U.S. patent number RE29,330 [Application Number 05/676,462] was granted by the patent office on 1977-08-02 for leak detector valve assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Rosan Enterprises. Invention is credited to Buster D. Stewart.
United States Patent |
RE29,330 |
Stewart |
August 2, 1977 |
Leak detector valve assembly
Abstract
A valve assembly for detecting leaks in fluid systems which
includes an airtight transparent cup means at least partially
filled with liquid and a plunger means provided with an orifice and
a tube means interconnecting said orifice and liquid. The valve
assembly is connected into the fluid line so as to allow the fluid
to pass therethrough unimpeded. Depression of the plunger
effectively closes the fluid line except for the passageway
afforded by the orifice and the tube positioned in the liquid. The
existence of a leak in the fluid system is thereby easily observed
by a fluid flow through the liquid, i.e., bubbles, etc.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Buster D. (Lake View
Terrace, CA) |
Assignee: |
Rosan Enterprises (Newport
Beach, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
27101554 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/676,462 |
Filed: |
April 13, 1976 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
855829 |
Sep 8, 1969 |
03583435 |
Jun 8, 1971 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/551;
116/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
41/02 (20130101); F17D 5/02 (20130101); G01M
3/06 (20130101); F16L 2101/30 (20130101); Y10T
137/8158 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
41/02 (20060101); F17D 5/00 (20060101); F17D
5/02 (20060101); G01M 3/06 (20060101); G01M
003/08 (); F16K 037/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/551,559,625.28,625.33,625.38,312 ;48/193 ;73/46,47
;116/117R,114P |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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397,721 |
|
Aug 1933 |
|
BE |
|
882,148 |
|
Jul 1949 |
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DT |
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Primary Examiner: Schwadron; Martin P.
Assistant Examiner: Gerard; Richard
Claims
I claim:
1. A leak detector valve assembly comprising:
a body, said body being provided with an internal cavity and inlet
and outlet openings .[.interconnecting said cavity:.].
.Iadd.linearly misaligned relative to each other and interconnected
by means of a restricted opening within such cavity;
shoulder means and sealing means to provide a fluid tight seal
located around the restricted opening; .Iaddend.
a normally open plunger means .[.positioned in said body cavity,
said plunger means.]. being .Iadd.slideably .Iaddend.axially
displaceable within said cavity so as to substantially close
.Iadd.the restricted opening in .Iaddend.said body cavity between
the inlet and outlet openings, said plunger means being provided
with bleeder means .Iadd.communicating with the inlet, .Iaddend.and
an elongated tubular means interconnected therewith for conducting
fluid through said plunger means; .Iadd.
an annular groove on the plunger means and a sealing means
contained therein; .Iaddend.
means engaging said plunger means for returning said plunger means
to a normally open position;
.Iadd.transparent .Iaddend.container means secured to said
body;
a liquid contained in said container means; .Iadd.
the plunger means at least in the closed position having one open
end below the surface of the liquid and the space above the liquid
in the container communicating with the outlet opening.
.Iaddend.
2. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim .[.1.].
.Iadd.21 .Iaddend.wherein said internal cavity is comprised of a
plurality of internal chambers, one of said chambers being
interconnected by the inlet opening and another of said chambers
being interconnected by said outlet opening.
3. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 2, wherein
a restricted opening is situated between the internal chamber
interconnected by the inlet opening and the internal chamber
interconnected by the outlet opening.
4. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 3, wherein
said restricted opening is adapted to be closed by the plunger
means when said plunger means is displaced from its normally open
position.
5. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 4, wherein
said restricted opening is provided with an annular shoulder means
thereabout.
6. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 5, wherein
an annular nonmetallic sealing ring is seated on said annular
shoulder surrounding said restricted opening. .[.7. A leak detector
valve assembly as described in claim 6, wherein said inlet and
outlet openings are
linearly misaligned relative to each other..]. 8. A leak detector
valve assembly as described in claim 3, wherein the bleeder means
provided by the plunger means is comprised of an orifice and a
bleeder passageway interconnecting said orifice .Iadd.with the end
of the tubular means.
.Iaddend. 9. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim
8, wherein said plunger means is accommodated in the body cavity
chamber interconnecting the inlet opening and the elongated tubular
means of said plunger means extends through the body cavity chamber
interconnecting the
outlet opening. 10. A leak detector valve assembly as described in
claim 9, wherein the elongated tubular means extends through an
aperture in the body and into the container means secured to said
body. .[.11. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim
10, wherein the elongated tube means extends below the liquid level
of the liquid contained in said
container means..]. 12. A leak detector valve assembly as described
in claim .[.11.]. .Iadd.10 .Iaddend.wherein the plunger means is
provided
with a continuous annular edge axially protruding therefrom. 13. A
leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 12, wherein an
annular nonmetallic sealing ring is seated on said annular shoulder
surrounding said restricted opening for receiving the annular edge
of said plunger
means. 14. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 13,
wherein the plunger means is provided with a sealing means to form
a tight engagement between the external walls of the plunger means
and the internal walls of the body cavity chamber in which the
plunger means is situated. .[.15. A leak detector valve assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the sealing means is comprised of an
O-ring partially accommodated
in an annular groove carried by said plunger means..]. 16. A leak
detector valve assembly as described in claim 13, wherein the
plunger means is provided with a means for limiting the axial
displacement of the plunger
means relative to the body. 17. A leak detector valve assembly as
described in claim 16, wherein the means for limiting the axial
displacement of the plunger means is comprised of an elongated pin
passing transversely through an opening in the plunger means and
which pin has the
ends thereof located in oppositely positioned openings in the body.
18. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 2, wherein
the body chamber cavity which interconnects the outlet opening is
provided with an
internal abutment shoulder. 19. A leak detector valve assembly as
described in claim 18, wherein the means for returning the plunger
means
to a normally open position is a coil spring. 20. A leak detector
valve assembly as described in claim 19 wherein the coil spring is
positioned in intimate contact with the forward end of the plunger
means and the internal abutment shoulder provided by the body
chamber cavity which is interconnected by the outlet opening.
.Iadd. 21. A leak detector valve assembly as described in claim 1
wherein the sealing means is an O-ring partially accommodated in
the annular groove on the plunger means.
Description
.Iadd.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION .Iaddend.
With the increased usage of fluid and fluid systems, a simple and
inexpensive leak detection means is not only desirable from the
standpoint of economy, but also as sound safety practice. The
foregoing is particularly true in the recreational and low-cost
housing fields such as mobile homes, trailers, campers and boats
which utilize butane or propane gas systems. Accordingly, timely
detection of leaks in the conduits or appliances thereof can
prevent hazardous conditions which may result in explosions.
Heretofore, however, leak detection devices for fluid systems have
either been nonexistent, complicated or expensive. The leak
detection valve assembly of the instant invention eliminates the
foregoing problems by providing a simple and effective, but
inexpensive device for determining the existence of leaks in a
fluid system.
.Iadd.DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Leak detectors disclosed in the prior art are of a pressure
variance type as disclosed in U.S. 2,796,757 or variations of
bubble type leak detectors as disclosed in U.S. Patents, 2,796,757,
3,103,910, 1,751,554 and 3,177,702.
Each of the inventions disclosed in the prior art are costly,
complex and difficult to operate. They often involve the use of
heavy auxilliary equipment and a difficult test procedure. They are
generally unsuitable for detecting low volume leaks such as occur
in the propane or butane systems of recreational vehicles.
Belgium Patent No. 397721 discloses a compact relatively simple in
line device but it would only be operative to detect large volume
leaks. The lack of sealing means would permit larger leaks around
the various moving parts then are detectable using the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION .Iaddend.
The leak detector valve assembly of the instant application is
comprised of a body element provided with a double-channeled
tubular cavity, one of said channels being interconnected with an
inlet opening and the other channel interconnected with an outlet
opening. A plunger means provided with an orifice interconnecting
an elongated hollow tube is positioned within the internal chamber
connected with the inlet opening. A transparent bowl means or the
like containing liquid is secured to the body so that at all times
a tube means carried by the plunger is immersed therein. The device
is installed on the downstream side of the pressure regulator
between the fluid supply source, i.e., butane tank, and the using
source, i.e. appliance, with the plunger in the normally "open"
position. Thus, fluid passing from the supply source through the
pressure regulator into the inlet opening of the leak detector
valve assembly will pass through both channels of the internal
cavity of the body thereof and exit through the outlet opening to
the using source. When it is desired to check for leaks in the
fluid system or the using source, said using source is turned off
so as to avoid drawing fluid from the supply source. Thereafter,
the plunger of the leak detector valve assembly is depressed so as
to close the opening between the channels of the internal cavity of
the body. As a result, the only passageway available for fluid flow
is into the inlet opening of the body, through the orifice and the
plunger, through the elongated tube means connected to said
plunger, into the liquid, and exiting through the chamber
interconnected with the outlet opening and through the aforesaid
outlet opening. If a leak exists in the fluid system or in the
using source, fluid will continue to flow into the leak detector
device causing noticeable concomitant bubbles in the liquid
contained in the transparent bowl means. Conversely, in the absence
of a leak in the fluid system or using source, no fluid will flow
and no bubbles will be evident in the liquid contained in said bowl
means. Thus, an extremely simple and inexpensive leak detector
means is provided.
.Iadd.OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION .Iaddend.
.[.Accordingly,.]. It is the primary object of this invention to
provide a simple and inexpensive leak detector valve assembly for
use in fluid systems.
Another object is to provide a simple and inexpensive valve
assembly capable of being installed with simple and conventional
tools.
Still another object is to provide a simple and inexpensive leak
detector valve assembly which is extremely simple to operate.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.Iadd.. .Iaddend. .[.in which:.].
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating
the leak detector valve assembly in its normally open position;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in section, of the body of the
leak detector valve assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the body illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the body illustrated in FIG.
2;
FIG. 5 is an elevational view, partly sectioned, of the plunger of
the leak detector valve assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the plunger illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the plunger illustrated in FIG.
5;
FIG. 8 is an elevational view, in section of the cup means of the
leak detector valve assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cup means illustrated in FIG.
8;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the leak
detector valve assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1, except
that the plunger means thereof has been rotated to partly disclose
the interconnection of the plunger orifice and the elongated tube
of said plunger, as well as illustrating the fluid flow through the
valve assembly; and
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, in section, of the leak
detector valve assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, except that the
plunger means thereof is in its closed position.
.Iadd.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT .Iaddend.
Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, reference
numeral 15 designates generally the leak detector valve assembly of
the instant invention. Valve assembly 15 is provided with a body
element 16 having a cavity 17 divided into internal chamber 17a and
expanded internal chamber 17b. Internal chamber 17b is intersected
by an inlet opening 18, and internal chamber 17a is intersected by
an outlet opening 19. The inlet and outlet openings are both
provided with conventional threads 18a and 19a, respectively, for
interconnection in a fluid system .Iadd.and are linearly misaligned
relative to each other. .Iaddend.A screen or filter means (not
shown) may, if desired, be secured across inlet opening 18 between
threads 18a and body cavity 17 so as to prevent solid impurities
from entering body cavity 17 for reasons which will hereinafter
become obvious.
A transparent cup means 20 partially filled with liquid 21 is
securely attached to body 16 by permanently cementing or by
threaded engagement therewith. The liquid 21 contained in said cup
means 20 may be of any kind in which the fluid of the system is not
readily soluble. A liquid such as conventional "antifreeze" is very
desirable in that it is easier to detect bubbles created therein,
as will hereinafter be more fully described, and does not readily
freeze at low temperatures.
A plunger means 22 having a small orifice 23 and an extended hollow
tube 24 connected to said orifice by a bleeder passageway 25 is
positioned in the body cavity 17. The body portion 26 of plunger 22
is snugly situated in the expanded internal chamber 17b so as to
provide a tight leakproof engagement. To insure against the escape
of fluid from the system through the plunger and valve body
interface, O-ring 27 is positioned in annular groove 28 carried by
plunger body 26. Plunger body 26 is further provided with a large
transverse aperture 29 passing therethrough. Retaining pin 30 which
is accommodated in lateral opening 31 provided by body 16 passes
through the large lateral aperture 29 of plunger body 26 so as to
provide controlled axial movement of plunger body 26 thereby
preventing outward axial disengagement of plunger 22 from the valve
body 16.
Spring means 32 positioned in internal chamber 17a abuts against
the bottom of said chamber and the forward end of plunger body 26
so as to maintain plunger 22 in a normally "open" position, i.e.,
from being disposed in the juncture of internal chamber 17a and
expanded internal chamber 17b. The maximum axial outward movement
of plunger 22 is limited by pin 30 which is accommodated in lateral
aperture 29 carried by plunger body 26, as aforesaid. While in this
position, relatively uninhibited fluid flow is permitted into inlet
opening 18, through internal chambers 17a and 17b so as to exit out
of external opening 19 (see arrows in FIG. 10).
Hollow tube 24 which axially projects from plunger body 26 so as to
extend through internal chamber 17a of body cavity 17 through
aperture 33, interconnects said internal chamber 17a and the cavity
of cup means 20 so that the forward end of tube 24 is immersed in
the liquid 21 contained in cup means 20.
Butane or propane gas systems such as used in mobile homes,
trailers, campers, boats and the like typically consist of a
pressure gas source, i.e., a tank, pressure regulator and shutoff
valve connected to the tank and conduit means interconnecting the
pressure regulator and shutoff valve with the appliances utilizing
the gas, such as stoves, lights, etc. In such a system, the leak
detector valve assembly is connected into the fluid system as an
integral part thereof between the regulator and shutoff valve and
the using appliances. The leak detector valve assembly is
positioned in said fluid line so that the gas in the system from
the tank source passes through the pressure regulator into the
inlet opening 18 of valve assembly 15.
Since spring means 32 maintains plunger 22 in a normally "open"
position, the gas in the system will flow into expanded internal
chamber 17b of cavity 17 and internal chamber 17a so as to exit via
outlet opening 19 to the using appliance. Although a portion of the
gas in the system will occasionally deviate from its main course
and pass through orifice 23 into bleeder passageway 25, through the
hollow tube 24 into the liquid 21 or pass from internal chamber 17a
through aperture 33 into the liquid 21 thereby causing bubbles to
form in the liquid, the occurrence of said bubbles will not be
interpreted as an open valve or appliance nor indicate the presence
of a leak in the system since plunger 22 is not in the operative or
test position. However, upon the application of an axial force or
pressure upon plunger 22, spring means 32 will be compressed and
said plunger will be axially depressed until the continuous annular
protruding edge 26a of the forward end of the plunger body 26 is in
tight engagement with the nonmetallic sealing ring 34 positioned
about restricted opening 17c of body cavity 17. Thus, a tight
mechanical seal is provided whereby internal chamber 17a and outlet
opening 19 are sealed from expanded internal chamber 17b and inlet
opening 18, except for the passageway provided by orifice 23,
bleeder passageway 25 and hollow tube 24.
If, while the leak detector valve assembly is in a test position,
the using appliances are turned off and no leak exists in the fluid
system, the fluid pressure on either side of the leak detector
valve assembly would be balanced without a fluid flow occurring.
However, if an appliance is left on or a leak exists in the fluid
system, a fluid flow will exist which for the reasons hereinabove
described will cause gas to flow into the leak detector valve
assembly via inlet opening 18, through orifice 23 of the plunger
body, through hollow tube 24 into liquid 21, causing formation of
gas bubbles 21a.
The gas entrapped in bubbles 21a, not being soluble in liquid 21,
will pass through orifice 23 into internal chamber 17a so as to
exit via outlet opening 19 to the point of the leak or open
appliance. Thus, by merely observing the formation of bubbles in
liquid 21 while plunger 22 is in the test position, the presence of
a leak or an open valve in an appliance can be readily
detected.
Upon the release of the axial pressure on plunger 22, spring means
32 will return plunger body 26 to its normally "open" position
thereby releasing the seal provided by the tight contact of annular
edge 26a and nonmetallic sealing ring 34 so as to again allow the
fluid in the system to flow relatively unimpeded through valve body
16.
To facilitate the installation of leak detector valve assembly in a
fluid system, securing means comprised of screw or bolt holes 35
and 36 are provided. The length of holes 35 and 36 is such that
they are coextensive with the thickness of the valve body 16 to
accommodate an inlet and outlet connection on the left and right
side, respectively, or vice versa.
While one embodiment of the invention has been described, it is, of
course, understood that the particular embodiment of the invention
herein disclosed is for illustrative purposes only.
* * * * *