Flow control device

Abstract

The flow control device is for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container. The device comprises a tubular body ( 10 ) having a closed upper end ( 11 ) and an open lower end ( 12 ). The device can be connected to the container by a hook ( 13 ) or could be an integral part of a tap. An inlet ( 14 ) is attached to or provided for attachment to a liquid feed pipe. The device also includes a flap valve ( 19 ) which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body. An internal float ( 22 ) is provided for pivoting the flap valve towards the closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A flow control device for dispensing liquid to a predetermined level in a container, comprising a tubular body having a closed upper end and an open lower end, an inlet attached to or for attachment to a liquid supply, a flap valve which is pivoted within the body below the inlet about an axis extending transversely to the body and which, in the absence of external forces, will adopt an open condition allowing liquid to flow through the body, and a float internally positioned within the body for pivoting the flap valve towards a closed condition as the liquid level in the container rises.  
   
   
       18 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the inlet is arranged to direct liquid fed into the body towards one side of the pivot axis of the flap valve.  
   
   
       19 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the float is on or acts on the under surface of the other side of the flap valve.  
   
   
       20 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the tubular body has a side discharge opening for the liquid below said one side of the flap valve.  
   
   
       21 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the internal wall of the tubular body is provided with guide means for encouraging liquid dispensed from the inlet to flow past said one side of the flap valve.  
   
   
       22 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the flap valve is provided with an annular seal for seating against the internal wall of the body when the flap valve is in a closed closed condition.  
   
   
       23 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the flap valve is weighted in order that it will adopt an open condition, in the absence of external forces.  
   
   
       24 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the axis of the flap valve is offset to one side of a plane bisecting the flap valve so as to divide the flap valve into two portions of unequal surface area.  
   
   
       25 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the float is provided on or acts on the under surface of the smaller portion of the flap valve.  
   
   
       26 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , further comprising connecting means for connecting the device to the container.  
   
   
       27 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the connecting means comprises a hook for hooking over a rim of the container.  
   
   
       28 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the flap valve has an externally operable member for pivoting the flap valve between closed and open conditions.  
   
   
       29 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the externally operable member also acts as a stop to ensure the flap valve closes in the correct position.  
   
   
       30 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the hollow body has a pressure release valve located above the flap valve when the latter is in the closed condition.  
   
   
       31 . A flow control device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the body is outwardly contoured in regions past which the flap valve, in use, passes as it approaches its closed condition.