Patent Application
20110259473
The disclosed inventive concept(s) relates to generally to refueling apparatuses configured for automatically stopping when a desired refueling level is attained.
A variety of applications require the ability to rapidly fill a container with a fluid. To accomplish this rapid filling, the fluid is typically pumped (under pressure) into the container. Due to this rapid filling, such applications typically include means for quickly shutting off the flow of fluid when the container reaches a predetermined level of fluid held therein so as to prevent overfilling and/or spillage of the fluid.
While the inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed inventive concept(s).
Further, in the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “or” indicates a non-exclusive alternative without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.
The receptacle 32 of a dry disconnect coupling (comprising a coupler and a receptacle), such as those made by Whitaker, connects to the fluid flow control valve 20. This receptacle 32 configured for mating with the dry disconnect coupling's coupler (not shown). A single point dry break coupler is preferred, with API style dry break couplers likewise being useful. The dry disconnect coupling 30 allowing a fluid conduit (not shown), such as a fuel supply line, to be fluidly connected with a container, such as a fuel tank on a diesel locomotive. The utilization of a dry disconnect coupling is well known in the prior art, for instance as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,294 to Cornford.
In operation, upon connecting the coupler to the receptacle 32 of the valve body 40, a lever (not shown in the drawings) is engaged which causes the poppet valve of the coupler to force open the poppet valve 33 of the receptacle 32 (or vice versa), thereby allowing fluid to be pumped from the fluid conduit, through the dry disconnect coupling and into the fluid flow control valve 20. Upon disengagement of the lever, the poppet valve of the coupler moves away from the poppet valve 33 of the receiver, allowing the receiver's poppet valve 33 to close, thereby preventing spillage of fluid (fuel) out of the receptacle (tank) after filling (fueling) is complete (at disconnect).
As illustrated in
The upper portion 39 preferably having external threading for allowing the valve body 40 to be screwed into a threaded hole within wall of the container (preferably the top wall of the container). In such an arrangement, the upper portion 39 is installed generally outside of the container. Other manners of mounting the body of the valve to the container are likewise possible. For instance, the utilization of a flange that is bolted onto the container.
The upper portion 39 also preferably having an upper fluid bleed passage 44′ configured to fluidly align with a lower fluid bleed passage 44 of the lower portion 41. Preferably, an O-ring or other seal is used at such a connection for preventing leakage, such as a bleed passage O-ring 37. The upper fluid bleed passage 44′ terminating at an upper port 45. This upper port 45 configured for connecting, such as via the supply line 190/190′ of
The lower portion 41 having a piston housing 46 configured for receiving a piston 50 therein. The piston housing 46 having an internal sidewall 47 defining an open topped cylinder in which the piston 50 is slidably received.
Extending from the piston housing 46 are a plurality of legs, preferably three legs (58, 58′, 59), which include there-through holes for receiving bolts 28 used to bolt the lower portion 41 to the upper portion 39. The legs also define lateral fluid flow passages 61 there-between for allowing fluid passing through the fluid flow control valve 20 to be conveyed into the container (fuel tank). The lateral fluid flow passages 61 can be best be seen in
Preferably extending through one of the legs 59 is the lower fluid bleed passage 44 that is, as described above, configured to fluidly align with the upper fluid bleed passage 44′ (best shown in
The piston 50 having a head 51, the head preferably being beveled 55. The beveled portion of the head configured for creating a mating seal against the seat 42. It is preferred that the piston 50 be hollow. The piston 50 having an external sidewall preferably containing a of pair concentric sidewall grooves (57, 57′) configured for receiving at least one sealing member (52, 52′) therein. The sealing members (e.g., O-rings, Teflon seals) sealing the piston external sidewall 56 to the housing internal sidewall 47.
In the preferred embodiment, no spring is needed for biasing the piston's beveled head against the seat 42 of the upper portion 39. The effective area of the piston is larger than the effective throat area of the receiver (tapered bore). No spring is needed for biasing the piston's beveled head against the seat of the upper portion because of this difference in areas and pressure. During fueling conditions, once the bleed passage (43/44/44′) has been blocked, the area above the piston has high fluid velocity (low pressure) and the area below the piston has low fluid velocity (high pressure). The effective area of the throat of the receiver is smaller than the effective area of the piston. The net force (pressure multiplied by area) on the piston moves the piston upwards into the receiver, shutting off the flow. During no-flow conditions or when the system has shut down, the piston is engaged into the receiver. The pressures are equal on each side of the piston, as both fluid flows are zero. In order for the piston to still remain sealed the piston area must be greater than the throat area. The result is that a spring is not necessary for biasing the piston's beveled head against the seat of the upper portion.
Preferably, the head of the piston 50 has a bleed hole/passage 60 defined there-through, the bleed hole 60 interconnecting the first chamber 36 with the second chamber 38. Preferably, the bleed passage 60 is configured for receiving a piston jet 54 therein (preferably by threading), the piston jet 54 for allowing the diameter of the bleed passage 60 to be modified for testing purposes. Alternatively, no piston jet could be included, and desired flow could be created based upon the diameter of the bleed passage 60 itself.
The fluid flow control valve 20 is configured for use with a float valve. A generic float valve 70 is shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The float valve (float control module) 170 is configured for use with a refueling apparatus with an automatic stop, such as the fluid flow control valve module 20 shown in
Typically, a locomotive's fuel tank (container) will have a one-half inch (½″) to three-quarter inch (¾″) National Pipe Thread (NPT) port 300 (
Referring specifically to
It is preferred that the body 171 comprises an upper portion 168 and a lower portion 169. The float portion 196 and the body 171 configured and sized (preferably less than ¾″ in diameter) for insertion through the port 300 and into the container 6.
The head 180 having an externally threaded portion 181 having threads configured for threading into the NPT port's internal threads after the float portion 196 has been inserted therethrough, thereby attaching the float control module 170 to said fuel tank 6 with said float portion 196 extending into the container/fuel tank.
The central assembly 175 defining therein an inlet port 184 configured for receiving therein connection with a fitting/connector 167 (shown in
In the embodiment shown, the inlet port 184 is within the central assembly 175. The central assembly 175 having a drum, an inlet port, an upper inlet bore, and an outlet port. The drum is configured to be rotatably received in the housing of the head. The central assembly having an upper inlet bore defined there-through, preferably this upper inlet bore is threaded. The upper inlet bore extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. Preferably, the connection between the bleed line and the float control module comprises a connector inserted through the inlet port and threaded into the upper inlet bore, this connector connecting to the bleed line.
Depending upon the application, the length of the extension 177 could be varied. In the embodiment shown, the extension 177 comprising a pipe nipple, tube or other tubular member having a pair of threaded ends, a first end that threads into the central assembly and a second end that threads via threading (lower threads) 178 into the body 171 at a first end of the body 171. The extension defining a center inlet bore there-through. The first end configured for insertion into the outlet port of the central assembly and threaded engagement with the upper inlet bore of the central assembly. The second end configured for insertion into a the receiver of the body and threaded engagement with the lower inlet bore of the body. The tubular member having a length. Varying lengths of tubular members could be utilized with embodiments of the inventive concept. It is preferred that the extension have a diameter of less than three-quarters of an inch, more preferably less than one-half of an inch.
The inlet bore 182 passes through the body 171, extending from the inlet port 184 in said upper portion 168 through the central assembly 175, extension 177 and body 171 to an outlet 185 in the lower portion 169 of the housing 171. The inlet bore comprising part of a fluid passageway extending between the fluid flow control valve module (not shown) through the conduit 190/190′ through the float control module 170 and into the container.
It is preferred that the internal passages of the float valve are sized proportional to the internal passages of the fluid flow control module and the test valve to ensure minimum pressure drop across the fluid bleed stream, thereby ensuring that the bleed stream incurs minimal pressure drop from the time it passes through the piston jet until it exits the float valve. An unintended pressure drop can be caused if any of these passages are smaller in diameter than the fluid bleed passage coming out of the fluid flow control valve. If this pressure drop is significant enough, it would simulate the float valve being closed and would cause pressure to equalize across the face of the piston thereby shutting down the flow of fuel. Thus, providing for all internal passages to be sized proportional to each other, the likelihood of such a pressure drop will be greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. The head 180 configured for rotatably receiving the drum of the central assembly 175 therein, preferably within a housing 174.
The central assembly 175 preferably having a threaded passageway (the upper inlet bore) defined there-through. Alternatively, only a portion of said passageway could be threaded. This threading preferably including the inlet port 184 on one end of the central assembly 175 and extending to a second end (outlet port) configured for receiving therein a first end of the extension 177. The central assembly 175 having a channel defined therein for receiving an o-ring 176 thereby sealing the drum against the housing. In such an arrangement, the central assembly-extension are able to rotate relative to the head 180, for instance (as particularly shown in
Once the central assembly is positioned as desired, a rotation lock is used to lock the central assembly. In one example, the rotation lock comprises a top plate 172 slid over the central assembly in conjunction with at least one bolt 173 used to lock the top plate in place. This prevents the central assembly from rotating further. The preferred top plate (top locking flange) shaped to fit over the top of the central assembly, with flanges for engaging the wrench flat(s), thereby allowing rotation to be prevented.
The body (valve assembly) comprising an upper portion comprising a receiver, a lower portion, an upper portion, a lower inlet bore and a valve. The lower portion connecting to said upper portion. The lower portion comprising an outlet fluidly connected to the fuel tank. The lower inlet bore extending through the body from the receiver to the outlet.
As shown in
Preferably, the piston is spring biased in the closed position via spring 155 (shown in
The float portion 196 having a float 192 and a float arm 191. The float portion 196 pivotally connecting to the lower portion 169 of the body 171 via a pivot pin 193. Rotation of the float portion 196 at the pivot pin 193 resulting in the cam member 194 variably contacting the boss 197 of the piston. Preferably, the connection between the lower portion 169 and the body 171 sealed via an O-ring 166, as shown in
In that locomotive fuel tanks typically contain a number of internal baffles designed to limit fuel movement within the tank, in order to ensure that the float does not contact the baffles, it is preferred that the float mechanism (arm and valve body) be adjustable during the installation process to allow rotation of the float to a position that ensures no interference with the internal baffles will occur. Upon proper orientation, the float mechanism is then locked into place, preferably through use of a set screw.
The bleed flow interrupter could also comprise an emergency stop button that would function in a similar manner as a traditional “E-stop button.” In such a configuration, the operator would depress the “Stop” button and the Stop button would lock in the closed position, stopping the flow of fluid through the fluid flow control valve, and cause the piston to close and stop fuel flow. In order to restart the flow, the operator would need to release the button by twisting or pulling to open the valve and enable flow to continue.
The bleed conduit 190/190′ preferably attaches in between the upper port 45 (shown in
Referring particularly to
The shut off level is determined by the length of the extension 177 that connects the valve body 171 to the central assembly 175. To maximize the level within the tank, the shortest possible extension should be installed to raise the float arm and valve body as much as possible. If the railroad wishes to “short fill” the locomotives on a regular basis, a longer extension can be installed so that the level of the float arm and valve body is placed in a position where it activated at the desired “short fill” level.
In addition to being able to adjust the fill level of the tank, the float arm can be oriented independently from the external body mount, as shown in
A refueling apparatus for use in refilling a container with a fluid, said refueling apparatus comprising: a fluid flow control valve module, said fluid flow control valve module having a fluid passage there-through for connection with a fluid source, said fluid flow control valve module having a shutoff valve, wherein said fluid is able to travel from said fluid source through said fluid flow control valve module and into said container when said shutoff valve is open, and wherein when said shutoff valve is closed said fluid is prevented from flowing through said fluid flow control valve module, wherein said fluid level sensor is able to control the opening and closing of said shutoff valve; said fluid level sensor module having a sensor configured sensing the level of fluid in said container, said fluid level sensor module configured for closing said fluid flow control valve module upon said sensor sensing that said fluid level is higher than a predetermined level in said container and opening said fluid flow control valve module upon said sensor sensing that said fluid level is lower than a predetermined level in said container; and a testing module, wherein said testing module comprises means for simulating a predetermined fill level in said container thereby allowing the function of the fluid level sensor module to be tested.
