Tank Patents (Class 251/144)
  • Patent number: 4422473
    Abstract: In a tank ball valve assembly the ball valve includes a hollow depending sleeve which extends below the tank bottom. A handle is attached to the sleeve to rotate the ball valve between open and closed positions. An outlet chamber surrounds the sleeve and includes a slot to allow rotation of the handle 90.degree. between open and closed positions. The outlet chamber extends directly below the sleeve and the unloading spout is not offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard B. Polley
  • Patent number: 4413804
    Abstract: A piston valve comprising a housing and a piston slidably engaged therein. The valve is especially adapted to be molded of plastic for use in fuel lines of lawn mowers and other small gasoline-powered engines. Also, a combination fuel tank and piston valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Flambeau Product Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Lanius, Harold D. Hulterstrum, Gerald A. Rau
  • Patent number: 4408631
    Abstract: A faucet plug is disposed in a housing transversely to a tank wall so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is fixedly connected with its end portion outside of the tank to a bent discharge pipe, and a through-passage extends in the longitudinal axis of the faucet plug and terminates in a radial inlet portion which, when the discharge pipe is turned downwards, merges into the inlet opening of the housing. Preferably, at least one of the functional components is made of a self-sealing slidable plastics material and the other one is made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventors: Klaus Uhlig, Marian Szczurek, Carlos Vilacha, Juergen Beckmann
  • Patent number: 4398553
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a crashworthy valved fitting for interconnecting a tank, such as a fuel tank, with a fluid line wherein valve structure is manually operated, and fluid pressure assists in maintaining the valve in a closed condition. An extension defined upon a Tee fitting body, which may be separated therefrom at a frangible location, is circumscribed by a mounting surface and extends into a tank opening, and the extension side wall includes a plurality of orifices whereby communication between the tank and the fitting is achieved. A displaceable valve selectively seals the extension orifices, and a manually displaceable valve actuator incorporates locking means for maintaining the valve in the open position, and permitting releasing of the valve of for movement to a closed position. Pressure faces defined upon the valve of differential areas subjected to the pressurized medium produces a force for assisting to maintain the valve in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Neill D. Perrine
  • Patent number: 4397444
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a tank car bottom outlet mounting flange is provided with a stepped valve seat slot to receive a contained valve seat member. The valve seat is provided with an upper internal valve seat portion to receive a valve closure. A valve seat body portion located below the valve seat portion is provided with a valve seat slot to receive an operator retainer to prevent the operator from moving vertically during operation. A valve seat flange portion extends radially outwardly from the valve seat body portion and is provided with first fastener openings for holding the valve seat member in place within the mounting flange and supporting the valve closure and any lading in the tank. The valve seat flange portion is provided with second fastener openings, preferably circumferentially spaced from the first fastener openings to receive fasteners to hold in place an outlet chamber extending below the valve seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4394002
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a tank bottom (12) is provided with a lading opening (14) therein. A mounting flange (16) is mounted within this opening. This mounting flange includes a tapered portion (18, 18') extending longitudinally on either side of the lading opening. Preferably the tapered portion includes at least three (3) longitudinal units for each unit the mounting flange extends vertically in excess of one (1) inch below the bottom external surface of the tank. The mounting flange further includes a flange body portion (24) located radially inwardly from the tapered portion having a flange opening (26) for lading to pass through for entry or exit from the tank. The body portion further includes a recess (28) located below the body portion adapted to receive a valve housing (30) having a valve seat and a lading valve (44) located within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard B. Polley
  • Patent number: 4384704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo valve mounted upon a horizontal bulkhead having a discharge opening. A vertically disposed preferably cylindrical valve housing is mounted on the bulkhead above the opening and a plurality of support plates mounted at their respective end portions to the bulkhead and to the valve body. The plates support the body a distance above the opening allowing fluid of slurry flow to enter the discharge opening between the bulkhead and the valve body. A preferably cylindrical valve piston is slidably mounted within the valve body housing between upper open and lower closed positions. The valve piston provides a lower preferably circular valve seat conforming to the circular discharge opening which has a diameter preferably greater than the diameter of the opening which allows for the sealing thereof. A seal is provided at the lower circular edge of the seat and forms a closure of the discharge opening when the valve piston is in its lower closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Inventor: Robert C. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4371295
    Abstract: A system for spraying fluidized powder comprising at least one powder dispenser, a powder fluidization chamber containing a quantity of powder therein, a fluidization hose for introducing a stream of air into the chamber to fluidize the powder therein, at least one powder blower having an outlet from which a stream of air is allowed to pass, at least one powder control valve connected to the chamber and in communication with the fluidized powder therein, a rod for actuating each powder control valve wherein a quantity of fluidized powder is exhausted into an orifice in each powder control valve, a powder hose for introducing the fluidized powder from each powder control valve into the sides of each powder blower outlet, a conduit connecting each powder blower outlet with a portion of each powder dispenser for supplying a stream of fluidized powder, and a fluidization blower from which a stream of fluidizing air is allowed to pass into the fluidization hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Commercial Resins Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Hart
  • Patent number: 4361310
    Abstract: A drain valve assembly for attachment to the threaded drain opening of an automobile crankcase is disclosed. A drain plug, which is engageable with the threaded drain opening of the automobile crankcase, is provided with an axially extending bore which defines a drain passage in communication with the crankcase. A counterbore formed in the tightening head of the drain plug defines a valve seat. An anchor plate is fastened to the underside of the crankcase by the drain plug. A valve release plate is moveably coupled to the anchor plate for movement from a valve closed position to a valve open position. A resilient, compressible valve head is mounted on the valve release plate for movement into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat in the valve closed and valve open positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Inventor: J. Warren Cummins
  • Patent number: 4351355
    Abstract: A drain valve for use in a fuel tank and having a drain port and an axially movable poppet or valve member. The valve member has a first position for closing the port, a second position for opening the port to permit draining of liquid from the fuel tank, and a third position wherein the valve member is lowered to expose a seal thereon for inspection or replacement. A valve stem is connected to the valve member and has a pin with ends projecting therefrom. A retainer assembly comprised of two identical, interfitting retainer members has slots for receiving the ends of the pin and surfaces for supporting the pin and, in turn, the valve member when the valve is either opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Auto-Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd G. Koller, Ralph H. Drew, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4338689
    Abstract: A self-aligning valve assembly and a valve plug therefor includes an elastomeric valve plug having an annular outer sealing portion with an annular sealing surface for sealing a drain hole valve seating of a receptacle. A central mounting portion is secured to a pair of telescoped tubes. A flexible diaphragm with a circular convoluted fold integrally connects the mounting portion and the outer sealing portion, and is capable of yielding to permit radial and/or tilting displacement of the outer sealing portion relative to the central mounting portion of the plug to accommodate limited misalignment between the valve tubes and the drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford V. Zieg
  • Patent number: 4327768
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an open and closed position indicator assembly is provided for use with a bottom operable tank car valve assembly. An operating shaft for the lading valve extends downwardly through the outlet chamber and includes a connection portion at its lower end. An indicator housing is integrally connected to that portion of the outlet chamber above the connection portion which surrounds the operating shaft. An indicator member located within the indicator housing is internally threaded and engages an externally threaded portion of the outlet chamber. The indicator member includes a lower non-round opening which is adopted to be driven by a cooperating non-round portion of the operating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4326557
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tank car valve mounting flange, valve cage and valve seat are provided. The cage is generally cylindrical. The mounting flange extends radially outwardly from the cage. The valve seat is located on an inner surface of the cage. A multi-armed sleeve is threaded onto a threaded valve stem. Clamp fasteners attach a valve closure to a lower portion of the stem. The sub-assembly of the valve closure, valve stem and sleeve is placed within the valve cage, with the closure resting on the valve seat. The arms of the sleeve extend into cage slots having a generally horizontal portion in the cage. A keeper assembly is provided to retain the sleeve arms within the cage slots. The stem is then connected to a top operating rod extending to the top of the tank. The valve assembly is then raised by the top operating rod until the valve flange engages a tank mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4318531
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a container outlet valve assembly (10) is provided including a generally cone-shaped housing (12) extending upwardly into the container, and including radially spaced openings (14) in the housing for lading to flow out of the container. A cone valve (30) is located within the housing containing spaced openings (34) which align with the openings (14) in the cone housing when the cone valve is in open position. A liner (36) of low friction material is attached to the outer surface of the cone valve and/or the inner surface of the cone housing. The cone valve is rotatable to a closed position in which the valve body closes the openings located in the housing (FIG. 3). An unloading chamber (44) is located below the cone valve and is attached to a tank mounting flange (18) with shearable fasteners (24). The flange does not extend below the tank bottom in excess of one (1) inch. In one embodiment (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4314689
    Abstract: A drain valve for handling contaminated fluids includes a body having a drain port and an internal passage communicating therewith. A plug is disposed in the internal passage and the plug defines a drain passage which communicates with the internal passage. Further, the drain valve includes an actuating device for selectively positioning the plug to a drain port opening position and to a drain port closing position, and a device for preventing contamination of the actuation device. Accordingly, contaminates are prevented from reaching the actuating device and reducing the efficiency of the drain valve. The drain valve also includes a seal located above the drain port. The plug sealingly engages the seal in the drain port closing position. With the seal located above the drain port, contaminates in the fluid are unable to collect thereon and thus do not abrade the seal as the plug is actuated into the drain port closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Racor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4313591
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Wempe, Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4312607
    Abstract: A pellet gate, or valve, assembly to control pneumatic discharge of pellets from a hopper car. The inclined side walls of the hopper terminate in spaced edges forming a valve gap, with a semi-cylindrical trough extending below the valve gap. Centered in the valve gap is a valve rod having an axis which is spaced above the axis of the trough. The rod has oppositely facing longitudinal grooves defining a figure eight cross section and mounted for rotation from a valve-closed position to a valve-open position in which the grooves of the rod face the opposed edges of the hopper side walls for passage of the pellets. A cylindrical control collar is coaxially mounted at the end of the trough for rocking movement. A geared connection is interposed between the control collar and the end of the valve rod so that rocking movement of the control collar is effective to rotate the rod between its open and closed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Keystone Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Van Auken
  • Patent number: 4311298
    Abstract: In a railway tank car, a tank mounting flange is integrally connected to the tank bottom. The tank mounting flange includes an opening into which is inserted a ball valve housing. The ball valve housing includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. Mechanical housing fasteners hold the upper housing portion in engagement with the lower housing portion. The lower housing portion has an outwardly extending housing flange portion which engages the tank mounting flange. Removable fasteners hold the housing flange portion in place in engagement with the mounting flange. A ball valve is located within both the lower housing portion and the upper housing portion. A pair of vertically extending seals seal the ball valve with respect to the tank when the ball valve is in closed position. The ball valve may be either bottom operated or top operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4310145
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Wempe
  • Patent number: 4304252
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve utilizes a ball which is rotated about an axis greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to the direction of fluid flow. The ball member utilizes a fluid flow conduit through its center with a flat surface disposed at an angle to the fluid flow conduit. When in the closed position, the flat surface is disposed flush with a valve face on one port of the valve. The ball is also disposed so that its center is less than a radius length from the surface defined by the valve face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Inventor: Raymond E. Stanton
  • Patent number: 4298182
    Abstract: A locking fluid valve assembly including a housing adapted for connection to a fluid reservoir such as an automobile crankcase, a valve piston member for sealing and unsealing a drain passage through the housing and a piston closure member which is held under tension against the outside wall of the housing when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Inventor: Duane C. Balch
  • Patent number: 4280679
    Abstract: A tank car bottom unloading valve that meets A.A.R. specifications which can be dually-operated either from above or below the tank, wherein the valve is retained in a heavy, longitudinally sloped mounting flange by a segmented ring which does not interfere with the valve actuating mechanism and yet allows the containment of the valve up inside the tank so as not to result in hazardous protrusion of the body of the valve from the bottom of the tank. Said vale is shut from below by an over-center cam and link mechanism which locks the valve poppet on its seat through a resilient compression spring but which does not lock-up the valve when it is shut from above, so that lower working torque is required by the operator and less maximum stress is imposed on the valve in its operation, and there is less criticality of adjustment upon assembly. A valve actuating lever disengages from the over-center cam and link mechanism for rotation and hookup in an out-of-the-way place below the tank car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: The Protectoseal Co.
    Inventor: Harry N. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4278235
    Abstract: A forged steel male end valve provided with a new and improved body with a centering end ring adapted for butt welding as for instance with respect to a tank or pipe, said body being greatly enlarged in diameter, compared to the bore of the body, adjacent to the centering ring, and tapering gradually downwardly from a maximum to a minimum cross-sectional area intermediate the ends of the body. The valve body as a whole is greatly elongated to provide space for application of insulation. The valve body includes in addition to the enlarged end portion, a portion of generally uniform cross-section, extending from the gradually tapered portion, the uniform portion being preferably of equal or greater length than the downwardly tapered portion. Thereafter the outer diameter of the body may e.g. remain uniform for a short distance and then it slopes gradually downwardly to the portion of uniform diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Peter W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4272053
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Wempe, Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4270729
    Abstract: A top operated tank car valve assembly includes a rod extending downwardly from the top of the tank and is attached to the valve stem of a lading valve located in the bottom of the tank. The stem engages a threaded valve sleeve provided with a mounting flange which engages a cooperating mounting flange on a valve cage. Fasteners engage the upper surface of the sleeve, and extend through the valve cage and engage threaded openings in a tank car bottom outlet mounting flange. The cage includes a valve seat for a valve closure. The valve seat is formed on the lower, internal surface of the valve cage, and circumferentially spaced openings are formed in the valve cage for lading flow. Laterally spaced projections extend upwardly from the lading valve closure. A valve stem retainer includes a pair of formed retainer members which define a cavity or opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gunter R. Behle, David P. Hillstead
  • Patent number: 4269220
    Abstract: A valve mounting flange connected over the outlet of a railway car tank includes a body having a tapered skirt which protects a release valve and other associated mechanisms against breakage which could result in rupture of the tank shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Pullman Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard E. Rehbein
  • Patent number: 4268010
    Abstract: In a railway tank car bottom outlet lading valve assembly, an operating handle assembly for the lading valve includes an operating shaft extending vertically within a lading outlet chamber. The shaft is provided with a non-round shaft tool connection portion near the bottom thereof. An operating handle is pivotably mounted on the outlet chamber adjacent the non-round connection portion. The operating ratchet includes a handle non-round connection portion which engages the shaft non-round connection portion. A handle-storing bracket for the distal end of the operating handle is mounted upon the tank body or on an upper mounting flange portion of the outlet chamber adjacent a tank car bottom outlet mounting flange. The bracket is preferably U-shaped and includes a removable pin extending between opposite arms of the U-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4264053
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a top operated tank car valve assembly includes a rod extending downwardly from the top of the tank and attached to a valve stem of a lading valve located in the bottom of the tank. A valve seat for the lading valve is located in an opening in the tank bottom and a valve cage includes circumferentially spaced openings formed in the valve cage for lading flow. A unitary valve guide, valve closure and stem retainer is provided. The unitary element includes a lower closure portion having a hub and a circumferential slot adapted to receive a closure seal. A fastener holds a seal retainer in engagement with a seal and with the closure portion. A valve guide portion extends upwardly from the valve closure at its periphery and is generally circular for a large portion of its circumference. The guide portion includes a guide portion opening on one side. A retainer portion located radially inwardly from the guide portion extends upwardly from the closure portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4261389
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for injecting a gas into a polyvinyl chloride fluid suspension, through an inlet port in the bottom of the suspension tank. The valve includes an overhanging upper disk with a hollow foraminated cylinder, so that the gas exits the cylinder under pressure through the foraminations, thus keeping the operating portion of the valve free of the suspension, with the valve disk overhang providing additional protection against intrusion of suspension material into the clearance space between the valve cylinder and surrounding injection tube. The valve disk overhang terminates in a pointed ridge which engages the top of the injection tube to form a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hager, Rudolf Wiedholz, Jurgen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4258738
    Abstract: A crashworthy fuel system for aircraft or the like comprising a fuel tank d a valve for securement to the bottom of the tank. The valve comprises a generally L-shaped body having a first leg and a second leg extending generally at right angles to the first leg. A main flow passage extends through the entire length of the body. The first leg has a peripheral flange spaced from its outer end which is secured in face-to-face relation to the bottom of the tank with the outer end of the first leg extending up through a hole in the bottom of the tank into the interior of the tank for flow of fuel into the main flow passage and the second leg extending below the tank on the outside thereof for connection at its outer end to a fuel delivery line. The first leg has a circumferential area of weakness adjacent the flange between the flange and the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David T. Redman, George J. Paulis
  • Patent number: 4251049
    Abstract: A tank valve apparatus particularly adapted for effecting rapid discharge of the liquid contents of a tanker truck or the like, the apparatus being characterized by an improved valve opening apparatus actuated by an air cylinder. The cylinder includes a single acting piston requiring a certain cylinder pressure to move the valve to its open position, but requiring a significantly lower pressure to permit its return stroke, whereby rapid closure of the tank valve is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: Herman D. Muehl
  • Patent number: 4247134
    Abstract: Sealing means sealing interconnected fitting assemblies. A faucet assembly with an externally threaded stem is mounted on a bunghole assembly with an internally threaded bore by turning the stem of the faucet assembly into the bore of the bunghole assembly. A winged nut is carried on the stem of the faucet assembly. It is advanced on the stem to compress a gasket or washer interposed between the nut and the bunghole assembly. A fluid-tight connection may be established after desired orientation of the faucet assembly with respect to the bunghole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Inventor: Robert F. Yergen
  • Patent number: 4240607
    Abstract: In a top operated tank car valve, a mounting flange is welded to an opening in the bottom of the tank. A valve seat is located inboard of, and above the lower surface of, the mounting flange. A vertically extending cage is integrally attached to the mounting flange. A top operator extends to the top of the tank, and a stem is attached to the lower portion of the top operator. The stem extends into an opening in a valve closure plug. A non-round cavity is formed in the bottom of the stem. The closure plug includes a seat which engages the valve seat located within the mounting flange. The closure plug includes a circular guide ring which engages a portion of the vertically extending cage as the closure plug moves between open and closed positions. The closure plug includes a vertical, generally central opening which communicates with the circular head portion of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4239059
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an air inlet and outlet valve is disclosed which automatically opens and closes when a bottom operable tank lading valve is opened and closed. The air valve is mounted adjacent the top of the tank and is in fluid communication by means of a conduit with an opening in the tank. The air valve is automatically opened and closed when the lading valve opens and closes by means of an air valve linkage including an operating shaft which extends from the lading valve up through the tank to operate the air valve. The air valve is located in a chamber in the upper portion of the tank and seats on a valve seat located in the lower portion of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventors: Patricia S. Stoller, Gerald D. Garner, John A. Krug, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4239060
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an air inlet and outlet valve is disclosed which automatically opens and closes when a bottom operable tank lading valve is opened and closed. The air valve is mounted adjacent the top of the tank and is in fluid communication by means of a conduit with an opening in the tank. The air valve is automatically opened and closed when the lading valve opens and closes by means of an air valve linkage including an operating shaft which extends from the lading valve up through the tank to operate the air valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia S. Stoller, John A. Krug, Jr., Gerald D. Garner
  • Patent number: 4239183
    Abstract: An inexpensive captive operating handle assembly for a bottom operated railway tank car lading valve includes an operating shaft for a bottom operated tank car closure valve. The handle assembly includes a handle connection portion having a non-round slot adapted to engage a valve closure shaft non-round connection portion. An adapter plate is held captive by the outlet chamber and the shaft non-round connection portion. A shaft portion of the handle extends upwardly and away from the connection portion, and is held in place by a bracket located on the outlet chamber or on the tank car. In stored position, the handle connection portion is spaced below the shaft connection portion. The handle is pivotal about a hinge to an engaged position in which the handle connection portion abuts the lower surface of the adapter plate and in which the handle connection portion engages the non-round operating shaft portion to move the valve closure between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Glennon L. Basler, Richard J. Wempe
  • Patent number: 4237927
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an air inlet and outlet valve is disclosed which automatically opens and closes when a bottom operable tank lading valve is opened and closed. The air valve is mounted adjacent the top of the tank and is in fluid communication by means of a conduit with an opening in the tank. The air valve is automatically opened and closed when the lading valve opens and closes by means of an air valve linkage including an operating shaft which extends from the lading valve up through the tank to operate the air valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Patricia S. Stoller, John A. Krug, Jr., Gerald D. Garner
  • Patent number: 4234159
    Abstract: In a bottom operable tank car lading valve assembly, a combination skid and lading valve seat for the lading valve closure is provided, which is attached to the tank car universal flange with mechanical fasteners. The valve seat portion extends inwardly and upwardly from the universal flange and includes a machined seat. The skid portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the universal flange, forming a circumferential taper, and the upper portion abuts the bottom of the tank. The outer end of the skid is connected to the tank with fasteners which do not require stress relieving of the tank body. The skid portion protects the lading valve closure and the lading valve seats against impacts which might normally cause unseating of the valve closure and escape of the lading in the absence of the skid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Dallas W. Rollins, Gunter R. Behle, Charles E. Reedy
  • Patent number: 4234160
    Abstract: In a railway tank car bottom outlet lading valve assembly, an operating handle assembly for the lading valve includes an operating shaft extending vertically within a lading outlet chamber. The shaft is provided with a non-round shaft tool connection portion near the bottom thereof. An operating handle is pivotably mounted on the outlet chamber adjacent the non-round connection portion. The operating handle includes a handle non-round connection portion which engages the shaft non-round connection portion. A handle-storing bracket for the distal end of the operating handle is mounted upon the tank body or on an upper mounting flange portion of the outlet chamber adjacent a tank car bottom outlet mounting flange. The bracket is preferably U-shaped and includes a removable pin extending between opposite arms of the U-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4234010
    Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is described which may be used to drain a chemical reactor tank. The valve includes a valve seat ring having a substantially vertical inner seat surface defining a discharge passage, a valve plug having a substantially vertical outer side surface which fits in the seat ring and a seal formed between such vertical sealing surfaces. The valve inlet and outlet openings are aligned with the vertical discharge passage through the seat ring and the sealing surfaces are vertical to minimize the amount of material deposited thereon. The outer plug side surface slides across the inner seat surface during opening and closing of the valve so that such surfaces wipe each other to remove deposited material and provide a self-cleaning valve. The inner seat surface is provided with a plurality of annular grooves containing elastic sealing members which engage the outer plug side surface to form a liquid tight seal which is resistant to the pressure created by the liquid within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jenkins, Claude Acree
  • Patent number: 4234158
    Abstract: In a bottom operable tank car lading valve assembly, a combination skid and lading valve seat for the lading valve closure is provided, which is attached to the tank car universal flange with mechanical fasteners. The valve seat portion extends inwardly and upwardly from the universal flange and includes a machined seat. The skid portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the universal flange, forming a circumferential taper, and the upper portion abuts the bottom of the tank. The outer end of the skid portion is connected to the tank with fasteners which do not require stress relieving of the tank body. The skid portion protects the lading valve closure and the lading valve seats against impacts which might normally cause unseating of the valve closure and escape of the lading in the absence of the skid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Dallas W. Rollins, Gunter R. Behle, Charles E. Reedy
  • Patent number: 4233698
    Abstract: A pressure flush tank assembly for toilets which includes a combination of a flush valve coordinated with an air induction valve and refill valve to insure successful repetitive operation, together with a construction which prevents back-flow in the event of a negative line pressure and an initial outflow control to reduce noise and eliminate back bounce from the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: Water Control Products/N.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond B. Martin
  • Patent number: 4231544
    Abstract: A crankcase drain valve assembly for replacing the standard oil drain plug commonly used for draining used oil from the crankcases of most internal combustion engines. The assembly includes a valve housing for mounting in the drain opening of the crankcase formed with a central passage therethrough and a transversely extending valve opening intersecting the central passage. A valve member is pivotally attached to the valve body and is formed to move in and out of sealing engagement with the central passage. A lever attached to the valve member permits opening and closing of the valve member without any special tools. The valve member is held in the closed position by rotating a lever until a boss on the lever arm is received in a detent in the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: Duane C. Balch
  • Patent number: 4221358
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a top operated tank car valve assembly includes a rod extending downwardly from the top of the tank and is attached to a valve stem of a lading valve closure located in the bottom of the tank. A valve seat for a valve closure is located in an opening in the bottom outlet mounting flange. A valve guide depends from the valve closure. The valve guide includes a center hub and a plurality of vanes extending radially outwardly therefrom and adapted to engage the valve cage as the valve is moved between open and closed positions. The center hub is hollow and is adapted to receive a fastener to attach the valve guide to the valve closure. The fastener includes a threaded inner end to engage the lower portion of the valve closure. A non-round horizontal plate is welded to the fastener which holds a seal retainer in engagement with a seal and the valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Glennon L. Basler, Richard J. Wempe
  • Patent number: 4220097
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a railway tank car is provided with a tank car skid arrangement including a continuous tank cradle pad extending the full distance between the stub sills located at opposite ends of the car. The cradle pad is curved to follow the tank bottom contour. A reinforcing plate is rigidly attached to the cradle pad extending transversely and longitudinally outwardly on either side of at least one tank car bottom fitting (lading valve and/or sump) depending from the tank bottom. The reinforcing plate is preferably also curved to follow the contour of the cradle pad and the tank bottom. A tank car skid extending longitudinally and transversely of the bottom fitting is rigidly attached to the reinforcing plate. The skid includes opposite end portions which are welded to the tank and which extend downwardly and inwardly toward a center section which contains the bottom fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Wempe, Paul J. Dumser
  • Patent number: 4212447
    Abstract: In a railway tank car bottom outlet lading valve assembly, an operating handle assembly for the lading valve includes an operating shaft extending vertically within a lading outlet chamber. The shaft is provided with a non-round shaft tool connection portion near the bottom thereof. An operating handle is pivotably mounted on the outlet chamber adjacent the non-round connection portion. The operating handle includes a handle non-round connection portion which engages the shaft non-round connection portion. A handle-storing bracket for the distal end of the operating handle is mounted upon the tank body or on an upper mounting flange portion of the outlet chamber adjacent a tank car bottom outlet mounting flange. The bracket is preferably U-shaped and includes a removable pin extending between opposite arms of the U-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4209036
    Abstract: An adapter for use with a bottom operable tank car valve assembly includes an upper attachment portion for quickly attaching the adapter to a bottom operable tank car valve guard assembly. The adapter includes a body portion having one or more spouts extending radially outwardly from the body portion to receive loading and unloading conduits. An adapter operator is provided having a lower tool connection portion and a vertical extension extending upwardly within the adapter for attachment to a valve closure operator located within the valve guard assembly for opening and closing the tank car valve. The adapter includes a pair of spouts extending in different radial directions and different vertical inclinations to facilitate attachment of an unloading conduit to the adapter in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles E. Reedy
  • Patent number: 4209163
    Abstract: A dump valve assembly for opening and fluid-tightly sealing the drain outlet of a waste tank, the assembly comprisng a rotatable elongated shaft having a handle at its upper end and a first or lower compression plate adjustably secured to its lower end. Disposed concentrically about the shaft are a first and second tubular member, the former having a length less than that of the shaft, and the latter having a length less than that of the first tubular member. Fixedly secured to the lower end of the first tubular member is a second or upper compression plate spaced from the lower plate. Sandwiched and pre-loaded between the upper and lower compression plates is a valve plug made of an expandable material. The shaft is provided with a double-thrust ball bearing which abuttingly engages the upper end of the first tubular member to permit independent rotation of the shaft relative to the former member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Inventor: Robert A. Nordskog
  • Patent number: 4203574
    Abstract: A device for indicating the interval for the flow of a predetermined volume of fluid. The fluid flow measurement device includes a housing having a cavity therein for being interposed along a fluid line. A flexible diaphragm having a convolution therein is included within the cavity for dividing the cavity into a first and second chamber. The flexible diaphragm prevents the flow of the fluid between the first and second chambers. A fluid port connects the second chamber to the fluid flow line. A fluid outlet connects the first chamber to the fluid flow line. The apparatus also includes a bypass for diverting the fluid flow from the fluid port of the second chamber through a fluid inlet into the second chamber, whereby the fluid flowing into the second chamber will displace the flexible diaphragm into the first chamber thereby expelling the predetermined volume of fluid from the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Inventor: Floyd M. Minks
  • Patent number: 4198032
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a tank car mounting flange is welded to an opening in the tank bottom and preferably does not extend below the bottom surface of the tank more than one (1) inch to comply with AAR and DOT Regulations. A valve body including a valve seat is located concentrically within the mounting flange and is removably attached to the mounting flange. The valve body may be attached to the mounting flange with a threaded fitting, or with fasteners and a retaining ring located within the mounting flange, in which fasteners holding the retaining ring in place extend into the mounting flange. A depending housing including a lower operator is attached to the mounting flange or to the retaining ring with fasteners which define a shear plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: David P. Hillstead, Robert W. Randolph, Gunter R. Behle