Patent ID: 7828005
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: E03B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A freezeless hydrant comprising: a casing with a first end and a second end; a head member coupled to the first end of the casing and including an outlet portion in fluid communication with an interior of the casing; an operating screw with a head portion and a threaded portion positioned within the head member, the head portion protruding from the head member, the operating screw defining a relief port with a chamber and a passageway extending in fluid communication with the chamber, and the chamber including a blocking member and a sealing element; an operating coupling with internal threading configured to mate with the threaded portion of the operating screw, the operating coupling further including a radial opening; an operating rod positioned within the casing with a first end and a second end, the first end of the operating rod being coupled to the operating coupling and the second end of the operating rod being coupled to a plug; a valve housing coupled to the second end of the casing; and a valve seat positioned within the valve housing and adapted to engage the plug to prevent water from flowing into the casing, and adapted to permit water to flow through the casing when the plug is disengaged from the valve seat, wherein the operating rod moves longitudinally toward the head member when the operating screw is rotated in a first direction, thereby disengaging the plug from the valve seat, which permits water to flow through the casing, and wherein pressure from the water flow forces the blocking member to seal against the sealing element in the relief port of the operating screw; and wherein the radial opening of the operating coupling aligns with the passageway of the operating screw as the operating rod moves longitudinally away from the head member when the operating screw is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction, thereby engaging the plug with the valve seat, which prevents water from flowing through the casing, and wherein a loss of water pressure causes the blocking member to fall away from the sealing element in the relief port of the operating screw to allow air to enter the chamber of the operating screw, and thereby evacuating water from the chamber through the passageway of the operating screw and out of the radial opening of the operating coupling.