Michael L Christopherson

US Patent:

20210025516, Jan 28, 2021

Filed:

Oct 12, 2020

Appl. No.:

17/068364

Inventors:

- Madison WI, US
Michael Christopherson - Monona WI, US

International Classification:

F16K 31/18
B67D 7/36
G01M 99/00

Abstract:

An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.

US Patent:

20190323624, Oct 24, 2019

Filed:

Jul 1, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/458968

Inventors:

- Madison WI, US
Michael Christopherson - Monona WI, US

International Classification:

F16K 31/18
G01M 99/00
B67D 7/36

Abstract:

An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.

US Patent:

20150192220, Jul 9, 2015

Filed:

Jan 2, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/588710

Inventors:

- Madison MI, US
Michael Christopherson - Monona WI, US

International Classification:

F16K 31/18
G01M 99/00

Abstract:

An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.