metal element; wherein the bi-metal element abuts said opening when said first condition occurs, thereby preventing water from flowing through said opening and out of said flow control apparatus and wherein said bi-metal element moves away from said opening when said second condition occurs, thereby allowing water to flow through said opening and out of said apparatus; and wherein said valve is a rotating valve and wherein said bi-metal element is a bi-metal helix coil, an end of the bi-metal helix coil being secured to an end of the rotating valve such that when the air temperature drops below a particular temperature, the bi-metal helix coil expands and rotates thereby causing the rotating valve to rotate to a position where said valve opening aligns with said opening to allow water within said flow control apparatus to flow through said valve opening and said opening and out of said flow control apparatus.