Patent ID: 7201178
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a continuous, sequential, liquid feed to a processor from a plurality of containers, which comprises: feeding said liquid from a first of said containers through a first conduit to a reservoir having a float valve at a liquid flow rate to keep the level of said liquid in the reservoir high enough to maintain the float valve at an upper floating position that closes the float valve, the first conduit being uncontrolled by the float valve; withdrawing a stream of said liquid from said reservoir for processing; providing a second of said containers filled with said liquid and connected through a second conduit to said reservoir, said second conduit having flow therethrough controlled by said float valve; replenishing said liquid in the reservoir by liquid from the first container to maintain said liquid level as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir, until liquid in the first container is exhausted; continuing to withdraw a stream of liquid from the reservoir for processing, causing said reservoir liquid level to drop, whereby the float valve opens flow through the second conduit to replenish liquid in the reservoir; causing a crossover valve to connect an upstream portion of the first conduit with a downstream portion of the second conduit and the float valve, and to connect an upstream portion of the second conduit with a downstream portion of the first conduit, to raise again the liquid level of the reservoir by liquid flow from the second container uncontrolled by the float valve, and to close the float valve, while continuing to withdraw said stream of liquid from the reservoir for processing.