Patent Publication Number: US-2005115606-A1

Title: System for effecting liquid transfer from an elevated supply container

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to systems for transferring fluids and, more particularly, to systems for siphoning liquids from a supply container to a receiving container.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Transferring liquids from a supply container to a receiving container by means of siphoning requires that the supply container be disposed in an elevated position relative to the receiving container. Typically, during siphoning, the supply container is supported on a relatively flat surface, such as a table. When siphoning from a supply container, the siphoning apparatus tends to be extended as close to the receiving container as possible. This creates risk of pulling the gas container and siphoning apparatus from the flat surface of the table, causing the system to fall to the ground, causing undesirable spillage of liquid (e.g. gasoline). Further, dedicating space on a table for supporting the siphoning system takes up unnecessary floor space.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising: 
          a support structure, configured to support the supply container;     mounting means configured for suspending the support structure at an elevated position relative to the receiving container; and     a fluid transfer apparatus, configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.        

      In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising: 
          a support structure including a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base; and     a fluid transfer apparatus configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the legal structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.        

      In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting an object comprising: 
          a support structure configured for supporting the object; and     mounting means coupled to the support structure in snap-fit engagement.        

      In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting an object comprising: 
          a support structure including a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the top surface configured for supporting an object, the bottom surface defining at least one support structure rail;     at least two mounting brackets, wherein each of the two mounting brackets is coupled to the bottom surface of the support structure, and wherein at least one of the at least two mounting brackets includes at least one bracket rail, one of the at least one bracket rail being disposed in spaced apart relationship relative to one of the at least one support structure rail; and     at least one receptacle slideably mounted to each of the one of the at least one bracket rail and the one of the at least one support structure rail so as to facilitate movement of the at least one receptacle relative to the support structure.        

      In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for an apparatus for supporting an object comprising: 
          a support structure configured to support the supply container; and     mounting means configured for snap-fit engagement to the support structure to effect releasable coupling of the mounting means to the support structure.       

    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      This invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the system illustrated in  FIG. 1 , having the fluid transfer apparatus removed for clarity;  
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the support structure of the present invention, illustrating a supply container being supported by the support structure;  
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid transfer apparatus of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary sectional elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 5 , showing the valve in the closed condition;  
       FIG. 8  is a second fragmentary elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 5 , showing the valve in an open condition;  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;  
       FIG. 11  is a partially exploded side elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;  
       FIG. 12  is a partially exploded, front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , and having means for slidably mounting the support structure to the mounting brackets, with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;  
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the supply container and a paper towel roll being supported by the support structure;  
       FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , having the supply container and the paper towel roll removed for clarity;  
       FIG. 15  is a top perspective view from one side of the mounting bracket of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a second side of the mounting bracket illustrated in  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 17  is an exploded, partly fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the support structure illustrated in the embodiment of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , partly in section, illustrating the manner of coupling of the mounting bracket to the support structure;  
       FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
       FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 ;  
       FIG. 20  is an exploded, partly fragmentary, top perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 , illustrating the manner of coupling of a receptacle module to the support structure;  
       FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a receptacle module of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 ; and.  
       FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a further receptacle or storage drawer of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present invention provides a system  10  for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container  100  to a receiving container  300  comprising a support structure  400  and a fluid transfer apparatus  200 .  
      The support structure  400  is configured to support the supply container  100 . The support structure  400  includes a base  412  for vertically supporting the supply container  100 , as well as lateral support means  414  projecting above the base  412  for providing lateral support to the supply container  100  supported on the base  412 . The lateral support means  414  includes at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections  416 ,  418 , and  420 ,  422 . Each of the sidewall sections  416 ,  418  and  420 ,  422  presents an inwardly facing planar lateral support surface which is orthogonal to the upwardly facing vertical support surface presented by the base  412 . The planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections  416 ,  418  and  420 ,  422  is orthogonal to the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections. Preferably, the sidewall sections  416 ,  418  are coupled to the sidewall sections  420 ,  422  to define a receptacle  424  for receiving the supply container  100 . Preferably, the support structure is made from high density polyethylene.  
      Mounting means  440  of the support structure  400  is configured to effect mounting of the support structure  400  to a mounting surface having a transverse axis perpendicular to a transfer axis of a horizontal surface. For example, the mounting surface can be in the form of a wall  600  extending upwardly from a horizontal floor. Referring to  FIG. 2 , in the embodiment illustrated, the support structure  400  includes a connector hook  442  configured to be received by a bracket  444 . To receive the connector hook  442 , the bracket  444  includes receptacle  446 . The bracket  444  is mountable to the wall  600  by means of screws  448 .  
      Optionally, the support structure  400  can include a paper towel dispenser  450  projecting below the base  412 . Additionally, a divider  426  can be provided to divide the compartment  424  into two separate compartments, such that one compartment can contain the supply container  100 , and the other compartment can be configured to contain accessories such as engine fluids.  
      The fluid transfer apparatus  200  is provided to effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container  100  when the supply container  100  is supported on the support structure  400 . In this respect, the fluid transfer apparatus  200  is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container  100 . The fluid transfer apparatus  200  also includes an outlet  218  for effecting discharge of the liquid flowed to the receiving container  300  from the supply container  200 .  
      The fluid pressure driving force created by the fluid transfer apparatus  200  can take the form of a communication of a reduced fluid pressure to the liquid in the supply container  100 , wherein such reduced fluid pressure is less than the fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container  100 . Such created fluid pressure differential initiates flow of the liquid from the supply container  100  through the fluid transfer apparatus  200 .  
      A fluid transfer apparatus  200  which also falls within the scope of the invention is one which, when disposed communication with the liquid in the supply container  100 , is capable of initiating and effecting siphoning of the liquid from the supply container  100 . The term “siphoning” is used herein to describe the process by which a liquid is transferred from a supply container  100  at a higher level, and over an intermediate elevation greater then the higher level, and then discharged at a lower level. Such transfer is effected by the pressure of the fluid in the supply container  100  forcing the liquid from the supply container  100  to the intermediate elevation. The excessive weight of the liquid in the fluid passage between the intermediate elevation and the discharge causes a continuous flow to be discharged.  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate further embodiments of the support structure  400  of the present invention.  FIG. 3  illustrates a support structure  400  having sidewall sections which do not extend from the base.  FIG. 4  illustrates a support structure  400  having a strap  430  for securing the supply container  100  to the support structure  400 . In this respect, the strap  430  includes at least two ends. Each of the two ends is coupled to the support structure  400  so as to extend over the supply container  100  supported on the support structure  400  and urging the supply container  100  into engagement with the support structure  400 , thereby securing the supply container  100  to the support structure  400 .  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate another embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention, and particularly illustrate a further mounting means  440  for effecting mounting of the support structure  400  to the wall  600 . In this embodiment, the mounting means  440  includes at least first and second mounting brackets  462 ,  464  configured for mounting to the wall  600  by respective fasteners  466  (such as screws). The mounting brackets  462 ,  464  present respective support surfaces  468 ,  470  configured to vertically supporting the support structure  400 . In this respect, the base  412  of the support structure  400  is configured to rest upon the support surfaces  468 ,  470 .  
       FIG. 12  illustrates a further embodiment of the system  10 , which is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , with the exception that each of mounting brackets  462 ,  464  include respective rails  472 ,  474  extending upwardly from the support surface  468 ,  470 . The base  412  of the support structure  400  includes channels  402 ,  404  extending across the width “W” of the base  412  and configured to be slidably received by, or “keyed” into, the corresponding rails  472 ,  474 , to thereby effect slidable mounting and anchoring of the support structure  400  to the brackets  462 ,  464 .  
      FIGS.  13  to  17  illustrate a further embodiment of the support structure  400  of the present invention. The support structure  400  is configured to support the supply container  100  (see  FIG. 13 ). The support structure  400  includes a receptacle  500  formed in a top surface  502  for supporting the supply container  100 . The receptacle is defined by the base  412 , and lateral support means  414  projecting above the base  412  for providing lateral support to the supply container  100  vertically supported on the base  412 . Lateral support means  414  includes the opposing sidewall sections  416 ,  418  and  420 ,  422 .  
      The top surface  502  of the support structure  400  also includes further receptacles  501 ,  503  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) for containing other articles, such as a paper towel roll (shown in  FIG. 13 ) as well as other ancillary articles, such as engine oil or tools.  
      The support structure  400  is mountable to a substantially vertical wall  600  by way of at least first and second mounting brackets  504 ,  506 . Mounting brackets  504 ,  506  are configured for mounting to the wall  600  by respective fasteners  508  (such as screws). Mounting brackets  504 ,  506  are configured for snap-fit engagement to the support structure  400 . Upon snap-fit engagement of the mounting brackets  504 ,  506  to the support structure  400 , the support structure  400  can be mounted to the wall  600  by the fasteners  508 . In this respect, each of the mounting brackets  504 ,  506  include mounting holes  510  for receiving the fasteners  508  to effect the mounting of the combination of the support structure  400  and mounting brackets  504 ,  506  to the wall  600 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 17 , to effect snap-fit engagement of the brackets  504 ,  506  to the support structure  400 , the bottom surface  519  includes pairs of downwardly extending ribs  512 ,  514  and  516 ,  518  corresponding to the number of brackets  504 ,  506 . Each of the pairs of ribs  512 ,  514  and  516 ,  518  co-operate with respective brackets  504 ,  506  to effect snap-fit engagement of the brackets  504 ,  506  to the support structure  400 . In this respect, the bracket  504  is configured for insertion between the ribs  512 ,  514 . Similarly, the bracket  506  is configured for insertion between the ribs  516 ,  518 . Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , to effect engagement of the bracket  504  to the support structure  400 , the ribs  512 ,  514  include respective apertures  513 ,  515  for receiving corresponding pins  505  provided on the bracket  504 , the pins  505  being received by the apertures  513 , 515  in snap-fit engagement. Similarly, the ribs  516 ,  518  include respective apertures  517 ,  519  for receiving corresponding pins  507  provided on the bracket  506 , the pins  507  being received by the apertures  517 ,  519  in snap-fit engagement.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 22 , the support structure  400  can optionally include one or more slideably moveable receptacles  520   a, b  (two are shown) for containing various ancillary articles, such as tools. Each of the receptacles  520   a, b  includes a base  522  and two pairs of integrally joined and opposing sidewalls  524 ,  526  and  528 ,  530  to define a cavity  532  for receiving and containing the various articles. The receptacles  520   a, b  are moveable relative to the support structure  400  between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, access to the contained articles stored in the receptacles  520   a, b  is facilitated. In the retracted position, the receptacles  520   a, b  are stored underneath the support structure  400  so that the receptacles  520   a, b  substantially do not protrude beyond the perimeter of the support structure  400 . In this respect, the receptacles  520   a, b  function as storage drawers.  
      A pair of rails  534 ,  536  are provided for effecting slideable mounting of each of the receptacles  520   a, b  to the support structure  400 . In one embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 17 , one  534  of the pair of rails  534 ,  536  depends from the bottom surface of the support structure  500  and extends along the width (W). Referring to  FIG. 16 , the other rail  536  is provided on one of the mounting brackets  504 ,  506  and is in spaced apart relationship relative to the first rail  534  when the mounting bracket  504  is coupled to the support structure  400  in snap-fit engagement. Each of the receptacles  520   a, b  includes first and second lips  538 ,  540  extending peripherally (outwardly) from the sidewalls  524 ,  526 . Each of the lips  538 ,  540  is configured for slideable mounting to the respective rails  534 ,  536 .  
      To effect movement of the receptacles  520   a, b  between retracted and extended positions, a handle  542  is integrally formed with the front wall  528  of each of the receptacles  520   a, b . When the receptacle  520   a  (or  520   b ) is in the retracted position, by grasping the handle  542  and pulling in the direction of the arrow denoted by reference numeral  544 , the receptacle  520   a  (or  520   b ) moves from a retracted position to an extended position to thereby effect access to any articles in the cavity  532 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14  the support structure  400  is also configured for releasable coupling to one or more receptacle modules  546 ,  548 . In the embodiment illustrated, two receptacle modules  546 ,  548  are provided and releasably coupled to the sides of the support structure  400 . An example of how the receptacle modules are mounted to the support structure  400  is illustrated in FIGS.  18  to  21 .  
      FIGS.  18  to  21  illustrate a further embodiment of the support structure  400 . This embodiment is the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  13  to  17 , with the exception that the receptacles  501 ,  503  of the support structure  400  are different. For example, the paper towel receptacle  501  is different in the  FIG. 18  embodiment versus the corresponding receptacle  501  in the  FIG. 13  embodiment. In particular, the receptacle  501  in  FIG. 18  is in the form of a rod which is received in snap-fit engagement by an aperture  501   a . Further, one of the receptacle modules  548  is different in the  FIG. 13  embodiment. Even further, the  FIG. 13  embodiment does not include receptacles  520   a, b  which functions as storage drawers.  
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate the mounting of the receptacle module,  546 ,  548  to the support structure  400 . The support structure includes a plurality of key-hole shaped apertures  552  provided on first and second opposite sides of the support structure  400  to effect mounting of one or more receptacle modules  546 ,  548 . The receptacle modules  546 ,  548  are configured to support and/or contain various articles, such as hand tools (module  548 ) or towels (module  546  is a towel rack). Referring to  FIG. 19 , the receptacle modules  546 ,  548  include mounting lugs  550  configured for insertion into corresponding key-holes  552  of the support structure  400  to thereby effect coupling of the receptacle modules  546  to the support structure  400 .  
      An example of a suitable fluid transfer apparatus is the Flo&#39;N Go™, manufactured by Scotia Innovators Inc.  
      A further example of a suitable fluid transfer apparatus  200  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . It is understood that any one of a number of fluid transfer apparati can be used in the present invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates a fluid transfer apparatus  200  for initiating and effecting siphoning of a liquid from a supply container  100 . It is understood that other devices which are capable of initiating siphoning, but configured in a different manner, fall within the scope of the invention.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , the fluid transfer apparatus  200  includes a fluid passage  214  having an inlet  216 , and an outlet  218 , and an orifice  219 . The inlet  216  is configured for fluidly communicating with the supply container  100 . A portion of the fluid passage  214  including the inlet  216  is defined by a flexible hose. To effect fluid communication with the liquid in the supply container  100 , the hose is inserted through an opening in the supply container  100  and disposed below the liquid level in the supply container  100 . Optionally, a shut-off valve  500  can be interposed between the inlet  216  and the supply container  100  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
      The outlet  218  communicates with atmospheric pressure, and is configured for effecting discharge of liquid being flowed through the fluid passage  214  to the receiving container to effect transfer of liquid from the supply container  100  to the receiving container  300 . The orifice  219  effects fluid communication between the inlet  216  and the outlet  218 , and is defined by a valve seat  221 . A fluid flow actuator  225  is provided to initiate flow of liquid from the supply container  100  and through the apparatus  200 .  
      A valve  223  is provided and configured to control or prevent flow of fluid between the inlet  216  and the outlet  218 . The valve  223  includes a sealing member  232  configured to sealingly engage a valve seat  221 . Sealing engagement of the sealing member  232  to the valve seat  221  effects sealing of fluid communication between the inlet  216  and the outlet  218 . A valve stem  234  joins the sealing member  232  to a male retaining bulb  236 . The retaining bulb  236  is received within a female retaining bulb  238  provided within an expandable bellows  220  of an envelope  280 . The envelope  280  is disposed between first and second valve means  224 ,  226  in the fluid passage  214 . In this respect, the envelope  280  defines a space  222  for receiving a gas or a gas/liquid mixture.  
      Expansion and compression of the bellows  220  effects displacement of the sealing member  232  relative to the valve seat  221 . The bellows  220  is spring biased towards an expanded condition. When the bellows  220  is in the expanded condition, the sealing member  232  is sealingly engaged to the valve seat  221 .  
      The bellows  220  further functions as the flow actuator  225 . Manual actuator  228  effects deformation of the bellows  220 . Deformation of the bellows  220  effects a contraction of the space  222  to a contracted condition. In concert, the sealing member  232  becomes displaced from the valve seat  221 . When the space  222  includes a liquid and/or gas, the deformation of the bellows  220  results in the contraction of the space  222 , and displacement of the valve member, to thereby effect a discharge of at least a portion of the fluid from the space  222 , through the orifice, past the first valve means  224 , and to the outlet  218 .  
      To prevent a return of the exhausted gas to the space  222  of the envelope  280 , the first valve means  224  is disposed in the fluid passage  214  downstream of the orifice  219  to function as a check valve for preventing back flow of gas or a gas/liquid mixture from the outlet  218  and into the space  222 . The first valve means  224  is biased by a first biasing force to assume a normally closed condition, whereby fluid communication between the space  222  and the nozzle outlet  218  is sealed. The first valve means  224  is configured to assume an open condition, whereby fluid communication is effected between the space  222  and the outlet  218  to effect the transfer of fluid from the space  222  and out through the nozzle outlet  218 . This condition is assumed in response to a communication of an increased fluid pressure in the space  222  attributable to the contraction of the space  222 , such contraction effecting a fluid pressure differential between the space  222  and the outlet  218 . The resultant fluid pressure differential force acts on the first valve means  224  and eventually overcomes the first biasing force. Once the fluid pressure in the space  222  approaches the fluid pressure at the outlet  218 , the first biasing force effects return of the first valve means  224  to the closed condition, thereby sealing fluid communication between the space  222  and the outlet  218 . The first valve means  224  is configured to maintain the closed condition when the fluid pressure in the space  222  is less than the fluid pressure downstream of the first valve means  224 , such as at the outlet  218 . In the embodiment shown, the first valve means  224  is a flapper valve.  
      A second valve means  226  is also provided in the fluid passage  214 , also functioning as a check valve, for preventing back flow of gas or a gas/liquid mixture from the space  222  to the inlet  216  (and to the container  100 ). The second valve means  226  is biased by a second biasing force to assume a normally closed condition, whereby fluid communication between the space  222  and the inlet  216  is sealed. The second valve means  226  is configured to assume an open condition, whereby fluid communication is effected between the inlet  216  and the space  222  to effect a transfer of fluid (gas and/or liquid) from the inlet  216  to the space  222  in response to communication of a decreased fluid pressure in the space  222  attributable to the expansion of the space  222  from the contracted condition, such expansion effecting a fluid pressure differential between the inlet  216  and the space  222 . The resultant fluid pressure differential force acts on the valve means  226  and is eventually sufficient to overcome the second biasing force. Once the fluid pressure in the space  222  approaches the fluid pressure at the inlet  216 , the second biasing force effects return of the second valve means  226  to the closed condition, thereby sealing fluid communication between the space  222  and the inlet  216 . The second valve means  226  is configured to maintain a closed condition when the fluid pressure in the space  212  is greater than the fluid pressure upstream of the second valve means  216 , such as at the inlet  216 . In the embodiment shown, the second valve means  226  is a flapper valve.  
      To effect contraction and expansion of the space  222 , the bellows  220  is coupled to the manual actuator  228 . As shown, the manual actuator  228  comprises a hand lever  230 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the hand lever  230  is pivotally coupled to a frame  231  of the apparatus  200 . Pressing on the hand lever  230  effects the deformation of the bellows  220 , resulting in contraction of the space  222  and displacement of the sealing member from the valve seat (opening of the orifice). Releasing the lever  230 , when the space  222  is in the contracted condition, results in expansion of the space  222  and its return to an original expanded condition and also results in return of the sealing member into sealing engagement with the valve seat  221 .  
      The fluid transfer apparatus  200  is useful for effecting siphoning of liquid from container  100  where the level of the liquid in the supply container  100  is elevated relative to the discharge of the dispensing apparatus  200  and a receiving container  300 . To effect flow of liquid from the container  100 , and its eventual discharge through outlet  218 , hand lever  230  is pressed. Pressing of hand lever  230  causes pivotal rotation of the hand lever  230  so that hand lever  230  comes into contact with and presses against the bellows  220 . As the hand lever  230  presses against the bellows  220 , the bellows  220  deforms, with consequent contraction of the space  222 , and displacement of the sealing member  232  from the valve seat  221 . Upon contraction of the space  222 , fluid (liquid and/or gas) within the space  222  becomes pressurized. This fluid pressure eventually overcomes the biasing force being applied to the valve means  224 , and effects opening of valve means  224  such that fluid communication is effected between the space  222  and the outlet  218 . As a result, fluid flows from the space  222  and discharges from the nozzle  218 , thereby effecting at least partial evacuation of the space  222 . Eventually, the fluid pressure within the space  222  subsides such that the valve means  224  returns to a closed position, sealing fluid communication between the space  222  and the outlet  218 .  
      Once the space  222  is at least partially evacuated and the valve means  224  has returned to a closed condition (or is disposed to return to a closed condition upon creation of a sufficient vacuum as described hereafter), release of the hand lever  230  effects expansion of the bellows resulting in reduced pressure condition in the space  222  relative to the fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container  100 . This vacuum condition forces open the valve means  226  (and, if not closed already, effects closure of valve means  224 ), and provides a driving force to effect flow of fluid (liquid and/or gas) from the supply container  100 .  
      The priming action of effecting alternating contraction/expansion of the space  222  eventually results in the fluid passage being occupied by liquid from the supply container  100 . When this happens, a siphoning process is established as the fluid pressure of the liquid will keep the first valve means  326  open, and liquid flow will continue so long as the liquid level in the supply container  100  is elevated relative to the outlet  218  of the apparatus  212 . The rate of liquid flow during siphoning may be controlled by the hand lever  230 . If desired, the siphoning process can be stopped by sufficiently pressing on the hand lever to cause sealing engagement of the valve  223  with the valve seat  221 .  
      It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made to the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims.