US3695485A

US3695485A - Automatic safety feed system for liquids

Info

Publication number: US3695485A
Application number: US73784A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederick G Littlejohn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-09-21
Filing date: 1970-09-21
Publication date: 1972-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 1989-10-03

Abstract

A unit system adapted to feed any number of liquid destinations on demand, especially dangerous liquids, and comprising a protected storage of said liquid, a motor driven pump means supplying said liquid into a holding means, a safety inlet valve governing flow of liquid from said pump means and into the holding means, and a flow outlet dispensing the said liquid; the invention residing in a motor and safety inlet control means responsive to high and low level sensors in said holding means so as to maintain a normal level therein, outlet safety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and closing the safety inlet valve, and overflow safety means responsive to flooding of the holding means and overriding the motor control means. Utility resides in the adaptability to multiple installations wherein the fluid circuitry of each unit remains individually operable and protected while drawing from a common storage and motor driven pump means.

Description

United States Patent Littlejohn [54] 2 AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEED SYSTEM FOR LIQUIDS [72] Inventor: Frederick G. Littlejohn, 17352 Sunset Blvd. Apt. 702D, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272 [22] Filed: Sept. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. N0.: 73,784

[52] US. Cl ..222/68 [51] Int. Cl. ..B67d 5/08 [58] Field of Search ..222/64, 67, 68

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,667,990 2/1954 Mojonnier ..222/67 3,075,749 l/l963 Mason, Jr. et al. ..222/67 X Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Att0rney--William H. Maxwell 51 Oct. 3, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT A unit system adapted to feed any number of liquid destinations on demand, especially dangerous liquids,

and comprising a protected storage of said liquid, a

motor driven pump means supplying said liquid into a holding means, a safety inlet valve governing flow of liquid from said pump means and into the holding means, and a flow outlet dispensing the said liquid; the invention residing in a motor and safety inlet control means responsive to high and low level sensors in said holding means so as to maintain a normal level therein, outlet safety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and closing the safety inlet valve, and overflow safety means responsive to flooding of the holding means and overriding the motor control means. Utility resides in the adaptability to multiple installations wherein the fluid circuitry of each unit remains individually operable and protected while drawing from a common storage and motor driven pump means.

21 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHBT3 191 3,695,485

sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR.

Fksofx/or 6 Z/TIZEroH/r MIM AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEED SYSTEM FOR LIQUIDS This invention is concerned with the storage and supply of dangerous liquids such as, for example,

isopropyl alcohol as it is used to enhance the processes of printing wherein an admixture of water and alcohol, and/or each solution, and dampening solutions, are used in the fountains of printing presses. There are many fountain solutions that are used and for this reason there are many admixtures requiring various basic fluids, dispensation thereof being the subject matter of this disclosure. Further, the destination of liquids to be used commercially in a press facility, for example, is complex involving more than one press or pressroom and also involving more than one level of installation. Heretofore, it has been common practice to batch feed solution circulators and to replenish them manually with a bucket or bottle or canister of liquid and from time to time; there being a recognized purpose in said practice when dispensing a dangerously inflammable liquid such as alcohol. In practice, bulk storage of alcohol has been in drums confined within fireproof vaults, and the transfer of alcohol to the presses has been a manual time consuming service, but nevertheless accompanied by the prevalent danger in openly handling the inflammable liquid. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a safe storage and automatic dispenser with fail-safe means protecting the supplyand discharge of liquid to any one destination thereof.

When alcohol is used in the fountain solutions of printing presses, evaporation becomes a critical factor. Since alcohol evaporates faster than water, a predetermined mix is maintained in balance by means of hydrometer controlled mixture determining devices. Consequently, there is a continuous demand for supplement alcohol and in large printing installations the demand is burdensome and often difficult to meet with manual labor. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an'automated feed system for the liquid constituents of fountain solutions. With present circulators and hydrometer controlled supply of liquid thereto, it is the automated supply of liquid which is provided as hereinafter described.

An object of this invention is to provide a holding means and pressure supply of liquid that is immediately available to flow at the destination to which it is plumbed. Another object of this invention is to provide a safety inlet valve opening into a holding means of a system of the character thus far referred to, a valve which is failsafe to close when deactivated.

It is another object of this invention to provide an outlet safety means from a holding means of the character thus far referred to, a means sensing a flooding condition at the unit involved and thereupon deactivating the liquid pressure supply thereto, and necessarily interrupting the supply to other like units coupled in common therewith.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a serviceable system of the type referred to, wherein the storage of liquid can-be supplemented at any time, wherein back flow is prevented, wherein electrical energization fully automates the feed and supply of liquid to each and every destination to which the system is plumbed, and wherein each unit operation is individually initiated without affect upon other unit operations; and all to the end that recognized safety standards are for the first time more than complied with, safety heretofore neglected.

The various objects and features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of the typical preferred form and application thereof, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an electrical diagram and perspective schematic illustration of the liquid handling system unit.

FIG. 2 is a composite electrical block diagram and liquid schematic showing the cooperative arrangement of a plurality of fluid handling system units shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse section through the liquid handling means and taken as indicated by line 33 on FIG. 1.

The safety feed system for liquids is a system of units that are employed individually and/or cooperatively, to supply liquid to at least one and most advantageously to a plurality of destinations. The plumbing of liquid handling pipes varies widely as circumstances require to meet specifications involved with each terminal service thereof. In practice, each terminal service is controlled by a valve or the like, at the terminus of the plumbing pipe thereto or by control means within equipment being serviced, supplied with liquid. An inherent danger is, of course, the possibility that the flow controls might fail, or that accidental damage might result in drainage of liquid from the plumbing. In cases where dangerous liquids are being supplied, such as volatile and any number of active fluids, safety becomes critical and measures are to be considered in order to preclude the voluminous discharge of said liquids in the event of a malfunctioning of equipment and/or controls, or in the event of some accident or mistake which would normally result in the creation of dangerous conditions. Therefore, the present inventive: concept involves a protected storage S of liquid to be dispensed, a limited supply of said liquid in a holding means H, and plumbing P extending to any number of, equipment units X to be serviced. The distribution of liquid is accomplished with safety by employing the inventive concept which includes, generally, a motor driven pump means A supplying said liquid into the holding means H, a safety inlet valve B governing flow of liquid into the holding means H, a flow outlet C dispensing the said liquid into the plumbing P, a motor and safety inlet valve control means D responsive to high and low sensors S1 and S2 respectively, outlet safety means E responsive to excessive flow in outlet C, and overflow safety means F responsive to abnormal flooding of the holding means H. The elements and/or means A through F are cooperatively combined to govern the storage S, holding means H and plumbing P with fail-safe assurance of eliminating the hazards that usually accompany the handling of dangerous liquids.

The protected storage S is for the containment of bulk liquid, for example, inflammable alcohol, and comprises a tank 10 having a filler opening with a closure 11 and having a syphon tube 12 extending to' the interior sump area of the tank. The tank 10 is preferably installed underground and is sizeable commensurate with the facility to be serviced thereby, said underground installation being the acceptable safe way of storing inflammable liquids.

The holding means H is provided for the instantaneous supply of liquid to the plumbing P under a suitable head of pressure adapted to ensure immediately forceful flow of fluid into any one of the equipment units X. The holding capacity of means H can vary greatly and is limited for safety purposes, and means H is also a means for establishing a consistent head of pressure upon the fluid column within the plumbing P. Although various types of accumulators and/or fluid pressure supply or pumping devices with liquid volume reserve can be employed, an elevated holding tank is,

preferred and which is of limited volume and located at a height so as to establish the desired head of pressure. From FIG. 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the system unit involves an elevated holding tank 15 that receives liquid forced vertically through a supply or standpipe 16, there being a foot-valve 17 immediately above the tank 10, a checkvalve permitting vertical flow and preventing return of liquid to the tank.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that a multiplicity of safety feed systems are cooperatively combined and supplied from a common storage tank 10, and that the separate feed systems are operable at co-levels and as well at multi-levels, it being a feature of the invention that each safety feed system is self-protective without interfering with the operation of the other cooperatively related systems, and that the systems are cooperatively protective as related commonly to the storage of liquid and motor operated pressure supply or lift therefor. However, each safety feed system can and preferably remains identical one with the other, and virtually without change or modification, regardless of the number of units in the multiplicity thereof.

Each safety feed system involving a holding means H supplying a separate plumbingsystem P comprises the elements and means A through F hereinabove referred to, supplied with liquid from the protected underground storage tank S and supplied with operational energy from the usual commercial electrical power lines 14. And the multiplicity of individual systems being identical and/or essentially alike, a description of the elements and means of one system (see FIG. 1) will suffice for all.

The motor driven pump means A that supplies liquid into the holding means H is a fluid lift adapted to be electrically powered to transfer liquid from the storage tank 10 and into the elevated holding tank 15. The form of pump can vary, the pump 18 being driven by an electric motor 19 through a drive shaft 20. The footvalve 17 is interposed between the pump 18 and standpipe 16, thereby protecting the pump and maintaining the liquid column in said standpipe. As shown, the motor 19 is put into and out of service by means of a normally open relay 21 included in the circuitry of the control means D hereinafter described.

The safety inlet valve B is a normally closed valve that is opened by the control means D responsive to the depletion of a normal liquid level in the holding tank 15. It is preferred that the system control be electrical in which case the valve B is a solenoid valve having an operating coil 22 adapted to energize a magnetthat opens the valve. Valve B is disposed in a lateral pipe 23 extending from the standpipe 16, there being a filler pipe 24 extending from the valve and opening into the holding tank 15. It is preferred that the pipe 24 till the tank 15 through the bottom thereof, there being a baffle 25 overlying the entrance in order to level the filling function.

The flow outlet C opens from the holding tank 15, dispensing the liquid therefrom and into the plumbing P that provides the service to various equipment units X. It is preferred that the outlet C comprise a flow pipe 26 opening through the bottom of the tank 15, from the tank at a sump or lowermost extremity thereof, in order to ensure depletion of liquid therein when so required.

The holding tank 15 is a closed vessel except for the aforementioned fill and outlet openings and except for a vent 30 that permits variation in the liquid level therein. In practice, the vent 30 opens to atmosphere from the top extremity of the tank, thereby establishing a breather to atmosphere. The safety feature, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, is the provision of a float controlled shut-off valve 29 that ultimately closes the vent 30 in the event that motor driven pump means A does not cease to operate after liquid reaches a high level in tank 15. For example, a malfunctioning motor relay could cause such an event. In practice, the pump 18 operates by centrifugal action and develops limited pressure well within the strength range of the tank and related piping. Thus, there can be no discharge of liquid through the vent 30, as would be caused by continued operation of the pump 18.

The motor and safety inlet valve control means D involves and is responsive to high and low liquid level sensors 81 and S2 located within the closed holding tank 15. The control means D is preferably electrical with the utilization of solid state sensors and switches that respond to permissible high and low operational liquid levels within the tank. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the high and low level sensors S1 and S2 are

electronic probes

31 and 32, the former controlling a normally closed switching circuit 33 and the latter controlling a normally open switching circuit 34. The switching

circuits

33 and 34 are of the usual solid state electric design, equivalent to mechanically operated float actuated switches. In any case, an electrical circuit is closed when a low liquid level is reached, and said closed electrical circuit is opened when a high liquid level is reached. Accordingly, the control means D includes a holding relay having an operating coil 35 adapted to energize a magnet that closes a motor switch 36, and an inlet valve switch 37, and a holding circuit switch 38. Initial operation of the relay is by means of closing the switching circuit 34 when the probe 32 is momentarily exposed above the lowering liquid level, thereby closing a motor relay circuit 39 to the motor relay 21 so as to close the same and simultaneously closing an inlet valve circuit 40 to the solenoid coil 22 to open the valve. The initiated operational condition is maintained through the holding circuit switch 38 in series through the switch 33 that is subsequently opened by rising of the liquid level to cover the probe 31 thereby stopping the motor driven pump means A and closing the safety inlet valve B. Note particularly the grounding of the relay coil 21 through the overflow safety means F later described.

In carrying out this invention, the motor relay coil 21 and valve solenoid coil 22 are energized and the sensor circuitry activated by a DC. power supply 45, in the case illustrated having a grounded circuit, and each feed system being self-sufficient in this respect.

The outlet safety means E that is responsive to excess flow in the outlet C can vary in form and in its preferred form is a liquid level sensor utilized to detect depletion of liquid in flow outlet C at a greater rate than normally permissible. Accordingly, the means E comprises a float 46 operable in a chamber 47 to open a normally closed switch 48 in series in circuit 40, and to open a normally closed switch 48' in series in circuit 54 later described. The chamber 47 is in open communication through a connection 49 with the flow pipe 26 and is vented into the top of the closed tank 15. The connection 49 is of greater flow capacity than the flow capacity of the pump 18, so that the liquid level in chamber 47 will drop even though supplied with the full force of said pump. In practice, the flow capacity from pump 18 is adjusted by means of a gate valve 49' that discharges into the tank 15. Thus, the opening of switch 48 overrides the demand for liquid made by sensor S2; and to facilitate reactivation of the system in the event of a temporary depletion, a normally open push button switch 50 is provided to activate the motor relay 21 until such time as the flow pipe 26 is filled to thereby permit closing of switch 48.

The overflow safety means F that is responsive to flooding of the holding means H can vary in form and in its preferred form is a liquid level sensor utilized to detect an excessive level of liquid in the tank 15. The means F is preferably mechanical and independent of the electrical circuitry which can malfunction under adverse circumstances, as in the event of a catastrophe. As shown in its preferred form, the means F is a liquid level sensor utilized to detect the rise of liquid to the top of the tank 15. Accordingly, the means F comprises a float 51 operable in a chamber 52 to open a normally closed switch 53 in series with relay coil 21 through a circuit 54. The circuit 54 continues through the switch or switches 53 and extends to ground as shown. The chamber 52 is open into tank well below the upper liquid level limit, and is vented into the top of the closed tank 15. Therefore, the motor relay is inopera tive in the event that the rise of liquid in standpipe l6 floods the holding tank 15. x

In accordance with the invention, the outlet safety means E and overflow safety means F are cooperatively operative to open the circuit 54 which normally grounds the relay 21. As shown throughout the drawings the switch or switches 48' are also in series in the circuit 54 to be opened by a lowering of liquid level to an abnormal level in the float chamber 47. Therefore, the motor 19 is stopped simultaneously with closing of the valve B when any one of the switches 48' is opened.

Referring now to the cooperative composite of liquid feeding units as shown in FIG. 2, it will be observed that there is a multiplicity of units at one level, as well as units at various levels. However, there is but one liquid storage S and motor powered liquid lift or means A, a common motor relay circuit 39, and a common flood safety circuit 54. The energized side of the motor relay coil 21 is in parallel through circuit or circuits 39 with each and every relay switch 33 and is thereby operable upon demand from any one or all units. However, the grounded side of the motor relay coil 21 is in series through circuit 54 with each and every flood detecting switch 53 and is thereby effective to overrideany and all demand signals. Thus, any malfunctioning is limited to one but necessary motor controlling relay, known to be most reliable; said possible malfunctioning thereof being protected against by the flood controlled shut-off valve 29 that closes the vent in case of continued flooding.

The plumbing of the cooperative composite in multiplicity form and at various levels involves the standpipe 16 and the footvalve 17 at the base of each level. As shown, the footvalve 17 at the base of each successively higher level is located immediately above the lateral pipe 23 of the next lower level, said pipe 23 extending horizontally to the multiplicity of holding 5 a lateral vent pipe 30'. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the individual safety feed systems remain independently operable while cooperating to the extent of being fed with liquid from a common underground storage tank S and through a common pump means A, and while protecting themselves individually as well as collectively in the event of any malfunction that might result in otherwise uncontrolled discharge of liquid.

In the event that either the outlet safety means E or the overflow safety means F is activated by an abnormal low or high liquid level respectively, a warning of these conditions is effected by an alarm means preferably in the form of an audible device. As shown, the means 100 is a bell that is electrically activated from the power supply 45 through normally

open switches

101 and 102. as the means E and F and which are in each instance closed by lowering and/or lifting of the float 46'and/or 51 respectively. The switching circuits to the bell are in parallel so that there is a warning in case of the liquid level reaching an extreme in the holding tank 15.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that an automated safety feed system is provided for safe handling of dangerous liquids, a system that is utilitarian singularly as well as in multiple cooperative form. The unit system is employed without change singularly or in plurality, and in all cases is independently protective, enhanced by the capability of being collectively protective; and all to the end that handling of said dangerous liquids is made as safe as possible, even under adverse conditions which might occur.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and a motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve so as to open and'thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop the motor and close the valve.

2. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means is a liquid accumulator.

3. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means is a fluid pressure supply device with liquid volume reserve.

4. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means is an elevated vessel.

5. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid holding means is an elevated vessel, and wherein the power control means includes low and high level liquid sensors within said vessel, the former to activate the inlet valve and motor driven pump means and the latter to deactivate the said inlet valve and motor driven pump means.

6. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means, liquid holding means in the form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safetyinlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, 21 valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, a motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and deactivating the motor and valve.

7. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6, including a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operated control deactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein.

8. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6, including a liquid overflow safety means responsive to flooding of the said vessel and deactivating the motor.

9. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6, including a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closed vessel.

10. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6, wherein the liquid holding means is a closed vessel elevated with respect to placement of the storage tank, wherein a checkvalve is in the supply pipe immediately above the storage tank and faced to prevent return of liquid to said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing means within said vessel, the former to activate the said power control means and the latter to deactivate the said power control means, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operated control deactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control deactivating the motor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closed vessel.

11. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; an electrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut sole noid opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to electrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop the motor and close the valve.

12. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the liquid holding means is an elevated vessel, and wherein the power control means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said vessel, the former closing a switch to electrically activate the said power control means and the latter opening a switch to deactivate the said power control means.

13. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; an electrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means in the form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supply pipe'forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut solenoid opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to electrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop themotor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float warmed corllrliil Witch electrically deactivating the said motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein.

14. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 13, including a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the motor responsive to flooding of said vessel.

15. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the liquid holding means is a closed vessel, wherein a checkvalve is in the supply pipe immediately above the storage tank and faced to prevent return of liquid to said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said vessel, the former closing a switch to electrically activate the said power control means and the latter opening a switch to deactivate the said power contrdl means, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the motor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closed vessel.

16. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storage tank and powered motor driven pump means, and each feed system in, cluding; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and motor power and safety inlet valve controlled means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close its valve.

17. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storage tank and powered motor driven pump means elevated at multilevels and each level fed'with liquid from a common standpipe supplying liquid forced from the storage tank by said pump means, and each feed system including; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dis ensin li uid out of said li uid holdin means, mofor po%ver and safety inlet val ve controll d means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close its valve, the supply pipes of each safety feed system extending laterally from said standpipe, and there being an upwardly faced checkvalve in said standpipe immediately above the storage tank and immediately above said laterally extending supply pipe at each level so as to prevent return of liquid through said standpipe and to said tank.

18. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding means and a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to start and stop the motor.

19 The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically in series with said relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.

20. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding means and with a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to start and stop the motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically in series with said relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.

21. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding means and with a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to start and stop the motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically in series with said relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.

Claims

1. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and a motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop the motor and close the valve.

6. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means, liquid holding means in the form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquiD holding means, a motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and deactivating the motor and valve.

11. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; an electrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut solenoid opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to electrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop the motor and close the valve.

13. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; an electrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means In the form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut solenoid opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to electrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the said motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein.

15. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the liquid holding means is a closed vessel, wherein a checkvalve is in the supply pipe immediately above the storage tank and faced to prevent return of liquid to said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said vessel, the former closing a switch to electrically activate the said power control means and the latter opening a switch to deactivate the said power control means, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating the motor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closed vessel.

16. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storage tank and powered motor driven pump means, and each feed system including; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and motor power and safety inlet valve controlled means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensor deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close its valve.

17. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storage tank and powered motor driven pump means elevated at multilevels and each level fed with liquid from a common standpipe supplying liquid forced from the storage tank by said pump means, and each feed system including; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid floW through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, motor power and safety inlet valve controlled means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valve to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor and close its valve, the supply pipes of each safety feed system extending laterally from said standpipe, and there being an upwardly faced checkvalve in said standpipe immediately above the storage tank and immediately above said laterally extending supply pipe at each level so as to prevent return of liquid through said standpipe and to said tank.

18. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and wherein the sensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding means and a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to start and stop the motor. 19 The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switch electrically in series with said relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.