US1365154A

US1365154A - Fuel-feeding device

Info

Publication number: US1365154A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1921-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 1938-01-11

Description

1. c. CGULOMBE.

ENEL FEEDING DEVICE FOR ENGINES. APPLICATION FLED MAR. 3|, 1917- RENEWED DEC- 7, |920. 1,365,154. Patented Jan. 11, 192i.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

2 L, .h n w m9 J. C. COULUMBE.

FUEL EEEDING DEVICE FOR ENGINES.

APPLICATION msn MAR. 31. |917. RENEWED DEC. 71920.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PTENT CFFI.

UNITED STA'ILES JOSEPH C. COULOMBE, OF LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS.

FUEL-FEEDIN'G DEVICE FOR ENGNES.

Application filed March 31, 1917, Serial No. 159,644. Renewed December 7, 1920.

To all to tem it may concern Be it known that l, JOSEPH C. CoULoMnn, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Lowell, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fuel Feeding Devices for Engines, of which the following is full, clear, and exact description, whereby any one skilled in the art may make and use the same.

The invention relates to fuel feeding devices; that is, a device which will raise the fuel from a comparatively low level to a level higher than the source and the point of use, and will distribute the fuel to the point of use under the action of gravity.

The object of the invention is to produce a simple, compact device having features of control as to its valve mechanism, which will give accuracy, precision, and a positive and quick movement to the parts.

A further object is to provide against improper action of a float which may have lost a part of or all of its buoyancy through becoming oil logged.

An important object is to provide a simple structure with features of accessibility and adjustability, with a material reduction in the number of parts employed and still maintain great ellicienoy in operation.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical section through the casing and chambers of the device showing the controlling valve closed.

Fig. 2 is a similar sectional view showing the controlling valve fully opened.

3 is a top plan view of the device.

Fig. et is a detail bottom view of the connecting block.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of a combined primer and strainer plug.

The device hereinafter described and shown in the drawings comprises the essentials ofv a bacuum fed system. The engine, gasolene tanl7 forming the source of supply, and the connection of the source of suction (the manifold or carbureter of the engine) are not illustrated. These parts are now well known in the art.

lThe essential controlling elements of the device are arranged in a comparatively small tank which is preferably located under the hood of an automobile, being located between the fuel tank and the carburetor and a level above them.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

Serial No. 429,037.

The suction produced by the engine at its intake side is utilized for creating a partial vacuum or sub-atmospheric condition in a portion of the device, thus drawing up the fuel from the fuel tank.

Through a simple valve device this fuel, when drawn into one chamber of the tank, is released and passes into a distributing chamber from which it flows to the carbureter under the action of gravity.

Referring to the drawings, the vacuum feed tank consists of an upper chamber l, having, as shown, a cylindrical casing 2, which is arranged to slide into a main casing 3, with a fairly loose nt. 4l, denotes retaining or clamping straps encircling the main casing 23, and, through their clamping action, binding said casing against the inner casing 2.

A supporting plate 5, closes the bottom of the casing 2, and isolates the chamber l, from the exterior casing 3, thus forming a distributing chamber 6. This chamber 6, is connected through a suitable duct 7, and necessary piping to the fuel chamber of the carburetor. The outer casing 3, clamped about the inner chamber', crimps sufliciently to permit an imperfect seal between the walls of said chambers, and thus the chamer G, is always under a condition of substantially atmospheric pressure.

The upper or operating chamber l, has mounted exteriorly to it a manifold housing 8, which provides all of the necessary connections for the fuel line and suction line and has special features of constructions. i fuel connection is illustrated at 9, and has a passage 10, connecting with a ver tical screw-threaded boring 1l. It is also provided with a connection 12, which enters the chamber 13, which, through a comparatively small gate or opening 14, connects with a chamber l5. The chamber 15, overlies an opening 16', formed through the head of the casing and provides a suction connection between the chamber 1,. and the connected parts which extend to the manifold, carbureter, or other source of suction. Dividing the chambers 13, and l5, there is a baffle-plate 16, which serves to prevent splashing of fuel from the chamber l, into the suction connections.

