With Control Fluid Connection At Desired Liquid Level Patents (Class 137/393)
  • Patent number: 5275216
    Abstract: An add-on liquid overflow shut-off valve for a tank. The device is used to ensure that a holding tank is not overfilled and provides a fail safe way to prevent spillage when pumping into a holding tank. The device provides a warning indicator when the holding tank is near full. The device also has a fail safe switch which will turn off air to a pump when the holding tank is full and also blow a whistle to indicate the tank is full. The device uses a diaphragm which operates on a pressure differential. When the pressure is increase past a spring set point, the diaphragm raises a plate that activates a switching valve which shuts off air supply to an air pump and blows a whistle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Christopher R. Haedt
  • Patent number: 5243973
    Abstract: A metering device for a liquid anesthetic that is fed from a reservoir via a supply line into a heatable intermediate container maintained under pressure, from which gaseous anesthetic is fed via a metering valve into a fresh gas line. Accurate metering, which can be better monitored, is provided for low-boiling anesthetics. A supply unit 7 is mounted in the supply line 5, and liquid anesthetic is transported by the supply unit 7 into the intermediate container 6 until it is filled up to a predetermined filling level. A heating device 12 stabilizes the temperature of the liquid bath and ensures a sufficiently high vapor pressure of the gaseous anesthetic above the liquid phase. The anesthetic vapor is sent via the metering valve into the fresh gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Falb, Karl-Ludwig Gippert, Ulrich Heim, Uvo Holscher, Siegfried Kiske, Gotz Kullik, Ralf-Ernst Loser, Christoph Maurer
  • Patent number: 5154205
    Abstract: The water level of an above-ground swimming pool is maintained at a predetermined level by a small tank attached to the edge of the pool. The tank bottom has an aperture for a conduit to the pool through the side wall thereof, whereby the level of the water in the tank is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The pressure sensor switch is designed to open when the water level in the pool falls below a predetermined amount, and to close when the water level is restored thereto. The pressure sensor switch is activated by the level of the water in the tank, but when open delivers water from the house line directly to the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin R. Langill
  • Patent number: 5090442
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling a container to a predetermined level with liquid provided from an external liquid supply means. The apparatus includes a main valve and a main valve seat for controlling the supply of liquid to the container. A lower valve housing is provided for supporting the main valve and main valve seat. An upper cap housing is also provided which is in fluid communication between the external liquid supply means and the main valve. Together, the lower and upper housings form a manually releasably connected valve assembly which is removably insertable into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5069243
    Abstract: A liquid level valve control system includes pressure responsive means compring a first chamber containing a first diaphragm having a port for applying pressure; bleed means enabling air to pass this diaphragm; and passageway means enabling air then to pass into a further chamber also containing a diaphragm operatively linked to the valve operating apparatus; so that, when a predetermined and substantially constant pressure is applied at the port, air bleeds past the first diaphragm into the further chamber to move the diaphragm therein to activate the valve control system, but when a surge of pressure is applied at the port the first diaphragm moves to block the passageway into the further chamber, thus preventing pressure being applied to the latter's diaphragm to activate the valve control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Euro Iseki Limited
    Inventor: Brain E. Foreman
  • Patent number: 5053111
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and sequentially distilling batches of water having substantially equal volumes in a plurality of distillation cycles, one batch in each cycle. During each cycle, water is admitted to a boiler tank for a fixed interval of time to form a batch in the tank. The batch of water in the tank is then vigorously boiled while venting the tank through a pipe to the atmosphere. The vigorous boiling is terminated when the temperature within the vent pipe reaches the boiling point of pure water. Upon termination of the vigorous boiling phase, a gentle boiling phase is initiated, the vent pipe is closed, and vapor in the tank is admitted to a condenser. The condenser condenses the vapor to obtain distilled water which is collected in a collection device. The gentle boiling phase continues until the level of water in the tank recedes to the level of a heater in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: William R. Ellerbe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5048557
    Abstract: An improved apparatus used in a system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes an improved main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container. This improved main valve means includes an improved main valve, an improved main valve seat, and a main valve support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 4957147
    Abstract: Apparatus for filling drums and other containers with a lilquid product. The apparatus can be used for both subsurface and top filling operations. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored to prevent overfilling and withdrawal of the lance at an incorrect speed during a subsurface filling operation. A self closing cap is provided at the lower end of the lance, and a drip catcher is automatically moved into position beneath the lance when it is withdrawn from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Terry B. Lowe
  • Patent number: 4893364
    Abstract: A water recycling shower wherein water once used in the showering process is held in a storage tank and recycled during a portion of the showering process in place of fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Francis R. Keeler
  • Patent number: 4887635
    Abstract: A fill valve (22) for a toilet tank (10) has a probe (44). A cup member (46) is attached to the end of the probe. The cup member (46) has an inner tubular member (72) forming a chamber extension (42b) in communication with upper control chamber section (42a) in probe (44). A check valve (90) is mounted at the bottom end (60) of cup member (46). The cup member (46) provides for adjustability of fill level (41) of the tank by adaptably sliding up or down along the probe (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4793440
    Abstract: A liquid lubricant sump level management system which includes a scavenge pump circuit communicating with the lubricant sump. A centrifugal deaerator is provided in the circuit. A liquid reservoir is in liquid communication with the deaerator. A sensor is operatively associated with the deaerator for sensing the liquid level condition in the deaerator, and providing for passage of liquid from the deaerator to the reservoir in response to a high liquid level condition and for passage of liquid from the reservoir to the deaerator in response to a low liquid level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Walter J. Iseman
  • Patent number: 4790349
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from the fuel tank having a filler neck during refueling. The apparatus includes a passage for conducting fuel vapor between the fuel tank and a distal portion of the filler neck and a valve for selectively blocking flow of fuel vapor through the conducting means. The valve is operable between a flow-blocking position and a flow-delivery position. A spring yieldably biases the blocking means away from its flow-blocking position to a flow-delivery position. An assembly defining a venting control chamber in communication with the valve is provided for using liquid fuel in the fuel tank to develop a pressure head in the venting control chamber having a magnitude in excess of a predetermined threshold level to exert a closing force on the valve in opposition to the spring so that the valve is moved to its flow-blocking position, thereby preventing discharge of pressurized fuel vapor in the tank to the filler neck through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4662391
    Abstract: A flow splitter for liquid-vapor mixtures wherein a reservoir has an inlet at a top end and a drain at a bottom end of a vertical axis, and also has a plurality of outlets in a level plane perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each inlet is connected by an equally sized aperture in a sidewall of the reservoir to a central cavity of the reservoir in which the liquid collects. When the liquid accumulates to the point that it reaches the lower edge of each aperture, the liquid divides equally among the apertures to become re-entrained with a substantially equal portion of the vapor passing through each outlet. The liquid may be removed through the drain to control the proportion of liquid in the split mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Susan M. Tolley
  • Patent number: 4622991
    Abstract: For detecting small level changes in an aquarium, there is proposed a sensor which, in the operable condition, comprises a substantially enclosed sensor container (18), into which aquarium water can be sucked from the surface via an overflow edge (56) and from the aquarium interior via a suction port (46) with a downstream overflow tube (52). The sucking of the water over these two paths is effected by a circulating pump (26) of the aquarium filter system via an outlet port (32) of the sensor container (18). The liquid level in the sensor container is monitored by a level sensor (64). The upper edge of the overflow tube (52) is located beneath the overflow edge of the container wall by a specified distance. If water losses from the aquarium arise, the water surface in the sensor container drops to a considerably greater extent than the water surface in the aquarium external chamber does.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Inventor: Norbert Tunze
  • Patent number: 4607658
    Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the water level in a basin, such as a bathtub. Air pressure in a tube is used to halt water flow into the basin when a desired water level is reached. Various water levels can be selected by opening pressure relief openings in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventors: Gerald M. Fraser, Marcel J. Champigny
  • Patent number: 4605037
    Abstract: A liquid overfill protection system uses an arrangement for delivering a fluid, such as air, to first and second outlets with a pressure difference that is indicative of the extent to which the tank has been filled with liquid. The system includes a control arrangement for closing a valve when the difference in fluid pressure between the first and second outlets exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, liquid flow into the tank may be blocked when the tank has been filled to a desired extent. In a preferred embodiment, a diaphragm mounted in the valve assembly is used to trigger release of the valve into a closed position when a sufficient pressure differential exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: RCR Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua E. Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 4603709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device in a vacuum transportation system for liquids, preferably a vacuum sewage system, comprising a transportation conduit (12) which is under vacuum and via a normally closed valve (13) and a suction pipe (14) connected to a liquid collecting container (10). The closing movement for the valve (13) is activated by the change in pressure which occurs when air entering after the liquid flows into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Oy Wartsila AB
    Inventor: Camiel Huisma
  • Patent number: 4568369
    Abstract: To alter rapidly the temperature of fluid 3 in a closed vessel 1, a nozzle 6 is disposed above the vessel 1, and an annular cross-section jet 17 of liquid at an appropriate temperature is directed at the vessel 1 so as to form a coherent film 18 covering its entire surface. Preferably the liquid, which may conveniently be water, is supplied at a high rate under a low pressure so as to preserve lamellar flow. Advantageously the annular cross-section jet 17 is conical, being directed downwardly and inwardly. The fluid 3 in the vessel 1 can be maintained at a desired temperature by continued application of the jet 17 of liquid.The invention is suitable for use with glass bottles and has application in food pasteurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Marie Brizard & Roger International
    Inventor: Louis-Michel Destruhaut
  • Patent number: 4545528
    Abstract: A spray system is provided for distributing fluid over a selected area through a distribution header to spray units. A control unit uses a siphon loop to continuously cycle an internal water level between two elevations. A water level float provides an output for actuating a valve effective to vary fluid pressure in the distribution header and affect a sweeping of the spray produced by the spray units. The fill rate of the control unit may be varied to change the sweeping rate of the spray through the spray units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Inventor: Paul S. Perez
  • Patent number: 4527593
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes a main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container; a fluid amplifier means for receiving at least a portion of the liquid from the main valve means and for generating a pressure signal until such time as the liquid within the container reaches the predetermined level; and pilot valve means for maintaining the main valve means open in the presence of the pressure signal from the fluid amplifier and for closing the main valve means in the absence of the pressure signal. The system includes the aforesaid apparatus together with liquid supply conduit and valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 4522227
    Abstract: The fill valve is responsive to liquid level by passing vented vapor through serial orifices. The inlet flow is stopped by shifting a valve spool which is responsive to the pressure between the orifices. A pressure booster adjacent the vent outlet serves to momentarily shut off the outlet when pressure rises in the region of the second orifice to aid in shifting the main valve spool when system pressure is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Gerald D. Mylander
  • Patent number: 4522228
    Abstract: A liquid level control system for controlling the flow of liquid into a reservoir, storage tank or other container. A nozzle develops a liquid flow stream therethrough, and a valve effectively opens and closes the nozzle. A fluid amplifier is associated with the nozzle and includes a fluid power stream, a signal developing port for receiving a fluid pressure signal from the power stream, and a sensor for diverting the fluid power stream from the signal developing port in response to the static presence of the interface at a predetermined sensing level of liquid in the reservoir. A pressure responsive switch is coupled to the valve and is located below the signal developing port of the fluid amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 4520836
    Abstract: An improved freezeproof valve assembly is provided for a water hydrant, such as an outdoor drinking fountain or the like. The valve assembly comprises a sump housing for installation below the ground frost line and for connection between a water supply pipe and a standpipe, the latter being coupled in turn to a fountain bubbler head or the like. A control valve within the sump housing is opened pneumatically upon depression of an actuator button on the fountain to permit water flow from the supply pipe through a main jet pump which draws an induced water flow from within the sump housing through an induction port thereby providing a combined water flow through the standpipe to the bubbler head. This combined water flow is maintained substantially constant by a float-activated refill valve which permits a refill water flow from the supply pipe into the sump housing sufficient to maintain the housing water level above the main jet pump induction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
  • Patent number: 4515178
    Abstract: A fluid amplifier for sensing the level of a liquid in a reservoir, storage tank or other container and for generating a differential in pressure signal in response to the static presence of the liquid level at a predetermined level. An inlet develops a liquid flow stream. A first passage of major cross-sectional dimensions is provided for delivering a major portion of the flow stream to the reservoir or storage tank. A second passage of minor cross-sectional dimensions is spaced laterally of the first passage for developing a small signal fluid power stream substantially parallel to the major supply stream. A sensor is responsive to the static presence of the liquid level at the predetermined level for altering the smaller fluid power stream from its substantially parallel flow condition to a condition in which it diverts and attaches to the major supply stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 4500480
    Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for reproducing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular wall heater. The metal tubular body has a rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The top end portions is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube and a separate transverse gas delivery tube, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidified liquid each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of this cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lie closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge cylindrical metal body which insures as a evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4491146
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for providing both a liquid level control and a low water cut-off for boilers and the like, having only a single probe and a single relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Groen Division/Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Sveds
  • Patent number: 4484601
    Abstract: A liquid level control device for controlling the flow of liquid into a reservoir, storage tank or the like, incorporating automatic shut-off characteristics. The device includes nozzle means including a fluid amplifier for automatically closing valve means in response to sensing means disposed remote from the nozzle means and fluid amplifier. The remote sensing means is responsive to the static presence of the interface at a sensing level of liquid in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 4471798
    Abstract: An auxiliary float chamber is provided for use in a cistern. A float operating in the chamber controls a valve allowing water into the cistern. In the floor of the chamber there is a syphonic tube. The chamber is held to the cistern wall by means of the valve which is of the type comprising a sliding tube sealing against a washer in a sealing cap so that the seal is not against the pressure of the inlet water. The auxiliary float chamber is mounted below the normal level of liquid in the cistern. As the cistern is discharged, the valve remains closed until water has drained from the auxiliary chamber. Water flowing into the cistern is thus not short-circuited through the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Marley Plumbing (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Erling M. Johannesen
  • Patent number: 4445238
    Abstract: Swimming pool water level control apparatus includes a remote indicator for sensing the water level in a swimming pool and for turning on and off a water flow control valve to provide water for the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Inventor: Monroe R. Maxhimer
  • Patent number: 4444222
    Abstract: An automatic liquid-supply stopper plug has a casing body which has an inlet port and a discharge port. Within the casing body, an inverted cup shaped member and a valve seat member are provided to be opposed to each other. A movable valve member is positioned so that it can slide on the inverted cup shaped member and the valve seat member to open or close a passage of liquid through the valve seat member. A first conduit which communicates with the discharge port is provided for pushing the movable member upwardly. A second conduit which communicates with the discharge port is provided for pushing the movable valve member downwardly when a preset level of liquid is obtained to stop the liquid-supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Hi-Sonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 4407159
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presents of an interface between two fluids with a conventional interface detection apparatus, located remote from the interface, in a tube are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a driving fluid introduced into the tube to cause one or the other of the fluids forming the interface to flow from an end of the tube through the tube to the remote detection apparatus, permitting the latter to test the fluid in the tube to determine whether the interface is above or below the end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: Casimir S. Wytaniec
  • Patent number: 4405000
    Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a main passage from the main inlet to the main outlet formed in a valve body. A piston chamber formed in the valve body has a valve seat in the main passage. A piston is movable back and forth through the piston chamber between a first position in engagement with the valve seat to close the main passage and a second position out of engagement with the valve seat to open the main passage. A first seal lies between the piston and the piston chamber to create on the piston a first area against which fluid pressure in the main passage acts to urge the piston toward its second position. An actuator is movable through a control chamber in fluid communication with one end of the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Auto Stop Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Fuller
  • Patent number: 4370418
    Abstract: Liquid (13, 13a) within a vessel (12, 12a) which receives an inflow is maintained at a predetermined level (43) by discharging liquid as necessary to compensate for the inflow. Discharge flow is drawn from below the surface (18) of the liquid to avoid clogging from scum or from other undesirable effects of surface draw off. Intake structure (34) for the discharge pump (33, 33a) has a branched flow path (47) that includes a first inlet (48) situated above the predetermined level, a second inlet (49) situated below the predetermined level and a flow junction (51) through which both inlets are communicated with the discharge pump, the junction being at the predetermined liquid level. If the liquid rises above the flow junction, the pump draws liquid through the second, subsurface inlet. If the liquid surface recedes below the flow junction, the pump aspirates air or other gas through the first inlet. Consequently liquid level is stabilized at the elevation of the flow junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: University of California
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Koopman, Antonio O. Lau, Peter F. Strom, David Jenkins
  • Patent number: 4345618
    Abstract: Arrangement for the regulation of the height of a liquid level, such arrangement being particularly suitable for the removal of condensate from the regeneration heaters of steam turbines. The arrangement includes a transmitter nozzle for forming a gas-liquid mixture in a first, influx chamber communicating with a tank containing the liquid, a second chamber connected with the influx chamber and containing a two-phase outlet sensor which separates the gas in the gas-liquid mixture, and a system for discharging liquid from the tank including a discharge valve controlled by the pressure of the liquid in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Skoda, oborovy podnik
    Inventors: Josef Altman, Zdenek Roth
  • Patent number: 4312373
    Abstract: An internal valve for the bottom loading of fuel tanks consists of a differential area piston acting within a chamber which is vented by a pair of pilot valves responsive to fluid level, to provide full open, throttled and closed positions of the valve automatically in response to inlet fluid pressure. Soft closure of the inlet valve which is formed of the piston head and a seat in the valve housing, is provided by metered fluid flow through an orifice between a sized aperture in the piston head and a restrictor sleeve carried on a tank vent actuator bar extending through the aperture and through the valve housing. A lost motion connection between the piston head and actuator bar allows limited relative movement for controlling the metering orifice and combined movement for coincident opening of the tank vent in response either to inlet fluid pressure or manual actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Basil B. Tilling, Henry A. Swindler
  • Patent number: 4292996
    Abstract: A fully automatically operable pneumatic stop valve is provided which rests on the principle of pressure differences in its various membrane spaces in controlling the fluid flow through the valve, wherein the rising fluid closes a fluid level control pipe and thereby upsets the pressure conditions in an auxiliary valve membrane space which in turn controls the pressure in the main membrane space controlling the closing of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: OMUV Orvosi Muszer es Vasipari Szovetkezet
    Inventors: Jozsef Pataki, Jozsef Bucsi, Istvan Bona, Endre Szilvasi, Andras Gazdag, Antal Koty, Ferenc Hidvegi
  • Patent number: 4211249
    Abstract: A liquid level control system is disclosed for use with a swimming pool or the like having a pool reservoir, a main drain or outlet, usually at the bottom of the reservoir, and an outlet located at a predetermined water maintenance level for the pool. The system includes fluid amplifier means positioned relative to the pool reservoir for sensing an interface between liquid and gas, or water and air, at the surface of the water in the pool and developing a fluid pressure signal when the interface falls below a predetermined level. Liquid circulation means, including a skimmer at the surface of the water in the pool reservoir is provided for circulating water from the pool reservoir between the outlet and an inlet. A portion of the water circulated by the circulation means is channeled to the fluid amplifier means for operating the same. Fluid valve means is provided which is responsive to the fluid pressure signal developed by the fluid amplifier means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Fluid Device Corporation
    Inventor: George B. Richards
  • Patent number: 4203462
    Abstract: The solenoid operated water valve has a Venturi on its outlet which aspirates air through the pressure sensing side of a pressure switch until the water level in the washing machine reaches the end of the tube connected to the system through the selection valve. This prevents further aspiration and the Venturi rapidly lowers the pressure in the pressure switch to actuate the switch. The check valve prevents venting the pressure switch to atmosphere long enough for the associated timer to continue the machine program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: W. E. Beller
  • Patent number: 4202367
    Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit arrangement for regulating the level of a liquid in vessels. The arrangement according to this invention comprises a draining vessel with a draining conduit, a fluid level pick-up device, a compensation pick-up device, and a working element. The main feature of the circuit arrangement is that the compensation pick-up device is connected to the draining vessel above the regulated liquid level and the upper part of the fluid level pick-up device is also connected to the draining conduit above the regulated liquid level. The lower part of the fluid level pick-up device is connected below the regulated level equally to the draining conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Skoda, oborovy podnik
    Inventors: Zdenek Roth, Josef Altmann
  • Patent number: 4191208
    Abstract: The automatic fill-stop valve passes the liquid filling a tank. A level-sensing tube passes vapor until the tank liquid level rises that high, and, thereupon, passes liquid. Serial orifices in the sensing passage produce a valve closing signal when the liquid level reaches the sensing tube to automatically stop the filling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Inventor: Gerald D. Mylander
  • 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: 4148334
    Abstract: A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed.A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Assignee: Fluid Device Corporation
    Inventor: George B. Richards
  • Patent number: 4108201
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing probe for gravity induced flow liquid level regulators used for maintaining a desired level of a liquid in a sump of a device having moving components within or adjacent the sump, such as maintaining a desired oil level in the crankcase of an engine, increases the accuracy of the regulator by being resistant to wind forces which impinge upon the liquid and gases entrained within the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: The Mechanex Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Lang
  • Patent number: 4084492
    Abstract: A preselected volume of a liquified cooking medium is supplied to a continuous-flow system serving a cooking chamber. In the course of heating the supplied cooking medium prior to the cooking cycle, an overflow device is operative to remove that volume of the thus expanded cooking medium in excess of the preselected volume. On commencement of the cooking cycle, the overflow device is rendered inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: KFC Corporation
    Inventor: Neal Sullivan
  • 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: 4024885
    Abstract: A reserve supply of diazotype developing liquid from which liquid is supplied to semi-dry diazotype developing apparatus is maintained at both a substantially constant level and the required concentration of azo coupling component by introducing solvent for the liquid to restore the liquid level upon a decrease of the supply volume, sensing the specific gravity of the supply liquid by a hydrometer, and counteracting the decrease of concentration resulting from solvent addition by introducing a liquid concentrate containing the azo coupling component and electrolyte in response to a lowering of the hydrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Assignee: Oce-van der Grinten N.V.
    Inventor: Theodoor Hillebrand Linthout