Float Arm Operated Valve Patents (Class 137/434)
  • Patent number: 6953050
    Abstract: A float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like, comprising a float body associated with an element for connection to a valve unit, the float body being constituted by an internally hollow element made of plastics whose shape is defined by a plurality of mutually intersecting spherical bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Cavagna Group Switzerland SA
    Inventor: Davide Cavagna
  • Patent number: 6938633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama, Takanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 6913047
    Abstract: Drop tube assemblies are provided and adapted for use with a liquid reservoir. One exemplary drop tube assembly includes a first conduit, a second conduit and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve member, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to a first end portion of the second conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube assembly further includes an adjustable stop member engaging the second conduit and adapted to engage the linkage device to limit a movement of the linkage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher A. Kane, James E. Kesterman
  • Patent number: 6874529
    Abstract: The invention concerns a level limit valve for the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such valves serve the purpose, that upon the filling of the fuel tank, the filled quantity of the fuel is limited. The proposed level limit valve possesses a valve body 1 which can be positioned within the fuel tank at the end of a filling pipe. The valve body is equipped with an intake port 22 which is connectable with the said filling pipe and an outlet port 21 emptying into the interior of the fuel tank. Further, in the valve body 1 is found a flap 4, which is pivotally movable between a position tightly sealing the outlet port 21 and a position wherein this is opened. The float 3 is movably connected to said flap 4 by means of a lever rod 5. The lever rod 5 penetrates the outlet port 21 at least in the opened position of the flap 4 and is connected by means of linkage with that outer side 28 of the flap 4 which is proximal to the outlet port 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG, Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Gebhardt, Helmut Kalb, Günter Strauss, Stefan Kirchdorfer, Thomas Theuer
  • Patent number: 6837264
    Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20040261854
    Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Bolster
  • Patent number: 6783330
    Abstract: A priming vacuum control system for use on a self-priming pump includes a priming vacuum control valve and a priming vacuum control valve-actuating system. The priming vacuum control valve is disposed between a vacuum pump and a priming chamber for the self-priming pump so as to decouple the vacuum communication between the vacuum pump and the priming chamber when the priming vacuum control valve is closed. In one illustrative embodiment, the priming vacuum control valve includes: a valve stem positioned within a valve body, and a valve spring or other means for biasing is operatively positioned between the valve body and the valve stem so as to apply a default closing force between the valve body and the valve stem. The “guideless” priming vacuum control valve of the present invention eliminates the inherent problems of sticking, poor performance and high maintenance exhibited by the prior state of the art priming vacuum control valves containing guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Pump, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Carnes, Michael C. Godish
  • Patent number: 6763845
    Abstract: An automatic water freeze prevention device having a first valve, second valve and third valve that cooperate to fill or drain a water utilization device according to pre-selected temperature conditions. These three valves are driven to their respective open/closed positions by an electrical power sending device that is, in turn, actuated by a temperature setting device that is associated with a temperature sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Javier J. Hoggard
  • Publication number: 20040118457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama, Takanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 6739584
    Abstract: To prevent a fuel liquid surface within a float chamber from rising when a liquid surface change occurs to make a float rotate so that a float valve opens a valve seat hole, a first float (F3) is arranged in one outer side from one end (F4) of the bearing portion (F1) and in one side (B), one end (F4) of the bearing portion (F1) and the first float (F3) are connected by a first connecting arm portion (F6), a second float (F7) is arranged in another outer side from another end (F8) of the bearing portion (F1) and in one side (B), another end (F8) of the bearing portion (F1) and the second float (F7) are connected by a second connecting arm portion (F19), a first buffer rib (F12) is integrally formed between an outer side surface (F6A) of the first connecting arm portion (F6) and another side surface (F5) of the first float (F5), and a second buffer rib (F13) is integrally formed between an outer side surface (FIOA) of the second connecting arm portion (F10) and another side surface (F9) of the second float (F7
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Fujino, Akira Akabane
  • Patent number: 6591861
