Inlet Internally Extending Patents (Class 137/592)
  • Patent number: 6240957
    Abstract: A back flow preventing valve is formed of a valve main body and a valve member. The valve main body includes a fluid inlet at one side, a fluid outlet at the other side having a valve seat at an end surface thereof, a flange extending outwardly from an outer periphery thereof and located between the fluid inlet and outlet, and a bent portion situated inside the valve main body near the fluid outlet for changing a flowing direction of a fluid flowing through the valve main body. The area of the fluid outlet is greater than that of the fluid inlet. The valve member is pivotally connected to the valve main body and urged toward the valve seat. The valve member is opened when a fluid entering from the fluid inlet is ejected from the fluid outlet, and closed when the fluid does not flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Hattori
  • Patent number: 6237629
    Abstract: An apparatus for positive water retention and circulation in single entrance pipe water storage tanks having an arrangement of directional flow check valves coupled to allow injection of water entering the tank at a different level than water exiting the tank. In a preferred embodiment water enters the tank at a higher level than water leaving the tank. The arrangement minimizes thermostratification within the tank in warmer months and further helps to minimize surface ice buildup in colder months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Clyde H. Zelch
  • Patent number: 6234216
    Abstract: A pipe with a plurality of gas outlet apertures is inserted inside a fill pipe of a liquid storage tank. The fill pipe has an outlet normally covered by the tank contents. The gas pipe conveys the gaseous contents of the fill pipe to a separate outlet as refilling liquid is introduced into the fill pipe. This allows the gas inside the fill pipe to be separately vented from the fill pipe without disturbing the liquid contents of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Denby
  • Patent number: 6227221
    Abstract: A single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system and a method and system for fluid distribution are provided. The single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system utilizes a single-fluid to supply all vehicle power and lubrication fluid requirements. The hydraulic system combines separate fluid reservoirs and fluids into a single integrated system that services multiple systems without a need for multiple dedicated reservoirs. The hydraulic system maintains and prioritizes separate dedicated fluid reserves within one reservoir and may also reach and maintain consistent fluid temperature and viscosity. Consistent performance and extended component life are provided while maintaining circulation with the hydraulic system. In addition, the single fluid and single reservoir hydraulic system have a single fluid fill point, a common reservoir check point and fluid level monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6161562
    Abstract: A draw and return tube assembly having draw and return tubes welded to a flange at a first end and crossed over each other and welded together at a second end. The openings in the tubes opposite the flange are positioned a distance apart such that fuel returned to the tank through the return tube is not immediately redrawn into the draw tube. The ends of the tubes positioned opposite the flange have a cross sectional area that facilitates placement of the assembly through a flange receiving aperture in a fuel tank such that the assembly may be installed within the fuel tank after manufacturing thereof. Welding of the tubes at their ends opposite the fuel tank provides for a stable assembly without the use of a separate securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Neal L. Keefer, Kenneth A. Watson
  • Patent number: 6152174
    Abstract: A surge pot intended for mounting in a fuel tank has a walling with a circumferential elastic insert. In this way, the surge pot has in a mounting position a small cross section with which it can be passed through a mounting opening in the fuel tank. After the mounting, the elastic insert is pressed outward so that the surge pot can receive a particularly large amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Michael Hein
  • Patent number: 6138707
    Abstract: An air transfer valve is disclosed comprising a housing (8) having an inlet (21) and an outlet (22), the outlet being controlled by a first non-return, valve (28) which is biased to its closed position and the outlet being controlled by a second valve (30) which is normally in its open position, the first valve being caused to open by an increase in air pressure within the valve but closing in response to reduced pressure. The valve is intended to be fitted into a fill pipe (1) of a fuel storage tank so that the outlet communicate with the tank ullage through an aligned hole in the wall of the fill pipe. In this situation, the valve transfers air from the fill pipe into the ullage and reduces turbulence which would otherwise cause excessive generation of vapor during tank filling (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: W & J Risbridger Limited
    Inventor: Graham M. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6098658
