Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A microbe drain barrier for insertion in the drain of a sink or the like to prevent microorganisms from reentering the sink from the drain. The barrier includes a length of thin-walled heat-resistant, electrically non-conductive tubing having a heat conductivity in the axial direction of not more than about 3 Btu/hr/ft.sup.2 /.degree. F./ft. The barrier includes electric heating means for heating the tubing to an inner surface temperature sufficient to prevent the growth of microbes thereon. Connector pipes extend axially outwardly from the tubing for mounting the tubing in a drain pipe such that drainage through the drain pipe is required to pass through the tubing. The connector pipes are secured to the tubing by annular insulating rings which isolate the tubing and electric heating means from the connector pipes. The low heat conductivity of the tubing reduces axial transfer of heat from the tubing to supporting drain pipe structures, and the electrically non-conductive nature of the tubing serves as an insulator to prevent the heating means from coming into electrical contact with water or other drainage fluid passing through the tubing.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim