Flow-limiting float valve

Details Flow-limiting float valve Flow-limiting float valve

2000-01-10

2001-02-27

Michalsky, Gerald A. (Department: 3753)

Fluid handling

Back flow prevention by vacuum breaking

Air vent in liquid flow line

C137S436000, C137S441000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06192916

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to water supply valves, and more particularly to tank ballcock valves that are used to re-supply water to reservoir tanks for domestic commodes.
2. Background
Ballcock valves for refilling water reservoir tanks for domestic commodes have been in use for many years and are well known to the people who install them or replace them. Typically, these valves utilize a plug that is forced down to shut the water inlet by a pivoted arm that is levered by a tank float. The plug and internal valve structure usually include various flexible washers that perform vital functions in controlling valve internal water flow.
Over the past decade that has seen the introduction of fluorides, chlorine and other chemicals into the public water supply, there has been a reported notable increase in valve blockages interfering with proper operation of these valves. Often, the blockage is due to swelling of valve washers caused by chloramines in the water over a time period, the swollen washers then blocking discharge apertures. The only available solution to date has been to replace the plug and thereby the washers. This is usually only a temporary Solution as the blockage will probably re-occur in time.
Valve blockages are also caused by particles that may be floating in the water and blocking small diameter valve apertures, often occurring after work is done nearby on the water mains and the water supply may be temporarily muddy. The valve must then be opened in order to clean out these particles, which may be a time consuming job.
Another occasional problem in ballcock valve operation may arise when water “hammer” occurs in the water supply line. If this should happen during refill when the valve plug or stem is up and the flow chamber is open to inlet water pressure, the valve plug may be forced upwards too high or even out of the valve chamber, resulting in flooding the tank as well as the bathroom area around the toilet. Thus, there remain several ongoing valve operating problems that afflict the typical plug type ballcock valve in use today, resulting in much unavoidable repair and replacement costs. The present invention incorporates a valve design that solves these problems while keeping the familiar attributes of the ballcock valve for acceptance in domestic use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a flow-limiting float valve that is intended particularly for re-supplying water to domestic reservoir tanks and commodes. The valve has attached to its base a vertical riser that has an internal inlet water passage, and which is adapted for mounting to the bottom wall of a reservoir tank for connection to a water supply. The valve is constructed using a dome shaped cap that fits over the base and defines a flow discharge chamber, and a vertical free-sliding piston that controls inlet water flow and shut off. Provision is made to limit the inlet water flow during refill at all times, and to prevent accidental ejection of the piston as may occur during a surge in water pressure.
Provision is also included to allow for possible valve flow blockages by eliminating the potential for rotation of the piston, thus ensuring delivery of discharge water to the valve discharge passage, coupled with a relief recess in the cap of the flow discharge chamber to which a flow notch on the non-rotating float piston directs the discharge water. This will ensure an adequate flow of water to the refill outlet, in the case of the flexible internal washers becoming swollen from chemicals in the water supply.
Accordingly, it is a prime object of this invention to provide a float valve for re-supplying water to domestic reservoir tanks and toilet bowls, that will limit the water flow rate during refill, preventing possible accidental flooding.
Another object of this invention is to ensure discharge water flow access to the valve discharge passages under any possible internal valve water blockage condition including swelling of the flexible internal washers.
A further object is to provide a simplified float valve for dependable operation and having a long useful life. The most important advantages of the present invention over currently available ballcock valve devices are twofold:
(1) In the case of a failure of any part of the regulating mechanisms, the flow through the valve is limited to an amount less than the amount which can be disposed of by the overflow valve that is located at an adjacent point in the toilet tank.
(2) In the case of degradation of the internal flexible washers, the percentage of water flow to the refill tube remains the same as that of a new unaffected inlet valve. Another advantage of this invention is the ease of repairing or replacing the piston, which can be quickly removed without using any tools by removing the easily unlocked valve cap.
Yet another advantage of this invention is its relatively long useful life.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from studying the following portion of the specification, the claims and the attached drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2635622 (1953-04-01), Owens
patent: 3070118 (1962-12-01), Antunez
patent: 3785394 (1974-01-01), Dixon
patent: 3785397 (1974-01-01), Young
patent: 4494562 (1985-01-01), Stephens

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