Apparatus and method for controlling the filling and emptying of a fluid container
US7556064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K7/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for emptying and filling a fluid container. A valve is constructed in part of two concentric tubes. Flow of a fluid through the outer tube of two concentric tubes is regulated by the flow of the same or another fluid through the inner tube. The two flows can be in the same or opposite directions. A cap containing the valve and a vent tube can be installed on a modified bottle used to supply water dispensers, thus enabling a user to continuously replenish the bottle from a remote supply. Alternatively, a cap containing the valve, a vent tube, and two fluid level sensors can be installed on a conventional bottle. A user is thus relieved of the burden of repetitive bottle changing, and is able to treat the water to his own specifications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.