Back to results
US 11,144,076 B2Granted
Fluid flow control based on a liquid level in a container
OwnerJustin C. Sitzinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for fluid flow control. A container is shaped to receive a liquid, and includes an outlet configured to allow the liquid to exit the container. A valve is configured to control a fluid flow based on a liquid level in the container. An output line coupled to the valve is configured to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container. The location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet.
Claims17
An apparatus comprising:
- a container shaped to receive a liquid, the container comprising an outlet configured to allow the liquid to exit the container;
- a valve configured to control a fluid flow based on a liquid level in the container;
- an output line coupled to the valve, the output line configured to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container, wherein the location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet;
- a return line branching off from the output line, the return line configured to divert a portion of the fluid flow from the output line into the container;
- and
- a return flow control device connected to the return line to control a fill rate for the container, the return flow control device comprising a valve adjustable by a user to adjust the fill rate for the container.
3 more elements
A system comprising:
- a portable receptacle;
- a container disposed in the portable receptacle and shaped to receive a liquid, the container comprising an outlet configured to allow the liquid to exit the container;
- a valve disposed in the portable receptacle and configured to control a fluid flow based on a liquid level in the container;
- an output line coupled to the valve, the output line configured to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container, wherein the location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet;
- a return line branching off from the output line, the return line configured to divert a portion of the fluid flow from the output line into the container;
- and
- a return flow control device connected to the return line to control a fill rate for the container, the return flow control device comprising a valve adjustable by a user to adjust the fill rate for the container.
4 more elements
A method comprising:
- receiving a liquid in a container, the container comprising an outlet;
- allowing the liquid to exit the container via the outlet;
- actuating a valve based on a liquid level in the container, to control a fluid flow;
- and
- using an output line coupled to the valve to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container, wherein the location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet;
- using a return line that branches off from the output line to divert a portion of the fluid flow from the output line into the container;
- and
- adjusting a valve connected to the return line to control a fill rate for the container.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.