Abstract: A fluid flow regulator includes a resilient hollow sealing body which is fitted in the bottom part of a liquid housing adjacent to a tubular outlet end and which has a central through-hole to communicate to one another the chamber of the housing and the outlet end. An annular flange which extends from the top of the sealing body toward the through-hole forms a valve seat against which a float valve can be efficiently and tightly seated. A movable tube is inserted in the tubular end to be used to manually release the float valve from the valve seat.

Abstract: Various buoyant valve arrangements are utilized to prevent quick take-up pressure from entering the master cylinder reservoir chamber until the quick take-up pressure reaches the desired value. A resiliently biased check valve is provided which opens at a predetermined quick take-up pressure to limit the amount of quick take-up pressure generated and then vents excess brake fluid from the quick take-up chamber into the reservoir chamber. The check valve may be resiliently biased by a spring or by elastic tension in an O-ring valve member.

Abstract: A valve which is used to control the gravity-feed filling of containers by selectively permitting certain fluids to escape from the container while the container is being filled thereby controlling the amount of material which is admitted to the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air volume control for use with a flowing water line to control the quantity of air sucked by venturi action into the water line. The air volume control comprises a tubular valve body with a common member defining co-axial oppositely directed valve seats, one seat of which is automatically closed by a float valve in the event of reverse flow of water or back pressure of air into the valve body and the other seat of which is closed by a control valve when a regulator knob is rotated clockwise to the "off" position. In rotating the regulator knob counterclockwise to its "on" position, a cross pin follower of the regulator knob engaged with cam surfaces of the control valve unseats the control valve from its valve seat. Air is sucked into the water line through air entry ports in the valve body that are upstream of the control valve and float valve. Closing of either the control valve or float valve close off such air being sucked downstream past the valve seats into the flowing water line.

Abstract: Various buoyant valve arrangements are utilized to prevent quick take-up pressure from entering the master cylinder reservoir chamber until the quick take-up pressure reaches the desired value. A resiliently biased check valve is provided which opens at a predetermined quick take-up pressure to limit the amount of quick take-up pressure generated and then vents excess brake fluid from the quick take-up chamber into the reservoir chamber. The check valve may be resiliently biased by a spring or by elastic tension in an O-ring valve member.

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.

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.

Abstract: This buoyant blood stop valve is in the blood line to the patient to stop flow to prevent air embolism when the blood is exhausted from the oxygenator reservoir. The stop valve comprises a downwardly directed hemispherical cup next to the downwardly directed tubular inlet. The top of the cup is open to the inlet to permit free passage of air in and out of the top of the cup. The cup and inlet are formed in the upper valve body, and the lower valve body is secured thereto and faces the upper valve body. The bottom of the lower body has an outlet, and above the outlet is a circular valve seat, such as an O-ring in a recess. Above the O-ring the lower body has a curved bottom, but vanes are formed in the lower body and inwardly directed toward the outlet valve seat at the O-ring. Upper vanes adjacent the inlet are sloped toward the hemispherical cup.

Abstract: A ball cock and float assembly (10) having a shank portion (11) that is adapted to be insertably received through the inlet opening (13) in the bottom wall (14) of a reservoir tank (12). A support means (50) extends upwardly of the shank portion (11). The support means (50) comprises post means (30) that extend fixedly upwardly from the shank portion (11), and extension means (46) that are telescopically slidable along the post means (30). A lock (42) secures the extension means (46) at a selected position along the post means (30) to provide in gross adjustment in the vertical height of the float assembly (110) that is movable along the extension means (46). A valve (55) is carried by the extension means (46) upwardly of the float means (110). An inlet conduit (52) communicates from the shank portion (11) through the post and extension means (30, 46) to the inlet port ( 54) of the valve means (55).

Abstract: A valve for a suction system, which comprises a sedimentation chamber (3) for collection of particles contained with the liquid sucked into the valve and suction outlet (6) having suction openings (8) in a float house (9), which suction openings (8) cooperate with a membrane (22), which is attached to a float member (21) in the float house (9) so that the membrane seals against the suction openings (8) when liquid do not reach the float house (9) and so that the area of the suction openings (8) is successively uncovered when the membrane (22) moves with the float member (21) at rising liquid level in the float house (9).

Abstract: A float-operated air release valve for a liquid transport system includes an internal float which has a downwardly concave impact surface arranged to be struck by any liquid entering the valve chamber thereby reducing the response time of the valve and rapidly closing the valve outlet before liquid can be discharged from the outlet. The impact force on the float can be enhanced by providing a depending flange around a substantial portion of the periphery of the concave surface.

Abstract: An air relief device for use in a liquid flow pipe comprises an outer housing fixed to a large-diameter air outlet formed in a portion of the pipe arranged at an elevation, an inner housing rotatably fitted snugly in the outer housing, a float accommodated in the inner housing, and a lid member having a valve port and adapted to be put on the inner housing. The outer and inner housings have through holes bored therein respectively and allowed to coincide exactly with each other. Fluid communication or severance of the fluid communication between the pipe and the inner housing can be obtained by rotating the inner housing to vary the relation in position between the through holes in the outer and inner housings.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for liquid pumping systems, and particularly fuel supply systems for use in vehicles, is disclosed. The regulator is designed with an inlet from the fuel pump, an outlet to the engine fuel inlet, and a drain outlet for draining fuel, in excess of that required by the engine, back to the fuel tank. During engine operation, fuel flow is continuous from the tank to the fuel pump, and from the fuel pump to the regulator. In most cases, fuel is continuously flowing from the regulator back to the fuel tank. Constant fuel flow through the regulator replenishes, in the regulator, the fuel drawn by the engine. A consistent fuel pressure is presented to the engine fuel inlet. The regulator and its systems are disclosed, as are methods of use of the regulator and the systems.

Abstract: A system for automatic evacuation of sewage from a holding tank or tanks in a vacuum operated sewage system provides in preferred embodiment a spherical holding tank with laterally located port for sewage intake, bottom port for sewage discharge to a vacuum main and detachably-covered top port for installation, inspection and maintenance. A float covers the bottom port until sufficient sewage collects to buoy it up, uncovering the bottom port and permitting vacuum discharge of the sewage in the holding tank. Ballast orients the float at all times. Rings of grooves in the lower exterior of the float insure sufficient leakage past the float to maintain portage in the vacuum discharge line. Simple ballast adjustment is provided.

Abstract: A gas-liquid spherical accumulator which includes a spherical integral cast metal housing having top and bottom ports. The top port is adapted to receive a gas valve and the bottom port releasably supports a circular valve seat. A vertical guide rod is connected to the valve seat and extends upwardly in the housing. A generally cylindrical solid float is slidably mounted on the rod. The float has a rounded valve element on the bottom for seating on the valve seat closing off the bottom port. The diameter of the float is less than the diameter of the bottom port whereby the float may be removed through the port. A resilient coating is bonded on the valve seat or the valve element and preferably includes a circular ring projecting outwardly. The valve seat tapers downwardly and inwardly. A seal is positioned on the guide rod for engaging the bottom of the float for preventing gas escape. The rod, float and valve seat may be replaced with a bladder and poppet valve.

Abstract: Fuel control mechanism, particularly adapted for control of diesel fuel flow to a diesel engine. The fuel control mechanism includes a housing provided with a plurality of flow passages therethrough. The fuel control mechanism includes a thermally responsive valve member which controls flow of fuel from a source thereof to the diesel engine and which controls the mixing of fuel from a source thereof with unused fuel which flows from the diesel engine. The fuel control mechanism also includes a valve member which controls flow of gas which flows from the diesel engine with the unused fuel.

Abstract: A liquid blocking check valve useful particularly in a pneumatic system utilizing a pressurized liquid fill chamber. The valve includes a floatable ball disposed within a housing defining a chamber. The housing is provided with an inlet aperture disposed in the top of said chamber, and an outlet aperture disposed in the bottom of said chamber in an offset relation to said inlet aperture and in communication with a cutaway side wall section of said housing.

Abstract: In a mobile liquid supply tank, such as a water tank for use as fire fighting apparatus, a hollow tank is provided with at least one fill neck and an overflow relief valve on the upper surface portion of the tank. A pressure fill valve is also provided near the lower portion of the tank for emptying or filling the tank. Each fill neck includes a buoyant float disposed within the tank that seals the fill neck when the tank is substantially filled with liquid. The overflow valve, adapted to open when the pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined value, is preferably located in a recessed portion of the tank. A drain pipe extends from that recessed portion through the tank and exits from the bottom of the tank to discharge liquid overflow away from the forward path of the rear traction wheels of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting a cleaning agent into the vacuum line of an animal milking installation has a reservoir the lower portion of which communicates with an intake portion of the vacuum line, a metering device having a vessel which is installed in the upper portion of the reservoir, valved conduits which connect the vacuum line with a source of water and with the upper part of the vessel, a source of cleaning agent which is connected to and admits into the vessel cleaning agent when the vessel is connected to the vacuum line, a buoyant valve element which floats on the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel and seals the vessel from the vacuum line when the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel rises to a predetermined level, and a valve which allows the supply of cleaning agent to flow into the reservoir when the pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the reservoir decreases to a predetermined value subsequent to sealing of the vacuum line from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A sealed thermosiphoning solar energy system is disclosed which uses oil as a nonfreezing transport fluid. The oil is heated in an absorber exposed to the sun's radiation, passes through a check valve and into thermal exchange with a second fluid. Expansion means are provided to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the system.

Abstract: A toilet holding tank water inlet valve of the type utilizing a flexible valve element formed as a portion of a pressure chamber and having a control stem associated with the pressure chamber and a pivot arm associated with the control stem is improved by molding a portion of the pressure chamber to tightly grip the control stem and attaching a vertical member to the pivot arm with a float which can move along the vertical member. An upper float stop is positioned near the uppermost end of the member and a lower float stop is positioned near the lowermost end of the member.

Abstract: A device for the regulation of the flow area of a valve having an inner magnet (32) moveably mounted on a valve plug (22) to move the valve plug (22) in an axial direction, and an outer magnet (28) moveably mounted to the valve housing to move the inner magnet (32) and consequently the valve plug (22) as the outer magnet (36) is moved.

Abstract: A check valve for a thermosiphoning solar energy system having a buoyant movably disposed element situated between primary and auxiliary valve seats. Under normal operating conditions flow enters the top of the valve and passes downwardly through the primary seat thereby dislodging the movable element from its seated position. The element, however, is designed to have a density greater than the fluid at high temperatures, which causes the element to lodge in the auxiliary seat to prevent the further flow of the thermosiphoning fluid.

Abstract: A normally-open two stage float valve for use with a suction tube leading om a vehicle fuel tank. As the fuel tank begins to run dry it is desired that the float valve close off the tank to the suction force. The valve of this invention includes a float-operated pilot valve element that equalizes forces on the opposite faces of the main valve element as the float moves through its actuation stroke. A lifting head is associated with the pilot valve element for mechanically lifting or lowering the main valve element relative to the main seat when the forces have been equalized.

Abstract: A constant-flow regulator for use in gravity-assisted liquid-delivery systems, wherein the regulator comprises: upper and lower cylindrical elements secured together for movement to form a chamber, whereby the height of the chamber formed by the upper and lower sections may be varied; and a double conical float element positioned within the chamber, the float element moving between a closed and an open position, whereby one or the other end of the float element moves upwardly or downwardly to seal an inlet or an outlet, in order to maintain constant the liquid level within the closed container formed by the first and second cylindrical elements.

Abstract: The float valve assembly is mounted in a liquid drain trap housing having an upper centrally located orifice and a lower centrally located outlet orifice and includes a float, an upper pin fixed to the top of the float and received in the upper orifice, a lower pin fixed to the bottom of the float in axial alignment with the upper pin and received in the lower orifice, a conical or semispherical valve seat at the lower end of the lower pin, and a mating valve seat-forming O ring clamped in the lower orifice. The upper and lower orifices are in axial alignment and form an alignment configuration for the float valve assembly by receiving therein the upper and lower pins and maintain them in generally vertical alignment. This ensures proper vertical seating and unseating of the conical or spherical valve seat on the O ring valve seat which is clamped within the lower orifice.

Abstract: A combination of elements for use with an underground tank that has a fill tube which is below ground level and subject to rainwater immersion. It has special application to a fill tube closure that has a small diameter passageway to maintain atmospheric pressure in the fill tube. It includes a float valve to close the passageway if the rainwater rises above a given level adjacent to the top of the fill tube.

Abstract: A vacuum check bowl for preventing fluids from being ingested into a vacuum source which is comprised of a housing having an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion has an inlet opening and an outlet opening passing therethrough with the outlet opening in communication with the vacuum source. A conduit means, which is in communication with the outlet opening, is vertically disposed within the housing and a float means is contained within the housing and rests within the lower portion of the housing below the lower end of the conduit. The float is adapted to come into contact and seal off the conduit in the event fluid is introduced into the housing through the inlet opening.

Abstract: Inlet into propane cylinder is covered by sliding sleeve which is raised by a float when the tank level reaches desired level. Float is partly counterbalanced by lift spring and is driven into closed position by hydraulic force when motion is initiated by the float.

Abstract: An anti-backflow valve for sewer traps or catch basins is adapted to automatically prevent the undesirable backflow of sewer water upwardly through a trap, but provides for the normal downflow of water through the trap into the sewer. Such valve arrangement has a top or floor plate for insertion over the top of a conventional catch basin with a slotted valve housing extending downwardly from the floor plate. A conically-shaped sealing member is slidingly disposed for vertical movement within the housing to seal or unseal the trap. An elongate downwardly-extending guide member is attached to the underside of the conically-shaped sealing member. A bottom plate is detachably mounted to the underside of the valve housing and is provided with apertures therein to permit the flow-through of water. The center of the bottom plate is provided with a guide means for slidingly holding the downwardly-extending guide member to prevent canting or misalignment of the sealing member as it slides vertically in the housing.

Abstract: A heat trap assembly to prevent heat loss in the cold water inlet and hot water outlet piping systems of hot water storage vessels. The assembly consists of a heat sealing member normally located against a seat within the piping system of the cold water inlet to close off loss of heat by thermal circulation from the hot water in the storage vessel when no cold water is flowing through the piping and into the storage vessel and a second heat sealing member located against a seat within the piping system of the hot water outlet to close off loss of heat by thermal circulation from the hot water in the storage vessel when no hot water is flowing from the vessel. The heat sealing members are moved from their respective seats when water is flowing through the piping and stops are provided which confine the longitudinal movement of the respective heat sealing members.

Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer utilizes an array of float elements of syntactic foam material. The float elements are sequentially inserted into the pressure vessel which forms the accumulator proper, and are then manipulated from the exterior of the vessel to be interlocked into a float array.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of liquid through a liquid line communicating with a reservoir disposed thereabove comprises a housing defining a float chamber having inlet and outlet openings in the top and bottom walls thereof, respectively; a substantially egg-shaped float disposed in the chamber for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position; upper valve means connected to the float for closing the inlet opening when the float is in its upper position and lower valve means connected to the float for closing the outlet opening when the float is in its lower position, the valve means being in close spaced relation with the top and bottom walls of the chamber throughout the range of movement of the float; and means disposed beneath the chamber for regulating the flow of liquid through the outlet opening.

Abstract: The film developing machine includes a tank containing developing fluid, to which a dosing device continually adds regenerating fluid received from a regenerating-fluid supply tank. To prevent the gradual emptying of the supply tank from producing an accuracy-reducing gradual decrease in the pressure applied to the input side of the dosing device, the latter is connected to the supply tank via a buffer vessel provided with an internal valve mechanism serving automatically to keep the volume of regenerating fluid in the buffer vessel substantially constant despite variations in the amount of regenerating fluid contained in the supply tank.

Abstract: A bell trap and check valve is disclosed. The bell trap has a central tubular member around its outlet and a conventional cover. The check valve is removably attached to the central tubular member and supported thereon.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for a float valve of the type including a main valve that controls an inlet port, a control chamber having a bleeder port and a pilot valve member unitary with a float to control the bleeder port and thereby adjust pressure in the control chamber for regulating actuation of the main valve. In order to increase the float cycle of the valve, a water reservoir is formed by the float for receiving water and increasing weight of the float while the valve is actuated during each float cycle, the reservoir including vent means for emptying the reservoir when the valve is deactuated in order to then reduce the weight of the float. Additional improvements are provided to facilitate operation of the valve.

Abstract: A two fluid safety valve having a two part housing with a float therein that closes a gas port in response to a liquid head in the valve to prevent fluid from flowing through the gas port but opens the gas port to allow gas ingress or egress when the liquid head is less than a predetermined value. The two part housing comprises two members that are bonded to each other to separate when the pressure in the valve exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A ventilator, in particular for an air shaft of a space to be ventilated on board a vessel, said ventilator comprising a box-shaped housing that is at least partly open downwards, and a hood-shaped part continuous with said housing and in open communication therewith, which hood-shaped part is open outwards on one side. In order to substantially decrease, or fully prevent the ingress of water in the air shaft through the ventilator, there are provided in the housing at least one horizontal longitudinal partition and at least two transverse partitions continuous therewith and extending in substantially vertical and opposite directions, said partitions dividing the housing in two parts, said longitudinal partition having an opening therein that can be closed by means of a float.

Abstract: Fluid is withdrawn from plural fluid-filled tanks via respective outflow conduits leading into a common mixing conduit which includes a mixing pump, and then branches off through respective inflow conduits for return of intermixed fluid back to the individual tanks. Each inflow conduit is provided with a valve unit comprising a vessel-like housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is regulated in dependence upon the height of fluid in the respective tank. The fluid height is sensed indirectly by sensing the height or pressure of fluid in the interior of the vessel-like housing, the latter being at least partly lower than the height of fluid in the respective tank. Thus, the return of fluid into each tank is regulated to maintain a respective fluid height therein independently of the other tanks.

Abstract: A so-called "visual" flow-regulation system ensuring a constant flow-rate and presenting an impenetrable barrier to air-bubbles even after completion of the perfusion, the system comprising a central tube on which a sleeve is arranged to slide, the sleeve being provided with a float and further comprising a flexible diaphragm intended to cooperate with the extremity of the fixed central tube, the unit imparting to the liquid passing through it a downward and then an upward movement.

Abstract: A fluid check valve device for use with a gas precharged fluid storage tank comprising a valve body including a float chamber having an upper and lower check valve assembly formed at opposite ends thereof wherein the lower check valve assembly comprises a lower float member movable between a sealed and unsealed position and a lower valve seat and the upper check valve assembly comprises an upper float member movable between a sealed and unsealed position with a first and second upper valve seat together with antivortex flow apertures formed in the lower portion of the lower float chamber immediately above the lower valve seat and a plurality of float control apertures formed on the mid-portion of the float chamber such that as the gas precharged fluid storage tank is filled with fluid the lower float member is unseated from the lower valve seat permitting the gas precharged fluid storage tank and lower float chamber to be filled through the antivortex flow apertures and wherein the upper float member is moved

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically controlled conducting of liquid downward through a gravity-flow subatmospheric-pressure shaft over a wide range of flow rates by use of a movable float-operated inlet valve with variable upward force being applied to the movable valve assembly to compensate for the variable downward forces resulting from the development of a partial vacuum in the flow shaft.

