Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A valve mechanism for supplying liquid to a container until the surface of the liquid reaches a predetermined level includes a valve body disposable in the container and defining a cavity, an inlet port for communication with a liquid source and an cutlet port communicating with the interior of the container. A valve seat is provided in the cavity adjacent to the outlet port, and a valve member in the shape of a ball is disposed within the cavity and moveable between a normal closed condition and an open condition relative to the valve seat for respectively closing and opening the outlet port. A guide tube depends from the valve body in communication with the outlet port and has a float coupled to it. A valve actuator includes a base seated in the container and a rod extending upwardly therefrom into the guide tube. The actuator rod is engageable with the valve member for holding the valve member in its open condition when the surface of the liquid in the container is below the predetermined level. The actuator withdraws from the outlet port to also allow the valve member to move to its normal closed condition when the surface of the liquid in the container is at or above the predetermined level.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim