Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-06
2001-10-16
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S402200, C222S402140
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302297
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improvements in an external metering valve for use with a fuel cell, aerosol can, or dispenser for dispensable fluid.
As exemplified in Nikolich U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,722, 4,483,474, 4,522, 162, and 5,115,944, all of which are incorporated by reference, it is known to use a dispenser for a dispensable fluid to dispense a hydrocarbon fuel to a combustion gas-powered tool, such as, for example, a combustion gas-powered fastener-driving tool. Such fastener-driving tools and such fuel cells are available commercially from ITW-Paslode (a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.) of Vernon Hills, Ill., under its IMPULSE trademark. In particular, a suitable fuel cell is described in Nikolich U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,944, listed above.
Two systems are known for attaching an external valve to a fuel cell of this type. In the first known system, the valve is fully engaged with the fuel cell (See FIG.
1
). In the second known system, the valve is positioned in a holding or shipping cap on the top of the fuel cell in a disengaged position (See FIG.
2
). To place the fuel cell in operation, the user must remove the shipping cap and depress the valve into the engaged position depicted in FIG.
1
.
The first system is known to be “friendly” to the user, since it is completely ready for use. However, at the same time, this system exposes the valve to the contained fuel for the whole life of the unit, from the moment it is manufactured until the fuel is completely used up. This shortens the useful life of the fuel cell due to product leaks, not only from the internal seals in the fuel cell, but also through seals located in the valve.
A significant drawback of the second system is not additional leaks, but its complexity to the user. The user must be warned to remove the shipping cap and properly install the valve in a two-step process, otherwise the system will not work or may expel some product from the fuel cell. Also, trying to install the fuel cell with the shipping cap still in place can cause extensive damage to the tool.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved external valve for a fuel cell that can be engaged with the fuel cell in a shipping position without the need for a shipping cap so that unwanted fuel emission is prevented.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved external valve for a fuel cell that is readily moved from the shipping position to an operational position in which the valve is in fluid communication with the fuel cell.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved external valve for a fuel cell which has a shipping position and is placed in an operational position upon installation in the tool.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-listed objects are met or exceeded by the present external metering valve for a fuel cell which features a valve that is mounted to the fuel cell in a shipping position without the assistance of a shipping cap, and is then easily shifted to an operational position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve has two legs shaped to allow the valve to be positioned in either a shipping position or an operational position. To use the valve of this embodiment, a user manually presses down on the valve to move it from the shipping to the operational position. Once the present valve is operationally engaged on the fuel cell, the fuel cell may be installed into the gas-powered combustion tool in a conventional manner.
This simplifies the engaging process and makes the valve user friendly. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the valve is not exposed to the effects of the fuel inside the fuel cell while in the shipping position, which results in a longer useful life for the fuel cell. Still another advantage of this embodiment is that the shape of the legs on the valve body secures it on the fuel cell during shipping and/or storage, which eliminates the need for a shipping cap.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, the valve body consists of one or two legs, shaped in a way to meet a crimped cup curvature of the fuel cell, and to allow the engagement of the valve directly inside the tool. The front (in a two-legged body) or the only leg is inserted under the rim of the fuel cell, while the valve is partially engaged with the fuel cell stem. In this attachment, the valve does not open or keep the fuel cell open, and does not expose the valve to the effects of the fuel, which results in a longer life for the fuel cell. The valve becomes functional only when it becomes fully engaged with the fuel cell, by such means as a locking/actuating device on the tool in which it is being used.
This provides the advantage of being simple to use, because no additional action is needed to engage the valve with the fuel cell. Yet another advantage of eliminating a shipping cap for holding the valve in the shipping position, is that it eliminates the mistake of attaching the valve incorrectly to the fuel cell, or forgetting to remove the cap prior to installation in the tool.
More specifically, the present invention provides a valve configured for use with a fuel cell in both a disengaged (or shipping) position, in which the valve has not established fluid communication with the fuel cell, and an engaged (or operational) position, in which the valve has established fluid communication with the fuel cell. The valve contains a body with a first formation for maintaining the disengaged position, and a second formation for maintaining the engaged position.
In one embodiment, the valve body has at least one leg with two formations defined thereon. The first formation, which is disposed below the second formation, is a groove configured for holding the valve body in the disengaged position. The second formation is a second groove configured for holding the valve body in the engaged position.
According to another embodiment, the valve body has at least one leg attached to the front end of the valve body, and the leg is configured to be frictionally secured to a rolled seam of the fuel cell in the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the back end of the valve body is raised above the fuel cell, so that the body defines an angle relative to a plane defined by an upper end of the fuel cell. Upon installation in the tool, the valve is placed in the engaged position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4403722 (1983-09-01), Nikolich
patent: 4440325 (1984-04-01), Treuhaft et al.
patent: 4483474 (1984-11-01), Nikolich
patent: 4522162 (1985-06-01), Nikolich
patent: 5115944 (1992-05-01), Nikolich
Richardson William E.
Vanstaan Valery G.
Wagdy Mohamed K.
Wilson Sandra J.
Brah Donald J.
Buechner Patrick
Croll Mark W.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
External metering valve for a fuel cell does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with External metering valve for a fuel cell, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and External metering valve for a fuel cell will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2585392