Integrated fluid drip receptacle

Abstract

This invention provides an integrated fluid drip receptacle that prevents the dripping of fluids at line connections. One end of the receptacle attaches to the line that is used to transfer fluid from a storage tank, such as an oil storage tank, and the other end of the receptacle attaches to the line that is used to transfer fluid into a second container, such as a tank on an oil transport vehicle. The receptacle remains attached to both of these lines during fluid transfer. After transfer of the fluid, the receptacle remains attached to the line from the storage tank but is disconnected from the other line. The receptacle collects fluid that leaks and drips from the lines and line connections. Because the receptacle is an integral component of the line from the storage tank, the fluid therein is emptied every time that transfer of fluid from the storage tank to the second container occurs. Therefore, the receptacle does not need to be emptied between fluid transfers, which provides for simplicity and ease of use. The receptacle of this invention is particularly useful in the oil industry, to prevent dripping of oil onto the ground, which causes environmental damage, from load lines and line connections after transfer of oil from the storage tank to the oil transport vehicle.

1 . A fluid transfer apparatus comprising: 
 (a) an inlet for connecting to a fluid source;    (b) an outlet for connecting to a drain hose or pipe; and    (c) a receptacle disposed between and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet and having an upper end and a lower end.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein both the inlet and the outlet each comprise a cylindrical projection having a longitudinal axis and wherein the longitudinal axis of the outlet is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the inlet.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the outlet and the longitudinal axis of the inlet is between 90° and 180°.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the angle is between 150° and 180°.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the angle is about 162°.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the inlet and outlet are positioned adjacent the upper end of the receptacle.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the inlet and outlet each comprise male or female threads for receiving threaded connections.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a handle for rotating the apparatus about the longitudinal axis of the inlet.  
     
     
         9 . A hollow fluid transfer apparatus comprising an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis, an outlet portion having a second axis, and a receptacle portion having a third axis, wherein the first, second and third axes are each separated by angles such that rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the receptacle portion to move between a first position above the first axis and a second position below the first axis.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the outlet portion to move between a first position angled upwards and a second position angled downwards.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the inlet and outlet each comprise male or female threads for receiving threaded connections.  
     
     
         12 ). The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a handle for rotating the apparatus about the first axis.  
     
     
         13 . A method of transferring fluid from a first tank to a second tank comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a hollow fluid transfer apparatus comprising an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis, an outlet portion having a second axis, and a receptacle portion having a third axis, wherein the first, second and third axes are each separated by angles such that rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the receptacle portion to move between a first position above the first axis and a second position below the first axis;    (b) connecting the transfer apparatus to the first tank in its second position such that the receptacle portion is above the first axis;    (c) transferring the fluid to the second tank; and    (d) rotating the apparatus to its first position.