Self-emptying Tanks Patents (Class 137/396)
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Patent number: 10627837Abstract: A system and method of air pollution control for liquid vacuum trucks is disclosed. The system includes a container comprising a cylindrical shell, wherein the cylindrical shell defines an internal volume of the container, and a barrier. The barrier includes a disk slideably disposed within the interior volume of the container, the disk subdividing the interior volume of the container into a first portion and a second portion, and a seal disposed about a circumference of the disk and in sealing contact with an interior surface of the cylindrical shell. The first portion is configured to sustain an internal pressure in a predetermined range; and the second portion is configured to receive a waste material. When the internal pressure is at a maximum value of the predetermined range, the disk has a deflection less than a predetermined deflection at which the sealing contact is compromised.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventor: Ray Sonnenburg
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Patent number: 9187889Abstract: The invention relates to a tank (100) provided with at least one effluent-filling opening and at least two effluent-emptying openings, a bucket capable of tilting between a filling position, in which it can be filled with an incoming effluent through said at least one filling opening, and a discharge position, in which it can discharge the contents thereof through one or more of said emptying openings. According to the invention, the tank (100) includes means for modifying the position of the bucket (200, 200?) so as to change the direction thereof or to enable the replacement thereof with another bucket of a different type. It is thus possible to modify the effluent outlet direction by a simple change in the bucket position. It is also possible to replace a bucket with a bucket of a different type. In this way greater versatility of the adaptation to the connection of the tank on the installation site is afforded.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignees: MAYA GROUP, PREMIER TECH TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Yannick Juhere, Jean-Pierre Dautais
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Patent number: 8784651Abstract: A water separator for continuous separation of water, air and particles includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, an upper chamber connected with a lower chamber, and a three-way valve located in an air connection pipe being adapted to establish a connection between the upper and lower chambers in a first position and closing the connection to the upper chamber and allowing atmospheric air to enter into the lower chamber in a second position. The upper chamber includes a coarse filter capturing particles from the liquid flow to the lower chamber. The water separator includes a main tank and a safety tank, which are connected through a connection pipe from the upper chamber in the main tank to the safety tank and through the air connection pipe from the lower chamber in the main tank to the safety tank. The inlet pipe is through the lid of the main tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Fridthjof Moe
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Patent number: 8544282Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventors: Thomas Wyer, Demitri Gula
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Patent number: 8418715Abstract: A control system for a purge valve that can be actuated by low pressure, which can be used for a low pressure or vacuum waste water system, encompassing a first valve and a second valve. The purge valve can be actuated as a function of its position, and the accumulated waste water can be drawn off via the sewage system.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Roediger Vacuum GmbHInventor: Artur Spitzer
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Patent number: 8281801Abstract: A device for reusing greywater includes: a water feed for supplying greywater; a collecting reservoir for collecting the supplied greywater; a storage tank for storing water; a siphoning device for siphoning water from the collecting reservoir to the storage tank; a water discharge for discharging stored water to a water user; a sewer outlet; and a control system. A method of siphoning water includes: supplying water to a collecting reservoir; detecting a predetermined water level in the collecting reservoir; operating a filling valve subject to the detected water level; and siphoning water via a siphon connection from the collecting reservoir to the storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Ecoplay International B.V.Inventor: Johannes Donaes Jacobus Platteel
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Publication number: 20120132286Abstract: Disclosed is a water-discharging device of a high voltage battery pack that can automatically adjust the level of water collecting in an under cover such that high voltage parts, such as an expensive battery module and a BMS, equipped in the under cover are not damaged by the water, by making the BMS operate a water pump to forcibly discharge the water out of the under cover, when the water collects and increases in level in the under cover having a sealed structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Haekyu Lim, Minwook Kim
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Patent number: 8157132Abstract: A fuel and oil mixing device secured to and used with a fuel container storing a quantity of fuel includes an oil reservoir, a mixer body, an oil metering valve, and an adjustment knob. The oil reservoir stores oil, defines an orifice for oil to exit, and defines an orifice for fuel to pass through. The mixer body is secured to and in fluid communication with the oil reservoir for receiving oil and fuel. The oil metering valve is housed within the mixer body and defines a plurality of slots on an exterior surface thereof, each such slot controlling flow of oil into the mixer body. The adjustment knob is operably connected to the oil metering valve, such that manipulation of the adjustment knob effectively selects one of the slots, such that a mixture with a desired fuel-oil ratio can be dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventors: R. Scott Johnson, Benjamin Lee Kessinger, III, Thomas M. McCullough, Kenneth M. Nielsen
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Publication number: 20110083755Abstract: Based on the idea of reusing grey water generated by the washhand basin and other sanitary appliances in the bathroom, with the exception of the toilet, storing the grey water in a tank wherefrom the cistern of the toilet is supplied when it is necessary, the invention consists of situating from the grey water intake connector (1) and in a main pipe (5), a particle filter (9), a flow switch (11), a circulation pump (14), an ozone injector (16) with its corresponding water recirculation pump (15), and a check valve (18), the flow switch (11) sending information to a programmable automaton (12) which in turn controls both the aforementioned pumps (14 and 15) and the electrovalve (8) of a secondary pipe (6) wherethrough the grey water is evacuated, by means of the outlet (7) to the building downpipe, when the storage device is full.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2007Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Francisco Javier Dolo Masnou
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Patent number: 7597116Abstract: An improved greywater disposal system is provided which substantially eliminates onboard standing greywater. The system includes one or more onboard plumbing fixtures fluidly connected to a greywater sump. The bottom of the greywater sump is sloped toward a drain therein at a low end. The prongs of a sensor may be suspended in the sump drain and/or in an inlet chamber defined at an inlet end of the greywater sump. The sensor is associated with a controller and sump or bilge pump. The pump is turned on when the prong tips of the sensor become immersed in greywater which occurs substantially simultaneously with the production of the greywater. The onboard plumbing fixtures include one or more sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and air conditioning units. The system may be used on boats, ships, RVs, campers or the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Brett Howard Detwiler
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Publication number: 20080314457Abstract: A device for reusing greywater includes: a water feed for supplying greywater; a collecting reservoir for collecting the supplied greywater; a storage tank for storing water; a siphoning device for siphoning water from the collecting reservoir to the storage tank; a water discharge for discharging stored water to a water user; a sewer outlet; and a control system. A method of siphoning water includes: supplying water to a collecting reservoir; detecting a predetermined water level in the collecting reservoir; operating a filling valve subject to the detected water level; and siphoning water via a siphon connection from the collecting reservoir to the storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2006Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Johannes Donaes Jacobus Platteel
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Patent number: 7207318Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbHInventors: Gerhard Lepperhoff, Helmut Pleimling
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Patent number: 7055543Abstract: A vehicle chassis with at least two fuel tanks with an engine engaged to the chassis structural member. Each of the fuel tanks has fuel level detector or sender. The level senders are engaged to an electronic controller. Each of the tanks has fuel draw line from it. The system uses a single control valve to equalize the fuel tank levels by use of a dual draw single return system. The system is split into a primary and secondary tank. The fuel level senders send information to an electronic controller generating a signal to the solenoid or control valve when a specific fuel level difference exists. Activating the solenoid or control valve from closed to open, located in the draw side fuel line from the secondary tank, fuel is drawn from both tanks. The return goes only to the primary tank. When the levels are equalized, the electronic controller sends signal to the control valve to close.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Eric D. Erickson, Sharon L. Klinger