    Abstract: A closed water-container storing device with the water inlet/outlet, comprising a water storing bag container for storing water, a water inlet for the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, a water outlet for outflow of water within water storing bag container, and a float device for the control of stop/start operation of the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, when the water within said water storing bag container has reached a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: An Ho Hsing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Tai Liu, Li-Yen Liu
  • Patent number: 6581621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve and a fuel tank provided with a valve for a motor vehicle. Bleeder valves for integrated compensation volumes for fuel tanks are known in the prior art. One disadvantage of known valves is that if the tank is filled slowly during the refueling operation, the fuel compensation volume can fill. The invention aims to provide a valve with a compact construction. To this end a pressure valve (28) is located on the valve (1, 3) which opens if there is a predetermined excess pressure in the fuel tank (30), a refueling venting opening (38) is configured in the valve (1, 3) so that a sealing plate (5) can close the refueling venting opening. The sealing plate (5) has an operational venting opening (42), which can be closed by a displaceable closure element (15) that is displaced according to a position of a float (26) that is located on a float lever (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Klaffki, Marietta Gehring
  • Publication number: 20030056827
    Abstract: A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with the float 6, and a water level switch 29 transmitting predetermined control signals when the float 6 shifts to a predetermined water level, wherein one float 6 is shared by the ball tap 1 and the water level switch 29.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: YOSHITAKE INC.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Hiroyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6523405
    Abstract: A portable bin full indicator is disclosed comprising a sensor operable to send a signal when the level of particulate material in a bin reaches the level of the sensor; means to temporarily secure the sensor in a top portion of the bin; an alarm operatively connected to the sensor such that it is activated by the signal; and a battery to supply electrical power to the sensor and alarm. An extensible handle is provided to allow insertion into a bin by an operator standing on the ground, and also an adjustable hook is provided that may be configured for various bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Mann
  • Publication number: 20020162588
    Abstract: A closed water-container storing device with the water inlet/outlet, comprising a water storing bag container for storing water, a water inlet for the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, a water outlet for outflow of water within water storing bag container, and a float device for the control of stop/start operation of the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, when the water within said water storing bag container has reached a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Li-Tai Liu, Li-Yen Liu
  • Patent number: 6415813
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for a tank, including a filling tube with a filling-side valve seat and a tank-side valve seat. The seats being spaced apart from one another in a throughflow direction of the filling tube. A valve body with a sealing element is movable between the valve seats so as to butt against one of the valve seats depending on position of the valve body in the tube. A component is provided for prestressing the valve body toward the filling-side valve seat so as to seal the filling tube in relation to the filling-side valve seat in a rest position of the valve body, the prestressing component being configured so that the prestressing of the valve body can be overcome by flow pressure of a medium which is to be introduced toward the tank-side valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Burkhard Kraft
  • Patent number: 6370708
    Abstract: A combination of a toilet and an anti refill device, the toilet comprises a bowl, a tank connected to the bowl for storing water and to supply the stored water to the bowl, a flushing structure which releases water from the tank into the bowl, a supply valve for refilling the tank with water after the flushing structure has released all the water into the bowl and a float structure for activating and deactivating the supply valve by floating in the water so that when the water is low the supply valve is activated and when the water is full the supply valve is deactivated. The anti refill device comprises a lock arm attached to the float structure and has an end, a lock device arranged to cooperate with end for controlling the lock arm and a structure activated by the flush structure which activates the lock device and the end to release the lock arm so the float arm lowers and the supply valve can fill the tank after flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Charles L. Sitarz, Robert L. Sitarz, Mark C. Sitarz, Blaine C. Sitarz, Pam M. Wazney
  • Patent number: 6363962