Abstract: Liquid levels for controlled in systems that include different liquid bodies between which liquid circulates. Such bodies may typically include swimming pools and spas.

Abstract: An air release valve, used in a system containing liquid with gas above it, has a float chamber connected to the system and containing a float which normally closes a primary orifice leading through a vertically movable spring-loaded piston to an upper chamber. When the piston is raised by gas pressure in the float chamber to open the primary orifice, a seal pad, spring-mounted above the piston, closes a secondary orifice from the top chamber to atmosphere until the increased pressure in the top chamber moves the piston down to open the secondary orifice. When liquid entering the float chamber causes the float to rise, closing the primary orifice and lifting the piston, the seal pad closes the secondary orifice, trapped gas lowers the liquid and float, and the primary orifice opens.

Abstract: A mechanical valve used to stop unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by sinking of a float less dense than water but more dense than the liquid whose discharge is to be stopped. The float is surrounded by a housing. Variations in the location of holes in the housing determine the depth of liquid which is required before the valve will close. Simple glass or other containers may be converted to serve as grease traps by installing the valve which has its discharge outlet above the valve orifice.

Abstract: A low pressure gas regulator for purging vessels in which valve means first connects a vessel to be purged with a vacuum pump, and then when the vessel is substantially evacuated, it connects the evacuated vessel with a source of purging gas.

Abstract: A drain valve for a compressed air system automatically discharges liquid separated from system air from a container in which the separated liquid is trapped when the trapped liquid activates the drain valve. A spring biases the valve element of the drain valve to an open position to drain the trapped liquid during system shut-down and is positioned in an outlet passage of the container so that the spring is accessible for replacement without dissassembly of the drain valve. A float in the container is responsive to the level of trapped liquid to open communication between the system pressure and a chamber on the upper side of a diaphragm type valve actuator to offset the system pressure in a chamber on the lower side of the valve actuator so that the spring and the pressure on the upper side of the valve actuator acting on the valve element moves the valve element to its open position for discharging the trapped liquid.

Abstract: A rate of flow regulator comprising upper and lower fluid chambers, the upper chamber having a double acting float valve to maintain a predetermined level of fluid therein, vent means venting each chamber to atmosphere, and metering means for regulating fluid flow to the lower chamber, the height of said upper chamber being adjustable relative to said metering means to change the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A check valve structure for use in a drain such as a floor or pavement drain can be constructed utilizing an annular elastomeric member positioned between two rigid end plates. These plates are connected so that they can be moved toward one another when they and the member are inserted in a drain or drain housing in order to compress the member to cause the member to expand in outer diameter into contact with the interior of the drain or drain housing in order to mount the structure in an operative position. A valve seat is located on the lower plate and a buoyant valve member is movably supported on the upper plate so as to be capable of being moved with respect to the valve seat. In the event of accumulation of water in the drain or drain housing or in the event of back flow into the drain or drain housing the valve member will move against the seat.

Abstract: A pneumatic sewage ejector includes a tank for holding fluid sewage. When the sewage reaches a predetermined high level in the tank, it is ejected by pressurized air forced into the tank through a valve located inside the tank. The ejection of the fluid is initiated by a float which responds to the high fluid level in the tank by ascending and thereby moving the valve to an air-input position to admit pressurized air into the tank to expel fluid. The valve remains in the air-input position until the fluid reaches a low level, at which time the float descends and moves the valve to a vent position to vent the pressurized air to the atmosphere. The float moves the valve between the air-input position and the vent position in one discrete step so that the valve cannot stop in an intermediate position.