US3662792A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-overspill container filling apparatus
Assignee: BP PLC
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Filing: 1970-02-06
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatically operated overspill prevention system to close a control valve in a liquid supply line if a liquid level sensor mounted in a container being filled responds to a predetermined liquid level. The system includes a pneumatically extensible member mounted in linkage between the valve and a conventional preset meter with the linkage collapsing and the valve automatically returning to a closed position in the event the sensor detects an excessive liquid level. The entire system is pneumatic and is failsafe in that the valve automatically opens in the event of failure of the compressed air supply of the control assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Ian James Grant
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 09:22
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D9/00; G05D9/04; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/16; G01F23/161; G05D9/12; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/7358; Y10T137/7368; Y10T137/7371
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
Apparatus for filling a container with a liquid and preventing overflow, said apparatus comprising a liquid supply line having a normally closed control valve therein for controlling the flow of liquid through said supply line, and pressure actuated pneumatic control means for holding said control valve in an open position during a filling operation, said pneumatic control means including liquid level sensor means fixedly mounted in said container operable when the liquid level within said container rises above a predetermined point to render said pneumatic control means inoperative by lowering the pressure level within said pneumatic control means to hold said control valve in a open position, and a releaseable connecting means between said pneumatic control means and other parts of said pressure actuated pneumatic control means for automatically uncoupling said liquid level sensor means upon undue movement of the container relative to said apparatus and for automatically reducing pressure within said pressure actuated control means to close said control valve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
Apparatus for filling a container with a liquid and preventing overflow, said apparatus comprising a liquid supply line having a normally closed control valve therein for controlling the flow of liquid through said supply line, and pressure actuated pneumatic control means for holding said control valve in an open position during a filling operation, said pneumatic control means including liquid level sensor means fixedly mounted in said container operable when the liquid level within said container rises above a predetermined point to render said pneumatic control means inoperative by lowering the pressure level within said pneumatic control means to hold said control valve in a open position, and a releaseable connecting means between said pneumatic control means and other parts of said pressure actuated pneumatic control means for automatically uncoupling said liquid level sensor means upon undue movement of the container relative to said apparatus and for automatically reducing pressure within said pressure actuated control means to close said control valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pneumatic control means includes a pneumatic actuator, a supply of compressed air, and an air valve controlling the flow of air from said air supply to said actuator, and said liquid level sensor means being connected to said air valve for holding said air valve open only when the liquid level within the container is below a predetermined level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said liquid level sensor includes energizing means, and said air valve is open only when said energizing means are activated. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said air valve has a further compressed air line connected thereto for holding the same in aN open position, and said liquid level sensor means are connected to said further air line for controlling pressure therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said further air line is coupled to said compressed air supply for receiving air therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said further air line is coupled to said compressed air supply for receiving air therefrom, and a pressure reducing valve between said compressed air supply and said further air line whereby air pressure in said further air line is low as compared to that supplied to said pneumatic actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said air valve is in the form of a step up relay connected to both said compressed air source and said low pressure air in said further air line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said liquid level sensor means are operative to bleed said further air line and reduce air pressure therein when the liquid level in the container reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pneumatic control means includes a meter preset device having a latching mechanism for latching said control valve in an operative position, linkage between said latching mechanism and said control valve, and said linkage including a pressure extensible pneumatic linkage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the pneumatic linkage comprises a cylinder housing a piston, each being connected respectively to one or other of the control arm or valve operating means by a push rod.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which abutment means is attached to a connecting rod of the piston for abutting an actuator of a pilot valve secured to the cylinder, the pilot valve controlling the air supply to the pneumatic linkage such that the preset meter device must be initially unlatched, and then latched, to allow the pneumatic linkage to be pressurized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
99 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pneumatic control means includes a meter preset device having a latching mechanism for latching said control valve in an operative position, linkage between said latching mechanism and said control valve, and said linkage including an extensible normally pressurized pneumatic linkage joining said control arm to said biasingly closable valve for simultaneous movement thereof to hold open the valve, said pneumatic linkage being decompressible in response to the generation of said pneumatic signal to allow relative movement between said control arm and said biasingly closable valve controlling means whereby said valve is biasingly closed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the said meter preset device incorporates an identity card reader and associated locking means to enable the operation of the meter preset only when a suitable card is inserted in the identify card reader, and a print-out and logging device for recording information on the identity card and the quantity of liquid dispersed.
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) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |