Plural Floats Patents (Class 137/423)
  • Patent number: 5790991
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the level of water in a swimming pool includes a vertically elongated vessel partially-buried below the pool water level at a location close to the return line from the filter to the pool inlet, a connector pipe extending from the vessel to the return line for allowing pool water at sub-level pressure to enter the vessel and rise to the pool water level, and a float-controlled valve supported within the vessel and detachably coupled with a pressure water supply and adapted to open as the float drops below a predetermined desired level and allow fresh water to flow into and out of the vessel through the connector pipe and return line and then into the pool for restoring the water in the pool to the predetermined desired level as determined by the position of the float on the water within the vessel being restored to a float position indicative of the predetermined desired level of water in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Charles F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5715856
    Abstract: A liquid flow control apparatus (5) suitable for handling milk from a milking machine, comprising a first chamber (10) that comprises an inlet (11) for the milk, an outlet (12) for connecting to a vacuum pump, and an outlet (14) for the milk to flow by gravity to a second chamber (13). The first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) are in communication with each other by means of the outlet (14) at the bottom of the first chamber (10). The second chamber (13) has a float valve (23) that closes off communication between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) depending on the level of liquid in the second chamber (13). A conduit tube (18) for air communication is disposed between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13). A second float valve (17b) closes off communication via the conduit tube (18) between the two chambers. A third chamber (21) has two valves with one valve (26) opening to the atmosphere and a second valve (20) opening to the second chamber (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Tommy Martin, John Dawkins
  • Patent number: 5567283
    Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis. A caustic system is also disclosed including a means for controlling caustic delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Scott Lynn, Steven F. Sciamanna, Aldo F. Sciamanna
  • Patent number: 5518024
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis B. Weeks, George R. Cockram
  • Patent number: 5464037
    Abstract: There is disclosed a level control valve arrangement preferably for use in a water closet cistern for controlling the liquid level in the cistern or container. The arrangement has a liquid inlet (3) feeding an inlet chamber (1) and a movable valve member (7,10) mounted on a seating (11,12) and movable between an open position in which liquid flows from the inlet into the cistern and a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing into the cistern. The movable valve member is biased preferably by a float arm into the closed position in response to liquid in the cistern rising to a predetermined level. The movable valve member (7,10) is mounted in the inlet chamber into which water is fed from the inlet (3) and in the closed position the valve is acted upon by a head of water in the inlet chamber to maintain the movable valve member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dallah Water Saving
    Inventor: Abd El Rasoul M. Younes
  • Patent number: 5445143
    Abstract: A humidification chamber for a respiratory humidifier water is maintained by the use of floats which actuate valves to control the passage of water through a water inlet. Two floats are each provided with actuating mechanisms to separately control the respective valve members. The separate valve members are covered by an elastomeric moulding which couples the valve members and provides a seal. The valves are co-axially aligned and the system provides improved safety by allowing for reliable operation in the case where one of the floats fails. An alternative embodiment of the dual valve construction is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventor: David J. Sims
  • Patent number: 5388622
    Abstract: A two-stage float actuated shut-off valve for use in underground fuel storage tanks utilizes a drop tube coaxially mounted within the storage tank fill pipe. Fuel flowing into the tank is passed through the drop tube which projects downwardly into the interior of the tank to a valve housing located at the lower end of the drop tube. Floats slidably mounted in a recessed area in the housing outside of the drop tube within the tank independently operate pivoted valve doors to a closed position within the valve housing, a lower float closing one valve door to block a major portion of incoming fuel flow passage when the level of fuel in the storage tank reaches a predetermined first level and a second upper float causing the secondary valve door to overlap an aperture in the main valve door to almost completely close the flow of fuel to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5365970
    Abstract: A gravity flow chemigation system (10) is disclosed which generally consists of chemical supply tank (37), in which chemical (29) is contained, a supply line (37) connected to the bottom of chemical supply tank (36), and a low-level shutoff valve (11) suspended across an irrigation ditch (39) and partially below the surface of irrigation water (38). Chemical enters the valve (11) from supply line (37) through air vent tube (21) and inlet (18). The chemical (29) within supply line (37) will continue to flow through valve (11), out outlet (15) and through outlet screen (28) to mix with irrigation water (38) as long as the level of irrigation water (38) remains at a level above converging valve seat (16) of lower float valve (13). Once the level of irrigation water (38) falls below valve seat (16), lower float (17) will engage the lower converging valve seat (16) and close off the valve which will not reactivate until manually reset, even if the irrigation water level rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Larry D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5351713
    Abstract: An effect-enhancing structure for rinsing a flush toilet includes a plurality of sets of a water-supply device and a floating ball, a trunk duct conducting water into a water case, a distributing duct set transversely and connected to the trunk duct, stop valves connected to the distributing duct to provide a distribution of water supply, and water supply ducts; wherein the stop valves are connected to rods of the floating ball separately to control the switching so as to increase the hydraulic pressure of stored water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Chen Ying Ceramic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Yuh Lin
  • Patent number: 5313979
    Abstract: A fountain faucet is comprised of a housing defining a water chamber and having an inlet communicating the water chamber and an outlet communicating the water chamber through an opening, a float valve disposed in the water chamber and movable between valve open and valve closed positions. A control unit engaged in the housing by means of a thread operable to retain the float valve in its closed position or allow the float valve movable freely between the valve open and valve closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 5303728
    Abstract: A water conservation system for toilets is provided. The system comprises an auxiliary water supply including a storage tank for collecting and storing recycled or gray water and a water line hydraulically connecting the storage tank to a toilet tank. A dual action valve is disposed in the toilet tank. The valve includes a first valve segment connected to the fresh water supply and a second valve segment connected to the water line from the storage tank. One or two floats, which are responsive to the fill level in the toilet tank, open and close the first and second valves. The dual action valve may further include a pilot valve disposed inline between the fresh water supply and the first valve for switching the fresh water supply regardless of whether the first valve is in a closed or open condition. The pilot valve communicates with the water line from the storage tank and is responsive to pressure in the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Donald Senatore
  • Patent number: 5277218
    Abstract: A delivery conduit operative through a valve member directs fluid selectively from the shower conduit to a storage tank in operative communication with a commode, wherein the storage tank permits selective use of water from a primary conduit or from the delivery conduit for the utilization of water therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald A. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5225813
    Abstract: A centrally controlled system for preventing overflow of fuels during loading operations includes dual processors either of which can take over the functions of the other processor when it fails. The system also includes full self-diagnostics and automatic testing to ensure that the warning lights and audible alarms at the loading compartments and the warning lights and audible alarms at the central location are operative during loading operations. If warning lights at the loading compartments are not visible due to obstructions, a voice synthesizer is used instead of lights at the loading compartments to announce the compartment identifier and the level of alarm reached. Floats in each compartment operate contacts when the level in the compartment reaches a first high level and when the level in the compartment reaches a second overfill level. In addition, if the level in any compartment reaches an overfill level, the power to the pumping station is automatically cut-off ceasing the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Marine Power and Control, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Raub, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5205319
    Abstract: A float-operated valve assembly for a water tank includes a valve housing provided inside the water tank and connected to an external water source. The valve housing has an outlet opening formed at an intermediate portion thereof. A ratchet pole extends into the valve housing and has an end portion which is formed with aligned ratchet teeth. The ratchet pole is provided with a stopper that is urged by water from the external water source so as to cut off water flow to the water tank. The float ball of a float ball assembly urges a pivot arm to apply a pushing force on the end portion of the ratchet pole so as to move the stopper and permit water flow to the water tank when water inside the water tank no longer applies a buoyant force on the float ball. A float-controlled pawl engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet pole when water inside the water tank is below a predetermined level, thereby maintaining the stopper in an open position when the water tank is being refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Wen-Chun Chiang
  • Patent number: 5176167
    Abstract: A control valve includes a vertical housing having an upper float chamber, a lower valve chamber, and a valve seat support which is provided between the float chamber and the valve chamber, defines a passage communicating the float chamber and the valve chamber and has a bottom valve seat above the valve chamber. An inlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet and an outlet communicated with the valve chamber. An outlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet communicated with the passage and an outlet. A shaft is movable vertically, is provided inside the housing and has a valve block mounted on a bottom end of the shaft. An upper and a lower stop are respectively fixed on the shaft. An upper and a lower float are respectively movably sleeved around the shaft between the upper and lower stops. A perforated partition is mounted inside the housing between the upper float and the lower float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Su-Hua Tiao
  • Patent number: 5161564
    Abstract: An automatically resetting mechanical valve used to control unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by sinking both a primary float and a secondary float, each less dense than water but more dense than the liquid whose discharge is to be stopped. The sinking primary float effectively closes an orifice in an outlet conduit upon the sinking primary float's becoming sufficiently immersed in the less dense liquid. Upon the reintroduction of water, the secondary float acts upon a lever of high mechanical advantage, which pries the primary float upward, which, in turn, allows hydraulic pressure inside and outside the conduit to equalize, thereby allowing the primary float to unseat and the valve to automatically re-open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Stephen E. Clark
  • Patent number: 5141019
    Abstract: A two stage float actuated shutoff valve for preventing overfilling of an underground storage tank has a first float actuated valve flapper movable to a closed position to block a major portion of the fuel inlet passage of the underground tank when the level of fuel in the tank rises to a first predetermined level. Closure of the first valve blocks a first portion of the flow passage while maintaining a second portion of the flow passage open to permit a reduced flow of fuel through the flow passage, thereby generating an observable water hammer effect signalling that the filling operation should be terminated. If the incoming flow is not terminated, the continued rise of the level of fuel in the tank will in time actuate a second float controlled valve to completely close the fuel inlet passage. The incoming fuel is supplied from a delivery truck tank, fuel flowing gravitationally from the truck tank through an operable shutoff valve on the tank, a delivery hose and a drop tube into the underground tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo J. LeBlanc, Bruce R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5095933
    Abstract: An expandable float assembly is insertable through the lower valve bore in an accumulator or a hole in a tank. The assembly includes a sleeve member and a plurality of floatable arm members. The floatable arm members may be folded to a position substantially parallel to the sleeve members for insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank. After insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank the floatable arm members are deployed to a position substantially perpendicular to the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Ingo Olejak
  • Patent number: 5095937
    Abstract: A two stage float actuated shutoff valve for use in underground fuel storage tanks having a co-axial vapor recovery system utilizes a drop tube co-axially mounted within the storage tank fill pipe. Fuel flowing into the tank is passed through the drop tube which projects downwardly into the interior of the tank to a valve housing located at the lower end of the drop tube. Tubular floats slidably mounted on the drop tube within the tank independently operate pivoted flapper valves to a closed position within the valve housing, a lower float closing one valve flapper to block a major portion of the incoming fuel flow passage when the level of fuel in the storage tank reaches a predetermined first level and a second upper float closing a second flapper to completely close the flow passage when the level of fuel rises to a predetermined level about the first level. A float actuated locking arrangement for preventing inadvertent premature closing of either valve flapper is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo J. LeBlanc, Bruce R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5070548
    Abstract: A buoyant block of rigid material is positioned beneath the float of a water supply valve in the toilet tank of a flush toilet so as to maintain the float a predetermined level above the surface of water in the tank. The float determines the level to which the tank is refilled following flushing of the toilet. Consequently, after flushing, the tank is refilled to a lower level than it otherwise would be if the block were removed, and at the next flush a lesser quantity of water is discharged from the tank to the toilet bowl for conserving the amount of water used by the flush toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Beverley M. Huhnke
  • Patent number: 5033519
    Abstract: A float actuated valve for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid into a storage tank when the tank is filled to a predetermined level includes a pair of shutter plates movable transversely across the flow passage from an open position wherein the plates are retracted clear of opposite sides of the passage and a fully closed position in which the plates project into and cooperatively block the passage. A spring biased rotary trip plate underlying the shutter plates controls actuation of the shutter plates and may be held by first and second detents in rotative positions locating the shutter plates in the fully closed or a partially closed position. A lower float located within the tank releases the first detent to cause the trip plate to drive the shutter plates from the fully closed to the partially closed position when the level of fluid in the tank rises to a first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick E. Puffer, Leo J. LeBlanc, Robert P. Whitney, Elmer P. Klop
