Patent Publication Number: US-2022213976-A1

Title: Evaporative cooler operable in a range of mounting angles

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to evaporative coolers and components therefor that may be used at any of a variety of mounting angles without compromising function or requiring complex and custom adjustments based on a particular mounting angle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Evaporative coolers reduce the temperature of air through direct and/or indirect evaporative cooling. For example, in direct evaporative coolers (also referred to as “swamp coolers”), air is drawn through the sides of the cooler&#39;s housing and over one or more wet evaporative media mads, which causes evaporation of at least some of the water on and/or within the evaporative media pad(s) and reduces the temperature of the passing air. 
     To wet the evaporative media pad(s), evaporative coolers also include a water distribution system. Typically, water from a reservoir at the bottom of the evaporative cooler is drawn to the top of the evaporative cooler by a pump, from where the water is then distributed by gravity toward the evaporative media pad(s). Water that exits or falls from the evaporative media pad(s) is collected within the reservoir and recirculated through the system by the pump. 
     Water is gradually depleted from the reservoir during normal operation, due at least in part to evaporative loss from the evaporative media pad(s). As is discussed in greater detail herein, the evaporative cooler may include a float valve, a water level sensor, and/or other means for monitoring and regulating the amount of water available for circulation through the water distribution system. Too much water within the reservoir is wasteful and may lead to leaks and too little water does not adequately wet the evaporative media pad(s) and may result in inefficient cooling. 
     Most currently known evaporative coolers include a float valve assembly that includes a float valve, a lift arm coupled to the float valve, and a float coupled to the end of the lift arm. The float valve assembly is configured such that the float valve is mounted to an interior wall of the evaporative cooler at a distance above the water line and float sits on the surface of the water within the reservoir and rises and falls with the water level. If the water level drops, the float lowers with the water level and causes the float valve to open to allow water to flow into the reservoir. When the water level reaches a pre-determined shut-off level, the float valve closes. 
     However, as the float follows the surface of the water, the mounting angle of the evaporative cooler (and, therefore, the reservoir) affects the distribution of water within the reservoir and, consequently, may change the water level proximate the float of the float valve differently than in other areas of the reservoir. For example, a steep mounting angle causes the water within the reservoir to pool at the lower end of the reservoir and leaves the upper end of the reservoir with less water. Depending on the location of the float, this may cause the float valve to register a different amount of water than is actually present in the reservoir, which can lead to overflows, leaks, and/or wasted expense if the float valve opens to add more water than is needed (that is, if the float valve falsely registers a water level below the pre-determined shut-off level). Conversely, this may lead to inefficient cooling and malfunction if the float valve closes to prevent the addition of water (that is, if the float valve falsely registers a water level at or above the pre-determined shut-off level). 
     Therefore, currently known evaporative coolers often malfunction and/or do not cool efficiently if mounted to a roof or other surface having an angle or slope other than horizontal or substantially horizontal (for example, 0°±3°). Additionally, even if a currently known evaporative cooler is configured for proper operation when mounted at an angle other than horizontal or substantially horizontal, the evaporative cooler is configured for proper operation only at a specific mounting angle or narrow range of mounting angles, and is not suitable for use at any of a wide range of mounting angles. 
     Further, currently known evaporative coolers include a drain pipe for emptying the reservoir and/or to remove overflow water. However, these drain pipes typically extend over the surface of the roof, which not only makes them vulnerable to damage and detachment from the cooler, but are also unsightly. Some evaporative coolers may include drain pipes that pass through the roof to a sub-roof or interior of the building, but the drain pipe connection, and hole made in the roof to accommodate the drain pipe, must be configured for the particular mounting angle of the evaporative cooler. Therefore, a single drain pipe connection cannot be used for use at any of a wide range of mounting angles. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a reservoir for an evaporative cooler includes: a water collection basin; a float valve assembly including a float valve housing, a float valve, a lift arm pivotably coupled to the float valve, and a float coupled to the lift arm; a pump; and a drain valve, the pump and the drain valve each being within the water collection basin. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the water collection basin is elongate and extends from a first edge of the reservoir to a second edge of the reservoir opposite the first edge, the water collection basin having a width of approximately 140 mm. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the reservoir includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being configured to be closer to an edge of a roof when the reservoir is mounted to the roof and the second end being configured to be closer to an apex of the roof when the reservoir is mounted to the roof, the water collection basin extending along the first end. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the water collection basin lies along an axis of rotation of the reservoir, the water collection basin being configured to contain a volume of water when the reservoir is rotated along the axis of rotation to lie at any of a plurality of angles relative to horizontal. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the plurality of angles includes angles between approximately 10° and approximately 40°. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float is configured to float on a surface of water within the water collection basin. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float valve housing is coupled to the reservoir at a location proximate the water collection basin. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the reservoir further comprises at least one sensor within the water collection basin. 
     In one embodiment, a float valve assembly comprises: a float valve housing, the float valve housing including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a float valve within the second end of the float valve housing; a push rod movable within the float valve housing, the push rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a plunger coupled to the second end of the push rod; a lift arm, the lift arm including a first end pivotably coupled to the first end of the push rod at a pivot point and a second end opposite the first end; and a float coupled to the second end of the lift arm, the first end of the float valve housing being configured to be coupled to a floor of a reservoir such that the pivot point is located at or proximate a surface of water within the reservoir. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float is removably coupled to the second end of the lift arm. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the second end of the lift arm includes a first plurality of engagement elements and the float includes a second plurality of engagement elements complementary to the first plurality of engagement elements. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, each of the first plurality of engagement elements has a trough shape with a free edge extending in a first direction and each of the second plurality of engagement elements has a trough shape with a free edge extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float valve assembly further comprises: a solenoid valve in fluid communication with the float valve; and a solenoid valve shroud positionable over the solenoid valve. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the solenoid valve shroud includes: a first end having a first aperture; a second end opposite the first end and having a second aperture; and an internal chamber. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the second aperture is sized to pass over the solenoid valve to at least partially enclose the solenoid valve within the internal chamber, the solenoid valve shroud being configured to direct a flow of water toward the reservoir. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a reservoir of the evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure, the reservoir containing at least one evaporative cooler component; 
         FIG. 3  shows a plan view of the reservoir of  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a first cross-sectional view of the reservoir of  FIGS. 2 and 3  in accordance with the present disclosure 
         FIG. 5  shows a second cross-sectional view of the reservoir of  FIGS. 2 and 3  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the reservoir of  FIGS. 2 and 3  in accordance with the present disclosure, the reservoir being positioned at a first angle relative to horizontal; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of the reservoir of  FIGS. 2 and 3  in accordance with the present disclosure, the reservoir being positioned at a second angle relative to horizontal; 
         FIG. 8  shows a currently known float valve assembly; 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary float valve assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a detailed view of an attachment mechanism between a float and a lift arm of the float valve assembly of  FIG. 9  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a first step in an installation of an evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  a shows a second step in an installation of an evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a third step in an installation of an evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows a solenoid valve shroud for use in an evaporative cooler in accordance with the present disclosure, the solenoid shroud being in an installation first position; and 
         FIG. 15  shows the solenoid valve shroud of  FIG. 14  in accordance with the present disclosure, the solenoid shroud being in a final second position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As used herein, relational terms such as “first” and “second,” “top and bottom,” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one component or element from another component or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such components or elements. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary evaporative cooler  10  is shown. In one embodiment, the evaporative cooler  10  generally includes a housing  12 , which includes a reservoir  14  and a lid  16  removably coupled to the reservoir  14 . Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , the evaporative cooler  10  in one embodiment also includes at least one evaporative media pad, a fan, a motor, and a water distribution system. The reservoir  14  and components of the evaporative cooler  10 , which may be part of the water distribution system, are shown and discussed in greater detail below. The evaporative cooler  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  mounted to a roof  18  having a slope (that is, the roof is not a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface), the reservoir  14  being positioned parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the roof  18 . Thus, in some embodiments, the reservoir  14  is oriented in a non-horizontal position when the evaporative cooler  10  is in use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-7 , a reservoir  14  and components of the evaporative cooler  10  are shown. In one embodiment, a float valve assembly  20 , a pump  22 , a drain valve  24 , and at least one sensor  26  are located within the reservoir  14 . However, it will be understood that the evaporative cooler  10  may include more or fewer components, including within the reservoir  14  and/or within the housing  12  An evaporative cooler  10  including the reservoir  14  and components positioned as shown in  FIGS. 2-7  is configured for use at any of a wide range of mounting angles within approximately 10° and approximately 40° (±5°) while still allowing the float valve assembly  20  to accurately react to the water level within the reservoir  14  and to maintain an adequate amount of water within the reservoir  14  without waste. In particular, as is shown and described herein, at least a portion of the float valve assembly  20 , the pump  22 , the drain valve  24 , and the at least one sensor  26  are aligned with and/or within a water collection basin  28  that extends across one end of the reservoir  14 . These components  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  and the water collection basin  28  are referred to herein as being functionally aligned for accurate water supply management within the evaporative cooler  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , the reservoir  14  generally includes a first end  30 , a second end  32  opposite the first end  30 , and a dropper aperture  34 . In one embodiment, the dropper aperture  34  is between the first end  30  and the second end  32 , at or proximate a middle point of the reservoir  14 . The reservoir  14  also includes a floor  36  substantially lying in a first plane and being bordered by an outer wall  38  extending from the floor  36 . In one embodiment, the dropper aperture  34  is also bordered or circumscribed by an inner wall  40  extending from the floor  36 . For example, at least a portion of each of the walls  38 ,  40  may extend perpendicularly, or at least substantially perpendicularly, from the plane in which the floor  36  lies in order to retain a volume of water  42  within the reservoir  14 . In one embodiment, the outer wall  38  includes a first wall portion  38 A, a second wall portion  38 B opposite the first wall portion  38 A, a third wall portion  38 C extending between the first and second wall portions  38 A,  38 B, and a fourth wall portion  38 D opposite the third wall portion  38 C and extending between the first and second wall portions  38 A,  38 B. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-5 , in one embodiment the first end  30  of the reservoir  14  includes an elongate water collection basin  28 , which is at least partially defined by the floor  36  of the reservoir  14 . For example, in one embodiment at least a portion of the floor  36  of the first end  30  of the reservoir  14  is concave to define the water collection basin  28 . In another embodiment, the water collection basin  28  is not defined by a concavity in the floor  36  of the reservoir  14 , but the first wall portion  38 A has a height that is greater than a height of the second wall portion  38 B and is oriented at least slightly toward the second end  32 , which allows the portion of the reservoir  14  proximate the first wall portion  38 A to collect water  42  as the reservoir  14  is rotated about an axis of rotation  44  for mounting to a non-horizontal surface (as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Further, in one embodiment the water collection basin  28  extends generally parallel to the first wall portion  38 A and extends from the third wall portion  38 C to the fourth wall portion  38 D. Put another way, the water collection basin  28  is an elongate trough that extends along the front edge of the reservoir  14  and between the left and right sides of the reservoir  14 . Further, in one embodiment the water collection basin  28  has a width W of approximately 140 mm (±10 mm). 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-5 , in one embodiment the pump  22 , the at least one sensor  26 , the drain valve  24 , and at least a first portion of the float valve assembly  20  are coupled to and/or located within the reservoir  14  at locations within and/or aligned with the water collection basin  28 , and at least a second portion of the float valve assembly  20  is located proximate the water collection basin  28 . However, it will be understood that an entirety of the float valve assembly  20  be located within the reservoir  14  at one or more locations within and/or aligned with the water collection basin  28 . In one embodiment, the drain valve  24  and the pump  22  are horizontally aligned in an axis at least substantially parallel to the first wall portion  38 A of the reservoir  14  (for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, the at least one sensor  26  includes at least one of a water level sensor, salinity sensor, and a pH sensor. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-5 , in one embodiment the float valve assembly  20  includes a float valve  46 , an upright float valve housing  48 , a lift arm  50  operatively coupled to the float valve  46 , and a float  52  coupled to the free end of the lift arm  50 . In one embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 9 , the lift arm  50  is indirectly and operatively coupled to the float valve  46  through a push rod  54  located within the float valve housing  48 . The lift arm  50  is movably and pivotably coupled to the float valve  46  (directly or indirectly) such that the float  52  sits on the surface of the water  42  within the reservoir  14  and rises and falls with the water level. If the water level drops, the float  52  lowers with the water level and causes the float valve  46  to open to allow water to flow into the reservoir  14 . When the water level reaches a pre-determined shut-off level, the float valve  46  closes. In one embodiment, the float valve housing  48  is coupled to and extends upward from the reservoir floor  36  at a location that is proximate, but not within, the water collection basin  28 , whereas the float  52  is located on the surface of the water  42  within the water collection basin  28 . However, in other embodiments the float valve housing  48  is coupled to and extends upward from the reservoir floor  36  at a location that is within the water collection basin  28 . Further, although the float valve assembly  20 , drain valve  24 , and the pump  22  are referred to as being located within the water collection basin  28 , it will be understood that in some embodiments these components are coupled to or located in contact with the floor  36  of the reservoir  14  within the water collection basin  28 , but that at least a portion may extend above the surface of the water  42  within the water collection basin  28 . It will also be understood that although the at least one sensor  26  is referred to as being located within the water collection basin  28 , the at least one sensor  26  may be entirely or partially submerged within, in contact with the surface of, or proximate the surface of water  42  within the water collection basin  28 . Still further, although water  42  may be referred to as being within the water collection basin  28 , it will be understood that the water  42  may also be distributed to other areas of the reservoir  14  and is not necessarily entirely confined to the water collection basin  28 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-5 , the water collection basin  28  allows the first end  30  of the reservoir  14  to contain a greater volume of water  42  than the second end  32  of the reservoir  14 . As the drain valve  24 , the pump  22 , and the at least one sensor  26  are located within the water collection basin  28 , these components are positioned to effectively interact with the water  42  within the reservoir  14 . For example, the drain valve  24  may more efficiently remove water  42  from the reservoir  14  because its location allows it to remain in fluid communication with the water  42  even as the total volume of water  42  in the reservoir  14  is reduced. Put another way, the first end  30  of the reservoir  14  may contain water  42  even when the second end  32  of the reservoir  14  is dry and, therefore, the drain valve  24  remains in fluid communication with the remaining amount of water  42 . The pump  22  likewise remains in fluid communication with the water  42  (or remaining amount of water  42 ) and can continue efficiently circulating water through the system. Further, the float valve assembly  20  is positioned and configured such that the float  52  remains in contact with the surface of the water  42  within the water collection basin  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , cross-sectional views of the reservoir  14  and components of the evaporative cooler  10  are shown, demonstrating the effect of mounting angle of the reservoir  14  on water level within the reservoir  14 . When the reservoir  14  is mounted to a roof  18  having a slope, the first end may be positioned closer to the eave or edge  56  of the roof  18  and the second end may be positioned closer to the apex  58  of the roof. Therefore, at a non-horizontal mounting angle, the first end  30  of the reservoir  14  is below, or closer to the ground than, the second end  32  of the reservoir  14 . As the water collection basin  28  is within the first end  30  of the reservoir  14 , water  42  within the reservoir  14  will pool within the water collection basin  28 . If one imagines the transition of the reservoir  14  between a mounting angle of approximately 10° (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) and approximately 40° (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), it can be seen that the water collection basin  28  serves as an axis of rotation  44 . Therefore, regardless of the mounting angle for at least mounting angles between approximately 10° (±5°) and approximately 40° (±5°), the water collection basin  28  will contain more water  42  than any other portion of the reservoir  14 . Therefore, positioning the drain valve  24 , pump  22 , sensor(s)  26 , and float  52  within and/or aligned with the water collection basin  28  will allow for efficient and accurate water management regardless of mounting angle, and avoids the problems of currently known systems, namely, inaccurate water management leading to wasted water, overflow, leaks, and/or inefficient cooling. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , a currently known float valve assembly  60  is shown in  FIG. 8  and an exemplary float valve assembly  20  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , currently known float valve assemblies  60  generally include a float  62  coupled to a lift arm  64 , and the lift arm  64  is pivotably coupled to a float valve  66 . The float valve  66  may be a slide valve that includes a cylinder that slides horizontally along a track to selectively open and close the valve, depending on movement of the lift arm  64 . The float  62 , which follows the water level, falls as the amount of water  68  in the reservoir  70  is reduced (or as the mounting angle of the reservoir  70  changes and draws water  68  to a location away from the float  62 ). The downward movement of the lift arm  64  acts against the float valve  66  to open the float valve  66  and to allow water  68  (such as reticulated or piped water) to pass through the float valve  66  and into the reservoir  70 . Conversely, as the water level rises, the float  62  also rises and the upward movement of the lift arm  64  acts against the float valve  66  in an opposite direction to close the float valve  66  and prevent the passage of water therethrough. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 8 , the float valve  66  is located within a float valve housing  72 . The float valve housing  72  is mounted to an interior wall of the evaporative cooler housing  74  or other surface of the evaporative cooler such that the pivot coupling  76  between the lift arm  64  and the float valve  66  is at a location that is a predetermined distance above the maximum water level within the reservoir  14  (that is, the water line at the pre-determined shut-off level). This ensures there is a physical separation between the float valve  66 , or at least the inlet of the float valve  66 , and the water  68  within the reservoir  70  to avoid possible backflow contamination of the reticulated water supply. However, as the pivot coupling  76  between the lift arm  64  and the float valve  66  is located above the water line, the currently known design makes operation of the float valve  66  highly dependent on mounting angle of the reservoir  70 . Further, the typical location at which the float valve housing  72  is mounted to, for example, the interior wall of the evaporative cooler  74  might not provide enough physical separation between the inlet of the float valve  66  and the water level at all mounting angles. For example, a more extreme mounting angle (such as 40°) may cause enough water  68  to collect within the reservoir  70  at a location near the float valve  66  that the water level meets or exceeds the inlet of the float valve  66 . Additionally, at such mounting angle the float valve  66  may register a higher water level than is actually present and an insufficient supply of water  68  will be delivered (that is, the float  62  rises to an artificially high level and prematurely shuts off the float valve  66 ). Thus, the mounting height, lift arm length and/or angle, and/or other factors would have to be considered and compensated for in each installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view of the float valve assembly  20  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Unlike currently known systems, in one embodiment the float valve  46  includes a plunger  78  attached to a push rod  54 . In one embodiment, the push rod  54  includes a first end  54 A and a second end  54 B. In one embodiment, the plunger  78  is attached to or integrated with the second end  54 B and the lift arm  50  is pivotably connected to the first end  54 A at a pivot coupling  80  (pivot point). Movement of the lift arm  50  acts upon the push rod  54  to raise or lower (that is, move vertically or at least substantially vertically) the plunger  78  toward or away from the valve seat  82  and, thereby, to stop or allow the flow of water through the float valve  46 . In one embodiment, the plunger  78 , push rod  54 , and valve seat  82  are located within an upright float valve housing  48 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the float valve housing  48  includes a first end  48 A, a second end  48 B opposite the first end  48 A, a length therebetween, and a longitudinal axis  84  extending along the length. In one embodiment, the push rod  54  and plunger  78  move along the longitudinal axis  84  of the float valve housing  48  with pivotal movement of the lift arm  50  at the pivot coupling  80 . In one embodiment, the first end  48 A of the float valve housing  48  is configured to be at or proximate the water line when the float valve  46  is installed in the evaporative cooler  10 , regardless of the mounting angle of the evaporative cooler  10 . In one non-limiting example, the first end  48 A of the float valve housing  48  is configured to be located at or below the water line when installed in the evaporative cooler  10 , even when the evaporative cooler  10  is mounted at an angle of between approximately 10° (±5°) and approximately 40° (±5°). In one embodiment, the pivot coupling  80  between the lift arm  50  and the push rod  54  is located at or proximate the first end  48 A of the float valve housing  48 , thereby providing a pivot point that is at proximate the water line when the float valve  46  is installed in the evaporative cooler  10 . Further, the pivot coupling  80  is offset from the longitudinal axis  84  of the float valve housing  48 A. At this location of the pivot coupling  80 , the lift arm  50  and, therefore, the action of the push rod  54 , is not as affected by the mounting angle of the and evaporative cooler  10  as in currently known systems. Thus, the float level (position of the float  52  relative to the float valve housing  48  at the shut-off position when the evaporative cooler  10  is installed) may be reliably adjusted for the mounting angle without the extra complication of adjusting the mounting height of the float valve  46  and float valve housing  48 , angle of the lift arm  50 , and/or other characteristics to compensate for even small changes in mounting angle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an attachment mechanism between the float  52  and the lift arm  50  of the float valve assembly  20  of  FIG. 9  is shown. In some embodiments, position of the float  52  relative to the lift arm  50  may be adjusted. That is, unlike currently known float assemblies  60  in which the float  62  is permanently attached to the lift arm  64  and/or in which the float  62  may be coupled to the lift arm  64  at only one relative location, the float valve assembly  20  of the present disclosure allows for easy removal of the float  52  from the lift arm  50  and adjustment of height/position of the float  52  relative to the lift arm  50 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the lift arm  50  includes at least one engagement element  86  and the float  52  includes at least one engagement element  88  complementary to the at least one engagement element  86  on the lift arm  50 . The lift arm  50  includes a first or proximal end  50 A, a second or distal end  50 B opposite the first end  50 A, and a length therebetween. In one embodiment, the first end  50 A is pivotably coupled to the first end  54 A of the push rod  54  of the float valve  46  and the second end  50 B is removably coupled to the float  52 . Further, in one embodiment the second end  50 B of the lift arm  50  defines a distal face  90  that lies in a plane that is orthogonal to, or at least substantially orthogonal to, a longitudinal axis  92  of the lift arm  50  proximate the second end  50 B. In one embodiment, the at least one engagement element  86  of the lift arm  50  includes a first plurality of elongate engagement elements  86 , each of which extending a length over the distal face  90  of the second end  50 B of the lift arm  50 . Additionally, in one embodiment, each of the first plurality of engagement elements  86  has an inverted, angular trough shape with a downward-facing free edge  94  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the float  52  includes a second plurality of elongate engagement elements  88 , each of which extending a length over a surface of the float  52  that is closest to the distal face  90  of the second end  50 B of the lift arm  50 . In one embodiment, each of the second plurality of engagement elements  88  has an angular trough shape with an upward-facing free edge  96  that is complementary to the downward facing free edge  94  of a corresponding one of the first plurality of engagement elements  86 . Thus, the engagement elements  88  of the float  52  and the engagement elements  86  of the lift arm  50  are configured to be removably coupled to each other and to secure the float  52  to the lift arm  50 . Further, the corresponding engagement elements  86 ,  88  may be altered to adjust the position of the float  52  relative to the lift arm  50 . For example, the float  52  would have a maximum height relative to the lift arm  50  when the lowermost engagement element  88 B of the float  52  is engaged with the uppermost engagement element  86 A of the lift arm  50 . Likewise, the float  52  would have a minimum height relative to the lift arm  50  when the uppermost engagement element  88 A of the float  52  is engaged with the lowermost engagement element  86 B of the lift arm  50 . Similarly, the float  52  may have any of a number of intermediary heights between the maximum and minimum heights (for example, as shown in  FIG. 10 ). Although the engagement elements  86 ,  88  are described herein as having angular trough shapes, it will be understood that the engagement elements  86 ,  88  may be of any suitable number and may have any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration that allows the float  52  to be removed from the lift arm  50  and the height of the float  52  adjusted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , steps of a method of installing an evaporative cooler  10  are shown. The steps shown and described herein allow for rapid drain coupling and eliminate the need to have an on-roof or exposed drain pipe by providing an integrated seal and aligned coupling of the reservoir to the roof. An exemplary first step, as shown in  FIG. 11 , generally includes securing and sealing a roof tube assembly  98  to the roof  18 . An exemplary second step, as shown in  FIG. 12 , generally includes attaching a flexible drain outlet  100  to a reservoir  14  of an evaporative cooler  10 . An exemplary third step, as shown in  FIG. 13 , generally includes lowering the reservoir  14  of the evaporative cooler  10  onto a dropper  102  installed within the roof  18  and feeding the flexible drain outlet  100  into the roof tube assembly  98 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in one embodiment the first step includes securing and sealing a roof tube assembly  98  to the roof  18  or other surface to which the evaporative cooler  10  will be mounted. In one embodiment, the roof tube assembly  98  includes a flange  104  and a flexible tube  106  extending from the flange  104 . In one embodiment, the flange  104  is planar, or at least substantially planar, and includes an upper surface, a lower surface (which is configured to be in contact with the roof surface), and an aperture  108  extending therebetween. The flange  104  may be composed of a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible material that will not cause damage to the roof surface, such as by friction (for example, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, plastics, or the like). In one embodiment the flexible tube  106  is tubular, or at least substantially tubular, with a first end  106 A coupled to, meeting, or extending from the lower surface of the flange  104 , a second end  106 B opposite the first end  106 A, and a lumen  110  extending therebetween. The lumen of the flexible tube  106  is in communication with the aperture  108  of the flange  104  and the second end  106 B of the flexible tube  106  is open. In one embodiment, the flexible tube  106  is composed of a flexible material such as silicone, natural rubber, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene rubber, or the like. The flange  104  and the flexible tube  106  may be composed of the same material or different materials. In one embodiment, the flexible tube  106  is composed of a different, more flexible material than the material from which the flange  104  is composed. Further, in some embodiments the flexible tube  106  also includes one or more flanges, ribs, or other features  112  to facilitate engagement of the flexible tube  106  within the aperture  108  and/or to prevent the entry of water and/or debris through the aperture  108  and into the roof  18 . In one embodiment, the flange  104  has a maximum diameter that is greater than a maximum outer diameter of the flexible tube  106 . The flange  104  and flexible tube  106  may be manufactured together as a single, integrated, inseparable piece, or the flange  104  and the flexible tube  106  may be permanently or removably coupled to each other. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 11 , the flexible tube  106  is inserted into an aperture  114  through the roof. The roof aperture  114  may have a diameter that is only slightly greater than the maximum outer diameter of the flexible tube  106  and that is less than the maximum diameter of the flange  104 . For example, the flexible tube  106  and the roof  114  aperture may be sized and configured such that the flexible tube  106  is friction fit with the roof aperture  114  and water and/or debris cannot enter the roof through the aperture. Further, the flange  104  and the roof aperture  114  may be sized and configured such that the flange  104  cannot pass through the roof aperture  114  (and also helps prevent the entry of water and/or debris into the roof aperture  114 ) and the flexible tube  106  remains suspended into the roof  18  from the flange  104 . When the roof tube assembly  98  is installed, the flange  104  may be flush, or at least substantially flush, with the roof surface. Optionally, a roof panel or other covering material  116  may be placed over the flange  104 , but with an aperture  118  that is aligned with, or otherwise does not obstruct, the aperture  108  in the flange  104  (for example, as shown in  FIG. 12 ). The aligned aperture  108  in the flange  104 , roof aperture  114 , and aperture  118  in the cover material  116  are shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  collectively as  108 / 114 / 118 . It will also be understood that use of the cover material  116  is optional and, as such, the cover material  116  may not be used in all embodiments. Further, other roofing materials and/or additional surface components may be used other than those shown and described herein. Additionally, a second aperture  120  may be made in the roof  18  and a dropper  102  installed therein for mounting of the evaporative cooler  10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the apertures  114 ,  120  are positioned such that the roof tube assembly  98  is located a predetermined distance from the dropper  102 . In one non-limiting example, the predetermined distance is based on the size of the reservoir  14  of the evaporative cooler  10  being installed and/or the location of the drain from the reservoir  14  (for example, the outlet of the drain valve  24 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment the second step includes attaching a flexible drain outlet  100  to a reservoir  14  of an evaporative cooler  10  and positioning the reservoir  14  such that the flexible drain outlet  100  is aligned with the aperture  108  of the flange  104  and the lumen  110  of the flexible tube  14 . In one embodiment, the flexible drain outlet  100  has a tubular shape and generally includes a first end  100 A configured to be coupled to the reservoir  14 , an open second end  100 B, and a lumen  122  therebetween. In one embodiment, the reservoir  14  includes a drain aperture (not shown) and the first end  100 A of the flexible drain outlet  100  is coupled to the drain aperture of the reservoir  14  such that the flexible drain outlet  100  extends downward from (that is, toward the roof  18 ) the reservoir  14  and the lumen  122  of the flexible drain outlet  100  is in communication with the interior of the reservoir  14 . The flexible drain outlet  100  may be attached to the reservoir  14  using such means as chemical welding, thermal bonding, friction fit, adhesives, mechanical coupling elements (such as clamps, retaining rings, clips, or the like). In one embodiment, the flexible drain outlet  100  is composed of a flexible material such as silicone, natural rubber, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene rubber, or the like. Once the flexible drain outlet  100  is attached to the reservoir  14 , the reservoir  14  may be positioned such that the flexible drain outlet  100  is aligned with the roof aperture  114  (as shown in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment the third step includes lowering the reservoir  14  toward to roof  18  and inserting the flexible drain outlet  100  into the roof tube assembly  98 . For example, the flexible drain outlet  100  is inserted through the aperture  108  of the flange  104  and at least partially into the lumen  110  of the flexible tube  106 . The reservoir  14  may then be mounted and secured to the dropper  102 . The flexibilities of the flexible drain outlet  100  and the flexible tube  106  allow the reservoir  14 , and therefore the evaporative cooler  10 , to be mounted to the roof  18  at any of a variety of angles (for example, between approximately 10° (±5°) and approximately 40° (±5°)) without having to make precise measurements and calculations to create the roof aperture  114  according to the specific mounting angle of the evaporative cooler  10 . Additionally, the flexible drain outlet  100  is easily guided into the roof tube assembly  98  and the reservoir  14  may be seated on the dropper  102  without having to precisely lower a rigid drain outlet into a rigid roof rube at a particular mounting angle. After the reservoir  14  is secured to the dropper  102 , assembly of the evaporative cooler  10  onto the reservoir  14  may then be completed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a solenoid valve shroud  124  for use in an evaporative cooler  10  is shown.  FIG. 14  shows the solenoid valve shroud  124  in an installation first position and  FIG. 15  shows the solenoid valve shroud  124  in a final second position. In one embodiment, an evaporative cooler  10  includes a solenoid valve  126  for controlling the entry of water  42  into the evaporative cooler  10 , and the solenoid valve  126  is coupled to and in fluid communication with the float valve  46 . In one embodiment the solenoid valve  126  is remotely activated to selectively allow or prevent the delivery of reticulated water  42  to the evaporative cooler  10 . For example, in some embodiments, when the solenoid valve  126  is activated or configured to allow the entry of water (which, in some embodiments, is the default condition), water is available for delivery through the float valve  46  into the reservoir  14  as discussed above. In some embodiments, when the solenoid valve  126  is deactivated or configured to prevent the entry of water, no water will be delivered to the reservoir  14 , regardless of the position of the float  52  (that is, even if the float valve  46  is opened by lowering of the float  52  and lift arm  50 ). For example, it may be desirable to deactivate the solenoid valve  126  when draining the reservoir  14  for service or removal, when the evaporative cooler  10  will not be in use for extended periods of time, or for other reasons. However, it is not uncommon for the solenoid valve  126  and/or water supply line  128  to split or break due to, for example, ice expansion in the water supply line  128 . If the solenoid valve  126  fails, water may be released from the solenoid valve  126  and/or water supply line  128 , and this water may undesirably enter the air stream being blown through the dropper aperture  34  and into the building to which the evaporative cooler  10  is mounted. The solenoid valve shroud  124  shown and described herein contains and directs water  42  into the reservoir  14  and/or away from the dropper  102  aperture and directed airflow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the solenoid valve shroud  124  is shown in a first position during installation (referred to herein as an “installation first position”). In one embodiment, a flexible water supply line  128  is fed through the solenoid valve shroud  124  and coupled to an inlet  130  of the solenoid valve  126 . In one embodiment, the solenoid valve shroud  124  includes a first end  124 A having a first aperture  132  (shown in  FIG. 15 ), a second end  124 B opposite the first end  124 A and having a second aperture  134 , and an internal chamber  136 . In one embodiment, the water supply line  128  is passed into the solenoid valve shroud  124  though the first aperture  132 , passes through the internal chamber  136 , exits the solenoid valve shroud  124  through the second aperture  134 , and is then coupled to the inlet  130  of the solenoid valve  126 . In the installation first position, the solenoid valve shroud  124  is uncoupled from the solenoid valve  126 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment the first aperture  132  of the solenoid valve shroud  124  has a circular, or at least substantially circular, shape and has a diameter that is sized and configured to fit in close tolerance around the water supply line  128  and/or a coupling  138  between the water supply line  128  and the solenoid valve  126  (for example, as shown in  FIG. 15 ). Further, in one embodiment the second aperture  134  has a primary portion  134 A having a circular, or at least substantially circular, shape and an extension portion  134 B that is shaped as a bent slit (for example, as shown in  FIG. 14 ). In one embodiment, the primary portion  134 A of the second aperture  134  is sized and configured to fit over the solenoid valve  126  and the extension portion  134 B is sized and configured to pass over wires  140  connected to the solenoid valve  126 . Further, the second aperture  134  is sized and configured to allow water released within the solenoid valve shroud  124  to fall by gravity through the second aperture  134  and into the reservoir  14  and/or away from the directed air stream. However, it will be understood that the first and second apertures  132 ,  134  may have any size, shape, and/or configuration that allows the solenoid valve shroud  124  to be used with the water supply line  128 , solenoid valve  126 , and/or other components of the evaporative cooler  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the solenoid valve shroud  124  is shown in a second position after installation (referred to herein as a “final second position”). In one embodiment, the solenoid valve shroud  124  rests at the top of the float valve housing  48  and encases the solenoid valve  126 . To complete installation, the solenoid valve shroud  124  is fed over the water supply line  128  and over the solenoid valve  126 . In some embodiments, the water supply line  128  is coupled to the solenoid with a nut  138 . In this embodiment, the first aperture  132  of the solenoid valve shroud  124  is positioned around the nut  138  and secured with a cable tie or other fastening mechanism  142 . Thus, when the solenoid valve shroud  124  is in the final second position, the solenoid valve  126  is at least partially located within the internal chamber  136 . If the solenoid valve  126  and/or the portion of the water supply line  128  coupled to and/or proximate the solenoid valve  126  ruptures or otherwise fails, any released water  42  will be at released within the solenoid valve shroud  124  and directed downward by gravity into the reservoir  14  and/or away from the directed air stream. 
     In one embodiment, a reservoir ( 14 ) for an evaporative cooler ( 10 ) includes: a water collection basin ( 28 ); a float valve assembly ( 20 ) including a float valve housing ( 48 ), a float valve ( 46 ), a lift arm ( 50 ) pivotably coupled to the float valve ( 46 ), and a float ( 52 ) coupled to the lift arm ( 50 ); a pump ( 22 ); and a drain valve ( 24 ), the pump ( 22 ) and the drain valve ( 24 ) each being within the water collection basin ( 28 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the water collection basin ( 28 ) is elongate and extends from a first edge of the reservoir ( 14 ) to a second edge of the reservoir ( 14 ) opposite the first edge, the water collection basin ( 28 ) having a width of approximately 140 mm. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the reservoir ( 14 ) includes a first end ( 30 ) and a second end ( 32 ) opposite the first end ( 30 ), the first end ( 30 ) being configured to be closer to an edge ( 56 ) of a roof ( 18 ) when the reservoir ( 14 ) is mounted to the roof ( 18 ) and the second end ( 32 ) being configured to be closer to an apex ( 58 ) of the roof ( 18 ) when the reservoir ( 14 ) is mounted to the roof ( 18 ), the water collection basin ( 28 ) extending along the first end ( 30 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the water collection basin ( 28 ) lies along an axis of rotation ( 44 ) of the reservoir ( 14 ), the water collection basin ( 28 ) being configured to contain a volume of water ( 42 ) when the reservoir ( 14 ) is rotated along the axis of rotation ( 44 ) to lie at any of a plurality of angles relative to horizontal. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the plurality of angles includes angles between approximately 10° and approximately 40°. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float ( 52 ) is configured to float on a surface of water ( 42 ) within the water collection basin ( 28 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float valve housing ( 48 ) is coupled to the reservoir ( 14 ) at a location proximate the water collection basin ( 28 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the reservoir ( 14 ) further comprises at least one sensor ( 26 ) within the water collection basin ( 28 ). 
     In one embodiment, a float valve assembly ( 20 ) comprises: a float valve housing ( 48 ), the float valve housing ( 48 ) including a first end ( 48 A) and a second end ( 48 B) opposite the first end ( 48 A); a float valve ( 46 ) within the second end ( 48 B) of the float valve housing ( 48 ); a push rod ( 54 ) movable within the float valve housing ( 48 ), the push rod ( 54 ) having a first end ( 54 A) and a second end ( 54 B) opposite the first end ( 54 A); a plunger ( 78 ) coupled to the second end ( 54 B) of the push rod ( 54 ); a lift arm ( 50 ), the lift arm ( 50 ) including a first end ( 50 A) pivotably coupled to the first end ( 54 A) of the push rod ( 54 ) at a pivot point ( 80 ) and a second end ( 50 B) opposite the first end ( 50 A); and a float ( 52 ) coupled to the second end ( 50 B) of the lift arm ( 50 ), the first end ( 48 A) of the float valve housing ( 48 ) being configured to be coupled to a floor ( 36 ) of a reservoir ( 14 ) such that the pivot point ( 80 ) is located at or proximate a surface of water ( 42 ) within the reservoir ( 14 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float ( 52 ) is removably coupled to the second end ( 50 B) of the lift arm ( 50 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the second end ( 50 B) of the lift arm ( 50 ) includes a first plurality of engagement elements ( 86 ) and the float ( 52 ) includes a second plurality of engagement elements ( 88 ) complementary to the first plurality of engagement elements ( 86 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, each of the first plurality of engagement elements ( 86 ) has a trough shape with a free edge ( 94 ) extending in a first direction and each of the second plurality of engagement elements ( 88 ) has a trough shape with a free edge ( 86 ) extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the float valve assembly ( 20 ) further comprises: a solenoid valve ( 126 ) in fluid communication with the float valve ( 46 ); and a solenoid valve shroud ( 124 ) positionable over the solenoid valve ( 126 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the solenoid valve shroud ( 124 ) includes: a first end ( 124 A) having a first aperture ( 132 ); a second end ( 124 B) opposite the first end ( 124 A) and having a second aperture ( 134 ); and an internal chamber ( 136 ). 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, the second aperture ( 134 ) is sized to pass over the solenoid valve ( 126 ) to at least partially enclose the solenoid valve ( 126 ) within the internal chamber ( 136 ), the solenoid valve shroud ( 124 ) being configured to direct a flow of water toward the reservoir ( 14 ). 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Additionally, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.