Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In an air conditioning system having an air conditioner and a drain pan for catching fluid resulting from operation of the air conditioner, the improvement comprising: an emergency drain and shut off for the air conditioner, including a drain fitting for attachment to a drain opening in the air conditioner drain pan; said drain fitting having a primary drain opening for draining fluid away from the pan, and an emergency drain outlet opening for draining fluid away from the pan when the primary drain outlet opening is obstructed; a reservoir connected to receive fluid drained through the emergency drain outlet opening; fluid level responsive switch means in the reservoir for shutting off the air conditioner when fluid is collected in the reservoir upon obstruction of the primary drain; and means connected with the reservoir for producing a low pressure in the reservoir whereby fluid is evacuated through the emergency drain outlet opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In an air conditioning system having an air conditioner and a drain pan for catching fluid resulting from operation of the air conditioner, the improvement comprising: an emergency drain and shut off for the air conditioner, including a drain fitting for attachment to a drain opening in the air conditioner drain pan; said drain fitting having a primary drain opening for draining fluid away from the pan, and an emergency drain outlet opening for draining fluid away from the pan when the primary drain outlet opening is obstructed; a reservoir connected to receive fluid drained through the emergency drain outlet opening; fluid level responsive switch means in the reservoir for shutting off the air conditioner when fluid is collected in the reservoir upon obstruction of the primary drain; and means connected with the reservoir for producing a low pressure in the reservoir whereby fluid is evacuated through the emergency drain outlet opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the fitting has an inlet end constructed to be connected in an existing drain opening in the drain pan.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
79 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the fitting comprises an elbow shaped tubular body having thread means on the inlet end for threaded engagement in the drain opening of the drain pan; and said emergency drain outlet opening is defined by a tubular conduit extending within the primary drain outlet opening and having a free end normally positioned above the level of fluid in the drain pan when the primary drain is operative.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the fitting is constructed to be used in either a bottom or side drain opening in the pan.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 4, wherein: the reservoir is remote from the fitting and is connected with the emergency drain via a length of tubing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the switch means comprises a float operated switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the air conditioner has an air circulating fan; and said means for producing a low pressure in the reservoir comprises a venturi positioned in the drain pan, responsive to the air circulated by the fan to produce a low pressure, and a tube connected between the venturi and the reservoir to communicate the low pressure to the reservoir.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 3, wherein: said fitting and reservoir are formed as an integral, one-piece housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 8, wherein: a drain valve is in the reservoir for draining fluid therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An emergency drain and shut off as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a drain valve is in the reservoir for draining fluid therefrom.