U.S. patent application number 14/428316 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for drop tube segment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Erik Backhaus, Justin Kuehn, David Laundrie, Michael O'Flahrity.
Application Number | 20150240966 14/428316 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49213114 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150240966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuehn; Justin ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
DROP TUBE SEGMENT
Abstract
An overfill valve associated with a drop tube segment fluidly
connected to a fluid reservoir and a structure for securing drop
tube segments are described. The overfill valve includes a valve
body positioned within the drop tube segment and, in certain
embodiments, a non-contact valve actuator positioned exterior to
the drop tube segment and operable to actuate the valve body from
an open position to a closed position without requiring any
physical penetration through the wall of the drop tube segment. A
variety of internal actuators are used to actuate the valve body
within the drop tube segment. The structure for securing drop tube
segments provides a first drop tube segment with a groove into
which the wall of a second drop tube segment can to deformed to
seal and fasten the two drop tube segments to each other.
Inventors: |
Kuehn; Justin; (Sun Prairie,
WI) ; Laundrie; David; (Cottage Grove, WI) ;
O'Flahrity; Michael; (Milton, WI) ; Backhaus;
Erik; (Wisconsin Dells, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC. |
Madison |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Franklin Fueling Systems,
Inc.
Madison
WI
|
Family ID: |
49213114 |
Appl. No.: |
14/428316 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
September 3, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2013/057884 |
371 Date: |
March 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61701347 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
|
|
|
61801681 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/429 ;
251/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 9/12 20130101; B67D
7/362 20130101; Y10T 137/7287 20150401; F16K 31/084 20130101; F16K
31/105 20130101; F16K 31/086 20130101; F16K 31/22 20130101; F16K
31/088 20130101; F16K 1/16 20130101; F16K 21/185 20130101; F16K
24/048 20130101; Y10T 137/7423 20150401 |
International
Class: |
F16K 31/22 20060101
F16K031/22; F16K 1/16 20060101 F16K001/16 |
Claims
1. A overfill prevention valve, comprising: a conduit having a
first end and a second end, a conduit wall spanning said first end
of said conduit and said second end of said conduit, said conduit
wall defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, said conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through said conduit from said first end of said conduit
to said second end of said conduit; a valve body moveably
positioned in said fluid path of said conduit, said valve body
moveable from an open position to a closed position; and a
non-contact valve actuator moveable relative to said valve body and
positioned outside of said conduit, said conduit wall interposed
between said non-contact valve actuator and said fluid path, said
non-contact valve actuator operable to actuate said valve body from
said open position toward said closed position without physically
penetrating said conduit wall, said non-contact valve actuator
having a first position in which said non-contact valve actuator
does not actuate said valve body from said open position toward
said closed position and a second position in which said
non-contact valve actuator actuates said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position.
2. The overfill prevention valve of claim 1, wherein said
non-contact valve actuator comprises a float having a specific
gravity, whereby said float is buoyant on a surface of a quantity
of motor fuel.
3. The overfill prevention valve of claim 1, further comprising: a
contact valve actuator positioned interior of said conduit wall,
whereby said conduit wall is interposed between said contact valve
actuator and said non-contact valve actuator, said contact valve
actuator moveable relative to said conduit wall interior surface
and positioned whereby actuation of said contact valve actuator
causes said contact valve actuator to actuate said valve body from
said open position toward said closed position and into a position
in which a flow of fluid through said conduit can act on said valve
body and further cause movement of said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position, said contact valve actuator
moveable independent from said valve body; said contact valve
actuator magnetically linked to said non-contact valve actuator, so
that movement of said non-contact valve actuator from said first
position to said second position actuates said contact valve
actuator so that said contact valve actuator actuates said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position.
4. The overfill prevention valve of claim 3, wherein said
non-contact valve actuator comprises a first component of a
magnetic shaft coupling, said contact valve actuator comprising a
second component of the magnetic shaft coupling, the first
component of the magnetic shaft coupling magnetically linked to
said second component of the magnetic shaft coupling, whereby
rotation of said first component of the magnetic shaft coupling
about an axis causes rotation of the second component of the
magnetic shaft coupling, the axis transverse to a longitudinal axis
of said fluid path through said conduit.
5. The overfill prevention valve of claim 3, further comprising: a
second contact actuator, said second contact actuator movably
supported relative to said conduit wall, said second contact valve
actuator movable relative to said conduit wall interior surface and
positioned whereby movement of said second contact valve actuator
causes said second contact valve actuator to actuate said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position and into
the position in which the flow of fluid through the conduit can act
on said valve body and further cause movement of said valve body
from said open position toward said closed position, whereby said
second contact valve actuator is capable of actuating said valve
body further toward said closed position than said contact valve
actuator, said second contact valve actuator moveable independent
from said valve body.
6. The overfill prevention valve of claim 3, further comprising: a
cam moveably supported relative to said conduit wall, said cam
including a ramp operably associated with said contact valve
actuator so that a movement of said cam causes said ramp to move
said contact valve actuator to actuate said valve body from said
open position toward said closed position and into the position in
which the flow of fluid through said conduit can act on said valve
body and further cause movement of said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position.
7. The overfill prevention valve of claim 6, further comprising: a
second contact actuator, said second contact actuator moveably
supported relative to said conduit wall, said second contact valve
actuator moveable relative to said conduit wall interior surface
and positioned whereby movement of said second contact valve
actuator causes said second contact valve actuator to actuate said
valve body from said open position toward said closed position and
into the position in which the flow of fluid through said conduit
can act on said valve body and further cause movement of said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position, whereby
said second contact valve actuator is capable of actuating said
valve body further toward said closed position than said contact
valve actuator, and wherein said cam further includes a second ramp
operably associated with said second contact valve actuator so that
a movement of said cam causes said second ramp to move said second
contact valve actuator to actuate said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position and into the position in which
the flow of fluid through said conduit can act on said valve body
and further cause movement of said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position.
8. The overfill prevention valve of claim 6, further comprising: a
second valve body positioned in said fluid path of said conduit,
said second valve body moveable from a second valve body open
position to a second valve body closed position, and wherein; said
cam further includes a nubbin positioned so that a movement of said
cam causes said nubbin to move said second valve body from said
second valve body open position toward said second valve body
closed position.
9. The overfill prevention valve of claim 3, wherein said contact
valve actuator comprises a ramp and a moveable latch, said moveable
latch having a latching position in which said moveable latch
latches said valve body in the open position when said non-contact
valve actuator maintains said first position, said moveable latch
moved from said latching position when said non-contact valve
actuator moves from the first position to the second position.
10-57. (canceled)
58. An overfill prevention valve, comprising: a conduit having a
first end and a second end, a conduit wall spanning said first end
of said conduit and said second end of said conduit, said conduit
wall defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, said conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through said conduit from said first end of said conduit
to said second end of said conduit; a valve body moveably
positioned in said fluid path of said conduit, said valve body
moveable from an open position to a closed position, said valve
body rotatably moveable between said open position and said closed
position; and a contact valve actuator moveably supported by said
conduit wall, said contact valve actuator moveable relative to said
conduit wall interior surface and positioned whereby movement of
said contact valve actuator causes said contact valve actuator to
actuate said valve body from said open position toward said closed
position and into a position in which a flow of fluid through said
conduit can act on said valve body and further cause movement of
said valve body from said open position toward said closed
position, said contact valve actuator moveable independent from
said valve body.
59. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, wherein said contact
valve actuator is rotatably supported relative to said conduit wall
interior surface whereby rotation of said contact valve actuator
causes movement of said valve body from said open position toward
said closed position and into the position in which the flow of
fluid through said conduit can act on said valve body and further
cause movement of said valve body from said open position toward
said closed position.
60. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, further comprising:
a non-contact valve actuator positioned outside of said conduit,
said conduit wall interposed between said non-contact valve
actuator and said fluid path, said non-contact valve actuator
operable to actuate said contact valve actuator without physically
penetrating said conduit wall.
61. The overfill prevention valve of claim 60, wherein said
non-contact valve actuator is magnetically linked to said contact
valve actuator through said conduit wall, said non-contact valve
actuator comprising a first component of a magnetic shaft coupling,
said contact valve actuator comprising a second component of the
magnetic shaft coupling, said first component of the magnetic shaft
coupling magnetically linked to said second component of the
magnetic shaft coupling, whereby rotation of said first component
of the magnetic shaft coupling about an axis causes rotation of the
second component of the magnetic shaft coupling, the axis
transverse to a longitudinal axis of said fluid path through said
conduit.
62. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, further comprising:
a second contact actuator, said second contact actuator moveably
supported relative to said conduit wall, said second contact valve
actuator moveable relative to said conduit wall interior surface
and positioned whereby movement of said second contact valve
actuator causes said second contact valve actuator to actuate said
valve body from said open position toward said closed position and
into the position in which the flow of fluid through said conduit
can act on said valve body and further cause movement of said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position, whereby
said second contact valve actuator is capable of actuating said
valve body further toward said closed position than said contact
valve actuator.
63. The overfill prevention valve of claim 62, wherein said second
contact valve actuator is moveable independent from said valve
body, said second contact valve actuator spaced a first distance
from said valve body when said valve body maintains the open
position, said second contact valve actuator spaced a second
distance from said valve body when said valve body maintains the
closed position, said second distance greater than said first
distance.
64. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, further comprising:
a cam moveably supported relative to said conduit wall, said cam
including a ramp operably associated with said contact valve
actuator so that a movement of said cam causes said ramp to move
said contact valve actuator to actuate said valve body from said
open position toward said closed position and into the position in
which the flow of fluid through said conduit can act on said valve
body and further cause movement of said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position.
65. The overfill prevention valve of claim 64, further comprising:
a second contact actuator, said second contact actuator moveably
supported relative to said conduit wall, said second contact valve
actuator moveable relative to said conduit wall interior surface
and positioned whereby movement of said second contact valve
actuator causes said second contact valve actuator to actuate said
valve body from said open position toward said closed position and
into the position in which the flow of fluid through said conduit
can act on said valve body and further cause movement of said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position, whereby
said second contact valve actuator is capable of actuating said
valve body further toward said closed position than said contact
valve actuator, and wherein said cam further includes a second ramp
operably associated with said second contact valve actuator so that
a movement of said cam causes said second ramp to move said second
contact valve actuator to actuate said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position and into the position in which
the flow of fluid through said conduit can act on said valve body
and further cause movement of said valve body from said open
position toward said closed position.
66. The overfill prevention valve of claim 64, further comprising:
a second valve body positioned in said fluid path of said conduit,
said second valve body moveable from a second valve body open
position to a second valve body closed position, and wherein; said
cam further includes a nubbin positioned so that a movement of said
cam causes said nubbin to move said second valve body from said
second valve body open position toward said second valve body
closed position.
67. The overfill prevention valve of claim 66, wherein said second
valve body seats on a valve seat spaced from said valve body.
68. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, wherein said contact
valve actuator comprises a moveable latch, said moveable latch
having a latching position in which said moveable latch latches
said valve body in the closed position, said moveable latch
moveable from said latching position as said contact valve actuator
moves to cause said contact valve actuator to actuate said valve
body from said open position toward said closed position.
69. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, further comprising a
pressure spike relief valve comprising a pressure spike relief
valve body moveable between a closed position and an open position
and biased by a biasing force into said closed position, said
pressure spike relief valve body moveable from said closed position
to said open position when a sufficient pressure in said conduit
counteracts said biasing force to actuate said pressure spike
relief valve body from said closed position to said open position
such that a flow of liquid can flow past said pressure spike relief
valve body as long as said pressure in said conduit is sufficient
to overcome said biasing force.
70-71. (canceled)
72. The overfill prevention valve of claim 58, in combination with:
a fuel storage tank; and a drop tube extending into said fuel
storage tank, the overfill prevention valve forming a part of the
drop tube, said drop tube in fluid communication with said fuel
storage tank so that fluid passing through said drop tube fills
said fuel storage tank.
73-92. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/701,347 filed on
Sep. 14, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/801,681 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, both entitled Overfill
Prevention Valve, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to drop tube segments and,
more particularly, to drop tube segments providing access to a
liquid reservoir while controlling the flow of liquid into the
reservoir to prevent overfilling of the same.
[0003] Underground storage tanks are routinely utilized to store
fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel, ethanol, etc. for later
dispensing to vehicles through fuel dispensers. The underground
storage tank contains an inlet through which fuel is provided to
the underground storage tank, typically by a tanker truck. A
plurality of fuel dispensers are also fluidly connected to the
underground storage tank and are utilized to provide the fuel
contained therein to, e.g., passenger vehicles.
[0004] Typically, a riser pipe extends upwardly from the
underground storage tank to a fill connection point contained
within a sump at the fueling station. Within the riser pipe, a drop
tube extends downwardly into the volume of the underground storage
tank.
[0005] The drop tube extends toward the bottom of the underground
storage tank so that the outlet end of the drop tube is covered by
the motor fuel contained in the underground storage tank.
Therefore, the drop tube is not in fluid communication with the
fuel vapor contained in the ullage area of the underground storage
tank. However, the overfill prevention valve is typically
positioned much closer to the top of the underground storage tank
and is therefore typically in fluid communication with the vapor
contained in the ullage area of the underground storage tank.
[0006] When filling an underground storage tank, the operator of a
tanker truck must be careful not to overfill the underground
storage tank. To this end, an overfill prevention valve may be
utilized to prevent overfilling of the underground storage tank.
For example, an overfill prevention valve may utilize a float which
is buoyant on a surface of a quantity of motor fuel and which is
connected by a linkage to a valve positioned within a segment of a
drop tube connecting a fill point to the underground storage tank.
The linkage extends through the wall of the drop tube so that it
can mechanically connect the float, which is outside of the drop
tube, and the valve body, which is inside the drop tube.
[0007] Because the overfill prevention valves of prior art devices
include a mechanical linkage connecting a float positioned on the
exterior of the drop tube with a valve body positioned on the
interior of the drop tube, the wall of the drop tube segment
containing the overfill prevention valve must be physically
penetrated by the linkage to allow for such a connection. This
physical penetration of the wall of the drop tube segment
containing the overfill prevention valve creates a leak point where
vapor contained in the ullage space of the underground storage tank
can enter into the drop tube. It is desirable to prevent vapor
contained in the ullage space of the underground storage tank from
entering into the interior of the drop tube where it could
potentially be vented to the atmosphere.
SUMMARY
[0008] In exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure
provides an overfill valve associated with a drop tube segment
including a valve body positioned within the drop tube segment and
a non-contact valve actuator positioned exterior to the drop tube
segment and operable to actuate the valve body from an open
position to a closed position without requiring any physical
penetration through the wall of the drop tube segment. The
non-contact valve actuator has a first position in which the
non-contact valve actuator does not actuate the valve body from the
open position to the closed position and a second position,
achieved when the liquid reservoir reaches a predetermined level
approaching the capacity of the liquid reservoir, the non-contact
valve actuator actuating the valve body from the open position to a
closed position when the non-contact valve actuator attains the
second position. Internal aspects of the valve mechanism of the
present disclosure may further be utilized with valve actuators
that penetrate through the wall of the drop tube segment. Also
disclosed is a structure for securing drop tube segments one to the
other while preventing vapor from the ullage space in the fuel
reservoir into which the drop tube segments are positioned from
entering the drop tube.
[0009] In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides an
overfill prevention valve including a conduit having a first end
and a second end, a conduit wall spanning the first end of the
conduit and the second end of the conduit, the conduit wall
defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, the conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through the conduit from the first end of the conduit to
the second end of the conduit; a valve body moveably positioned in
the fluid passage of the conduit, the valve body moveable from an
open position to a closed position; and a non-contact valve
actuator moveable relative to the valve body and positioned outside
of the conduit, the conduit wall interposed between the non-contact
valve actuator and the fluid path, the non-contact valve actuator
operable to actuate the valve body from the open position toward
the closed position without physically penetrating the conduit
wall, the non-contact valve actuator having a first position in
which the non-contact valve actuator does not actuate the valve
body from the open position toward the closed position and a second
position in which the non-contact valve actuator actuates the valve
body from the open position toward the closed position. In the open
position, the valve body allows fluid to pass through the fluid
path defined by the conduit at an expected fill rate. In certain
embodiments, in the closed position, the valve body precludes flow
through the fluid path defined by the conduit at the expected fill
rate but may allow fluids to pass through the fluid path defined by
the conduit at a decreased flow rate to allow drainage from a
quantity of fluid positioned upstream of the valve body in the drop
tube. In certain alternative embodiments, the valve body may
comprise a butterfly valve, a flapper valve, and/or a poppet
valve.
[0010] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, the overfill
prevention valve may include a closure stop movably positioned in
the fluid path of the conduit, the closure stop having a leak
position and a non-leak position, with the valve body in the closed
position and the closure stop in a leak position, a quantity of
fluid is able to leak past the valve body. In one form of the
present disclosure, the closure stop may take the form of a stop
that prevents the valve body from fully seating against the
associated valve seat. In alternative forms of the present
disclosure, the closure stop may take the form of a secondary
valve, such as poppet valve, flapper valve or plunger that opens to
allow leakage past the valve body in its closed position. In forms
of the present disclosure utilizing a secondary valve, the
secondary valve may selectively seat with a valve seat formed in
the primary valve body of the overfill prevention valve.
Alternatively, the secondary valve may selectively seat with a
valve seat spaced from the primary valve.
[0011] In certain alternative embodiments, the non-contact valve
actuator may be operable to actuate the closure stop from the leak
position to the non-leak position without physically penetrating
the conduit wall, the non-contact valve actuator of this form of
the disclosure having a third position in which the non-contact
valve actuator actuates the closure stop from the leak position to
the non-leak position, the non-contact valve actuator of this form
of the present disclosure not actuating the closure stop from the
leak position to the non-leak position in the first position and
the second position.
[0012] In certain forms of the present disclosure, the closure stop
may be formed by a second valve body, with the overfill prevention
valve further including a force applicator applying a force to the
second valve body to urge the second valve body into a second valve
body open position corresponding to the leak position. In
alternative forms of the present disclosure, the force applicator
may be formed by a pair of magnets, one of the pair of magnets
fixed relative to the second valve body, with the second valve body
movable relative to the other pair of magnets, the pair of magnets
operable to urge the second valve body to maintain the valve body
open position. In alternative forms of the present disclosure, an
actuator may be movably connected to the overfill prevention valve,
the actuator movable in response to a movement of the non-contact
valve actuator from the first position to the second position, the
actuator movable to move the pair of magnets relative to each other
so that they are no longer operable to urge the second valve to
maintain the valve body open position. In certain forms of the
present disclosure, the second valve body may comprise a flapper
valve and the primary valve body may comprise a valve port and a
valve seat, the second valve body operable to selectively seat on
the valve seat.
[0013] In embodiments of the present disclosure in which the
closure stop is formed by a second valve body, the overfill
prevention valve may include an actuator operable to actuate the
second valve body between an open position corresponding to the
leak position in a closed position corresponding to the non-leak
position.
[0014] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, the
non-contact valve actuator may comprise a float having a specific
gravity less than about 0.7 so that the float is buoyant on a
surface of a quantity of motor fuel, which typically has a specific
gravity in the range of 0.72 to 0.89. In alternative embodiments of
the present disclosure, a splash shield may be connected to the
conduit to shield the non-contact valve actuator from splashes of
liquid experienced external to the conduit. In certain forms of the
present disclosure, with the primary valve body in the closed
position and the closure stop (which may be in the form of a
secondary valve body) in the closed position, fluid may pass
through the overfill prevention valve at a drain flow rate of about
2% or less of the maximum flow rate allowed to pass the primary
valve in its open position. In exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, the conduit will be sized so that the fluid path
through the conduit allows a flow rate of 400 gallons per minute
when the primary valve body maintains the open position.
[0015] In certain forms of the present disclosure, the non-contact
valve actuator may include an actuator magnet producing a magnetic
field acting to urge the valve body from the open position toward
the closed position when the non-contact valve actuator is
positioned in the second position. In alternative forms of the
present disclosure, a valve body magnet may be associated with the
valve body so that the magnetic field produced by the actuator
magnet acts on the valve body magnet to urge the valve body from
the open position toward the closed position. Alternative forms of
the present disclosure contemplate a magnetic repulsion between the
non-contact valve actuator and the valve body to urge the valve
body from the open position toward the closed position. Further
alternative forms of the present disclosure contemplate a magnetic
attraction between the non-contact valve actuator and the valve
body to urge the valve body from the open position toward the
closed position.
[0016] Certain exemplifications of the present disclosure may
utilize an actuator associated with the valve body. These
embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed such that
the non-contact valve actuator actuates the actuator, which, in
turn, actuates the primary valve body. The actuator associated with
the valve body may be exemplified as a contact valve actuator
positioned interior of the conduit wall, with the conduit wall
interposed between the contact valve actuator and the non-contact
valve actuator, the contact valve actuator movable relative to the
conduit wall interior surface and positioned so that actuation of
the contact valve actuator causes movement of the valve body from
the open position toward the closed position, the contact valve
actuator magnetically linked to the non-contact valve actuator, so
that movement of the non-contact valve actuator from the first
position to the second position actuates the contact valve actuator
so that the contact valve actuator actuates the valve body from the
open position toward the closed position. In certain forms of the
present disclosure, the contact valve actuator is rotatably
supported relative to the conduit wall interior surface so that
movement of the non-contact valve actuator from the first position
to the second position rotates the contact valve actuator so that
the contact valve actuator actuates the valve body from the open
position toward the closed position. In alternative forms of the
present disclosure, a second actuator may additionally be utilized.
The second actuator is movable in response to a movement of the
non-contact valve actuator from the first position to the second
position, so that movement of the non-contact valve actuator causes
movement of the second actuator. In certain forms of the present
disclosure, the second actuator comprises a ramp and a pivotable
bracket, the pivotable bracket interposed between the ramp and the
valve body and movable by the ramp in response to movement of the
non-contact valve actuator so that the second actuator moves the
valve body. In certain embodiments, the second actuator may also
include a roller that contacts the valve body during actuation.
[0017] Forms of the present disclosure utilizing an actuator
associated with the valve body may use an actuator including a ramp
contacting the valve body during movement of the non-contact valve
actuator, whereby the ramp actuates the valve body in a direction
from the open position toward the closed position during the
movement of the non-contact valve actuator. In addition to a ramp,
the actuator may further include a movable latch having a latching
position in which the movable latch latches the valve body in the
open position when the non-contact valve actuator maintains the
first position, the movable latch moved from the latching position
when the non-contact valve actuator moves from the first position
to the second position. In certain forms of the present disclosure,
the movable latch may be interposed between the ramp and the valve
body and moved by the ramp during the movement of the non-contact
valve actuator away from the latching position so that the latch no
longer latches the valve body in the closed position. The movable
latch may further include a foot moved by the ramp during the
movement of the non-contact valve actuator to move the valve body
from the open position toward the closed position.
[0018] Either one of or both of the first and second actuators
referenced above may be magnetically linked to the non-contact
valve actuator. For example, the non-contact valve actuator may
include a first component of a magnetic shaft coupling and the
contact valve actuator may include a second component of a magnetic
shaft coupling, with the first component of the magnetic shaft
coupling magnetically linked to the second component of the
magnetic shaft coupling so that rotation of the first component of
the magnetic shaft coupling about an axis causes rotation of the
second component of the magnetic shaft coupling. In alternative
forms of the present disclosure, the actuator may include a lever
arm, with the overfill prevention valve further including a link
linking the non-contact valve actuator to the lever arm so that the
lever arm provides a mechanical advantage for movement of the
actuator by the non-contact valve actuator.
[0019] Valve bodies of the present disclosure may take the form of
valve bodies that are rotatably connected to the conduit and
rotatable between the open position and the closed position, e.g.,
butterfly valves or flapper valves.
[0020] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, a deflector
may be provided upstream of the valve body, with the deflector
sized and positioned to prevent a quantity of fluid flowing through
the conduit from contacting the valve body when the valve body
maintains the closed position.
[0021] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, the
non-contact valve actuator may comprise a first float moveable from
the first position to the second position, the first float operable
to actuate the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position when the first float achieves the second position, the
non-contact valve actuator further comprising a second float
moveable relative to the first float from a rest position to the
third position, the second float operable to actuate the closure
stop from the leak position to the non-leak position when the
second float achieves the third position. In embodiments of the
present disclosure, the float (or floats) carries an actuator
magnet that produces a magnetic field acting to urge the valve body
from the open position toward the closed position when the float is
positioned in the second position.
[0022] In certain forms of the present disclosure, the non-contact
valve actuator may include a closure stop actuator magnet producing
a magnetic field acting to urge the closure stop from the leak
position to the non-leak position when the non-contact valve
actuator is positioned in the third position. In alternative forms
of the present disclosure, a closure stop magnet may be associated
with the closure stop so that the magnetic field produced by the
closure stop actuator magnet acts on the closure stop magnet to
urge the closure stop from the leak position to the non-leak
position. Alternative forms of the present disclosure contemplate a
magnetic repulsion between the non-contact valve actuator and the
closure stop to urge the closure stop from the leak position to the
non-leak position. Further alternative forms of the present
disclosure contemplate a magnetic attraction between the
non-contact valve actuator and the closure stop to urge the closure
stop from the leak position to the non-leak position.
[0023] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the
closure stop may comprise a stop cam rotatably connected to the
conduit wall, the stop cam supporting the valve body above its
valve seat in the leak position, the stop cam allowing the valve
body to fully engage its associated valve seat when the closure
stop maintains the non-leak position.
[0024] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, the valve
body may include a poppet valve, a poppet valve port, a poppet
valve seat and a spring biasing the poppet valve into engagement
with the poppet valve seat to close the poppet valve port, so that
with the valve body in the closed position and the closure stop in
the leak position, the closure stop actuates the poppet valve
against a biasing force of the spring to space the poppet valve
from the poppet valve seat and place the poppet valve port in fluid
communication with the fluid path.
[0025] Any exemplification the overfill prevention valve of the
present disclosure may be utilized in combination with a fuel
storage tank and a drop tube extending into the fuel storage tank,
the overfill prevention valve forming a part of the drop tube, the
drop tube in fluid communication with the fuel storage tank so that
fluid passing through the drop tube fills the fuel storage tank.
Similarly, any drop tube adapter of the present disclosure may be
utilized in combination with a fuel storage tank and a drop tube
extending into the fuel storage tank, the drop tube adapter forming
a part of the drop tube, the drop tube in fluid communication with
the fuel storage tank so that fluid passing through the drop tube
fills the fuel storage tank.
[0026] Any exemplification of the present disclosure may include a
pressure spike relief valve including a pressure spike relief valve
body movable between a closed position and an open position and
biased by a biasing force into the closed position, the pressure
spike relief valve body movable from the closed position to the
open position when a sufficient pressure in the conduit counteracts
the biasing force to actuate the pressure spike relief valve body
from the closed position to the open position so that a flow of
liquid can flow past the pressure spike relief valve body as long
as the pressure in the conduit is sufficient to overcome the
biasing force. In certain forms of the present disclosure, a spring
may provide the biasing force to bias the pressure spike relief
valve body into the closed position. In certain forms of the
present disclosure, the pressure spike relief valve may include a
valve seat surrounding an opening through the primary valve body in
the conduit.
[0027] In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides an
overfill prevention valve including a conduit having a first end
and a second end, a conduit wall spanning the first end of the
conduit and the second end of the conduit, the conduit wall
defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, the conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through the conduit from the first end of the conduit to
the second end of the conduit; a valve body moveably positioned in
the fluid path of the conduit, the valve body moveable from an open
position to a closed position; and a valve actuator means for
actuating the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position while the valve actuator means is positioned outside of
the fluid path of the conduit and without physically penetrating
the wall. In alternative forms of the present disclosure, the valve
actuator means may comprise a means for generating a magnet field
for actuating the valve body from the open position toward the
closed position. Further, the valve actuator means may comprise a
float having a specific gravity of less than 0.7 so that the float
is buoyant on a surface of a quantity of motor fuel, which
typically has a specific gravity in the range of 0.72 to 0.89. In
alternative forms of the present disclosure, the overfill
prevention valve may further include leak means for selectively
allowing a quantity of fluid to leak past the valve body when the
valve body is in the closed position and a leak actuator means for
actuating the leak means from a leak position in which the leak
means allows the quantity of fluid to leak past the valve body to a
non-leak position in which the leak means does not allow the
quantity of fluid to leak past the valve body. Any of the drop tube
segments of the present disclosure may include a conduit that may
be sized so that the fluid path through the conduit allows a flow
rate of 400 gallons per minute when the valve body maintains the
open position. The overfill prevention valve may form a part of a
drop tube extending into a fuel storage tank to allow fluid passing
through the drop tube to fill the fuel storage tank.
[0028] In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides
an overfill prevention valve including a conduit having a first end
and a second end, a conduit wall spanning the first end of the
conduit and the second end of the conduit, the conduit wall
defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, the conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through the conduit from the first end of the conduit to
the second end of the conduit; a valve body moveably positioned in
the fluid path of the conduit, the valve body moveable from an open
position to a closed position; and a magnetic valve actuator
moveable relative to the valve body and positioned outside of the
conduit, the conduit wall interposed between the magnetic valve
actuator and the fluid path, the magnetic valve actuator operable
to actuate the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position without physically penetrating the wall, the magnetic
valve actuator having a first position in which the magnetic valve
actuator does not actuate the valve body from the open position
toward the closed position and a second position in which the
magnetic valve actuator actuates the valve body from the open
position toward the closed position.
[0029] In a further form thereof, the present disclosure provides
an overfill prevention valve including a conduit having a first end
and a second end, a conduit wall spanning the first end of the
conduit and the second end of the conduit, the conduit wall
defining a conduit wall interior surface and a conduit wall
exterior surface, the conduit wall interior surface defining a
fluid path through the conduit from the first end of the conduit to
the second end of the conduit; a valve body movably positioned in
the fluid path of the conduit, the valve body movable from an open
position to a closed position, the valve body rotatably movable
between the open position and the closed position; and a contact
valve actuator movably supported by the conduit wall, the contact
valve actuator movable relative to the conduit wall interior
surface and positioned so that movement of the contact valve
actuator causes the contact valve actuator to actuate the valve
body from the open position toward the closed position and into a
position in which a flow of fluid through the conduit can act on
the valve body and further cause movement of the valve body from
the open position toward the closed position, the contact valve
actuator movable independent from the valve body. In certain
alternative embodiments, the contact valve actuator may be spaced a
first distance from the valve body when the valve body maintains
the open position, and the contact valve actuator may be spaced a
second distance from the valve body when the valve body maintains
the closed position, the second distance greater than the first
distance. In certain embodiments thereof, the contact valve
actuator may be rotatably supported relative to the conduit wall
interior surface so that rotation of the contact valve actuator
causes movement of the valve body from the open position toward the
closed position and into the position in which the flow of fluid
through the conduit can act on the valve body and further cause
movement of the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position. In alternative embodiments thereof, a non-contact valve
actuator may be positioned outside of the conduit, the conduit wall
interposed between the non-contact valve actuator and the fluid
path, the non-contact valve actuator operable to actuate the
contact valve actuator without physically penetrating the conduit
wall. In certain embodiments thereof, the non-contact valve
actuator may be magnetically linked to the contact valve actuator
through the conduit wall, the non-contact valve actuator may
include a first component of a magnetic shaft coupling while the
contact valve actuator includes a second component of the magnetic
shaft coupling, the first component of the magnetic shaft coupling
magnetically linked to the second component of the magnetic shaft
coupling so that rotation of the first component of the magnetic
shaft coupling about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of
the fluid path through the conduit causes rotation of the second
component of the magnetic shaft coupling.
[0030] In alternative forms of the present disclosure, a second
contact actuator may be used in conjunction with the contact valve
actuator described above. In such embodiments, the second contact
actuator may be movably supported relative to the conduit wall, the
second contact valve actuator movable relative to the conduit wall
interior surface and positioned so that movement of the second
contact valve actuator causes the second contact valve actuator to
actuate the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position and into the position of which the flow of fluid through
the conduit can act on the valve body and further cause movement of
said valve body from said open position toward said closed
position, such that the second contact valve actuator is capable of
actuating the valve body further toward said closed position than
the first contact valve actuator. In certain forms of the present
disclosure, the second contact valve actuator may be movable
independent from the valve body. The second contact may, in certain
embodiments of the present disclosure, also be spaced a first
distance from the valve body when the valve body maintains the open
position and spaced a second distance from the valve body when the
valve body maintains the closed position, with the second distance
being greater than the first distance.
[0031] In certain forms of the present disclosure, a cam may be
movably supported relative to the conduit wall and include a ramp
operably associated with the contact valve actuator so that
movement of the cam causes the ramp to move the contact valve
actuator to actuate the valve body from the open position toward
the closed position and into the position in which the flow of
fluid through the conduit can act on the valve body and further
cause movement of the valve body from the open position toward the
closed position. If the cam is utilized in an embodiment
incorporating a second contact actuator, the cam further includes a
second ramp operably associated with the second contact valve
actuator so that a movement of the cam causes the second ramp to
move the second contact valve actuator to actuate the valve body
from the open position toward the closed position and into the
position in which the flow of fluid through the conduit can act on
the valve body and further cause movement of the valve body from
the open position toward the closed position. In alternative forms
of the present disclosure, a second valve body may be positioned in
the fluid path of the conduit, the second valve body movable from a
second valve body open position to a second valve body closed
position. In forms of the present disclosure utilizing a second
valve body, the cam may further include a nubbin positioned so that
a movement of the cam causes the nubbin to move the second valve
body from the second valve body open position toward the second
valve body closed position. The second valve body may seat on a
valve seat spaced from the primary valve body.
[0032] In certain forms of the present disclosure, the contact
valve actuator may comprise a movable latch having a latching
position in which the movable latch latches the valve body in the
closed position, the movable latch movable from the latching
position as the contact valve actuator moves to cause the contact
valve actuator to actuate the valve body from the open position
toward the closed position.
[0033] In yet a further form thereof, the present disclosure
provides a method of joining drop tube segments to provide fluid
communication with a fuel storage tank. The method of this form of
the present disclosure includes the steps of: positioning a drop
tube adapter in generally coaxial, overlapping relationship with a
first drop tube segment, the first drop tube segment including a
first conduit having a first conduit first end and a first conduit
second end, a first conduit wall spanning the first conduit first
end and the first conduit second end, the first conduit wall
defining a first conduit wall interior surface defining a first
conduit fluid path through the first conduit from the first conduit
first end to the first conduit second end, the drop tube adapter
defining an annular groove, the annular groove overlapped by the
first conduit wall of the first conduit by the positioning step,
the drop tube adapter having a drop tube adapter first end, a drop
tube adapter second end, a drop tube adapter wall spanning the drop
tube adapter first end and the drop tube adapter second end, the
drop tube adapter wall defining a drop tube adapter wall interior
surface defining a drop tube adapter fluid path through the drop
tube adapter from the drop tube adapter first end to the drop tube
adapter second end, the drop tube adapter wall defining a drop tube
adapter wall exterior surface; deforming the first conduit wall of
the drop tube segment about the annular groove of the drop tube
adapter to position the first conduit wall in the annular groove of
the drop tube adapter to fasten the drop tube adapter to the first
drop tube segment, with the first conduit fluid path in fluid
communication with the drop tube adapter fluid path; and
positioning the drop tube adapter and first drop tube segment in
fluid communication with the fuel storage tank. In alternative
embodiments thereof, the method may further include the steps of:
fastening a second drop tube segment comprising a second conduit
having a second conduit first end and a second conduit second end,
a second conduit wall spanning the second conduit first end and the
second conduit second end, the second conduit wall defining a
second conduit wall interior surface defining a second conduit
fluid path through the second conduit from the second conduit first
end to the second conduit second end to an end of the drop tube
adapter opposite the first drop tube segment so that the drop tube
adapter fluid path is in fluid communication with the second
conduit fluid path. In alternative embodiments, the annular groove
of the drop tube adapter may be formed in the drop tube adapter
wall exterior surface and/or in the drop tube adapter interior
surface. Further, two or more grooves may be utilized in each
fastening step. Additionally, fastening at an opposite end of the
drop tube adapter may be done utilizing threads.
[0034] A drop tube adapter in accordance with the present
disclosure may further include a through bore through the drop tube
adapter wall. In such forms of the present disclosure, the method
of joining drop tube segments may further include the step of
positioning a fastener through the first conduit wall and the
through bore of the drop tube adapter to further fasten drop tube
adapter to the first drop tube insert. Prior to the deforming step
described above, an O-ring may be positioned in the annular groove
in the drop tube adapter so that the deforming step forms an
annular seal with the O-ring. The drop tube adapter described
herein may be formed as any of the overfill prevention valves
described herein.
[0035] In an additional form thereof, the present disclosure
provides a fluid conduit for providing fluid communication with a
fuel storage tank. The fluid conduit of this form in the present
disclosure includes a first drop tube segment including a first
conduit having a first conduit first end and a first conduit second
end, a first conduit wall spanning the first conduit first end and
the first conduit second end, the first conduit wall defining a
first conduit wall interior surface defining a fluid conduit fluid
path through the first conduit from the first conduit first end and
the first conduit second end and a drop tube adapter having a drop
tube adapter first end, a drop tube adapter second end, a drop tube
adapter wall spanning the drop tube adapter first end and the drop
tube adapter second end, the drop tube adapter wall defining a drop
tube adapter wall interior surface defining a drop tube adapter
fluid path through the drop tube adapter from the drop tube adapter
first end to the drop tube adapter second end, the drop tube
adapter wall defining a drop tube adapter wall exterior surface,
the drop tube adapter having an annular groove defined in the drop
tube adapter wall, the drop tube adapter positioned in generally
coaxial, overlapping relationship with the first drop tube segment,
with the first conduit wall overlapping the annular groove and the
first conduit wall of the drop tube segment deformed about the
annular groove of the drop tube adapter to position the first
conduit wall in the annular groove of the drop tube adapter to
fasten the drop tube adapter to the first drop tube segment, with
the first conduit fluid path in fluid communication with the drop
tube adapter fluid path and with the first conduit fluid path and
the drop tube adapter fluid path in fluid communication with the
fuel storage tank. In alternative embodiments thereof, the fluid
conduit may further include a second drop tube segment including a
second conduit having a second conduit first end and a second
conduit second end, a second conduit wall spanning the second
conduit first end and the second conduit second end, the second
conduit wall defining a second conduit interior surface defining a
second conduit fluid path through the second conduit from the
second conduit first end and the second conduit second end, the
drop tube adapter further including a fastener proximate to the
drop tube adapter first end the second drop tube segment having a
cooperative fastener secured to the fastener of the drop tube
adapter so that the drop tube adapter fluid path is in fluid
communication with the second conduit fluid path and the first
conduit fluid path is in fluid communication with the second
conduit fluid path through the drop tube adapter fluid path so that
a fluid can pass through the first conduit fluid path, the drop
tube adapter fluid path and the second conduit fluid path to reach
the storage tank. In certain embodiments, the fastener of the drop
tube adapter and the cooperative fastener of the second drop tube
segment may comprise compatible threads. In alternative
embodiments, the annular groove of the drop tube adapter may be
formed in the drop tube adapter wall exterior surface and/or in the
drop tube adapter interior surface. Further, two or more grooves
may be utilized to secure the drop tube adapter to a single drop
tube segment.
[0036] A drop tube adapter in accordance with the present
disclosure may further include a through bore through the drop tube
adapter wall, the fluid conduit further comprising a fastener
positioned through the first conduit wall and the through bore of
the drop tube adapter to further fasten the drop tube adapter to
the first drop tube segment. In alternative embodiments, an O-ring
may be positioned in the annular groove in the drop tube adapter,
with the first conduit wall deformed about the annular grooves such
that the first conduit wall forms an annular seal with the
O-ring.
[0037] The fluid path of any of the conduits, including the drop
tube adapter described above may be sized to allow a flow rate of
400 gallons per minute through the conduit.
[0038] The drop tube adapter described above may comprise any of
the overfill prevention valves disclosed herein.
[0039] Any of the various embodiments of the features of the
present disclosure, including the primary valve body, closure stop
(in the form of a secondary valve body or a stop that prohibits the
primary valve body from achieving its closed position), non-contact
valve actuator, drop tube adapter and valve actuators may be
combined to form a drop tube segment useable with a fuel storage
tank in accordance with the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The above-mentioned and other features of the disclosure,
and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and
will be better understood by reference to the following description
of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a representation of a fueling station showing a
tanker truck filling an underground storage tank;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drop tube segment in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drop tube segment of FIG.
2;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment of
FIG. 2;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment of
FIG. 2 illustrating actuation of the valve body from an open
position toward a closed position;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment of
FIG. 2 illustrating the valve body in a closed position and the
closure stop in a leak position;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment of
FIG. 2 illustrating movement of the closure stop from the leak
position to the non-leak position;
[0048] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment drop
tube segment utilizing a magnetic attraction to actuate the valve
body from an open position to a closed position;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment drop tube segment utilizing a flapper valve;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 9 illustrating actuation of the flapper valve from an open
position toward a closed position;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 9 illustrating the valve body in the closed position and
the closure stop in the leak position;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 9 illustrating the valve body in the closed position and
the closure stop in the non-leak position;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a partial sectional top plan view of the drop
tube segment of FIG. 9;
[0054] FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of a further
alternative embodiment drop tube segment;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 14;
[0056] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 14 illustrating actuation of the valve body from the open
position toward the closed position;
[0057] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube segment
of FIG. 14 illustrating the valve body in the closed position and
the closure stop in a leak position;
[0058] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the drop tube
segment of FIG. 14 with the valve body in the closed position and
the closure stop in the non-leak position;
[0059] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment drop
tube segment of the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 19a is a radial elevational view of the drop tube
segment illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0061] FIG. 20 is a sectional view thereof taken along line A-A of
FIG. 19;
[0062] FIGS. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 are all partial, radial
elevational views of the drop tube illustrated in FIG. 19,
illustrating various stages of actuation of the associated valve
structure;
[0063] FIGS. 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 are all sectional views of
the drop tube segment illustrated in FIG. 19, taken along line A-A
of FIG. 19, illustrating various stages of actuation of the
associated valve structure;
[0064] FIG. 32a is a radial elevational view of an alternative
embodiment drop tube segment of the present disclosure;
[0065] FIGS. 33, 34a, 36, 37a, and 38a are all sectional views of
the drop tube segment illustrated in FIG. 32a, taken along line D-D
of FIG. 32a;
[0066] FIGS. 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 are all sectional
views taken along the plane of the page of FIG. 32a;
[0067] FIG. 43 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment drop
tube segment of the present disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 43a is a radial elevational view of the drop tube
segment illustrated in FIG. 43;
[0069] FIGS. 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 are all sectional views
of the drop tube segment illustrated in FIG. 43, taken along line
A-A of FIG. 43, illustrating various stages of actuation of the
associated valve structure;
[0070] FIG. 47a is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of FIG.
47;
[0071] FIG. 48a is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of FIG.
48;
[0072] FIG. 49a is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of FIG.
49;
[0073] FIG. 51 is an elevational view of a valve actuator of the
present disclosure;
[0074] FIG. 52 is a plan view of the actuator of FIG. 51;
[0075] FIG. 53 is an alternative elevational view of the actuator
of FIG. 51;
[0076] FIGS. 54-56 are perspective views of elements of the
actuator of FIGS. 51-53;
[0077] FIG. 57 is a radial elevational view of a drop tube and drop
tube adapter of the present disclosure;
[0078] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube and the
drop tube adapter illustrated FIG. 57;
[0079] FIG. 59A is a perspective view of the drop tube adapter and
drop tube illustrated in FIGS. 57 and 58;
[0080] FIG. 59B is a perspective view of the drop tube adapter and
drop tube illustrated in FIGS. 57-59A together with a tool for roll
deforming an annular groove in the drop tube;
[0081] FIG. 59C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
drop tube adapter joined with a drop tube segment;
[0082] FIG. 59D is a radial elevational view of the drop tube
adapter and drop tube segment of FIG. 59C;
[0083] FIG. 59E is a partial cross-sectional view of the drop tube
adapter and drop tube segment of FIGS. 59C and 59D together with a
tool for roll deforming an annular groove in the drop tube;
[0084] FIG. 60 is a partial radial elevational view of an
alternative embodiment drop tube segment of the present
disclosure;
[0085] FIG. 61 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIG. 60, taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 60;
[0086] FIG. 62 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIGS. 60 and 61, taken along line 62-62 of FIG.
