Patent ID: 6216720
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: F04F,Y10T

Abstract:
A siphon adapter for removing liquid from a container having an opening and a bottom, the opening being higher than the bottom of the container, the siphon adapter comprising:(a) a hollow, substantially rigid, U-shaped pipe having a first end and a second end, the pipe being configured so that the first end can fit through the opening of the container, the liquid being initially at a level above the opening, the first end being in a close proximity with the bottom of the container, the pipe being configured so that the second end remains outside of the container and is lower than the first end when the first end is inserted inside the container; and(b) a shut-off device connected to the second end, the shut-off device having an open position and a closed position so that when the shut-off device is in the closed position, no liquid flows out of the container through the pipe and shut-off device, and when the shut-off device is in the open position, the liquid in the container flows out of the container via gravitational forces through the pipe and the shut-off device so that the pipe acts as a siphon and liquid continues to exit the container through the pipe even after the level of the liquid is lower than the opening until substantially all liquid has exited the drum or the shut-off device is in the closed position,wherein the pipe is adjustable so that the first end can be in substantially close proximity with the bottom of the container regardless of the distance between the opening and the bottom of the container.