US3628559A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ullage opening spillage prevention system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-10-16
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1990-10-16
Abstract
Abstract A system for preventing spillage or overflow of liquid cargo through the ullage openings of cargo tanks of a tanker. An elongated guide is provided in the expansion trunk of each of the cargo tanks, the guide being characterized by an open framework which mounts a float for movement toward the ullage opening when the liquid cargo rises in the tank. The float is engageable with a seat adjacent the opening to seal off the opening and prevent cargo spillage occasioned by inadvertent overfilling. The open framework of the guide permits the ullage opening to still be used to insert a probing element into the cargo tank, the guide preferably being inclined from the vertical for this purpose. Conduits are also provided to convey overflow cargo to empty cargo spaces.
Inventors
- 👤 Mariani Branko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 03:00
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63J; B63J2/00; B63J2/02; B63J2/10; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/2931; Y10T137/3003; Y10T137/3084; Y10T137/309; Y10T137/3099; Y10T137/4673; Y10T137/4857
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
In a tanker characterized by a plurality of cargo tanks having covers which each includes an ullage opening for determining the level of liquid cargo in the tank, an ullage opening spillage prevention system comprising: a float; an elongated guide having a lower extremity normally supporting said float and an upper extremity opening to said ullage opening and secured to said cover, said guide having an inclined, open framework constraining said float to move along an inclined path toward said ullage opening upon being buoyed by liquid cargo rising in the tank, said inclined open framework enabling a probing element to be inserted vertically downwardly therethrough and into the cargo tank from said ullage opening; and means defining a float seat adjacent said ullage opening for receiving said float in sealing relation whereby spillage of rising liquid cargo through said ullage opening is prevented.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a tanker characterized by a plurality of cargo tanks having covers which each includes an ullage opening for determining the level of liquid cargo in the tank, an ullage opening spillage prevention system comprising: a float; an elongated guide having a lower extremity normally supporting said float and an upper extremity opening to said ullage opening and secured to said cover, said guide having an inclined, open framework constraining said float to move along an inclined path toward said ullage opening upon being buoyed by liquid cargo rising in the tank, said inclined open framework enabling a probing element to be inserted vertically downwardly therethrough and into the cargo tank from said ullage opening; and means defining a float seat adjacent said ullage opening for receiving said float in sealing relation whereby spillage of rising liquid cargo through said ullage opening is prevented.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A spillage prevention system according to claim 1 wherein said float is spherical and said open framework is cylindrical in configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spillage prevention system according to claim 1 and including bracing means secured to said cover and to said lower extremity of said guide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
A spillage prevention system according to claim 1 wherein said cargo tanks include expansion trunks to which said covers are fitted; and wherein said system further comprises: a main conduit running fore and aft; and a plurality of lateral conduits connected to said main conduit and opening into said expansion trunks, respectively, whereby overflow from any one of said tanks passes into the associated one of said lateral conduits and then into said main conduit for discharge into an empty cargo space.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A spillage prevention system according to claim 4 and including a one-way check valve in each said lateral conduit whereby liquid cargo cannot pass from said main conduit into any one of said cargo tanks without deliberately bypassing the associated said check valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A spillage prevention system according to claim 4 and including drop valve means connected to said main conduit and to at least one of said cargo tanks, and operable to permit liquid to flow from said main conduit tO said one of said cargo tanks.
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) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |