Liquid Level Responsive Or Maintaining Systems Patents (Class 137/386)
  • Patent number: 4161188
    Abstract: A jet type liquid level sensor and its combination with a fluid pressure operated valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the sensor at predetermined liquid levels within a tank in which the sensor and valve are installed. The sensor is designed for installation such that the jet stream issuing from a nozzle thereon travels horizontally to a receiving orifice which transmits the velocity head of the jet stream to an actuator for holding the valve open until such time that the jet stream is diffused by rising level of liquid in the tank. The nozzle has a shroud surrounding the jet stream and a pickup tube that extends a substantial distance below the nozzle. The pickup tube delivers liquid to the shroud for diffusing the jet stream when the liquid level is falling from the predetermined high shutoff level to the predetermined low reopening level corresponding to the position of the lower end of the tube at which point the jet stream is re-established for opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 4153071
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively distributing liquid flow to at least two separate outlet conduits includes a tank for receiving liquid and at least two tubular members having bellows-like sections mounted in the tank in flow communication with the associated outlet conduits. Actuator devices are connected for selectively compressing or extending the bellows-like sections to determine the elevations of the mouths of the tubular members within, or above, the liquid in the tank to thereby control the flow through the outlet conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: Envirotech Corporation
    Inventors: Brent C. Black, P. Larry Hill
  • Patent number: 4140245
    Abstract: A recirculating carbonator and beverage dispenser requires only one pump. The system's function can be enhanced by the use of a two position spool valve having a fresh water inlet port, a carbonated water inlet port, and a fluid outlet port commonly connected with a central bore. A spool member is slidably disposed within the bore to selectively interrupt fluid communication between the carbonated water inlet port and the liquid outlet port during the presence of a low water signal generated by a level sensing device within the system's carbonation tank. During the interruption, fresh make-up water is added to the system. The level sensing device includes a body with a longitudinal bore therethrough, an inlet for the constantly flowing fluid, and a venturi tube depending from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Alco Foodservice Equipment Company
    Inventor: Herman B. Castillo
  • Patent number: 4134022
    Abstract: A level sensing apparatus is disclosed having a source for supplying a signal having a predetermined frequency, a level sensor connected to the source and having an output for supplying an output signal having the predetermined frequency as long as the material, the level of which is being sensed, is not at a predetermined level, a frequency sensitive circuit for receiving the output signal from the level sensor and for providing an output whenever the frequency of the signal is above or below the predetermined frequency, and a load which is connected to be responsive to the output from the frequency sensitive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 4117684
    Abstract: A method is provided for preventing the accidental discharge of hydrocarbon from an underground storage cavern by the use of a pressure-sensing element connected in a brine discharge tube near or above the ground with the pressure-sensing element being operable for providing a signal which is proportional to the pressure in the tubing. The signal is transmitted to a valve which closes when a predetermined pressure level is obtained, thereby preventing further flow of liquid through the discharge tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Hurshel V. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 4106671
    Abstract: An automatically controlled liquid dispensing system including a reagent dispenser adapted to function as an intermediate container for dispensing relatively small controlled volumes of liquid to an associated receiving system in a continuous "demand" mode, this dispenser being indirectly monitored to be automatically and continually replenished after liquid is withdrawn therefrom, using a simple photoelectric liquid level monitor system including a fail-safe overflow control arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Davy Sharples
  • Patent number: 4080985
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a float, slideably confined within a tube and buoyantly positioned therealong as determined by the level of the water confined within a container such as a bathtub, swimming pool or the like. The float, upon reaching an upper position, closes a set of stationary contacts, which in turn, completes a series electrical circuit including an alarm bell and battery. Simultaneously with the closing of the contacts, an electrically operated solenoid valve, disposed in series with a pipe communicating to a water source used to fill the container, closes so as to halt any further increase in the water level within the container. Altering the length of the float, or varying the positioning of the contacts relative to the mouth of the container, adjusts the maximum level of water that may be disposed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Inventor: John Eagle
  • Patent number: 4075912
    Abstract: A multiratio powershift transmission having automatic speed and torque demand responsive shift controls providing a normal shift program when the sump oil level is in the normal operating range. When the sump oil level is in an abnormal operating range, either lower or higher than the normal operating range, a sump oil level responsive control acts on the shift controls to provide an abnormal shift program preventing drive in the highest gear ratio and providing normal operation in the other gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4047655
    Abstract: A pressured gas in a control chamber is used to repetitively change the levels of liquid in a container up and down between two levels and holding at the two levels for predetermined time intervals to permit a function, such as a plurality of soldering operations, to be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventor: Gerald P. McCafferty
  • Patent number: 4036023
    Abstract: A flood control system for a dam provides for measuring the actual water level of the dam and for calculating the deviation value between a set reference water level and the actual water level. Proportional-position control over the gate angle is then performed in response to the calculated water deviation level and means is provided for determining the outflow of water to be discharged from the dam in response to the value obtained by this control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Matsumoto, Junichi Hatakeyama, Masaharu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 4030521
    Abstract: A method for use in surface treatment systems for maintaining a desired fluid level in the process and rinse tanks. The invention uses a dryrunning-safe pump, inserted in the tank. An overflow for the tank serves as an intake leading to the suction side of this pump. The pressure side of the pump is connected to an outlet outside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Assignee: Nordnero AB
    Inventor: Tom Orvar Bjorn Karlsson
  • Patent number: 4024887
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic valving system for shutting off liquid flow into a container when the level of liquid within the container is above a predetermined level, and for permitting liquid flow when the liquid is below the predetermined level. A liquid is positioned within the container at the predetermined level, and a pressure responsive shutoff valve is fluidly connected in series between a source of liquid under pressure and the interior of the container. The shutoff valve has communication with the fluid sensor and is operative to shut off liquid flow into the container in response to a pressure variation received from the sensor upon the level of liquid within the container rising above the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Assignee: Vought Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. McGregor
  • Patent number: 4015366
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: Advanced Decision Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur D. Hall, III
  • Patent number: 4006762
    Abstract: A system for controlling the liquid level in a tank such as a fuel tank. The system includes a main inlet valve and a jet level sensor mechanism. Redundant relay valves which are fluid-pressure responsive are interconnected between the inlet valve and the jet level sensor to cause the inlet valve to shut off when the fluid within the tank reaches a pre-determined level. The inlet of the jet level sensor is connected through a pair of shut-off valves to the inlet valve to thus provide a source of liquid to flow through the jet level sensor. The shut-off valves are connected to be responsive to an over pressure condition which might exist in the tank which is being filled or an over pressure condition at the inlet resultant from excessive fluid pressure at the source thereof.The liquid level control system is modularized by providing a plurality of plate members formed of molded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1977
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Everett H. Badger
  • Patent number: 3946753
    Abstract: A brine system to manufacture brine for the regeneration of ion exchange material including a brine well positioned within a brine drum. A vertically adjustable air chamber activates a diaphragm and control arm assembly which in turn controls inlet shut-off valves associated with the brine well when the water level within the drum reaches a predetermined level. The control arm has a unique cam arrangement associated therewith which prevents premature shut-off of the valves. Water enters and is withdrawn from the brine well through a down tube having a vertically adjustable lower end extending down into the brine well to a predetermined level and an upper end in communication with the shut-off valves through a series of passageways and chambers. A floating disc seal is provided within one of these chambers to shut-off the air entering the chamber after the brine is drawn down to a level below the lower end of the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1976
    Assignee: Ecodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Tischler
  • Patent number: 3930423
    Abstract: A power shift transmission having a fluid pressure control system having an intake screen and level control located centrally in the bottom of the sump and a pump and regulator valve supplying pressure to the shift control system and to a sump oil level control. The sump oil level control has a small float controlling a relay valve to control an oil level control valve connecting an elevated oil reservoir for gravity feed to fill the sump and pressure return to the reservoir to dump the sump. When the transmission input and pump is not driven, there is no pressure in the chambers at opposite ends of the differential land area level valve and balanced springs hold the level valve in a central closed position blocking flow to and from the reservoir, to the sump and from the pressure line so the oil level control is inoperative. When the transmission input is driven, a small flow of line pressure is supplied through an inlet restriction to each chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1976
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James T. Craig