Lever operated dump valve with improved accuracy

Abstract

An improved mechanical dump valve for a liquid level control system. The dump valve comprises a splined shaft that communicates with the valve actuator by a toothed member, such as a splined bore in a dump valve hub. The dump valve also may include pressure ports. Still further, the present invention includes a liquid level control system comprising a trunnion assembly and a mechanical dump valve in which the trim motion of the float valve is transmitted by means of splined shafts in both the trunnion assembly and the dump valve assembly. The inventive system may comprise float weights for weighting the float accurately without having to drill the float and load it with sand or other weighting material. Also included is a kit for retrofitting existing liquid level control systems that use D-shaped connections with splined components.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A weight assembly for the float assembly of a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in a vessel, wherein the float assembly comprises a float arm having first and second ends and a float connectable to the first end of the float arm, wherein the second end of the float arm is pivotally supportable relative to the vessel, the weight assembly comprising:
 a plurality of weight members removably receivable on the float arm.   
     
     
         23 . The weight assembly of  claim 22  wherein the plurality of weight members is slidably receivable on the float arm. 
     
     
         24 . The weight assembly of  claim 23  wherein the plurality of weight members includes at least two weight members having different weights. 
     
     
         25 . The weight assembly of  claim 24  wherein each of the plurality of weight members is ring-shaped. 
     
     
         26 . The weight assembly of  claim 24  further comprising a stop member configured to secure one or more of the plurality of weight members in a selected position on the float arm. 
     
     
         27 . The weight assembly of  claim 26  wherein the stop member is slidably receivable on the float arm. 
     
     
         28 . The weight assembly of  claim 27  wherein the stop member comprises an annular collar having a radially extending threaded bore and a set screw threadedly receivable in the radially extending threaded bore and sized to frictionally engage the float arm whereby the stop member can be secured to the float arm at a selected position. 
     
     
         29 . The weight assembly of  claim 22  wherein each of the plurality of weight members is a ring. 
     
     
         30 . The weight assembly of  claim 29  wherein the plurality of weight members includes at least two weight members having different weights. 
     
     
         31 . The weight assembly of  claim 22  further comprising a stop member configured to secure one or more of the plurality of weight members in a selected position on the float arm. 
     
     
         32 . The weight assembly of  claim 31  wherein the stop member is slidably receivable on the float arm. 
     
     
         33 . The weight assembly of  claim 32  wherein the stop member comprises an annular collar having a radially extending threaded bore and a set screw threadedly receivable in the radially extending threaded bore and sized to frictionally engage the float arm whereby the stop member can be secured to the float arm at a selected position. 
     
     
         34 . The weight assembly of  claim 22  wherein the plurality of weight members includes at least two weight members having different weights. 
     
     
         35 . A float assembly for a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in a vessel, wherein the float assembly comprises:
 a float arm having first and second ends;   a float connectable to the first end of the float arm, wherein the second end of the float arm is pivotally supportable relative to the vessel; and   the weight assembly of  claim 22 .   
     
     
         36 - 54 . (canceled)