Pivoted Valve Patents (Class 137/448)
  • Patent number: 5899227
    Abstract: In a fuel storage tank having a fill pipe arranged to discharge within the tank below the normal liquid level in the tank, an air transfer valve is mounted within the fill pipe above the normal maximum liquid level, the valve being normally closed and having an outlet communicating with the head space in the tank and an inlet directed away from the direction of fluid flow in the fill pipe. An operating mechanism within the valve opens the valve in response to increased pressure in the fill pipe arising from air or vapour carried by fuel flowing in the pipe. The air transfer valve is preferably attached to the inside of the fuel pipe just above the normal maximum liquid level. The operating device within the air transfer valve may be a valve which is normally held in its closed position by gravity or a light spring closure force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: W&J Risbridger Limited
    Inventor: Graham M. Stuart
  • Patent number: 5894858
    Abstract: There is described a device for shutting off the feed or discharge pipe (1) of a mobility separator, comprising a shutting flap (3) which in dependence on the position of a float (2) can be swivelled from an open position into a closed position about a rotational axis (5) extending transverse to the pipe axis. To create advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed to provide the feed or discharge pipe (1) with a sealing (6) at the end face for the shutting flap (3) pivotally mounted with a radial distance with respect to the feed or discharge pipe (1), where the housing (4) of said shutting flap axially adjoining the feed or discharge pipe (1) constitutes a discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Johann Schlusselbauer
  • Patent number: 5839465
    Abstract: An above-ground tank auto-limiter is provided for preventing the overflow of fluid in storage tanks. The auto-limiter includes a valve assembly insertible downward through the top of a fill pipe of the fuel storage tank. The valve assembly has a cylindrical valve housing providing a fluid flow passage directing fuel downward into the storage tank under pressure. A hollow cylindrical float is provided in the valve assembly and is coaxially mounted along the outside surface of the valve housing leading into the storage tank. The float moves vertically to slide freely along the lower portion of the valve housing with the fluctuation of the fuel level within the tank. A series of linkage assemblies communicate the cylindrical float to valve doors. The valve doors prevent any fluid flow from passing through the fluid flow passageway when the doors are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Phillips, Rick E. Puffer, James F. Biesecker
  • Patent number: 5755257
    Abstract: A retention gate (20) is pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft (22) mounted near the gate's upper edge and is located behind the overflow sill (14) of a storage drainage opening (12), said retention gate in its closed position being in sealing contact by its lower edge (30) with the overflow sill and furthermore being loaded by a counterweight (42) mounted on the outflow side at a distance from the pivot shaft (22), said counterweight generating the closing force required against the inflow side pressure. The retention gate (20) when in its closed position runs from its lower edge in the downstream direction at an average slope of 20.degree.-60 .degree. relative to the vertical, and the counterweight (42) rigidly affixed to it is guided in such manner that it generates in each gate position a closing torque that approximately matches the torque generated by the amount of drained water required to keep constant the level (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: BGU Baugesellschaft fur Umweltschutzanlagen mbH
    Inventors: Werner Feucht, Hans-Dieter Loebig, Bernd Grieser
  • Patent number: 5655565
    Abstract: An above-ground tank auto-limiter is provided for preventing the overflow of fluid in storage tanks. The auto-limiter includes a valve assembly insertible downward through the top of a fill pipe of the fuel storage tank. The valve assembly has a cylindrical valve housing providing a fluid flow passage directing fuel downward into the storage tank under pressure. A hollow cylindrical float is provided in the valve assembly and is coaxially mounted along the outside surface of the valve housing leading into the storage tank. The float moves vertically to slide freely along the lower portion of the valve housing with the fluctuation of the fuel level within the tank. A series of linkage assemblies communicate the cylindrical float to valve doors. The valve doors prevent any fluid flow from passing through the fluid flow passageway when the doors are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Phillips, Rick E. Puffer, James F. Biesecker
  • Patent number: 5573031
    Abstract: An air bleed valve has a movable float in a valve housing and a lever system with a valve plate to open and close an outlet. The valve plate acts with an energy accumulator. The lever system imparts to the valve plate a tipping motion which opens or closes the outlet in a continuous cycle. The lever system has a slide lever supporting the valve plate at one end. The lever other end is guided in a guide in the float. One projection faces the outlet and forms a pivot about which the valve plate can be tipped. This provides a compact air bleed valve which operates reliably and can safely be used for both higher pressures and for lower-density media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: HYDAC Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Mertens
  • Patent number: 5553636
    Abstract: For use with a watering trough fill control valve having float structure located to rise as water is filled into the trough via the valve, and to effect closing of the valve when the trough is filled to predetermined extent, the float structure located to fall as water level lowers in the trough, the float structure controlling a water inlet subject to freezing in closed position in winter, comprising an apparatus operatively connectible with the float structure for biasing the structure, so that it cannot completely close off ingress of water at the inlet as ambient temperature drops below water freezing level; the apparatus including a bimetallic control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
    Inventors: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III, Herbert W. Hoeptner, Jr., Rahl E. Hoeptner
  • Patent number: 5533545
    Abstract: This invention involves a liquid drain system with liquid entrance and exit components to be used in or with compressed air systems. The system has a reservoir to hold accumulated liquid and a float in the reservoir that will be movable with the liquid level in the reservoir. So that liquid flows out of the system an air entrance and air exit is provided. The air entrance and air exit is controlled by magnetic and metallic components. When the float is in a lower position in the reservoir, the metallic component is in a closed position. When the float is in an upward position, the metallic component opens the flow passages to permit the liquid to exit the reservoir. An air inlet to the reservoir is provided to cause pressure to allow the liquid to flow out through an exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Air System Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry P. Robinson
  • 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: 5462075
    Abstract: The method relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of a liquid. In a well (10) having at least one inlet (11) and one outlet (12) the areas of said inlet (11) is adjusted in dependence on the liquid level in said well (10) by a floating body (13) controlled by said level. Said well is provided with an inlet tube (15) ended by said inlet (11), and at least one outlet (12), a floating body (13) arranged movable in a vertical direction in said well (10), and a slide (14) arranged in said well (10) in front of said outlet (12), said inlet tube (15) and said slide (14) being movable in relation to each other in dependence of a movement of said floating body (13) so as to close adjustably by said slide said inlet (11) of said inlet tube (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Mats Persson
  • Patent number: 5419359
    Abstract: A valve device for use with a drain provided with a pipe having an entrance for collecting liquid leading to a P-trap beneath the entrance. The device comprising an open vessel, in use positioned at the entrance of the pipe, having walls and a floor defining an internal chamber, the floor having an opening for permitting liquid collected in the chamber to pass into the pipe. The device is provided with a valve arranged to seat in the opening from below and is movable between a closed position sealing the opening against gas and liquid flow from the pipe to the chamber and an open position spaced from the opening beneath the floor. A float is positioned in the internal chamber and a linkage transfers buoyancy force exerted on the float by liquid collected in the chamber to the valve to cause the valve to move from the closed position to the open position when the liquid exceeds a certain depth in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignees: Murray A. Grant, Harold N. Westdal
    Inventor: Bouko J. Kor
  • Patent number: 5398722
    Abstract: A compact, self-contained, automatic flow control and venting apparatus for the automatic interruption of liquid flowing into a liquid storage receptacle during the refilling process is disclosed wherein a dual-chambered, offset valve mechanism is controlled by the movement of a float assembly. A bi-directional lever member linked to the float assembly is used to control the movement of the valve mechanism between its open and closed positions. The apparatus also provides for the automatic release of air or vapor from within the receptacle during the refilling process and for the automatic checking of liquid backflow through the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: P. S. Ramsey
  • 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: 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: 5241983
    Abstract: The overfill device is of the type comprising a filling tube having a vertical axis and disposed in the tank, a butterfly valve disposed in the filling tube and movable between a vertical opening position and a closing position which corresponds to a bearing of the valve on a valve seat provided in the filling tube, and a float connected to the flap valve and capable of shifting the flap valve between the opening and closing positions, and is characterized in that the valve seat is inclined relative to the vertical axis of the filling tube and the valve is mounted on a pivot pin which is disposed between ends of the valve and is eccentric relative to the vertical axis of the filling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Lafon Production S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Lagache
  • Patent number: 5186152