Obviously, should there be splashing in the chamber l, the fuel would hardly find its way through the chamber 15, past the baille 16, chamber 13, and into the suction connections in any considerable quantity or, in fact, such quantity as would disturb the action of the engine through the introduction of fuel above the point of carburetion.

lVhen the housing 8, is placed upon the head of the casing 2, the screw-threaded opening 11, is arranged ccncentrically of the casing.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, it is provided with a plug 17, having an annular peripheral groove 18, cross-connected by an opening 19, which registers with the opening 10. It also has a downwardly extending boring 20. Fig. 5 shows a preferred form of plug and strainer.

Dependent from the housing 3, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5, there is a delivery and guide tube 21, through which the fuel is delivered centrally of the chamber 1. This tube also forms a supporting guide for the casing 22, which incloses a chamber 23, which might well be termed a liquid seal chamber. rlhe casing 22, is of cylindrical form and is open at its lower end as at 24. It is provided with a central, tubular bearing portion 25, which slides upon the downwardly extending inlet tube 21.

Surrounding the downwardly extending inlet tube 21, and guide tube 25, is a float 26, having an opening 27, through its center and with a proper opening 2S, leading therefrom to the operating chamber 1. This .float has a central guide tube 29, which slides upon the tube 25, of the casing 22. At the lower end of the central opening' 2.7, of 'the float, there is a stop valve 30. rthis valve serves to close the lower end 31, of the inlet tube 21, and also serves as a stop for limiting the upward movement of the float.

The lower end 31, of the tube 21, serves as a valve seat for the combined valve and stop 30. Secured to the iloat 26, and extending upwardly and just beyond the lower edge of the casing 22, of the liquid sea chamber` 23, is a baille-cup This prevents the percolating air from the distributing chamber 6, entering the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber and breaking the partial vacuum which is trapped therein, as hereinafter described.

llhe stop valve 30, serves not only to limit movement of the float in normal operations,

but cuts o the flow through the inlet tubev 21, and also provides against flooding of the chamber 1, in the event of the supply tank being raised above the level of the chamber 1. Obviously, under such condition, fuel would flow under gravity irrespective of the vacuum in the chamber 1. Such a condition is not infrequent upon automobiles.

A pin 33, secured to the head of the casing 22, extends downwardly through an opening 34, in the float and has a hooked end 35, which will engage the bottom of the float and raise it, in the event of the liquid seal chamber becoming buoyant before the float 26. Such a condition would exist in the event of the float 26. (usually, a cork float) becoming gasolene logged. Under such a condition, the Heat would not have sufficient buoyancy to operate the valve mechanism hereinafter described. lt follows that the liquid seal chamber, itself becoming sufficiently buoyant, would rise and the hook 35, would impinge upon the under side of the float 26, raising it. T his arrangement provides a safety device or auxiliary lift for the valve and obviates float troubles. The opening 34, also has a function in providing for the venting of the chamber 23, when the liquid level drops below the bottom of the float 26. rlChis opening through the float serves to equalize the relative pressures of the inverted cup and suction chamber whenever the liquid level drops below the bottom of the iloat. The inverted cup or liquid seal chamber never loses its buoyancy as a fresh supply of air is provided at each of its movements. Secured to the bottom of the float and extending downwardly therefrom, is a. bracket member 36, which, at its lower end, provides a stop 3'?, which impinges against the upper surface of the plate or partitioning wall 5, and limits the downward movement of the float. Centrally arranged thereof, there is a pivot pin 33, which is engaged by the bifuracted ends 39, 39u, of toggle levers 40, 41. The lever 41, is pivoted as at 43, and the lever ends 44, 45, are inter-connected by a resilient member or coil spring 46.

The lever 40, is pivoted as at 47, to a spindle 48, which actuates a valve 49. The seat 50, for the valve 49, is formed on the plate 5, and the valve controls a valve opening 51, which serves as a means for periodically connecting the operating or suction chamber 1, and the distributing chamber G.

As the valve 49, is of considerable area, a relief opening 52, is provided centrally thereof, which opening is controlled by a tapered valve 53. The valve 53, has a stem 54, screw-threaded with reference to the spindle 48, so that it may be adjusted. lt passes through a guide bracket 53a, which bracket also serves as a stop for limiting the downward movement of the valve 49, and spindle 48. The initial movement of the iioat is first transmitted to the spindle to open the tapered valve 53, and uncover' the relief opening 52. A further movement brings the lower end 48a, of the spindle into engagement with the upper face of 'the valve 49, forcing it away from its seat and uncovering the valve opening 51.

Following the above description, it will be noted that there are three distinct stops for the valve and loat mechanism. rlhe stop 37, limits the downward movement of quick and positive manner.

the float so that the spring 46, may, through the toggle levers 40, 4l, seat the valve 49, and the tapered valve 53, in an extremely Likewise, the stop valve 30, serves to limit the upward movement of the float 26, just as the toggle levers 40, 4l, have passed above the common line of centers of their pivots.

The limit of movement of the float 26, thus permits the toggle levers 40, 4l, to react under the influence of the spring 46, to open the main valve 49, with a very quick and powerful movement. There is a third stop formed by the guide bracket 53a, which limits the downward movement of the valve and limits the upward movement of the toggle levers. This permits the float to operate the toggle levers against the resistance of the spring 46, until said float, in rising, has passed the common line of centers of the levers.

The whole operation of controlling the flow of liquid to and from the suction chamber is effected through the main valve 49, the freeing and quickness of action of which are enhancedbythe relief afforded. It controls the passage of fuel from the operating chamber to the distributing chamber and periodically permits the flow of the fuel accumulating in the operating chamber under suction action to the distributing chamber, whereby by gravity it flows to the carbureter.

The liquid seal chamber 23, controls the positive action of the Heat. Assuming that the float is down and the level of fuel is below the bottom of the casing 22, the chamber 23, is subjected to the same suction as that of the chamber l. As the fuel rises, it seals the lower end of the chamber 23, forming a liquid seal.

The casing 22, in normal position of the parts, extends down over the float 26, and the iioat being down, the valve 49, is closed. The chamber l, has no connection whatever with the atmosphere except as the valve 49. is open, and then, only indirectly through the distributing chamber 6.

The operation of the device is obvious. Assuming that the operating chamber l, is empty, the float 26. will be down and the valve 49, will be closed. Partial vacuum will be established in the operating chamber l, and the liquid seal chamber 23, through the suction connection, and fuel will flow into chamber l, through the fuel inlet and tube 2l..

As the level of the fuel rises above the lower edge of the casing 22, the chamber 23, will be sealed and said chamber' will be separated and isolated from the suction chamber l, through the action of the liquid. closing or sealing the lower end of the chamber As the fuel continues to rise in the chamber l, it will also rise in the liquid seal chamber, but the level in the liquid seal chamber 23, will be lower than that in the chamber l.

When the level in the chamber 23, has attained a sufficient height to immerse the float 26, or give it sufficient buoyancy, it will re-act upon the toggle levers 40, 41, opening the relief of the valve 49. Thereupon, air will percolate through the liquid of the chamber l, reducing the vacuum of said chamber.l

This equalizing of pressures between the chambers l, and 6, produces an increased pressure in thechamber 1.

Under the increased pressure of chamber l, the fuel will be forced into the liquid seal chamber 23, to a suiiicient degree to raise said float. Thereupon, the toggles and their spring will re-act, fully opening the valve 49, and throwing the valve stop 30, against its seat 31. The fuel in the chamber l, will now drop under gravity into the distributing chamber 6, and the liquid seal chamber will discharge its fuel so that said chamber will be subjected to the same suction as the chamber l, when the valve 49, has again closed.

Obviously, the inverted cup or casing 22, is buoyant and, as a matter of fact. is suf5 ciently buoyant when the level of fuel rises to a suflicient height to re-act through the hook 35, of the pin 33, to raise the weight of the oat 26, in the event of said float becoming gas logged and, therefore, being only partially buoyant.

The lowering of the level of fuel in the chamber l, does not immediately affect the float 26, inasmuch as it is inclosed by the casing of the liquid seal chamber 23, and buoyed by the liquid contained and held therein.

As the level drops below the float, the pressures of the chamber 23, and the chamber 1, are equalized, and with the liquid seal broken, said chamber 23, discharges its contents. The float drops with the now nonbuoyant chamber 23, said members effecting a distinct hammer-blow to positively close the valve.

The cycle of operations above described will be repeated and the operating chamber l, will continue to discharge its fuel to the distributing chamber 6, so long as the latter is under atmospheric pressure. Tn the event of lthe fuel rising and accumulating in the chamber 6, until it seals the atmospheric leaks between the walls of the chambers l and 2, there could be no further discharge from the chamber l, to the chamber 6. This, of course, is an eXtreme condition, as the float mechanism will cut off the flow of fuel to the chamber 1, upon rising of the iioat 26. The device is designed in practice to provide for a substantially constant quantity of fuel in the distributing chamber 6, dependent upon the requirements of the carbureter which is being fed.

For convenience and clearness, Fig. 1 has been shown without reference to the straining of the inflowing fuel. In practice, it is preferred to utilize a plug arrangement such as illustrated in Fig. 5. Such a plug can be conveniently used both as a strainer and a priming plug by securing to the lower end of the plug member 17, a dependent, cylindrical strainer 17a, which will lit within the fuel tube 21.

In the event of the whole system being depleted and for purposes of giving an initial quantity of fuel to start the engine, the plug 17, may be unscrewed so that fuel may be introduced into the chamber 1. rEhereafter, the suction of the engine will draw up fuel to the chamber 1. It will be observed that the casing 2, of the chamber 1, contains all of the operating mechanism and, as said chamber may be readily removed from the main casing 3, it is apparent that its parts are most accessible. It is only necessary to loosen the upper binding strap 4, to release and pull out the inner casing 2, with its contained mechanism.

Obviously, the eXact details, design, and construction of the parts may be varied to suit the exigencies of any particular case so long as the elements giving the advantages set forth are attained.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member, clamp devices for contracting the exterior casing upon the interior casing, a connection communicating `with the fuel tanlr and interior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and a delivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

2. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, a supporting plate removably secured to the bottom of the interior easing, a valve opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanism supported on said plate interiorly of the casing for actuating the valve.

3. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, a supporting plate removably secured to the bottom of the interior casing, a valve opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanism supported on said plate interiorly of the casing for actuating the valve, and means for removing the interior casing and parts mounted therein.

4:. In a fuel feeding device, telescoping casings, the inner telescoping casing having means for clamping the telescoping mem.

bers together.

5. A fuel feeding device having an operating or suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a supporting plate separating said chambers and provided with a valve opening, a valve controlling said opening, a lioat actuating said valve, and toggles mounted upon the supporting plate connected with said float and with said valve.

6. A fuel feeding device having an operating or suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a supporting plate separating said chambers and provided with a valve openiig, a valve controlling said opening, a float actuating said valve, toggles connected with said float and with said valve, said toggles mounted upon said supporting plate, and a resilient connection for moving said toggles as they are moved beyond their common line of center by the float.

7. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a supporting plate dividing said casing into a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a fuel inlet tube centrally arranged in said suction chamber, an inverted cup slidably mounted on said inlet, a float slidably mounted with reference to the fuel inlet tube and having a stop valve for limiting its upward movement and closing said inlet, a stop for limiting the downward movement of the float, a valve controlling communication between the suction chamber and distributing chamber, and toggle levers connected with sai-d valve and said float for controlling said valve.

S. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributing chamber closed to each other except through a valve opening, said distributing chamber being under atmospheric pressure, a valve controlling the valve opening, a fuel inlet tube extending into the suction chamber, an inverted cup surrounding said tube and sliding thereon, a float sliding with reference to the tube and inverted cup and extending within said cup, a stop valve carried by said float and limiting the upward movement thereof and closing the inlet tube, a stop limiting the downward movement of said oat, and a stop limiting the movement of the valve, toggle levers connecting with said valve and float au d resiliently inter-connected.

9. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve opening between said chambers, a valve controlling said opening, a float, connections between said lioat and valve for controlling the latter, an inverted cup encircling said iioat, and means extending between the cup and {ioat for engaging and moving the float upon an upward movement of the cup.

10. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve opening and valve controlling communication between said chambers, said distributing chamber being under atmospheric pressure, a float for controlling said valve, an inverted cup extending over said float, and a baffle-cup borne by the ioat and extending upwardly to protect the lower edge of said cup.

11. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, said valve controlling the iiow of liquid from the suction chamber to the distributing chamber and controlling the degrec of suction in the suction chamber, resiliently actuated toggle members for moving said valve, and a float for moving said toggle levers.

12. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, resiliently actuated toggle levers for moving said valve, a float for moving said toggle levers, a fuel inlet tube forming a support for said float, and means appurtenant to the float for closing the fuel inlet tube.

13. A fuel feeding device, having telescoping casings, the exterior casing providing a distributing chamber, the interior casing providing a suction chamber, a housing exteriorly secured to the casing of the suction chamber, said housing provided with a fuel connection and with a suction connection, a chamber communicating with said suction connection, a baffle-wall in said chamber, and an opening from the suction chamber at one side of the baffle.

14. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a suction chamber and a distributing chamber arranged within the casing, a housing secured to the suction chamber, a fuel connection and a suction connection for said housing, both connections having openings to the suction chamber, a removable plug having openings communicating with the fuel connection openings, a fuel inlet tube extending within the suction chamber and communieating with the openings of the pluo.

15. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a suction chamber and a distributing chamber arranged within the casing, a housing secured to the suction chamber, a fuel connection and a suction connection forsaid housing, both connections having openings to the suction chamber, a removableplug having openings communicating with the fuel connection openings, a fuel inlet tube extending within the suction chamber and communicating with the openings of the plug, and a tubular screen secured to the plug and removable therewith.

16. A fuel feeding device having a casing,

a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve and valve mechanism controlllng communication between said chambers, a fuel inlet tube forming a guide and support for the valve cont-rolling mechanism, a housing mounted exteriorly of the suction chamber and having a fuel connection communicating with the fuel inlet tube, a removable plug having openings forming a part of the connection, a chamber in said housing, an opening communicating with said chamber and the suction chamber, a suction connection for the housing communieating with the chamber', and a baffle-wall between the opening of the suction chamber and the suction connection.

17. A fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, a valve operating mechanism comprising a buoyant float, an inverted cup extending over said float and movable with reference thereto, and a connection intermediate the cup and fioat and effective upon a movement of the cup in advance of movement of the float as said parts become buoyant.

18. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member telescoping therein, said interior casing having an extended upper edge forming a support for said casing as it engages the upper edge of the exterior casing member, a clamp for binding the walls of the casings within each other, a connection communicating with the fuel tank and the interior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and a delivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

19. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a clamp for binding the walls of the casings within each other, a connection communicating with the fuel tank and interior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing and a source ofsuction, and a delivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

20. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a clamp for binding the walls of the casings within each other, said clamp forming a supporting means for both of said casings, a connection communicating with the fuel tank and interior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and a delivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

21. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interior casing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a combined clamp and support for said casings, said clamp adapted to bind the walls of the casings together and support the casings in clamped position whereby a loosening of the clamp permits disengagement and removal of one of the casings.

22. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, a clamp device for binding the walls of one chamber against the other to prevent relative longitudinal movement thereof and permitting removal of the interior casing and contained mechanism, a supporting plate removably secured to the interior casing and forming a closure therefor, a valve-opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanism supported on said plate for actuating the valve.

23. In a fuel feeding device, telescoping casings, the inner telescoping casing having a removable end plate forming a support for a controlling valve and valve mechanism, a valve and mechanism for controlling the valve mounted on and removable with the plate, and means for clamping the telescoping members together.

24. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an opera-ting chamberY a removable supporting plate forming a closure for the interior casing, a valveopening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanism supported on said plate for actuating the valve.

25. A fuel feeding device having a operating or suction chamber and a distributing chamber, the former closed except for a suction connection and a fuel supply connection and a valve-opening in a passage communicating with the suction chamber1 and distributing chamber, a supporting plate separating said chambers and having the said communicating passage formed therethrough, a valve controlling said passage, a float actuating said valve, and toggles connected with said float and with said valve for operating the latter, said valve controlling the flow of liquid from the suction chamber to the distributing chamber and controlling the breaking of the suction of the suction chamber.

26. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, a float for actuating said valve mechanism, and a fuel inlet for the suction chamber extending through said float.

27. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, a float for actuating said valve mechanism, and a buoyant inverted cup encircling said float.

28. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, a float for actuating said valve mechanism, and a buoyant inverted cup encircling said float and moving with and independently of the movement of the float.

29. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valveopening between said chambers, a valve .controlling said opening, a float, connections between said float and valve for controlling the latter, said connections extending through the valve openings, and an inverted cup encircling said float, said cup mounted to rise and fall as the level of liquid in the suction chamber changes.

80. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the operation of the suction chamber, a float, connections between the float and valve mechanism for controlling the latter, an inverted cup encircling the float, and a fuel inlet for the suction chamber extending through the float and inverted cup.

3l. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a fuel inlet therefor extending into said chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the operation of the suction chamber, a float, connections between the float and valve mechanism, and an inverted cup, said cup and float surrounding the fuel inlet and supported thereby.

32. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, a float controlling the valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling said float and having a movement independent of the movement of the float, and interengaging connections for causing the float and cup to move together.

33. A fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber and a. distributing chamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, a valve mechanism controlling said valve, a float for actuating said valve mechanism and valve, and a fuel inlet extending through said float. A

34. In a fuel feeding device a casing, a partition dividing said casing into a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a manifold housing exteriorly secured to the casing and having a suction chamber registering with an opening through the casing of the suction chamber, a fuel connection and a suction connection for said housing, the former leading through the housing to the suction chamber, the latter leading through the suction chamber of the manifold, and a float guide member dependent from said housing and extending Within the suction chamber.

35. In a fuel feeding device, a casing inclosing a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a fuel inlet tube extending into said suction chamber, a valve mechanism, a float for operating said valve mechanism, said float encircling the fuel inlet tube and having an opening therethrough for the passage of fuel, and a valve in said float for closing the end of the fuel inlet tube.

36. In combination in a fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a valve mechanism for controlling t action of the suction chamber, a iioat controlling the valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling said float and coperating therewith in controlling the valve mechanism, and an annular baffle-cup extending about the float and upward toward the bottom of the inverted cup.

37. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling the action of said suction chamber, a float controlling said valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling said float, and an opening extending through the float, said opening forming a communication between the interior of the inverted cup and the suction chamber, whereby the relative air pressures of the inverted cup and suction chamber may be equalized.

38. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, a removable plate secured to the bottom of the interior chamber, a valveopening therethrough, a valve for said opening, and mechanism borne by said plate for actuating the valve.

39. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributing chamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, a removable plate secured to the interior casing and removable therewith from the exterior casing, a valve-opening therethrough, a valve for said opening, mechanism borne by said plate for actuating the valve; and means for removing the interior casing, removable plate, and parts borne thereby.

fil). .in a fuel feeding device, a valve, a valve-operating mechanism comprising a buoyant float, an inverted cup extending over said ioat and movable with reference thereto, and a connection intermediate the cup and float and effective for transmitting movement of the cup to the valve as the parts become buoyant.

Lll. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, resiliently actuated toggle levers for moving said valve, a float for moving said toggle levers, and an inverted cup coperating with said float to operate said levers.

JOSEPH C. COULOMBE. Witnesses:

WARREN IPI. BISHOP, ARTHUR HARRIsoN.