Quick Acting Patents (Class 137/416)
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Patent number: 11325825Abstract: A fleet refueling silo tank system gravity feeds fuel through hoses to fleet units without requiring pressurizing pumps. A specialized valve at the fleet unit fuel tank prevents vapor escape and admits fuel at low, gravity-feed pressures. The valve includes a valve body with an upper end and a lower end, the upper end adapted to engage a cap which affixes the valve body to the fuel tank fill mouth. Below the cap, a fuel cut-off plunger and seat selectively interrupt fuel flow through the mouth by responding to a buoyant float extending coaxially beneath the valve body and into the fuel tank. Linkage coupled to the plunger extends through the valve body to the float, and roller bearings within the valve body engage a shaft extending from the float coaxially into the lower end of the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: ORTEQ ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cody Joe Ortowski, Christopher Cole Ortowski, Jarrett Thomas Wilson, David Lee Arnoldy, John Edward Saville
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Patent number: 10734760Abstract: Example implementations relate to a magnetic fluid connector. For example, a magnetic fluid connector can include a magnet, an internal fluid path defined by a first portion and a second portion when the first portion and the second portion are coupled together, and a movable member that is movable to seal the internal fluid path, where the magnet provides at least a portion of a force sufficient to seal the internal fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LPInventors: John P. Franz, Tahir Cader
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Patent number: 10431926Abstract: Example implementations relate to a magnetic fluid connector. For example, a magnetic fluid connector can include a magnet, an internal fluid path defined by a first portion and a second portion when the first portion and the second portion are coupled together, and a movable member that is movable to seal the internal fluid path, where the magnet provides at least a portion of a force sufficient to seal the internal fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LPInventors: John P. Franz, Tahir Cader
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Patent number: 10357726Abstract: A system of generating steam from an emulsion stream produced from a reservoir via thermal recovery has a heat exchanger for adjusting the emulsion to a first temperature; at least one separation device for separating water from the emulsion at the first temperature to obtain produced water; an optional produced water preheater, and a high pressure evaporator for receiving the produced water and generating steam using the produced water. The evaporator has a vapor drum; a heating element receiving the water stream, and in fluid communication with the vapor drum via a pressure letdown device; a heating source for imparting sensible heat to the water stream for generating steam. The evaporator also includes a recirculation pump for circulation of blowdown concentrate, and a bubble generator for generating bubbles and injecting generated bubbles into the heating element to enable self-removal of scales and other solid deposits in the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: GREAT OCEAN LTD.Inventors: Henry Z. Qin, Wen Li Zhang
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Patent number: 9982602Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a shut off valve for an ecology fuel return system can include an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for effusing the fluid, and a valve member configured to move between an open position such that the valve member allows fluid to effuse from the outlet and a closed position such that the valve member prevents fluid from effusing from the outlet. The valve member can include a pressure deflector configured to prevent fluid flow from biasing the valve member toward the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Richard J. Carpenter, Leo J. Veilleux, Jr., Lubomir A. Ribarov
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Patent number: 9464420Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks and for shutting off the water flow has a flushing cistern having a water inlet that is controlled by main valve, a filling column connected to the flushing cistern, a fluid compartment having a float therein and an actuating mechanism. The main valve has an operating lever that is operable to close the main valve. The float is cooperative at the operating lever so as to pivot the operating lever when the flushing cistern is full of water. When the float lowers in the float compartment as the float compartment is emptied, the actuating mechanism causes the operating lever to open the water inlet so as to allow the flushing cistern to fill.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Inventor: Hubert Magar
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Patent number: 9309989Abstract: A flow control device includes a float that moves vertically in response to changes in water level, a valve body that moves between extended and retracted positions, and a mechanism interconnecting the float and the valve body wherein changes of position of the float in response to changes in water level changes the position of the valve body. The valve body is placed adjacent a discharge pipe to change the effective intake area of the discharge pipe with changes in water level.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Joel Lang, Patrick X. Collings, Douglas K. Graham
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Patent number: 8820346Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Thomas L. Corbett
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Patent number: 6886589Abstract: The float valve (11) controls water level e.g. in an associated plant pot. A housing (21) has a water inlet (25) with an inlet port (26), a float (31) able to rise and fall with the level of the water in the housing (21), a valve operating mechanism (60) able to open and close the port (26), and an actuator means (40) to operate the valve operating mechanism when the float (31) rises and falls to predetermined levels. For opening and closing the inlet port (26), there is a valve operating mechanism comprising a valve operator (60) having a valve member (67) and a lever (61) mounted for pivoting movement about generally central pivot point (65). Actuator means (40) is coupled to the float (31) and switches between a standby condition an active condition respectively to the closed and open positions of the valve operating mechanism (60).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignees: Autogrow Pty Ltd., Aquarose Pty Ltd.Inventor: John Earnest Oretti
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Publication number: 20040265150Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane with magnetic particles. In one embodiment the membrane is created by mixing particles in a non-magnetic base. The membrane may act as an actuator, a sensor, a pump, a valve, or other device. A magnet is operatively connected to the membrane. The magnet acts on and changes the shape of the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. McElfresh, Matthew S. Lucas
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Patent number: 6539973Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a resilient pinch tube disposed in a conduit between a pressurized water source and a toilet flush tank and is pinched closed by a piston disposed in a cylinder formed in a bracket mounted on the conduit. The piston is engageable by a float which moves it between closed and open positions with changes in water level. A tube connects the source to the cylinder. When the float moves to the closing position it closes a drain port in the cylinder so that water pressure in the cylinder assists the piston. A manually adjustable screw on the float cammingly engages a bead on the conduit to yieldably arrest upward float movement and provide snap-action shutoff of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, IncorporatedInventor: Harry W. Edwards
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Patent number: 6510866Abstract: A float assembly for a ball cock assembly for a flush tank of a toilet includes an inner float component which is a buoyant element operatively connected to a shutoff valve atop a standpipe supplying water to the tank. The inner float component is disposed in an outer float component which is in the general form of a container disposed within the flush tank so that its top edge is at a selected water level. In the tank-filling portion of a flush cycle, when the water rises to the selected level, the outer float component suddenly becomes filled with water, causing the inner float element to abruptly rise, shutting off the flow of water into the flush tank. In this manner, the buoyant element is caused to rise at a rate which is greater than a rate at which the water is rising in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: WDI International, Inc.Inventor: Feiyu Li
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Patent number: 6497246Abstract: A snap pilot used to pneumatically energize and de-energize a control device, such as a valve. The pilot has two valves—one to admit pilot pressure, and one to exhaust pressure. The pilot incorporates valves having an elastomeric seal but maintaining the precision of metal to metal contact. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric seal is an O-ring placed in a groove, without adhesive, having only a small amount of deflection when the seat is closed, whereby simultaneous metal-to-metal and elastomer-to-metal contact is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Ivy J. Nicewarner, John J. Frese, James N. Reed
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Patent number: 6354323Abstract: An improved liquid level controller is shown having a pneumatic pilot assembly located outside the main controller housing. A filter housing is also located outside the main housing. The controller internal components include a torque bar acted upon by a displacement member, a lever and an adjustable connector for interconnecting the torque and lever. A biasing spring contacts the torque bar to balance the force exerted on the torque bar by the liquid displacement member. The pneumatic pilot is actuable by it movement of the lever to provide a selectable output for controlling a desired liquid level within the vessel interior.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Anderson Controls LCInventor: R. David Anderson
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Patent number: 6240955Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Anderson Controls, L.C.Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
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Patent number: 6123099Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes an upstanding fill tube integral at its upper end with a valve housing carrying a flexible resilient pinch tube valve member. The valve housing defines a conduit which communicates with a downwardly extending tube parallel to the fill tube. A float has portions respectively receiving the fill tube and the downwardly extending tube therethrough so that the float slides vertically along the tubes as the water level in the tank varies. In one embodiment, an actuator rib on the float fits in a slot in the housing to directly engage the pinch tube valve member, and in another embodiment an actuator pivots on the housing and is coupled by linkage to the float. In the one embodiment an arresting flange on a resilient portion of the float engages an arresting flange on the fill tube for arresting upward movement of the float until the tank is full to provide a snap-action shutoff of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, IncorporatedInventor: Harry W. Edwards
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Patent number: 5992448Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
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Patent number: 5638859Abstract: A drain valve is disclosed which comprises a float chamber for accumulating a fluid. A float is disposed within the float chamber for fluid level determined movement therein. A pivotable arm is operatively connected to the float. Pilot valve means are provided which comprise valve body means and valve shuttle means. The valve body means receive a portion of the pivotable arm and have a valve seat and an inlet in communication with a source of pressure and an outlet. Valve shuttle means are provided for controlling fluid flow from the float chamber in response to the movement of the float and pivotable arm. The valve shuttle means have a closed position wherein the source of pressure maintains the valve shuttle means in sealed relation with the valve seat and an open position wherein the valve shuttle means is not in sealed relation to the valve seat such that that inlet is communication with the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1994Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Flair-Pneumatic Products Corp.Inventors: Robert G. Thomson, John E. Thelen
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Patent number: 5542448Abstract: An attachment for float operated valves in a water closet of commode is set forth. In the water closet, the rising water on filling moves a floating bulb or ring which is connected with an arm. The adapter of this invention includes a mounting ring for attachment, a mounting post supported by the ring, and a rotatable hanging pendulum which supports a locking shoulder wherein the shoulder hooks the arm moved by the float. That prevents leakage after the water closet has been filled. On flushing, a chain connects to the flush mechanism so that the hanging pendulum and locking shoulder are pulled from the arm to permit float operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Inventors: Raymond J. Campbell, Al Nall, Jr., R. Terry Oates
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Patent number: 5472012Abstract: A valve assembly for automatically shutting off the flow of a pressurized liquid to a storage tank includes a cam that is rotated in response to the level of a liquid in the storage tank. A follower moves a poppet valve axially with a housing as a nonlinear function of rate of cam rotation. The poppet valve is moved to a closed position to terminate flow of a liquid to the storage tank whenever the liquid level within the storage tank reaches a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Dover CorporationInventors: Chester W. Wood, Charles A. Sunderhaus, Jim E. Kesterman, Lawrence R. Blasch
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Patent number: 5230361Abstract: A snap action toggle valve actuator assembly for use in a fluid holding tank. Movement of a float or other movable actuating element causes pivotal movement of pivot arm, which compresses a spring. When the float element reaches a predetermined level, the spring causes a downward movement in linkage attached to the rear of a valve actuating lever and an upward movement of a valve rod secured to the other end of the valve actuating lever and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Carr, Daniel Douro
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Patent number: 5191912Abstract: Liquid level control apparatus consisting of a valve frame with supply gas throughput through an adjustable orifice post and a float actuated release of orifice post pressure to cause a sharp change in pressure to actuate a pressure-responsive dump valve. Proposed then is the further interconnection of the valve frame in reversed disposition to a snap action pilot valve thereby to provide a non-bleeding mode of valve control.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1992Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Inventor: Roy L. McDaniel
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Patent number: 5080126Abstract: A float controlled valve has a float chamber for accumulating a fluid, a pivoting float arm having a float mounted on one end thereof for fluid level determined movement within the chamber, a pivotally mounted actuator arm coupled to the float arm by a magnet driver and having a first magnet mounted at one end of the actuator arm; a pivotally mounted control arm having a second magnet attached thereto, in magnet coupling relationship with the first magnet, and valve means coupled to the pivotally mounted control arm for controlling fluid flow from the chamber in response to movement of the float.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1991Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: R. P. Fedder CorporationInventors: Edward F. De Rycke, Gordon F. Leonard, Robert D. MacArthur
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Patent number: 4998571Abstract: An overfill valve apparatus for use in a liquid storage container having a fill pipe includes an upper fill tube and a lower drop tube. A closure valve is positioned intermediate the fill tube and the drop tube. The valve includes a valve head moveable between a first open position and a second closed position. A float is attached to the valve head and is moveable from a first position when the container liquid level is less than a predetermined level and a second position when the container fills with fluid to a predetermined level. Movement of the float towards its second position produces movement of the valve head toward its closed position. The float also is moveable within an envelope corresponding to a diameter less than the diameter of the fill pipe to facilitate apparatus installation and removal. The valve head is mounted internally of a hollow shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1989Date of Patent: March 12, 1991Inventors: Barry M. Blue, James P. Blue
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Patent number: 4655244Abstract: A float operated valve is provided with the rise of a float being temporarily prevented by the elastic force of a spring mounted on the valve body. When the buoyant force of the float reaches a predetermined maximum buoyant force as a result of the water level rising and the float becoming increasingly submerged, the buoyant force of the float moves the spring and closes the valve. The valve is also shown with a twin float construction for on/off operation at low and high water levels.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1985Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Inventor: Soo H. Park
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Patent number: 4635480Abstract: A density compensating float is used in conjunction with a stop-fill valve for limiting the filling of a tank. The primary application of the density compensating float is for use in LPG tanks. The compensating float includes a portion thereof having graded volumetric segments which correspond to the changes in density for a particular fluid, such as propane. For a given quantity of fluid in the tank, the float has an essentially constant angular position despite variations in the density of the fluid, and therefore changes in buoyancy of the fluid, as a result of changes in temperature. Thus, fluid at any temperature can be input into the tank and the stop-fill valve will be activated when a given quantity of fluid has been received without regard to the temperature of the fluid. This provides maximum filling of the tank while limiting the fluid to the maximum safe quantity.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1984Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Hrncir, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
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Patent number: 4543973Abstract: A pneumatic liquid level control apparatus and method providing both a snap-actor mode and a throttling mode by rotating a control means on the apparatus. The control means has a reciprocating valve means mounted inside which is operative in the snap-actor mode and which is inoperative when the control means is rotated to the throttling mode. The control means is mounted on the apparatus housing so that it can be moved between its snap-actor mode and its throttling mode by merely loosing screws for affecting the movement and then tightening the screws to begin operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1984Date of Patent: October 1, 1985Inventor: Giong Ho
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Patent number: 4483367Abstract: A direct indicating automatic stop fill valve is mounted to the inlet to an LPG tank whereby inlet ports to the tank volume are covered by a slidably mounted cylinder which is raised through contact with a float/cam arrangement until the tank level reaches a predetermined level. The cylinder is then driven into a sealing position to stop the flow into the tank by a differential pressure force resulting from the inlet pressure being higher than tank fluid pressure. The cylinder also supports a drive magnet for actuating a gauging mechanism to visibly indicate the open or closed status of the stop fill valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1984Date of Patent: November 20, 1984Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Robert E. Hrncir
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Patent number: 4436109Abstract: A liquid level control utilizing magnetic repulsion for raising and lowering a lever for venting or closing a gas pressure supply path to move a valve assembly, in the gas pressure supply path, in a relay-type snap action for opening or closing a valve controlling the liquid input and output of a vessel in response to the rise and fall of a float assembly with the liquid level.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1983Date of Patent: March 13, 1984Inventor: Wesley L. Taylor
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Patent number: 4313459Abstract: Inlet into propane cylinder is covered by sliding sleeve which is raised by a float when the tank level reaches desired level. Float is partly counterbalanced by lift spring and is driven into closed position by hydraulic force when motion is initiated by the float.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1979Date of Patent: February 2, 1982Inventor: Gerald D. Mylander
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Patent number: 4183176Abstract: There is disclosed a system for supplying liquids to potted plants through feeder conduits fluidly connecting with the lower ends of the plants and leading from a main distribution conduit to which the liquid is admitted from a water main or other pressurized source.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1978Date of Patent: January 15, 1980Inventor: William G. Barfield
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Patent number: 4083661Abstract: A pneumatic sewage ejector includes a tank for holding fluid sewage. When the sewage reaches a predetermined high level in the tank, it is ejected by pressurized air forced into the tank through a valve located inside the tank. The ejection of the fluid is initiated by a float which responds to the high fluid level in the tank by ascending and thereby moving the valve to an air-input position to admit pressurized air into the tank to expel fluid. The valve remains in the air-input position until the fluid reaches a low level, at which time the float descends and moves the valve to a vent position to vent the pressurized air to the atmosphere. The float moves the valve between the air-input position and the vent position in one discrete step so that the valve cannot stop in an intermediate position.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1976Date of Patent: April 11, 1978Assignee: Clow CorporationInventors: Alex L. McPherson, Hubert L. Williams
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Patent number: 3993090Abstract: In an automatic valving device, the combination comprises a container, an exhaust valve mounted in a lower portion of the container, an arrangement for actuating the exhaust valve, a pilot valve mounted in an upper portion of the container and coupled to the actuating arrangement, and an elongated guideway extending generally between the pilot valve and the exhaust valve. A float is movably mounted on the guideway and is operatively coupled to the pilot valve. The float is movable along a length of the guideway between an upper pilot valve opened position and a lower pilot valve closing position. Magnetic members are mounted on the guideway and the float respectively. At least one of the magnetic members is magnetized, and the magnetic members are shaped for magnetically attractive engagement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1975Date of Patent: November 23, 1976Inventor: Paul M. Hankison