    Abstract: Pulp is effectively and simply fed into a pulp tower using at least one feed pipe having a number of openings that are spaced different distances from the bottom of the pulp tower. The opening through which the pulp being fed into the tower flows automatically changes depending on the level of the existing pulp in the tower. The feed pipe may have a wide variety of different configurations with openings formed or shaped in different manners, and baffles or similar guides can be used to uniformly spread the pulp being fed through the feed pipe onto the top surface of the existing pulp without mixing. This configuration allows the amount of pulp pumping energy to be minimized while still effectively feeding pulp into a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Pumput Oy
    Inventor: Olavi Toukonummi
  • Patent number: 6058968
    Abstract: Apparatus for the filling of a tank with a volatile liquid includes a delivery pipe having a pair of tubular distribution members hinged to the lower end thereof. The distribution members may hinge between an insertion position where they lie parallel to the axis of the delivery pipe and a deployed position where the members are co-axial but extending normally to the axis of the delivery pipe. When in their insertion position, the distribution members as well as the delivery pipe may be passed through the conventional fill-pipe of the tank, the distribution members then hinging to their deployed position as the lower end of the delivery pipe approaches the bottom of the tank. The delivery pipe is in communication with the interior of the distribution members when the latter are in their deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Rodney Carter
  • Patent number: 6032821
    Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus includes a tank head with a wall with an interior surface and a noncircular rim that defines a first through hole in the wall. A generally cylindrical flange defines a first aperture and has a first nipple portion with a periphery and a noncircular portion radially extending from the periphery of the nipple portion. The noncircular portion is configured to matingly engage the noncircular rim so that contact between the noncircular rim and the noncircular portion prevents rotation of the flange relative to the tank head. A first fastener is engageable on the first nipple portion to secure the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener and the tank head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Martin, Mark E. Wichmann, Andrew J. Kajpust
  • Patent number: 6029697
    Abstract: A vent device connectible in a fill pipe of an underground fuel storage tank having a cylindrical housing with a drop tube and a J-shape tubular fitting with two open ends. The first open end is open within the drop tube and directed toward the underground fuel tank and the second open end is exposed through the wall of the cylindrical housing into an upper portion of the underground fuel storage tank. The tubular fitting has an expansion chamber vertically disposed between the two open ends for holding a float ball therein. The float ball is confined within the expansion chamber by a lower seat of the chamber and a barrier extending across the diameter of the chamber to prevent the float ball from sealing the upper seat of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Phillips, Ian Taylor
  • Patent number: 6026855
    Abstract: A one-way flow valve quick connector is used in automotive fuel tank filler systems to interconnect the fuel filler tube with the fuel tank without the use of tools or special equipment. The quick connector includes a check valve to establish a substantially hermetic seal between the tank and the environment at all times to prevent the escape of liquid fuel during the refueling process as well as the escape of toxic vapors. A bypass vent operates during the refueling process to draw any vapors escaping from the tank or entering through the fuel fill tube inlet, filtering and returning them to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Jackson, Gary Klinger, John Horst
  • Patent number: 6021806
    Abstract: A slurry distribution system for supplying slurry used in the planarization process of a wafer surface by chemical reaction is provided with a movable supply line having an open end which is maintained at a constant depth below the surface of the slurry in the slurry tank. The movable supply line penetrates the top of the tank and is supported for vertical movement in an opening in the top of the tank. The other end of the movable supply line is located outside the tank and is connected to a main supply line which leads to CMP equipment. A pleated flexible tubing allows the movable supply line to move vertically relative to the main supply line and the top of the tank. A position-controlling mechanism keeps the open end of the movable supply line at a predetermined distance below the top surface of the slurry in the tank as the top surface rises and falls, by moving the movable supply line vertically in accordance with the changing amount of slurry inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-bae Lee
  • Patent number: 6019127
