Abstract:
A fluid transfer apparatus having a lid portion, and outer bucket and an insert container, forming a double wall container for the receipt of transferred fluid, the apparatus utilizes a compressed air to operate a venturi pump to remove fluids, such as oils and greases, from sources, such as engines and transmissions, for delivery to the double wall container. Activation of the venturi pump seals the lid to the inner and outer containers during liquid transfer operations. Safety checks are provided to ensure leak resistance should the unit inadvertently tip over.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is based on Provisional Application Serial No. 60/279,979, filed Mar. 29, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains to an apparatus for the transfer of liquids such as oils, from a first location, such as an engine, to a second location, wherein the second location is a fluid receiver. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Under governmental regulations the transfer or removal of oil and other hazardous liquids must be carried out in a controlled environment. Typically, such regulations apply to motor oil, transmission fluid, refrigeration oil, compressor oil, industrial hydraulic oil, electrical insulating liquids, and industrial process fluids, among many. Care must be taken to prevent hazardous fluids from contaminating water storage facilities through watershed runoff by percolating into soils. The same transferring precautions must also be followed with respect to other chemicals that are deemed to be hazardous to the environment. 
     The provision of a hazardous liquid transfer system would be a notable advance in the field of recycling of material from manufacturing and transportation endeavors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a liquid transfer apparatus for removing liquid such as, but not limited to, oils and lubricants from engines and transmissions for recycling and disposal. 
     The apparatus includes as one of its elements a first outer bucket or container and a second inner liner or container. The second container nests within the first container. A lid portion sealingly engages the outer bucket and the inner container during fluid transfer operations. The lid portion includes at least one fluid inlet for the removal of fluid from a source to the inner container by the operation of an air-operated pump, disposed in the lid portion of the apparatus. The air activated pump operates on a venturi principle to evacuate air from the inner liner, thus creating a pressure differential for the inward flow of fluid from an external source into an inner container inlet. In other words, as air is evacuated from the containers, waste fluid simultaneously flows into the inner container. A float check valve in the air evacuation tube attached to the motor prevents overfill. 
     Sealing means is also provided between the lid and the outer and inner containers. Sealing may take the form of an “o” ring placed in a groove. Such sealing means is initiated by operation of the air ejection pump. Handles attached to the outer and inner containers permit easy handling of the same without interference with the sealing means. The handle of the outer container is conveniently held to the lid adjacent the air ejection pump. The handle to the inner container folds to the inner wall of the same above the maximum level of waste fluid therewithin. 
     The seals between the lid inner container and outer containers, as well as check valves the liquid inlet and air outlet to the system maintain a vacuum when the venturi pump is deactivated. The system may be moved without separation at this time. 
     It may be apparent that a novel and useful liquid transfer system has been described. 
     It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a liquid transfer apparatus that avoids liquid spillage. 
     It is another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer system that delivers liquid into a closed environment. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer apparatus, which is lightweight and easy to carry. 
     It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer apparatus that automatically prevents overflow of the liquid receiver. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer apparatus that utilizes compressed air rather than electrical power to achieve liquid transfer, thus, increasing safety in operation. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a liquid transfer system that utilizes various multi-gallon containers that are common to the work place, and achieves double wall containment. 
     It is another further object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing lid, inner container and outer bucket assembly that operates with an air powered motor which accomplishes safe liquid transfer. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a liquid transfer apparatus that resists leakage if tipped over. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system for liquid transfer that protects the outer of two containers from damage. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide means to collect heavy viscous materials such as grease, for disposal, directly from an electric motor bearing housing without disassembling the motor. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a double container system that only seals when both containers are nested, thus, protecting the outer container against damage by the application of a vacuum. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer system that utilizes double wall containment found in a pair of nested vessels, each of which is capable of containing a body of liquid. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid transfer system which operates under a vacuum generated by an ejector pump and maintains such vacuum when the pump ceases to operate, such vacuum serving to hold assembled units together. 
     The invention possesses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention, in an assembled state. 
     FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the invention, partially disassembled in two parts. 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the invention disassembled into four parts. 
     FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the lid and separated inner liner container. 
     FIG. 5 is front perspective view of the lid portion of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the lid portion shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the outer container and nested insert container. 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the outer container. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hose element of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an internal sectional view of the lid portion of the invention taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional exploded view of the venturi pump and air evacuation tube. 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the air evacuation tube shown in FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the venturi and air evacuation tube shown in FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the lid portion and the air evacuation tube, with the venturi pump depicted in whole. 
     FIG. 15 is another vertical sectional view of the lid portion of this invention taken along line  15 — 15  of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a cutaway, partial sectional, view showing nesting and sealing of the components of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing the check valve assembly contained in the waste fluid entrance of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the positioning of the bucket, lid portion, and liner insert prior to sealing. 
     FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the sealing of the bucket, lid portion and liner of FIG. 18 after activation of the venturi pump. 
    
    
     For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the above-described drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which should be taken together with the hereinbefore delineated drawings. 
     FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the assembled fluid transfer apparatus or unit of this invention, which is designated by reference character  10 . As may be seen in FIG. 3, the apparatus has three main components, namely a first outer container or bucket  12 , a second inner liner, insert, or container  13 , and a lid portion  14 , which supports pump  69  therein. A fourth portion comprises waste fluid hose  15 , discussed in FIGS. 9 and 16. Air supply hose  11  not considered to be a part of the invention  10 , although it is required in the working of unit  10 . In certain cases, lid portion  14  may be employed with a single thick container, in substitution for containers  12  and  13 . 
     FIGS. 2 and 8, depict an outer bucket  12  having outer sidewall  20 , with spaced reinforcing ridges  30  thereon, which extends outwardly from sidewall  20 . Bucket  12  also includes bottom wall  21 . Two handle mounts  24  are disposed 180 ndegrees apart and are connected or molded into sidewall  20 . Ends  27  and  29  of handle  26  can be inserted in handle mounts  24 . Outer bucket  12  is open at the top and possesses interior chamber  32 , FIG.  7 . Shown disposed on handle  26  is tubular handle grabber  28  which, optionally, can be permitted to rotate on handle  26 . 
     FIG. 2 also shows inner liner, container or insert  13 , which itself is also a bucket and upon which is disposed lid portion  14 . Lid portion  14  supports pump housing  40 , a generally rectangular enclosed box. Overlying the pump housing  40  is an inverted U-shaped handle  42 , having a concave recess  44  to serve as a retainer for handle grabber  28  of outer container  12 . When handle grabber  28  is located in recess  44 , outer container  12  becomes affixed to lid portion  14  and apparatus  10  can be carried from one location to another by simply grasping handle  42 . 
     On one sidewall of pump housing  40  is located compressed air quick connector plug  50  for attachment of air hose  11 , seen on FIG.  1 . On the sidewall of housing  40  opposite air quick disconnect plug  50 , is located muffler  48  which dissipates the rushing air of pneumatic venturi pump  68 , FIGS. 1 and 3. Venturi pump  69  will be detailed as the specification continues. Beneath recess or trough  44  of handle section  42  lies void  46  through which the user puts his hand when carrying lid portion  14 , outer bucket  12  and inner liner  13 , if so joined. 
     Recessed wall section  64  of lid  14 , seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, is vertically disposed relative to outer bucket  12  when nested within liner insert  13 . That is to say, rim  54  and surface  52  of lid  14  extend outside of chamber  32  of bucket  12  and liner insert  13 . Integrated sealing ring groove slot  60 , FIG. 3, retains sealing ring  62 , such that sealing ring  62  creates a seal between bucket  12  liner insert  13 , and lid  14  at its sidewall  52  and recessed wall section  64 . Sealing ring  62  may take the form of an “o” ring as shown, or be formed into an oval ring, square ring, or the like. 
     FIG. 3, illustrates unit  10  in a full elevational exploded view. Thus, the area below recessed wall section  64  of lid  14  is partially visible. “O” ring slot  60 , accommodating “o” ring  62 , FIG. 10, lies between sidewall  52  and recessed wall section  64 . Recessed section  64  is of a smaller cross-sectional span than the liner insert  13 ; span arrows  33  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 4, indicates the liner insert  13  as having an interior mounted handle  39 , fixed thereto via rivets  37 . Handle  39  also has a tubular hand grabber  41  thereon. Optionally grabber  41  may rotate or be fixedly secured to handle  39 . Also seen in FIG. 4 is the interior bottom wall  35  of liner insert  13 . 
     FIGS. 4-6 and  16 , depict lid  14  and shows recessed side wall section  64  terminating in a circular, flat disk bottom wall  64 U, further apparent in FIG.  6 . The cross-sectional span of bottom wall  64 U is less than the diameter of the liner insert container  13 , dimension arrow  33 , seen in FIG.  4 . Vacuum hose quick disconnect connector  53  threads into threaded nipple  63  of mold-in coupling  65  on lid  14 , FIG.  16 . Quick disconnect connector  53  provides a suction when unit  10  operates. Threaded cover or cap  43  threadedly engages nipple  55  of mold-in coupling  56  which serves as an alternate port. Nipple  55  can be used for negative pressure monitoring, and/or as an alternate liquid inlet with a vacuum hose, used for special liquid handling processes. Most importantly nipple  55  may be employed to release or break the vacuum generated in system  10  after venturi pump  69  is deactivated, hereinafter discussed. Removal of cap  43  will permit access to nipple  55 . 
     Disposed downwardly from the underside  64 U of recessed section  64  are nipple  66 , communicating with waste fluid nipple  63 , and strainers  68 A and  68 B, FIG.  6 . Nipple  66  and strainers  68 A and  68 B are connected into the base  64 U of recessed section  64 . The combination of nipple  66  and strainers  68 A and  68 B serves as a three-legged balancing member, In other words, suction strainers  68 A and  68 B, taken together with nipple  66 , all are of approximately the same length, as seen in FIG. 16, and are disposed in a triangular pattern. Any oil atop lid  14  would remain there when lid  14  rests on a ground surface balanced on nipple  66  and strainers  68 A and  68 B, since lid surface  58  remains horizontal. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates, in perspective, the nesting capability of liner insert container  13  into outer bucket  12 . The main purpose for the double wall containment is to minimize leakage. Consequently, the walls of both liner insert container  13 , and the outer bucket  12  must be penetrated for a containment failure to occur. Also, when a vacuum is pulled on unit  10 , greater structural rigidity is obtained due to the close proximity of liner insert container  13  within outer bucket  12 . Another purpose for using one container within another is to provide extra strength, obviating buckling or collapse during fluid transfer to liner insert container  13 . In certain cases, containers  12  and  13  may be formed into a single thickened container to achieve such strength. Both containers  12  and  13  are sealed off when a vacuum is applied to unit  10  by the meeting of the lid portion  14  to liner insert container  13  and outer bucket  12 , which will be detailed hereinafter. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary waste liquid hose  15  having a length of tubing with a female quick connector  15 Q on one end for attachment to male quick connector,  53  of lid portion  14 , FIGS. 4 and 16. The opposite end of hose  15  includes a threaded connector  15 T thereon for passing waste liquid to a storage (not shown) via a conventional female pipe thread, or universal adapter. It should be noted that the quick connector  53  could be replaced with barbed universal tubing connectors if desired, commensurate with the vacuum pressure rating, achieved by venturi ejector pump  69 , described hereinafter, as well as industrial hydrocarbon compatibility standards. 
     Turning to FIGS. 10-12, venturi ejection pump  69  is detailed. Pump  69  includes venturi tube  72  which extends across housing  40 . One end of venturi tube  72  includes pneumatic hose quick disconnect plug  50 , that threads into reducer bushing  72 C, which in turn threads into threaded air inlet aperture  72 A. Connector  72 C is a conventional reducing bushing, and may take the form of any type of connector that will provide an airtight connection. At the opposite end of venturi tube  72  lies threaded air exhaust aperture  72 B that threads into conventional reducer bushing  72 D, connected to air exhaust muffler  48 . 
     Venturi tube  72  also includes threaded opening  75 , for the receipt of air evacuation tube  74  having threaded interconnection section  76 . Such interconnection between air evacuation tube  74 , and venturi tube  72  is airtight. The air evacuation tube  74  is seen to pass downward through the hollow interior  57  of the housing  40  and terminate in strainer  68 A. Reference character  70  pertains to the slotted section of the tapered suction strainer  68 A. It should be apparent that waste fluid nipple  66  is hidden from view due to the orientation of lid portion  14 , however FIG. 16 reveals nipple  66 . 
     With further reference to FIG. 10, strainer  68 B connected to alternate port nipple  55 , can house a spare ball and check valve (not shown). Cap  43  has been removed from nipple  55 . Strainer  68 B is threaded into conventional hose connector  67 , which forms part of coupling  56 . Coupling  56  is recessed in lid  14 , discussed hereinafter in the text pertaining to FIG. 15, and is located level with recessed section  64  of lid  14  within chamber  57 . Lid cover  52  having vertical wall  58 V and horizontal wall  58 H, is designed to allow vacuum tubing  15  to be stored in the well  51  so defined, when not in use. 
     FIGS. 11-15 detail venturi ejector pump  69  and the operative mechanism of the venturi tube  72 . Air is introduced, directional arrow  86 A, into threaded aperture  72 A and then to chamber  80 . The air is compressed through nozzle  79  circumvented by bushing  72 C, which is also threaded to threaded aperture  72 A. As the air exits nozzle  79  at an increased velocity, it passes to converging chamber  71 , and flows through the expansion tube  81 . The air continues to expand and flow out of diverging chamber  82 , while pulling air from evacuation tube  74  and liner insert  13 , directional arrow  78 . Air from venturi  72  exits aperture  72 B and muffler  48 , directional arrow  86 C. Thus, air entering venturi  72  at aperture  72 A and through air evacuation tube  74  eventually passes through muffler  48 . 
     Air evacuation tube  74 , FIGS. 11 and 12, possesses vent tube bore  77 , used to allow gases to be relieved during the manufacturing process. After the manufacturing process is completed tubular insertion plug  62  covers up the end of vent tube bore  77 . Closing off of bore  77  is necessary to prevent contaminants from entering chamber  57 , of lid  14 . Check valve body  88  also resides in air evacuation tube  74 . FIG. 12 shows the relation between the check valve body  88 , “o” ring  94 , check valve retainer  87 , float check ball  91 , and the suction strainer  68 A. Retainer  87  may be in the form of a rubber washer having seat  92 . As air is evacuated through the insertion tube  89 , air movement lifts check valve plunger  95 , compressing coil spring  93 . This allows air to flow from the liner insert  13  through the suction strainer  68 A, directional arrow  78 , and complete its path to the venturi chamber  80 . When the negative pressure is no longer present in venturi tube  72 , check valve spring  93  relaxes, and plunger  95  back seats against plunger “o” ring  94 D. Plunger retainer  97  guides plunger  95  in its movements. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12, below check valve body  88 , and check valve retainer  87  is found a float check ball  91 . The float check ball  91  has a specific gravity of less than lightweight hydrocarbon liquids and rests inside of the bottom of inner raceway element  90  of strainer  68 A, threaded into the bottom of the air evacuation tube  74 . The purpose of float check ball  91  inside of suction strainer raceway  90  is to provide liquid level control to chamber  18  of inner liner insert  13 . As the liquid level rises above bottom portion of suction strainer  68 A, fluid check ball  91  rises to finally seat against float ball seat  92  of retainer  87 . Flow check ball  91 , held against seat  92 , will prevent liquid flow through air evacuation tube  74  from inner liner chamber  18 . 
     It should be noted that if device  10  is inadvertently tipped over, plunger  95  will prevent liquid from escaping through air evacuation tube  74 . A similar check valve  101  prevents fluid from escaping through waste fluid inlet  63 , shown on FIG. 17 hereinafter described. “o” ring  62  also seals apparatus  10  to prevent spillage between inner liner  13 , container  12 , and lid  14 , as a further liquid control measure. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates the nesting of outer bucket  12  with liner insert  13 , and the positioning of lid section  14  thereover. “o” ring seal  62  can clearly be viewed in relation to recessed section  64 , thereof, which will be further described hereinafter. The cutaway section of FIG. 16 reveals the presence of hose connector quick disconnect  53  in liquid communication with threaded nipple  63 , which engages coupling  65 . FIG. 16 also illustrates waste liquid entering liner insert  13 . The waste liquid flows through flexible hose  15 L, directional arrow  98 , passes through quick connector  15 Q to connector  53  which is attached to nipple  63  engaging embedded coupler  65 . Fluid then enters inner liner  13  through nipple  66  attached to coupler  65  via coupler  84  directional arrow  100 . Disposed within coupler  84  in coupling  65  lies coarse wire filter  61 , FIG.  17 . Wire filter  61  prevents particulate matter from entering check valve  101 , causing check valve  101  to fail. Focusing on FIG. 17, the internal operation of check valve  101 , residing within end coupler  84  is discussed. The purpose of check valve  101  is to provide an additional check seal if unit  10  is inadvertently tipped over while in the inoperative mode. That is to say, should venturi  72  be turned off, fluid would not spill from apparatus  10 . The components of check valve  101  are similarly numbered with respect to identical check valve components shown in FIG. 12 with respect to air evacuation tube  74 . 
     FIG. 18 depicts the positioning of bucket  12  relative to lid  14  and liner insert  13 , as well as the operation of sealing means  104 . “o” ring  62  contacts edge  150  of liner  13  and lies adjacent inner wall  152  of bucket  12  when recessed section  64  of lid  14 , “o” ring lies within recess  60 . Upon the application of a vacuum within liner insert  13  by the activation of venturi pump  72 , “o” ring  62  seals bucket  12 , liner  13 , and lid  14  at inner wall  152 , edge  150  and recess section  64  respectively, FIG.  19 . 
     In operation, it should be appreciated that waste liquid can be fed into chamber  18  of liner insert  13  through one of two vacuum port openings, nipples  55  or  63 . Moreover, the internal threads of couplers  56  and  65  are preferably standard garden hose threads, although other threads may be employed. This combination allows nipple  66  to be transferred from the inside of liner insert  13  to other portions of unit  10  as desired by the user. Waste fluid travels to liner insert  13 , the primary holding vessel, when venturi  72  is activated by forcing compressed air through hose  11  to inlet aperture  72  of venturi pump  69 . Liner insert  13 , placed within bucket  12 , provides extra strength to unit  10  and guards against inadvertent spillage of waste liquid during the transfer of the same to inner liner  13 . During such transfer, handle of outer bucket  26  is rotated to the top portion of lid  14  such that handle grabber  28  clamps into trough  44 . Concurrently, handle  39  of inner liner  13  is rotated into the position shown in FIG.  4 . In this manner, sealing means  104  is not interfered with by any of the handle portions of apparatus  10 . When liner  13  is filled to capacity, ball  91  and raceway  90  of tube  74 , FIG. 11 will seal against check valve seat  92 . This causes liquid flow into inner liner  13  to cease. When the flow check ball  91  seats against ball check valve  88  and seals on seat  92 , the flow rate of air emanating from muffler  48  of unit  10  will change, providing an audio signal to the user that full level has been reached. If venturi pump  72  is deactivated vacuum will be maintained in system  10  due to check valve  88  within air evacuation tube  74 , and check valve  101  associated with nipple  66 , and “o” ring  62  sealing containers  12  and  13 . This aspect of the present invention permits system  10  to be carried via handle section  42  and without component separation should system  10  be dropped. 
     While in the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent of those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.