US4691407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid recovery unit
Assignee: NEW LONDON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Ltd
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Filing: 1984-11-23
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Granted: 1987-09-08
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Expires: 2004-11-23
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for recovering drilling mud and the like comprises a vacuum pump (12) applying vacuum to a vessel (10). A hose (14) and suction head (22) allow an operator to remove the mud into the vessel (10). When the vessel (10) is full, vacuum is cut off by ball valve (16). A pneumatic logic circuit (20) detects loss of vacuum and disables vacuum pump (12) for a predetermined time, allowing the contents of vessel (10) to be discharged via flap valve (18) (or by pumping--FIG. 3). Discharging is thus automatic, without operator intervention.
Inventors
- 👤 Alex Sloan
- 👤 Lyall Rennie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:14
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/01; B; B08; B08B; B08B5/00; B08B5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for recovering liquids, comprising a vessel for containing liquid, a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in said vessel, conduit means for sucking liquid into said vessel, a first valve means actuated by liquid in said vessel on reaching a predetermined level to cause a loss of vacuum in said vessel, means adapted to discharge liquid from the vessel when vacuum is lost, and pneumatic logic means responsive to said loss of vacuum to disable said vacuum pump for a predetermined time period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for recovering liquids, comprising a vessel for containing liquid, a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in said vessel, conduit means for sucking liquid into said vessel, a first valve means actuated by liquid in said vessel on reaching a predetermined level to cause a loss of vacuum in said vessel, means adapted to discharge liquid from the vessel when vacuum is lost, and pneumatic logic means responsive to said loss of vacuum to disable said vacuum pump for a predetermined time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said discharge means comprises a flap valve at the bottom of the vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said discharge means comprises a non-return valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said discharge means comprises a discharge pump connected to the bottom of the vessel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said first valve means is a ball float valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said conduit means comprises a flexible suction hose provided with a suction head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which said pneumatic logic means comprises a pressure actuated valve responsive to the pressure within said vessel and a pneumatic timer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-03-09 | 1991-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-07 | 1995-03-09 | 1995-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-07 | 1999-03-09 | 1999-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |