GB1567472A

GB1567472A - Self-acting apparatus for stopping the filling of containers with liquid products when a predetermined liquid level is reached

Info

Publication number: GB1567472A
Application number: GB3861676A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Equipement Industriel Normand
Current assignee: Equipement Industriel Normand
Priority date: 1975-09-18
Filing date: 1976-09-17
Publication date: 1980-05-14
Also published as: NL7610388A; DE2641941C2; DK413076A; CA1087996A; DD126904A5; IE44455L; IT1068293B; RO71123A; SU628808A3; LU75823A1; IE44455B1; PL116316B1; DE2641941A1; NL177934C

Description

(54) SELF-ACTING APPARATUS FOR STOPPING THE FILLING OF CONTAINERS WITH LIQUID PRODUCTS WHEN A PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL IS REACHED (71) We, EQUIPEMENT INDUS TRIEL NORMAND, a company organised under the laws of France, of Grentheville, Calvados, France, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Upon the decanting operations of a liquid from a cistern upon draining into a vat or a tank being filled, it is very often desired that the decanting operation does not cause an overflow of the fluid out of the receiving container. This is especially the case upon decanting of liquid fuels, contained in a transport cistern, into a stationary cistern, a vat, or a storage tank such as a vat at a petrol station.

The transport cistern is generally provided with an outlet valve, whose control is not self-acting, and following said valve there are fixed draining pipes which are more or less flexible and whose volume can be relatively great.

There are already known devices with self-acting stoppage mounted downwardly in the liquid in the cistern. the vat, or the storage tank, in which the flow of the liquid is stopped upstream of the outlet-valve of the feeding tank by a main valve which is closed under action of a differential pressure applied to a membrane related with the main valve and arising from closing of a secondary valve by a float related with the level of the liquid in the container being filled.

There is also known, to palliate some deficiencies of the preceding devices, to use devices with self-acting stoppage of the filling operation preventing an overflow of the liquids upon filling of the tanks or storage vats, comprising a main valve placed in the filling duct of the tank or vat downstream the outlet valve of a cistern containing the liquid to be decanted, and a secondary valve which is closed when the liquid exceeds a first predetermined level under action of a float related with the level of the liquid in the tank or vat being filled, by generating a pressure which is applied to the main valve to close it, the action of the secondary valve having the possibility to be neutralized to ensure draining, into the storage vat, of the pipes located upstream the main valve due to a time-delay auxiliary valve, but neutralization of the secondary valve being made impossible because of the action, on a blocking valve, of a float related with the level of the liquid if the same exceeds a predetermined level.

In use of the above mentioned devices, it has been noticed that it was sometimes difficult to place the various control valves of the main valve as well as the necessary impulse pipes. Besides, the time-delay is sometimes a source of weakness. Also the unit was sometimes not easy to test or to change in case of deficiencies.

In accordance with the invention there is provided apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from a supply container to receiving container, the containers being connected by a flexible hose during a filling operation to enable the liquid to be transferred and the supply container having a delivery valve controlling the supply of liquid to the hose. the apparatus, in use, functioning automatically to stop the flow of liquid into the receiving container when the liquid in the receiving container reaches a predetermined level, said apparatus comprising:: a hollow body having an inlet port adapted for connection to the outlet end of the flexible hose and a outlet port adapted for connection to the liquid filling inlet of the receiving container; a flexible membrane mounted in the body and delimiting therein an upper chamber and a lower chamber in liquid communica tion with each other, the lower chamber including said inlet and outlet ports; main valve means mechanically connected to the membrane and pendant therefrom to control opening of said outlet port whereby liquid coming from the supply container through the delivery valve and flexible hose and said inlet port into the lower chamber raises the membrane and opens said main valve means, liquid then flowing through said outlet port into the receiving container;; second valve means in liquid communication with said upper and lower chambers and controlling an auxiliary liquid flow path between said upper and lower chanmbers and the receiving container; a float guided for movement relative to said hollow body and so supported that when said outlet port is connected to said liquid filling inlet the float is disposed within the receiving container, the float controlling said sccond valve means at a predetermined level of the liquid in the receiving container whereby when the liquid flowing into the receiving container through the main valve means reaches said predetermined level, said second valve means is closed and causes liquid to flow from said lower chamber to said upper chamber so that the liquid force then acting on the membrane causes the membrane to move down together with said main valve means, said main valve means being thus closed and interrupting the flow of the liquid therethrough; and third valve means for nullifying the closure action of said second valve means to ensure draining into the receiving container of residual liquid located upstream of the main valve means.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus, as hereinbefore set forth wherein said third valve means is mounted between the lower chamber and said outlet port and controlled bv the second valve means to be opened when both said second valve means and said deliverv valve on the supply container are closed and the flexible hose is dismounted from the supply container. whereby liquid contained in the flexible hose and in the lower chamber can flow into the receiving container. Various other features of the invention are moreover shown in the following detailed description.

Embodiments of the invention are shown by way of non-restrictive examples in the accompanying drawings. in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the invention in the standingby position; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus upon the beginning of a decanting operation; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus at the moment when the level of the liquid in the tank reaches the first critical level; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus when the relief port has started its operation to neutralize the first secondary valve; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus when the main valve is lifted again to ensure draining of the upstream pipes; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus when the second secondary valve ensures final stoppage of the decanting operation;; Figure 7 is a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-section of a third embodiment of the apparatus; and Figure 9 is a partial cross-section of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus.

The self-acting apparatus 11 for stopping the filling of tanks with liquid products, according to this invention, is shown as being screwed on a sleeve 13 welded at the upper portion of a tank 15, but many variants for fixing the device 11 are possible.

The device 11 comprises essentially a body 17 topped by a cover 19 and a mobile unit 21 placed inside the body 17 supporting a control block 23 placed in the center of the tank 15.

The body 17 comprises, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a cylindrical thimble-joint 31 extended, beyond a substantially flat bottom 33, by a tube 35 screwed into the sleeve 13. The body 17 comprises a lateral inlet 37 for the liquid, provided with components for connection of the body 17 to a pipe for the intake of the liquid (not shown). The thimble-joint 31 has a bearing surface 39 at its upper portion and a membrane 41 is mounted between the bearing surface 39 and a complementary bearing surface of the cover 19. The body 17 and cover 19 are fixedly connected by known means, for example bolts and nuts. At the junction between the tube 35 and bottom, 33, the body 17 has a seat 43 on which bears a valve 45.

The base of the mobile unit 21 is formed of a block 51 having a circular outline and which supports at the lower portion thereof the valve 45 of the shape mating that of the seat 43. The valve 45 is extended by guide means 53 cooperating with the inner wall of the tube 35 to suitably drive movements of the mobile unit.

The block 51 is bored with two ducts 55 and 57 at the lower ends of which are fastened. in a known way, two tubes 59, 61 of which the lower ends are carrying valves 63. 65. The valve 63 is at a level lower than that of the valve 65. Both the valves 63, 65 are placed inside a protective casing 67.

Inside the casing 67, there is a float 69, for example made of a porous material, guided by the lower portion of the tube 59 between the levels of the valves 63 and 65. The tubes 59 and 61 can be bent as bayonets, as shown on the figures, but various other arrangements are possible in other variants of embodiment. The casing 67 is topped by a protective cap 71 especially designed to protect the valves and the float from the Impact of the liquid which flows down through the tubes 35. But a space or vents are provided between the cap 71 and the casing 67 to equalize the pressures between the inside and the outside of the casing 67 whatever the level of the liquid in the tank 15 may be. Then, the tube 59 is provided, at its upper portion and close to its insertion into the block 51, with a port 73 of a small cross-section, the operation of which will be explained later on.

The block 51 of the mobile unit 21 is bored with an eccentric chamber 81 into which comes out the duct 57. Above the eccentric chamber 81 is positioned a chamber 83 whose general symmetry is that of the block 51. The separation between the two chambers 81 and 83 is made by a plate 85, fixed in a known way in the block 51. An upwardly tapered cover 87 is placed on the block 51, and between the block 51 and cover 87 is inserted a part 89 having edges pinching the periphery of a membrane 91 against a cooperating flange of the block 51.

The membrane 91 separates the chamber 83 from an upper chamber 93 and is provided with a finger 95 which can control the opening of a valve 97 placed at the outlet of the duct 57 into the chamber 81. The finger 95 can be guided for example by aligned holes made in parts 85 and 89. Another hole is designed in the part 85 for inlet of the duct 55 into the chamber 83. On the upper portion of the mobile unit 21, i.e. on the upper portion of the cover 87, there is fixed in a known way the central portion of the membrane 41 whose peripheral portion is tightened, as above described, between the body 17 and the cover 19. The membrane 41 separates the space inside the body 17 and cover 19 into two chambers 101 and 103.

The lower chamber 1()1 contains the main portion of the mobile unit 21 and the inlet 37 for the liquid comes freely therein. The chamber 103 is itself formed between the cover 19 and membrane 41.

In the thickness of the wall laterally surrounding the chambers 83 and 93 there is bored a duct 105 which freely comes into the chamber 83. into the chamber 101 through a port 105a and into the chamber 103.

Above the cover 19, a chamber 111 communicates with the chamber 103 by a port 113 provided with a valve 115. The mobile unit 21 is topped by a tube 117 which penetrates, in a tight way, into a guiding means 119 located inside the chamber 111 and establishes connection between the chambers 111 and 93.

The apparatus of the invention operates as follows: The device has been placed at the upper portion of a storage tank into which decanting operations have to be made. The port 37 has been provided with an inlet for the liquid (not shown). If there is assumed that it is desired to decant the liquid contained in a mobile cistern (not shown) provided with a delivery valve, then a line of pipes is placed between the cistern to be drained and the cistern 15. As long as the valve of the cistern to be drained remains closed, the device has its components in the positions shown in Figure 1. with the main valve 45 bearing on its seat 43.

If the level of the liquid in the cistern 15 is rather low, both the valves 63 and 65 are open; if, on the contrary the level of the liquid is too high. it is one of the conditions met hereinbelow upon filling. In the case of Figure 1, the float 69 bears on a lever thereby lifting the closing component of the valve 63 above its seat: also a weight lifts the closing component of the valve 65 above its seat. Valves 97 and 115 are closed.

If the delivery valve of the cistern to be decanted is open. the liquid flows into the chamber 101 and lifts the mobile unit 21, partly due to the action of the Archimedean thrust thereon and partly due to the pressure exerted by the liquid on the membrane 41. The valve 45 being lifted above its seat, the liquid flows through the tube 35 into the cistern 15. It can be noted that a small flow of liquid enters the duct 105, through port 105a, then the chamber 83 and flows through the tube 59 to exit both through the valve 63 and port 73. This is the state of the device shown in Figure 2. Besides it should be noted that the valve 115 is lifted which permits a free communication to occur between the chambers 103 and 111.

When the level of the liquid in the cistern 15 is sufficiently high the float 69 is lifted by the liquid and consequently the valve 63 is closed. The only flow remaining through the tube 59 relates to the port 73. Also, the level of the liquid goes up into the duct 105 and the liquid overflows into the chamber 103 and loads the membrane 41. The mobile unit 21 thus weighted moves down, the valve 45 applies on its seat 43 and the decanting operation stops. A portion of the liquid in the chamber 103 can penetrate into the chamber 111 since the valve 115 is initiallv lifted. Then the valve 115 is closed since it is no longer lifted by the mobile unit 21. Normally. the people in charge of the control of the decanting operation close the delivery valve of the cistern to be decanted: this is the condition of the device shown in Figure 3.It should be noted that there remains a flow of the liquid to be decanted through the port 73, fed by the volume of liquid which is upstream the main valve 45.

As the liquid continues to flow through the port 73. a certain drop in pressure appears in the chamber 83, then the membrane 91 deviates downward and the finger 95 opens the valve 97, which causes a faster draining-off of the chambers 83 and 103 through the tube 61 and valve 65. This is the condition shown in Figure 4. Normally, at that very moment. the people in charge release the connection of the pipe conveying the liquid on the draining-valve of the delivery cistern.

Draining of the chamber 103 permits lifting of the mobile unit 21 as during flowing of the liquid at the start of the decanting operation. The liquid can therefore flow again between the main valve 45 and its seat 43, the lower valve 63 nevertheless remaining closed. This step of the decanting operation is shown in Figure 5 and enables the liquid in the conveying pipe to be drained.

If. subsequently to the re-starting of the quick draining shown in Figure 5. the float 69 causes closing of the valve 65, the liquid goes up again into chamber 103. which causes closing of the main valve 45 as shown in Figure 6. As the valves 63 and 65 are closed. the only draining which remains is that of the port 73 which is very small and could not, bv itself. cause overflow of the cistern 15, but only after a rather long time.

In Figure 7 there has been represented a second embodiment of the apparatus whose constitution is similar to the first one. but the main block of the apparatus for the decanting is separate from a self-acting unit Sla. 21a for the control of the level liquid in such a way as to prevent, in some cases. a loss of pressure and thereby a noticeable decrease of the rate of the filling flow delivery. In this second embodiment. this risk is removed and. besides. the liquid level safety devices being out of the main liquid flow, have not anv chance of being disturbed bv this substantial flow.

The reference numbers used in Figure 7 are similar to those of Figure 1-6 since the elements are similar, and only two ducts C, and C, are required to provide a junction between the main block and the unit 51a.

21a.

The third embodiment shown in Figure 8 has for its purpose to further improve the filling limiting apparatus previously described bv further technical improvements while reducing the cost. and also to provide it with an additional device which enables the correct operation of the apparatus to be checked even when the vat is practically empty.

This improvement is obtained due to the fact that a compression chamber in the upper portion of the cover of the decanting head, communicating with the chamber above the membrane of this head through a valve and a nozzle, is connected by means of a flexible hose to the chamber, above the membrane of the control head; which membrane, through a needle and by means of a valve controls opening or closing of one of the two auxiliary liquid discharge tubes supported by the control head. According to another feature of the invention, it is possible to check the correct operation of the limiting device thanks to a third tubular duct supported by the control head and which extends parallel to the two liquid discharge tubes. The lower end of this third duct is bent in such a way as to be directed against the lower part of the float sliding on one of the two tubes.The outlet pressure of a liquid injected into this third duct causes the float to go up. thereby simulating the presence of a liquid in the vat.

The apparatus shown in Figure 8 is constituted by two distinct elements 201, 202 which are connected to each other by means of two flexible pipes 203, 204 of a small diameter. The body 205 of the element 201. supporting the intake sleeve 206, contains the main valve 207 which is connected by a rod 208 having threaded ends, or by a similar component, to a membrane 2()9. This membrane is clamped with its peripheral edge between the body 205 and a cover 210.

At its upper portion, the said cover 210 has a chamber 211 whose top is obturated by a small cover 212, placed by means of screws 213. 214, and comprising in its center a connector 215 for the flexible pipe 204 connecting it to element 202. The chamber 211 communicates with the chamber 216 delimited bv the cover 210 and membrane 209. on one hand, through a small valve 217 and. on the other hand. through a nozzle 218. The body 205 of the element 201.

screwed or fixed by another way through the connection sleeve 219, preferably. in the plate 220 of the tank manhole, comprises, in one of its lateral walls a duct 221 which extends in the cover 210 and comes into the chamber 216. The element 202 which constitutes the control element is also fixed on the plate 220 of the manhole and comprises on its lower side three tubular dusts 223. 224 and 2'5 dipping inside the tank. The inner space of the element 202 is also divided into two chambers 226. 227 by a membrane 228, clamped between the cover 229 and the body 222, and connected by its center to a needle 230. The upper chamber 226 communicates bv the flexible pipe 204 with the chamber 211 provided in the cover 210 of the element 201.The lower chamber 227 of the element 202 is connected, on one hand, to the duct 221 of the element 201 by means of the flexible pipe 203 and, on the other hand, with the inside of the tank by means of the tubes 223 and 224, having a length which is less than that of tube 223. Each of the lower ends of the tubes 223 and 224 is provided with a valve 231, 232. These valves are operated by a float 233 sliding on the tube 233. Another valve 234 is provided on the upper end of the tube 224 and is operated by the needle 230 fixedly connected to the membrane 228. The tubular duct 225 comes or emerges beneath the float 233 and its lower end is directed onto the lower part of the float.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 8 is as follows: When the level of the liquid in the tank is lower than level NI, the float 233 is in a low position thus the valves 231 and 232 are open, the valves 234 and 217 are, on the other hand, closed and the main valve 207 bears on its seat while tightly obturating the inlet duct of the tank. Now if the flexible pipe of the tank-waggon or cistern-truck is connected to the sleeve 206 and if the valve of the waggon or truck is open, the liquid arrives in the chamber 235 and exerts a pressure on the membrane 209 which causes the main valve 207 to be lifted and the liquid can flow into the tank through the tube 236.

A certain amount of liquid passes also through the tube 223 by passing through a small hole 237 in the body 205 between the chamber 235 and the duct 221. As soon as the liquid in the tank reaches the level N1, raising of the float 233 causes closing of the valve 231, and the liquid having no longer the possibility to flow through the tube 223 goes up through the duct 221 and becomes accumulated in the chamber 216, where a pressure becomes established which is higher than that prevailing in the chamber 235.

This pressure, by acting on the membrane 209, closes up the main valve 207 and the decanting operation is stopped. Due to the fact that valve 217 is open under the effect of this pressure, the pressure is the same in the chambers 235, 216. 211. 226 and 227, and will block the whole system as long as it is retained, that is as long as the valve of the waggon or truck remains open and the flexible hose remains connected. The pressure P1 is a function of the height H1 of the liquid column comprised between the level of the liquid in the waggon or truck and the level of the body of the apparatus: P1 = H1 x density of the liquid.

Then when the valve of the waggon or truck is closed, for the purpose of draining the flexible hose, the pressure of the liquid in the chambers 235, 216 and 227 drops from P1 to P2 which causes closing up of the valve 217 and thus the pressure P1 is maintained in the chambers 211 and 226. The pressure P2 in the chambers 235, 216 and 227 is relieved by an exit hole 238 of the tube 223.

Under action of the pressure P1 acting on the membrane 118, the needle 230 moves down and opens the vaklve 234. Then if the flexible connection tube is disconnected between the waggon or truck and the tank, the liquid in the tube flows through the tube 224 and valve 232 and through the exit hole 238 of the tube 223. Due to that fact the pressure in the chamber 216 drops from P2 to P3, lifting of the main valve 207 is then permitted under action of the pressure P2 exerted on the lower side of membrane 209 by the liquid flowing during draining of the flexible hose. It should be noted that the pressure P2 is function of the height H2 of the liquid column comprised between the level of the connector of the disconnected flexible hose and the level of the apparatus: H2 < H1, thus P2 < P1 (P3 < P2).Due to the fact that the nozzle 218 enables a pressure lowering in the chambers 211 and 226, the valve 234 closes and obturates the tubular duct 224. Since the tubular ducts 223 and 224 are closed, the liquid could go up through the tube 223 and could cause closing of the main valve 207, as described above, but because of the exit hole 238 in the tube 223, and the draining speed in the flexible hose, the liquid has not time to accumulate on the membrane 209 in the chamber 216 and the main valve 207 remains open during the draining operation.

Once the decanting operation is over, the main valve 207 is closed under action of its own weight, and also the valve 217. The liquid contained in the tube 223 flows through the exit hole 238 up to the level of the exit hole.

As the liquid in the receiving bank is decanted by pumps, the float 233 goes down and causes opening of the valve 231. The apparatus takes again its stand-by condition.

The range between the level N1 and N2 is calculated in such a way as to enable draining of great length flexible hoses, such as are commonly used for decanting of liquids. Consequently the hoses will be drained before the liquid has reached the level N2.

If, due to an error, a new decanting step were tried when the level of the liquid is already between N1 and N2, and with the condition of waiting at least five minutes to enable the decanting circuit to be free from any pressure, the operation would be as follows: The liquid which flows at a pressure P1 into the chamber 235 would open, in acting on the membrane 209, the main valve 207 and would fill the tube 223 which is closed by the valve 231. Then the liquid would go up through the duct 221 and would accumulate in the chamber 216. The increase of the pressure in said chamber would act on the membrane 209 and would close the main valve 207. Since the above Operations are instantaneous no overflow can happen and the level will not exceed N2.

When the liquid, upon the decanting step, reaches the level N2, the going up of the float 233 causes closing of the valve 232, and the tube 224 is definitely closed. Due to the fact that the valves 207, 231 and 232 are closed and that the chamber 216 cannot be any longer lowered in pressure, the system is definitely blocked. The valves 232 and 231 will open only when the float goes down following the level of the liquid in the tank going down due to draining by the pumps.

As soon as the liquid has reached the level N1, the limiting device is at a stand-by position.

To enable to periodically check the correct operation of the apparatus of the present invention, it is advantageous to provide the controlling head, constituted by the element 202, with a device which simulates the filling of the tank. This device is constituted by a tube 275 of a small diameter which extends, after passing through the body 222 of the element 202, parallel to the ducts 223. 224 and has a lower end which is bent in such a wQv as to be directed on the bottom of float 233. The other end of the tube 225 supports on its exit from the body 222 of element 201, a sleeve '39 for connection to duct 240.

When it is desired to check the operation of the apparatus. a liquid similar to that contained in the tank is injected under pressure into the pipes 240, 225 to come out under the lower part of the float 233.

Depending on the adjustment of the pressure, the float 233 reaches the various levels required for the tests.

Due to the fact that the apparatus of the invention can be mounted on the manhole cover of the tank or vat, positioning the apparatus requires only minor work and is not costly. In view of facilitating positioning of the apparatus of the invention on already existing installations, which is often the case, the body 205 of the element 201 is threaded on the whole height of the connection-sleeve 219, and fixing and sealingtightness are provided bv an adjusting-nut 242 and a toric joint 241.

Figure 9 relates to a fourth embodiment of the apparatus similar to that of Figure 8 but having a different device for testing the correct operation of the apparatus.

This test device is constituted by a vertical tube placed on the body of the secondary valve supplying the differential pressure and in which is guided a pulling cable having one end connected to a milled cap obturating the tube inlet, the other end of the cable being fixed to a counterweight which can slide on the tube of the secondary valve to make the float to go up while simulating the various filling levels of the tank by simply pulling on the cable.

The test device of Figure 9 is constituted by a vertical tube 343 which is fixed on the body 322 of the secondary valve 302 of the apparatus. This tube 343 is used as a guide for a pulling cable 344 having one end connected to a milled cap 345 which is screwed on the tube inlet, the other end of the cable being fixed to a counterweight 346 which can slide on the tube 323.

The operation of the test device is as follows: When upon the delivery of a limited amount of liquid such as fuel, it is desired to check the operation of the apparatus it suffices to unscrew the milled cap 345 of the test device and to pull the cable 344 about 2 to 3 cm. The float 333 is then lifted up to level N1 thus causing the closing of the valve 331. The decanting of the tank of the truck or waggon then stops due to the fact that the liquid which cannot flow through the tube 323 goes up through the duct 321 and accumulates in the chamber 316 where is established a pressure which is higher than that in the chamber 335 and causes, in acting on the membrane 309, closing of the main valve 307.

It is then possible to check the draining of the flexible hose connecting the vat to the tank of the truck or waggon, by closing the decanting-valve on said tank and disconnecting the hose after waiting about 30 seconds. The liquid to be drained then flows through the tube 324 and through the hole 338 of the tube 323 and the lowering of pressure which results therefrom in the chamber 316 allows the lifting of the main valve 307 under the higher pressure in the chamber 335 acting on the membrane 309 due to the liquid entering chamber 335 during the draining of the flexible hose.

In order to check the operation of the apparatus for the level N2, it is only necessary to pull the milled cap 345 gently as far as possible so that the counterweight 346, in taking up the float 333, controls the closing of valve 332. Due to the fact that the valves 307, 331 and 332 are closed and that chamber 316 cannot any longer be lowered in pressure the liquid cannot flow any longer and the decanting step is stopped as if the level N2 of the tank had been reached.

Once these checks are performed and to resume the decanting step, it is only necessary to screw again the milled cap 345, in a tight way, on the end of the tube 343 which causes the float 333 to go down again and the valve 331 to open again.

The remaining parts of the apparatus of Figure 9 are similar to those of Figure 8 accordingly have been given similar reference numerals except for the first digit of each numeral which is '2' in Figure 8 and '3' in Figure 9.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container, the containers being connected by a flexible hose during a filling operation to enable the liquid to be transferred and the supply container having a delivery valve controlling the supply of liquid to the hose, the apparatus, in use, functioning automatically to stop the flow of liquid into the receiving container when the liquid in the receiving container reaches a predetermined level, said apparatus comprising:: a hollow body having an inlet port adapted for connection to the outlet end of the flexible hose and an outlet port adapted for connection to the liquid filling inlet of the receiving container; a flexible membrane mounted inthe body and delimiting therein an upper chamber and a lower chamber in liquid communication with each other, the lower chamber including said inlet and outlet ports; main valve means mechanically connected to the membrane and pendant therefrom to control opening of said outlet port whereby liquid coming from the supply container through the delivery valve and flexible hose and said inlet port into the lower chamber raises the membrane and opens said main valve means, liquid then flowing through said outlet port into the receiving container;; second valve means in liquid communication with said upper and lower chambers and controlling an auxiliary liquid flow path between said upper and lower chambers and the receiving container; a float guided for movement relative to said hollow body and so supported that when said outlet port is connected to said liquid filling inlet the float is disposed within the receiving container, the float controlling said second valve means at a predetermined level of the liquid in the receiving container whereby when the liquid flowing into the receiving container through the main valve means reached said predetermined level, said second valve means is closed and causes liquid to flow from said lower chamber to said upper chamber so that the liquid force then acting on the membrane causes the membrane to move down together with said main valve means, said main valve means being thus closed and interrupting the flow of the liquid therethrough; and third valve means for nullifying the closure action of said second valve means to ensure draining into the receiving container of residual liquid located upstream of the main valve means.

2. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said third valve means is mounted between the lower chamber and said outlet port and controlled by the second valve means to be opened when both said second valve means and said delivery valve on the supply container are closed and the flexible hose is dismounted from the supply container, whereby liquid contained in the flexible hose and in the lower chamber can flow into the receiving container.

3. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 2, wherein means are provided to cause opening of the main valve means when said third valve means is open.

4. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 2 or 3 wherein said predetermined level is a first predetermined level and further comprising fourth valve means controlled by said float at a second predetermined level in receiving container and connected to the third valve means to close said third valve means when the liquid in the receiving container reaches said second predetermined level.

5. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 4 wherein said upper chamber of the hollow body is a first upper chamber and further comprising a second upper chamber placed adjacent the first upper chamber of said hollow body. fifth valve means mounted between the second upper chamber and said first upper chamber for controlling communication therebetween, the third valve means comprising a membrane forming thereabove a chamber with a tube mounted between said chamber and the second upper chamber.

6. Apparatus, as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for checking the correct working of the apparatus, said checking means permitting raising of the float.

7. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 6, wherein said checking means comprises a tube having a bottom part which is bent over and positioned under said float, the tube being connected to a source of pressurized liquid.

8. Apparatus, as set forth in Claims 6, wherein said checking means comprises a cable having one end connected to a movable plug, the other end of the cable being connected to a block, said block being positioned under said float.

9. Apparatus operable to cause a selfacting stoppage of a liquid filling operation, said apparatus, in use, being placed on an upper filling inlet of a receiving container to be filled with the liquid, and comprising: a main valve able to control flow of liquid in a filling duct of the receiving container, the filling duct being downstream of supply container containing the liquid to be supplied to the receiving container, said main

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

Figure 9 are similar to those of Figure 8 accordingly have been given similar reference numerals except for the first digit of each numeral which is '2' in Figure 8 and '3' in Figure 9.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container, the containers being connected by a flexible hose during a filling operation to enable the liquid to be transferred and the supply container having a delivery valve controlling the supply of liquid to the hose, the apparatus, in use, functioning automatically to stop the flow of liquid into the receiving container when the liquid in the receiving container reaches a predetermined level, said apparatus comprising:: a hollow body having an inlet port adapted for connection to the outlet end of the flexible hose and an outlet port adapted for connection to the liquid filling inlet of the receiving container; a flexible membrane mounted inthe body and delimiting therein an upper chamber and a lower chamber in liquid communication with each other, the lower chamber including said inlet and outlet ports; main valve means mechanically connected to the membrane and pendant therefrom to control opening of said outlet port whereby liquid coming from the supply container through the delivery valve and flexible hose and said inlet port into the lower chamber raises the membrane and opens said main valve means, liquid then flowing through said outlet port into the receiving container;; second valve means in liquid communication with said upper and lower chambers and controlling an auxiliary liquid flow path between said upper and lower chambers and the receiving container; a float guided for movement relative to said hollow body and so supported that when said outlet port is connected to said liquid filling inlet the float is disposed within the receiving container, the float controlling said second valve means at a predetermined level of the liquid in the receiving container whereby when the liquid flowing into the receiving container through the main valve means reached said predetermined level, said second valve means is closed and causes liquid to flow from said lower chamber to said upper chamber so that the liquid force then acting on the membrane causes the membrane to move down together with said main valve means, said main valve means being thus closed and interrupting the flow of the liquid therethrough; and third valve means for nullifying the closure action of said second valve means to ensure draining into the receiving container of residual liquid located upstream of the main valve means.

2. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said third valve means is mounted between the lower chamber and said outlet port and controlled by the second valve means to be opened when both said second valve means and said delivery valve on the supply container are closed and the flexible hose is dismounted from the supply container, whereby liquid contained in the flexible hose and in the lower chamber can flow into the receiving container.

3. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 2, wherein means are provided to cause opening of the main valve means when said third valve means is open.

4. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 2 or 3 wherein said predetermined level is a first predetermined level and further comprising fourth valve means controlled by said float at a second predetermined level in receiving container and connected to the third valve means to close said third valve means when the liquid in the receiving container reaches said second predetermined level.

5. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 4 wherein said upper chamber of the hollow body is a first upper chamber and further comprising a second upper chamber placed adjacent the first upper chamber of said hollow body. fifth valve means mounted between the second upper chamber and said first upper chamber for controlling communication therebetween, the third valve means comprising a membrane forming thereabove a chamber with a tube mounted between said chamber and the second upper chamber.

6. Apparatus, as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for checking the correct working of the apparatus, said checking means permitting raising of the float.

7. Apparatus, as set forth in Claim 6, wherein said checking means comprises a tube having a bottom part which is bent over and positioned under said float, the tube being connected to a source of pressurized liquid.

8. Apparatus, as set forth in Claims 6, wherein said checking means comprises a cable having one end connected to a movable plug, the other end of the cable being connected to a block, said block being positioned under said float.

9. Apparatus operable to cause a selfacting stoppage of a liquid filling operation, said apparatus, in use, being placed on an upper filling inlet of a receiving container to be filled with the liquid, and comprising: a main valve able to control flow of liquid in a filling duct of the receiving container, the filling duct being downstream of supply container containing the liquid to be supplied to the receiving container, said main

valve being controlled by a membrane subjected to a liquid pressure on upper and lower sides thereof: a float operatively related to the level of the liquid contained in the receiving container: a secondary valve controlling a by-pass means of the main valve, said secondary valve being closed under action of the float when the iiquid reaches a first predetermined level bv creating an overpressure on the upper side of the membrane by means of the liquid upon a filling operation, closing of the secondary valve causing closing of the main valve:: a port located on said by-pass means of the main valve whereby liquid flowing directly thcrethrough into the receiving container under a filling operation creates, the main valve being closed, a fall of pressure under an auxiliary membrane delimiting a lower chamber from which the liquid flows towards the secondary valve;; means for neutralizing the closing action of the secondary valve comprising a third, delivery. valve through which liquid from the lower chamber may flow to the receiving container. said third valve being controlled bv said auxiliary membrane such that upon said fall in pressure beneath the auxiliary membrane when the main valve is closed, the third valve opens thereby permitting draining into the receiving container of residual liquid filling said filling duct located upstream of the main valve and also permitting the liquid forced back onto the upper side of the control membrane of the main valve, upon closure of the secondary valve, to flow into the receiving container, thereby causing re-opening of the main valve: and means for neutralizina the action of said third, deliverv. valve comprising a fourth valve closed under action of the float when the level of the liquid in the receiving container reaches a second predetermined level higher than said first predetermined level.

if). Apparatus. as set forth in Claim 9.

comprising a compression chamber communicating with a chamber formed above the membrane of the main valve through a valve and a nozzle. a control head provided with said auxiliary membrane. said compression chamber being connected by means of a flexible hose to a chamber formed above said auxiliary membrane. said auxiliary membrane controlling a needle valve consisting said third valve, the needle valve controlling the entrv of a tube extending into the receiving tank.

11. Apparatus. as set forth in Claim 10, wherein said control head further comprises a tubular duct which has a lower end which is bent in the direction of the bottom of the float, whereby a liquid injected in said duct makes the float go up thus simulating the pressure of a liquid in the receiving tank.

12. Apparatus, as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein said hollow body is carried by a connection sleeve screwed onto the filling inlet of the receiving tank, said screwing connection permitting height adjustment of the float, a nut and a toric joint ensuring a sealing-tight fixing of the sleeve on a manhole plate of the receiving tank.

13. Apparatus, as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 10 or Claim 12, comprising a tube having an end exterior to the receiving tank and extending into said tank, a pulling cable being guided in this tube, said pulling cable having one of its ends connected to a milled cap normally screwed onto said end of the tube and another end fixed to a counterweight placed beneath the float whereby by unscrewing the cap from the tube and by pulling on the cable the float may to caused to rise to simulate the various liquid levels in the receiving tank.

14. Apparatus. for controlling the filling of a tank with a liquid, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 to 6, or Figure 7, or Figure 8, or Figure 9, of the accompanying drawings.