Overflow prevention system and method using laminar-to-turbulent flow transition
US6729367B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7378
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An overflow prevention system and method for storage tanks includes a flow disturber situated in the tank fill tube, a fluid level sensor for sensing fluid level in the tank, and an actuator that causes the flow disturber to move toward the fill tube inlet in response to rising fluid level sensed by the fluid level sensor. The flow disturber is arranged to travel between a first position in which it does not cause turbulent flow in the fill tube and a second position in which it causes turbulent flow. The actuator is responsive to the fluid level sensor to move the flow disturber to the second position when a predetermined fluid level is reached. The transition to turbulent flow triggers the automatic shut-off feature of the dispensing nozzle to prevent the tank from being filled beyond the predetermined level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.