A refueling apparatus for use in refilling a container with a fluid, said container having air space above a fluid space, said fluid having a fluid level within said container, said refueling apparatus comprising: a fluid flow control valve, said fluid flow control valve connecting with a fluid source containing fluid, wherein said fluid is able to travel from said fluid source through said fluid flow control valve and into said container when said fluid flow control valve is open, and wherein when said fluid flow control valve is closed said fluid is prevented from flowing through said fluid flow control valve, said fluid flow control valve comprising a valve body, said valve body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion comprising an orifice defining a tapered seat configured for mating engagement with a beveled edge of the head of a piston, wherein the internal space of the upper portion defines a first chamber, said lower portion having a piston housing configured for receiving said piston therein, said piston housing having an internal sidewall defining an open topped cylinder having an end wall, the piston slidably received within said cylinder, the space within the cylinder between the end wall and the piston defining a second chamber, wherein at least one lateral fluid flow passage is defined in said internal sidewall, said at least one lateral fluid flow passage for allowing fluid passing through the fluid flow control valve to be conveyed into the container, wherein said piston's head sealing against the seat closes said at least one lateral fluid flow passage, said lower portion comprising a lower port interconnecting said second chamber with a bleed passage terminating at an upper port, said upper port configured for connecting with a supply line connecting with a float control module at an inlet port, said piston having said head with said beveled edge, said edge configured for creating a mating seal against said tapered seat, said piston having an external sidewall having at least one sidewall groove configured for receiving at least one sealing member therein for slidably sealing the piston's external sidewall to the housing's internal sidewall, wherein the said head further comprising a bleed hole defined there-through, said bleed hole interconnecting the first chamber with the second chamber; a float control module, said float control module comprising said inlet port, said inlet port interconnected with an outlet port in said float control module, wherein when the fluid level is below a preset level in said container, the float control module allows the flow of fluid through said inlet port to said outlet port, and wherein when the fluid level is above a preset level in said container, the float control module blocks the flow of fluid through said inlet port to said outlet port causing a fluid pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber which moves the piston away from said seat, allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source, through the fluid flow control valve, out said lateral fluid flow passage, and into said container.
A refueling apparatus for use in refilling a container with a fluid, said container having air space above a fluid space, said fluid having a fluid level within said container, said refueling apparatus comprising: a fluid flow control valve, said fluid flow control valve connecting with a fluid source containing fluid, wherein said fluid is able to travel from said fluid source through said fluid flow control valve and into said container when said fluid flow control valve is open, and wherein when said fluid flow control valve is closed said fluid is prevented from flowing through said fluid flow control valve, said fluid flow control valve comprising a valve body, said valve body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion comprising an orifice defining a tapered seat configured for mating engagement with a beveled edge of the head of a piston, wherein the internal space of the upper portion defines a first chamber, said lower portion having a piston housing configured for receiving said piston therein, said piston housing having an internal sidewall defining an open topped cylinder having an end wall, the piston slidably received within said cylinder, the space within the cylinder between the end wall and the piston defining a second chamber, wherein at least one lateral fluid flow passage is defined in said internal sidewall, said at least one lateral fluid flow passage for allowing fluid passing through the fluid flow control valve to be conveyed into the container, wherein said piston's head sealing against the seat closes said at least one lateral fluid flow passage, said lower portion comprising a lower port interconnecting said second chamber with a bleed passage terminating at an upper port, said upper port configured for connecting with a supply line connecting with a float control module at an inlet port, said piston having said head with said beveled edge, said edge configured for creating a mating seal against said tapered seat, said piston having an external sidewall having at least one sidewall groove configured for receiving at least one sealing member therein for slidably sealing the piston's external sidewall to the housing's internal sidewall, wherein the said head further comprising a bleed hole defined there-through, said bleed hole interconnecting the first chamber with the second chamber; a float control module, said float control module comprising said inlet port, said inlet port interconnected with an outlet port in said float control module, wherein when the fluid level is below a preset level in said container, the float control module allows the flow of fluid through said inlet port to said outlet port, and wherein when the fluid level is above a preset level in said container, the float control module blocks the flow of fluid through said inlet port to said outlet port causing a fluid pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber which moves the piston away from said seat, allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source, through the fluid flow control valve, out said lateral fluid flow passage, and into said container; and a testing module, wherein said testing module comprises means blocking said fluid passage from the supply line through said inlet port and out said outlet port thereby simulating a predetermined fill level in said container and allowing the function of the float control module to be tested.
A refueling system for a vehicle having a fuel tank, said fuel tank having a side wall having an internally threaded port defined therein. The refueling system comprising a fluid flow control valve, a bleed line, and a float control module.
The fluid flow control valve for controlling the flow of fuel from a fuel source into said fuel tank, said fluid flow control valve connecting to a bleed line. The bleed line interconnecting said fluid flow control valve and a float control module.
The float control module connecting to said bleed line, said float control module comprising: a head, a central assembly, an extension, a body, a float portion, and a rotation lock. The head comprising: an externally threaded portion having threading configured for threading into said port's internal threads, and a housing, said housing configured for rotatably receiving a drum of a central assembly therein. The central assembly comprising: a drum rotatably received in said housing, an inlet port, an upper inlet bore defined through said central assembly, said upper inlet bore extending from said inlet port to an outlet port, said upper inlet bore having threading configured for receiving a threaded extension first end, and said outlet port. Preferably, the drum defines a channel, said channel containing an O-ring for sealing engagement with said housing.