    Abstract: An inner diameter of a filler tube is formed smaller than that of a filler neck of a tank main body. Hence, a clearance is thus difficult to be created between inner peripheral surface of the filler tube and the fuel stream which flows through the filler tube upon supply of fuel, and also leakage of vapor fuel from a fuel filler port can be avoided. In addition, a cylindrical insert whose inner diameter is formed to be substantially equal to its of the filler tube is provided in a neck portion of the filler hose. Accordingly, there exists no portion where the inner diameter is largely changed in the filler neck portion, whereby generation of turbulent flow of the supplied fuel and reduction in a flow rate can be suppressed to their maximum and thus fuel supply performance can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Orita, Junichi Hanai
  • Patent number: 6015491
    Abstract: An apparatus for equalising pressure and flush in a vessel (1) has a chromatographic separation chamber (5), a distribution plate (3) or collection plate located in the vessel, a pressure equalisation chamber (4) defined at least in part by the extremity of the vessel and by a first face of the plate, the separation chamber (5) being defined by a second face of the distribution or collection plate, a first conduit (6) which places a first fluid in communication with the distribution or collection plate, the separation chamber (5) communicating with the equalisation chamber (4) via a flush chamber (10) comprising a first opening (21). A line (9) for supplying a second fluid which is substantially pure or substantially non contaminated is directly connected to the flush chamber at a point such that a portion of the second fluid can circulate towards the pressure equalisation chamber via a further opening (20) and the remaining portion can circulate towards the separation chamber via the first opening (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Renard, Olivier Callebert, Jean Paul Dessapt
  • Patent number: 6000426
    Abstract: A system to collect and control the flow of fuel vapor within a vehicle fuel system. In one embodiment, a vapor control unit mounted in the fuel tank permits fuel vapor to be drawn into a tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the fuel tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. In a second embodiment a diaphragm actuated valve permits fuel vapor flow from the fuel tank into the tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. By condensing the fuel vapor the system reduces the total amount of fuel vapor within the fuel system while preventing the escape of fuel vapor which is hazardous to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Tuckey, Billy R. Blackwell, Lawrence E. Egle
  • Patent number: 5975133
    Abstract: An emergency water tank reservoir system for a structure having a water supply system including a water supply line is described. The system includes a water tank structure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall forming a closed tank. The tank structure has an inlet port formed in the side wall and an outlet port opening formed in the side wall. A sediment drain valve opening is disposed into the bottom of the tank at or adjacent the lowest point within the tank for periodically flushing sediments from the tank. A water spout opening is formed into the tank and disposed at an elevation above the sediment drain valve opening for withdrawing water from the tank in emergency situations. A bypass water line is coupled between the inlet and outlet port via a bypass valve system for selectively providing a water bypass line to bypass the tank structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Mieczyslaw T. Nalewajski
  • Patent number: 5971036
    Abstract: A method of filling and emptying storage tanks containing aqueous dispersions, where the storage tank is emptied via a line whose opening is located in the lower section of the storage tank entails filling the storage tank with a line whose outlet follows the changes in the level of the liquid surface in the course of filling and removal procedures, the level of the outlet being adjusted such that the opening is located approximately at the height of the level of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Rehmer, Walter Holtrup
  • Patent number: 5954367
    Abstract: A fuel tank for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, has a filler neck which, in the area of a connection to the fuel tank, is guided around the upper edge of an adjoining body part or chassis part and penetrates a lateral fuel tank wall, a partial area of the filler neck projecting into the fuel tank interior. So that the maximal filling level of the fuel tank can be lowered under the plane A--A of the adjoining body part or chassis part, and therefore a sufficient expansion volume is ensured, it is provided that the end of the filler neck which projects into the tank interior and a filling ventilation extend below the level A--A defined by the upper edge of the body part or the chassis part, the maximal filling level H being determinable by the highest point of the filling ventilation situated in the tank interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Dieter Doll, Ulrich Essig
  • Patent number: 5921262
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for the collection and transfer of a liquid, which is preferably waste oil. The apparatus includes a tank having a top opening with a hollow tube projecting from the top opening into the interior of the tank. A hollow stem is slidably received within the hollow tube. A funnel, which initially receives the liquid, is attached to the top end of the stem which is located outside of the tank. An opening is provided in the wall of the stem near the lower end which is located inside the tank. A cover plate is received about the bottom of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Balcrank Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Oakley Campbell
  • Patent number: 5901740
    Abstract: A tank for holding a liquid for a predetermined and relatively long time in a continuous flow process. The tank includes an inner compartment with an inlet and an outer compartment with an outlet. The outer compartment encloses the inner compartment except its inlet. The liquid enters through the inlet and is forced upwardly in a non-preferential flow, it overflows to the outer compartment and comes out through the outlet. A pump is connected to the outlet and a variable throttle valve is in turn connected to the output of the pump. A level sensor for the liquid is connected to a computerized control unit to monitor the liquid level and to activate the throttle valve to either restrict or increase the flow to adjust the liquid level. Since the flow rate then is brought back to what it was when throttle valve is restricted to its original state, then changing the liquid level in the second compartment is equivalent to changing the holding time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Juan Andres Sanchelima
  • Patent number: 5899227
    Abstract: In a fuel storage tank having a fill pipe arranged to discharge within the tank below the normal liquid level in the tank, an air transfer valve is mounted within the fill pipe above the normal maximum liquid level, the valve being normally closed and having an outlet communicating with the head space in the tank and an inlet directed away from the direction of fluid flow in the fill pipe. An operating mechanism within the valve opens the valve in response to increased pressure in the fill pipe arising from air or vapour carried by fuel flowing in the pipe. The air transfer valve is preferably attached to the inside of the fuel pipe just above the normal maximum liquid level. The operating device within the air transfer valve may be a valve which is normally held in its closed position by gravity or a light spring closure force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: W&J Risbridger Limited
    Inventor: Graham M. Stuart
  • Patent number: 5850851
    Abstract: A check valve (32) includes a cylindrical body (32) and a valve plate (32) attached to one end of the body (32) to open and close a flow outlet. A stepped seat element (36a) having a seat surface (36a) is formed along the periphery of the flow outlet of the body (40). The valve plate (40) is press-cut from a thin stainless steel plate to be integrally formed as a leaf spring. The valve plate includes a leaf element movable with respect to the seat surface so as to close and open the flow outlet, an arm element (41) coupled to the leaf element (41) via a joint element, and a base element connected to the arm element and received by a valve support projection on the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5810039
    Abstract: A module to be arranged within a hollow vessel for extracting fluid from the hollow vessel is provided, the module comprising a pumping device, at least one filtering device and at least one extension arm which has means enabling connection with the outside of the module.Also provided are a process for fixing such a module inside of a hollow vessel, a hollow vessel comprising such a module and a method for extracting fluid from a hollow vessel wherein the fluid is extracted by such a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Paul Wouters, Georges Hore, Marc Obsomer
  • Patent number: 5779884
    Abstract: An automatic water changing and water leveling system and apparatus is provided for use with an aquarium containing a body of water. The system comprising a water reservoir structure including a housing defining a chamber therewithin for containing fresh water. The water reservoir structure being disposed at a height above the aquarium and in approximate adjacency with an upper surface level of the aquarium water. A discharge assembly mounted to a bottom portion of the water reservoir structure is provided for discharging fresh water from the water reservoir structure into the aquarium when the upper surface level of the aquarium water falls below a predetermined level causing air to be communicated through the discharge assembly and into the chamber of the water reservoir structure allowing fresh water to be discharged. A siphoning system withdraws water from the aquarium by siphoning action thereby controlling the discharging of water from the discharge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph D. Raymo
  • Patent number: 5662140
    Abstract: A valve device installed within the interior of a water receiving tank. A cylindrically shaped housing has a pair of openings at either end and is substantially contained within the tank. A valve rod is movably mounted within the housing. A cap is attached to one end of the valve rod and engages an innermost end of the housing to form a water tight seal. A spring is mounted within the housing to bias the valve rod and cap to a closed position. A flange is secured to the other end of the housing and is mounted to the external surface of the tank. The flange is adapted to connect to a conventional water conduit to facilitate communication of water from a hydrant to the tank. When water, under sufficient pressure from a water source, enters the valve device, the cap and valve rod are urged inward opening the valve to allow water to fill the tank. When the pressure of the water source falls below a certain level, the valve device closes providing a water tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Fireman's Friend Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Rucker
  • Patent number: 5660206
    Abstract: A filler neck of a fuel tank extends from the gas cap to the interior of a fuel tank, and a fill valve insert is positioned adjacent the tank-interior end of the filler neck in a tank/neck coupler construction. The insert carries a flexible valve to close the interior end of the filler neck, and the valve is designed and mounted both to flex open and bodily move downstream to both open and rapidly enlarge the valve opened passageway in response to rapid inflow of fuel to the tank, and to return and revert to a closed position upon cessation of fuel inflow. The fill valve insert is positively positioned and held in the interior of a threaded spout on the fuel tank and is retained and sealed against the filler pipe by a threaded collar screwed onto the threaded spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Neal, Mark R. Johansen
  • Patent number: 5649560
    Abstract: A combined measuring and injecting flow cell has a single housing defining a pair of chambers connected by a small passage. The first or sensing chamber has an inlet valve and at least one monitoring member extending therein. The second or injection chamber has an outlet valve and at least one injector extending therein. Preferably at least one wall of the cell is transparent to allow visually monitoring the conditions within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Acu-Trol
    Inventors: John Robert Lenney, John Scott Lenney, Lance Irvin Fitzsimmons, Harold Matthew Van Gordon
  • Patent number: 5640994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid reservoir, chiefly a reservoir whose purpose is to constitute a buffer, wherein the liquid level varies substantially comprising an inlet conduit (1) for liquid, an outlet conduit (2) for liquid, reservoir walls (3), a reservoir bottom (4) and a liquid outflow arrangement (5) located inside the said reservoir, which is connected to the said inlet conduit (2), the said outflow arrangement (5) comprising means (6) to ensure that its opening (7) follows the surface of the liquid (8) in the said reservoir (3, 4), the opening (7) preferably being located so that it discharges on a level with or immediately below the said liquid surface, which significantly reduces the risk that gas is included in the liquid flowing out via the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Finn Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5630445
    Abstract: A fuel tank for an automotive vehicle has a tank body for storing fuel. A filler pipe is connected to the tank body. A fuel outlet port device is located within the tank body and connected to an end of the filler pipe. The fuel outlet port device has an outwardly facing fuel outlet opening from which fuel supplied through the filler pipe flows out into the body, and a fuel trap for storing part of the fuel supplied through the filler pipe to thereby prevent evaporative fuel generated within the tank body from flowing into the filler pipe. An evaporative emission control system is also provided, which incorporates the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Horiuchi, Takeaki Nakajima, Koichi Hidano, Kazumi Yamazaki, Teruo Wakashiro
  • Patent number: 5623961
    Abstract: A flush tank fill valve assembly, comprises an elongated tubular riser having a threaded upper end and a threaded lower end, the riser being adapted to be mounted by the lower end in an opening in a bottom of a flush tank, and for connecting to a source of water, a flush valve including a housing having a nipple defining a threaded inlet opening adapted to mount on the upper end of the riser, and an elongated tubular sleeve adapted to mount over the riser and having first members for limiting rotation between the sleeve and the riser, and second members for limiting rotation of the sleeve relative to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hunter Plumbing Products
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5592969
    Abstract: A turbulence arrester is disclosed which allows fuel delivery at rates equal to or approaching the rates achieved when using an open ended drop tube. The turbulence arrester has a large number of small apertures around its circumferential surface. Fuel flow streams through these apertures contract a short distance from the orifice, then expand and interfere with fuel flow streams from adjacent apertures to generate eddies and turbulence. The turbulence is substantially confined to a narrow region surrounding the turbulence arrester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Russell L. Reichert
  • Patent number: 5538039
    Abstract: A vent arrangement for a fuel filler pipe (11) for motor vehicles. The arrangement comprises a vent passage (12) between a fuel tank's (10) upper part and the upper part of the fuel filler pipe (11). The passage comprises a chamber (16), the volume of which exceeds the fuel volume which can be forced upwards in the passage during filling. The chamber (16) is formed as a widening of the passage (12) which beneath the chamber forms a combined riser and vent tube (12a) in relation to the fuel tank (10). The passage above the chamber forms a vent tube (12b). The combined riser and vent tube (12a) has its orifice a small way inside the chamber (16). The tube presents a drainage hole (18) proximate the inside of the chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Bo T. S. Harde, Karl-Olof B orjesson, G oran Bredal
  • Patent number: 5456210
    Abstract: A watering system for poultry and other animals which includes a watering cup having side walls and an opening defined in a lower base portion, a valve body positioned within the watering cup and connected to a water supply manifold, coupling and sealing apparatus for fastening the valve body and the watering cup to the manifold in a water-tight manner, and a plunger assembly positioned within the valve body for selectably controlling a flow of water from the manifold through and out of the valve body. Most importantly, the invention further includes a deflector bell mounted on the plunger assembly for developing and channeling one or more water jets into the watering cup after the valve has been opened by the watering poultry. The water jets are developed and directed into the watering cup by grooves formed in the deflector surface confronting the water flow emerging from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Lavone L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5421383
    Abstract: A light weight apparatus for introducing a gas or liquid from a supply source into an open-topped liquid treatment tank includes an elongated support rail mounted in the tank, and a fluid delivery pipe assembly having at least one nozzle at the bottom end thereof, and a union at the top end thereof for connecting the pipe assembly with the fluid supply source. The pipe assembly is supported on the rail by spacers when the assembly is in a lowered position in which the at least one nozzle is disposed within the tank and the top end of the pipe assembly is aligned with the union. The spacers allow the pipe assembly to be axially translated along the rail, when the pipe assembly is disconnected from the supply source, between the lowered position and a raised position in which the at least one nozzle is removed from the tank for cleaning or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5381860
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a narrow thermocline in a thermal energy liquid storage tank in a cooling system for a commercial building in which the tank provides cooling liquid, e.g., water, during a peak electricity demand period to allow the building system to reduce its electric demand during such period. The tank incorporates a water distribution system including a generally centrally positioned, vertically oriented pipe extending from a bottom of the tank to about a top of the tank. A flange is positioned about mid-way of the pipe for separating an upper section of the pipe from a lower section. A water return line is coupled to the pipe above the flange and a water extraction line is connected to the pipe below the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced cool water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the bottom of the tank and a plurality of circumferentially spaced warm water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the top of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Dirrecktor TES Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Mather
  • Patent number: 5333752
    Abstract: A storage container unit comprises an inner tank for containing a hazardous liquid disposed within an outer tank. The side wall of the inner tank is spaced radially inwardly of the side wall of the outer tank to provide an annular air chamber. The top wall of the inner tank has a radially outwardly extending annular lip which overlaps an annular flange on the upper edge of the said wall of the outer tank to close the air chamber. The outer tank and air chamber provide a secondary dike against the escape of hazardous liquid, and also prevents accidental contamination of the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Clawson Tank Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Harding, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5323800
    Abstract: A portable ground water sampling apparatus has a submersible pump or other water sampling apparatus attached through a hose to a hydraulically driven spool mounted on a boom attached to the bed of a truck or trailer. The hydraulically operated boom enables the operator to place the pump over the well and lower the pump into the well from the spool. A second spool also mounted on the boom operates a cable attached to a discrete liquid sampler or appliance of operator's choice for lowering into the well to take water samples or collect data. A decontamination apparatus is also attached to the boom and washes the hose and cable to remove contaminants therefrom. The contaminated wash fluid is removed to a holding tank for later disposal at a safe site. Hydraulically driven level-wind mechanisms are attached to each spool. A washer is provided for high or low pressure washing of bailers or other devices used to sample well water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventors: Timothy J. Vollweiler, Arthur R. Vollweiler
  • Patent number: 5247973
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling water supplied to a storage tank which comprises housing means for transferring water from a pressurized supply to a storage tank and having an extended portion adapted to water-tightly attach to an opening in a storage tank, a solenoid-operated on-off valve positioned with-in said housing and having a water inlet and a water outlet, electronic control means positioned with-in said housing and operatively-connected to said valve to control the opening and closing thereof, water inlet means mounted on said housing in fluid communication with said valve water inlet, water outlet means mounted in the extended portion of said housing in fluid communication with the valve water outlet; the extended portion of said housing means having a plurality of apertures therein to provide fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the housing extended portion, the apertures being positioned and arranged with respect to said water outlet means whereby pressurized water may enter a stora
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Dale Brown
  • Patent number: 5236013
    Abstract: A dip pipe apparatus is disclosed which comprises in combination: first (inner) and second (outer) tubular pipes having about parallel longitudinal axes; the second (outer) pipe having upper and lower pipe portions and means for connecting the same, wherein the diameter of the upper pipe portion is greater than the diameter of the lower pipe portion; the first (inner) pipe being delimited by a first outlet for liquids within the upper portion of the second pipe, which first pipe is defined by a diameter less than the diameter of the lower portion of the second pipe; a second outlet for the subsurface addition of liquids to a reaction mass in the lower pipe portion of the second pipe; and a means for venting gases displaced by the flow of liquids within said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventor: Dilip K. Das
  • Patent number: 5197513
    Abstract: A system for receiving, storing and dispensing two different density liquids such as warm and cool water, the system being in the form of a tank with an enclosed upright high density liquid distributor vessel supported on the tank bottom, the liquid distributor vessel having a plurality of spaced apart openings therein and a similar enclosed low density liquid distributor vessel supported adjacent to the tank top and elevationally positioned above the high density liquid distributor with a column member of reduced diameter therebetween. A lower flow diverter is affixed to and radially extends from the high density liquid distributor vessel above the openings and, in like manner, an upper flow diverter is affixed to and radially extends from the low density liquid distributor vessel below the openings. A first conduit extends through the tank wall and to the high density liquid distributor vessel, and a second conduit extends through the tank wall and to the low density liquid distributor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: San Luis Tank Piping Construction Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Lorin R. Todd, Siavash Noorafshani
  • Patent number: 5186324
    Abstract: A tank assembly stores hydraulic oil in a system for actuating hydraulically operated cylinders, specifically on Class VI, VII and VIII trucks. A pump draws the fluid from the tank to force the hydraulic cylinder to an upright position. When the pump valve is shifted to the down position, the hydraulic fluid is returned to the storage tank at a reduced velocity without the reduction of the rate of flow in gallons per minute below the rated pump capacity, thus preventing the aeration of the fluid. An attachment kit includes grooves in the top of the tank-receiving nylon belts with loops at their ends receiving U-bolts for attaching to flanges of a tray, for mounting on a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Darrell W. Brandon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5176161
    Abstract: An enclosed storage tank for simultaneous addition and removal, and storage, of two liquid layers of different density comprising a tank shell having a bottom, side wall and a roof and a column extending from the shell bottom to at least near the roof; a horizontal first liquid distributor spaced around and extending outwardly of the column and located in the upper part of the tank and having an upwardly facing liquid distribution surface; a low density liquid conduit extending from outside the shell into communication with the column whereby low density liquid can be fed to the column and then flow to the first liquid distributor and onto the upper liquid distribution surface; a horizontal second liquid distributor spaced around and extending outwardly of the column above which the column extends and spaced above the shell bottom; the second liquid distributor having a downwardly facing liquid distribution surface; a high density liquid conduit extending from outside the shell into communication with the col
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Technical Services Company
    Inventors: Steven W. Peters, John S. McCabe, John S. Andrepont
  • Patent number: 5159946
    Abstract: An over-flow tank for a semiconductor wafer washing apparatus includes a pair of opposed extensions integrally formed on a pair of opposed side walls of the tank. One of the extensions is provided with pipes and/or other devices. This form of attachment prevents formation of a stepped portion on which dust may accumulate. The extensions also act to guide the flow of clean air over the tanks, so that vapor formed in a chemical liquid tank in one row of such tanks is prevented from entering a pure water tank in an adjacent row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Aigo Seiichiro
  • Patent number: 5139663
    Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for discharge of a pressurized dissolved air flotation aqueous treatment liquid from a high pressure reservoir to a low pressure body of liquid to be treated is provided. The valve includes a discharge head body adapted to be attached to a conduit supplied with pressurized treatment liquid which is provided with a central opening for discharge of a treatment liquid. The opening is controllable by means of a reciprocable cap positioned to reciprocate from a position whereon it restricts flow of liquid through the opening to a position wherein flow in unrestricted. The cap is attached to a reciprocable piston rod attached at its opposite end to a piston that is movable within an enclosed cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a port or opening on each side of said piston into which a source of pressurized air connectable to cause movement of the piston and thus opening and closing of the valve by selectively directing the flow of said pressurized air to either side of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Microlift Systems Limited Partnership
    Inventor: William A. Maples
  • Patent number: 5137053
    Abstract: A storage tank having a vertical, cylindrical tank, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet, includes an inlet diffuser for introducing inlet cold water uniformly across a horizontal cross section of the tank bottom and thereby foil convection currents that cause mixing of hot and cold fluid so that more hot fluid is recovered at the outlet over time. The tank may comprise a hot water heater where the water stored in the tank is heated within the tank by means disposed internally or externally of the internal storage chamber. Alternately, the water may be heated externally of the tank and stored within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Hemant D. Kale
  • Patent number: 5129413
    Abstract: A self washing water storage tank has a floor, a cylindrical, generally upright, peripheral concrete wall which sits on the floor and extends around and defines a water storage chamber, and a concrete roof that is mounted atop the wall in substantial covering relationship to the chamber. The roof is essentially flat and has an internal surface which faces the chamber. The tank is arranged such that during the fill cycle the water level rises to a high water level which is above the interior surface of the roof so that such surface is washed during each fill cycle to prevent damage from corrosive gases which may escape from the water and accumulate on the interior surfaces of the tank above the water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: The Crom Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh E. Puder, Charles S. Hanskat
  • Patent number: 5103863
    Abstract: A fluid handling system includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet. A first fluid transfer device is associated with the inlet, and a second is associated with the outlet. The fluid transfer devices substantially reduce short-circuiting of fluid flow through the vessel between the inlet and outlet independently of a fluid flow rate through the vessel while continuously transferring fluid through the inlet and the outlet. Each of the fluid transfer devices includes a plurality of hydraulically parallel flow passages defined therein. The flow passages communicate the interior of the vessel with either the inlet or the outlet. The flow passages have substantially identical flow characteristics such that for any differential pressure across all of the passages of one device the passages have substantially equal fluid flow rates therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Maston L. Powers
  • Patent number: 5101849
    Abstract: A pipe baffle and installation assembly for a sewage tank is disclosed. The baffle comprises a corrugated polyethylene sheet having two circular ports which overlap when the sheet is folded prior to installation. The baffle is mounted on the interior of the sewage tank by positioning the overlapping ports over a sleeve housing the pipe, and is secured to the tank interior with an annular locknut that engages the sleeve. A method for installing the sleeve, the baffle and the locknut is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: James G. Richard
  • Patent number: 5056492
    Abstract: A fuel tank closure component supporting a fuel pump, a fuel level sensor, and fuel line connections to the vehicle engine. The closure component fits into a circular aperture in the top of the tank. The closure component has a metal plate and a plastic connector body. The connector body has two push-fit sockets for receiving the ends of fuel line connections and a socket for receiving an outlet of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Permjit S. Banse