BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - An Australian company is hoping for success in the United States with an injection molded valve that prevents bacterial contamination and saves water in evaporative air conditioners. Brisbane-based Rooftop Natural Airconditioning Pty. Ltd. developed the valve after several years of installing and repairing new air conditioning units.
Les Kittlety, director and co-inventor, said he has patents registered in the United States, Australia and South Africa, in anticipation of large export sales.
Kittlety estimated the Australian retrofit market at about 400,000 units. An additional 30,000 new units are installed annually.
``And the U.S. market is at least three times that,'' Kittlety said.
He said an unnamed U.S.-based air conditioning and electronics company is investigating the valve's compatability with its electronic thermostats.
Rooftop Natural Airconditioning also plans to display the valve at a U.S. refrigeration show in 1995.
The valve regularly releases pre-set levels of water to ensure fresh water is always present in the air conditioner. It also drains the unit if it is not used for long periods.
Tools and molds for commercial manufacture of the valves are being finalized by another Brisbane company, Jory's Plastic Molding Pty. Ltd., and production is expected to start in March.