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Patent number: 6792966Abstract: A fuel transfer apparatus for providing fuel to a vehicle engine from a plurality of fuel tanks. A transfer pump is positioned intermediate a pair of fuel tanks and is operable to transfer fuel therebetween. Fuel is provided to the engine from a first one of the two fuel tanks. Excess fuel is returned to the first one of the two fuel tanks. When the level in the first fuel tank is less than the level in the second fuel tank by a predetermined amount, the transfer pump transfers an amount of fuel from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank. Fuel level sensors are utilized to monitor the level of fuel in the two fuel tanks and report to a microprocessor which controls the transfer pump. The microprocessor utilized to control the transfer pump may be incorporated into the transfer pump, may be a stand alone microprocessor, or may comprise an existing vehicle circuit board such as, e.g., the electronic control module (ECM). A fuel transfer line interconnects the two tanks and is located above the two tanks.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Richard W. Harvey
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Patent number: 6782908Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ellen Cheng-chi Lee, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Scott Alan Wojan
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Patent number: 6684902Abstract: An accumulator for collecting a volume of a liquid, which includes controls to permit the liquid to rise in a container to a preset upper level, at which level a drain valve is opened causing liquid to flow out of the accumulator. The accumulator utilizes two opened bottom pipes, which are connected through check valves to a controller. The controller is sensitive to the pressure at its inlet port. The pipes are interconnected so that when the liquid reaches an upper level, the pressure at the controller is sufficient to open the drain valve, and once the accumulator is almost empty, the drain valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: AcornVac, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. Zinn, Enrique P. Loreto, Ron Hahn
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Patent number: 6675795Abstract: A freeze resistant method for draining liquid condensate from a condensate furnace includes quickly purging the liquid condensate from a condensate reservoir. A condensing heat exchanger connected to a condensing reservoir stores liquid condensate as the system is in use. An inducer produces a positive pressure along a condensate line to the outlet of the reservoir, creating a back pressure which prevents draining of the reservoir. When the inducer is shut off, the positive pressure is removed, and the liquid condensate rapidly flushes from the reservoir. The amount of liquid condensate remaining in the system and exposed to cold conditions can be minimized.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Brian David Videto, Robert Henry Swieczkowski
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Patent number: 6554021Abstract: Apparatus for shock-like flushing in a liquid system, comprising an accumulating or blocking element (11, 12, 13) which upon supply of liquid from an inlet (7) is adapted to be set from a normal position to a flushing position accummulated liquid flows through an outlet (6B, 6, 6A) to a following section of the liquid system, and subsequently to be ret to normal position. The blocking element (11, 12, 13) is held in an inclined position (11′, 12′, 13′) by means of spring or weight load (21, 22, 23) until a certain level of accumulated liquid is attained, and the spring or weight load (21, 22, 23) is adapted to bring the blocking element (11, 12, 13) back from the flushing position to normal inclined position when a certain low liquid level is attained. The blocking outlet (6B, 6, 6A) respectively, through flexible tube sleeves (15, 14) which make possible the movement of the U-tube (11, 12, 13) between the two positions for accumulation and flushing, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Cleanpipe AsInventor: Sten Y. Sondov
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Patent number: 6494226Abstract: A fuel transfer apparatus for providing fuel to a vehicle engine from a plurality of fuel tanks. A transfer pump is positioned intermediate a pair of fuel tanks and is operable to transfer fuel therebetween. Fuel is provided to the engine from a first one of the two fuel tanks. Excess fuel is returned to the first one of the two fuel tanks. When the level in the first fuel tank is less than the level in the second fuel tank by a predetermined amount, the transfer pump transfers an amount of fuel from the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank. Fuel level sensors are utilized to monitor the level of fuel in the two fuel tanks and report to a microprocessor which controls the transfer pump. The microprocessor utilized to control the transfer pump may be incorporated into the transfer pump, may be a stand alone microprocessor, or may comprise an existing vehicle circuit board such as, e.g., the electronic control module (ECM).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Federal-Mogul World-Wide, Inc.Inventors: Larry J. Tipton, Richard W. Harvey
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Patent number: 6467497Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Evac International OyInventors: Jay D. Stradinger, Douglas M. Wallace, Michael B. Hancock
