Valve mechanism

A valve mechanism for connection with a connecting member on a vessel for draining liquid from the vessel with a pressurized gas through pipe means and vessel closing means in the connecting member, the vessel closing means having a closed position blocking entry of gas into the vessel and flow of liquid from the vessel and an open position permitting entry of gas into the vessel and the flow of liquid from the vessel, comprising:

• (a) a connecting piece having means therewith for mounting with the connecting member, said connecting piece further having a chamber therein for receiving the pressurized gas;
• (b) supply means for providing the pressurized gas to said connecting piece;
• (c) outlet means for conveying the liquid from the connecting piece;
• (d) first movable gland means mounted in said connecting piece for engaging the vessel closing means externally of the pipe means in the vessel for moving the vessel closing means into the open position;
• (e) second movable gland means extending through said chamber in said connecting piece to said supply means, having means therewith for passing liquid from the closing means to said outlet means, and further having means therewith for conveying the pressurized gas to the enclosed space in said chamber;
• (f) a first movable adjusting member mounted in said chamber of said connecting piece and connected to said first gland means, said first movable adjusting member moving in response to the pressurized gas from said supply means to thereby cause said first movable gland means to move the vessel closing means into the open position and thereby permit the liquid to be drained from the vessel;
• and
• (g) a second movable adjusting member coupled to said second gland means for forming a seal between said second gland means and said connecting piece.