Float-controlled valve

Claim 1

In a float-controlled valve for separating a liquid, such as water, from at least one other liquid, such as oil, having a lower density than the first-mentioned liquid, wherein the valve is disposed in the lower part of a generally closed housing means, such as a tank, the valve including a valve member connected to a float the density and size of which are adapted so as to cause the valve member to open a discharge opening of the valve when the float is buoyantly supported at least partially by the heavier liquid, but to cause the valve member to close the discharge opening in other cases, the improvement wherein: said discharge opening being defined between an outer, substantially circumferential seat face defining therein a space and an inner support plate which is positioned in said space and which is coaxially fixedly mounted with respect to said outer seat face, the outer periphery of said inner support plate extending radially to a position adjacent said outer seat face to form therebetween a generally continuous circumferential passage; said valve member comprising a diaphragm made of a flexible material and being supported on said support plate, said diaphragm, when the valve is in the closed position, sealingly engaging with said outer seat face; and connecting means linking said float with said diaphragm at a circumferential portion thereof, such as at least one circumferential point or line thereof, for disengaging at least a portion of the circumferential part of said diaphragm from said outer seat face to open said valve when said float is buoyantly supported at least partially by the heavier liquid.