GB2272880A

GB2272880A - Fluid displacement device and standpipe for automatic fluid communication

Info

Publication number: GB2272880A
Application number: GB9324295A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon Ervine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-11-28
Filing date: 1993-11-25
Publication date: 1994-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2013-11-25
Also published as: GB9324295D0; IE930910A1; GB9225056D0; GB2272880B; IE72964B1; NL9302052A; FR2698626A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid displacement device (10) and a standpipe (80) for automatic fluid communication, which have particular application for loading farmyard slurry from a slurry storage reservoir into a tanker vehicle (12). The device (10) provides a pipe (28) extending from tank (12), the free end (72) of the pipe (28) being adapted to provide, a fluid-tight seal with a mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) and when in communication and a pump means (20) is actuated, fluid is transferred from the slurry storage reservoir into the tank (12). The pipe (28) moved by a tap and links from a storage to an operational position. During the connection and disconnection operations, the operator need not leave his seat. <IMAGE>

Description

FLUID DISPLACEMENT DINZCE AND STADPIPB SUITABLE FOR AUTOMATIC FLUID COMMUHICATION This invention relates to a fluid displacement device which has particular application for loading farmyard slurry into a tanker vehicle which is adapted to be towed by a tractor vehicle but which has application for loading other fluids, including milk. The device facilitates automatic connection to a slurry storage reservoir. The device is optionally fixed to the front of the tanker vehicle so as to enable the tractor driver, while seated in the tractor vehicle, to see all the movements which take place within the device while the tanker vehicle is being automatically connected and loaded before the tanker vehicle is taken to the fields for distribution of the slurry contained in the tanker vehicle.

Fluid loading devices and equipment are usually mounted at the back of the tanker vehicle out of direct sight of the tanker driver. Known fluid loading devices involve manual connections between the tanker vehicle and a farm slurry reservoir this entails the tractor driver having to dismount from his tanker vehicle and manually attend to all connections between the tanker vehicle and a, usually underground, farm slurry reservoir. Such manual connections are associated with a significant expenditure of time and energy on the part of the tractor driver. In addition, the lack of direct sight of what is actually happening during loading of the tanker vehicle has caused accidents in the past where the tanker vehicle has been driven off whilst still connected to the slurry reservoir.

It is an object of the invention to provide the tractor driver not only with automatic connection facilities but also with a clear line of sight view of loading of the tanker vehicle.

It is an object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to teach how prior devices fixed at the rear of the tanker vehicle can be replaced with the fluid displacement device of the present invention fixed to the front of the tanker vehicle in order to provide unobstructed space at the rear of the tanker vehicle for the fitting of farm slurry soil injection equipment which is an environmentally effective way to apply slurry to the land without the loss of volatile nitrogenous compounds in the form of ammonia.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid displacement device (10) suitable for automatic fluid communication with a standpipe (80), the standpipe (80) being in fluid communication with a reservoir; the fluid displacement device (10) comprising a tank (12); a pump means (20); a pipe (28) extending from the tank (12), the free end (72) of the pipe (28) being adapted to provide, in use, a fluid-tight seal with a mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) 50 that, when the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) are in fluid communication and the pump means (20) is actuated, fluid is transferred from the reservoir along the standpipe (80) and the pipe (28) into the tank (12).

Preferably, the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) each has parts defining a complementary co-operating means.

More preferably, the free end (72) of the pipe (28) is bevelled and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) is substantially inverted conical.

Preferably, the free end (72) of the pipe (28) is provided with a resiliently deformable member (69) adapted and dimensioned to co-operate with the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80).

More preferably, the pump means (20) and the pipe (28) are mounted in front of the tank (12).

Advantageously, the pipe (28) is movable between a substantially vertical or storage position and a substantially horizontal or loading position.

Preferably, the fluid displacement device (10) includes moving means (38, 40; 138; 238; 338) operable to move the pipe (28) from the storage position to the loading position. More preferably, the moving means (38, 40; 138; 238; 338) is hydraulically actuated.

A valve means (26) may be provided for the pipe (28) and the fluid displacement device (10) may also include valve control means (58) operable to open or close the valve means (26), the valve control means (58) being operatively associated with the moving means so that, in use, actuation of the moving means causes the valve control means (58) to open the valve means (26).

The fluid displacement device (10) may comprise a fulcrum fixedly mounted relative to the tank (12); a stop member (66) fixedly mounted relative to the tank (12); a lever pivotably mounted about the fulcrum, the lever being located intermediate the moving means and the stop member (66); and the valve control means (58) comprises a linkage mechanism pivotably connected to the lever distal the fulcrum so that, in use, actuation of the moving means opens the valve means (26) by pivoting the lever from a rest position away from the pipe (28) until the stop member (66) is engaged and further actuation of the moving means moves the pipe (28) to the loading position. Optionally, a first resilient means (56) biassed to return the lever to the rest position, is provided.

The fulcrum may be a bar (42) extending from the tank (12); the lever a substantially C-shaped member (48) having a short arm (49) and a pivot arm (50), each of which is pivotable about the bar (42) and having a long arm (51) substantially parallel to the bar (42); and the valve control means (58) may be pivotably connected to the long arm (51).

Preferably, the moving means comprises a ram (38) and a ram support means (40), the ram (38) being pivotably connected to the pipe (28) at one end and to the ram support means (40) at the other end and the ram support means (40) being pivotable about the bar (42) and extending to engage, in use, against the long arm (51).

More preferably, the fluid displacement device (10) comprises a stub pipe (24) extending from the tank (12), the pipe (28) being pivotable about the stub pipe (24); a frame mounted on the stub pipe (24), the frame comprising a first elongate member (74) extending substantially perpendicularly from the stub pipe (24) and a first transverse member (75) extending substantially parallel to the pipe (28), the first transverse member (75) being provided with a pair of lugs (78), having axially aligned apertures (79); the lever being a plate member (71) having the stop member (66) extending rearwardly therefrom and having two projections (73) extending laterally at one end thereof; the fulcrum being formed by the two projections (73) located in the aligned apertures (79) of the lugs (78) and the valve control means (58) being pivotably connected to the first transverse member (75).

Advantageously, the fluid displacement device (10) additionally comprises a rod (77) axially extending from the pipe (28) and a second elongate member (76) extending from the first transverse member (75) in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with the first elongate member (74) and pivotably mounted about the rod (77).

Guide channels (23) may be provided in first and second transverse members (75, 67) and, in that event, the moving means is adapted for sliding movement in the guide channels (23).

The moving means and the valve control means (58) may be operatively associated by hydraulic connection, in series.

The fluid displacement device (10) may include a second resilient means (70) biassed to move the pipe (28) from the loading position to the storage position. The moving means and the second resilient means (70) may comprise a two-way ram (138, 238, 338).

Preferably, the pump means (20) is selectively operable to create a partial vacuum in the tank (12) or to create an overpressure in the tank (12) and the device (10) additionally comprises pump control means (60, 62) operable to control the pump means (20) to selectively create the partial vacuum or the overpressure, the pump control means (60, 62) being operatively associated with the moving means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a standpipe (80) suitable for automatic fluid communication with a fluid displacement device (10) according to a first aspect of the present invention, the standpipe (80) being, at one end, in fluid communication with a reservoir and, at the other end, terminating in a mouth (82) so that, when the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) are in fluid communication and the pump means (20) is actuated, fluid is transferred from the reservoir along the standpipe (80) and the pipe (28) into the tank (12).

Preferably, the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) and the free end (72) of the pipe (28) each has parts defining a complementary co-operating means.

More preferably, the mouth (82) is a substantially inverted conical mouth and the free end (72) is bevelled.

Advantageously, the mouth (82) is provided with a resiliently deformable member (84) adapted and dimensioned to co-operate with the free end (72) of the pipe (28).

The standpipe (80) may comprise means for enabling movement of the mouth (82) of the standpipe (28) relative to the free end (72) of the pipe (28).

The standpipe (80) may include a support (92) for the standpipe arranged to maintain the mouth (82) substantially upright and the enabling means comprises a flexible tube (90) in fluid communication with, at one end, a bend (88) and, at the other end, with the mouth (82).

Alternatively, the enabling means may comprise a substantially saucer-shaped or partially spherical ground-engaging member (93) and means for connecting the ground-engaging member to the standpipe. The connecting means may comprise two bars (95) extending from the ground-engaging member (93) adapted for releasable connection to the standpipe (80).

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of a fluid displacement device according to the invention on a tanker vehicle; Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the fluid displacement device of Figure 1 and a standpipe according to the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic front view of the fluid displacement device of Figure 1 and the standpipe of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe of the fluid displacement device of Figure 1 and of a mouth of the standpipe of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe for a fluid displacement device according to the invention and of an alternative embodiment of a standpipe according to the invention;; Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a fluid displacement device according to the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a fluid displacement device according to the invention; Figure 8 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a fluid displacement device according to the invention and the standpipe of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a side view of the fluid displacement device of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a standpipe according to the invention.

In the drawings, similar numerals have been used to indicate like parts.

Referring now to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a fluid displacement device according to the invention generally indicated as 10 and a standpipe according to the invention generally indicated as 80. The fluid displacement device 10 includes a tanker vehicle comprising a tank 12 mounted on a wheeled chassis 14, which is towed by a tow-bar 16 and powered by a take-off shaft 18. On the tow-bar 16 there is mounted a pump means or centrifugal pump 20 which is dual function in that, by partial rotation of a pump control means or control lever 22, the pump 20 can act either as a positive or negative pressure device.

A stub pipe 24 extends from the tank 12, adjacent its bottom, to which is fixed a valve means or slide valve 26. The slide valve 26 is used to either admit or shut-off the loading pathway from a slurry underground reservoir (not shown). To the stub pipe 24 there is fitted a pipe 28 having a substantially right-angled bend 30. The pipe 28 is adapted for rotation about the stub pipe 24 by the provision of a swivel joint 32, for example, threads, ballbearings/circumferential races or any other suitable swivel connection.

The pipe 28 is rotatable between a substantially vertical or storage position (as illustrated in dotted outline in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings) and a substantially horizontal or loading position (as illustrated in solid outline in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings), under the influence of a moving means. The loading position extends laterally relative to the tank 12 beyond the chassis 14, to the left or to the right of the tank 12.

The moving means comprises a hydraulically actuated cylinder 34/piston 36 arrangement (or ram 38). The cylinder 34 is pivotably connected to a ram support means 40. The ram support means 40 is rotatable about a bar 42, which extends from the tank 12. A pair of lugs 44 having aligned holes 45 for a pin 46 are provided on the pipe 28 and an aperture is provided adjacent the free end of the piston 36 for receiving the pin 46, thereby providing a pivotable connection between the ram 38 and the pipe 28.

A lever or substantially C-shaped member 48 has a short arm 49 and a pivot arm 50, both of which are pivotable about the fulcrum or bar 42, and a long arm 51 substantially parallel to the bar 42. The ram support means 40 extends to engage, in use, against the long arm 51.

The bar 42 is supported at its outer end by a rod 52, which terminates in a pivot bearing 54, whose horizontal arm 55 is welded to the tow-bar 16.

One end of a first resilient means 56 is connected adjacent one end of the long arm 51 and the other end of the first resilient means 56 is connected adjacent the stub pipe 24. The first resilient means 56 is biassed to a closed position.

A valve control means comprises a valve linkage mechanism 58 pivotably connected at one end adjacent one end of the long arm 51 and at the other end to the slide valve 26.

A pump control means comprises a rod 60 extending from the short arm 49 and having an aperture 61 adjacent its free end. The pump control means also comprises a connecting member 62, which connects the rod 60 with the control lever 22 of the pump 20, via respective apertures 61 and 63.

A shaped member 64 is provided, intermediate the pivot bearing 54 and the bend 30, the shaped member 64 being arranged and dimensioned to prevent disengagement of the pipe 28 from the stub pipe 24 during rotation of the pipe 28 between the storage and the loading positions.

A stop member 66 extends from the tank 12, rearwardly of the bar 42. The stop member 66 is positioned to limit the rearward pivoting movement of the C-shaped member 48 about the bar 42, as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

A bracket 68 extends from the tank 12. One end of a second resilient means 70 is connected to the bracket 68 and the other end of the second resilient means 70 is connected to the pipe 28. The second resilient means 70 is biassed towards its closed position, so as to move the pipe 28 from the loading to the storage position.

Referring in particular to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, the free end 72 of the pipe 28 is substantially conical and has a bevelled edge and a mouth 82 of the standpipe 80 is substantially inverted conical, so that the free end 72 and the mouth 82 have complementary co-operating surfaces.

The mouth 82 is also provided with a resiliently deformable member, in the form of a resilient coating 84, adapted to co-operate with the free end 72.

A suitable resilient coating 84 is supplied as one-ply insertion rubber sheets by Rubber & Plastic Products (N.I.) Ltd., of 30-38 Duncrue Place, Duncrue Industrial Estate, Belfast BT3 9BU, Northern Ireland and has the following characteristics: Polymer : SBR Hardness : 75 shore Tensile Strength : 5Mpu Elongation : 150% Compression : 15% Working temperature : -15 C to +700C Referring now in particular to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, the standpipe 80 is illustrated. The standpipe 80 comprises a tube 86 in fluid communication with a reservoir (not shown), the tube 86 being reversibly connected to a right angled bend 88. The mouth 82 communicates, via a flexible tube 90, with the bend 88.Provision of the flexible tube 90 enables the mouth 82 to move relative to the free end 72, thereby facilitating automatic connection of the fluid displacement device 10 with the standpipe 80.

A support 92 is rigidly connected by mounting members 94 to the bend 88. The support 92 serves to maintain the mouth 82 in a substantially upright position.

In use, fluid is loaded into the tank 12 in the following manner. Actuation of the ram 38 pivots the ram support means 40 against the long arm 51.

Further actuation of the ram 38 pivots the long arm 51 of the C-shaped member 48 against the stop member 66. During this rearward pivotal movement of the C-shaped member 48 from a rest positon, in which the C-shaped member 48 extends substantially vertically, to a position in which the C-shaped member 48 is engaged against the stop member 66, the slide valve 26 is opened and the control lever 22 is moved to the vacuum position. Still further actuation of the ram 38 causes the pipe 28 to pivot forwardly about the stub pipe 24, thereby moving the pipe 28 to the loading position. Engagement of the power take-off shaft 18 renders the tank 12 under partial vacuum, which is relieved by drawing fluid from the reservoir, through the standpipe 80 and the pipe 28 into the tank 12.

Since loading is achieved by inducing a partial vacuum in the tank 12, it will be appreciated that a fluid-tight seal is imperative between the free end 72 and the mouth 82. Such a seal may be made by providing a resilient coating on the inner surface of the mouth 82 (as illustrated in Figure 4) and/or on the outer surface of the free end 72 (not shown).

Alternatively, such a fluid tight seal may be made by providing a resilient skirt on the free end 72 (as illustrated in Figure 5) and/or in the mouth 82 (not shown). It will be appreciated that such a seal may be provided in many embodiments, in which the free end 72 and the mouth 82 have parts defining complementary sealingly co-operating surfaces, for example, a flange (not shown) on the free end 72, the flange being shaped to co-operate with an inverted conical mouth 82 or, alternatively, a free end 72 provided with an inward taper shaped to co-operate with a standpipe 80, having no mouth, but having a bevelled edge.

When the tank 12 has been loaded, the hydraulic pressure to the ram 38 is released and the pump 20 is disengaged. The action of the first resilient means 56 serves to return the C-shaped member 48 to the rest position which, in turn, closes the slide valve 26 and turns the control lever 22 to the pressure position. The action of the second resilient means 70 serves to return the pipe 28 to the storage position.

The tank 12 is now towed to a desired location, where fluid is dispensed from the tank 12 in the following manner. The power take-off shaft 18 is engaged to the pump 20, without actuation of the ram 38. Actuation of the pump 20 with the control lever 22 in the pressure position creates an overpressure or pressurises the tank 12 and forces the fluid out of the tank 12 using conventional dispensing equipment. When the fluid is slurry, such dispensing equipment might involve dispensing into the air using a splash plate or the like or dispensing into the soil using soil injection equipment or the like.

Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a free end 472 of a pipe 428 and of a mouth 182 of a standpipe 180. The mouth 182 is substantially inverted conical and the free end 472 is provided with a resiliently deformable member, in the form of resilient skirt 469, adapted to co-operate with the mouth 182.

A suitable resilient skirt 469 is supplied by Battioni Pagani Pompe S.p.A., of via Marconi n.

75-43058, Sorbolo, Parma, Italy and has the following characteristics : - Polymer : natural rubber Hardness : 70 shore Density : 1.2 g/cm3 Breaking load : 232 kg/cm3 Extension at Breakage : 416% Modulus 100% : 34 kg/cm3 Modulus 300% : 160 kg/cm3 Tearing : 5.2 kg/mm It will still further be appreciated that the ram 38 and the second resilient means 70 may be replaced by a two-way ram (as shown for the second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention described hereinafter).

Referring now to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a fluid displacement device 110 according to the invention.

A frame is provided, comprising a first elongate member 74 extending substantially perpendicularly from the stub pipe 124, a first transverse member 75 extending from the first elongate member 74 substantially parallel to the pipe 128 and a second elongate member 76 (not shown) extending from the first transverse member 75 in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with the first elongate member 74. The free end of the second elongate member 76 is pivotable about a rod 77 extending from the pipe 128, in axial alignment with the stub pipe 124.

Two lugs 78 having axially aligned apertures 79 are provided on the first transverse member 75. The lever, in the present embodiment, takes the form of a plate member 71 having two projections 73 extending laterally therefrom - the fulcrum is formed by two projections 73 located in the aligned apertures 79 of the lugs 78. The stop member 166 extends rearwardly from the plate member 71.

The moving means comprises a two-way ram 138, one end of which is pivotally mounted to the ram support means 140, in the form of two lugs extending from the plate member 71, and the other end of which is pivotably mounted to the pipe 128.

The valve control means and the pump control means are operatively associated with the plate member 71 by respective linkage mechanisms 158, 160/162. A pair of first resilient means 156 connect the plate member 71 to the first elongate member 74 and to the second elongate member 76 (both one of the first resilient means 156 connecting the plate member 71 to the second elongate member 76 and the second elongate member 76 itself have been omitted from Figure 6 for clarity).

In use, fluid is loaded in the following manner.

The ram 138 is actuated in a first mode, thereby pivoting the stop member 166 against the first transverse member 75. During this rearward pivoting movement, the slide valve 126 is opened and the control lever 122 is turned to the vacuum position.

Further actuation of the ram 138 in the first mode moves the pipe 128 to the loading position.

In order to complete the loading procedure and then return the pipe 128 to the storage position, the action of the first resilient means 156 serves to return the plate member 71 to a rest position, whereupon the slide valve 126 is closed and the control lever 122 is returned to the pressure position. Actuation of the ram 138 in the second mode returns the pipe 128 to the storage position.

Referring now to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a fluid displacement device 210 according to the invention.

A frame is provided, comprising a first elongate member 274, a first transverse member 275 and a second elongate member 276. A second transverse member 267 is provided, substantially parallel to the first transverse member 275. A third elongate member 265 is provided between the first transverse member 275 and the second transverse member 267, substantially parallel to the second elongate member 276.

The cylinder 234 of the two-way ram 238 has two slide arms 221 extending laterally therefrom. The valve control means and the pump control means are operatively connected to the slide arms 221. The second and third elongate members 276, 265, intermediate the first and second transverse members 275, 267, are formed from substantially parallel, spaced apart slats, to form a pair of guide channels 223. The slide arms 221 adjacent the guide channels 223 are of annular cross-section, to permit pivotal movement of the slide arms 221 relative to the guide channels 223.

The first resilient means 256 is in the form of two springs, connected to brackets extending from the second transverse member 267 and from the second elongate member 276.

In use, fluid is loaded in the following manner.

Actuation of the ram 238 slides the ram 238, with the slide arms 221 in the guide channels 223, rearwardly against a stop member 266 projecting from the first transverse member 275. During this rearward sliding movement, the slide valve 226 is opened and the control lever 222 is moved to the vacuum position. Further actuation of the ram 238 moves the pipe 228 to the loading position - during this further actuation, some pivotal movement of the slide arms 221 within the guide channels 223 occurs.

In order to complete the loading procedure and return the pipe 228 to the storage position, actuation of the ram 238 in the second mode moves the pipe 228 to the storage position and the action of the first resilient means 256 serves to return the ram 238 to the rest position (which is indicated in dotted outline in Figure 7), whereupon the slide valve 226 is closed and the control lever 222 is returned to the pressure position.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a fourth embodiment of a fluid displacement device 310 according to the invention.

The moving means is a two-way ram 338 pivotably mounted to a first elongate member 374 extending from the stub pipe 324. The first mode of the ram 338 operates to move the pipe 328 to the loading position and the second mode of the ram 338 operates to return the pipe 328 to the storage position.

The valve control means is one-way ram 327 associated with a third resilient means 329. The third resilient means 329 is biassed to a closed position.

The pump control means is a two-way ram 331 which, in a first mode, turns the control lever 322 to the vacuum position and, in a second mode, returns the control lever 322 to the pressure position.

The valve control means and the pump control means are operatively associated with the moving means, by connection in series to the hydraulic circuit of a tractor or the like.

To load fluid, the slide valve 326 is opened by actuation of the ram 327, the control lever 322 is then turned to the vacuum position by actuation of the ram 331 in the first mode and the pipe 328 is finally moved to the loading position by actuation of the ram 338 in the first mode.

To complete the loading procedure, the slide valve 326 is closed under the action of the third resilient means 329, the control lever 322 is then returned to the pressure position by actuation of the ram 331 in the second mode and the pipe 328 is finally returned to the storage position by actuation of the ram 338 in the second mode.

It will be appreciated that the two-way ram 138, 238, 338 may be replaced by a one-way ram 138, 238, 338 if a second resilient means 170, 270, 370 (not shown) is provided.

Referring now to Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a standpipe 280 according to the invention.

The standpipe 280 comprises a tube 286 (not shown) communicating with substantially right angled rigid bend 288. A mouth 282 communicates with the bend 288.

A support 292 is provided, the support 292 comprising a substantially saucer-shaped or partially spherical ground-engaging member 293 and at least two bars 295 extending from the ground-engaging member 293 and adapted for releasable connection to the standpipe 280.

Connecting members 297 are fixedly mounted to opposing sides of the standpipe 280 adjacent the mouth 282. The connecting members 297 are of hollow box section provided with a series of apertures. The bars 295, adjacent the connecting members 297, are also of hollow box section shaped to slide inside the connecting members 297. The bars 295 are provided with a series of appertures. Alignment of the apertures of the bars 295 and of the connecting members 297 and insertion of a pin 298 (shown in position in an aperture) permits adjustment of the height of the mouth 282 from the ground.

It will be appreciated that provision of the ground-engaging member 293 enables the mouth 282 to move relative to the free end 72, thereby facilitating easy and automatic connection of the fluid displacement device 10, 110, 210, 310 according to the invention with the standpipe 280 according to the invention.

It will also be appreciated that the standpipe 80 or 180 or 280 may be used interchangably, provided that there is a fluid-tight seal between the free end 72, 172, 272, 372, 472 and the mouth 82, 182, 282.

Similarly, the valve or pump control means illustrated in the fourth embodiment of the invention (Figures 8 and 9) may be used interchangably with the respective valve or pump control means illustrated in first, second and third embodiments, with suitable modifications.

The loading operation of the various embodiments of the invention have, for clarity, been described as discontinuous steps although it will be appreciated that these steps normally occur as part of a continuous loading operation.

It will be appreciated that provision of a standpipe 80, 180, 280 according to the invention, together with modification of the free end 72,372,472 for sealing co-operation with the standpipe 80, 180, 280 facilitates easy and automatic connection and disconnection of the reservoir with the tank 12, 112, 212, 312, since during the whole of the connection and disconnection operations, the operator need not leave the driving seat of the tractor - the moving means or ram 38, 138, 238, 338 is operable by him in that position.

It will also be appreciated that provision of a fluid displacement device 10, 110, 210, 310 incorporating a valve control means and a pump control means operatively associated with the moving means facilitates easy and automatic connection, loading and disconnection of the reservoir and the tank 12, 112, 212, 312.

It will further be appreciated that the dual function pump 20, 120, 220, 320 may be replaced by a vacuum pump and a separate pressure pump. In that event, the pump control means 60/62, 160/162, 260/262 or pump ram 331 is not required - loading and dispensing are respectively effected by engagement of the vacuum pump or pressure pump as appropriate.

Whilst the fluid displacement device 10, 110, 210, 310 may be mounted to the front or rear of the tank 12, 112, 212, 312, front-mounting is preferred, since proximity to the operator permits the operator to observe all of the workings of the fluid displacement device 10, 110, 210, 310. (When the fluid displacement device 10, 110, 210, 310 is rear-mounted, the operator can observe only the movement of the pipe 28, 128, 228, 328 to and from the loading position). In addition, front-mounting leaves the rear of the tank 12, 112, 212, 312 free for the fitting of dispensing equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fluid displacement device (10) suitable for automatic fluid communication with a standpipe (80), the standpipe (80) being in fluid communication with a reservoir; the fluid displacement device (10) comprising a tank (12); a pump means (20); a pipe (28) extending from the tank (12), the free end (72) of the pipe (28) being adapted to provide, in use, a fluid-tight seal with a mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) so that, when the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) are in fluid communication and the pump means (20) is actuated, fluid is transferred from the reservoir along the standpipe (80) and the pipe (28) into the tank (12).

2. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 1, in which the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) each has parts defining a complementary co-operating means.

3. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 2, in which the free end (72) of the pipe (28) is bevelled and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) is substantially inverted conical.

4. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 1, in which the free end (72) of the pipe (28) is provided with a resiliently deformable member (69) adapted and dimensioned to co-operate with the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80).

5. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pump means (20) and the pipe (28) are mounted in front of the tank (12).

6. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pipe (28) is movable between a substantially vertical or storage position and a substantially horizontal or loading position.

7. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 6, comprising moving means (38, 40; 138; 238; 338) operable to move the pipe (28) from the storage position to the loading position.

8. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 7, in which the moving means (38, 40; 138; 238; 338) is hydraulically actuated.

9. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a valve means (26) is provided for the pipe (28).

10. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7 or 8, comprising valve control means (58) operable to open or close the valve means (26), the valve control means (58) being operatively associated with the moving means so that, in use, actuation of the moving means causes the valve control means (58) to open the valve means (26).

11. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 10, comprising a fulcrum fixedly mounted relative to the tank (12); a stop member (66) fixedly mounted relative to the tank (12); a lever pivotably mounted about the fulcrum, the lever being located intermediate the moving means and the stop member (66); and the valve control means (58) comprises a linkage mechanism pivotably connected to the lever distal the fulcrum so that, in use, actuation of the moving means opens the valve means (26) by pivoting the lever from a rest position away from the pipe (28) until the stop member (66) is engaged and further actuation of the moving means moves the pipe (28) to the loading position.

12. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 11, comprising a first resilient means (56) biassed to return the lever to the rest position.

13. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 12, in which the fulcrum is a bar (42) extending from the tank (12); the lever is a substantially C-shaped member (48) having a short arm (49) and a pivot arm (50), each of which is pivotable about the bar (42) and having a long arm (51) a substantially parallel to the bar (42); and the valve control means (58) is pivotably connected to the long arm (51).

14. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 13, in which the moving means comprises a ran (38) and a ram support means (40), the ram (38) being pivotably connected to the pipe (28) at one end and to the ram support means (40) at the other end and the ram support means (40) being pivotable about the bar (42) and extending to engage, in use, against the long arm (51).

15. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 11, comprising a stub pipe (24) extending from the tank (12), the pipe (28) being pivotable about the stub pipe (24 a frame mounted on the stub pipe (24), the frame comprising a first elongate member (74) extending substantially perpendicularly from the stub pipe (24) and a first transverse member (75) extending substantially parallel to the pipe (28), the first transverse member (75) being provided with a pair of lugs (78), having axially aligned apertures (79); the lever being a plate member (71) having the stop member (66) extending rearwardly therefrom and having two projections (73) extending laterally at one end thereof; the fulcrum being formed by the two projections (73) located in the aligned apertures (79) of the lugs (78) and the valve control means (58) being pivotably connected to the first transverse member (75).

16. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 15, comprising a rod (77) axially extending from the pipe (28) and a second elongate member (76) extending from the first transverse member (75) in substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship with the first elongate member (74) and pivotably mounted about the rod (77).

17. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 16, in which guide channels (23) are provided in first and second transverse members (75, 67), and the moving means is adapted for sliding movement in the guide channels (23).

18. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of claims 12 - 17, in which the moving means and the valve control means (58) are operatively associated by hydraulic connection, in series.

19. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of claims 8 - 18, comprising a second resilient means (70) biassed to move the pipe (28) from the loading position to the storage position.

20. A fluid displacement device (10) according to claim 19, in which the moving means and the second resilient means (70) comprise a two-way ram (138, 238, 338).

21. A fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of claims 9 - 20, in which the pump means (20) is selectively operable to create a partial vacuum in the tank (12) or to create an overpressure in the tank (12) and the device (10) additionally comprises pump control means (60, 62) operable to control the pump means (20) to selectively create the partial vacuum or the overpressure, the pump control means (60, 62) being operatively associated with the moving means.

22. A standpipe (80) suitable for automatic fluid communication with a fluid displacement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the standpipe (80) being, at one end, in fluid communication with a reservoir and, at the other end, terminating in a mouth (82) so that, when the free end (72) of the pipe (28) and the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) are in fluid communication and the pump means (20) is actuated, fluid is transferred from the reservoir along the standpipe (80) and the pipe (28) into the tank (12).

23. A standpipe (80) according to claim 22, in which the mouth (82) of the standpipe (80) and the free end (72) of the pipe (28) each has parts defining a complementary co-operating means.

24. A standpipe (80) according to claim 23, in which the mouth (82) is a substantially inverted conical mouth and the free end (72) is bevelled.

25. A standpipe (80) according to claim 22, in which the mouth (82) is provided with a resiliently deformable member (84) adapted and dimensioned to co-operate with the free end (72) of the pipe (28).

26. A standpipe (80) according to any one of claims 22-25, comprising means for enabling movement of the mouth (82) of the standpipe (28) relative to the free end (72) of the pipe (28).

27. A standpipe (80) according to claim 26, comprising a support (92) for the standpipe arranged to maintain the mouth (82) substantially upright and the enabling means comprises a flexible tube (90) in fluid communication with, at one end, a bend (88) and, at the other end, with the mouth (82).

28. A standpipe (80) according to claim 26, in which the enabling means comprises a substantially saucer-shaped or partially spherical ground-engaging member (93) and means for connecting the ground-engaging member to the standpipe.

29. A standpipe according to claim 28, in which the connecting means comprises two bars (95) extending from the ground-engaging member (93) adapted for releasable connection to the standpipe (80).

30. A fluid displacement device suitable for automatic fluid communication with a standpipe, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 - 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

31. A standpipe suitable for automatic fluid communication with a fluid displacement device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2-4, Figure 5 and Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.