Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
301 words
An apparatus for removing liquid from a source and depositing the same in a sump container by use of differential pressure established between said source and said container by a vacuum source comprising a liquid transfer means between said source and said container, gas transfer means connected to said container for evacuating said container in response to said vacuum source, and an integral dual purpose valve assembly mounted on said container and extending into the interior of said container for regulating the flow of gas therefrom, said valve assembly including check valve means to stop the reverse gas flow when the pressure in the container is less than that in said gas transfer means, and float valve means separate from said check valve means for blocking liquid that has reached a predetermined level so as to endanger sucking of said liquid into said gas transfer means, whereby liquid flow is prevented even when said predetermined level is substantially reached, said valve assembly including a connecting passage between the two valve means including respective seats therefor at opposite ends, said float valve means including a float member having a specific gravity less than said liquid and a weight sufficiently light to be supported by the vacuum supplied across the face of the seat formed by said connecting passage, whereby to prevent inadvertent reset of said float valve means upon changing of the level of said liquid in said container, means to introduce atmospheric pressure to said contaiNer after seating of said float member to assist in preventing inadvertent reset, means to interrupt the flow of liquid to said container along said liquid transfer means, said introducing means and said interrupter means being combined in a two-way valve, and check means in said introducing means to prevent flow of liquid from said container.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
301 words
An apparatus for removing liquid from a source and depositing the same in a sump container by use of differential pressure established between said source and said container by a vacuum source comprising a liquid transfer means between said source and said container, gas transfer means connected to said container for evacuating said container in response to said vacuum source, and an integral dual purpose valve assembly mounted on said container and extending into the interior of said container for regulating the flow of gas therefrom, said valve assembly including check valve means to stop the reverse gas flow when the pressure in the container is less than that in said gas transfer means, and float valve means separate from said check valve means for blocking liquid that has reached a predetermined level so as to endanger sucking of said liquid into said gas transfer means, whereby liquid flow is prevented even when said predetermined level is substantially reached, said valve assembly including a connecting passage between the two valve means including respective seats therefor at opposite ends, said float valve means including a float member having a specific gravity less than said liquid and a weight sufficiently light to be supported by the vacuum supplied across the face of the seat formed by said connecting passage, whereby to prevent inadvertent reset of said float valve means upon changing of the level of said liquid in said container, means to introduce atmospheric pressure to said contaiNer after seating of said float member to assist in preventing inadvertent reset, means to interrupt the flow of liquid to said container along said liquid transfer means, said introducing means and said interrupter means being combined in a two-way valve, and check means in said introducing means to prevent flow of liquid from said container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said float valve means has sufficient weight to cause the momentum thereof to break the seal with said connecting passage to reset in the open position in response to outside force in the form of a sharp rap on said valve assembly after removal of said liquid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said valve assembly is mounted on said container by a combination shock absorbing cushion and sealing grommet to prevent inadvertent reset of said float valve means in response to an outside jarring force applied to said container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said valve assembly extends at an acute angle with respect to the vertical within said container, said float valve means including a substantially free moving ball and a tubular housing for confining said ball in said assembly, whereby the holding vacuum within said connecting chamber may be more easily broken at a single point along the upper side of the seal by combined outside force and gravity, said ball assuming rolling reset action along the lower side of said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said acute angle is approximately 22* from the vertical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said ball is resilient to assure formation of a leak-proof seal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said check valve means includes a flat disc to form a leak-proof seal and a spring to urge said disc into sealing relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said tubular housing extends in length approximately at least two ball widths down into said container, whereby liquid will thoroughly coat the ball as it rolls up the upper inside face of the housing to assist in forming a leak-proof seal upon seating.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said liquid transfer means includes a T connection centrally mounted on the top of said container, gauge means and liquid cutoff valve means on said connection, and dual handles on the sides of said connection to protect the same and to provide portability to said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein is further provided a pouring spout on the top of said container on the opposite side from said valve assembly and separate therefrom for disposing of said liquid and stopper means for sealing said spout.