US3620236A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pumping station bypass system and method
Assignee: M&J Valve Co
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Filing: 1970-05-04
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Granted: 1971-11-16
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Expires: 1990-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for pumping stations of pipeline wherein product-separating spheres are passed by the pumps by controlling flow of liquid through a plurality of flow-tees. A special timing arrangement is employed whereby each sphere is reinserted into the flow downstream of the station in the same relative position that it occupied when it approached the station.
Inventors
- 👤 Lyle R Van Arsdale
- 👤 Francis M Lathrop
- 👤 Vernon R Reaves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:13
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L55/00; F16L55/26; F16L55/46; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0391; Y10T137/4891
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method as in claim 1 making use of two flow-tees between the first and second detecting stations and two flow-tees between the second and third detecting stations, there being four branch lines connected to the tees and four valves for controlling flow through the valves, the method comprising carrying out programming in the sequence illustrated in FIG. 4.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
Apparatus for use at pumping stations of liquid-dispensing pipelines where the station pump is normally connected to a bypass portion of the line, a plurality of flow-tees serially connected to the bypass line portion, a first sphere detector located at the upstream end of the bypass portion, a second sphere detector located intermediate the ends of the bypass portion, branch lines connecting between the flow-tees and the suction and discharge sides of station pump, power operated valves located in each of said branch lines, timing means for measuring the time required for movement of a sphere from the first to the second detector, means initiated by the second detector for programming the valves to cause flow through the bypass portion to move the sphere through said portion and into the main line, and means controlled by said timing means for controlling said programming whereby the sphere is returned to the main line in predetermined relation to the liquid flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 together with a third sphere detector at the downstream end of the bypass portion, and means controlled by said third detector for restoring the valves to normal condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 in which a check valve is provided, in the bypass portion between the first and second detector lines.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 together with check valve in the bypass portion between the first and second sphere detectors and another check valve between the secOnd and third detectors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 in which the timing means consists of two motors adapted to be sequentially energized to control common switch means, and electrical circuitry including the switch means, the motors and the sphere detectors whereby responsive to operation of the first detector one timing motor is energized and then deenergized at the end of a time period when the second detector is actuated and whereby upon opening of a valve in the first series of the programming to cause the sphere to be moved from the second detector toward the downstream end of the bypass the second motor is energized reversely whereby it operates said switch means after a reverse time lapse equal to the first time period, and means responsive to said operation of the switch means to initiate a second valve-programming series to move the sphere back to the main line.
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) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |