Float Operated Vent Cut-off Patents (Class 141/303)
  • Patent number: 11904681
    Abstract: A refueling coupling has an annular fitting 101 having a bore 102, bayonet lugs 103 and slots 104 suiting it for connection to a pressure filling nozzle. A flange 122, drilled with screw holes for securement to a fuel tank (not shown), extends out from the fitting 101. Also not shown for the sake of clarity is a tube extending own from the flange. Rods extend down from the flange 122 to a spider 125, with springs bearing upwards onto the underside of a dry-break member 105, through which the rods extend. The rods, springs and spider are within the non-shown tube. On attaching and opening of a pressure filling nozzle to the coupling, the dry-break member 105 is displaced resiliently inwards fuel can flow past this member and into the tank. The dry-break member has a central aperture 111, normally closed by a plug 112, which is threaded externally 114 and carries an O-ring seal 115 above the thread. The central aperture has a plain bore orifice 116 and is threaded 117 below the plain bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Leigh Maxwell Remfry
  • Patent number: 11753294
    Abstract: A retrieval system for a container having a dip tube and designed to hold a liquid, with a retrieval head which can be fastened to the dip tube, so that liquid can be retrieved from or supplied to the container via the dip tube and the retrieval head. The retrieval head has a liquid channel in which the liquid retrieved from or supplied to the container is conducted. An opening is provided in the wall bounding the liquid channel, wherein when the retrieval head is fastened to the dip tube the opening is closed in such a way that it is secured against the entering of gas, and wherein when the retrieval head is unfastened from the dip tube the opening is no longer closed, so that gas enters the liquid channel via the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: AS Strömungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Szeteli, Tom Mario Fischer
  • Patent number: 10113514
    Abstract: A valve device forming a portion of a ventilation flow channel of a fuel tank includes a float valve, a case housing the float valve, and an outside member housing the case and including an attachment portion to a fuel tank side. One portion of a cylindrical seal member fitted in a first through hole to communicate an inner portion to a second through hole is pinched between a top portion of the case wherein the first through hole is formed, and a top portion of the outside member wherein the second through hole communicating to an outside of the tank is formed, and a lower end of the cylindrical seal member becomes a valve seat of the float valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Toshio Wada
  • Patent number: 8887775
    Abstract: A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a fill passage connecting the storage tank to an external atmosphere. An adjacent passage has a lower end disposed at a predetermined level within the storage tank and an upper end communicating with a hole in the fill passage. A vent passage connects the adjacent passage to the external atmosphere, and a valve is disposed in the vent passage, permitting the flow of air through the vent passage and prohibiting the flow of liquid through the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ameri-Kart Corp.
    Inventor: Steve Burkholder
  • Patent number: 8678050
    Abstract: An overflow protection system for an oil tank trailer which automatically monitors and controls the level of oil within said trailer. The system comprises a float sensor, a cable assembly, a shutoff valve, a temperature sensor, and a control box. The float sensor comprises an inductive float sensor which monitors the level on the tank gauge of an existing trailer body, which provides electrical signals via the cable assembly. The cable assembly provides electronic connection between the float sensor, valve, temperature sensor, and control box. The shutoff valve is closed when the float sensor is triggered, preventing flow into and out of the tank in order to eliminate overflow spillage. The control box includes a plurality of manual user controls for operating the system as well as information displays including interior temperature and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Spill Protection System
    Inventors: Glyn Dobson, Mathew Jones
  • Patent number: 8561657
    Abstract: A ullage system for a marine fuel tank that maintains an exact ullage space in all marine refueling situations including refueling in moving or pitching and rolling situations. The invention includes two ball valve assemblies that are inserted into a fuel tank at approximately the same level. The two assemblies typically are at opposite ends of the tank. One of the ball valves is smaller than the other in diameter. The smaller valve is coupled to an air vent; the larger valve is coupled to the filler tube. An important feature of the present invention is that it can typically be made to fit any marine fuel tank simply by changing the length of a vent tube to reach the correct ullage level for the tank at hand. The components of the present invention can be made from standard fuel valve materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bluskies International, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brown, Marvin Peplow
  • Patent number: 8550128
    Abstract: A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising a fluid flow control valve connected via a bleed line to a fluid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Patent number: 8430117
    Abstract: A combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Publication number: 20130032248
    Abstract: A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising a fluid flow control valve connected via a bleed line to a fluid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Patent number: 8353322
    Abstract: In a tank system, a venting line (6) connects the fuel tank to an activated carbon filter, and a recirculating line (10) opens into a filler head (3). In order to prevent the penetration of liquid fuel into the activated carbon filter, to permit the seal to be checked by applying a partial vacuum and to provide a filler head which can be manufactured inexpensively, an insertion body (22) is provided which forms a funnel (23) which is adjoined by a neck (24) which accommodates the fuel nozzle, which insertion body (22) has, in addition to the neck (24), two vertical blind holes (31, 32), open at the bottom, and a transverse duct (33) which connects the latter, wherein the first blind hole (31) is connected to the recirculating line (10), and a float (40), which clears or closes off the connection to the transverse duct (33), is guided in the second blind hole (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GesmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Pozgainer, Thomas Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8281823
    Abstract: A refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus having a combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems. The refueling apparatus further having a fluid flow control valve module, a fluid level sensor module having a sensor, and a testing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Spillx L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mitrovich, John Byrne
  • Patent number: 7823610
    Abstract: A refueling shut-off system is provided for use with a vehicle fuel system including a fuel tank, a fuel tank filler neck, and a fuel vapor recovery canister. The system includes a fill-limit vent valve and a flow-control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy J. King
  • Patent number: 7823611
    Abstract: An object is to provide a filler cap of a fuel tank capable of securely preventing a disadvantage that, when the fuel tank tilts, fuel stored in the fuel tank is discharged from an air passage disposed at a cap main body. The cap includes the air passage which is constituted at the cap main body and which allows the inside of the fuel tank to communicate with the outside, and a valve mechanism portion constituted at this air passage. The valve mechanism portion includes a tube main body having a tube-like portion and a reduced diameter portion formed externally and continuously from this tube-like portion, a float stored in the tube main body with a space between the float and an inner surface of this tube main body, a piston positioned on a fuel tank side of the float and stored in the tube main body with a space between the piston and the inner surface of the tube main body, and a spherical member positioned on an outer side of the float and stored in the tube main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Iwami, Masao Iwami, Mitsuo Kadoi, Masanori Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7775397
    Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly includes a ventilation passageway providing for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Denfred Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis Rivard, Zhendong Liu, Fan Kun
  • Patent number: 7644723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Endre Zsigmond
  • Patent number: 7152638
    Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fill tube in communication with a tank, and a nozzle guide having surfaces oriented so as to guide a nozzle spout in the nozzle tube during a filling operation of said tank with a fuel. The system also includes a sealing device in the fill tube downstream from the nozzle guide, wherein the sealing device includes at least one lip configured to contact an outer surface of said nozzle spout during said filling operation that seals the fill tube from an outside environment during the filling operation. A vent valve is mounted on the tank, the vent valve being open during the filling operation and during periods of normal use of the tank and being closed at least when the tank is upside down or when the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 7147017
    Abstract: A fill limit vent valve assembly includes a cover assembly, a valve assembly and a fill control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventor: Ralf Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 6857454
    Abstract: A fuel tank and a canister are connected to each other by a first evaporated-fuel passage and a second evaporated-fuel passage, and a valve chamber of a float valve separate from the fuel tank is disposed at an intermediate portion of the first evaporated-fuel passage. Thus, there is no limitation in the positional relationship between a filled-up liquid surface in the fuel tank and a valve seat of the float valve. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the vertical dimension of the float valve. Moreover, since the valve chamber is provided separately from the fuel tank, it is unnecessary to define an opening for mounting the valve chamber to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiki Yanase, Tsuyoshi Chou, Hisayuki Goma
  • Publication number: 20040144444
    Abstract: An evaporative fuel control system is provided which includes a canister, and a fill-up control valve disposed in a vent line that communicates a fuel tank with the canister for controlling fill-up of the fuel tank. The fill-up control valve includes a casing, a float disposed in a space formed in the casing such that the float is movable up or down in the space, and a valve body provided in an upper portion of the float. In the evaporative fuel control system, the fill-up control valve is located outside and above the fuel tank, and a head difference is provided between a full level of the fuel tank and the fill-up control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Osaki, Takehiro Nagase
  • Patent number: 6578597
    Abstract: A vent module is adapted to be mounted in a top wall of a fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor recovery canister located outside the tank. An outer shell is positioned around the vent module to define a fuel vapor transfer passageway arranged to conduct liquid fuel droplets into a liquid fuel accumulation chamber. A fuel vapor transfer port is formed in the outer shell to admit fuel vapor into the fuel vapor transfer passageway. A fuel vapor inlet port is formed in the vent module to lie below the fuel vapor transfer port. Liquid fuel entrained in fuel vapor is shed as fuel vapor flows laterally from the fuel vapor transfer passageway into the vent module through the fuel vapor inlet port so that “demoisturized” fuel vapor flows into the vent module and liquid fuel droplets fall into the liquid fuel accumulation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: J Bradley Groom, Dennis M. DeCapua
  • Patent number: 6405766
    Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 5449029
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fuel vapor discharge from within a vehicle fuel tank includes a valve housing having vapor inlet and outlet openings, a float valve in the valve housing, and a skirt extending around the valve housing to define an annular channel therebetween. The float valve is movable in the valve housing to open and close the vapor outlet opening. The skirt has a bottom edge adapted to lie in spaced-apart relation to a top wall of a fuel tank carrying the valve housing. The vapor inlet opening lies between the outlet opening and the bottom edge of the skirt, which edge is positioned to lie in coextensive relation with a top surface of liquid fuel in the interior region of the fuel tank equal to a predetermined maximum fuel capacity of the fuel tank. The skirt is configured to cause a pump nozzle to shut off at the proper time during refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 5406994
    Abstract: A pour spout for conducting a liquid, such as fuel, from a portable ventless container to a tank which includes a mechanism for enabling a user to readily determine when the tank is full and when fluid flow from the portable container into the tank has stopped. The mechanism includes a window in a wall of the container and a deflector connected to the pour spout which extends into the interior of the container for directing air bubbles entering the container through the pour spout toward the window. The window permits a user to visually determine when the displaced air bubbles stop flowing which is an indication that the tank is full and flow of the liquid has stopped. The window may be in the form of a translucent thin wall section, a transparent pane mounted in the wall, or the container itself may be translucent throughout so that the displaced air bubbles may be seen when directed to a location adjacent a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, John H. Thiermann
  • Patent number: 5375633
    Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an on board vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Whitehead Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Bucci
  • Patent number: 5273084
    Abstract: A gas flow check valve for a bottle filling device employs a piston received within a bore which is maintained at the bottom of the filling head vent tube. The piston has a head thereon which is interposed within the flow path of escaping gas during the filling operation. The escaping gas impinges upon the underside of the head and urges the same toward a sealing position. An opposite end of the piston extends downwardly into the bottle being filled. When the level of the beverage within the bottle reaches the bottom of the piston, the buoyancy of the piston, coupled with the forces of the escaping gas impinging upon the piston head urge the piston into sealing engagement, terminating the escape of gas and similarly terminating the inward flow of beverage or liquid, terminating the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Figgie International Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Monnig
  • Patent number: 5234038
    Abstract: A pour spout for pouring a fluid, such as fuel, by gravity from a container to a tank. The spout includes a conduit having one end connected to the fuel container and having a second end to be positioned within the neck of the tank. A sleeve is mounted for sliding movement within the conduit and the outer end of the sleeve carries a closure which closes off the discharge end of the conduit. A vent tube is disposed within the conduit and has an inlet end which is adapted to communicate with the fuel tank when the closure is in the open position. A check valve is mounted within the vent tube and permits the flow of fuel vapor and air from the tank through the tube to the container, but prevents flow of fuel in the opposite direction. An annular collar is mounted on the conduit and with the collar engaged with the neck of the fuel tank, a downward force applied through the container on the sleeve will open the closure to admit fuel through the conduit to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mitchell, John H. Thiermann, Paul R. Ruppel, Daniel E. Braun
  • Patent number: 5230360
    Abstract: A venting system for a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a fuel tank having a filling pipe, an overflow duct, a gas vent duct, a safety valve; fresh air duct for removal of excess fuel vapor from the fuel tank through the fresh air duct. A scavenging duct and an auxiliary valve for overcoming failure of the scavenging duct and/or of the safety valve, in order to ensure that the fuel tank is vented through the fresh air duct are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Paul Journee S.A.
    Inventors: Maurice Journee, Pierre-Andre Hyernard, Christian Romanek
  • Patent number: 5090459
    Abstract: A fuel tank system has a fuel tank, a fuel charging port extending from the fuel tank and disposed in the vicinity of an outer panel of a body and a fuel lid for covering the fuel charging port. The fuel lid is mounted such that it is movable substantially horizontally relative to a portion of the outer panel of the body corresponding to the fuel charging port and that a distal end of the fuel lid is capable of moving away from the fuel charging port and the outer panel. A fuel passage having an outlet disposed on a rear surface side of said fuel lid in such a manner as to be oriented downwardly is disposed in such a manner as to extend from said fuel tank. This fuel passage allows a liquid fuel overflowing during overfueling to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Tomohide Aoki, Hisao Hanabusa, Tamiyosi Ohasi, Masakiyo Yoshida, Masami Mizuno, Fujio Ninomiya, Osamu Hokari, Tsugio Fujita
  • Patent number: 5035729
    Abstract: A fuel tank venting system for a boat (10) includes a fuel tank (12) the interior of which is open to a filler tube (14) and a vent line (18). A liquid separation and recovery device (20) is connected to the vent line and an outlet line (28) which is open to atmosphere. Vapor delivered to the device through the vent line enters an inlet (24) and passes through an opening (64). The vapor then passes through a screen (86), around a sphere (82) that is buoyant in the liquid fuel, and escapes from the device through an outlet (26). When liquid fuel enters the device, the sphere rises blocking flow to the outlet. The trapped liquid passes through an opening (48) into a cavity (42). The liquid entering the cavity displaces a spring loaded piston (56). When liquid is no longer being delivered to the cavity, the piston pushes the liquid back out the inlet and down the vent line to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 5028244
    Abstract: A tank venting control valve assembly is provided to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The assembly closes automatically to prevent discharge of agitated liquid fuel from the tank or block overfilling of the tank. The assembly opens automatically after agitation of liquid fuel in the tank has subsided or refueling has been completed to cause the fuel level in the tank to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 5019141
    Abstract: A vent line separator (30) having a housing (34) defining an interior chamber (44) having a flow diverter (132) positioned therein that separates liquid and gas and a by-pass valve assembly (106) that permits gas to be vented to the atmosphere under a predetermined minimum pressure, that prevents gas and liquid from being vented to the atmosphere when the liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined minimum pressure and below a predetermined maximum pressure, and allows venting of liquid fuel and gas to the atmosphere when liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Granville, John Church, David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 4966299
