George L Richards

US Patent:

RE297151, Aug 1, 1978

Filed:

Feb 16, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/769101

Inventors:

George B. Richards - Lake Forest IL
Leonard W. Swain - London, CA
Edward W. Hunter - London, CA

International Classification:

B65B 326

US Classification:

141226

Abstract:

A nozzle for use in controlling the flow of liquids incorporating a positive pressure generating device which provides a positive pressure to a diaphragm chamber which serves to retain the valve in an open position after manual opening of the valve by means of a manually operable actuator mechanism. The valve actuator mechanism includes closure means for moving the valve closure means to a closed position and releasable opening means for moving the valve closure means to an open position. A releasable opening means is released when the diaphragm chamber is positively pressurized at a pressure sufficient to retain the valve closure means in a predetermined open position. This provides a nozzle which, after initial manual opening, will be automatically closed when the positive pressure provided by the positive pressure generating device is cut off by the rising level of liquid within the tank. The valve may also be closed at any time by releasing the control handle and permitting it to return to its closed position.

US Patent:

40284417, Jun 7, 1977

Filed:

Sep 5, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/610846

Inventors:

George B. Richards - Lake Forest IL

Assignee:

Fluid Device Corporation - Highland Park IL

International Classification:

B01F 304

US Classification:

261 36R

Abstract:

A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed. A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.

US Patent:

41483340, Apr 10, 1979

Filed:

Feb 3, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/765430

Inventors:

George B. Richards - Lake Forest IL

Assignee:

Fluid Device Corporation - Highland Park IL

International Classification:

F16k 2118

US Classification:

137389

Abstract:

A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed. A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.

US Patent:

42112494, Jul 8, 1980

Filed:

Sep 7, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/940067

Inventors:

George B. Richards - Lake Forest IL

Assignee:

Fluid Device Corporation - Highland Park IL

International Classification:

F16K 2118

US Classification:

137393

Abstract:

A liquid level control system is disclosed for use with a swimming pool or the like having a pool reservoir, a main drain or outlet, usually at the bottom of the reservoir, and an outlet located at a predetermined water maintenance level for the pool. The system includes fluid amplifier means positioned relative to the pool reservoir for sensing an interface between liquid and gas, or water and air, at the surface of the water in the pool and developing a fluid pressure signal when the interface falls below a predetermined level. Liquid circulation means, including a skimmer at the surface of the water in the pool reservoir is provided for circulating water from the pool reservoir between the outlet and an inlet. A portion of the water circulated by the circulation means is channeled to the fluid amplifier means for operating the same. Fluid valve means is provided which is responsive to the fluid pressure signal developed by the fluid amplifier means.