  • Patent number: 5027870
    Abstract: A float chamber located in generally parallel, laterally spaced relationship to the main liquid flow passageway contains superimposed floats that move along a substantially linear path of travel. The floats cooperate with other control components to effect closure of a main valve assembly when the liquid level adjacent the mechanism reaches a preselected first elevation, and to close a bleed valve assembly when the liquid level reaches a second, higher elevation. The main valve assembly includes a movable plate valve that is spring biased toward an open position and that is biased toward a closed position by the force of liquid adjacent thereto and upstream therefrom. A latch and associated catch prevent movement of the valve plate to its closed position until such time as the liquid level reaches the first elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 5010915
    Abstract: A shut off valve assembly for preventing overfilling of an underground fuel storage tank or other storage tanks where the incoming flow is not metered, utilizes a two stage valve closure, the first stage closure signaling the tank is nearly filled to capacity and the second stage closure subsequently completely stopping flow into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Robert Whitney
  • Patent number: 4993086
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off for a flush tank having a liquid replenishment valve is connected to the liquid replenishment valve for moving the valve to a closed position if liquid level in the tank has not reached a predetermined height within a predetermined time after the tank has been flushed. Broadly speaking, the emergency shut-off comprises a container, a buoy, and a valve connection mechanism. The container extends downward in the tank from at least the predetermined height and includes a valve for allowing liquid in the tank to enter the container and for allowing liquid within the container to egress into the tank at a predetermined rate. The buoy in the container raises and lowers with the liquid level in the container and contacts the valve connection mechanism when the liquid in the container is at a predetermined shut-off height. The valve connection mechanism is connected to the valve for closing the valve in response to contact by the buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Willice C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4838303
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor connects a buoyancy device in a vessel to an end of one member of a two piece mechanical linkage projecting through a flexible pressure sealed opening in the closed end of the sensor body with the outer ends of the two members overlapping and connected by a pivot point. The second member is rigidly secured to a sensor body and defines a fluid pressure receiving passage which connects with a diametrically disposed bore within which a poppet valve is mounted. The poppet valve normally prevents the flow of pressure through the diametrical bore and outward through a radial outlet in the sensor body to actuate an alarm. Upon a deviation of the liquid level in the vessel from the desired level, the buoyancy device produces vertical pivotal movement of the one member of the two piece mechanical linkage which forces the poppet valve to a position permitting pressured fluid to flow therethrough and to energize an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Kip B. Goans
  • Patent number: 4802592
    Abstract: The floating skimmer has a body fitted with a floating weir and with a suction outlet in its base for connection to a suction hose. A float is provided to keep the body afloat. The float is hinged to a wall of the body. A scuttle valve is provided in a wall of the body and is connected to the float. If the body should rise in the water, the float drops and opens the scuttle valve to admit water to the body and scuttle it so that it sinks to its former level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Fahet NV
    Inventor: Allistair P. Wessels
  • Patent number: 4714088
    Abstract: A water saving float for a water tank which includes a connector that connects the float to the cut-off rod. The float is adjustable for different settings so that the water height in the tank may be controlled. The adjusting device is out of the water so the hands do not get wet during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: James M. Ivins
  • Patent number: 4655244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Soo H. Park
  • Patent number: 4607399
    Abstract: A pool water regulator has two vertical pipes which indicate the pool water level. Each pipe has a floating element disposed therein, and each float element has a switch secured to a distal end protruding from the vertical pipes. Brackets are mounted adjacent the switches so that as the float elements rise and fall, the switches are turned ON and OFF thereby activating either pool draining or pool filling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Trayan Yovanofski
  • Patent number: 4605038