    Abstract: In association with a fuel tank of a vehicle with an inlet, an improved fuel filler assembly therein with first and second sealing means for isolating the interior of the fuel tank from the atmosphere and a vapor storage canister before a refill of the tank and subsequently from the atmosphere but not the storage canister during a refill operation while preventing passage of liquid to the storage canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Teets, Keith A. Kerby, Michael P. Rafferty, Wayne D. Carver, Robert Shrodes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4673009
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a filler neck terminating in an upwardly opening well, and a paddle overlying the well has a pivoted arm extending adjacent a vent valve. The arm causes the valve to restrict flow through a vent orifice when fuel is not being introduced through the filler neck, but pivots to allow the valve to open the orifice in response to introduction of liquid fuel through the filler neck. A float has an actuating member adapted to cause the valve to restrict flow through the orifice when the level of liquid fuel in the tank approaches the maximum level desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy A. Giacomazzi, Gregory E. Rich
  • Patent number: 4665957
    Abstract: A counterpressure liquid filling device for a container (1) comprises a gas discharge passage (9a) for discharging the pressurized gas of the container (1) into the atmosphere, the gas discharge passage (9a) being branched into a first branch discharge conduit (12), one end of which is communicated with the neck of the container (1), and a second branch discharge passage (13), one end of which is communicated with the container at a position where the quantity of the liquid to be filled is determined, the other ends of both the first branch discharge conduit (12) and the second branch discharge passage (13) being communicated with a valve operating chamber (11). A gas flow control valve (10) is housed in the valve operating chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Kirin Beer Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Suzuki, Takeshi Saegusa, Toshimitsu Takasu, Yuji Nakayama, Yutaka Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4637426
    Abstract: A valve which is used to control the gravity-feed filling of containers by selectively permitting certain fluids to escape from the container while the container is being filled thereby controlling the amount of material which is admitted to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Ronald J. Lyon
  • Patent number: 4625778
    Abstract: A control valve for blocking atmospheric venting of gas fumes contained within a gasoline storage tank during tanker refill operations and which is adapted for attachment to the end of a venting tube coupled to the open space within the tank. The control valve comprises a tubular valve casing and a valve seat and seating member which are coupled within the valve casing, the seating member being reversibly displaceable along a flow channel therein between (i) a rest position toward the bottom of the casing which permits gradual air flow for pressure equalization of the tank and (ii) a sealed or seated position at the valve seat, wherein all flow of air or gas fumes is blocked. The seated position is developed in response to rapid exhaust of gas fumes through the flow channel, driving the seating member into the seated position. Loss of gas fumes into the atmosphere is therefore precluded during refill of the gas tank, requiring the tanker operator to withdraw pressurized gas fumes into the tanker shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: HMH, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Johnson
  • Patent number: 4398575
    Abstract: A container filling device having an arrangement of liquid and gas flow control valves in a common body that separates the flow of the liquid and gas without need for seals, and incorporating in the filling device a valve element in a cage supported from a gas flow vent tube, whereby turbulence is minimized and filling is speeded up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Barry-Wehmiller Company
    Inventor: Harold J. Brandon
  • Patent number: 4363339
    Abstract: A filling valve arrangement for a counter-pressure container filling apparatus in which the filling valve arrangement is mounted in a bottom outlet opening in the usual bowl which holds the liquid under gas pressure, and an extension on the filling valve supports a filling head to receive the neck of a container in operative position so that a gas vent control carried by the vent tube is located in the container to admit gas into the container and to vent gas from the container as liquid replaces the gas in a rapid exchange of liquid for the gas up to the desired liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Barry-Wehmiller Company
    Inventor: Stanley J. Puskarz
  • Patent number: 4300603
    Abstract: This device for rapid and extremely accurate filling of containers includes a duct for bleeding off gas bubbles from a metering device, where prior bubble-eliminating provisions are inadequate due to extreme product viscosity. The device also has relative adjustment between a positive mechanical stop, used to define very precisely the substance volume metered by a biacting piston, and a control switch used to reverse the piston. This adjustability corrects an inaccuracy arising in prior devices due to the necessarily slower speed of the piston with extremely viscous product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Inventor: Herman Laub, III
  • Patent number: 4206789
    Abstract: A device for use in filling bottles with liquid stored in a reservoir is disclosed. The device utilizes a short gas conduit for venting the bottle to be filled. When the level of liquid reaches the level of the conduit, the outflow of gas displaced during the filling process ceases and the filling process is greatly slowed. Liquid which is drawn into the conduit is blocked by a check valve which does not impede gas flow. After such blockage, the device is so constructed as to allow the liquid to drain back into the bottle. This single conduit is used for both the intake and exhausting of gas, as may be required during the filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Inventors: Heinrich Jordan, Uwe Knabe
  • Patent number: 4171714
    Abstract: The filling machine has a rotary tank containing the liquid, an annular channel surrounding the tank and containing gas having a lower pressure than the gas in the tank but higher than the atmospheric pressure, a filling unit adapted for sealing the container to be filled and including a filling pipe communicating with the interior of the tank and projecting into the container to be filled, a pressure control space communicating with the interior of the container around the filling pipe and connectable via a first control valve to the outer atmosphere, and further connectable via a second control valve to the annular channel, the second control valve being opened mechanically in response to the angular position of the rotary liquid tank and in addition being controlled during its open position by a separate timing device that closes the second valve if the mechanical control exceeds a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Holstein & Kappert GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Knabe, Wolfgang Borstelmann
  • Patent number: 4144915
    Abstract: A device for the accurate measuring and for holding a discharge of liquid quantities is described as well as apparatus for charging liquid into the device from bulk storage. The measuring and dispensing device includes a liquid compartment, a dispensing nozzle, a carrying handle and a nozzle operating means adjacent the carrying handle. The compartment includes a vent which is open and closed by the nozzle operating means with a float included in the vent to shut the vent when filling the device and when liquid in the device reaches a chosen level. A coupling nozzle is engageable with the first-mentioned nozzle for charging liquid into the device and includes a stem and a sliding sleeve which cooperate with the first nozzle to allow liquid flow from the coupling nozzle through the first nozzle and into the compartment for charging the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Murray Jack Braunstein
    Inventor: William D. Henderson, deceased
  • Patent number: 4120331
    Abstract: A low pressure gas regulator for purging vessels in which valve means first connects a vessel to be purged with a vacuum pump, and then when the vessel is substantially evacuated, it connects the evacuated vessel with a source of purging gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Inventor: Charles S. Krivanek, III
  • Patent number: 4049029
    Abstract: A valve system for the vapor receiving system of a gasoline dispensing nozzle which acts to prevent the flow of liquid gasoline into the vapor return line in the event that the automatic shut-off system of the nozzle fails to turn the nozzle off. The valve system has a valve seat located at the point where the vapor return line connects to the vapor receiving system and a floating member suspended below the valve seat in such a manner that when the vapor receiving chamber fills with gasoline, the floating member covers the valve seat so that no gasoline flows back through the vapor return line. A shield can also be provided to prevent closure of the floating member by the normal flow of vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Suntech, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Hansel
  • Patent number: 4007766
    Abstract: A railway tank car is provided for interconnection in fluid communication with associated tank cars. Each of the tank cars includes a tank mounted on a chassis structure with two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tank, each having an outer end extending outwardly from the tank adjacent to the top thereof and at least one having an inner end extending into the tank and terminating near the bottom thereof. A vapor vent is connected to the tank to vent gas vapors produced during loading. The vent is closed by a valve actuated by a control mechanism in response to a level sensing means which determines the level of liquid lading in the tank. The tank car or train may be loaded or unloaded from either end thereof since the cars can have symmetrical internal piping, and, similarly the gas vapor may be collected from either end of the tank car or train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: General American Transportation Corporation
    Inventor: Doug Hurst