By Float Patents (Class 137/397)
  • Patent number: 10392788
    Abstract: A multi-layer water sealing device, includes at least two layers of water seal sequentially arranged from top to bottom. An upper-layer water seal has a floating bell-shaped cover structure, and the floating bell-shaped cover structure includes a water sealing box and a floating bell-shaped cover arranged in the water sealing box. A lower-layer water seal is arranged in a drain pipe below the floating bell-shaped cover, and one side of the water sealing box is extended to form or connected to a communication cavity offset from the drain pipe. The floating bell-shaped cover correspondingly is extended to form or connected to a floating component floatable in the communication cavity and offset from the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Kangzhiwei Zhejiang Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiangqian Chen, Furu Wei
  • Patent number: 10232389
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system utilizes Bernoulli pressure differentials and kinetic forces is provided. The system includes a pressurized channel in fluid communication with a flexible pressurized line for translating pressurized fluids to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is also in fluid communication with a source channel receiving fluids from a flexible source line. The mixing chamber is configured for entraining the source fluids with the pressurized fluids 26 using Bernoulli principles. Kinetic valves may be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the Bernoulli siphoning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: RAINFLEX, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Bradley Forrest
  • Patent number: 9767975
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a float switch apparatus for use in activating one or a series of pumps. The float switch apparatus has particular use in combination with sump pump vessels. The apparatus includes an electrical chamber which is sealed from the vessel atmosphere and contains at least one switch controlling the activation of at least one pump, configured to pump liquid from the vessel. Within the electrical chamber there is a magnetic activation device which slides vertically along one wall of the chamber. On the opposing side of the chamber there is a magnetic coupling head which couples to the activation device magnetically through the coupling wall. The coupling head is mounted on top of a float rod having a float mechanism at the bottom thereof. The entire float switch apparatus is mounted in the vessel such that when the water reaches a predetermined level the float moves the float rod vertically and thus the coupling head is moved vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond Noel
  • Patent number: 9080689
    Abstract: In a float type drain trap, drain water separated from gas-liquid mixture is discharged from a discharge opening. The float type drain trap is provided with a float, an valve and a spring. The float and the valve are connected by the spring. The spring is compressed by a buoyancy of the float. A valve seat is opened and closed by a force of the compressed spring so as to intermittently discharge the drain water from the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: FUKUHARA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takehito Ariizumi
  • Publication number: 20150107676
    Abstract: A system and methods for automatically actuating a valve are provided herein. The method includes energizing sensors, a controller and an actuator with power that is generated locally at the site of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jesse J. Green, Brad Andrews
  • Patent number: 8875730
    Abstract: A control device is provided with a switching valve mechanism and first and second actuators. The switching valve mechanism is provided with a valve element for switching which is located within a casing. The valve element can linearly move between an open position at which first and second pressure change chambers of the casing are communicated with each other and a closed position at which the communication is interrupted. The valve element is held at the open position and the closed position by a first holding mechanism (toggle spring). When a float ascends to a first water level, the first actuator moves the valve element from the closed position to the open position. When the degree of vacuum within a pressure detection chamber becomes a second degree of vacuum or less, the second actuator moves the valve element from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Torishima Pump Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitami Muraki
  • Patent number: 8820346
    Abstract: A self-actuating drainage device for placement on a structure to drain water accumulated on the structure includes a collection funnel having a bottom with a funnel hole extending therethrough, a siphon conduit contiguous with the funnel hole, the siphon conduit having a first end disposed on the structure and an opposite end disposed at a position lower than the first end. The device further includes a valve mechanism which includes a float maintained within the collection funnel. The valve mechanism opens when accumulated water raises the float so that the water collected in the collection funnel is released through the siphon conduit and starts a siphoning action from the first end to the opposite end when the valve mechanism closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas L. Corbett
  • Patent number: 8725301
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Carskadon, Patrick Barrett
  • Patent number: 8720477
    Abstract: A drain assembly includes a closing element having a lower surface and one or more floating elements extending from the lower surface. A receiver element has an inner ring and an outer ring and one or more receptacles disposed between the inner ring and outer ring. The receptacles receive corresponding floating elements and the receiver element has one or more inlet openings associated with the outer ring and one or more outlet openings associated with the inner ring. The one or more inlet openings receive a liquid to fill the receptacles to provide a lifting movement to the one or more floating elements within the corresponding one or more receptacles to lift the closing element. As the closing element lifts, the one or more receptacles fill with the liquid and drain the liquid from the one or more outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
  • Patent number: 8561842
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Keg Switch Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacalla, Domenico Leone
  • Patent number: 8522811
    Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow body, a partition panel mounted in the body, at least one float seat mounted on the partition panel and at least one float assembly mounted in the at least one float seat. Condensate flows through at least one condensate inlet formed on the body, the at least one float seat and at least one float assembly, and then is drained out of the steam trap from a transverse outlet formed on the body. No flash steam occurs when the condensate is drained out of the steam trap. With a non-return valve assembly of the float seat, the condensate and steam that have flowed out of the steam trap do not flow back into the steam trap so a float of the float assembly is not damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Yung-Sho Yang
  • Patent number: 8443832
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a sequencer for controlling the distribution of fluid input into a tank to at least two outlets using a plurality of cells connected to actuate a respective floating outlet. Each of the cells has a relatively uniform construction comprising an enclosure and a float. Each enclosure has an inlet arranged at one end to allow fluid therein and offset openings at an opposite end. The enclosure also is configured to accept the float in an inner cavity and arranged so as to allow the fluid therein to cause said float to move within said enclosure. Each cell is further arranged in pairs of a lift cell and a trigger cell adapted to actuate a floating outlet. Each float has an inclined upper surface configured to transfer a ball through the offset openings as the fluid causes the float to rise and fall from each cycle of actuate a respective floating outlet. The sequencer being particularly adapted to a system and method for dosing a septic system having two or more disposal fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: James G Richard
  • Patent number: 8186376
    Abstract: A liquid purge valve comprising a housing for sealingly fitting at an uppermost end of a substantially vertical pipe, an outlet tube extending from the housing and projecting into the pipe, an outlet port fitted with a sealing boundary and sealable by a sealing member pivotally secured within the housing so as to pivotally displace between a closed and an open position, a biasing member biasing the sealing member into its open position, and a mass articulated to the sealing member and extending downwards into the pipe. The mass applies a force at an opposite direction of the biasing member such that the resultant force acting on the sealing member determines its position such that when water level rises within the pipe the sealing member displaces into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Shuval
  • Patent number: 8137541
    Abstract: A septic system can include an improved and more reliable apparatus for distributing effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. In such apparatus, an effluent container, or collection tank, is connected with the outlet of a septic tank, and an effluent-operated valve controls effluent flow from an outlet of the effluent container, or collection tank, to an effluent distribution tank which is connected to a plurality of portions, or fingers, of a sewage drain field to uniformly distribute the effluent from the septic tank to the drain field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Neal Zook
  • Patent number: 7814930
    Abstract: A liquid refill control for a holding tank includes a pneumatic solenoid valve for delivering liquid to the tank in an open state and restricting delivery of the liquid to the tank in a closed state. The solenoid valve has a pneumatic exhaust. A container mounted in the tank includes an inlet for introducing liquid from the tank into the container and an outlet formed below the inlet. A discharge valve is operably mounted to the tank for alternately closing and opening the outlet. A lower float closes the discharge valve when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level in the tank and opens the discharge valve when the liquid is below the predetermined level to discharge liquid from the container. A pneumatic exhaust valve alternately opens and closes the pneumatic exhaust which in turn changes the state of the pneumatic solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Action Manufacturing & Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Shepherd, Daniel A. Klein
  • Publication number: 20070277882
    Abstract: Provided is a float type drain trap improved in terms of opening and closing of a valve seat. In the prior art, the valve seat is opened and closed mainly by a self-weight of a float and buoyancy of a float main body, so the valve seat is often left in a half-open state, with opening and closing of the valve seat being rather equivocal. Afloat is accommodated in a case, and drain water allowed to flow into the case is enabled to be discharged by buoyancy acting on the float. By providing a magnet between the case and the float, an attraction force is generated, and an outlet port formed in the case is closed or opened based on the relationship between the buoyancy, the attraction force, and the positions where these forces are generated, thereby making it possible to retain and discharge the drain water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Tetsuo Oshima, Hiroshi Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 6886588
    Abstract: A buoyancy flushing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a reservoir for accumulating liquid, having an inlet for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber recessed in a bottom wall of the reservoir. The outlet chamber includes an outlet for draining liquid out of the reservoir. The apparatus further comprises an outlet valve movable between a down position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir and a raised position where liquid accumulated in the reservoir is flushed out via the outlet. The outlet valve comprises a ballast unit sized and shaped to fit loosely in the outlet chamber when said valve is in the down position; and a float unit topping the ballast unit to move the valve in the raised position by buoyancy when a sufficient amount of liquid is accumulated in the reservoir, thereby providing a passageway for liquid between the bottom wall of the reservoir and the valve leading to the outlet in the outlet chamber to flush liquid out of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Marc-André Malenfant, Yves Bérubé, Nicolas Viel, Roger Lacasse, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6712944
    Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator for an electrolysis cell includes a vessel and a float in operable communication with each other. The vessel includes a fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets. A fluid stream comprising gas and liquid is received in the vessel through the fluid inlet, and at least a portion of the gas exits the vessel through the second fluid outlet. The float is configured to interface with the first fluid outlet and either maintain or prevent fluid communication across the first fluid outlet when the float is in at least partial contact with the first fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Byron, Jr., Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6526700
    Abstract: The present invention is a rain water downspout for shooting water away from a building. It includes a vertical downspout column for receiving and holding rainwater. The downspout column has an outlet at its lower end. A buoyant column inside the downspout column rests on the bottom of the downspout column and blocks the downspout column outlet until the downspout column fills with enough water to cause the buoyant column to float. A nozzle is attached to the downspout outlet. The nozzle can be oriented to shoot a stream of water away from the building. When the buoyant column inside the downspout rises, water flows out of the downspout column under pressure and shoots out from the nozzle away from the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Pilcher
  • Patent number: 6195013
    Abstract: A float sensor that is modular has a mounting bracket which incorporates an O-ring seal and bayonet style resilient mounting fingers which lock the mounting bracket to a tank flange. A tube is ultrasonically welded to the mounting bracket and positions a reed switch housing which is ultrasonically welded to the end of the tube opposite the mounting bracket. The reed switch housing incorporates a stop positioned above a descending cone. The cone terminates in radially outwardly extending fingers that lock a float to the reed switch housing. The float is free to float upwardly along the cone to engage the stop. The float has a ring shaped magnet foamed in place within a low density plastic body. The presence of fluid buoys the float upwardly until the float engages the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Robinson
  • Patent number: 6131605
    Abstract: A container having a floor with an upper inner face and a lower outer face is provided with a drain having a tubular housing extending between the faces and a partition formed with a hole, subdividing the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, and forming at the hole an upper valve seat and a lower valve seat. Respective floatable upper and lower valve bodies in the compartments sealingly engageable with the respective valve seats. Thus with this system when the upper compartment fills with liquid it floats up the upper ball to unblock the hole in the partition and let this liquid drain out. If, however, water rises in the lower compartment, it will float up the lower ball to block the passage and prevent this liquid from flowing up through the passage into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Waggonbau Elze GmbH & Co. Besitz KG
    Inventors: Horst Kothe, Stephan Teepe
  • Patent number: 6012481
    Abstract: A constant level of fluid (8 or 106) in vessel (1 or 104) is maintained using a reservoir (5 or 102) and a tank (4 or 101). Float valves (9 or 107) which raise and lower with the level of fluid in the reservoir are used to selectively close off fluid passages (13 or 109) from the tank into the reservoir. Until the desired level of fluid is reached in the reservoir, the reservoir continuously provides fluid to the vessel. Once fluid flow into the reservoir is stopped, flow from the reservoir into the vessel also stops. The vessel can be positioned adjacent to or remote from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: John J. Lenart
  • Patent number: 6003542
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve for regulating the flow of beer or other liquid from its container, whereby a float is kept away from the outlet by directing some of the liquid upwardly against the float while most of the liquid is being discharged. The discharge of liquid is usually accompanied by a suction about the outlet which tends to suck the float downwardly to seal the outlet prematurely. By the present valve and the location of the float during discharge of liquid, premature sealing is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Dominic Pizzacalla, Alastair Knott
  • Patent number: 5857472
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for rinsing a fluid-storage space that is provided with a rising chamber fillable with a fluid arranged in the region of the high point of the storage-space floor, which chamber, when the storage space runs empty, abruptly lets the fluid run out through a rinse opening as a rinsing torrent. The rinsing device has a container that serves to hold the rinse fluid; the container is either raisable, so that rinse fluid floods out through its bottom opening, or else the upper edge of the container is lowerable, so that the rinse fluid, coming forth from here, can flood out radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Lothar Steinhardt, Jorg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 5799504
    Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system having a condenser, a regulating device, and a capillary tube. The regulating device has a housing defining an inner chamber for receiving refrigerant from the condenser. A float is disposed within the chamber and includes a resilient surface. An outlet line connected to the capillary tube extends through a bottom wall of the housing and into the chamber. The float is movable in response to changes in level of refrigerant in the chamber. The float moves downward to close the outlet line when refrigerant in the chamber drops below a minimum level, and moves upward to open the outlet line when refrigerant in the chamber rises above the minimum level. A filter assembly for removing contaminants from the refrigerant is disposed within the chamber above the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5548944
    Abstract: A vacuum operated processing station having a liquid separating system is set forth. The liquid separating system includes a separator tank disposed between a vacuum operated processing apparatus and an under-pressure source. The separator tank prevents liquid from reaching the under-pressure source. The system may be controlled to automatically drain the separator tank when the liquid level within the tank reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Prochut, Jorgen Lofstedt, Christer Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5417078
    Abstract: A refrigerant flow control system for regulating the flow of a refrigerant liquid from a condenser sump to an evaporator wherein the control system regulates the liquid flow as a function of both the level of the liquid in the condenser sump and the system pressure differential between the condenser and evaporator of the refrigeration system. The flow control system includes a stop, biasing means, a guidepost, a standpipe, a generally tubular metering sleeve, and a float member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Huenniger, George M. Case
  • Patent number: 5381956
    Abstract: A water display that has a container with a floor that defines an inner cavity. The container has a top opening adapted to allow a fluid to flow into the inner cavity at a first predetermined flowrate. The floor is constructed to contain the fluid when the fluid flows into the inner cavity, such that the fluid reaches a first predetermined level within the container. The floor also has a floor opening adapted to allow the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity. Within the container is a valve operatively connected to the floor opening that allows the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity at a second predetermined flowrate, when the fluid level reaches the first predetermined level. The second flowrate being greater than the first flowrate, such that when the valve allows the fluid to flow out of the container, the fluid level in the inner cavity decreases until the fluid level reaches a second predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Wet Design
    Inventors: Alan S. Robinson, Joseph W. Starr
  • Patent number: 5291620
    Abstract: A device for regulating the discharge of water from a storage tank associated with a toilet bowl for flushing of the toilet bowl, with the operation of the device being through slight pressure on a push button on a rod extending through a front or end wall of the storage tank. This device has a flapper assembly for opening and closing access to a drain from the storage tank, with this flapper assembly having a storage volume with an adjustable opening for controlled release of water therefrom to control the timing of the closure of the flapper assembly against the drain. A trigger assembly portion has a trigger arm with one end engaged with the push button and the other end adapted to engage a distal arm of a pivotal lever arm, this lever arm carrying a buoyant float. Release of the engagement of the distal ends of the trigger arm and the lever arm causes the lever arm to rise, due to the float, and the lever arm engages the flapper assembly to open the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Lonnie W. Gilley
  • Patent number: 5239285
    Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Stanley F. Rak
  • Patent number: 5211685
    Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for mounting and replacing fire hydrants including a hollow, box-like structure comprising a plastic cylinder which can enclose the hydrant-mounting flange to protect the flange, yet which can quickly and easily be removed and replaced, even by unskilled workmen, to provide access to the hydrant-mounting flange and the break-away bolts without requiring expensive and time-consuming cement work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Robert S. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5201340
    Abstract: The present innovation pertains to a device with which containers, in which water collects in an unintentional manner, are automatically drained. An outer housing (2, 3), which can be inserted into the bottom of the container, is subdivided by a web (8a) into two chambers, one of which is connected to the interior of the container, and the other of which is connected to the surroundings of the container. The web encloses an opening (20) which connects the two chambers when a valve member (14) has moved away from a seat (8b) enclosing the opening. If the valve member rests on the seat, the chambers are separated from one another, and the interior space of the container is not in connection with the surroundings of the container. The movement of the valve member is controlled by the water level in the chamber which is in connection with the interior space of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Graaff, GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen Teepe
  • Patent number: 5040247
    Abstract: A float has a bore which slidably embraces the overflow tube in a toilet tank. The float carries a valve actuator therebelow with structure which permits adjustment of the downward position of the valve actuator. The float and/or valve actuator may be non-round in order to fit closely adjacent the wall of the toilet tank. When the flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank is raised to release flush water, the float descends with lowering water leve and the actuator closes the flapper valve before all toilet tank water is released, to thereby conserve water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Mini-Flush Corporation
    Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4986206
    Abstract: A drain valve for a vessel having a bilge (4) which is elevated above external water level when the vessel is floating in unladen condition. The valve comprises a drain cylinder (1) located in a drain port (2) and attached at its upper end to the bilge; the cylinder axially containing a spindle bearing (14) in which is slideably located a spindle (20) of a buoyant closure member (32) engageable with the lower end of the cylinder. Opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the pressure differential existing between external and internal water levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defense
    Inventors: Dereck I. Knight, Dennis A. Rule
  • Patent number: 4823827
    Abstract: A float system for a ball type accumulator includes a circular hollow float member which surrounds the float travel guide rod in the ball type accumulator. Connecting the float member to the vertical guide rod is a ball member which is located in the center of the float. A circular arcuate band surrounds the ball member thus allowing the float to tilt with respect to the vertical guide rod as the level of the fluid tilts within the accumulator. The tilting of the float prevents the float from flooding when the ball type accumulator is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Ingo Olejak
  • Patent number: 4800907
    Abstract: The invention concerns a storage space for liquids, especially a rain-basin or sewer-backup space, with at least one flushing chamber that is positioned at the maximum height of the bottom of the storage space, that can be filled with storage liquid, and that emits the storage liquid in the form of a torrent of flushing water through at least one flushing opening when the storage space empties.The object of the invention is accordingly a storage space for liquids with a flushing device wherein the storage space fills automatically and wherein the flushing process is automatically initiated subsequent to each storage process without outside energy.This object is attained in that the flushing chamber automatically fills with storage liquid as the level of storage liquid rises, means of retaining the storage liquid in the flushing chamber once it has arrived therein are provided, and the flushing opening is closed off and opened up by a closure controlled by the level of storage liquid in the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventors: K. Ulrich Giehl, Lothar Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 4800839
    Abstract: A device applicable to an electrophotographic color copier or a color ink jet printer for selectively supplying visualizing liquids of different colors, e.g. black, red, green and blue or a mixture thereof to a photoconductive drum, paper or like recording medium to form a visible image on the medium which corresponds to an image of an original document. The device includes a black liquid vessel, a red liquid vessel, a blue liquid vessel, and a cleaning liquid vessel. The liquids from the various vessels are selectively fed to the device and, after a visualizing operation or a cleaning operation, selectively returned to the respective vessels by two switching units. Residual toner particles are returned to the black liquid vessel. A purifying member for capturing toner or like visualizing agent which is contained in the black liquid is situated between an overflow port of the black liquid vessel and the other liquid vessels and cleaning liquid vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenzo Ariyama, Manabu Mochizuki, Tsuneo Kunotori, Kenji Kojima, Masato Jinbo, Hiroaki Takenouchi, Yuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4781894
    Abstract: A float controlled mechanism designed to allow the storage in and removal of variable amounts of gaseous reaction product from a reaction vessel of fixed size at a fixed pressure. The control mechanism uses a float to sense the level of the liquid in the vessel and maintain a fixed head of liquid above this level thereby maintaining a fixed pressure in the sealed reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Wheaton
  • Patent number: 4601071
    Abstract: A flushing system for rapidly delivering a given volume of water supplied to an accumulating chamber (5) from an automatically or manually operated valve (6) has a float-controlled discharge valve (19) which is arranged to be opened when said given volume of water has been delivered to the accumulating chamber (5) and the float is located at a corresponding level in said chamber. A supply pipe (13) extends downwardly in the accumulating chamber (5) towards the outlet (3), and a valve housing (19) is slidably arranged, together with the float, on the water supply pipe. In a closing position of the valve housing, the lower edge part of the valve encircles the outlet. In an opening position of the valve housing, with water in the accumulating chamber, the valve housing is lifted from the seating. The lower end of the supply pipe is formed with a valve body (17) arranged, together with the valve housing, to form a pressure chamber (24) having a leakage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Bengt A. Persson
  • Patent number: 4573489
    Abstract: A dump valve for dumping liquid from the bottom of a tank comprising an elongated valve body insertable into the lower end of the tank so that the valve body extends deeply into the tank, the innermost portion of the valve body having an inner port communicating with the interior of the tank, the valve body having a portion extending exterior of the tank when the body is inserted into the tank, the valve body having a central axial bore extending therethrough and communicating with the inner port for directing liquid away from the tank, a drain passage connected to the exterior portion of the valve body and communicating with the axial bore for draining liquid from the tank, a pair of head plates connected to the exterior portion of the valve body, the head plates being connected to each other and forming a diaphragm chamber therebetween, a diaphragm held in sealed clamping engagement between the head plates and dividing the chamber into two separate compartments sealed from each other, an elongated valve ste
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Murphy Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis M. Carlton, Bob L. O'Mary, Teddy H. Cruse
  • Patent number: 4505288
    Abstract: A rising liquid level in a gas scrubber for an air compressor is sensed by a float in the scrubber which opens a normally closed pneumatic vent valve whereby a very small pneumatic signal is delivered through a pneumatic spool valve to the chamber of a large diaphragm liquid dump valve on the scrubber which is operated automatically to drain liquid from the scrubber to maintain a safe liquid level in the scrubber. The dump valve mounted on the scrubber side wall penetrates deeply into the scrubber to avoid freezing of the dump valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Frank W. Murphy Manufacturer, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Murphy, Jr., Lewis M. Carlton, Bob L. O'Mary, Teddy H. Cruse
  • Patent number: 4304528
    Abstract: A plant watering system that is controlled and operated in cycles by the heating effects of the sun, the system including a sealed water supply tank; a metering reservoir having a water supply conduit connected to the supply tank for delivering water from the supply tank to the metering reservoir, a float operated ball valve, and a triggering mechanism for releasing water from the metering reservoir; and, a distribution tank having an air relief conduit connected to the supply tank, a float operated pressure relief valve for releasing vapor pressure in the water supply tank through the air relief conduit; and, a distribution network for distributing the water to one or more plants, the system being operated by exposing the water supply tank to the sun causing delivery of water to the metering reservoir by vapor pressure in the tank, the metering tank releasing the water to the distribution tank for distribution when a predetermined quantity of water in the metering reservoir is obtained, the released water in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Inventor: Robert D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4301827
    Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer is provided with a wing shut-off valve. Radially inwardly directed outlet parts are aimed at the bottom of the valve wing to generate unbalanced reaction forces which oppose the bernoulli effect forces caused by rapid movement of fluid through the chamber of the shut-off valve, thus preventing premature closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Koomey, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajam R. Murthy, Billy J. Rice
  • Patent number: 4294288
    Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer is provided with a vented float movable along a transversely centered, normally vertical guide rod according to the level of the liquid fill within the vessel. The vent outlet for the float and a ballast weight for the float are positioned on opposite sides of the guide rod and the float is mounted for free turning around the guide rod. Whatever the degree of liquid fill of the vessel, sidewise tilting of the vessel will be accompained by rotation of the vent outlet to the then-high side of the guide rod to maintain the float directly vented to the ullage space of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Koomey, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajam R. Murthy
  • Patent number: 4291836
    Abstract: Apparatus for intermittently supplying a predetermined quantity of water at regular, predetermined intervals comprising: a water tank for accumulating and storing water; water feeding means and inlet valve means; float-actuated valve means within said water tank; a down pipe connected to said water tank and terminating in a tapered tube; a siphon tube from said water tank terminating in a tapered tube which extends together with the tapered tube of said down pipe into a venturi outlet; and, an ejector tube extending downwardly from said venturi outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Inventor: Wu Chen-Hsiung
  • Patent number: 4225434
    Abstract: A storm overflow basin for use, e.g. in combined sewage systems has a storage tank leading to a storm overflow unit having a restricted sewage discharge and a storm overflow, the latter being provided with a weir at which there is mounted a flap gate engaging the crest of the weir with its bottom edge and being operable by float controlled means in dependence upon the water level in the storm overflow unit, to move away from the crest of the weir when storm conditions require a controlled overflow discharge. The normal sewage discharge is provided with restriction means that are also float controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventors: Wilhelm Ernst, Hubert Ernst
  • Patent number: 4083147
    Abstract: This invention provides an automated planter system comprising a planter unit having an outer container and an inner container, the inner container being supported interiorly of the outer container. A lower portion of the inner container is porous to the flow of liquid which is held in the intermediate space between the two containers. The intermediate space provides a water table volume and humidifying space and is open to the space above the inner container.The water level within the intermediate space is regulated by a valve which is set to open when the water reaches a first low water level and to close when the water reaches a second high water level. The high water level is above the porous portion of the inner container and the low water level is below the porous portion. The automated planter thus provides the necessary alternate wet and dry periods for any plants growing within the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Inventor: Laurence James Garrick