Valve assembly

• US 20100307608A1
• Filed: 08/03/2010
• Published: 12/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Weir Minerals Australia Limited (WEIR Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Weir Minerals Australia Limited (WEIR Group PLC)
• Inventors: Smit, Peter Martin
• Granted Patent: US 8,025,076 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/202
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/365 using floats
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/367 the float acting pneumatically on a shut-off valve
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 17/26 operating in either direction
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 24/044 the float being rigidly connected to the valve element, the assembly of float and valve element following a substantially translational movement when actuated, e.g. also for actuating a pilot valve
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/20 actuating a lift valve
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/22 with the float rigidly connected to the valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0874 Vent opening or closing on tipping container
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/3099 Float responsive
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7303 Control of both inflow and outflow of tank
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7358 By float controlled valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7465 Assembly mounted on and having reciprocating valve element coaxial with inlet pipe
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86332 Vent and inlet or outlet in unitary mounting

Abstract

A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

Claims

1. A valve assembly able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising:

a housing having a passageway that extends through the housing;

a breather float valve mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway;

an liquid inlet, forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and

an inlet float valve mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve assembly includes a relief valve that is movable between an open position and a closed position to allow pressure to be relieved from the container.

3. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the housing is cylindrical.

4. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein inlet float valve includes a float and a stem.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4 wherein a valve seal is located adjacent the end of the stem.

6. The valve assembly of claim 5 wherein a fuel chamber is located adjacent the liquid inlet in which fuel is passed.

7. The valve assembly of claim 6 wherein a shelter is provided within the fuel chamber in which an end of the stem is located when the float valve assembly is in the open position.

8. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the breather float valve includes a rod and breather float.

9. The valves assembly of claim 8 wherein a spring engages the breather float valve.

10. The valve assembly of claim 2 wherein the relief valve includes a relief plate, a spring and a cap.