    Abstract: An automotive fuel system including a reservoir in a fuel tank of the vehicle and a fuel pump in the reservoir. Surplus fuel from a fuel injection system is returned to and confined in the reservoir. An inside screen is disposed between an inlet of the fuel pump and an inlet port from the fuel tank into the reservoir. The inside screen has a porous wall permeable to liquid fuel and impermeable to vapor when partially submerged in liquid fuel. An outside screen surrounds the inlet port in the fuel tank and has a porous wall permeable to liquid fuel and impermeable to vapor when partially submerged in liquid fuel. The porous wall of the inside and outside screens cooperate in sustaining suction at the fuel pump inlet when the reservoir is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Cortochiato, Sammy C. Lumetta
  • Patent number: 5168891
    Abstract: A closure member (64) is mounted at the lower end of a draw tube (14) for pivotal movement between an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). The closure member (64) includes a first side part (68) having a lower outer surface (80) which contacts an upwardly facing first valve seat (76) when the closure members (64) is in a closed position. The closure member (64) includes a second side part (70) which extends laterally outwardly from the pivot axis (66). Side part (70) includes an upper outer surface (82) which contacts a second valve seat (78) when the closure member (64) is in a closed position. A first part (88) of a float arm (94) is connected to the second part (70) of the closure member (64). Float arm part (88) extends downwardly from side part (70) to a lower end connection (92). A coil spring (106) is interconnected between the lower end (92) of arm part (88) and the lower end (98) of arm part (96). A buoyant float body (102) is connected to the outer end of arm part (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: GT Development Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Green, John M. Morris
  • Patent number: 5163470
    Abstract: An overfill preventing device in an underground liquid storage tank is characterized in that a window for extending outwardly or accommodating a float is provided on a peripheral wall of a cylindrical sleeve, that an upper end of the float is pivotally attached to the cylindrical sleeve at a position above the window, and that a closure valve is mounted on the upper end of the float to open or close the cylindrical sleeve at a position above the window. Since the window for extending the float outwardly or accommodating the float inwardly is formed inside the cylindrical sleeve, the float can be firmly stored. When the float is extended outwardly from the cylindrical sleeve after installing the device of the present invention, the window is closed by a lid and the lid forms a part of the cylindrical sleeve so that construction of the space within the cylindrical sleeve necessary for liquid flow is minimized, whereby liquid is smoothly supplied into the underground liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Showa Kiki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sozaburo Maeshiba
  • Patent number: 5161569
    Abstract: A water supply device comprising a water stop cock controlled by a float bowl to stop or open a water discharge pipe for guiding a supply of water from an external water supply source to the water intake piping of a drinking fountain upon the using up of the water contained in the water tank of said drinking fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Tseng Chao-I
  • Patent number: 5159950
    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 hinged within the water chamber for a swinging movement between valve open and valve closed positions. A control unit engaged in the housing by means of a thread operable to retain the float in its closed position or allow the float valve swingable freely between valve open and valve closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 5152315
    Abstract: The overfill device comprises a body (6), a flap valve (7) mounted in the body, a float (8) connected by a lever (9) to the valve, a plunger tube (10) connected to the body (6) and provided with an aperture (11), characterized in that an elastically deformable closure member (13) is mounted in the plunger tube and is applicable against the inner surface parts of the tube located on each side of the aperture by the effect of its own resilience and thereby closes the aperture when the float is located outside the plunger tube. Applications in tanks storing liquid products such as hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Lafon Production S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Lagache
  • Patent number: 5141644
    Abstract: A buoyed flapper valve comprises a flapper which is capable of closing an exit of a dipleg or standpipe, which is also connected to a counterweight and a float. The float has sufficient buoyancy to as to overcome the weight of the counterweight when the valve is submerged in a bed of particulate material. The flapper valve is preferably employed as a dipleg check valve within a reactor, e.g., a riser reactor system, and can be used under a variety of operating conditions including both submerged and non-submerged operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron Research & Technology Company
    Inventor: Ralph M. Forde
  • 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: 5103859
    Abstract: A valve for use in the float chamber of a boiling water unit. The valve consists of a body of circular horizontal cross section having a vertical outer wall. The inner portion of the valve body includes a central circular cut-out seat portion to accommodate a cylindrical seal, the wall of the valve seat between the cut-out portion and the outer wall being sloped in the manner of the surface of the frustrum of a cone, the seat being positioned below a nozzle so that when the nozzle is spaced from the valve body, flow from the nozzle contacts the valve body and is deflected along said sloped outer wall to activate a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Zip Heaters (Australia) Pty Limited
    Inventors: Christopher R. Martin, Raymond D. Massey
  • 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: 5031655
    Abstract: A plate (42) is mounted to the outer flange (12) of a standpipe (10). A valve element (96) and a float (68) are mounted on the plate (42) to pivot about fixed axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2, respectively. A toggle link (90) extends between the valve element (96) and the float (68) and is connected thereto at pivot points P.sub.1, P.sub.2, respectively. When the float (68) moves into its down position in which the valve element (96) is in an open position, the float (68) passes over a center line C defined by the fixed axis A.sub.2 and the pivot point P.sub.1. This overcenter movement of the float (68) prevents the valve element (96) from moving into a closed position unless the float (68) is moved upwardly by a rising liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. Hebaus
  • Patent number: 5020567
    Abstract: A valve is installed into an underground conduit to control drainage of water through that conduit. The drainage control valve includes a perforated plate across the conduit. The latter plate is formed with a peripheral groove rectangular in cross section and a hollow tube made of flexible material is inserted into this groove to seal the joint between the plate and the inner surface of the conduit. A flap also made of flexible material is applied against the upstream surface of the plate and is formed with a peripheral edge taper whereby pressure applied on the flap by water upstream of the drainage valve forces the edge taper against the upstream plate surface to form a sealed joint between these flap and plate. The upper portion of the flap is attached to the upper portion of the plate through screw and nut assemblies. These assemblies traverse rigid washers inserted in respective holes made in the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Innotag Inc.
    Inventor: Serge L. Proulx
  • 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: 4998571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventors: Barry M. Blue, James P. Blue
  • Patent number: 4896629
    Abstract: A poultry watering valve includes a housing including a body and cap defining a recess with a valve seat at its upstream end. A unitary seal member in the chamber includes a valve member portion urged by a spring against the downstream side of the valve seat. The seal member also includes a restrictor pin extending in an inlet bore upstream from the valve seat and a shank carring an operating stem extending through the valve outlet. The cap may be detached from the body for access to the seal member and spring without removing the body from the water supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Aqua Drop Corporation
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4878518
    Abstract: A fuel delivery systems for automotive engine and like applications, which comprises a canister for positioning within a fuel tank having a lower end with a fuel opening and an internal wall spaced from such lower end dividing the canister into upper and lower fuel chambers. An electric-motor fuel pump is positioned within the upper chamber and has a fuel inlet, a primary fuel outlet for feeding high-volume fuel under pressure to an engine, and a secondary outlet for likewise supplying fuel under pressure at smaller volume than the primary outlet. A fluid conduit extends through the canister internal wall, and has an inlet end in the lower chamber and an outlet end positioned in the upper chamber. A nozzle couples the secondary pump outlet to the conduit for aspirating fuel through the conduit from the lower chamber to the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Tuckey
  • Patent number: 4872473
    Abstract: A reversible buoyant and non-buoyant flush tank valve is adapted for use in various types of flush tanks each having different selective valve operating attachments for moving the valve. The valve for use in one type of tank includes an elongated base with opposite end portions with a valve operating attachment selectivity at one end for opening and closing the valve. The other end portion of the valve is selectively attachable to the overflow pipe. The base has opposite sides with a vertically extending hollow frusto-conical cup member on one side. When the valve is used in another type of tank the opposite end portions are removed for connecting a vertical rod valve operating attachment to a first and second oppositely disposed bores to selectively position the cup member upwardly for non-buoyant operation or downwardly for buoyant operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Michael Agostino
  • Patent number: 4830040
    Abstract: A float controlled siphon discharge valve mechanism operates to drain water from a swimming pool cover, and includes a lever arm attached at one end to a hinge and having a float on the other end so that the lever is of the second or third type. A closure control is also included to sense for the presence of water immediately adjacent to the drain opening, and includes a spring loaded control arm connected to the lever arm to force the lever arm into a drain occluding position even if the float does not move that lever arm into such a position in order to ensure that the siphon is not broken even in the event that the float operation malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Ernest Eng
  • Patent number: 4796650
    Abstract: An improved structure for a float valve assembly, utilizing a resisting disc which can be urged against or open the water outlet of the valve to stop or open the water flowing passage by the interrelated movement of a float, a float rod, a moving member, a cap and the resisting disc. The flowing direction of the water in the valve, i.e. the water pressure, can help push the resisting disc in covering up the outlet so the water flow can be stopped more easily and more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Biing-Yih Hwang
  • Patent number: 4777990
    Abstract: A filling nozzle which is releasably secured to a container through which liquid can be dispensed from the container into another receptacle when the nozzle is directed downwardly in a liquid dispensing position. The nozzle contains a butterfly valve for automatically shutting off the flow of liquid from the container to the receptacle when the receptacle is substantially filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Richard L. Grant
  • Patent number: 4750515
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank having a feed port is provided with a float valve for opening and closing the same. The float valve includes a float member and a rod member having one end connected to the float member. The other end of the rod member is fitted into a valve seat, which is formed on the inner periphery of a feed pipe constituting the feed port, and is provided with a valve plug portion for opening and closing the valve seat. When the level of the liquid in the tank is lowered together with the float member, the rod member is tilted so that the valve plug portion is partially separated from the valve seat to open the feed port. When the float member is in a position at which the float member supports the rod member in a horizontal position, the valve plug portion is seated on the valve seat to close the feed port. The pressure of the supply of liquid acts on the valve plug portion to urge the valve seat portion against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: H. Ikeuchi & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fukushima, Norio Oonishi, Takeo Mizuno
  • Patent number: 4727915
    Abstract: A filling nozzle which is releasably secured to a container through which liquid can be dispensed from the container into another receptacle when the nozzle is directed downwardly in a liquid dispensing position. The nozzle contains a butterfly valve for automatically shutting off the flow of liquid from the container to the receptacle when the receptacle is substantially filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Richard L. Grant
  • Patent number: 4702271
    Abstract: The invention concerns a float-controlled flow-control devie for the outlet from a sewage system, especially a rain basin. The bearings for the pivots (7 & 8) that the float arm (4) and the shutter (2) rotate on are mounted on a displaceable structure (3). This makes it possible to vary the outflow volume to be controlled even when the device is in operation, and hence to control it remotely as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Lothar Steinhardt
    Inventor: Klaus-Ulrich Giehl
  • Patent number: 4678001
    Abstract: A device for controlling the flow through a suction pump to prevent loss of prime usable especially in narrow ditches and similar smaller areas, and consisting principally of a float controlled valve adapted to regulate the flow of fluid into the pump. The entire device is enclosed is a cylindrical casing adapted to be placed in a relatively small hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: James J. Lacey
  • Patent number: 4667711
    Abstract: An overfill valve having a saddle-shaped, flapper valve element located within an inlet pipe and a mating valve seat disposed about the inner wall of the pipe. A spring couples a weighted float to the valve element and extends generally outward from the pipe. The float moves the valve element from a normally open position to a closed position as the float is raised. A controlled drain aperture through the valve element permits standing fluid within the pipe to drain. The spring allows the float to be moved to permit the pipe to be slid down a storage tank casing. A triggering mechanism is coupled to the float and valve element so that the float shifts a triggering element into the liquid flow through the valve, and the force of liquid flow against the triggering element forces the valve element toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Roger A. Draft
  • Patent number: 4640307
    Abstract: A float valve mechanism for a cistern or tank comprising a housing (20,22) defining a closed chamber (24) having an inlet port (26) connected to an inlet pipe (16) to the cistern or tank, an outlet port (28) from the chamber having a valve seat (30) surrounding the port. A valve member (34) passes through the opening and has a valve head located within the chamber, the valve head being integrally formed, preferably from a plastic material, with a lever (38) which is pivotal about axis (42) and carries a float (54). The valve head (36) is pivotally movable an integral manner with the lever along a path passing through the outlet port (28) of the chamber. Water pressure within the chamber normally urges the valve to the closed position and the weight of the float when the water has fallen below a given level in the tank overcomes this pressure to allow water to flow from the chamber into the cistern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Roberts & Associates Water and Waste Treatment Limited
    Inventor: Charles G. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4628956
    Abstract: A float valve mechanism comprising a housing 13 defining a closed chamber 14 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 22. The chamber 14 is closed by a cap 17 threaded on to it. The valve head 32 has a conical surface 34 engaging a conical valve seat 33 and a skirt portion 30 a slightly smaller diameter than the outlet port 22 so that water flowing through the outlet is throttled as the valve nears its closed position. The valve head 32 can be formed separately, of rubber like material, and snap fitted on the valve stem 29.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Vecone Development Corporation