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Patent number: 6449781Abstract: An apparatus for shock-like flushing in a fluid system, comprising an accumulating or blocking element (13) which upon supply of fluid from an inlet (2) is adapted to be set from a normal position to a flushing position where accumulated fluid flows through an outlet (14) to a following section of the fluid system, and to subsequently be reset to normal position. The blocking element comprises a canal, duct or pipe member (13) with a rotational portion (17) at an upstream end and with a normal position for blocking and accumulating fluid in the canal, duct or pipe member (13). The blocking element is kept at an inclination in the normal position by means of a spring or weight load (15) until a certain level of accumulated fluid is attained. Further, the blocking element can be lowered to the flushing position. The spring or weight load (15) is adapted to bring the blocking element (13) back from the flushing position to normal inclined position when a certain low fluid level is attained.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Cleanpipe ASInventor: Sten Yngvar Sondov
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Patent number: 6311717Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Evac International OyInventors: Jay D. Stradinger, Douglas M. Wallace, Michael B. Hancock
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Patent number: 6279593Abstract: A proactive electronic steam trap device, system, and method of removing condensate from a steam plant is disclosed. The device ensures a controlled drainage of condensate to maintain condensate level within a control band. The basic invention comprises and utilizes a steam trap chamber, a condensate level sensing system, a condensate level control system, and a condensate discharge system. Alternate embodiments include an air purge system, a flashing utility which permits reuse of high temperature steam, and an electronic temperature/pressure sensing device that will constantly monitor temperature and pressure variables in the individual condensate lines to verify the integrity of the individual condensate lines that are going into a single manifold of a steam trap.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Hie Sheppard
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Patent number: 6269831Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first liquid with at least a second liquid includes a tank having a mixing chamber to which is connected a first and a second supply line from each of a first and a second source of liquid. A gross control valve disposed in each of the first supply lines and a fine control valve disposed in each of the second supply lines. A noncontacting detector measures the total volume of liquid present in the mixing chamber. A controller, operable in response to signals output from the detector representative of the total volume within the mixing chamber as continuously measured by the detector, actuates in accordance with a predetermined sequence the gross and the fine control valves in the respective first and second supply lines from the first source and from the second source in accordance with a predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Howard Blair, Jr., John Michael Dickert, Clarence Bernard Mahoney, Jr.
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Patent number: 5954078Abstract: A buffer tank and pre-wetting apparatus prevent a liquid chemical waste from crystalizing on the inside walls of a drain pipe that carries the waste to a waste tank. The pre-wetting apparatus includes a pre-wetting tank with an overflow pipe that leads to the waste tank drain pipe. A water supply is connected to fill the pre-wetting tank to the rim of the overflow pipe and then overflow to wet the inside walls of the drain pipe before waste from the buffer tank is transferred through the overflow pipe and to the drain pipe and the waste tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Lien-Hsiang Chiang, Ying-Hsiang Chen
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Patent number: 5887613Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the regulation of a constant outflow from a liquid container, in particular from a rain reservoir, with an outflow opening for the liquid, wherein to the outflow opening is assigned a movable throttle element, which in dependence on the liquid level regulates the outflow of the liquid from the container.According to the invention, it is proposed that a component part (2) that is form-changeable in dependence on the fluid pressure control the throttle element, wherein takes place the stopping-down movement of the throttle element against a restoring force (spring 5).A device of this sort makes possible a regulation of a constant outflow from a fluid container, without requiring for this the use of a float.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: Lothar Steinhardt
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Patent number: 5871027Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum system by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve, so that soil water in a soil water basin is sucked through the suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Osamu Shimizu, Akihiro Ushitora
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Patent number: 5657784Abstract: A control arrangement (10) for a shut-off valve actuable by vacuum and intended for use in vacuum waste water systems, comprising a first valve (14) which is actuated by static pressure of collected waste water, and including a chamber (56) which can be put under vacuum via the first valve, whereby a second valve (20), charged by a spring (71), is abruptly opened when the pressure in the chamber drops below a preset level, so that vacuum reaches the shut-off valve and opens it, and, in case static pressure is reduced, the first valve closes and the chamber is gradually ventilated until the pressure in this chamber reaches a preset level at which the second valve and in turn the shut-off valve abruptly close.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Roediger Anlagenbau GmbHInventor: Peter Martens
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Patent number: 5615701Abstract: A vacuum control valve controls the removal of sewage or other liquid removed from a tank by a vacuum discharge pipe. The control valve uses the amount of liquid in the tank, the atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum discharge pipe to open or close a pipe communicating section which attaches the vacuum discharge pipe to a suction pipe disposed within the tank. When the pipe communicating section is opened, the liquid is removed from the tank via the suction pipe and the vacuum discharge pipe. When the tank is emptied, a damping diaphragm allows for decompression of pressure around its peripheral portion to prevent excessive suction. An opening time adjusting valve automatically self-adjusts to control the time period for a single suction activity based on the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum discharge pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Yamabe, Tetsushi Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 5588458Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system including a suction pipe (12) which is communicated with a vacuum system (15) by opening a vacuum valve (14), and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve (14) is disclosed. Soil water in a soil water basin (10) is sucked through the suction pipe (12) and sent to a predetermined place by opening the vacuum valve (14). The vacuum valve controller is provided with a control device (20) which closes the vacuum valve (14) by detecting that the suction pipe has begun to suck air from a change of the pressure difference between two points (16 and 17) in the suction pipe (12) which are different in height from each other, which provide a vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system, which is simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Akihiro Ushitora, Osamu Shimizu
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Patent number: 5531241Abstract: A condensate removal device for capturing, measuring and removing condensate from a fluid system having air or gas under pressure. The device purges only condensate on demand without loss of relative pressure inherent within the system. A differential pressure sensor senses the low and high level of condensate in a condensate collection reservoir activating a diaphragm type discharge valve venting condensate from the reservoir. Once condensate levels fall below a pre-determined level within the reservoir the valve is closed awaiting accumulation of additional condensate before cycling again.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventor: John Rasmussen
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Patent number: 5449016Abstract: Sewage system comprised of a collector pipe with one or more house connections and to which collector pipe an air compressor and/or vacuum pump is connected, wherein a house connection is comprised of a collection gully with a connection for the sewer pipe, and which gully, at its bottom side is provided with a valve, which may be operated under the control of a level switch arranged in the gully, while the valve at the discharge side is connected to the collected pipe which at that place is provided with a bend situated in a vertical plane, to the middle part of which the valve is connected and from which both the sideways running bend parts run upwards to a height below the valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Joh. Ranzijn Engineers B.V.Inventor: Jacobus E. M. van Baar
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Patent number: 5429149Abstract: A valve assembly is provided to control a flow of liquid through a drain conduit from a sink in an aircraft. When the aircraft is in an inactive condition on the ground, a fluid motor presses a main valve member lightly against a main valve seat. At this time, liquid in the drain conduit can leak past the main valve member. However, at this time, the main valve member is effective to block a reverse flow of odors through the drain line into the cabin of the aircraft. When the aircraft is operating in the air above the ground, the motor presses the main valve member against the main valve seat with sufficient force to seal the drain conduit and prevent the leakage of fluid past the main valve seat. When a predetermined amount of liquid has accumulated in the drain conduit upstream from the main valve seat, a motor control assembly effects operation of the motor to move the main valve member away from the main valve seat to allow the liquid to flow through the drain conduit past the main valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Larry Mittell, James Wada
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Patent number: 5419359Abstract: A valve device for use with a drain provided with a pipe having an entrance for collecting liquid leading to a P-trap beneath the entrance. The device comprising an open vessel, in use positioned at the entrance of the pipe, having walls and a floor defining an internal chamber, the floor having an opening for permitting liquid collected in the chamber to pass into the pipe. The device is provided with a valve arranged to seat in the opening from below and is movable between a closed position sealing the opening against gas and liquid flow from the pipe to the chamber and an open position spaced from the opening beneath the floor. A float is positioned in the internal chamber and a linkage transfers buoyancy force exerted on the float by liquid collected in the chamber to the valve to cause the valve to move from the closed position to the open position when the liquid exceeds a certain depth in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1994Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignees: Murray A. Grant, Harold N. WestdalInventor: Bouko J. Kor
