Valves and valve actuation – With correlated flow path – Tank
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-07
2001-04-10
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Valves and valve actuation
With correlated flow path
Tank
C137S089000, C137S347000, C137S350000, C292S255000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213449
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to valves, and in particular to valves for railway tank cars.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There have been several bottom valves for liquid tank cars (such as rail cars), having handles attached to the valve outlet cap which, when moved, have a locking portion cooperating with a locking portion of the nozzle of the valve to lock the outlet cap to the nozzle in a liquid-tight manner. These handles usually have a generally linear, and free end, which is grabbed by a user to move the handles between open and closed position. When the handles are in the closed position, the linear end is generally parallel to and very close to the bottom of the outlet cap leaving little space between the cap and the linear end. This small space makes it very difficult for a user, often wearing gloves, to grasp and move the handles to their open position.
Additionally, the tank nozzle and/or cap are often partially covered with ladings, or debris, such as solidified corn syrup, from the contents of the tank car which prevent proper engagement of the locking portion of the cap and nozzle. Rather than clean the ladings, the tendency of many users is to force the handles. Since the end portion is linear and free, often a user will attach a lever, such as a pipe extension or wrench to gain leverage to move the handles to wedge the cap against the nozzle. This excess force may cause the handles to be bent, broken or otherwise damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved tank bottom valve assembly which avoids the disadvantages of prior valves while affording additional structural and operational advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of a tank car bottom valve assembly which is of a relatively simple and economical construction.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a valve assembly of the type set forth which has an outlet cap for closing the valve with handles that provide a user with both the structure and space to obtain a firm hand hold.
A still further feature of the invention is the provision of an assembly of the type set forth which provides an outlet cap with handles which cannot easily be forced.
Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a bottom outlet valve for a tank car. The valve includes a nozzle projecting from the bottom of the tank car and defining an opening and having a locking member, and an outlet cap shaped and dimensioned to cover the opening and moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cap forms a substantially liquid-tight seal with the opening. The nozzle also includes at least one moveable handle coupled to the cap and having a locking portion engageable with the locking member and a hand gripping portion formed by structure defining a closed loop, wherein movement of the hand gripping portion causes engagement of the locking portion with the locking member. When the locking member and locking portion are engaged, the outlet cap is retained in a closed position.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.
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Dean Robert H.
Portis Ralph G.
Chambers A. Michael
Delaware Capital Formation Inc.
McShane Thomas L.
Shaw Seyfarth
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