61;
[0087] FIG. 63 is a partial radial elevational view of the drop
tube segment illustrated in FIG. 60, showing movement of the
non-contact valve actuator from the position illustrated in FIG.
60;
[0088] FIG. 64 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIG. 63, taken along line 64-64 of FIG. 63,
illustrating actuation of the flapper valve from an open position
toward a closed position corresponding to the actuated position of
the non-contact valve actuator shown in FIG. 63;
[0089] FIG. 65 is a partial radial elevational view of the drop
tube segment illustrated in FIG. 60, showing movement of the
non-contact valve actuator from the position illustrated in FIG.
63;
[0090] FIG. 66 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIG. 65, taken along line 66-66 of FIG. 65,
illustrating actuation of the flapper valve from an open position
toward a closed position, corresponding to the actuated position of
the non-contact valve actuator shown in FIG. 65;
[0091] FIGS. 67 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIG. 60, taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 60 and
illustrating the valve body in the closed position and the closure
stop in the leak position;
[0092] FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the drop tube segment
illustrated in FIG. 60, taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 60 and
illustrating the valve body in the closed position and the closure
stop in the non-leak position;
[0093] FIG. 69 is a partial sectional view of a pressure spike
relief valve of the present disclosure;
[0094] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the inner magnetic coupler
and closure stop and certain associated structure;
[0095] FIG. 70a is an exploded, perspective view of the pivoting
bracket the bracket support of the present disclosure; and
[0096] FIGS. 71 and 72 are radial elevational views of the
structures illustrated in FIG. 70 illustrated prior to actuation
and after full actuation, respectively.
[0097] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0098] FIG. 4 illustrates drop tube segment 20 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Drop tube
segment 20 includes conduit 22 spanning first end 24 and second end
26 of conduit 22. Conduit wall 28 defines conduit wall interior
surface 32 which defines a fluid path through conduit 22 from first
end 24 to second end 26. Valve body 34 is moveably positioned in
the fluid path of conduit 22 and moveable from the open position
illustrated in FIG. 4 to a closed position such as the one
illustrated in FIG. 6. Non-contact valve actuator 36 is moveable
relative to valve body 34 and positioned outside of conduit 22,
with conduit wall 28 interposed between non-contact valve actuator
36 and the fluid path defined by conduit wall interior surface 32.
Non-contact valve actuator 36 is operable to actuate valve body 34
from the open position illustrated in FIG. 4 to a closed position
such as the one illustrated in FIG. 6 without physically
penetrating conduit wall 28. Operation of non-contact valve
actuator 36 will be further described herein below.
[0099] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary utilization of drop tube
segment 20 in the context of a fueling station. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, a fueling station may include underground storage tank 94
having riser pipe 100 extending upwardly therefrom and drop tube 98
extending through riser pipe 100 and into the storage space of
underground storage tank 94. Tanker truck 102 can be fluidly
connected to underground storage tank 94 by fill hose 104 so that
the contents of tanker truck 102 can be deposited in underground
storage tank 94. Drop tube segment 20 of the present disclosure can
be utilized as described in detail below to limit the amount of
fuel deposited by tanker truck 102 into underground storage tank
94. The contents of underground storage tank 94 can then be
accessed by fuel dispenser 106 for dispensing to end users in,
e.g., passenger vehicles and the like.
[0100] The remainder of this detailed description will describe use
of the overfill prevention valve of the present disclosure with
respect to a fueling station; however, use of the drop tube
segments of the present disclosure are not limited to fueling
station installations. The overfill prevention valve of the present
disclosure is generally useable in connection with any fluid
reservoir into which a drop tube extends.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, valve body 34 is illustrated in a
closed position in which a small amount of flow can pass valve body
34. When valve body 34 maintains the open position illustrated in
FIG. 4, conduit 22 is sufficiently open to allow passage of fuel at
a normal fill rate. For applications in standard configurations
this fill rate is generally in the range of 300-500 gallons per
minute (gpm). In certain embodiments, the maximum rated flow past
valve body 34 in its open position is 400-450 gpm. In alternative
configurations, the flow rate will be about 370 gpm. In
applications with remote filling capability, the standard flow rate
may be as low as 25 gpm. These flow rates are applicable to all of
the embodiments described in this document. With valve body 34 in
the open position as illustrated in FIG. 4, the maximum fill rate
is accommodated by conduit 22. In the closed position illustrated
in FIG. 6, the maximum fill rate is not allowed and, if filling at
such a rate were to continue, the portion of drop tube 98 upstream
of valve body 34 would fill with a column of fluid. The actuation
mechanism which causes valve body 34 to move from the open position
illustrated in FIG. 4 to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 6
(which will be described in more detail hereinbelow) causes rapid
closing of valve body 34, causing the fluid column upstream of
valve body 34 to produce a line shock which will cause fill hose
104 to jump, which is typically referred to as "hose kick" in the
fueling industry. Hose kick alerts the driver to close the delivery
valve on the delivery truck and discontinue filling the fuel
tank.
[0102] With valve body 34 closed as illustrated in FIG. 6, but with
closure stop 50 preventing full seating of valve body 34 against
its valve seat, the column of fuel upstream of valve body 34 in
drop tube 98 will slowly leak past valve body 34, allowing fill
hose 104 to drain so that it can be properly disconnected from the
fill port connected to underground storage tank 94. Valve body 34
is said to be in a "closed" position when it disallows passage of
fluid at the maximum fill rate associated with underground storage
tank 94. In such a position, a small amount of flow past valve body
34 may be allowed as described above. In embodiments of the present
disclosure, the "leak" flow rate will be about 10% (or less) of the
maximum rated flow discussed above. For example, a valve having
maximum rated flow of 400 gpm will have a leak flow rate of 40 gpm
or less. Any time this document refers to a leak flow rate or a
leak condition, such reference is to a flow rate of about 10% or
less of the maximum rated flow of the conduit. Even with the "leak"
flow eliminated, as described herein with respect to the various
embodiments, a "drain" rate of about 2% or less of the maximum flow
rate may be allowed to pass the valve bodies of certain embodiments
of the present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, the "drain"
rate may be about 0.66 GPM or less. Similarly, any time a "drain"
flow rate is mentioned in this document, it signifies a flow rate
of about 2% or less of the maximum flow rate. In alternative
embodiments of the present disclosure, each and every embodiment
disclosed herein may incorporate a drain flow rate, although such
incorporation is not necessary with respect to all embodiment
disclosed herein.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the functional details of an
exemplary overflow prevention valve in accordance with the present
disclosure will now be described. Referring to FIG. 4, valve body
34 is pivotally connected relative to drop tube segment 20. In an
exemplary embodiment, valve body 34 may be pivotally connected by a
rod connected to conduit wall interior surface 32 and spanning
conduit 22 of drop tube segment 20. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 2-7, valve body 34 comprises a butterfly valve having
valve halves 108, 110 pivotally connected relative to drop tube
segment 20. Valve halves 108, 110 can be biased into the open
position illustrated in FIG. 4, e.g., by a torsion spring. Arm 112
extends from valve half 108 and carries valve body magnet 44. With
underground storage tank 94 filled to less than its capacity,
tanker truck 102 can be utilized to provide additional motor fuel
to underground storage tank 94. As underground storage tank 94
nears capacity, non-contact valve actuator 36 will actuate valve
body 34 from the open position illustrated in FIG. 4 toward the
closed position illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0104] Drop tube segment 20 includes non-contact valve actuator 36
positioned about conduit wall exterior surface 30, with conduit
wall 28 interposed between and physically separating non-contact
valve actuator 36 from valve body 34. As will be described
hereinbelow, non-contact valve actuator 36 is capable of actuating
valve body 34 from the open position illustrated in FIG. 4 to a
closed position such as the one illustrated in FIG. 6 without
physically penetrating conduit wall 28. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, non-contact valve actuator 36 comprises a
hollow cylinder sized to fit about and surround conduit wall
exterior surface 30. Non-contact valve actuator 36 rests against
stop 114 when the upper level of the fuel filling underground
storage tank 94 is positioned below non-contact valve actuator 36.
Upward travel of non-contact valve actuator 36 may similarly be
limited by, e.g., stop 116 (FIG. 2). Stop 116 may also key
non-contact valve actuator 36 to conduit wall exterior surface 30
to prohibit relative rotation between non-contact valve actuator 36
and conduit wall exterior surface 30.
[0105] Non-contact valve actuator 36 comprises a float having
buoyancy characteristics such that it is buoyant on a surface of
motor fuel. In one exemplary embodiment, float 36 has a specific
gravity less than 0.7 so that it is buoyant on a surface of a
quantity of motor fuel. As the liquid level in underground storage
tank 94 rises, the top surface of fuel contained in underground
storage tank 94 will encounter float 36. In one exemplary
embodiment, when underground storage tank 94 achieves a liquid
level corresponding to underground storage tank 94 being about 90%
full, float 36 will travel upwardly until valve actuator magnet 42
is aligned with valve body magnet 44. Alternative configurations of
the present disclosure will include valve actuators that actuate
the primary valve at about 90%. This position of float 36 is
illustrated in FIG. 5, which also illustrates valve body magnet 44
moving from the at rest position illustrated in FIG. 4 to an
actuated position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this exemplary
embodiment, valve actuator magnet 42 repels valve body magnet 44 to
actuate valve body 34 from the open position illustrated in FIG. 4
toward the closed position illustrated in FIG. 6. In the open
position illustrated in FIG. 4, valve body 34 is shielded from
contact by fluid passing through conduit 22 by deflector 48. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, deflector 48 covers valve halves 108, 110
and arm 112 when valve body 34 maintains the open position
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0106] As float 36 rises and brings valve actuator magnet 42 into
alignment with valve body magnet 44, valve body magnet 44 causes
valve half 108 to rotate from the open position illustrated in FIG.
4 to an intermediate position as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this
position, flow F of fluid passing through conduit 22 can contact
the upper surface of valve half 108. A portion of this flow is
deflected from the upper surface of valve half 108 onto the upper
surface of valve half 110. Flow F in the valve position illustrated
in FIG. 5 causes valve halves 108 to move against the biasing force
of the torsion spring acting to bias valve halves 108, 110 into the
open position illustrated in FIG. 4, until valve halves 108, 110
achieve the closed position illustrated in FIG. 6. As described
above, when valve body 34 maintains the closed position illustrated
in FIG. 6, the maximum fill rate associated with underground
storage tank 94 can no longer pass valve body 34. Further, the
column of fluid maintained in the portion of drop tube 98 upstream
from valve body 34 maintains valve body 34 in the closed position
illustrated in FIG. 6. If filling is halted, the column of fluid
upstream of valve body 34 will eventually drain past valve body 34
in the leak position (described in greater detail below) and valve
body 34 will be returned by the biasing force of the torsion spring
to its at rest position, as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 4. As the
volume of fuel contained in underground storage tank 94 continues
to rise, as fluid passes valve body 34 in the leak position
illustrated in FIG. 6, float 36 will continue to rise until closure
stop actuator magnet 38 aligns with closure stop magnet 46, as
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0107] Closure stop 50, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 2-7, comprises a rotatable cam having cam extension 118
extending therefrom. With cam extension 118 positioned as
illustrated in FIG. 6, cam extension 118 prevents valve half 110 of
valve body 34 from fully seating against its associated valve seat.
As closure stop 50 is actuated from its at rest position as
illustrated in FIG. 6, it is moved out of contact with valve half
110 and the weight of the column of fuel positioned upstream of
valve body 34 causes valve half 110 to fully seat against its
associated valve seat, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this position,
valve body 34 is designed to prevent flow through conduit 22. In
one exemplary embodiment, float 36 will rise into the position
causing actuation of closure stop 50 when underground storage tank
94 is 95% full.
[0108] As fuel is drawn out of underground storage tank 94 by fuel
dispenser 106, float 36 will return to a position in which it is no
longer operable to actuate closure stop 50 and fluid will leak past
valve body 34 until the column of fluid upstream of valve body 34
is depleted and valve body 34 returns to the normally biased
position illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0109] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2-7, closure
stop actuator magnet 38 repels closure stop magnet 46 to cause
actuation of closure stop 50. Closure stop 50 may be biased into
the at rest position illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 by, e.g., gravity
and/or a torsion spring. Magnets 38, 42, 44 and 46 may be any form
of ferromagnetic material and/or any other item possessing magnetic
qualities. Generally, "magnet" as used in this document is meant to
denote any item having the ability to repel and/or attract another
item through the use of a magnetic field.
[0110] While the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 uses magnetic
repulsion to actuate valve body 34 and closure stop 50, the present
disclosure also contemplates use of magnetic attraction to actuate
the valve body and closure stop. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an
alternative embodiment valve body 54 comprised of valve halves 120,
122, with arm 112 extending from valve half 122. In this
embodiment, valve actuator magnet 42 and valve body magnet 44a are
configured so that with valve actuator magnet 42 positioned
proximate to valve body magnet 44a similar to the position of the
previous embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, valve actuator magnet 42
will attract valve body magnet 44a and cause actuation of valve
body 54 in a similar manner to that described above with respect to
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-7. In this embodiment,
closure stop 50 is identical to the closure stop associated with
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 and is not described in
detail here, for the sake of brevity. Throughout the description of
the several embodiments, similar numeric and/or alpha numeric
reference signs are used to denote similar parts (e.g., reference
numerals having identical numeric designations, but different
alphabetic designations such as 52, 52a, 52b). Without regard to
whether similar reference signs are used to denote similar parts
across the several embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates
the interchangeable use of different features and/or parts from
multiple embodiments to create a construct within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0111] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate an alternative embodiment overfill
prevention valve in accordance with the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 11, valve body 74 is illustrated in a closed
position, with poppet valve 52 (which will be described in further
detail below) in an open position. In this configuration, a small
amount of flow can pass valve body 74. When valve body 74 maintains
the open position illustrated in FIG. 9, conduit 62 is sufficiently
open to allow passage of fuel at a normal fill rate. As described
above, for applications in standard configurations, this fill rate
is generally in the range of 300 to 500 gpm. In applications with
remote filling capability, the standard flow rate may be as low as
25 gpm. With valve body 74 in the open position illustrated in FIG.
9, the maximum fill rate is accommodated by conduit 62. In the
closed position illustrated in FIG. 11, and with poppet valve 52
open, the maximum fill rate is not allowed and, if filling at such
a rate were to continue, the portion of drop tube 98 upstream of
valve body 74 would fill with a column of fluid. The actuation
mechanism which causes valve body 74 to move from the open position
illustrated in FIG. 9 to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 11
(which will be described in more detail below) causes rapid closing
of valve body 74, causing the fluid column upstream of valve body
34 to produce a line shock causing hose kick as described
above.
[0112] With valve body 74 closed as illustrated in FIG. 11, but
with poppet valve 52 open, the column of fuel upstream of valve
body 74 in drop tube 98 will slowly leak past valve body 74,
allowing fill hose 104 to drain so that it can be properly
disconnected from the fill port connected to underground storage
tank 94. Valve body 74 is said to be in a "closed" position when it
disallows passage of fluid at the maximum fill rate associated with
underground storage tank 94. In this exemplary embodiment, the
closed position is achieved when valve body 74 is fully seated
against its associated valve seat. The closed condition of valve
body 74 may be associated with an open condition of poppet valve 52
or a closed condition of poppet valve 52, the operation of which
will be further described below.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, valve body 74 is pivotally connected
relative to drop tube segment 60. In an exemplary embodiment, valve
body 74 may be pivotally connected by a rod connected to conduit
wall interior surface 72. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
9-14, valve body 74 comprises a flapper valve. Flapper valve 74 can
be biased into the open position illustrated in FIG. 9, e.g., by
torsion spring 128 (FIG. 10). Secured to the body of flapper valve
74 is valve body magnet 44b. With underground storage tank 94
filled to less than its capacity, tanker truck 102 can be utilized
to provide additional motor fuel to underground storage tank 94
(FIG. 1). As underground storage tank 94 nears capacity,
non-contact valve actuator 76 will actuate valve body 74 from the
open position illustrated in FIG. 9 toward the closed position
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0114] Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, drop
tube segment 60 includes non-contact valve actuator 76 positioned
about conduit wall exterior surface 70, with conduit wall 68
interposed between and physically separating non-contact valve
actuator 76 from valve body 74. As described in detail below,
non-contact valve actuator 76 is capable of actuating valve body 74
from the open position illustrated in FIG. 9 to a closed position
such as the one illustrated in FIG. 11, without physically
penetrating conduit wall 68. Similar to non-contact valve actuator
36 described above, non-contact valve actuator 76 comprises a
hollow cylinder sized to fit about and surround conduit wall
exterior surface 70. Non-contact valve actuator 76 rests atop stop
126 when the upper level of the fuel filling underground storage
tank 94 is positioned below non-contact valve actuator 76. Upward
travel of non-contact valve actuator 76 may similarly be limited
by, e.g., stop 124, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0115] Similar to non-contact valve actuator 36, non-contact valve
actuator 76 comprises a float having buoyancy characteristics such
that it is buoyant on a surface of motor fuel. In one exemplary
embodiment, float 36 has a specific gravity less than 0.7 so that
it is buoyant on a surface of a quantity of motor fuel. As the
liquid level in underground storage tank 94 rises, the top surface
of fuel contained in underground storage tank 94 will encounter
float 76. In one exemplary embodiment, when underground storage
tank 94 achieves a liquid level corresponding to underground
storage tank 94 being about 90% full, float 76 will travel upwardly
until valve actuator magnet 42b is aligned with valve body magnet
44b. This position of float 36 is illustrated in FIG. 10, which
also illustrates valve body magnet 44b moving from the at rest
position illustrated in FIG. 9 to an actuated position as
illustrated in FIG. 10. In this exemplary embodiment, valve
actuator magnet 42b repels valve body magnet 44b to actuate valve
body 74 from the open position illustrated in FIG. 9 toward the
closed position illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0116] In the open position illustrated in FIG. 9, valve body 74 is
not susceptible to actuation from the open position illustrated in
FIG. 9 toward the closed position illustrated in FIG. 10 by a flow
of liquid traversing conduit 62. Valve body 74 is at least
partially shielded from contact by fluid passing through conduit 62
by deflector 48b. Deflector 48b comprises a number of vanes
oriented along the longitudinal axis of conduit 64 and further
comprises a plate extending transverse the longitudinal axis of
conduit 62 and positioned upstream of valve body 74 when valve body
74 maintains the open position illustrated in FIG. 9. With valve
body 74 in the open position illustrated in FIG. 9, deflector 48b
shields valve body 74 from a flow of fluid through conduit 62.
Deflector 48b, as well as deflector 48 described above, not only
provide a shield to prevent a quantity of fluid flowing through the
conduit from contacting the valve body, but also create an
impediment to accidentally contacting the valve body with an
implement such as a dipstick, which may be inserted through drop
tube 98 to determine the level of fluid in underground storage tank
94.
[0117] As float 76 rises and brings valve actuator magnet 42b into
alignment with valve body magnet 44b, valve body magnet 44b causes
valve body 74 to rotate from the open position illustrated in FIG.
9 to an intermediate position as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this
position, flow F.sub.1 of fluid passing through conduit 62 can
contact the upper surface of valve body 74. Flow F.sub.1 in the
valve position illustrated in FIG. 10 causes valve body 74 to move
against biasing force of torsion spring 128, which acts to bias
valve body 74 into the open position illustrated in FIG. 9, until
valve body 74 achieves the closed position illustrated in FIG.
11.
[0118] As described above, when valve body 74 maintains the closed
position illustrated in FIG. 10, the maximum fill rate associated
with underground storage tank 94 can no longer pass valve body 74.
Further, the column of fluid maintained in the portion of drop tube
98 upstream from valve body 74 maintains valve body 74 in the
closed position illustrated in FIG. 11. If filling is halted, the
column of fluid upstream of valve body 74 will eventually drain
past valve body 74 in the leak position and valve body 74 will be
returned by the biasing force of torsion spring 128 to its at rest
position, as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 9. As the volume of fuel
contained in underground storage tank 94 continues to rise, as
fluid passes valve body 74 in the leak position illustrated in FIG.
11, float 36 will continue to rise until closure stop actuator
magnet 38b aligns with closure stop magnet 46b as illustrated in
FIG. 12.
[0119] Closure stop 50b, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 9-13, comprises a piston axially translatable relative to
cylinder 130. Each of the piston and cylinder forming a part of
closure stop 50b may have opposing surfaces transverse to the axis
along which the piston reciprocates relative to cylinder 130 and
against which bears a compression spring to bias closure stop 50b
into the leak position illustrated in FIG. 11. Such opposing
surfaces may also limit the travel of the piston of closure stop
50b relative to cylinder 130. Closure stop 50b includes cam
extension 118b extending therefrom. With cam extension 118b
positioned as illustrated in FIG. 11, cam extension 118 pushes
poppet valve 52 against the biasing force of spring 78 until poppet
valve 52 is no longer seated against poppet valve seat 58 and
poppet valve port 56 is placed in fluid communication with conduit
62. As closure stop 50b is actuated from its at rest position
illustrated in FIG. 9-11, it is moved out of contact with poppet
valve 52 and the weight of the column of fuel positioned upstream
of valve body 74 together with the biasing force of spring 78
causes poppet valve 52 to fully seat against poppet valve seat 58
so that poppet valve port 56 is no longer in fluid communication
with conduit 62. In this position, valve body 74 and poppet valve
52 are designed to prevent flow through conduit 22. In one
exemplary embodiment, float 76 will rise into the position causing
actuation of closure stop 50b when underground storage tank 94 is
95% full. As fuel is drawn out of underground storage tank 94 by
fuel dispenser 106, float 76 will return to a position in which it
is no longer operable to actuate closure stop 50b and fluid will
leak past valve body 74 until the column of fluid upstream of valve
body 34 is depleted and valve body 34 returns to the normally
biased position illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0120] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13,
closure stop actuator magnet 38b repels closure stop magnet 46b to
cause actuation of closure stop 50b. Closure stop 50b may, in
alternative embodiments be actuated by an attractive force between
closure stop actuator magnet 38b and closure stop magnet 46b. For
example, an end of closure stop 50b may be spaced from conduit wall
interior surface 72, e.g., by a compression spring. In such an
embodiment, a stop positioned outwardly from closure stop 50b would
prevent the aforementioned compression spring from extending the
piston of closure stop 50b more than a predetermined distance
through cylinder 130. Specifically, the stop of this form of the
present disclosure would prevent the piston of closure stop 50b
from extending further than a position in which cam extension 118b
is positioned to contact poppet valve 52. In such an embodiment,
closure stop actuator magnet 38b and closure stop magnet 46b will
be configured such that they will be attracted to each other so
that positioning of closure stop actuator magnet 38b in the
position illustrated in FIG. 12 will cause closure stop magnet 46b
to be attracted toward closure stop actuator magnet 38b against the
biasing force of the aforementioned compression spring.
[0121] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a further alternative embodiment
overfill prevention valve in accordance with the present
disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14, drop tube segment 80 includes
conduit 82 spanning first end 84 and second end 86 of conduit 82.
Conduit wall 88 defines conduit wall interior surface 92 which
defines a fluid path through conduit 82 from first end 84 to second
end 86. Referring, e.g., to FIG. 15, valve body 74c operates in
identical fashion to valve body 74 illustrated above with respect
to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-13. Therefore, details
concerning the operation of valve body 74c will not be provided,
for the sake of brevity.
[0122] As with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, valve body
74c is movably positioned in the fluid path of conduit 82 and
moveable from an open position to a closed position. Valve body 74c
is functionally identical to valve body 74, including the inclusion
of a poppet valve and associated poppet valve port; however,
non-contact valve actuator 96 (FIG. 14) is structurally and
functionally different than the previously described non-contact
valve actuators.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 14, non-contact valve actuator 96 includes
first float 132 and second float 134. First float 132 includes main
body 136 defining shoulder 138. First float 132 includes guide
channel 140 and guide rod apertures 142. Second float 134 includes
main body 144, stop 146, guide extension 148, and guide rod
apertures 150. Guide extension 148 is sized and shaped to fit
within guide channel 140 of first float 132 such that guide channel
140 cooperates with guide extension 148 to guide relative movement
of first float 132 and second float 134. In construction, second
float 134 is positioned with guide extension 148 occupying guide
channel 140. In this position, guide rod apertures 142 of first
float 132 align with guide rod apertures 150 of second float 134.
Guide rods 152 are then passed through guide rod apertures 150 of
second float 134 and guide rod apertures 142 of first float 132 and
are thereafter secured to guide rod retainers 154 of drop tube
segment 80, with main body 136 of first float 132 occupying first
float channel 156 and main body 144 of second float 134 positioned
between guide rod retainers 154 and 154'. To complete securement of
non-contact valve actuator 96 to drop tube segment 80, splash
shield 158 is secured to drop tube segment 80 by, e.g. threaded
fasteners. In its secured position, splash shield 158 retains guide
rods 152 within guide rod retainers 154.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, first float 132 maintains an
at rest position with shoulder 138 of main body 136 abutting
shoulder 160 formed in conduit wall exterior surface 90. As
illustrated in FIG. 16, upward travel of first float 132 is limited
by shoulder 162 formed in conduit wall exterior surface 90. As
illustrated in FIG. 17, second float 134 maintains an at rest
position in which main body 144 abuts guide rod retainers 154'.
Upward travel of second float 134 can be limited by guide rod
retainers 154. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, first float 132
carries valve actuator magnet 42c. Valve actuator magnet 42c
functions to actuate valve body 74c in an identical fashion to the
actuation of valve body 74 described above with reference to FIGS.
9 and 10.
[0125] Unlike the previously described embodiments, first float 132
does not incorporate a closure stop actuator. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 14-18, the closure stop actuator takes the
form of closure stop actuator magnet 38c which is carried by second
float 134. Second float 134 is actuatable independent of first
float 132 and functions to actuate closure stop 50c in the same
fashion as described above with respect to closure stop 50b (see
FIGS. 11 and 12).
[0126] FIGS. 19-32 illustrate another embodiment of the present
disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, splash guard 158d covers
float 76d and closure stop actuator magnet 38d is secured in magnet
holder 192d. Guide rods 152d are inserted through longitudinal
apertures in float 76d (covered from view in FIG. 19) so that float
76 can move along guide rods 152d like the embodiment previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 14-18. Referring to FIG. 21,
guide rods 152d are inserted through apertures in magnet holder 192
to connect magnet holder 192 to drop tube segment 60d so that
holder 192 can move along guide rods 152d when ridge 198 of float
76d rises to engage extension 196 to lift magnet holder 192.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 22, flapper valve body 74d (like flapper
valve body 74 in FIG. 9) is illustrated in an open position to
allow passage of fuel through valve body 74d at a normal flow rate,
in the ranges previously described above. Referring to FIG. 28,
valve body 74d (like flapper valve body 74 in FIG. 11) is
illustrated in a closed position, and because poppet valve 52d is
in an open position, a small amount of fluid can still pass through
valve body 74d. Like previous embodiments, the initial transition
of valve body 74d from the open position illustrated in FIG. 22 to
the closed position illustrated in FIG. 28 causes rapid closing of
valve body 74d because valve body 74d is moved into the path of and
is collided with the liquid stream flow.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 22, valve body 74d is pivotally connected
to drop tube segment 60d and, in an exemplary embodiment, may be
pivotally connected by a rod connected to conduit wall interior
surface 72d. Valve body 74d is biased in the open position by
torsion spring 128d, which has a lower spring constant than that
disclosed in FIGS. 9-14, and hold-open magnet 190 on float 76d has
an attractive force that also urges valve body 74d into the open
position when float 76d maintains its lowered position, i.e., it
has not yet begun to float on a quantity of product in underground
storage tank 94. Specifically, hold-open magnet 190 and valve
magnet 44d are structured and arranged such that they have a
magnetic attraction to each other. As storage tank 94 (shown in
FIG. 1) nears capacity, float 76d will rise to actuate valve body
74d from the open position in FIG. 22 to the closed position
illustrated in FIG. 28.
[0129] Referring to FIGS. 19-32, similar to first and second floats
132 and 134 in FIGS. 14-18, guide rods 152d are passed through
guide rod slots 150d to slidingly secure float 76d to drop tube
segment 60d along conduit wall exterior surface 70d and physically
separated from valve body 74d. Sharing the same buoyancy
characteristics as non-contact valve actuator 36 in FIGS. 4-8, in
one exemplary embodiment, when the liquid level in underground
storage tank 94 reaches about 90%, float 76d will begin to rise to
transition valve body 74d from the open position in FIG. 22 to the
closed position in FIG. 28.
[0130] Before this transition, when valve body 74d is in the open
position, deflector 48d shields valve body 74d from being actuated
by the flow of liquid through conduit 62d. When the liquid level in
storage tank 94 has buoyed float 76d upward to actuate valve body
74d to an intermediate position (out of the upright but not yet in
the closed position) as illustrated in FIG. 26, the flow of fluid
through conduit 62d begins to actuate valve body 74d toward the
closed position illustrated in FIG. 28. Specifically, in FIG. 26,
the rising liquid level will urge float 76d upward so that
hold-open magnet 190 is no longer aligned with, and thus no longer
attracts leftward (in the view of FIG. 26), valve magnet 44d.
Instead, repelling valve actuator magnet 42d is moved into
alignment with valve magnet 44d to repel valve magnet 44d and urge
valve body 74d to rotate downward, as shown by arrows A.sub.1 (FIG.
24). Repelling valve actuator magnet 42d and valve magnet 44d are
structured and arranged such that they magnetically repel one
another. The repulsion of valve actuator magnet 42d overcomes the
bias of torsion spring 128d to actuate valve body 74d downward, on
its way to achieving the closed position. Flow F.sub.2, illustrated
in FIG. 26, urges valve body 74d against the biasing force of the
torsion spring 128d as hold-open magnet 190 is no longer aligned
with valve magnet 44d to urge valve body 74d to the open position.
Once the valve body 74d is in the closed position illustrated in
FIG. 28, fluid through conduit 62d can no longer pass valve body
74d at the maximum rate because valve body 74d is in the leak
position, as previously described.
[0131] Poppet valve 52d, in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS.
19-32, is substantially the same structure as poppet valve 52
illustrated in FIGS. 9-13. For example, referring specifically to
FIG. 28, like in previous embodiments, valve body 74d is in the
closed position, but poppet valve 52d is open to allow a small
amount of liquid to flow through valve body 74d. However, fully
seating poppet valve 52d against poppet valve seat 58d differs from
the process previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 12 and
13.
[0132] Referring back to FIG. 19a, magnet holder 192 is illustrated
holding closure stop actuator magnet 38d and having a pair of arms
194 with extensions 196 extending from each arm 194. Each extension
196 is situated distance D.sub.1 (FIG. 21) from ridge 198 formed
along float 76d. Referring now to FIG. 27, magnet holder 192 has
remained stationary while float 76d has risen D.sub.1 so that
ridges 198 are adjacent extensions 196. At the same time, referring
to FIG. 28, closure stop 50d includes cam extension 118d that
selectively pushes poppet valve 52d upward and out of engagement
with poppet valve seat 58d. Closure stop actuator magnet 38d and
closure stop magnet 46d share a magnetic attraction that urges
closure stop magnet 46d to the left (in the view illustrated in
FIG. 28) against a closure stop spring (not shown) bias to engage
cam extension 118d with poppet valve 52d, thereby creating the leak
condition. Specifically, the closure stop spring (not shown) will
bias closure stop 50d into a position in which cam extension 118d
does not engage poppet valve 52d; however, magnetic attraction
shared by closure stop actuator magnet 38d and closure stop magnet
46d will overcome this spring bias to engage cam extension 118d
with poppet valve 52d as illustrated in FIG. 28. As with the
embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 9-13, closure
stop 50 may form a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder extending
from conduit wall interior surface 72d. The piston may be
positioned atop a spring in the cylinder, with an extension from
the cylinder occupying a groove in the piston to limit travel of
the piston relative to the cylinder to the length of the
groove.
[0133] Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, float 76d has risen so
that ridges 198 have engaged extensions 196 to lift magnet holder
192. This lifting slides closure stop actuator magnet 38d upward
and out of alignment with closure stop magnet 46d and consequently,
closure stop 50d shifts rightward due to the closure stop spring
bias. Cam extension 118d disengages poppet valve 52d allowing
poppet valve 52d to fully seat against poppet valve seat 58d. While
the valve body of poppet valve 52d is not illustrated in its seated
position in FIG. 30 (FIG. 30 is meant to illustrate the initial
movement of closure stop 50d from the position illustrated in FIG.
28), poppet valve 52d will return to a seated position such as the
one illustrated in FIG. 32 just subsequent to movement of closure
stop 50d into the position illustrated in FIG. 30.
[0134] As the fluid level in underground storage tank 94 lowers,
closure stop actuator magnet 38d is returned to the position
illustrated in FIG. 28 to unseat poppet valve 52d and allow flow at
the previously mentioned leak flow rate. Prior to the unseating of
poppet valve 52d, fluid may pass valve body 74 at the "drain" rate
described hereinabove. In any event, as conduit 62d is cleared of
the column of fluid that will accumulate when valve body 74d
maintains the closed position, torsion spring 128d will return
valve body 74d to the fully opened position illustrated in FIG.
22.
[0135] FIGS. 32a-42 illustrate another embodiment of the present
disclosure. Referring to FIG. 33, float 76e is illustrated in
magnetic communication with shuttle 200e. Float 76e has a
substantially equal buoyancy as floats in previous embodiments and
is not in contact with shuttle 200e, which is located interior of
conduit wall interior surface 72e (FIG. 34). Instead, in the
present embodiment, float 76e and shuttle 200e each carry a pair of
roller magnets 202e and 204e, respectively, which attract one
another, so that as the liquid level in underground storage tank 94
reaches a level at which float 76e begins to rise, float 76e will
actuate the corresponding rise of shuttle 200e. Roller magnets 202e
are cylindrical magnets having an opposite polarity to cylindrical
roller magnets 204e. Specifically, adjacent roller magnet pairs
202e/204e have opposite polarity. Further, roller magnets 202e and
204e are aligned with one another, i.e., they extend a similar
distance both into and out of the section plane shown in FIG. 33.
As illustrated in FIG. 34, roller magnets 202e are positioned
exterior of the conduit wall, i.e., exterior of conduit wall
exterior surface 70e. Similarly, roller magnets 204e are positioned
interior of the conduit wall, i.e., interior of conduit wall
interior surface 72e.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 34, shuttle 200e is illustrated with first
flapper valve 206e and second flapper valve 208e biased upright in
a fully open position. Torsion spring 128e biases first flapper
valve 206e into the open position and upper latch 210e of shuttle
200e holds first flapper valve 206e in the open position, as
illustrated. First flapper valve 206e has first roller 212e
extending through a yoke extending upwardly from flapper valve
206e. First roller 212e is engaged at a recess juxtaposed with
upper latch 210e, as illustrated in FIG. 34, when first flapper
valve 206e maintains the closed position. In this position, second
flapper valve 208e is biased upright due to its planar engagement
with first flapper valve 206e. Further, second flapper valve 208e
includes upper magnet 216e positioned through stem 218e of second
flapper valve 208e. Magnet 220e secured in valve base 222e shares a
magnetic attraction with upper magnet 216e to urge second flapper
valve 208e into the fully opened position illustrated in FIG. 34.
Like first flapper valve 206e, second flapper valve 208e has a
second roller 224e extending between a yoke that projects from
second flapper valve 208e. Second roller 224e occupies notch 226e
of shuttle 200e in the fully opened position illustrated in FIG.
34.
[0137] In the embodiment in FIGS. 33-42, float 76e begins to rise
when the liquid level in tank 94 (shown in FIG. 1) reaches a
sufficient height, as previously described for other embodiments.
Roller magnets 202e attract roller magnets 204e so that as float
76e rises, it lifts shuttle 200e. Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34,
first and second flapper valves 206e and 208e are illustrated in
the open position. Comparatively, referring to FIGS. 36 and 37,
when first flapper valve 206e is in an intermediate position,
between open and closed, the two pairs of roller magnets, 202e and
204e, have risen relative to first and second flapper valves 206e
and 208e. This rising of both float 76e and shuttle 200e actuates
the closing of both first and second flapper valves 206e and 208e,
as described below.
[0138] Referring back to FIG. 34, first and second flapper valves
206e and 208e are illustrated in the fully open position. As the
liquid level in tank 94 (shown in FIG. 1) causes float 76e to rise,
shuttle 200e will rise to actuate the closure of first and second
flapper valves 206e and 208e. When this happens, both first and
second rollers 212e and 224e ride along the vertical wall surfaces
of shuttle 200e. As float 76e rises and, owing to the magnetic
attraction between roller magnets 202e and 204e, shuttle 200e
rises, first roller 212e and second roller 224e will ride along
upper ramp 228e and the vertical wall forming lower notch 226e,
respectively, to attain the position illustrated in FIG. 37. In
this position, the magnetic attraction between upper magnet 216e
and magnet 220e continues to hold second flapper valve 208e in the
fully opened position illustrated in FIG. 38. In the position
illustrated in FIG. 37, the fluid flowing through the conduit will
actuate first flapper valve 206e into the closed position as
described above with respect to various alternative flapper valve
embodiments. With first flapper valve 206e closed and second
flapper valve 208e still open, as illustrated in FIG. 38, the leak
position is achieved. As float 76e continues to rise, second roller
224e will ride along lower ramp 230e until achieving the position
illustrated in FIG. 39. FIGS. 37a and 38a sequentially illustrate
the change in position of float 76e and shuttle 200e to effect this
movement.
[0139] As second flapper valve 208e is forced by the interaction of
second roller 224e and lower ramp 230e from the position
illustrated in FIG. 38 to the position illustrated in FIG. 39, the
magnetic attraction between upper magnet 216e and magnet 220e is
broken. With second flapper valve 208e maintaining the position
illustrated in FIG. 39, the flow of fluid through the conduit will
actuate second flapper valve 208e into a closed position, as
described above with respect to the various flapper valve
embodiments of the present disclosure. With both first and second
flapper valves 206e and 208e closed as illustrated in FIG. 40,
fluid may continue to flow through conduit 62e at the drain flow
rate described above, e.g., at 2% of maximum flow rate. As the
column of fluid drains past first flapper valve 206e and second
flapper valve 208e, torsion spring 128e will return both first
flapper valve 206e and second flapper valve 208e (owing to its
seated position with respect to its valve seat, which is formed in
first flapper valve 206e) to the open position.
[0140] As the liquid level and flow decrease, float 76e will
descend and upward bias of torsion spring 128e will begin to return
both first and second flapper valves 206e and 208e to the open
position. When this happens, referring from FIG. 41 to FIG. 42,
first and second rollers 212e and 224e will reengage upper and
lower ramps 228e and 230e, respectively, and the lowering of
shuttle 200e and upward rolling of the rollers will reset the
valves and shuttle 200e to the open position illustrated in FIG.
35. It is important to note that cam 232e (which is rigidly secured
to first flapper valve 206e for rotation therewith) precludes
shuttle 200e from achieving its fully lowered position, as
illustrated in FIG. 34, unless first flapper valve 206e is rotated
to a position that is either fully open or nearly fully open. This
is done so that shuttle 200e cannot interfere with the opening of
first flapper valve 206e.
[0141] FIGS. 43-50 illustrate another embodiment of the present
disclosure wherein the mechanism for actuating the closure of the
two interior valves is float 76f connected to a magnetic shaft
coupling via link 303f and lever arm 302f. Once again, the two
interior valves, first flapper valve 304f and second flapper valve
306f, each transition from an open to a closed position as the
liquid level in tank 94 (shown in FIG. 1) rises past a certain
threshold, as described for previous embodiments. However, this
embodiment uses a rotational magnetic shaft coupling to transition
first flapper valve 304f and second flapper valve 306f from open to
closed positions. Specifically, referring to FIG. 44, outer
magnetic coupler 314f is rotationally supported by a bearing on the
exterior of conduit wall exterior surface 70f, while inner magnetic
coupler 316f is rotationally supported by a bearing and supported
on conduit wall interior surface 72f. Each of outer magnetic
coupler 314f and inner magnetic coupler 316f include a plurality of
magnets spaced about their perimeter, in the usual arrangement of a
magnetic shaft coupler. The polarity of such magnets is configured
such that rotational movement of outer magnetic coupler 314f
outside of fluid conduit 62f yields corresponding rotational
movement of inner magnetic coupler 316f on the interior of conduit
62f, without requiring a physical penetration through the conduit
wall. In alternative configurations, inner coupler 316f may be
mechanically linked to an external float through a penetration
through the conduit wall. In such an embodiments, inner coupler
316f would not include magnets. In further alternative
configurations, inner coupler 316f and outer coupler 314f may both
be rotatably supported on a post that penetrates the conduit wall,
with the non-contact valve actuator still operable to actuate the
valve body from the open position toward the closed position
without physically penetrating the conduit wall. Stated another
way, while a penetration through the conduit may be located
adjacent to inner coupler 316f and outer coupler 314f, this
penetration does not play a part in transferring actuation from the
outside of the conduit into actuation on the inside of the conduit
and, therefore, the non-contact valve actuator is still operable to
actuate the valve body from the open position toward the closed
position without physically penetrating the conduit wall. That is,
rotation of outer coupler 314f is still operable to actuate inner
coupler 316f (and thereby actuate the valve body from the open
position toward the closed position) without physically penetrating
the conduit wall, if inner coupler 316f and outer coupler 314f are
magnetically linked, but not mechanically linked through the
penetration. So long as an actuator outside of the conduit is
capable of causing movement of an actuator inside of the conduit
without requiring a physical penetration through the conduit to
effect the same, the outer actuator is capable of actuating the
inner actuator without physically penetrating the conduit wall,
without regard to whether a physical penetration adjacent to either
the inner or outer actuator exists for another purpose, e.g., for
supporting the outer and/or inner actuators, or for securing the
drop tube segment containing the overfill prevention valve to
another drop tube segment.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 44, both first flapper valve 304f and
second flapper valve 306f are illustrated in the open position.
First flapper valve 304f is biased in the upright position by
torsion spring 128f and held in this upright position by overhead
latch 308f. Second flapper valve 306f is held in the upright
position because it is in planar engagement with first flapper
valve 304f, making second flapper valve 306f upright whenever first
flapper valve 304f is as well. Further, even without engagement by
first flapper valve 304f, second flapper valve 306f would be held
in place by the magnetic attraction between flapper valve magnet
312f that is secured to pivot arm 322f (as further described below)
and magnet 313f, which is secured to second flapper valve 306f.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 45, as the liquid level in tank 94 (shown
in FIG. 1) reaches a certain level, float 76f begins to rise, in
the same way as described for previous embodiments. Also as
previously described, deflector 48f prevents liquid flow from
urging either flapper valve downward until the given valve has been
disengaged from the upright position. As float 76f rises, link 303f
(FIG. 43a), which is pivotably connected both to float 76f and to
lever arm 302f is pulled upward with float 76f, thereby turning
actuating outer magnetic coupler 314f counterclockwise from the
perspective illustrated in FIG. 43a. This counterclockwise rotation
acts on both first and second flapper valves 304f and 306f to
transition each from an open to a closed position as described
below.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 45-47, as float 76f rotates outer
magnetic coupler 314f, inner magnetic coupler 316f rotates as well.
Inner magnetic coupler 316f includes cammed surface 318f that
rotates to actuate overhead latch 308f out of locking engagement
with first flapper valve, as illustrated in FIG. 45. As illustrated
in FIG. 45, latch 308f is pivotally connected to conduit wall
interior surface 72f so that it will ride along cammed surface 318f
and, from the perspective illustrated in FIG. 45, rotate
counterclockwise as it rides ever higher along the cammed surface
318f of inner magnet coupler 316f. In a position illustrated in
FIG. 45, overhead latch 308 no longer engages first flapper valve
304f to hold it in the open position. Further, foot 309f of
overhead latch 308 forces first flapper valve 304 to rotate from
its fully opened position. As rotation of inner magnet coupler 316f
continues, latch 308f continues to be rotated counterclockwise to
the further rotated position illustrated in FIG. 46. In this
position, foot 309f sufficiently places first flapper valve 304f in
the fluid stream such that the fluid stream causes closing of first
flapper valve 304f as described above with respect to a variety of
alternative embodiments. This position is illustrated in FIG. 47.
FIG. 47a illustrates overhead latch 308f in an open position,
allowing first flapper valve 304f to achieve the closed position,
as previously described. In the position illustrated in FIG. 47a,
overhead latch 308f has rotated the maximum amount provided by its
interaction with cammed surface 318f. The position illustrated in
FIG. 47 corresponds to the leak position. In this position, the
closure stop (in the form of second flapper valve 306f) maintains
an open position such that first flapper valve 304f maintains the
"leak" condition.
[0145] From the position illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 47a, when
float 76f continues to ascend, outer magnetic coupler 314f is
further rotated as link 303f is pulled upwardly by float 76f to
rotate lever arm 302f, causing corresponding rotation of inner
magnetic coupler 316f to the position illustrated in FIGS. 48 and
48a. In this position, cam 320f, which forms an integral part of
inner magnetic coupler 316f, actuates pivot arm 322f, which carries
second flapper valve magnet 312f. Actuation of lever arm 322f, as
illustrated in FIG. 48a breaks the magnetic attraction between
second flapper valve magnet 312f and magnet 313f, which is secured
to second flapper valve 306f. In this position, there is no longer
a magnetic attraction holding open second flapper valve 306f.
Therefore, second flapper valve 306f begins to rotate into a closed
position under its own weight, and the force of the fluid flowing
through conduit 62f. FIGS. 49 and 49a further illustrate this
configuration. The above described actuations will be reversed when
the float lowers, with cam 320f actuating lever arm to return to
its at rest position above a stop, such as the one illustrated in
FIG. 52.
[0146] With both first and second flapper valves 304f and 306f
closed, as illustrated in FIGS. 49 and 49a, fluid may continue to
flow through conduit 62f at the drain rate described above, e.g.,
at 2% of maximum flow rate. As the column of fluid drains past
first flapper valve 304f and second flapper valve 306f, torsion
spring 128f will return both first flapper valve 304f and second
flapper valve 306f (owing to a seated position with respect to its
valve seat, which is formed in first flapper valve 304f) to the
open position.
[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 50, as first flapper valve 304f and
second flapper valve 306f are returned from a fully closed position
illustrated in FIGS. 49 and 49a to the fully opened position
illustrated in FIG. 44, first flapper valve 304f contacts foot
309f. If float 76f has returned to its fully lowered position, as
illustrated in FIG. 44, then overhead latch 308f will no longer be
rotated outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 50, but rather will
maintain the position illustrated in FIG. 44. In this position,
ramped end 324f of first flapper valve 304 can ride along the
radiused outer profile of overhead latch 308f to effect a minor
counterclockwise rotation of latch 308f (with respect to the
perspective of FIG. 50), such that ramped end 324f of first flapper
valve 304f can be secured by latch 308f as illustrated in FIG. 44.
Details of the actuation mechanism described above can be found in
FIGS. 51-56. FIG. 52 illustrates inner magnet coupler 316f in the
same position illustrated in FIG. 44. Alternative side elevational
views of the construct in this position are also provided in FIGS.
51 and 53. FIG. 54 provides a perspective view of inner magnetic
coupler 316f. Further, FIG. 55 provides a perspective view of
overhead latch 308f. Similarly, FIG. 56 provides a perspective view
of pivot arm 322f including pivot aperture 323f and magnet holding
aperture 325f.
[0148] FIGS. 57-59 illustrate drop tube adapter 400 secured to drop
tube 402, which may comprise a drop tube segment of a
multi-segmented drop tube. Drop tube adapter 400 may be threadedly
engaged via female threads 406 to either end of another drop tube
segment, such as any of the overfill prevention valves described in
this document. Further, the features of drop tube adapter 400 may
be incorporated into an overfill prevention valve of the present
disclosure, with the overfill prevention valve joining a pair of
drop tube segments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to provide fluid
communication with underground storage tank 94. While the various
embodiments of overfill prevention valves of the present disclosure
are generally illustrated with threads formed in their ends to
allow for securement to other drop tube segments, the illustrated
threads at one or both ends of the overfill prevention valves of
the present disclosure could be replaced with the groove(s) and
through bore(s) described with reference to the embodiments of the
drop tube adapters of the present disclosure.
[0149] Generally, drop tube adapter 400 includes a drop tube wall
spanning opposing first and second ends, the drop tube wall having
an interior surface defining a drop tube adapter fluid path between
the opposing ends of the drop tube adapter. Opposite the interior
surface of drop tube adapter 400 is an exterior surface. Similarly,
drop tube 402 defines a fluid conduit spanning opposing first and
second ends of drop tube 402. The wall of drop tube 402 that
defines the fluid conduit through drop tube 402 has an interior
surface that defines the fluid path through the drop tube.
[0150] Drop tube adapter 400 may be secured to drop tube 402 via
annular groove 410. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 58, O-ring
416 is positioned within annular groove 414 (FIG. 58), and drop
tube adapter 400 is thereafter inserted in a generally coaxial,
overlapping relationship into drop tube 402. For the purposes of
this document, a "generally coaxial" relationship means a position
in which the longitudinal axes of the two members being joined are,
within manufacturing tolerances of the components and sizing of the
components (which may cause the axes to be spaced a short
distance), coaxial. In this position, drop tube 402 can be deformed
to create exterior annular groove 410, as illustrated in FIG. 58.
The material of drop tube 402 that is deformed to form annular
groove 410 presses against O-ring 416 to annularly seal drop tube
402 relative to drop tube adapter 400. Insertion of the deformed
material of drop tube 402 into annular groove 414 in drop tube
adapter 400 also fastens drop tube 402 to drop tube adapter 400.
With drop tube 402 fastened to drop tube adapter 400 in this way,
the fluid path through the interiors of drop tube 402 and drop tube
adapter 400 are in fluid communication with each other and leaks
outside of the two piece conduit are prevented by O-ring 416.
[0151] Deformation of drop tube 402 to create annular groove 410
may be done by roll crimping to create roll groove 410, as
illustrated in FIG. 58. For example, a modified pipe cutting tool
418 may be positioned over exterior wall 422 of drop tube 402, with
shaping tool 420 positioned over the portion of the wall forming
drop tube 402 that overlaps annular groove 414 of drop tube adapter
400 and rollers 424 abutting drop tube 402 such that a force
applied by shaping tool 420 (via force application device 426) is
opposed. As illustrated in FIG. 59B, force application device 426
may include a carriage and a screw mechanism operable to translate
the carriage carrying shaping tool 420 relative to the frame of
modified pipe cutting tool 418 in the usual way in which the cutter
of a pipe cutter is actuated. In use, with shaping tool 420
overlapping annular groove 414, the screw mechanism is actuated
until the wall of drop tube 402 overlapping annular groove 414
experiences deformation. Modified pipe cutting tool 418 is then
rotated through 360 degrees to create annular groove 410 about the
circumference of drop tube 402. Repeated actuation of the screw
mechanism and rotations of modified pipe cutting tool 418 may be
utilized until the desired size of roll groove 410 is achieved.
[0152] Drop tube adapter 400 further includes through bores 408,
into which drop tube 402 can be deformed to form deformations 412
as illustrated in FIG. 58. Deformations 412 may be formed by a
blunt tipped punch, for example. A fastener such as a rivet or bolt
may then be used to further secure drop tube adapter 400 to drop
tube 402. In addition to the joining of drop tube adapter 400 to
drop tube 402 as described above, threads 406 may be utilized to
join drop tube adapter 400 to another drop tube segment, e.g., a
drop tube segment having similar structure to drop tube segment 402
described above, and further including threads compatible with
threads 406 of drop tube adapter 400.
[0153] FIGS. 59C-59E illustrate an alternative embodiment drop tube
adapter 400a. Drop tube adapter 400a differs from drop tube adapter
400 illustrated in FIGS. 57-59B in that drop tube adapter 400a
includes an interior annular groove 414a as opposed to the exterior
annular groove 414 of drop tube adapter 400. Additionally, drop
tube adapter 400a includes a pair of annular grooves for joining
drop tube adapter 400a to drop tube 402a as opposed to the single
annular groove of drop tube adapter 400. Although the two
illustrated embodiments of the drop tube adapter of the present
disclosure utilize a single and a pair of annular grooves,
respectively, any number of grooves could be utilized.
[0154] Other than the opposite positioning of their annular
grooves, drop tube adapter 400 and drop tube adapter 400a generally
share the same construction, including a drop tube wall spanning
opposing first and second ends of the respective drop tube adapter,
the drop tube wall having an interior surface defining a drop tube
adapter fluid path between the opposing ends of the drop tube
adapter. Opposite the interior surface of drop tube adapter 400a is
an exterior surface.
[0155] As illustrated, drop tube adapter 400a is designed to be
joined to drop tube 402a, with drop tube 402a positioned interior
to drop tube adapter 400a. Drop tube 402a is inserted in a
generally coaxial, overlapping relationship into drop tube adapter
400a. In the illustrated embodiment, drop tube adapter 400a
includes stop 428 (see FIG. 59E) in the form of an annular
protrusion extending from the interior surface of the wall defining
the fluid conduit through drop tube adapter 400a. Stop 428 presents
a shoulder against which drop tube 402a rests when drop tube 402a
is fully inserted into drop tube adapter 400a. In this position,
drop tube 402a can be deformed to create annular grooves 410a. The
material of drop tube 402a that is deformed to form annular grooves
410a annularly presses against O-rings (not shown) positioned in
annular grooves 414a to seal drop tube 402a relative to drop tube
adapter 400a, as described above with respect to drop tube 402 and
drop tube adapter 400. Insertion of the deformed material of drop
tube 402a into annular grooves 414a in drop tube adapter 400a also
fastens drop tube 402 to drop tube adapter 400. With drop tube 402a
fastened to drop tube adapter 400a in this way, the fluid path
through the interiors of drop tube 402a and drop tube adapter 400a
are in fluid communication with each other and leaks outside of the
two piece conduit are prevented by the O-rings positioned in
annular grooves 414a.
[0156] Deformation of drop tube 402a to create annular groove 410a
may be done by roll crimping to create roll bead 410a, as
illustrated in FIG. 58. Referring to FIG. 59E, deformation tool 430
may be utilized to create roll bead 410a. Deformation tool 430
includes shaping tool 432 rotatably connected to carriage 434.
Wedge 436 can be progressively advance outwardly from deformation
tool 430 by rotation of advancing screw 438. Deformation tool 430
has a generally cylindrical exterior from which shaping tool 432
and roller 440 extend. Adjustable stop 442 is threadedly engaged
with the exterior of deformation tool 430 so it can achieve
differing axial positions along deformation tool 430. In use,
adjustable stop 442 is positioned so that it will contact the end
of drop tube adapter 400a through which it is inserted when shaping
tool 432 is positioned in overlapping relationship to one of
annular grooves 414a. With shaping tool 432 in this position,
advancing screw 438 is actuated until shaping tool 432 and roller
440 oppositely abut the interior wall forming the fluid conduit
through drop tube 402a such that a force applied by shaping tool
430 is opposed. Advancing screw 438 is then actuated until the wall
of drop tube 402a experiences deformation. Handles 444 may then be
utilized to rotate deformation tool 430 through 360 degrees to
create annular groove 410a. Repeated actuation of advancing screw
and rotations of deformation tool 430 may be utilized until the
desired size of roll bead 410a is achieved. This process this then
repeated for the second annular groove 410a.
[0157] Drop tube adapter 400a further includes through bores 408a
which can be aligned with corresponding apertures in drop tube 402a
to receive a fastener such as a rivet or bolt to further secure
drop tube adapter 400a to drop tube 402a. In addition to the
joining of drop tube adapter 400a to drop tube 402a as described
above, threads 406a may be utilized to join drop tube adapter 400a
to another drop tube segment, e.g., a drop tube segment having
similar structure to drop tube segment 402 described above, and
further including threads compatible with threads 406a of drop tube
adapter 400a. Alternatively, the securing structure of either drop
tube adapter 400 or drop tube adapter 400a can be repeated at an
opposed end of the drop tube adapter so that such securing
structure (groove, or groove and through bore) can be utilized to
secure a pair of drop tube segments, one to either end of the drop
tube adapter.
[0158] FIGS. 60-72 illustrate another embodiment of the present
disclosure that utilizes a magnetic shaft coupler. The mechanism
for actuating the closure of the two interior valves of this
embodiment is float 76g, which is connected to magnetic coupler
314g via link 303g and lever arm 302g. Magnetic coupler 314g is
rotatably connected to the exterior of drop tube segment 60g by a
central pivot and bearing as illustrated in FIGS. 60 and 61.
Magnetic coupler 314g rotates about an axis transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the fluid path through drop tube segment 60g.
Once again, two interior valves transition from an open to a closed
position as the liquid level in tank 94 (shown in FIG. 1) rises
past a certain threshold, as described for previous embodiments.
However, even though this embodiment uses a rotational magnetic
shaft coupling to transition flapper valve 304g from an open
position to a closed position, this embodiment lacks a second
flapper valve. Instead, the closure of flapper valve 304g is
followed by the closure of closure stop 306g (shown in the open
position in FIG. 71, and in the closed position in FIG. 72), which
comprises a spring-biased plunger.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 60, outer magnetic coupler 314g is
illustrated having four magnets 317g in a square configuration. As
described above, outer magnetic coupler 314g is rotatably supported
on an exterior of drop tube segment 60g. Specifically, outer
magnetic coupler 314g is rotatably supported by a central pivot
spaced a distance from each magnet 317g, so that rotation of outer
magnetic coupler 314g causes rotation of magnets 317g about the
central pivot supporting outer magnetic coupler 314g. Inner
magnetic coupler 316g is similar to outer magnetic coupler 314g in
that inner magnetic coupler 316g has four magnets that correspond
in size and spacing to magnets 317g, which are arranged in a square
configuration. Similar to outer magnetic coupler 314g, inner
magnetic coupler 316g is rotatably supported relative to drop tube
segment 60g. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 61, inner
magnetic coupler 316g is rotatably supported by a central pivot
spaced a distance from each of the magnets associated with inner
magnetic coupler 316g, so that rotation of inner magnetic coupler
316g causes rotation of the associated magnets about the central
pivots supporting inner magnetic coupler 316g, without requiring a
physical penetration through the outlet wall. As illustrated in
FIG. 61, bearings may be interposed between the central pivots
supporting outer magnetic coupler 314g and inner magnetic coupler
316g. Specifically, as in the previous embodiment, the polarity of
the magnets of both outer magnetic coupler 314g and inner magnetic
coupler 316g is configured such that movement of outer magnetic
coupler 314g outside of fluid conduit 62g yields corresponding
rotational movement of inner magnetic coupler 316g on the interior
of conduit 62g, utilizing the principles of a magnetic shaft
coupler. Lever arm 302g, which extends from outer magnetic coupler
314g, is pivotally connected to link 303g. Link 303g is pivotally
connected to float 76g. Thus, when the liquid level in tank 94
(FIG. 1) rises, link 303g pulls lever arm 302g to rotate both outer
magnetic coupler 314g and inner magnetic coupler 316g. Because
outer magnetic coupler 314g is in a square configuration, link 303g
has a stepped configuration so that when float 76g rises and outer
magnetic coupler 314 rotates, link 303g and float 76g will not
interfere with one another.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 61, both flapper valve 304g and closure
stop 306g are shown in the open position. As in certain previous
embodiments, when flapper valve 304g is in the open position, it is
biased upright by torsion spring 128g and held there by overhead
latch 308g. Specifically, FIG. 62 shows overhead latch 308g holding
flapper valve 304g in the upright position. Closure stop 306g is
biased in the open position by spring 311g, which surrounds the
cylindrical body of closure stop 306g and is interposed between the
flanged head of closure stop 306g and a guide positioned about the
perimeter of closure stop 306g to guide reciprocation of closure
stop 306g. Spring 311g biases closure stop 306g such that it
remains above the valve seat of leak drain 307g, leaving leak drain
307g open. In this embodiment, the biasing force of spring 311g
against plunger 306g acts as a closure stop, preventing closure of
the conduit at a flow level below the "leak" flow rate.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 63, once the liquid level in tank 94
reaches a certain level, as in previous embodiments, float 76g
begins to rise, and as previously described, this rising causes the
rotation of both outer magnetic coupler 314g and inner magnetic
coupler 316g. Once inner magnetic coupler 316g starts to rotate,
first cammed surface 318g (shown, e.g., in the partial perspective
view of FIG. 70), located along the inwardly facing surface of
inner magnetic coupler 316g, also rotates to actuate or push
overhead latch 308g out of latching configuration with flapper
valve 304g. FIG. 64 shows latch 308g pivotally connected by pivot
pin 351g to conduit wall interior surface 72g so that when inner
magnetic coupler 316g rotates, latch 308g will ride along first
cammed surface 318g, similar to the way latch 308f rides along
cammed surface 318f in the previously described embodiment. In FIG.
64, cammed surface 318g has rotated latch 308g about pivot pin 351g
out of latching engagement with flapper valve 304g, i.e., to a
position in which latch 308g no longer engages flapper valve 304g
to hold it in the open position. Moreover, during this
disengagement from latching configuration, foot 309g pushes flapper
valve 304g toward the liquid stream and toward a closed position.
In certain exemplifications of the present disclosure, foot 309g
sufficiently places flapper valve 304g in the fluid stream such
that the fluid stream causes closing of flapper valve 304g as
described above with respect to alternative embodiments of the
present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, a second actuator
may further position flapper valve 304g in the fluid stream.
[0162] Referring to FIGS. 66 and 70a, a second actuator, pivoting
bracket 350g, further articulates flapper valve 304g toward the
closed position. At its proximal end, pivoting bracket 350g is
rotatably supported by pivot pin 351g, which also rotatably
supports latch 308g and fits into pin slot 355g of bracket support
353g (which is secured relative to drop tube segment 60g). At its
distal end, pivoting bracket 350g includes low-friction roller
352g. Pivoting bracket 350g interfits with bracket support 353g
when pivoting bracket 350g is in the closed position, as
illustrated in FIG. 61. Bracket support 353g buffers pivoting
bracket 350g and inner magnetic coupler 316g so that the
interaction between inner magnetic coupler 316g and pivoting
bracket 350g, as inner magnetic coupler 316g rotates, is the
engagement of cammed surface 320g with bracket projection 354g, as
will be described below.
[0163] Cammed surface 320g (shown, e.g., in FIG. 70), located along
the inwardly facing surface of inner magnetic coupler 316g, rotates
in response to rotation of outer magnetic coupler 314g to actuate
pivoting bracket 350g, which pivots on pivot pin 351g, from its
upright position (shown, e.g., in FIG. 64) so that low-friction
roller 352g can push outwardly on flapper valve 304g to further
rotate flapper valve 304g into the fluid stream. Specifically,
pivot pin 351g pivotally couples pivoting bracket 350g to the
conduit wall interior surface 72g. As inner magnetic coupler 316g
rotates from the position illustrated in FIGS. 63 and 64 to the
position illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66, bracket projection 354g
(which is fixably secured to pivoting bracket 350g, or integral
therewith) slides along the sloped surface of second cammed surface
320g to rotate pivoting bracket 350g about pivot pin 351g so that
low friction roller 352g engages ramp surface 305g on flapper valve
304g. Roller 352g rolls along ramped surface 305g on the upper
surface of flapper valve 304g as the valve actuating mechanism is
moved from the position illustrated in FIGS. 63 and 64 to the
position illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66 to create an actuating
force that pushes flapper valve 304g farther into the liquid stream
to assist with movement of flapper valve 304g from the open to the
closed position illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 67. Referring to FIG.
66, roller 352g and flapper valve 304g are shown just prior to
termination of the contact between both components as flapper valve
304g continues downward and away from roller 352 under the force of
flow through conduit 62g. In other words, roller 352g, like
overhead latch 308g described above, contacts to push flapper valve
304g only through part of movement of first flapper valve from the
open position to the closed position. In this embodiment, both
overhead latch 308g and pivoting bracket 350g are designed to be
positioned very close to (potentially even in contact with) flapper
valve 304g when flapper valve 304g is in the open position. Because
this embodiment of the present disclosure (and alternative
embodiments described elsewhere in this document) do not rely on a
mechanical linkage to actuate the internal valve, but rather rely
on the fluid stream to complete actuation of the valve body, the
internal actuators (in this embodiment, overhead latch 308g and
pivoting bracket 350g) are spaced a greater distance from the valve
body when the valve body maintains the closed position than they
are when the valve body maintains the open position. Roller 352g
can be constructed of a non-magnetic bearing having a low
coefficient of friction.
[0164] Latch 308g is disengaged to unlatch flapper valve 304g and
flapper valve 304g is subsequently pushed by foot 309g and
thereafter roller 352g. The disengagement and pushing of flapper
valve 304g helps pivot flapper valve 304g into the fluid stream, as
described above for a variety of alternative embodiments, and as
shown in the progression from FIGS. 63-68. The position illustrated
in FIG. 67 corresponds to the leak position. In this position, the
closure stop (in the form of plunger 306g) maintains an open
position such that flow is allowed past flapper valve 304g and the
drop tube segment maintains the "leak" condition defined above.
[0165] Referring to FIG. 67, even though flapper valve 304g is
closed, spring 309g still biases closure stop 306g to the open
position because spring 309g is strong enough to overcome the
maximum head pressure in conduit 62g caused when flapper valve 304g
is closed and keep closure stop 306g positioned above leak drain
307g. To actuate the closure of closure stop 306g from the open to
the closed position, float 76g must rise beyond the height
illustrated in FIG. 67 so that it can rotate both outer magnetic
coupler 314g and inner magnetic coupler 316g farther.
[0166] As flapper valve 304g has transitioned closed, nubbin 356g,
which projects perimetrically outwardly from inner magnetic coupler
316g to define a cam, has rotated from a position above the
horizontal dotted line H (FIG. 71) to a vertically downward
position below dotted line H. Once the liquid level rises enough to
lift float 76g farther, the resulting additional rotation of inner
magnetic coupler 316g rotates nubbin 356g into contact with angled
tongue 360g of cross actuator 358g. Cross actuator 358g pivots
about post 362g from the position illustrated in FIG. 71 toward the
position illustrated in FIG. 72. A stop surface extending from
conduit wall interior surface 72g limits counterclockwise rotation
(from the perspective of FIGS. 71 and 72) of cross actuator 358g
beyond the position illustrated in FIG. 71. Stated another way, the
stop surface precludes counterclockwise rotation of cross actuator
358g from the position illustrated in FIG. 71. Such limit on the
rotation of cross actuator 358g also limits upward travel of
closure stop 306g. Rotation of inner magnetic coupler 316g from the
position illustrated in FIG. 71 toward the position illustrated in
FIG. 72 causes nubbin 356g to rotate angled tongue 360g from the
position illustrated in FIG. 71 to the position illustrated in FIG.
72. The force with which nubbin 356g rotates angled tongue 360g
moves driver 364g, giving it a downward force sufficient to
overcome the upward bias of spring 311g to seat closure stop 306g
downward onto the valve seat provided about leak drain 307g, as
illustrated in FIG. 72. With both flapper valve 304g and closure
stop 306g positioned in their closed positions, flow at a "drain"
rate, as described above may continue to pass through drop tube
segment 60g. If desired, the "drain" rate may be achieved by
designing an imperfect seating of one or more valves of a drop tube
segment of the present disclosure such that even with the valves in
a closed position, flow may pass thereby at the "drain" rate of
about 2% or less of the maximum flow rate.
[0167] In one exemplary embodiment, float 76g will actuate closure
of closure stop 306g when underground storage tank 94 is 95% full.
As fluid is drawn out of tank 94 (FIG. 1) by fuel dispenser 106,
float 76g will begin to descend, thereby rotating outer magnetic
coupler 314g to rotate inner magnetic coupler 316g so that nubbin
356g is pivoted out of engagement with angled tongue 360g. Without
nubbin 356g pressing against angled tongue 360g, spring 311g will
bias closure stop 306g upward to the open position and away from
the valve seat surrounding leak drain 307g.
[0168] As fluid flows through conduit 62g at either the "drain" or
"leak" rate described above, torsion spring 128g will return
flapper valve 304g to the open position. Specifically, as the
column of fluid positioned above flapper valve 304g is depleted, it
will no longer provide a sufficient force to overcome the biasing
force of spring 128g. If the column of fluid is no longer
sufficient to overcome the biasing force of torsion spring 128g,
flapper valve 304g will rotate toward its open position. If the
level of fuel in underground storage tank 94 maintains a level at
or above the level necessary to position the valve actuation
structure as illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66, then flapper valve
304g will return to the position illustrated in FIG. 66. If the
level of fluid in underground storage tank 94 has been sufficiently
depleted such that float 76g achieves its lowermost position, as
illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 60 and 61, then torsion spring 128g
will actuate flapper valve 304g toward its fully open position, as
illustrated in FIG. 61. If such biasing occurs with pivoting
bracket 350g in its upright position, as illustrated, e.g., in
FIGS. 61 and 64 and with float 76g returned to its fully lowered
position, as illustrated in FIG. 60, then overhead latch 308g will
no longer be rotated outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 64, but
rather will maintain a position illustrated in FIG. 61. In this
position, ramped end 324g (FIG. 64) of flapper valve 304g can ride
along the radiused outer profile of overhead latch 308g to effect a
minor counterclockwise rotation of latch 308g (with respect to the
perspective of FIG. 64), such that ramped end 324g of flapper valve
304g can be secured by latch 308g as illustrated in FIG. 61.
[0169] Rapid closure of flapper valve 304g can cause a pressure
spike in conduit 62g through a phenomenon known as "water hammer."
In the event of such a phenomenon pressure spike relief valve 370g
(FIG. 69) opens to relieve pressure in conduit 62g when the
pressure of the flow spikes above a set value beyond the pressure
typically associated with static head in conduit 62g. Referring to
FIGS. 68 and 69, pressure spike relief valve 370g includes disk
372g positioned atop base platform 376g, with spring 374g
interposed therebetween. Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 61 and 62, base
platform 376g includes a generally triangular outer perimeter and
receives three bolts generally positioned at the apices thereof to
secure base platform 376g to the undersurface of flapper valve
304g. As illustrated in FIG. 68, spring 374g acts against base
platform 376g to bias disk 372g into a closed position relative to
an opening through flapper valve 304g. Spring 374g has a spring
constant that correlates to the typical static head pressure
achieved when the drop tube segment upstream of drop tube segment
60g (and, in certain cases, hose 104 connected thereto) are filled
with fluid after closing of flapper valve 304g, so that pressure
spike relief valve 370g opens when the flow pressure spikes above
such static head. Specifically, such a pressure spike causes disk
372g to unseat from its closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 68
toward an open position illustrated in FIG. 69 to allow a flow of
fluid through flapper valve 304g, thereby decreasing pressure in
conduit 62g. As long as the pressure of the liquid in conduit 62 is
sufficiently high to counteract the biasing force of spring 374g,
disk 372g will remain open to limit both the amplitude and duration
of high pressure exposure to conduit 62g. For example, in one
exemplary embodiment, the pressure spike relief valve ensures that
pressure in conduit 62g does not exceed 43.5 psi for over 10
milliseconds.
[0170] As described above, the overfill prevention valve in
accordance with the present disclosure can include a valve actuator
means for actuating a valve body from an open position to a closed
position while the valve actuator means is positioned outside of
the fluid path and without requiring a physical penetration of the
wall defining the fluid path. Exemplary embodiments of the valve
actuator means include the various float/magnet/actuator
combinations described above and any combination of the features of
the various float/magnet/actuator combinations described above.
[0171] Further, an overfill prevention valve in accordance with the
present disclosure can include a leak means for selectively
allowing a quantity of fluid to leak past a valve body when the
valve body is in the closed position. Leak actuator means for
actuating the leak means from a non-leak position in which the leak
means does not allow the quantity of fluid to leak past the valve
body to a leaked position in which the leak means allows the
quantity of fluid to leak past the valve body include the various
float/magnet/actuator combinations described above. The leak means
may take the form of a closure stop which prevents full seating of
the valve body in a closed position, as described above. The leak
means may further take the form of a closure stop in the form of a
secondary valve such as a poppet valve, flapper valve or plunger
which can be unseated when the primary valve maintains a closed
position.
[0172] Any of the drop tube segments including an overfill
prevention valve described above can be connected at their first
and second ends to the remainder of drop tube 98 by a variety of
connections including, e.g., threaded connections. Threaded
adapters may be utilized to effect such connections and o-rings may
be provided to seal the drop tube segments of the present
disclosure to the remainder of the drop tube.
[0173] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the
spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application
is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as
come within known or customary practice in the art to which this
disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the
appended claims.
* * * * *