초록 ▼

The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a

The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening. The valve member is movable between a first position wherein the valve member does not block fluid flow between the second inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a second position wherein the valve member blocks fluid flow between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening and between the second inlet opening and the outlet opening. The valve member is urged into the first position when there is no significant fluid flow between the first inlet opening and the outlet opening. The valve member is urged into the second position when there is significant fluid flow between the first inlet opening and the outlet opening.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A combination manifold and check valve assembly comprising:a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication,the first inlet opening being directly connected to the outlet of a temperature and pr

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A combination manifold and check valve assembly comprising:a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication,the first inlet opening being directly connected to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve mounted on a water heater,the second inlet opening being directly connected to the outlet of a drain pan, the drain pan being disposed in a location to collect water leaking from the water heater and the outlet of the drain pan being disposed at a predetermined height, andthe outlet opening being adapted for connection to a drain line;a valve member disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening and being movable between a first position wherein the valve member does not block fluid flow between the second inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a second position wherein the valve member blocks fluid flow between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening and between the second inlet opening and the outlet openingwherein the valve member is urged into the first position when there is no significant fluid flow from the temperature and pressure relief valve, whereby water can then flow through the manifold from the drain pan to the outlet opening when the. water level in the drain pan is above the predetermined height; andwherein the valve member is urged into the second position when there is significant fluid flow from the temperature and pressure relief valve, whereby water can then flow through the manifold from the pressure relief valve to the outlet opening regardless of the water level in the drain pan.