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Patent number: 5375739Abstract: In a control apparatus for measuring, mixing or regulating one or more liquids in some other way, the liquid or liquids is/are delivered to a vessel (1) through delivery pipes (3, 4). The vessel includes a container (2) having a spillway (8). Liquid which passes over the lid of the spillway is collected by a liquid-collecting device (9) connected to a container outlet valve (7) by means of an arm (12) which is subjected to the load of a spring (13). When the weight of the liquid collected in the device (9) exceeds the force exerted by the spring, the outlet valve will open. At the same time there is activated, for instance, a microswitch (17) which influences the supply of liquid through the delivery pipes (3, 4).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1992Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventor: Claes Granfelt
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Patent number: 5259427Abstract: An integral, vacuum operated, package system for collecting and transporting waste liquids from, e.g., a defrosted freezer, sink, bathtub, or water fountain, to a vacuum transport conduit connected to a vacuum collection station. The package system preferably includes a collection sump, sensor valve, controller valve, vacuum volume, and vacuum valve, which operatively communicate with each other by means of applied differential pressure to withdraw waste liquid from the collection sump and pass it through an opened vacuum valve during a transport cycle. The package system is compact, portable, and easily installed and maintained, and may be concealed in most applications, since it requires a mere volume generally measuring 12".times.8".times.31/2.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Burton Mechanical Contractors, Inc.Inventors: John M. Grooms, Blake V. Ricks
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Patent number: 5069243Abstract: A liquid level valve control system includes pressure responsive means compring a first chamber containing a first diaphragm having a port for applying pressure; bleed means enabling air to pass this diaphragm; and passageway means enabling air then to pass into a further chamber also containing a diaphragm operatively linked to the valve operating apparatus; so that, when a predetermined and substantially constant pressure is applied at the port, air bleeds past the first diaphragm into the further chamber to move the diaphragm therein to activate the valve control system, but when a surge of pressure is applied at the port the first diaphragm moves to block the passageway into the further chamber, thus preventing pressure being applied to the latter's diaphragm to activate the valve control system.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Euro Iseki LimitedInventor: Brain E. Foreman
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Patent number: 5048558Abstract: A valve seat for a valve used with a treater tank comprising a body having a generally cylindrical bore threthrough, the body having a first end, a second end and being made of metal, the first end having a counterbore concentric with the cylindrical bore, the body having means on the second end for mounting the valve seat in the valve and an insert carried by the body and received in the first end, the insert being comprised of an erosion-resistant synthetic polymeric material having a cylindrical passageway therethrough, the insert having a first portion defining first inner and outer concentric cylindrical surfaces, the first outer surface having a diameter greater than the diameter of the counterbore, an annular sealing surface being formed on the first portion, and a second, generally cylindrical portion, said second portion being received in the counterbore and means disposed between the body and the second portion to secure the insert to the body and effect fluid-tight sealing between said insert and sType: GrantFiled: January 29, 1991Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Inventor: Carl R. Calhoun
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Patent number: 4870986Abstract: A system is disclosed for dispensing a liquid at a desired temperature from a hot liquid pressure line and a cold liquid pressure line to a plurality of liquid outlets such as a bathtub, a sink or the like. The system controls the temperature of the liquid flowing from the plurality of liquid outputs as well as controlling the level of liquid within a container and for maintaining the temperature of the liquid therein. The system includes a liquid recycling system which reduces the amount of liquid discarded during the operation of the system and to conserve heat energy. The system is controlled by a novel electronic control which when applied to a water dispensing system is able to control all functions of a bathtub as well as being capable of controlling a sink, a toilet or the complete water system for a residence, a hotel, an industrial or a medical complex or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1988Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Inventors: John P. Barrett, Daniel R. Schulz, David E. Kent, Robert J. deFasselle, Henry E. Zega
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Patent number: 4345618Abstract: Arrangement for the regulation of the height of a liquid level, such arrangement being particularly suitable for the removal of condensate from the regeneration heaters of steam turbines. The arrangement includes a transmitter nozzle for forming a gas-liquid mixture in a first, influx chamber communicating with a tank containing the liquid, a second chamber connected with the influx chamber and containing a two-phase outlet sensor which separates the gas in the gas-liquid mixture, and a system for discharging liquid from the tank including a discharge valve controlled by the pressure of the liquid in the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1981Date of Patent: August 24, 1982Assignee: Skoda, oborovy podnikInventors: Josef Altman, Zdenek Roth
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Patent number: 4321948Abstract: A discharge system for a septic tank is disclosed which has a dump valve means at the outlet thereof for controlling the discharge of effluent. Leading from the dump valve is a central pipe that then has a plurality of smaller pipes interconnected therewith, the smaller pipes being interconnected so that the lower wall of the smaller pipes are in line with the lower wall of the larger pipe. Additionally, diverter valve or valve means as the case may be are provided for closing off part of the distribution system, and the distribution system itself is particularly characterized by having particular designed apertures through the lower circumferential section thereof so that the effluent will leach out of the pipes throughout their length by providing apertures at the far end of the pipe at the lower most circumferential portion and then progressively increasing the height of the holes as one goes back toward the central pipe and/or the septic tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1981Date of Patent: March 30, 1982Inventor: Earl H. Bradley
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Patent number: 4285359Abstract: An interface unit connects an accumulation enclosure for a gravity feed conduit to a vacuum sewage conduit. The unit has an enclosure extension extending upwardly and having a top end near ground level. A vacuum conduit extension extends downwardly within the enclosure extension and has a bottom end near the accumulation enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1979Date of Patent: August 25, 1981Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventor: Ian Doherty
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Patent number: 4257437Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the flow of liquid through a valve, especially at very low levels down to about 0.5 ml/hour, by monitoring the liquid level in a column of liquid using a sensor, for example a photo-electric cell, which is moved along the column at a predetermined rate corresponding to the liquid flow rate desired, generating a signal from the sensor which is representative of the liquid level, and using the signal to control the opening and closing of the valve to maintain the liquid flow at the desired rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1979Date of Patent: March 24, 1981Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries LimitedInventor: William B. Pearson
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Patent number: 4202367Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit arrangement for regulating the level of a liquid in vessels. The arrangement according to this invention comprises a draining vessel with a draining conduit, a fluid level pick-up device, a compensation pick-up device, and a working element. The main feature of the circuit arrangement is that the compensation pick-up device is connected to the draining vessel above the regulated liquid level and the upper part of the fluid level pick-up device is also connected to the draining conduit above the regulated liquid level. The lower part of the fluid level pick-up device is connected below the regulated level equally to the draining conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1978Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: Skoda, oborovy podnikInventors: Zdenek Roth, Josef Altmann
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Patent number: 3998736Abstract: A sewage disposal system in which sewage is permitted to accumulate to a desired level in a sump or receptacle, following which it is evacuated from the receptacle through a discharge conduit, by means of a partial vacuum transmitted through the conduit from a central collection point. Disposed in the discharge conduit is a normally closed flow valve, the control of which is by means of a control valve. Negative pressure transmitted through the discharge conduit is utilized both for opening the flow valve and for maintaining it and the control valve opened until the sump is evacuated, at which time atmospheric pressure entering the discharge conduit from the sump acts upon the control valve to close the latter, which in turn shuts off the flow valve. Triggering of the flow valve to commence the evacuation operation may be performed either manually or automatically by means responsive to the rising liquid level within the sump.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1976Date of Patent: December 21, 1976Inventor: John W. Greenleaf, Jr.
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Patent number: RE42771Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbHInventors: Gerhard Lepperhoff, Helmut Pleimling