Automatic shutoff and metering device

Abstract

A method for filling a pressurized container is provided. The method involves automatically adjusting a shutoff valve between a supply of a pressurized medium and the pressurized container based on a weight of the pressurized medium contained in the pressurized container.

1 . A method for filling a pressurized container, the method comprising: 
 automatically adjusting a shutoff valve between a supply of a pressurized medium and the pressurized container based on a weight of the pressurized medium contained in the pressurized container.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized medium is one of a gas or a liquid.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein automatically adjusting the shutoff valve further comprises: 
 establishing a starting reading on a scale with a scale linkage positioned to place the shutoff valve in a fully open position;    adjusting a current position of the scale linkage as the weight of the pressurized container increases; and    once the scale detects that the thermal container is substantially filled with the pressurized medium, positioning the shutoff valve in a fully closed position and the scale linkage in a final position.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein establishing the starting reading on the scale further comprises taring the scale until the starting reading is substantially equal to a weight of the thermal container when the pressurized container does not contain a substantial amount of the pressurized medium.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein adjusting a current position of the scale linkage further comprises adjusting a current position of the shutoff valve.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the shutoff valve is prevented from automatically re-opening once the shutoff valve is in the fully closed position.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for metering a supply of liquefied gas to a liquefied gas container, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for determining a current weight of the liquefied gas container;    means, associated with the means for determining, for allowing liquefied gas to enter the liquefied gas container; and    means, associated with the means for determining and the means for allowing, for indicating a current level of liquefied gas contained in the liquefied gas container.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the means for determining a current weight further comprises a scale with adjustments for liquefied gas containers of varying dimensions.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the means for allowing liquefied gas to enter the liquefied gas container further comprises a shutoff valve mechanically linked to the means for determining the current weight.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the means for allowing liquefied gas to enter the liquefied gas container further comprises a shutoff valve electrically linked to the means for determining the current weight.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the means for indicating a current level of liquefied gas further comprises one of a mechanical level gauge and an electronic level meter.  
   
   
       12 . A liquefied gas containment system, comprising: 
 a Dewar tank mounted on a scale and seated within a mobile base;    an intake and relief valve assembly mounted on top of the Dewar tank and coupled to a main fill line;    a shutoff valve coupled between the main fill line and a removable feed line;    a scale linkage connecting the scale and the shutoff valve; and    wherein the scale linkage adjusts one or more positions of the shutoff valve based on an amount of the liquefied gas detected in the Dewar tank by the scale.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein an inlet end of the main fill line is adjustable.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the scale linkage maintains a current position of the shutoff valve once the removable feed line is disconnected from the Dewar tank.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the scale linkage is a mechanical linkage between the scale and the shutoff valve.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a level gauge link coupled to a level gauge readout.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the level gauge readout records a current level of liquefied gas in the Dewar tank.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the scale linkage is an electrical linkage between the scale and the shutoff valve.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the electrical linkage further comprises a level meter interface coupled to an electronic level readout.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the electronic level readout records a current level of liquefied gas in the Dewar tank.  
   
   
       21 . A method for maintaining a level of pressurized medium in a pressurized container, the method comprising: 
 establishing a starting level reading by indicating with a level readout that the pressurized container does not contain a substantial amount of the pressurized medium;    as the pressurized medium enters the pressurized container, adjusting a shutoff valve as an increase in weight of the pressurized container is detected;    as the weight of the pressurized container increases, adjusting a current level reading on the level readout;    once the pressurized container is substantially filled with the pressurized medium, automatically closing the shutoff valve; and    as the pressurized medium is removed from the pressurized container, updating the level readout to indicate an adjusted level based on a current weight of the pressurized container.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the pressurized medium is one of a gas or a liquid.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein establishing the starting level reading further comprises mounting the pressurized container on a scale.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein mounting the pressurized container on the scale further comprises adjusting the scale until the starting reading is substantially equal to a weight of the container when the pressurized container does not contain a substantial amount of the pressurized medium.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the level readout is a digital measurement of the current level reading, indicated by an electronic readout.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the level readout is an analog measurement of the current level reading, indicated by a level gauge readout.