US3561503A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid filling head
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1968-06-03
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Granted: 1971-02-09
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Expires: 1988-06-03
Abstract
Abstract An improved system, apparatus, and method of filling containers with liquid comprising a reservoir means, electronic sequencing means, conduit means, and a plurality of valve means wherein the improvement is a filling head means having a plurality of chamber members, a novel valve means adjacent to an inlet means, means to avoid overflow, means to avoid drip, and an electric means to interrupt liquid flow.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernhard Rogge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:28
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67C; B67C3/00; B67C3/02; B67C3/22; B67C3/28; B67C3/282; B67C3/285; B67C3/26; B67C2003/266; B67C2003/2662
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
572 words
An improved system for filling containers with liquids comprising a reservoir, conduit means connecting said reservoir with a filling means, electronic sequencing control panel, a plurality of valves integral with said conduit means, a plurality of monitoring gauges integral with said conduit means, means to place a container to be filled in a filling position, means to lower said filling means in a filling opening within said container, a plurality of switch means to insure proper positioning of said container and said filling means, to provide sealing engagement between said container and said filling means, vacuum exhaust means to exhaust said container, and means for activating said filling means; the improvement in combination with said system being a filling head comprising a first chamber means integral with and located between an inlet means and a second chamber means, said first chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the reservoir for transfer to the second chamber means during a filling cycle; a third chamber means integral with and located between said first chamber means and an outlet means communicating with said reservoir, said third chamber means being provided to house a sealing means located within said third chamber means and to transfer liqUid to the outlet means for transfer to the reservoir during a nonfilling cycle; said sealing means being provided to permit transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means during the filling cycle while allowing communication between the second and third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle to allow for drainage of the second chamber means; valve means located within said first chamber means and connected to a cylinder means, said valve and cylinder means being provided to permit flow of liquid from the inlet means to the first chamber means during the filling cycle; said second chamber means being integral with a fourth chamber means at the extremity of said second chamber means opposite to that which is integral to said first chamber means, said second chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the first chamber means for transfer to the fourth chamber means during the filling cycle and said fourth chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the second chamber means for transfer to the container during the filling cycle; a tubular means located within said fourth chamber means, said tubular means having one extremity terminated in a pointed structure and the second extremity within a fifth chamber means, said tubular means being provided to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container and to convey a column of liquid to the fifth chamber means; a first baffle means within said fourth chamber means and surrounding said tubular means, said first baffle means being provided to induce centrifugal force action on the liquid to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container; an electrode means located within said fifth chamber means, said electrode means being provided to close an electrical circuit which closes the valve means to interrupt the filling cycle and start the nonfilling cycle to return the liquid to the reservoir; and a second baffle means located within said fifth chamber means and interposed between said electrode means and said second tubular extremity, said second baffle means being provided to avoid liquid splash against the electrode and prevent premature closing of the electrical circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
572 words
An improved system for filling containers with liquids comprising a reservoir, conduit means connecting said reservoir with a filling means, electronic sequencing control panel, a plurality of valves integral with said conduit means, a plurality of monitoring gauges integral with said conduit means, means to place a container to be filled in a filling position, means to lower said filling means in a filling opening within said container, a plurality of switch means to insure proper positioning of said container and said filling means, to provide sealing engagement between said container and said filling means, vacuum exhaust means to exhaust said container, and means for activating said filling means; the improvement in combination with said system being a filling head comprising a first chamber means integral with and located between an inlet means and a second chamber means, said first chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the reservoir for transfer to the second chamber means during a filling cycle; a third chamber means integral with and located between said first chamber means and an outlet means communicating with said reservoir, said third chamber means being provided to house a sealing means located within said third chamber means and to transfer liqUid to the outlet means for transfer to the reservoir during a nonfilling cycle; said sealing means being provided to permit transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means during the filling cycle while allowing communication between the second and third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle to allow for drainage of the second chamber means; valve means located within said first chamber means and connected to a cylinder means, said valve and cylinder means being provided to permit flow of liquid from the inlet means to the first chamber means during the filling cycle; said second chamber means being integral with a fourth chamber means at the extremity of said second chamber means opposite to that which is integral to said first chamber means, said second chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the first chamber means for transfer to the fourth chamber means during the filling cycle and said fourth chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the second chamber means for transfer to the container during the filling cycle; a tubular means located within said fourth chamber means, said tubular means having one extremity terminated in a pointed structure and the second extremity within a fifth chamber means, said tubular means being provided to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container and to convey a column of liquid to the fifth chamber means; a first baffle means within said fourth chamber means and surrounding said tubular means, said first baffle means being provided to induce centrifugal force action on the liquid to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container; an electrode means located within said fifth chamber means, said electrode means being provided to close an electrical circuit which closes the valve means to interrupt the filling cycle and start the nonfilling cycle to return the liquid to the reservoir; and a second baffle means located within said fifth chamber means and interposed between said electrode means and said second tubular extremity, said second baffle means being provided to avoid liquid splash against the electrode and prevent premature closing of the electrical circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said second chamber means is inclined at an angle of approximately 2* to result in the horizontal surface of the second chamber means joining the vertical surfaces of the first and fourth chamber means at angles of approximately 88* and 92* respectively, the angles being measured in a counterclockwise direction whereby drainage of the second chamber means to the third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle is facilitated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said sealing means is a spring-loaded ball seal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said valve means has a T configuration and fits snugly within said first chamber means to provide a positive seal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said cylinder means is an air-actuated spring-loaded cylinder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said pointed structure has an upper surface which is a parabolic curve in configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first baffle means is a helix.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said fifth chamber means is provided with a plurality of vacuum ports located below said second baffle means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1 wherein an annular groove is provided in the outer wall of said fourth chamber means which is adapted to avoid liquid condensation collecting in said filling opening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 9 wherein a vacuum port is located above said groove which is adapted to drain off vapor condensation and overflow liquid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 10 wherein a sleeve means is provided between said groove and said vacuum port which is adapted to provide a channel for flow of vapor condensation and overflow liquid.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
468 words
An apparatus for fiLling container with liquids comprising a first chamber means integral with and located between an inlet means and a second chamber means, said first chamber means being provided to receive liquid from a reservoir for transfer to the second chamber means during a filling cycle; a third chamber means integral with and located between said first chamber means and an outlet means communicating with said reservoir, said third chamber means being provided to house a sealing means located within said third chamber means and to transfer liquid to the outlet means for transfer to the reservoir during a nonfilling cycle; said sealing means being provided to permit transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means during the filling cycle while allowing communication between the second and third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle to allow for drainage of the second chamber means; valve means located within said first chamber means and connected to a cylinder means, said valve and cylinder means being provided to permit flow of liquid from the inlet means to the first chamber means during the filling cycle; said second chamber means being integral with a fourth chamber means at the extremity of said second chamber means opposite to that which is integral to said first chamber means, said second chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the first chamber means for transfer to the fourth chamber means during the filling cycle and said fourth chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the second chamber means for transfer to a container during the filling cycle; a tubular means located within said fourth chamber means, said tubular means having one extremity terminated in a pointed structure and the second extremity within a fifth chamber means, said tubular means being provided to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container and to convey a column of liquid to the fifth chamber means; a first baffle means within said fourth chamber means and surrounding said tubular means, said first baffle means being provided to induce centrifugal force action on the liquid to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container; an electrode means located within said fifth chamber means, said electrode means being provided to close an electrical circuit which closes the valve means to interrupt the filling cycle and start the nonfilling cycle to return the liquid to the reservoir; and a second baffle means located within said fifth chamber means and interposed between said electrode means and said second tubular extremity, said second baffle means being provided to avoid liquid splash against the electrode and prevent premature closing of the electrical circuit.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
468 words
An apparatus for fiLling container with liquids comprising a first chamber means integral with and located between an inlet means and a second chamber means, said first chamber means being provided to receive liquid from a reservoir for transfer to the second chamber means during a filling cycle; a third chamber means integral with and located between said first chamber means and an outlet means communicating with said reservoir, said third chamber means being provided to house a sealing means located within said third chamber means and to transfer liquid to the outlet means for transfer to the reservoir during a nonfilling cycle; said sealing means being provided to permit transfer of liquid from the first to the second chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means and prevent liquid from entering the third chamber means during the filling cycle while allowing communication between the second and third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle to allow for drainage of the second chamber means; valve means located within said first chamber means and connected to a cylinder means, said valve and cylinder means being provided to permit flow of liquid from the inlet means to the first chamber means during the filling cycle; said second chamber means being integral with a fourth chamber means at the extremity of said second chamber means opposite to that which is integral to said first chamber means, said second chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the first chamber means for transfer to the fourth chamber means during the filling cycle and said fourth chamber means being provided to receive liquid from the second chamber means for transfer to a container during the filling cycle; a tubular means located within said fourth chamber means, said tubular means having one extremity terminated in a pointed structure and the second extremity within a fifth chamber means, said tubular means being provided to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container and to convey a column of liquid to the fifth chamber means; a first baffle means within said fourth chamber means and surrounding said tubular means, said first baffle means being provided to induce centrifugal force action on the liquid to assist in eliminating foaming action of the liquid on entering the container; an electrode means located within said fifth chamber means, said electrode means being provided to close an electrical circuit which closes the valve means to interrupt the filling cycle and start the nonfilling cycle to return the liquid to the reservoir; and a second baffle means located within said fifth chamber means and interposed between said electrode means and said second tubular extremity, said second baffle means being provided to avoid liquid splash against the electrode and prevent premature closing of the electrical circuit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said second chamber means is inclined at an angle of approximately 2* to result in the horizontal surface of the second chamber means joining the vertical surfaces of the first and fourth chamber means at angles of approximately 88* and 92* respectively, the angles being measured in a counterclockwise direction whereby drainage of the second chamber means to the third chamber means during the nonfilling cycle is facilitated.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said sealing means is a spring-loaded ball seal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said valve has a T configuration and fits snugly within said first chamber means to provide a positive seal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cylinder means is an air-actuated spring-loaded cylinder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said pointed structure has an upper surface which is a parabolic curve in configuration.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first baffle is a helix.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the fifth chamber means provided with a plurality of vacuum ports Located below said second baffle means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein an annular groove is provided in the outer wall of said fourth chamber means which is adapted to avoid liquid condensation collecting in said filling opening.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a vacuum port is located above said groove which is adapted to drain off vapor condensation and overflow liquid.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein a sleeve means is provided between said groove and said vacuum port which is adapted to provide a channel for flow of vapor condensation and overflow liquid.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
314 words
A process for introducing an electrically conductive liquid into a container comprising the steps of sequentially moving a container having a filling opening into a filling position, lowering a filling head into seating engagement within said filling opening by means of an air-actuated cylinder preparatory to filling the container, exhausting the air from said container by vacuum means to reduce the pressure on the liquid, closing a switch means to activate an air supply means which causes activation of a spring-loaded cylinder means, activating the spring-loaded cylinder means by said air supply means to open a valve means, opening the valve means by said spring-loaded cylinder means to permit liquid to flow from an inlet means through a plurality of chamber means to fill the container, closing an outlet means communicating with the reservoir simultaneously with the valve means opening to avoid return of the liquid to a reservoir means and permit flow of the liquid through the plurality of chamber means to the container, pumping liquid from the reservoir means through said inlet and plurality of chamber means into said container simultaneously with the valve means opening and the outlet means closing, withdrawing a column of liquid from said container into a tubular means after the container has been filled to predetermined level, introducing liquid from said column into a chamber containing an electrode means after the tubular means has been filled, activating said electrode means by said liquid contacting the electrode means, closing an electrical circuit means by said contact of the electrode with the liquid which interrupts the flow of liquid to the container by the electrical circuit causing the air supply to be interrupted which closes the valve means and opens the outlet means, removing said container from the filling position after the liquid retained within said filling head has drained to the reservoir means, and cyclically repeating the process.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
314 words
A process for introducing an electrically conductive liquid into a container comprising the steps of sequentially moving a container having a filling opening into a filling position, lowering a filling head into seating engagement within said filling opening by means of an air-actuated cylinder preparatory to filling the container, exhausting the air from said container by vacuum means to reduce the pressure on the liquid, closing a switch means to activate an air supply means which causes activation of a spring-loaded cylinder means, activating the spring-loaded cylinder means by said air supply means to open a valve means, opening the valve means by said spring-loaded cylinder means to permit liquid to flow from an inlet means through a plurality of chamber means to fill the container, closing an outlet means communicating with the reservoir simultaneously with the valve means opening to avoid return of the liquid to a reservoir means and permit flow of the liquid through the plurality of chamber means to the container, pumping liquid from the reservoir means through said inlet and plurality of chamber means into said container simultaneously with the valve means opening and the outlet means closing, withdrawing a column of liquid from said container into a tubular means after the container has been filled to predetermined level, introducing liquid from said column into a chamber containing an electrode means after the tubular means has been filled, activating said electrode means by said liquid contacting the electrode means, closing an electrical circuit means by said contact of the electrode with the liquid which interrupts the flow of liquid to the container by the electrical circuit causing the air supply to be interrupted which closes the valve means and opens the outlet means, removing said container from the filling position after the liquid retained within said filling head has drained to the reservoir means, and cyclically repeating the process.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-08 | 1974-08-10 | 1975-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-08 | 1978-08-10 | 1979-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-08 | 1982-08-10 | 1983-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |