Method and apparatus for automatically stopping the process of filling of a tank with a liquid under gas or vapor pressure

• US 5,649,577 A
• Filed: 05/30/1995
• Issued: 07/22/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edward J. Farkas
• Original Assignee: Edward J. Farkas
• Inventors: Farkas, Edward J.
• Primary Examiner(s): JACYNA, J CASIMER
• Application Number:
  US08/454,437
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 141/2, 141/5, 141/59, 141/83, 141/95, 141/128, 141/198, 141/206, 220/86.1, 220/86.2, 220/89.1, 137/393
• US Class Current: 141/198
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/362 combined with over-fill preventing means indicating or measuring liquid level G01F23/00; level control G05D9/00
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/565 for indicating end of flow, e.g. by optical or audible signals
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0364 flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2221/035 Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2227/0135 Pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2227/04 Methods for emptying or filling
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/032 using computers
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0417 with electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/043 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0439 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0452 Concentration of a product
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0636 Flow or movement of content
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/072 Action when predefined value is reached
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/02 Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2265/065 for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2270/0168 by vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 5/02 for filling with liquefied gases
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/731 With control fluid connection at desired liquid level

Abstract

The invention described in the patent comprises a method and an apparatus for automatically stopping the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid, where the liquid must always be maintained under a gas or vapor pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In the situations to which the invention is addressed, the tank is not to be filled completely with liquid. If the tank is correctly filled, there is at the end of the filling process a certain fraction of the total internal tank volume which is still occupied by gas or vapor. The invention provides for automatically stopping the fill at the correct point, through installation of one of several different devices within the tank, and through the operation of a microprocessor which receives signals from sensors located in the liquid supply system, upstream of the filling hose. In addition to automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, the apparatus of the invention is self-monitoring and provides a warning of any malfunction, such as an overfilled tank.

Claims

1. An apparatus for filling a tank with a liquid, said apparatus comprising:

i) a tank with an inlet;

ii) a liquid supply capable of providing liquid at a pressure adequate to ensure flow of said liquid into said tank;

iii) a fluid conduit connectable between said supply and said tank to allow fluid communication therebetween;

iv) a tube permanently installed within said tank, said tube originating at said inlet and ending at a point in an imaginary plane coincident with the liquid surface which would exist in said tank if said tank were filled with said liquid to the maximum allowable extent;

v) a mechanical device within said tank to partially obstruct the liquid flow in said conduit when said liquid reaches said imaginary plane so that further flow of said liquid through said tube is at a lower rate for the same pressure driving force, or requires a higher pressure driving force for the same flow rate;

vi) at least one sensor located in said fluid conduit upstream of said inlet to generate a control signal when the pressure and liquid flow rate in said conduit correspond to the pressure and liquid flow rate created by said mechanical device when the liquid level in said tank reaches said imaginary plane; and

vii) a fluid dispensing control means connected to said sensor, for stopping liquid flow through said conduit in response to said control signal.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said mechanical device is a partial close valve.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said mechanical device is a membrane positioned in said imaginary plane.