    Inventors: Charles G. Roberts, Philip E. Hynds
  • Patent number: 4617802
    Abstract: New and unexpected control is achieved over the ratio of food ice mix/air directed from a food ice mix container to a freezer chamber. A one-way float valve is disposed within the channel between the food mix container and the freezer chamber. Float valve apparatus is operative within the food mix container capable of automatically adjusting the size of a food mix port or aperture extending in fluid communication with the freezer chamber so that as the level of food mix in the food mix container becomes lower, the size of the food mix port becomes larger to maintain a constant flow rate of food ice mix from the food mix container into the freezer chamber. Level indicating apparatus is operatively associated with the float including a vertically movable elongated member extending above a cover on the food mix container such that when the level of the food ice mix drops, the elongated level indicator similarly drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: International Freezer Corporation
    Inventor: Armin Fiedler
  • Patent number: 4586532
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing changes in liquid level in a reservoir and adjusting flow of liquid into the reservoir to maintain the level at a selected height, the apparatus including a base member, a liquid conduit mounted on the base member, an arm hingedly mounted on the base member proximate a delivery end of the conduit, a stopper fixed to the arm and arcuately moveable into and out of engagement with the conduit delivery end, and a flotation body fixed to a free end of the arm and adapted to be engaged by the liquid in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Inventor: Ilias Tsolkas
  • Patent number: 4577657
    Abstract: A liquid level control device including reciprocating magnet shuttle valve means that is moved to control a liquid flow due to the movement of a float lever magnet, magnet means in response to a change in a selected liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Jack L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4573495
    Abstract: A ballcock assembly having an upright standpipe for delivery of flush water, a control valve assembly at the upper end of the standpipe, and a float and ballast assembly slidably mounted for up and down movement relative to the standpipe and connected to the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly operates to open the valve to flow of flush water from the standpipe assembly in response to downward movement of the float and ballast assembly. When the float assembly is caused to rise by incoming flush water from the standpipe, it ultimately causes the control valve to shut off incoming flow of flush water from the standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventors: Charles T. Rothe, Larry D. Gish
  • Patent number: 4527584
    Abstract: The condensation discharger comprises a tank (1) including a float (8) and an elastic cut-off blade (14) the blades of which being connected in such a way to the forked arm (6) of the float (8) that the discharge orifice is opened when the float is moved beyond a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Hiross International Corp., S.A.
    Inventor: Allan S. Miller
  • Patent number: 4524798
    Abstract: A safety valve for automatically stopping the flow of a fluid brought by a conduit into a reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir reaches a maximum predetermined height. This valve is of the type comprising an obturation plate pivotally mounted in a housing provided in the supply conduit proximate the outlet of the conduit, and a control device including a float mounted at the end of a rod arranged to rock the obturation plate from an open position where it allows the fluid to flow freely to a closed position where it obturates the conduit to thereby stop the flow of fluid and consequently its arrival into the reservoir when the level of the fluid has reached the predetermined maximum level aforesaid. The pivot on which the obturation plate is mounted is provided on the outside of the housing and of the supply conduit, and is preferably made up of two aligned stub axles respectively seating into two small bearings made solid with two opposed external surfaces of the housing of the obturation plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventor: Patrice Simard
  • Patent number: RE32870
    Abstract: An improved sewer relief valve which is vandal-proof and automatically opens responsive to a back flow of sewage and drain water within a plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventors: James M. Houston, Jr., John W. Baker
  • Patent number: RE33555
    Abstract: An overfill valve having a saddle-shaped, flapper valve element located within an inlet pipe and a mating valve seat disposed about the inner wall of the pipe. A spring couples a weighted float to the valve element and extends generally outward from the pipe. The float moves the valve element from a normally open position to a closed position as the float is raised. A controlled drain aperture through the valve element permits standing fluid within the pipe to drain. The spring allows the float to be moved to permit the pipe to be slid down a storage tank casing. A triggering mechanism is coupled to the float and valve element so that the float shifts a triggering element into the liquid flow through the valve, and the force of liquid flow against the triggering element forces the valve element toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Roger A. Draft