US1408801A - Suction-operated liquid-feed device - Google Patents

Description

' J. C. COULOMBE.

SUCTION OPERATED LIQUID FEED DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED APR.19=191-8.

1,408,801. Patnted Mar. 7, 1922.

2 SHEETS-$HEET I.

INVENTOR ig 722 50mm A'ITITORNEY' J. C. COULOMBE.

SUCTION OPERATED LIQUID F'EED DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19; I918.

Patented Mar. 7, 1922.

I n e k V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

I JOSEPH C. COULOMBE, 0F DRACUT, MASSACHUSETTS.

SUCTION-OPERATED LIQUID-FEED DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 7, 1922.

Application filed April 19, 1918. Serial No. 229,537.

dent of Dracut, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in SuctionOperated LiquidFeed Devices, of which the following is a specification, the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

The invention relates to devices of the type commonly known in the art as vacuum feed devices; that is, a device operated by an induced suction for raising a liquid from a .low level to a high level and distributing it to the engine or like device.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of the type indicated, for supplying liquid fuel and for controlling the movement of said supply.

The particular objects are hereinafter set forth in the accompanying description and claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a portion of an internalcombustion engine and connections therefrom to the vacuum feed device.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the casing of the vacuum feed tank.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 2 with parts broken in section.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the distributor.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the trap.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view through the circulating pump showing a constant level chamber.

Referring to the drawings, E, indicates an internal combustion engine; V, the suction operated fuel feed or tank; C, the carbureter of the engine which delivers the carbureted fuel through manifold M, to the intake side of the engine.

The oil-circulating pump is denoted at O, and has an inlet connecting pipe 0, which extends to the sump through the motor casing, and an outlet or distributing pipe line 0 which carries the lubricant to the various bearings of the engine in any well known manner.

R. denotes a radiator used in the watercooling system for the engine, the water being circulated through the jacket of the engine in well known manner by a circulating pump P.

S, indicates the fuel supply tank which is ordinarily located at alevel lower than the feed device V, and carbureter C.

The supply tank S, is connected with the vacuum feed device V, through a fuel line a.

The carbureter C, is connected to the vacuum feed V, through a pipe 0. a

8, denotes a suction connection from the vacuum feed V, to a distributor D.

s s denote suction connections from the distributor D, extending respectively to the manifold M, and to a low pressure point in the oil-circulating system, preferably the inlet side of the oil-circulating pump 0.

lvhether the suction, for bperating the vacuum feed V, is induced bv the manifold of the engine, or a circulating pump. or other means connected with the engine is immaterialv so far as the detail of operation of the vacuum feed device is concerned. Certain advantages in the maintenance of a proper degree of suction under all conditions of running of the engine may be secured by those connections hereinabove indicated.

As is well-known,there is a sub-atmospheric condition existing in the manifold of an engine, which varies in intensity as the throttle valve is closed. It is also true that a sub-atmospheric condition may be induced in the oil-circulating system, the intensity of which varies with the speed of the motor and circulating pump. It follows that, with the engine operating on open throttle and at high speed, there is comparatively little suction effect induced at the manifold, but there is an increased suction efiect produced by the circulating system.

Advantage may be taken of these conditions by utilizing the connections indicated in conjunction with the distributor D.

This so called distributor has a main chamber (Z, which connects with the suction connection 8. Suitable check valves d, d control openings from this chamber d, to the respective suction connections s 5 With this arrangement, whichever suction predominates in intensity will re-act through the chamber 0!, and suction connection 5, to

cause the necessary sub-atmospheric condition in the vacuum feed V; and, of course,

if the suction is substantially equal in both of the suction lines s 8 both of the valves d, d will open so'that the combined suction is effective in the chamber (5, and its connection 8.

The degree of suctionin the liquid-cirrulatin system may be modified within reasonable imits by restricting the flow to the in- -let side of the circulating pump, as indicated, and locating the suction connection .9 between said point of impedance and the on" culating pump. This arrangement permits of arranging for a definite degree of suction at the slowest speed of the circulating pump.

