US4425933A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low density stop float trap
Assignee: HYDRATRON FUELS Inc
•
Filing: 1981-04-30
•
Granted: 1984-01-17
•
Expires: 2001-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A system for storing an organic liquid such as fuel oil comprising a tank surrounded by a containment structure forming a moat to hold any organic liquid which leaks from the tank. A drain opening is formed in the containment structure and is connected through a drain pipe to a trap. The trap houses a float actuated valve. The float actuated valve includes a valve member which has a specific gravity greater than the organic liquid fluid but less than that of water so that the float actuated valve allows water to escape from the containment structure while preventing escape of any organic liquid.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph T. Fetsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:28
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0208; B01D17/0214; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/22; B65D90/24; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/2931; Y10T137/3003; Y10T137/3006; Y10T137/402
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure; wherein said drain valve means comprises a trap including a float actuated valve, said float actuated valve including a float member having a specific gravity less than water but greater than said stored organic liquid; and manual actuation means for manually actuating said float actuated valve.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure; wherein said drain valve means comprises a trap including a float actuated valve, said float actuated valve including a float member having a specific gravity less than water but greater than said stored organic liquid; and manual actuation means for manually actuating said float actuated valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said trap is disposed below the earth's surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising means for covering said drain opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said manual actuation means comprises a connection to said float member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said trap is disposed beneath the earth's surface, and further wherein said manual actuation means comprises a member accessible from above the earth's surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said manual actuation means comprises a first means for forcing said float member downwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said manual actuation means includes a second means for forcing said float member upwardly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said means for covering comprises a screen.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure, wherein said drain valve means is spaced vertically below said containment structure and is spaced horizontally away from said containment structure whereby access may be had to said drain valve means without disturbing said containment structure.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure, wherein said drain valve means is spaced vertically below said containment structure and is spaced horizontally away from said containment structure whereby access may be had to said drain valve means without disturbing said containment structure.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure, said drain valve means being disposed below the frost line in the earth to prevent freezing of accumulated water; and means disposed above the surface of the earth for testing the operative condition of said drain valve means.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure, said drain valve means being disposed below the frost line in the earth to prevent freezing of accumulated water; and means disposed above the surface of the earth for testing the operative condition of said drain valve means.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure; wherein said drain valve means comprises a trap including a float actuated valve, said float actuated valve including a float member having a specific gravity less than water but greater than said stored organic liquid; and wherein said trap is spaced vertically below said containment structure and is spaced horizontally away from said containment structure.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for preventing contamination of the environment by a stored organic liquid, said organic liquid having a predetermined specific gravity, said apparatus comprising: a tank for containing said organic liquid; a liquid impervious containment structure surrounding said tank; a drain opening formed in said structure; drain valve means connected to said drain opening for distinguishing between said organic liquid and liquid having a greater specific gravity than said organic liquid, and passing said liquid having a greater specific gravity from said containment structure; wherein said drain valve means comprises a trap including a float actuated valve, said float actuated valve including a float member having a specific gravity less than water but greater than said stored organic liquid; and wherein said trap is spaced vertically below said containment structure and is spaced horizontally away from said containment structure.
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) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-07-18 | 1988-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-16 | 1991-07-18 | 1992-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-16 | 1995-07-18 | 1996-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |