Single point battery watering system with pivot float and ball valve

• US 7,713,652 B2
• Filed: 08/03/2006
• Issued: 05/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Liquid Precision Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Liquid Precision Incorporated
• Inventors: Hutchinson, William L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cantelmo; Gregg
• Application Number:
  US11/499,302
• Publication Number:
  US 20060269832A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,377 Days
• Field of Search: 429/64, 429/74, 429/76, 137/260
• US Class Current: 429/74
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/383 Flame arresting or ignition-preventing means
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/609 Arrangements or processes for filling with liquid, e.g. electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/627 Filling ports
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4757 Battery or electrolytic cell replenishment

Abstract

A series of cell fill valves are interconnected by a series of hoses and T-connections, one to each battery cell. Each cell fill valve is controlled by a ball in a seat in a single fill opening. The ball is controlled by a float on a pivotable lever arm with an end finger which holds the ball up to admit water with the float down and allows the ball to lower onto the seat as the cell fills causing the float to rise to a shutoff level when the cell is filled to a desired level.

Claims

1. A low profile fluid supply system which does not snag on cables or other objects, for providing a liquid to a plurality of battery cells each having a top surface and a battery cell hole in the top surface, each cell also containing an internal fluid, the system comprising:

a. a fluid reservoir for holding a fluid,

b. a plurality of automatic valves each fitting at least partially into the cell hole, such that only a small portion is exposed outside of the cell hole, the exposed portion begin covered by a generally smooth curved helmet, designed to reduce the possibility of cables and other objects from getting caught on the automatic valves, the automatic valves operating to sense when the battery cell internal fluid drops below a predetermined level, and allows a fluid provided to it to fill the battery cell until it reached a predetermined level;

c. a plurality of fill hoses adapted to provide fluid from the fluid reservoir to each of the automatic valves.

2. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the helmet has a generally circular periphery and is higher in its center to enclose the exposed automatic valve, and drops to become generally flush with the top of the battery cell at its periphery.

3. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the helmet is removable to allow access to the valve parts.

4. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the helmet is designed to snap in place.

5. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the helmet has openings to allow the fill hoses to connect to the automatic valve.

6. A low profile fluid supply system which does not snag on cables or other objects, for providing a liquid to a plurality of battery cells each having a top surface and a battery cell hole in the top surface, each cell also containing an internal fluid, the system comprising:

a. a fluid reservoir for holding a fluid,

b. a plurality of automatic valves each fitting at least partially into the cell hole, such that only a small portion is exposed outside of the cell hole, designed to reduce the possibility of cables and other objects from getting caught on the automatic valves, the automatic valves operating to sense when the battery cell internal fluid drops below a predetermined level, and allows a fluid provided to it to fill the battery cell until it reached a predetermined level,

c. a generally curved helmet adapted to provide a smooth, snag resistant covering surface to the exposed portion of the automatic valve, helmet having a portion designed to be substantially flush with the top surface of the battery around the automatic valve but smoothly raises to cover the exposed portion of the valve at a generally center point, and

d. a plurality of fill hoses adapted to provide fluid from the fluid reservoir to each of the automatic valves.

7. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 6, wherein the helmet has a generally circular periphery and is higher in its center to enclose the exposed automatic valve, and drops to become generally flush with the top of the battery cell at its periphery.

8. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 6, wherein the helmet is removable to allow access to the valve parts.

9. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 6, wherein the helmet is designed to snap in place.

10. The low profile fluid supply system of claim 6 wherein the helmet has openings to allow the fill hoses to connect to the automatic valve.