In Fig. 6, a form of circulating pump is illustrated with means for adjust-ably restricting the inflow to the pump and with means for maintaining the pump in condition for producing suction immediately upon rotation of its parts. The inlet opening t, is controlled by a valve member t, mounted upon a stem 2?, so arranged that the restricting valve t, maybe set to cause a greater or less restriction at the inlet opening 1%.

The pump, as illustrated, is of the gear or lobe type of well known construction. having the rotary members a, a. Arranged in the casing of these members, there is a chamber 01' wall m, which will always maintain a level of liquid suflicient to immerse the rotary members u, a. In order to prevent siphoning back of the liquid from the chamber a a nipple u, may be formed at the inlet side of the chamber so that the flow by siphon effect will be broken as soon as the level of liquid in the chamber a falls below the end of the nipple u.

Ordinarily, in circulating pumps, there is an interval upon starting the pump when little or no circulation takes place. In fact, the pump must be brought up to a considerable speed before it will create suflicient suction to circulate a liquid. This is largely due to the fact that the liquid forms a pack ing for the pump; and when the pump is not in operation, the liquid drains back and destroys the packing efl'ect.

In the arrangements illustrated. a d raining back of the liquid to the pump will insure the filling of the chamber if. It follows that the rotary members of the pump are immersed and packed in the liquid so that, upon initial rotation of the gears or lobes of the pump, suction will be created to draw up liquid through the inlet connection 0', and create a suction in the suction line 8 The vacuum Feed device V, which is opera-ted by a suction however induced in the Suction line 8, consists essentially of an operatingor suction chamber 1, enclosed bv a casing 2; a llqlllCl seal chamber 3, having a casing 4, chamber 3 and easing 4 arranged within the operating chamber 1); a distributing chamber 5, having a casing 6, within which the casing 2, telescopes; and valve devices and connections, as hereinafter defined.

Upon the top of the casing 2, there is a manifold 7, to which the fuel connection .9, and suction connection 3 lead. This manifold consists of a block having a connecting nipple 8, and union 9, which secures the end 10, of the fuel pipe 8, in place. The connecting nipple has a bore of" sufiicient size to receive the tubular strainer 11, whichmay be secured to the end of the fuel pipe 8. This bore extends into a verticalopening 12, closed by a priming cap 13. The latter gives access to the interior of the chambe 1, tor the purpose of filling same.

The vertical opening 12, connects withthe rasing 2, and there is a valve seat 14, and a valve 15, co-operating therewith to shut off the flow of fuel to the chamber 1, at predetermined periods i The manifold is also provided with a suction connection 16, which opens into the liquid seal chamber 3. Intermediate the suction connection 16, and the suction distributor I), there is a trap casing 17 provided with a valve 18, operated by a floatli).

The valve 18, controls a valve opening 20, and cuts off suction of the suction line .9, whenever liquid rises into the chamber of the trap and raises the float 19,

It will be noted that the float is arranged in a vertical chamber and that the suction line 8', is connected above the chamber, while the lower end of the chamber is connected through the nipple of the suction connection 16. In this position, the trap will always be self-drained. The float 19, and valve 19, prevent fuel being drawn over into the suction line 8'.

The suction connection 16, opens into a vertical chamber 21, of the manifold 7, and communicates with the liquid seal chamber 3, through a valve opening 22, preferably formed in the end of a guide tube 23, having a perforation or suction opening 24:, within the chamber The guide tube 23, serves as a guide and support for a float 25, and has a valve stem 26, secured at itslower end to the float and moved thereby to control the valve opening 22.

The float is arranged to move within the tubular casing 4, of the liquid seal chamber 3. and is provided at its lower end with a baflle 27, which protects the lower edge of the casing 4. V i

The float 25, through a pivoted lever 28, and valve stem 29, controls a valve 30, which serves to control a valve opening3l, which is the only sourceof communication between the operating or suction chamber 1, and the distributing chamber 5.

The valve 30, has a central perforation and a beveled valve-seat 32, against which is normally seated a ball valve 33, which is adjustable with reference to the valve stem 29.

This ball valve 33, is opened by the first movement of the float 25, in order to permit said float to operate the large valve 30, an opening of which permits the liquid of the chamber 1, to fall by gravity into the chamber 5, as soon as the relative pressures of the chambers 1 and 5, have sufficiently equalized. The chamber 5, is subject to atmospheric pressure owing to the loose connection between the telescoping walls 2 and 6. In other words, there is no seal between the walls 2 and 6, and therefore the chamber 5, is under normal atmospheric pressure.

The valve 15, has an extended stem 15, which rests upon the lever 28, or a cam plate 28, secured thereto. This valve 15, is held in open position during the closed position of thevalve 30, and closes in the direction of flow of liquid to the chamber 1, as the float 25, rises and opens the valve 30.

The liquid seal chamber 3, has a connec tion from its upper end to a point below its lower end, which connection opens into the chamber 1, and is illustrated herein as a tubular member 34. This connection serves to break the liquid seal of the chamber 3, whenever the level of liquid in the chamber 1, falls below the lower end 35, of. the connection 34.

The telescoping casings 2 and 6, permit of the use of a strainerbetweenithe bottom of the chamber 1, and the outlet ofthe distributing chamber 5. 7

As illustrated, there is an annular rib 36, in the interior of the chamber 5, which supports the chamois strainer 37, the. latter being held in place by a suitable ring' 38. This arrangement serves as a convenient means for thoroughly straining all fuel which passes through the distributing chamber 5, as it may be readily removed and cleansed by slipping the inner casing 2, out of the casing 6. The lower end of the casing 6, is provided with afltting 39, with a connecting opening 40, for the pipe connection c. It is also provided with a drain plug 41, which has a valve 42, closing an opening 43, in the bottom of the casing.

' The valve 42, is arranged upon a reduced end of the plug 41, which is provided with a transverse opening 44,. communicating with a vertical opening 45. This arrangement permits a partial turning of the plug 41, to open the valve 42, whereupon the chamber 5, may be drained through the plug.

The operation of the device is as follows: Suction is induced through the suction connection 8", and, with the valve and valve mechanism in the position shown,-fuel will be drawn into the chamber 1, until it reaches the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3.

It will then continue to rise in the liquid seal chamber 3, without rising in the operating chamber 1, until the float 25, becomes sufliciently buoyant to operate the valve 30. Thereupon, the suction-in the chamber 1, will be sufficiently neutralized to permit the liquid of said chamber 1, to flow by gravity into. the distributing chamber 5, andthis flow will continue until. the level in the chamber 1, falls below the end 35, of the connection 34. Air will then be admitted to the liquid seal chamber 3, breaking the partial vacuum existing therein and permitting the contents of the chamber 3, to fall with the float 25. The float in this movement closes the valve 30, and the operation is repeated. When the float 25, rises to its full height, it cuts off the suction by closing the valve opening 22.

It will be observed that with this arrangement there is a distinct timing in the operation of the valve mechanism. The float will not rise to open the valve 30, until after the level in the chamber 1., has reached the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3, and risen in the said chamber 3, to a point to make the float 25, buoyant.

The first movement of the float, as it becomes buoyant, opens the valve 33, thus reducing the degree of vacuum in the chamber 1. An increase of pressure in this chamber 1, immediately drives the'liquid higher in the chamber 3, and the float breaks open the valve 30, with a snap or quick movement and, thereupon, the suction opening 22, is closed by its valve. 7

The float 25, will remain in its uppermost position, holding the valve 30, open until the partial vacuum in the chamber 3, is broken by opening the lower end of the connecting tube 34, to the pressure condi tions of the chamber 1. This will only occur when the liquid has fallen below the end of the tube 34, and, until such time, the float 25, remains buoyant in the liquid of the chamber 3, and held under partial vacuum which is greater than that of the chamber 1.