    Abstract: A liquid level control device for monitoring the level of water in a steam generating tank between predetermined upper, intermediate, and lower levels, with the tank equipped with a valve for introducing water into the tank and heat energy valve means to generate steam to the water, comprising: a glass gauge tube adapted to be vertically mounted exteriorally of the tank; a top and bottom cover covering the ends of the glass gauge tube, with a bottom cover including an opening for communicating with a liquid in the tank and the top cover including an opening for communicating with steam generated in the tank; upper and lower magnetic float means mounted co-axially within the glass gauge tubes; the upper magnetic float means including means to activate the valve when the water is the region of the predetermined intermediate level so as to introduce water into the tank until the water is in the region of the predetermined upper level, and to deactivate the valve and stop the introduction of water when the water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Garland Commercial Ranges Limited
    Inventor: John K. Tchitdjian
  • Patent number: 4551153
    Abstract: A fuel vapor generator capable of being incorporated within a carburetor having a housing defining a chamber at the bottom thereof. An input line is attached to the lower portion of the housing for introducing a liquid fuel into the chamber and a return line is also attached to the lower portion of the housing for removing any excess liquid from the chamber and returning the excess liquid to the chamber. Located within the chamber is a level regulating system which, by being operably connected to both the inlet and removal lines is capable of regulating the liquid level within the chamber. In addition, an atomizer is located within the chamber in order to spray the liquid fuel in mist form into the upper portion of the housing for vaporization thereof prior to introduction into the Venturi tube of a carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Inventor: Vann Y. Won
  • Patent number: 4524794
    Abstract: For use at the apex of a pipe line adapted for air and water flow, there is a housing extending along a vertical axis and having an axial, bottom opening surrounded by a bottom valve seat and affording communication between the interior of the line and the interior of the housing. A similar axial, top opening surrounded by a top valve seat affords communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the housing. A first ball valve in the bottom portion of the housing can move onto and off of the bottom valve seat to control flow through the bottom opening. A second ball valve in the top portion of the housing can move onto and off of the top valve seat to control flow through the top opening. There are stops to limit the motion of the ball valves away from their respective valve seats. Also, there is a lever pivoted on the housing and extending into the pipe line for movement by liquid flow therein. The lever can dislodge the bottom ball valve from a position on the bottom valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventor: Frederick K. Haines
  • Patent number: 4488582
    Abstract: A fluid mixer arrangement such as for mixing fluid concentrates with water to produce a mixture available on a demand basis. One embodiment includes two such mixing arrangements particularly suited to semiautomatically provide separate fixer and developer fluid mixtures for film development. In each mixer arrangement, bottles of liquid chemicals are positioned in inverted fashion above a tank with hydraulically operated piercing knives located to pierce the caps of the bottles to replenish the chemical mixture in the tank. When the mixture of fluid in the tank reaches a certain minimum level, a secondary float permits a valve to open, coupling pressurized tap water to cylinders to activate the piercing knives and also to permit water flow into the tank. A primary float closes the valve when the fluid mixture in the tank reaches its desired high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: William F. Schilling
  • Patent number: 4324506
    Abstract: A self-regulating tide gate is installed on a conduit connecting an open body of water with a protected body of water. The tide gate comprises a mounting plate secured to the conduit at its end in the open body of water, the mounting plate defining an opening into the conduit. A door has its upper edge pivotally mounted at the top of the conduit, a door float is mounted to the door on its edge opposite the hinged edge and counterfloats are mounted to counterfloat arms extending from the door across the pivot axis thereof. When the water is below a critical level at which it is desired that the door close, the door float maintains the lower edge of the door on the surface of the water, thereby maintaining the door open and blocking debris from jamming the mouth of the conduit. As the water level rises, it acts on the counterfloat to pivot the door towards its closed position, whereafter the door is caught in the flow of water entering the conduit and rapidly pivoted to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Inventor: Thomas J. Steinke
  • Patent number: 4301824
    Abstract: In a fluid circulation system of the type having a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to an apparatus requiring a supply of pressurized fluid, a sump containing a volume of fluid from which the pump draws its supply, and an overage fluid return line, a sump level maintenance system including a remote fluid reservoir disposed above the sump, a housing in communication with the fluid in the sump and defining a pair of ports in communication with respective ones of the reservoir and the overage return passage, a float structure operative to open both ports when the sump level is below a low level and to close the port to the reservoir to prevent replenishment when the sump level is between the low level and a high level and to close both ports when the sump level is above the high level to prevent overage fluid from returning to the sump, and a fluid conduit from the overage passage to the reservoir operative to divert overage to the reservoir when the second port is closed thereby depleting the fluid volume i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Payne
  • Patent number: 4291720
    Abstract: A pressure controlled emulsion storage receiver for use in an emulsifying system. The receiver comprises an inlet for receiving emulsion, and an outlet for delivering pressurized emulsion from the receiver. A fluid inlet is provided for feeding into the receiver pressurized fluid from a source. A level control is also provided to maintain a quantity of emulsion in the receiver between predetermined limits. The arrangement also provides for the maintenance of a predetermined fluid pressure in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Folland Corporation
    Inventor: Roy E. Folland
  • Patent number: 4278105
    Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer utilizes an array of float elements of syntactic foam material. The float elements are sequentially inserted into the pressure vessel which forms the accumulator proper, and are then manipulated from the exterior of the vessel to be interlocked into a float array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Koomey, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Koomey
  • Patent number: 4266304
    Abstract: A water-saving device for use in flush toilets including a water tank in which the water level is held at a predetermined level by a float valve controlled by a ball float, said water-saving device comprising a bouyant unitary member comprised of a tapered portion and a side portion integral with projecting laterally from one side of said tapered portion, said taper portion and side portion jointly forming a concave section for receipt of said ball float, the length of said concave section being over half but less than the entire length of said ball float, means for attaching said device to said ball float and means extending peripherally around said side portion for receipt of said attaching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Inventors: Edward L. Kohrn, Seymour Globus
  • Patent number: 4266582
    Abstract: A limiter for the filling of a tank with any liquid, comprising a hydraulic valve provided with a monitoring obturator connected to a first arm with a first float included in an arm-control assembly of which a second arm with a second float cooperates with said first arm through a stop and pawl arrangement, the position of the first arm controlling said obturator, the latter comprising a diaphragm acting as well under an impulse from said first arm as by a permanent action. The limiter provides for safe filling of a tank between predetermined levels without any water-hammer and overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Petit & Cie
    Inventor: Andre Sergent
  • Patent number: 4235827
    Abstract: This invention discloses a carburetor comprising a gasoline conduit to the float housing and a main nozzle disposed in the fuel passage, the spray nozzle being arranged in the mixing chamber in the region of the air funnel of the intake pipe, wherein a float needle is provided for idling and a further float needle for operation, the two needles closing at different levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Inventor: Theo Gopel
  • Patent number: 4193417
    Abstract: A fluid check valve device for use with a gas precharged fluid storage tank comprising a valve body including a float chamber having an upper and lower check valve assembly formed at opposite ends thereof wherein the lower check valve assembly comprises a lower float member movable between a sealed and unsealed position and a lower valve seat and the upper check valve assembly comprises an upper float member movable between a sealed and unsealed position with a first and second upper valve seat together with antivortex flow apertures formed in the lower portion of the lower float chamber immediately above the lower valve seat and a plurality of float control apertures formed on the mid-portion of the float chamber such that as the gas precharged fluid storage tank is filled with fluid the lower float member is unseated from the lower valve seat permitting the gas precharged fluid storage tank and lower float chamber to be filled through the antivortex flow apertures and wherein the upper float member is moved
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Inventors: George F. Bowman, Kenneth A. Prescher
  • Patent number: 4186765
    Abstract: A main valve diaphragm closes the liquid inlet to the tank when the latter is full because ballast members associated with a pilot valve have their gravitational effects negated as a result of liquid in the tank being above or at substantially the same level as such members, thereby allowing the buoyancy of a float to maintain the pilot valve closed. On the other hand, when the liquid in the tank drops to a predetermined level, the ballast members become effective to gravitationally operate the pilot valve which in turn releases hydraulic pressure in a chamber above the diaphragm that otherwise keeps the diaphragm seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Robert V. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4175296
    Abstract: For use in a toilet flush tank having a flush discharge opening at the bottom which is normally closed by a discharge valve having an air chamber therein, an attachment including an air passage for venting the air chamber and a water level responsive valve normally closing the air passage when the water within the tank is above a predetermined height and for venting the air chamber when the water in the tank falls to a predetermined level, so that when the discharge valve is lifted and buoyed by the air within the chamber thereof during the discharge of water from the tank, the discharge valve will be permitted to reseat as soon as the float controlled valve vents the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Harley R. Goldman
  • Patent number: 4151859
    Abstract: The throttle shaft for the controlled discharge of dammed-up water, especially for the controlled flow of sewage and waste water to sewage-processing units, comprises a housing formed with an inlet and an outlet for a float-controlled throttle flap at the inlet regulating the flow of water into the housing in response to the water level therein. According to the disclosure, the housing is provided with a throttle channel for the water which communicates with the outlet and is provided with an adjustable shutter shiftable between a fully closed and a fully open position to vary the flow cross section of this channel or passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Oswald Schulze GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Walter Jakobi
  • Patent number: 4103700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the density of a flowing fluid and controlling the flow thereof. The apparatus comprises at least one vertical tube, having an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top for establishing a fluid flow through the tube. A movable member, having a weight to volume ratio substantially equal to the density of the fluid, is disposed to move freely in the tube between the inlet and outlet, and adapted to close either the inlet or outlet when the density deviates substantially from said ratio. Closing of the inlet or outlet is used to stop the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Leonard Orrell, John Whittle
  • Patent number: 4096879
    Abstract: A rate of flow regulator comprising upper and lower fluid chambers, the upper chamber having a double acting float valve to maintain a predetermined level of fluid therein, vent means venting each chamber to atmosphere, and metering means for regulating fluid flow to the lower chamber, the height of said upper chamber being adjustable relative to said metering means to change the fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: International Biomedical Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Ricardo Serur, Herbert Heinz Loeffler
  • Patent number: 4095614
    Abstract: A system for controlling liquid flow from an inlet into a tank comprising a normally closed poppet valve controlled by dual pressure chambers each containing a diaphragm movable by the pressure of the liquid in the inlet to cause the valve to close. Pressure against the diaphragms is relieved by bleed passages extending from the chambers which are closed by dual solenoid operated closing mechanisms. Actuation of either one or both of the mechanisms can open the bleed passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Frank E. Marmon
  • Patent number: 4057076
    Abstract: A valve connects a waste water producing unit to a vacuum sewer. The valve comprises a collecting chamber receiving waste water, a closing member a connection between the collecting chamber and the vacuum sewer, a pressure controlled operating device for moving the closing member, a float moved by liquid level variations in the collecting chamber, and a pilot valve. The operating device of the closing member is controlled by the latter and the latter is controlled by the float. The operating device is constantly in connection with the vacuum system of the vacuum sewer and is influenced by the pilot valve so that the vacuum in the operating device is either increased or decreased to obtain a pressure difference in the operating device which pressure difference causes the valve opening movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Inventors: Martti Varis, Krister Nordberg
  • Patent number: 4015621
    Abstract: A system to maintain the pressure within a pressurized container within dgn limits and to vent undesirable fluids to the ambient atmosphere. A float floats near the top of the container on the surface of oil supplied to the container by a pressure compensator and is seated to seal an opening as long as the oil level remains above a given level. Sufficient displacement of the oil by gases generated within the container will unseat the float to allow the venting of such gases to the ambient atmosphere. Another opening is also located in the top of the container and is sealed by a weighted lid. If the pressure in the container exceeds the local ambient atmospheric pressure by an amount that would otherwise rupture the container, the lid will be forced open to allow the relief of the excess pressure. When seated, another float seals an opening located in the bottom of the container. This float will float on atmospheric fluid which accumulates in the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Darryl E. Laxo
  • Patent number: 3989043
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for regulating the flow of solution from a fluid reservoir to the vein of a patient. All of the embodiments of the present invention include a first fluid chamber having an inlet and a discharge port and means disposed within a first fluid chamber for maintaining the level of solution therein between upper and lower levels. In all of the embodiments of the present invention, an upper and lower valve seat is provided within the first chamber which interacts with a float or floats contained therein to from two valve mechanisms which maintain a constant rate of flow of solution independent of the initial height or variations in height of solution contained within the reservoir during its depletion. In two of the embodiments of the present invention, a second fluid chamber is coupled to the first fluid chamber by means of a drip chamber which permits the visual counting of the rate of flow of solution from the first chamber to the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Inventor: John Dimeff