    Abstract: A crash valve is located in a liquid tight dispenser pan at a gasoline service station to close a conduit conveying gasoline to a gasoline dispensing unit to prevent uncontrolled flow of gasoline in the event a vehicle crashes into the dispensing unit. The dispenser pan collects any leaking gasoline or inflow of water; the presence of gasoline is an obvious safety hazard and the accumulating water may cause electrical or mechanical malfunction of the crash valve. An actuator, responsive to the presence of either water or gasoline in the dispenser pan, includes a weighted ball secured to a trip arm of the crash valve by a lanyard. The actuator will respond to the presence of gasoline or water by dislodging the ball and cause the ball to drop. The weight of the falling ball, translated through the lanyard, will cause the trip arm to close the crash valve and prevent further flow of gasoline therethrough and preclude the dispensing unit from pumping gasoline until the trip arm is reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Vaporless Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Penrod C. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20010035211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a check valve for preventing the backflow of fuel from a fuel tank with an apparatus for limiting the fill level. The check valve is fixed to the end segment, projecting into the fuel tank, of a filler pipe and has a movable valve part exposing an inlet opening. The apparatus for limiting the fill level is arranged, viewed from the fuel tank, in front of the check valve and has a flap capable of closing an inlet opening and being actuated by a float. The flap, which is capable of closing the inlet opening is operatively connected to the rotatably mounted float via a transmission linkage in such a way that a comparatively slight rotation of the float will bring about a much greater rotation of the flap to adopt the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Sandor Palvoelgyi
  • Publication number: 20010000873
    Abstract: A filling valve for a pressurized fluid container, including a tube with a longitudinal bore and a side port formed therein, a piston slidingly disposed in the tube, the piston being formed with a bore therethrough, a valve lever pivotally attached to a portion of the tube, the piston including a jutting portion which protrudes in a direction generally away from a bottom portion of the tube, a float arm attached to the valve lever, and a float mounted on the float arm, wherein when the float is positioned at a generally obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tube, the jutting portion of the piston is raised and supported by the valve lever, such that the piston is raised and does not block the side port, thereby permitting fluid flow through the side port, and wherein when the float is sufficiently buoyed by a fluid, the float arm swings upwards and the jutting portion of the piston is no longer supported by the valve lever and the piston moves downwards and blocks the side port, thereby prev
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Meir Kozik
  • Patent number: 6045336
    Abstract: In combination with a pump, a valve for operation at the interface between underlying heavier liquid and overlying lighter liquid is disclosed. The valve includes an inlet within the heavier liquid communicated from a valve seat to a conduit which typically is connected to the inlet of a pump. A valve disc opens and closes the valve seat to admit the heavier liquid to flow to the pump. The pump is preferably pneumatic and of the type which when flooded with liquid, automatically undertakes pumping and when empty of liquid ceases pumping. A buoyant member having a specific density between that of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid is buoyantly supported at the interface and moves with the interface. This buoyant member is connected to an assembly which actuates the valve. Where lighter liquid is predominantly present, the float sinks and closes the valve preventing pumping. Where heavier liquid is predominantly present, the float rises, opens the pump inlet to permit pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Clean Environment Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Webb, Thomas H. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 6006779
    Abstract: A fluid cutoff system for preventing fluid flow through a hose whenever a desired amount of fluid has been deposited onto an area is comprised of a tube having a valve therein. An accumulator has a float floatably disposed therein with an extension attached to the float. The extension interacts with the valve such that whenever the float is in a relatively low position the extension holds the valve in an open position and whenever the float is in a relatively high position--corresponding to fluid being deposited in the accumulator--the extension disengages from the valve and the valve closes and prevents water flow through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: John W. Nowlin
  • Patent number: 5992448
    Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
  • Patent number: 5967175
    Abstract: A waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system is utilized to prevent the overflow of raw sewage from a plumbing fixture. Electronic shutoff valves are electronically connected to a waste line stoppage detector. One application involves using an electronic waste line stoppage detector. Another application involves using a diaphragm and switch waste line stoppage. A further application involves using a float ball and switch waste line stoppage detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Direct, Plumbing, Heating & Rooter, Inc.
    Inventor: David Bouzaglou
  • Patent number: 5916489
    Abstract: A float of synthetic resin for carburetors includes a base having a mounting portion for mounting the float in a float chamber; two float parts arranged opposite to each other, swinging in accordance with an amount of fuel in the float chamber; and an arm portion connected to the base at one place in its longitudinal direction, connecting the two float parts to its ends. The arm portion is configure so that a sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is small in a region surrounded by the two float parts and is larger in an opposite region. In this way, the arm portion is not deformed in the region surrounded by the two float parts in the cooling process of molding fabrication, and a float for carburetors of predetermined shape can be manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Youichi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5904176
    Abstract: A float-controlled, ball cock assembly comprises an improved two-piece valve useful with either a fixed height or an adjustable height riser. The two-piece valve includes a resilient valve seal element and a rigid valve cap fitted together to form an annular chamber therebetween. A rigid spacer sleeve is positioned in the chamber to limit the movement of the valve seal element between the closed position in contact with a valve seat and the open position spaced from the valve seat. The adjustable height riser includes inlet and outlet tubes, each composed of two parts telescopically engaging one another. Adjustment of the height of the riser is achieved by the use of one or more T-shaped tabs which are secured by a lock collar threaded onto the outer of the two telescoping outlet tubes and which can be moved locking into and out of engagement with radially extending grooves on the outer surface of the inner outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: WDI International
    Inventor: Frank Li
  • Patent number: 5896887
    Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes an upstanding fill tube integral at its upper end with a valve housing carrying a flexible resilient pinch tube valve member and a pivoting actuator engageable with the pinch tube for opening and closing the valve. The valve housing is fixed to a head member defining a conduit which communicates with a downwardly extending tube parallel to the fill tube. A float has cylindrical portions respectively receiving the fill tube and the downwardly extending tube therethrough so that the float can slide upwardly and downwardly along the tubes as the water level in the tank varies. The actuator is pivotally connected to a linkage which extends outwardly through an aperture in the float and is pivotally connected to the float externally thereof. In one embodiment the aperture defines cam surfaces which engage the linkage to operate the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harry W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5685331
    Abstract: An oil level regulator is provided for controlling the oil level in the crankcase of one or more refrigeration compressors or the like. The regulator has a closed chamber for containing the oil. An inlet valve assembly extends into the chamber and includes a float-controlled valve for introducing liquid into the chamber as necessary to maintain the oil level in the chamber and compressor crankcases. The inlet valve assembly includes a vertically telescoping piston for adjusting the float valve and the oil level regulator in the regulator chamber. The piston is moveable from outside the chamber in response to rotation of a concentric stem having a bore through which oil flows into the chamber. The float valve includes a lever bracket which extends horizontally across the chamber to contact a top of a float ball. The lever bracket pivots to cause side-to-side motion of a valve needle against a valve seat to control oil flow into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: AC & R Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Westermeyer
  • Patent number: 5660214
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank overfill prevention assembly that includes an outer housing, an insert that includes fill flow ports, a shut-off sleeve to slowly close off the flow ports and a float member for controlling the sleeve in response to the rise of the stored liquid level. As the product flows through the assembly it is diverted through flow ports in the insert to the inside of the outer body and through the fill pipe installed in the bottom of the valve. As the product level in the tank increases, the float rises and the shut-off sleeve relatively slowly covers or closes the flow ports in the insert. The shut-off is gradual and no hydraulic shock is felt through the valve. For further benefit, the shape of the shut-off sleeve diverts the liquid flow steam through the ports and is shaped to maintain substantial laminar liquid flow until the liquid exits the ports into the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Valve Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Martin C. Pettesch
  • Patent number: 5655232
    Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to house a float assembly for operation of a ball valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a lever arm when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the float housing. The other extreme of the lever arm includes an upward projection that contacts a ball within the ball valve cavity urged against a lower valve seat by water pressure from a water hose. When the water level in the pool, and thus the float, is lowered, the one lever arm extreme will also be lowered raising the other extreme to cause the projection to lift the ball away from the valve seat and permit water from the hose to enter the pool. A water flooded ballast attached to the float provides a dampening effect so that the ballast and apertured float housing serve to dampen float motion due to surface waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: James K. Buckwalter
  • Patent number: 5582601
