USRE19760E - Valve operating mechanism for - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 19, 1935. J. A. JENSEN Re. 19,760

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12,. 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I v l N VEN TOR.- Jams H Jansbn,

TORNEY Nov. 19, 1935. J. A JENSEN VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1953 5 Shegts-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

. Jim/sen,

A TTORNEYS.

- Jams 97 n u u wmmmm I 1 I I Nov. 19, 1935. JI JENSEN 19,760

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG Z M I N VEN TOR:

TORNEYS.

J mas #1 102155111,

Nov. 19, 1935. J. A. JENSEN VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12. 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I N V EN TOR:

Jams fl JLILSl/H, BY W A TORNEYS.

Nov. 19, 1935. J. A. JENSEN 19,760

I VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1935 5 Sheeis-Sheet 5 Wmvassss; 1 I v 5 amps flJmsz/n,

INVENTOR-fi' Reissued Nov. 19, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES James A. Jensen, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Quaker City Iron Works, Philadelphia, Pa., a a corporation of Pennsylvania Original No. 1,932,972, dated October 31, 1933, Serial No. 665,642, April 12, 1933. Reissue No.

19,691, dated September 3,

1935, Serial No.

23,517, May 25, 1935. This application for reissue September 20, 1935, Serial No. 41,459

39 Claims.

This invention relates to valve operating mech anism for tank vehicles such as are ordinarily employed in the delivery of gasoline, oils and other liquid commodities. More specifically, my invention has reference to valve operating mechanism for liquid product delivery vehicles wherein the tanks are subdivided into a number of compartments having individual valves to govern outlets in communication with a common drain pipe 19 that extends rearward along the bottom of the tank, and wherein there is usually a utility or can box at the rear of the vehicle.

Considered from thebroadest aspect, my invention is directed toward the provision of simple and reliable mechanism with segregated controls at a point on the vehicle convenient of access to the driverpreferably in the utility box aforementionedwhereby the drain valves may be operated either individually or collectively as required incident to dispensing the liquid contents of the several compartments of the tank;

A further object of my invention is to provide in connection with tank valve operating mechanism characterized as above, auxiliary control 2.", means, whereby, in the event of fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe, the individual controls of any valves which may be open at the time, may be simultaneously actuated from a remote point on the vehicle, for example, at the 30 front of the latter.

\ Another aim of my invention is to provide in association with the auxiliary control means above referred to, means capable in the event of a fire originating at the rear of the vehicle and 3.; persisting in the absence of the driver, of automatically actuating the segregated controls in the utility box, to effect closure of any open drain valves.

Still another object of my invention is to insure 41) against the drain valves being left open as a consequence of carelessness or forgetfulness on the part of the driver after making a delivery, through provision of means which will function automatically incident to shutting the door of the :3 utility box, to trip the segregated controls of any open valves.

Other objects and attendant advantages of this invention will be manifest from the detailed description following of the attached drawings,

so wherein Fig. I is a partial side elevation of a tank vehicle embodying my improved valve operating mechanism.

' Fig. II is a fragmentary View showing the top of the vehicle tank.

55 Fig. 111 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the rear end of the tank drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. IV is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken as indicated by the arrows IV-IV in Fig. III showing in rear elevation the segregated con- 5 trols of my valve operating mechanism.

Fig. V is a view like Fig. IV but more limited in scope, showing the rear elevation of the segregated control means on a larger scale.

Fig. VI shows the left hand side elevation of w the control means.

Fig. VII is a sectional view taken as indicated by the arrows VIIVII in Fig. V.

Fig. VIII is a perspective view of a universal trip member forming a part of the control means. Fig. IX is a left hand side elevation of the operating connections for the drain valves.

Fig. X is a rear elevation of the operating connection shown in Fig. IX.

Fig. In is a sectional view of the safety fusible link means.

Fig. HI is a rear elevation of the safety fusible link-means.

The vehicle tank chosen for the purposes of illustration herein, and comprehensively desig- 5 nated by the numeral I5 in the drawings, is composed of four serially-arranged separately-constructed unit compartments l6 of different capacities which are bound to each other and to the chassis ll of the vehicle, after common practice in this art, by embracing straps I8. Similarly secured to the endmost tank compartment l6 at the rear of the vehicle I1, is a utility box IQ for the storage of utensils, tools, etc. used in dispensing the liquids carried by the vehicle, said box having a door 20 hinged at 2| to swing upward to open position as shown in Fig. III. The several tank compartments l6 are individually provided with bottom discharge outlets 22 which connect with a common drain pipe 23 extending 4o longitudinally rearward of the bottom of the vehicle, see Fig. I. Discharge through the outlets 22 is governable by individual valves 24 which may be of any approved design and which open upward against the pressure of springs concealed within them.

The mechanism which I have devised, for selectively operating the drain valves 24 of a vehicle tank structure such as above briefly described, includes a group of segregated controls embody- [0 ing valve operating levers or arms 25 which correspond in-number to the valves, and which are housed within the utility box It at the rear end of the vehicle. As shown in Figs. III, VI and VII, the operating levers or arms 25 are of angular u configuration viewed from the side, and fulcrumed at one end for coaxial swinging movement, their common axis being in a shaft 26 which is supported ina mounting 21 secured to the bottom of the box l9 by means of bolts 28, see also Figs. IV-VI. These lever arms 25 are here shown as provided with handles at their other ends, so that they maybe directly operated by hand, and are loose on'their common shaft 26 for independent operation: accordingly, separate holding or locking means (of toggle action) are shown for them, to maintain them fixed when swung to open the corresponding valves. Pivotally connected ,at their lower .ends to eccentric centers 299 on theindividual lever arms or control handles 25, in thevicinity of the bends or angles of the latter, are (kinked) terminals or toggle links 29 .(Figs. III, VI and VII) whereof the upper ends are inturn connected, with interposition of slack adjusting screw fittings 29a, to cables .30. The cables 30 pass through guide tubes 3| which extend upwardin the compartment i9 and then longitudinally forward, along the top of the tank l5, to individual operating connections 32 for the valves 24 of the several tank compartments 16. From Figs. III and IV, it will be noted that the guide tubes ail are secured at their rear ends by a manifold clamp 33 supported on the top of an upright rectangular frame 34 surrounding the bracket 21, while their forward ends are individually secured as shown in Figs. I,'II, IX and X to integral clamps 3 of the bearing brackets 36 of the operating connections 32, which latter are aflixed to the tops of the respective tank sections l6.

Referring to Figs. IX and 'X, each of the operating connections 32 comprises abell crank member 31 which is fulcrumed-at-38 on the bracket-36. In each instance, the forward end of the ,cable 30 is connected, by means of a clevis fitting 39, to the downward extremity 51a of the bell crank member 31; while the yoked horizontal.extremity 31b of said member'has its ends pivotally connected to the ends of a lifting fork 40 at the top end of a stem 4| which extends down through a stuffing box 42 on the bracket 36 into the tank compartment 16. A hooked link extending up from the valve 24 in each tank compartment is connected, with interposition of a turnbuckle 44, to the bottom end of the stem 4|; and a helical spring 45, surrounding said stem and pressing downward against a collar 46 thereon, serves to maintain the corresponding cable -30 under tension, and, at the same time, assists the concealed spring of the valve 24 to hold the -latter closed. Normally, the valve operating levers .or arms 25 are maintained in vertical position as shown in Figs. IV and VII, through engagement of toothlike 'lugs 25a on them with :the top horizontal 21a of the mounting 2-1.

When any one of the operating -lev.er arms or control handles 25 is swung from the normal vertical position shown in Figs. I and V substantially through a quadrant to the horizontal position shown in Fig. VI, a pull is induced in the corresponding cable 30 with resultant opening, through the intermediate elements already described, of the drain valve 24 in the corresponding tank compartment l6, against the resistance of its spring 45. After being swung downward as just explained, the lever arm or control handle 25 is prevented from returning by toggle action at its eccentric center ,2 99, since the reverse pull of the spring 45 through the connections above deing of such compartment.

to fixed anchorages 51 of the corresponding tank compartment is held 5 set or locked in open position, to permit drain-- The downward swing of the lever or arm 25 is limited, as will be noted from Fig. VI, by engagement of said arm with the cross bar 41a of an element 41 which is illustrated in perspective in Fig. VIII, and, which, for reasons later on explained, serves as a trip device. As shown, this trip member 41 is formed at opposite .ends-of .its cross bar 41a with drop hangersrflb which are apertured to engage the rock shaft .26 of the levers or arms 25 in the intervals between the bosses of the endmost of said'lever arms and the sides 21b of the mounting 21, said hangers being secured to the rock shaft by pins 48, see Fig. V. Projecting laterally from the end hangers 41b of the trip'member 41 are lugs-41c, 41d, which, by cooperation with the side verticals 21b of the mounting "21, permit a limited amount of rockingmovement of the-rock shaft 26.

To one end of the rock shaft'26 is pinned or keyed fast another (manual) operating lever arm or handle 49,'which is subject to the downward pull of a tension spring 50, andwhich is thus normally held in horizontal position as shown in Fig. III, as a consequence of the enforced contact of the lugs "41c on'the trip'member 4-1 withthe side-verticals 21b of the mounting 21. By liftingthe lever arm 49, anti-clockwise movement will obviouslybe imparted to the rock shaft 26 and the trip-member. attached to it, with attendant rearward displacement and tripping or unlocking of any of the lever arms "25 (and terminalspor links '29) which may have'been depressed'by the cross bar 4111 of said trip-memher, and-with consequent restoration of said lever arms to their normal upright positions .by the cables 30 under the influence of the springs $5 of the connections-52. The drain valves24 corresponding to the toggle locks tripped as just explained are thus simultaneously released and permitted to close {automatically under the action of their'concealed springs.

In order to make it possible to close .the drain valves 24 from the front of ,the vehicle in the 5 event of a -fire at ithe delivery end of the -;drain pipe 23, I have provided a supplemental control in the form of an additional cable =51 whose rear end is connected .at 52 to the trip lever arm 49, and which is operable'by means of a grasp 5i attached thereto at its forward end. As shown in Figs. I, II and III, the additional cable '5] is threaded through a guide tube 54 which extends upward in the compartment I9 from .a special clamp 55 on a bracket projection 5.6 of the-frame (30 34, and then forwardly along the top of the tank 11 (with the guide tubes 31 for the cables '30) Pulling of :the grasp .53 will obviously result in lifting of the Myer arm 49 in the compartment 19, and, in turn, in the 55 simultaneous closure of any valves124 which may 'be open at the time.

piston-like plunger 59. As shown in Fig. XI, this plunger 59 is cup-shaped in cross section and pierced centrally at 60 for free passage or reeving of the cable therethrough during normal operation of the latter. A helical spring 6| with its lower end abutting an axially-operated disk 62, heldby a pair of cross pins 63 in the bottom end of the cylinder 58, tends to urge the plunger 59 upward out of said cylinder. Fulcrumed at 64 to one .side of the bracket 55 is an arm 65 which is normally held, by means of a fusible link 66, in the position illustrated in Fig. XI, with a lateral projection 61 thereof intercepting the plunger 59. Upon failure of the link 66 through fusion under the action of flame or heat, it is evident that the arm 65 will be left unrestrained, whereby the plunger 59 is released to the action of the spring 6|. In being thus released, the plunger 59 will spend its force upwardly against a clamp collar 68 on the cable 5|, thereby causing the lever arm 49 to be lifted, and, in turn,

causing any open drain valves 24 to be simul-' taneously closed through the intervening parts of the trip means.

As a safeguard against forgetfulness or negligence on the part of the driver to insure that the drain valves 24 are all closed before the vehicle gets under Way after making a delivery, I couple the lever arm 49, as shown in Fig. III, with a projecting anchorage 69 bolted to the door 20 of the compartment I9 adjacent the hinge 2|, by means of a link connection 10 consisting of a cable section II and a tension spring 12. As the projecting anchorage 69 moves upward in the box I9 to the dot and dash line position in Fig. III'as the door 20 is shut, the trip lever arm 49 is automatically lifted and any open drain valve 24 closes as a result. The spring 12 constitutes a means to prevent breakage or bending of the interacting parts of the trip mechanism in case that the cable section 'II of the connection 10 is too short.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating levers or arms for the several valves and holding means to maintain any or all of said arms fixed when swung to open the corresponding valves, and means for tripping the holding means when set and thus causing release and closure of the open valves.

2. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating levers or arms for the several valves and toggle means to be set to hold any or all of said valves open when the corresponding arms are swung to open them, and a device for tripping the toggle means when so set and thus causing release and closure of the open valves.

3. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising control means including a group of coaxial operating levers or arms for the several valves, with means for automatically locking the control means to hold any or all of said valves open when the corresponding levers are swung to open them, and separate. actuating means to release said locking means and thus cause closure of the open valves.

4. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating levers or arms for the several valves and separate holding means operatively associated with each of said arms for maintaining any or all of them fixed when swung to open the corresponding valves, and common means for tripping such holding means so set and thus causing release and closure of the open valves.

5. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising control means including a group of ooaxial operating levers or arms for the several valves, with means operatively associated with. said arms for separately locking any or all of said valves open when the corresponding arms are swung to open them, and common actuating means to release any or all such locking means and thus cause closure of the open valves.

6. Valve operating mechanism for multi-comcompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating levers or arms for the several valves and holding means to maintain any or all of said arms fixed when swung to open the corresponding valves, means for tripping the holding means when set and thus causing release and closure of the open valves, and means responsive to excessive heat or flame for automatically actuating said tripping means in the event of fire.

7. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating levers or arms for the several valves and holding means to maintain any or all of said arms fixed when swung to open the corresponding valves, with flexible con nectors for coordinating said lever arms with the corresponding valves, and means for tripping the holding means when set and thus causing release and closure of the open valves.

8. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating lever arms, and flexible connectors coordinating the valves with toggle centers on the lever arms whereby, when swung to open the corresponding valves, said lever arms are held set under toggle action.

9. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a group of operating lever arms, flexible connectors coordinating the valves with toggle centers onsaid lever arms so that when any of said lever arms are swung to open the corresponding valves, such lever arms are held set under toggle action, and means for tripping the togglesthus set and so causing release and closure of the corresponding valves.

10. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

11. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve; flexible connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves, tubes for guiding the flexible connectors, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

12. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the drain valves, a toggle link associated with each control'handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the toggle links; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggle links of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

13. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, a shaft whereon said control handles are fulcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, a toggle link interposed in each connector and pivoted to each control handle to hold such handle set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the toggle links secured to the shaft, and means whereby said shaft may be rocked to actuate the trip member of simultaneous tripping of the toggles of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

14. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suitable point on the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve. a trip member common to the holding element of the several control handles, and means local to said handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggle links of any handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

15. Valve operating mechanism for multi-- compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said valve mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suitable point on the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the valves, an element associated with each of the control handles to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means local to the control handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any of said handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means whereby the trip member may be actuated at a point remote from the control handles.

16. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suitable point on the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles indiv. dually with the drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative to automatically actuate the trip member in the event of fire.

1'7. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed to transport fuel oils and the like and having separate selfclosing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments into a common rearwardly extending drain pipe, said mechanism comprising .a segregated group of independently operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at the rear 01' the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means local to the control handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any control handles pre-se't as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means likewise at the rear of the vehicle responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative automatically to actuate the trip member in the event of a fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe.

13. Valve operating mechanism for multl-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments into a drain pipe extending to the rear end of the vehicle, said mechanism comprising asegregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access in a utility compartment at the rear of the tank above the delivery end of the drain pipe, connectors extending from the control handles in the utility box to the individual drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold such handle set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means within the utility box whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means likewise within the utility box responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative to automatically actuate the trip member in the event of fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe.

19. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the delivery of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge.

of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located in a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, a shaft whereon said control handles are fulcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an

element associated with each control handle to hold the latter set when swung to open the corr p nd n valve, a trip member secured to the shaft and having a cross bar common to the holding elements and means within the utility box whereby the shaft may manually be rocked to actuate the trip member and thereby efiect simultaneous tripping of the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valve.

20. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located in a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements, means within the utility box whereby the trip member may be actuated to trip the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, for release of the corresponding valves, and supplemental means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated from the front end of the vehicle.

21. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge the control handles with the individual valves,

rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating an element associated with each such control handle to hold the latter set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elementsof the several control handles, and means connecting the trip member to the door of the utility compartment whereby, as said door is closed, said trip member is automatically actuated to trip the holding elements of any handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

22. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from theindividual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an ele ment associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the several holding elements, means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to trip the holding elements of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated, and safety means for automatically actuating'the trip member in the event of fire including a spring, and a fusible member adapted to melt under the action of excessive heat or of flame to release the spring for exertion of its force upon said tripv means.

23. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments into a common drain pipe extending rearward of the vehicle, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located in a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, a shaft on which said handles are fulcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member secured to the shaft and having a bar common to the several holding elements, a separate lever secured to the shaft whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to trip the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, a flexible connector extending from the trip handle in the utility box forward fire including a. collar on the flexible connector,

a spring, and a fusible element adapted to melt under the action of excessive heat or of flame to release the spring for exertion of its force upon the collar of the flexible connector.

24. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves; slack takeup means interposed in the flexible connectors; a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding element of any control handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

25. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanisrri comprising a segregated group of independentlyoperable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control'handle to set it when swimg to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves,

screw links interposed between the holding elements and the flexible cable connectors whereby the slack of the latter may betaken up, a-trip member common to the holding elements and means whereby the trip membermay-be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

26. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks having self-closing bottom valves with individual actuating means at the top of the tank to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, saidmechanism comprising a segregated-group ofindependently-operable controls-in the'fornr of lever-handles at the rear end of the tank, an element associated with'each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors dordinatingthe holding elements individually withthe actuators'at the top of the tank, means 'forguiding the movement 'of the cables, a trip member' common to the holding elements, and "means whereby the trip memberinay'be actuated to simultaneously 'trip the holding elements of'any control handles,

pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

27. Valve operating mechanism for 'multicompartment tanks having separate-self closing bottom valves with individual actuating means at the top of the tank togovern discharge-of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated groupof independently operable controls in the form of lever handles attlie reare'ndof-thetank, an element associatedwitlreach' control handle to hold it set when swung to "open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding' ele'ments individually with the actuators at-the top of the" tank, fixed guide tubes 'for'the connectors extending'along the'top of the tank and downwardly of its rear end to a point near the controls, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip membermay' be actuated tosimultaneously trip the holding elementsof any control'handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to rele'asethe corresponding valve.

28. Valve "operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks with "self-closing valves to govern discharge "of-liquids from theindividual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever i handles; connectors coordinated at one of 'their'ends 'with' the respective valves andpivotally' connected at their other ends :to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung'm one direction,

or handles, pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

29. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartment tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of 1 independently-operable lever control handles; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective. lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereu by, when said handles are swung substantially through a quadrant from normal position, the corresponding valves are "moved to open position and held set in such position by toggle action;

a trip member; and means whereby the trip a member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or'handles, vpre-set asaforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

30. Valve operating mechanism for multi-com partment tanks with self-closing valves to govern u discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles of angular configuration; and connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers at the angles of the respective levers eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung through substantially a quadrant in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action.

' 31. Valve-operating mechanism for 'multi-compartment tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a'segregated group of independently-operable lever handles of angular configuration; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers at the angles of the respective levers and eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles areswung through substantially a quadrant to release the"corresponding valves.

32. Valve operating mechanism for multi-com-i partm'ent tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of 'partments, comprising a segregated group of inliquidsirom the individual comdependently-operable lever handles; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respec-nm tive valves; te'rminalssecured to the other ends of the connectorsand pivotally connected to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the correspond-c.

ing valves are opened and held set in open positionby toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles, preset as' aforesaid, to release the corresponding) valves.

33. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compa'rtment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate sli' ciosfing vaives to govemdischarge oi liquids iojreo r from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles fulcrumed to swing on a common axis; connectors coordinated at one of their ends to the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby said trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any control handle or handles, preset as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

34. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern the discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles located within a utility box at the rear of the vehicle; a door on said box permitting access to the handles; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means automatically operated incident to closing the door of the utility compartment to trip any handle or handles, preset as aforesaid, with attendant release of the valves.

35. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate selfclosing yalves to govern the discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles located within a utility box at the rear of the vehicle; a door on said box permitting access to the handles; and connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung downward from a normal vertical position to horizontal position,

'set as aforesaid to said valves" are set in open position by toggle action.

36. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles; and flexible connectors coordinating the valves with toggle centers on the handles whereby, when swung to open the respective valves, said handles are held set under toggle action.

37. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from individual compartments, said mechanism compris- 1 ing a segregated group of independently operable lever handles; and flexible connectors extending individually from the valves; terminal members on said connectors pivoted to toggle centers on the corresponding levers so that when swung to open the valves, the levers are held set by toggle action.

38. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independentlyoperable lever handles; flexible connectors coordinating the valves individually with toggle centers on the levers, whereby when said levers are swung to open the valves said valves are held open by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles prerelease the corresponding valves.

39. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles; flexible connectors extending individually from the valves; terminal members on said connectors pivoted to toggle centers on the corresponding levers so that, when swung to open the valves, the levers are held set by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

JAMES A. JENSEN.

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