It will be apparent that as soon as the bottom of the chamber 3, is sealed by the liquid, the rise of level in the chamber 3, will be much more rapid than that in the chamber 1, thus insuring operation of the float 25, and valve 30, and the flow of liquid from the chamber 1, to the chamber 5, before there can be any flooding of the chamber 1.

ith this arrangement, definite levels may be maintained during the operation'of the device and liability of flooding of the chamber 1, is obviated, as there is a suflicient time period allowed for insuring the operation ofthe float without unduly raising the level in the chamber 1. Furthermore, there is little liability of the valve 30, closing until the chamber 1, is completely drained. It follOWs that measured quantities of liquid maybe delivered by the chamber 1, to the chamber 5, thereby obviating dilliculties heretofore existing in vacuum feed devices.

It will be observed that when the liquid rises in the chamber 1, it seals the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3. It is obvious that the connection 34, may be made in any desired manner, so long as the upper portion of the chamber 3, is connected with the lower portion of the chamber 1, thereby maintaining'a lower vacuum in the chamber 3, than exists in the chamber 1, until the contents of the chamber 1, has drained into the chamber 5. f

While the suction connections for producing vacuum have been illustrated in conjunction with the oil circulating system and pump of the engine, it is obvious that any circulating system employed on the engine might be used. There is an advantage, how- 7 ever, in employing the oil circulating system as it gives an immediate indication to the operator when the oil fails. This, of course, is a safeguard against overheating of the engine, as failure of the circulating system would cause a loss in suction "with open throttle condition of the engine and no fuel would be fed to the carbureter.

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

1. In a fuel feeding device,a suction chamber,-a float and valve mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber,

a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism and sealed by a rise of liquid in the suction chamber, and a connection between the liquid seal chamber and the suction chamber, said connection being controlled by the rise and fall of level of liquid in the suction chamber.

2. In: a fuel feeding device, a suction V chamber, a valve and float mechanism con- I trolling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism and sealed by a rise of liquid in the suction chamber, and a connection between the liquid seal chamber and the suc tion chamber, said connection being closed H and opened by the rise and fall oflevel of liquid in the suction chamber and thereby controlling the action of the liquid seal 7 chamber upon the valve and float mechanism.

3. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a-liquid seal chamber, the latter opening at its bottom to the former and adapted to be sealed by a rise of liquid in the suction chamber, a valve and float mechanism controlling the action of the suction chamber and the level of liquid therein, and means for breaking the seal of the liquid seal chamber after the level of liquid of the suction chamber has been lowered below the bottom of the liquid seal chamber.

4. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a valve and float mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquid seal chamber opening into thesuction chamber and adapted to be sealed by rise of level of liquid in the suction chamber, a suctionconnection communicating with the liquid seal chamber, nd means for neutralizing the suction of the liquid seal chamber after the level of liquid in the suction chamber has dropped below the sealing level of said liquid seal chamber.

5. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a valve and float mechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, a liquidseal chamber opening into the suction chamber and adapted to be sealed by rise of level of liquid in the suction cham ber, a suction connection communicating with the liquid seal chamber, a valve controlled by the float mechanism for opening and closing said suction connection, and meansfor neutralizing the suction of the liquid seal chamber after the level of liquid in the suction chamber has dropped below the sealing level of said liquid seal chamber.

6. In a fuel feeding device, a suction cham-.

ber, a distributing chamber open'to atmospheric pressure, a valve-opening between said chambers, a valve controlling said opening and admission of air to the suction chamber and the flow of liquid'from said chamber to the distributing chamber, a float controlling said valve, a liquid seal chamber surtom to the suction chamber, and a connection from the upper portion of said liquid seal chamber to the lower ortion of the suction chamber through whic connection the relativepressures of the liquid seal chamber and the suction chamber are equalized. V

7. In a liquid fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber open to atmospheric pressure, a valve-opening'between said chambers, a valve controlling said opening, a valve seated in said first named valve and adapted to reduce the suction of the suction chamber, a float controlling both valves, a liquid seal chamber controlling said float, said chamber opening atv casing member, an interior casing member, sald members telescoping one within the other, a fuel supply tank and means for producing suction, a connection connnunieating with the fuel tank and interior casrounding said float and opening at its boting, a connection communicating with the 7 interior casing and a source of suction, a

terior casing, a flange extending about the interior of the exterior casing, a ring-fitting said flange, and a strainer supported be tween said ring and flange.

10. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pump driven by the engine for circulating liquid, and pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding device, employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating pump, and means for restricting the flow of liquid to the inlet side of said pump.

11. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pump driven by the engine for circulating liquid, and pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding de vice, employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating pump, and adjustable means for restricting the flow of liquid. to said pump.

12. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pump driven by the engine forcirculating liquid, and pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding device, employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating pump, and a restriction interposed in said system between the intake connection of the pump and the suction connection of the fuel feeding de vice.

13. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven by the engine for circulating liquid, pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circulated, a well providing a constant level of liquid for the pump, a fuel feeding device for the engine employing suction for moving fuel for distribution thereto, and a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating pump.

14. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven by the enlated, a well providing a constant level of gine for circulating liquid, pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circulated, a well providing a constant level of liquid for the pump, a fuel feeding device for the engine employing suction for mov ing fuel for distribution thereto, a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating, pump, and means for restricting the flow of liquid to the well.

15. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven by the engine for circulating liquid, pipe connections for said pump through which liquid is circu- 8O liquid for the pump, means for preventing I siphoning of the liquid from said well, a fuel feeding device for the engine employing suction for moving fuel for distribution thereto, and a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of the circulating pump.

16. In a fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber, a suction connection for said suction chamber, and a trap interposed in said connection, said trap having a float controlled valve for closing the suction connection.

17. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a carbureter, a lubricating pump, connections from the carbureter to the intake side of the engine, and connections for the pump through which lubricating oil is circulated; of means for restricting the flow of lubricant to said pump, means for feeding fuel to the carbureter comprising a suction feed device, having a suction chamber, a suction connection from said chamber to the intake side of the engine, and a cooperatively related suction connec- 5 tion communicating with the suction'chamber and with the oil pump, said connection being made between the said restriction and the circulating mechanism of the pump, a

fuel connection for the suction connection from said chamber bureter. 1

18. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a carbureter, a lubricating pump, connections from the carbureter to the intake side of the engine, and connections for the pump through which lubricating oil is circulated; of means for feeding fuel to the carbureter, comprising a suction feeding device having a suction chamber, a suction connection for said chamber, a trap having a float controlled valve arranged in said suction connection, a distributor communicating with the suction connection, a valve controlled connection extending from said distributor to the intake side of the engine, a valve controlled connection extending from said distributor to the intake side of the lubricating pump, a fuel connection for the suction chamber,

chamber, a 110 to the cara connection from said chamber to the carbureter.

19. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, a manifold mounted upon the exterior of the chamber, horizontally disposed nipples extending from said manifold, a chamber formed in one of said nipples, a strainer tube extending into said chamber, means for connecting a fuel pipe to said nipple, means for connecting a suction pipe to the second of said nipples, and connections from said nipples through the manifold to the suction chamber.

20. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, a manifold mounted upon the exterior of the chamber,

horizontally disposed nipples extending from said manifold, achamber formed in her, and a priming plug closing an opening in said manifold and a chamber closed by said priming plug though communicating with the chamber containing the strainer.

JOSEPH C. COULOMBE.

lVitnesses:' p P WARREN AfBi-snoP, CLEMENT Mam).

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