    Abstract: A cassette for collection of fluids in a fluid aspirating system which may be reusable after sterilization. The cassette includes vacuum aperture and an aspiration port along the top wall of the cassette. Aspiration tubing is connected to the aspiration port at one end and is seated within an upstanding retainer at the proximal edge of the top wall at the opposite end. Internally, the cassette includes structures to increase flow impedance so that liquid is not drawn into the vacuum port when the fluid level rises. In addition, a pivot mechanism is disposed about a pivot hub within the chamber. A float is disposed on the pivot mechanism at a radius from the pivot hub for intercepting the vacuum port as aspirated fluid fills the chamber. As the fluid level rises, a light path is intercepted by the float to terminate aspiration. However, the float also mates with the vacuum port to close off the flow path. Thus, the system prevents overfilling of the container if the optical detector fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Surgin Surgical Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Wortrich, Michael H. Ekinaka
  • Patent number: 5542448
    Abstract: An attachment for float operated valves in a water closet of commode is set forth. In the water closet, the rising water on filling moves a floating bulb or ring which is connected with an arm. The adapter of this invention includes a mounting ring for attachment, a mounting post supported by the ring, and a rotatable hanging pendulum which supports a locking shoulder wherein the shoulder hooks the arm moved by the float. That prevents leakage after the water closet has been filled. On flushing, a chain connects to the flush mechanism so that the hanging pendulum and locking shoulder are pulled from the arm to permit float operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Raymond J. Campbell, Al Nall, Jr., R. Terry Oates
  • Patent number: 5524666
    Abstract: Domestic water conservation piping system has thermostatically controlled diverter valve in series with water heater and shower head and/or a hot water shunt tube extending from the hot water heater to the fixture hot water supply in parallel with the thermostat piping. When low temperature water is detected in the "hot water" line, the thermostatically controlled diverter valve diverts the low temperature water to a secondary water closet which stores the water at atmospheric pressure. The secondary water closet provides make-up water to a toilet's primary water closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Mark Stephen Linn
    Inventor: Mark S. Linn
  • Patent number: 5431143
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system has a fuel pump which draws fuel from a fuel tank to supply pressurized fuel to the fuel metering system of an internal combustion engine, and a conduit connecting the pump intake with an enclosed, pressurizable fuel reservoir for accumulating return fuel therein so as to provide a ready source of liquid fuel to the pump during conditions which cause insufficient fuel availability at the pump intake, such as low fuel tank level, sudden cornering, or grade parking. Pressurized return fuel fills the reservoir until a predetermined overflow pressure is reached and an overflow valve opens to allows fuel overage to flow into the fuel tank. When the fuel level in the tank drops below a predetermined level, the fuel level sender arm attached to the reservoir depresses a plunger to shut the overflow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Bradley A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5351713
    Abstract: An effect-enhancing structure for rinsing a flush toilet includes a plurality of sets of a water-supply device and a floating ball, a trunk duct conducting water into a water case, a distributing duct set transversely and connected to the trunk duct, stop valves connected to the distributing duct to provide a distribution of water supply, and water supply ducts; wherein the stop valves are connected to rods of the floating ball separately to control the switching so as to increase the hydraulic pressure of stored water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Chen Ying Ceramic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Yuh Lin
  • Patent number: 5337781
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank or the like includes a riser and a head portion that can be vertically adjusted without removal or disassembly of the valve in order to select a precise tank liquid level. Telescoping conduits in the riser are secured in adjusted position by a bayonet latch system including detents assisted by the force applied by pressurized liquid at the inlet to the assembly. A main valve disk is held against a valve seat by pressure in a control chamber in a standby position and is moved to an open position by venting of the control chamber. The valve includes an axial peripheral flange having an enlarged bead portion captured in an annular channel to provide an O-ring type seal against positive and negative pressure while maximizing flexibility of the disk. A lever for controlling a pilot seat for venting the chamber is pivoted between fulcrum flanges and is held by shoulders abutting one of the flanges. The lever is pivoted by a float in a float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • 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: 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: 5121770
    Abstract: A valve operating on hydraulic pressure for the control of water being deposited onto evaporative pads located on a cool tower. The valve utilizes water flow to fill a basin or tank which is slowly being drained. When the tank is empty, a valve is opened that releases water to the evaporative cooling pads and also to the tank; when the tank is filled, the valve closes permitting the tank to slowly drain and repeat the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Planetary Design Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5106543
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the discharge or continuous bleed-off of cooling water of evaporative coolers and cooling towers includes a container for receiving water from the cooling water system via an adjustable float valve. An orifice at the bottom of the container, which may be adjustable in height, allows water to flow to a device for eliminating suction effects or depression caused by the hydrostatic head of water below the container and a cleaning device, which may oscilate, operated by movement of the float valve keeps the orifice clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Diego E. F. Dodds
