GB505255A - Float-actuated valve-releasing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

505,255. Fluid-actuated valve-closing mechanism. JEPSON, W. Nov. 4, 1937, No. 30209. [Class 135] Apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a process vessel, e.g. a laundry tub, which requires to be filled to successive different levels, with or without being emptied between twc consecutive changes of level, comprises a float 2 which is located within a chamber 1, disposed in or in communication with the process vessel, and is associated with means foi effecting closure of the manually - opened inlet valve of the process vessel when the liquid in the latter has reached the desired level. The said means comprises a rod 3, secured to the float 2 and provided with axially-adjustable fingers 22, 22<1>, 22<11> which are spaced along the rod in accordance with the required levels of liquid and are also equi-angularly spaced therearound, and two discs 9, 10 rotatable between pillars 8 carried by a cover plate 5 pivotally mounted at 7 on the chamber 1, the plate 5 being provided with a closing rod 19 for the inlet valve of the process vessel. The disc 10 is provided with a central aperture 5<1>, having a projection 21, and equi-angularly spaced pins 20, and the disc 9 with a cable 15, for connection to the valve, and a spring-pressed pawl 11 for engagement with said pins 20. In operation, opening of the valve actuates the cable 15 to effect part rotation of the disc 9, causing the pawl 11 to engage a pin 20 and rotate the disc 10 until the projection 21 is aligned with the uppermost finger 22 on the rod 3. Liquid will then flow into the process vessel, and the float will rise, until the said projection and finger engage, when the cover 5 is lifted, causing the rod 19 to close the valve and permit the release and return of the disc 9, return of the disc 10, however, being prevented by .a second spring-controlled pawl 12 on the disc 9. A second opening of the valve will cause the pawl 11 to engage the next pin 20 and rotate the disc 10 until the projection 5<1> is aligned with the second finger 22<1> on the rod 3, when liquid will again be admitted to the process vessel until it reaches a height corresponding to said finger and the cover 5 is.lifted to effect closure of the valve. This operation is continued until the process is completed.