The central assembly comprises a connector inserted through said inlet port and threaded into said upper inlet bore, said connector connecting to said bleed line. The extension comprising: a tubular member having threaded ends, namely said first end and a second end, said tubular member defining a center inlet bore there-through, said first end configured for insertion through said outlet port and into threaded engagement with said upper inlet bore, said second end configured for insertion into a receiver and into threaded engagement with a lower inlet bore. The body comprising: an upper portion, said upper portion defining said receiver, a lower portion connecting to said upper portion, said lower portion comprising an outlet, said outlet fluidly connected to said fuel tank, a lower inlet bore extending through said body from said receiver to said outlet, a valve, said valve comprising a cylinder portion within said lower inlet bore, said cylinder sized for receiving a piston, said piston having a base portion configured for sealing engagement with a seat adjacent said outlet, said piston biased in the closed position via spring, said piston having a boss extending through said outlet, said boss configured for manipulation by a cam member of a float portion's arm, said valve having an open position where bleed fluid may flow from said bleed line through said float control module and into said fuel tank, said valve having a closed position where bleed fluid is prevented from flowing through said float control module, said open and closed positions controlled by the raising and lowering of a float portion.
The float portion comprising a float arm, a float and a pivot pin, said float arm comprising said cam member, said float attaching to said float arm, and said pivot pin pivotally connecting said float portion to said lower portion, wherein rotation of said float portion at said pivot pin causing said cam member to variably contact said boss of said piston, opening and closing said valve. The rotation lock for preventing the rotation of said central assembly within said head, said rotation lock comprising a top plate and at least one bolt, said top plate configured for engaging said central assembly, said bolt configured for fixing said top plate in engagement with said central assembly.
Preferably, the port has an inside diameter of three-quarters of an inch or less and that said float portion, said extension, and said body have a diameter smaller than said port inside diameter, thereby enabling said float portion, said extension and said body to be inserted through said port and into said fuel tank. Preferably, when said valve is open, fuel can flow from said fluid flow control valve through said bleed line through said float control module and into said fuel tank, and the fluid flow control valve to open, thereby permitting a flow of fuel from said fuel source through said fluid flow control valve and into said fuel tank; and wherein when said valve is closed, the flow of fuel through said bleed line stops, causing the fluid flow control valve to close, thereby preventing fuel from flowing from said fuel source through said fluid flow control valve into said fuel tank. Preferably, a bleed flow interrupter is located inline of said bleed line, said bleed flow interrupter able to interrupt said bleed flow thereby allowing an operator to test said fluid flow control valve, wherein when said bleed flow is interrupted the flow of fuel through said bleed line stops, causing the fluid flow control valve to close, thereby preventing fuel from flowing from said fuel source through said fluid flow control valve into said fuel tank.
A refueling system for a vehicle, said refueling system comprising a fuel tank, a fluid flow control valve, a bleed line and a float valve. The fuel tank having a side wall, said fuel tank having an internally threaded port through said side wall, said port having an inside diameter of three-quarters of an inch or less. The fluid flow control valve configured for connection with a fuel source, said fluid flow control valve connecting to a bleed line, wherein stopping the flow of the bleed through the bleed line triggers the fluid flow control valve to close, thereby preventing a flow of fuel from said fuel source from flowing through said fluid flow control valve into said fuel tank, and wherein flow of the bleed the bleed line triggers the fluid flow control valve to open, thereby permitting a flow of fuel from said fuel source through said fluid flow control valve and into said fuel tank. The bleed line interconnecting said fluid flow control valve and a float valve.
The float valve connecting to said bleed line, said float valve having an open position where bleed fluid may flow from said bleed line through said float valve and into said fuel tank, said float valve having a closed position where bleed fluid is prevented from flowing through said float valve, said open and closed positions controlled by the raising and lowering of a float portion, said float valve comprising an externally threaded portion having threading configured for threading into the port's internal threads, a valve assembly having a diameter smaller than said port inside diameter, and a float portion having a diameter smaller than said port inside diameter, thereby enabling said valve assembly and said float portion to be inserted through said port and into said fuel tank.
The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s), which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.
Still other features and advantages of the claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred and example embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.
While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment(s) of the inventive concept(s), it is to be distinctly understood that this inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the following claims.