  • Patent number: 5082018
    Abstract: A one-way check valve is positioned in a water line leading from a building to a water supply line or main so that the water line is divided into a first portion substantially disposed within the building and a second portion substantially disposed externally of the building. The valve retains water in the first water line portion in the event of a loss of water pressure in the second water line portion as may be caused, for example, by earthquake or other earth movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventors: Frederick A. Caswell, Oscar O. Caswell
  • Patent number: 5070548
    Abstract: A buoyant block of rigid material is positioned beneath the float of a water supply valve in the toilet tank of a flush toilet so as to maintain the float a predetermined level above the surface of water in the tank. The float determines the level to which the tank is refilled following flushing of the toilet. Consequently, after flushing, the tank is refilled to a lower level than it otherwise would be if the block were removed, and at the next flush a lesser quantity of water is discharged from the tank to the toilet bowl for conserving the amount of water used by the flush toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Beverley M. Huhnke
  • Patent number: 5027871
    Abstract: A multi-functional control valve system for an LPG tank. The valve system comprises, on a single frame, a fill port for delivery of LPG from a supply source to the tank, a manual shut-off valve for the fill port, a delivery port, independent from the fill port, for passage LPG from the tank to a delivery line for utilization at a location remote from the tank, a manual shut-off valve for the delivery port, fuel level monitor associated with a frame responsive to the level of LPG in the tank and an automatic shut-off associated with the fuel level monitor and positioned in the fill port automatically to move to close the fill port and stop delivery of LPG to the tank when the fuel in the tank reaches a predetermiend level, and automatically releasable from that closed position when LPG in the tank falls below that level, as indicated by the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Mathias J. J. Guenther
  • 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: 4865070
    Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow of a subject fluid which includes immiscible fluids having differing densities such as oil and water, wherein plug means are provided which sink in oil and float in water, said plug means being positioned to control the flow of fluids through a scupper aperture. The plug means cause a sealing surface to move in and out of contact with the scupper aperture. Means are provided to enhance the separation of the sealing surface from the scupper aperature when fluid flow is to be permitted, and to increase the fluid tightness of the seal when fluid flow is to be prevented. Means are also provided for reducing the effects of turbulence in the subject flow, and hence to enhance the separation of the immiscible fluids from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: John L. Delwiche
  • Patent number: 4838303
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor connects a buoyancy device in a vessel to an end of one member of a two piece mechanical linkage projecting through a flexible pressure sealed opening in the closed end of the sensor body with the outer ends of the two members overlapping and connected by a pivot point. The second member is rigidly secured to a sensor body and defines a fluid pressure receiving passage which connects with a diametrically disposed bore within which a poppet valve is mounted. The poppet valve normally prevents the flow of pressure through the diametrical bore and outward through a radial outlet in the sensor body to actuate an alarm. Upon a deviation of the liquid level in the vessel from the desired level, the buoyancy device produces vertical pivotal movement of the one member of the two piece mechanical linkage which forces the poppet valve to a position permitting pressured fluid to flow therethrough and to energize an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Kip B. Goans
  • Patent number: 4830042
    Abstract: A liquid level control float valve comprising a valve body having an inlet, a cap having an outlet, a drain pipe having a drain aperture, a piston member having a fluid aperture disposed in an upper plate and a disc valve disposed in the lower portion thereof, and a float ball connected to the outlet through an open/close valve, whereby upon the change in the level of the liquid, the float ball is raised and or lowered which in turn moves the piston member which further opens or closes in a corresponding manner the outlet and the drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Jin S. Cho
  • Patent number: 4805662
    Abstract: A ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit is wired to a main circuit breaker panel. A first output of the ground fault interrupter circuit provides electrical current to a solenoid valve that controls the supply of cold water to a conventional hot water heater. The solenoid valve is held in its open position by 110 V. alternating current and is closed by spring biasing means when the current is cut off. The other output of the GFI circuit provides 110 V. alternating current to a leak detector. A leak detecting system directs leakage to a collector wherein the presence of water in the collector completes the circuit between the hot wire and ground of the second outlet. When the circuit is shorted out to ground by the presence of water the GFI circuit is tripped at the main circuit breaker panel and simultaneously cuts off current to the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water to the heater permitting the spring to bias the valve shut and preventing any water damage due to leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Ronald W. Moody
  • 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