Patent Abstract:
The present invention is a pump control and distribution system consisting of a pump and reversing flow control valve with a single-handle to control flow direction and flow rate of a liquid. The system can be operated at a rate of 0 to 300 gallons per minute and the flow reversed or stopped with a single motion of the operating handle. The flow rate of the liquid can be precisely controlled in either direction, along with the liquid pressure. This allows the use of a constant speed pump turning in one direction and gives the operator the ability to control the product transfer regardless of viscosity or volume. A purge valve connected to the outlet of the pump is used to remove substantially all retained liquid in the system after transfer of liquid is complete. The system can be mounted to a vehicle for delivery of bulk liquids.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/534,945 filed on Sep. 25, 2006, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/893,053 filed on Jul. 16, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,792, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
         [0002]     This application is also related to PCT international application serial number PCT/US05/25363 filed on Jul. 18, 2005, and published as WO 2006/20175 on Feb. 12, 2006, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC  
       [0004]     Not Applicable  
       NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION  
       [0005]     A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0007]     This invention relates to the field of controlling the directional flow of bulk liquids. Bulk liquids are generally held in large containment vessels to be stored or transported. This patent deals with the precise control and distribution of liquids from these containment vessels along with the capability of pumping liquid back into the containment vessel by the means of suction. Additionally this patent deals with a unique method of removing any excess liquid from the hoses and lines in the system to insure that no liquid is spilled on the ground or retained within the hoses.  
         [0008]     Existing methods of pumping and siphoning bulk liquids has in the past been cumbersome where quantities of the liquid are left within the pump, hoses and distribution lines and this liquid is often spilled onto the ground. A great amount of the bulk liquid is in the form of chemicals, fuel and oil products that produce an environmental hazard when spilled. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has endeavored to put strict regulations on the handling and spillage of these liquids. The petroleum tank and containment vessels are extremely regulated, but the pumping systems are not. No standard or performance windows have been made for the installation and capabilities of the pump systems presently in use.  
         [0009]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0010]     The new manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system was designed primarily for the over the road petroleum transportation industry delivering to above the ground tanks, but it has been found to be useful in the handling of a wide variety of other bulk liquids. This patent is not intended be limited in its scope to the petroleum industry only, but has the capability to be effective in the handling of a variety of other bulk liquids. The new manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system has been designed to revolutionize not only the way bulk liquids are handled by truck tankers but also the way bulk liquids are transferred between containment vessels. Bulk liquids in the petroleum industry consist of gasoline, oil, diesel, aviation-gas, and transmission fluid to anti-freeze, used oil, and more.  
         [0011]     In environmentally sensitive areas such as coast lines, rivers, lakes, ski slopes, parks, wetlands, high water tables or any area where underground tanks cannot be used, there is zero tolerance of a contamination spill. Further, underground tanks must be specially designed, manufactured, installed and monitored to detect and prevent leaks. Accordingly, it is extremely expensive to put a tank underground. In these applications, they are filled by a gravity drop, and no pump is required to deliver fuel to these tanks.  
         [0012]     Most corporate farms, businesses, municipalities, airports, rental car yards, trucking companies, construction companies, bus companies and railroads use above ground storage tanks. This style of tank requires a pump to fill them. The application of federal law requires like vehicles to respond to their own accidents and rollovers. In the case of the petroleum industry, if a vehicle is rolled over and lying on its side, the fuel must be removed before the vehicle is up-righted. The fuel is salvageable and requires a pump to remove it. The railroad locomotives are filled, and tank cars are loaded and unloaded with the use of pumps mounted on trucks. All package oil facilities that purchase bulk oils and package them for retail sale, use above ground tanks and require vehicles with pumps to fill them. All shipyards and container yards use above ground tanks, and they require pumps mounted on trucks to load and unload fuel on the tugs and tankers.  
         [0013]     Presently, not all states are equal in their environmental requirements. California was the first state to have them, and consequently has the highest restrictions with respect to the handling and transportation of hazardous liquids. Many other states have followed suit with similar requirements and the EPA is now beginning to enforce these laws more diligently in all states. The possibility of a trucking company spilling fuel upon disconnecting of the hoses is being greatly scrutinized. There is no longer any tolerance for these types of frequent spills. The manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system eliminates substantially all spillage in these zero spill environments.  
         [0014]     As regulation of the industry continues to increase, more above ground fuel tanks will be installed to replace underground tanks, resulting in a dramatic increase in above ground pumping applications. Today in California, if you are a jobber that contracts to Chevron, you are required to have a pump installed on your truck to service their customers. That number is growing, and most all new tankers put into service in California will have pumps installed on them. As the agencies tighten the regulations and enforce the environmental laws, more pumps are required to meet the laws governing the above ground fuel storage and handling systems.  
         [0015]     The fuel oil transportation industry and chemical transportation industry have problems that are similar to the petroleum industry. Tankers are no longer used as a single delivery of product to an underground tank and back to the refinery for another partial load. These vehicles and operators must be able to multi-task to survive. These include multiple deliveries per load, both gravity and pump loads, numerous drivers per vehicle, variable products, multitudes of tanks and vessels to deliver to, emergency responses, station pump outs, and railroad deliveries, all of which are just some of the different daily conditions. These are all done under the ever-growing scrutiny of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, and insurance industry.  
         [0016]     The same environmental laws are now being enforced in international markets as well. Islands such as the Dominican Republic are converting to all above ground tanks and are changing their entire transport fleets. They are using a variety of pumps that are put on trucks with no forethought about problems that might be caused. Every single pump is unique and operates differently. This results in daily spills on each and every delivery, which is no longer an accepted practice.  
         [0017]     Accordingly, there is a need for a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system which improves upon devices that can transfer bulk liquids and still meet the high standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, the Air Resources Board and the insurance companies. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]     The manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system, primarily designed for the petroleum transportation industry, was built by the present inventor with safety and the environment at the forefront. The single flow reversing two-way valve handle controls the flow rate and volume of product and eases the stress of operation of this type of equipment. This design makes the unloading and loading of hazardous liquids as safe and efficient as possible along with the ability of removing all the liquid from the lines and hoses. The unique design meets the demands and the stringent requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resources Board, Department of Transportation, A.S.M.E, and various insurance companies.  
         [0019]     The unique feature of this invention is the compact features and the simplicity of how it operates along with the ability of solving many of the problems of handling bulk petroleum and other similar products where spills have become an ever-present and dangerous environmental problem.  
         [0020]     The present invention is directed to a liquid pump control and distribution system that utilizes a single-handle flow reversing two-way valve for the operational direction of flow and volume, while providing a neutral position for standby. The pump drive will generally be by the means of a clutch-type power takeoff (PTO) from the vehicle engine or an auxiliary engine mounted on the vehicle or on a pallet as a portable device. The system can be operated at a rate of 0 to about 300 gallons per minute and be reversed and controlled with a single motion of the operating handle on the flow reversing two-way valve.  
         [0021]     The pump operates in one direction at a fixed RPM, resulting in longer pump life and safer operation. For added safety, the system utilizes the pump&#39;s relief valve for both loading and unloading. It must be understood that a variety of different pumps made by different manufactures will perform the same function of pumping the liquid and remain within the scope of this patent. Since the system has a neutral position when the PTO is engaged, no fluid motion or pressure develops until the system gradually begins to operate after all connections are verified by the operator. When the liquid has been transferred, the residue liquid left in the lines and hoses may be removed by raising the end of the hose up trapping the liquid and manually reversing the two-way valve to the suction position.  
         [0022]     This system uses an aluminum flow reversing two-way valve with a flat plate impeller. The valve allows the flow of the product to be precisely controlled in either direction, along with flow rate and pressure. This gives the operator the ability to control the product regardless of viscosity or volume. The reversing valve uses recessed O rings on the shafts and flange faces to prevent leaks. A crossover line is easily adapted to the system making easy access to both sides of a vehicle. The design allows for the safest pump operation available for proper handling of a wide variety of products during these environmentally sensitive times.  
         [0023]     The system incorporates an easily accessible strainer basket housed within a housing that is inclined so that when the strainer basket cover plate is removed the liquid within does not spill out. An extended handle positions the basket within the chamber so that the flow inters the center of the basket and the cover plate is easily accessible. A unique 110-degree elbow connects the strainer basket housing to the pump positioning the flow reversing two-way valve and valve handle in a convenient and easily accessible location and keeping the system as compact as possible. The strainer basket and housing is designed independently of the particular pump being used making it universal and adaptable to a wide variety of pump configurations.  
         [0024]     A purge valve is connected to the pump outlet, the lowest point in the system, to remove retained liquids once transfer of liquids is complete  
         [0025]     The principal object of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system is to create a unique system that will eliminate substantially all spillage of liquids during the transfer from one containment vessel to a second containment vessel.  
         [0026]     Another object of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system is to create a unique way to move bulk liquids in two different directions through a single flow reversing two-way valve without reversing the direction of the pump drive unit.  
         [0027]     Another object of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system is to create a unique manual system that will control the flow rate and volume of bulk liquids in either direction while the pump is operating at a constant speed with a single valve handle and no electronic control devices.  
         [0028]     Another object of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system is to create a small and compact unit which is easily accessible to an operator.  
         [0029]     Another object of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system is to create a system with a crossover line that will access from both sides of a vehicle.  
         [0030]     Yet another object is to create a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system that can be put in a neutral position where no liquid is pumped in either direction.  
         [0031]     And yet, another object is to create a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system where the liquid is always forced through the strainer basket in the same direction whether the system is in the discharge or suction mode.  
         [0032]     And still another object is to create a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system where the strainer basket in the angled strainer basket housing is easily accessible and will not spill liquid when the access port is opened.  
         [0033]     A further object of this invention is to create a unique system that is adaptable to a variety of different configurations.  
         [0034]     A final object of this invention is to add a new and unique system to the area of transferring bulk liquids from one containment vessel to a second containment vessel while meeting all the new stringent requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, the Air Resources Board and the insurance companies.  
         [0035]     An embodiment of the invention is a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a flow control reversing valve fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the pump, the reversing valve has a first orifice and a second orifice, the reversing valve has a first position and a second position, where when the reversing valve is in the first position, liquid flows from the first orifice to the second orifice, where when the reversing valve is in the second position, liquid flows from the second orifice to the first orifice, where the outlet of the pump is positioned below the reversing valve and the inlet of the pump, and a purge valve fluidly coupled to and positioned below the outlet of the pump.  
         [0036]     An aspect of the invention is where the reversing valve has a third position, and where when the reversing valve is in the third position, a liquid pressure difference will not develop between the first orifice and the second orifice.  
         [0037]     A further aspect of the invention is where substantially all retained liquid in the reversing valve and in the pump is discharged through the purge valve when the pump is operating, the purge valve is opened, and the reversing valve is moved from the third position to the first position.  
         [0038]     A still further aspect of the invention is a hose having first and second ends, the first end of the hose adapted to couple to the second orifice, and where retained liquid from the hose flows into the reversing valve through the second orifice when the second end of the hose is elevated above the second orifice and the position of the reversing valve is moved from the third position to the second position.  
         [0039]     Another aspect of the invention is where a change in position of the reversing valve between the first position and the second position changes the flow rate of liquid flowing between the first orifice and the second orifice.  
         [0040]     A yet further aspect of the invention is where a change in position of the reversing valve between the first position and the second position changes the liquid pressure difference between the first orifice and the second orifice.  
         [0041]     A still further aspect of the invention is a strainer housing coupled to the inlet of the pump, a strainer basket positioned in the strainer housing, where the strainer housing is fluidly coupled to the reversing valve.  
         [0042]     Another aspect of the invention is where liquid flows in one direction through the strainer basket when the position of the reversing valve is changed between the first position and the second position.  
         [0043]     A still further aspect is a drain plug positioned in the strainer housing.  
         [0044]     A further aspect of the invention is where the pump is a constant speed pump and/or a positive displacement pump.  
         [0045]     A still further aspect of the invention is an indexing pin coupled to the reversing valve, where the position of the reversing valve is restricted to between the first position and the second position by the indexing pin.  
         [0046]     Another aspect of the invention is where the reversing valve is adapted to mount to a vehicle having a liquid reservoir, where the first orifice is adapted to couple to the liquid reservoir, and where the second orifice is adapted to fluidly couple to a liquid receiver.  
         [0047]     A further aspect of the invention is where the reversing valve has a third position, where when the reversing valve is in the third position, a liquid pressure difference will not develop between the first orifice and the second orifice, and where retained liquid in the reversing valve and in the pump is discharged through the purge valve when the pump is operating, the purge valve is opened, and the reversing valve is moved from the third position to the first position.  
         [0048]     Another embodiment of the invention is a valve body having a first, second, third and fourth ports, where the first port is adapted to couple to the inlet of a pump, where the second port is adapted to couple to a first containment vessel, where the third port is adapted to couple to the outlet of the pump, where the fourth port is adapted to couple to a second containment vessel, a valve chamber in the center of the valve body, a valve candle adapted to rotate within the valve chamber, the valve candle having a flat impeller, the valve candle having first, second and third positions, where when the valve candle is in the first position, the impeller directs liquid flow from the second port to the first port, and from the third port to the fourth port, where when the valve candle is in the second position, the impeller directs liquid flow from the fourth port to the first port and from the third port to the second port, and where when the valve candle is in the third position, the impeller allows liquid to flow from the third port to the first port.  
         [0049]     Another aspect of the invention is an indexing pin attached to the valve candle, a valve bonnet coupled to the valve body, indexing ears attached to the valve bonnet, where the indexing ears interact with the indexing pin to limit the turning range of the valve candle.  
         [0050]     A further aspect of the invention is where the valve candle has a top shaft and a bottom shaft, where the top shaft is supported by the valve bonnet, a coil spring positioned on the top shaft between the valve bonnet and the valve candle, a jack screw positioned in the valve body, the jack screw adapted to support the bottom shaft, where the coil spring urges the bottom shaft of the valve candle against the jack screw.  
         [0051]     A still further aspect of the invention is where adjusting the jack screw adjusts the position of the valve candle in the valve chamber.  
         [0052]     A yet further aspect of the invention is a first recessed O ring on the top shaft, the first O ring positioned to seat in the valve bonnet, a second recessed O ring on the bottom shaft, the second recessed O ring positioned to seat in the valve body, and where the first and second recessed O rings are adapted to resist liquid flow along the top and bottom shafts.  
         [0053]     Another aspect of the invention is first, second, third and fourth recessed O rings positioned on the first, second, third and fourth ports respectively, where the first second third and fourth O rings are adapted to resist liquid flow across the face of the ports.  
         [0054]     A further aspect of the invention is a strainer housing adapted to couple to the inlet of the pump, a strainer basket positioned in the strainer housing, where the strainer housing is fluidly coupled to the first port.  
         [0055]     A still further aspect of the invention is where liquid flows in one direction through the strainer basket when the position of the valve candle is changed between the first position and the second position.  
         [0056]     A yet further aspect of the invention is where the valve body is mounted to a vehicle, and where the fourth port is fluidly coupled to a crossover line that will access liquid from both sides of the vehicle.  
         [0057]     Another aspect of the invention is where the second port is adapted to couple to a first containment vessel mounted on the vehicle, and where the crossover line is adapted to couple to a second containment vessel.  
         [0058]     A still further aspect is where the second port is fluidly connected to a second crossover line that will access liquid from both sides of the vehicle.  
         [0059]     A further aspect of the invention is a hose having first and second ends, the first end adapted to couple to the crossover line, and where retained liquid from the hose flows into the valve body through the fourth port when the second end of the hose is elevated above the crossover line and the position of the valve candle is moved from the third position to the second position.  
         [0060]     A further embodiment of the invention is a method of distributing liquid that comprises providing a pump having an inlet and an outlet, providing a two way flow reversing valve having a first, second, third and fourth ports, coupling the pump inlet to the first port, coupling the pump outlet to the third port, coupling a first containment vessel to the second port, coupling a second containment vessel to the fourth port, where the flow reversing valve has a first position and second position, engaging the pump, moving the flow reversing valve to the first position, and distributing liquid from the first containment vessel to the second containment vessel.  
         [0061]     Another aspect of the invention is a method where the flow reversing valve has a third position, where when the flow reversing valve is in the third position, liquid does not flow between the second port and the fourth port, and positioning the flow reversing valve in the third position before the pump is engaged.  
         [0062]     A further aspect of the invention is providing a hose having a first end and second end, coupling the first end of the hose to the fourth port, and coupling the second end of the hose to the second containment vessel.  
         [0063]     a still further aspect of the invention is uncoupling the second end of the hose from the second containment vessel, elevating the second end of the hose above the fourth port, and moving the flow reversing valve to the second position to remove the retained liquid from the hose.  
         [0064]     A yet further aspect of the invention is coupling a purge valve to the pump outlet, disconnecting the second containment vessel from the fourth port, engaging the pump, opening the purge valve, moving the flow reversing valve to the first position thereby discharging retained fluid through the purge valve.  
         [0065]     Another aspect of the invention is providing a strainer housing coupled to the inlet of the pump and coupled to the flow reversing valve, flowing fluid in a first direction through the strainer housing when the flow reversing valve is in the first position, and flowing fluid in the first direction through the strainer housing when the flow reversing valve is in the second position.  
         [0066]     A still further aspect is providing a drain port in the strainer housing and opening the drain port to drain retained liquid from the strainer housing.  
         [0067]     A further aspect of the invention is supporting the first containment vessel on a vehicle, supporting the pump on the vehicle, and supporting the flow reversing valve on the vehicle.  
         [0068]     A still further aspect of the invention is coupling a purge valve to the pump outlet, disconnecting the second containment vessel from the fourth port, engaging the pump, opening the purge valve, moving the flow reversing valve to the first position thereby discharging retained fluid through the purge valve.  
         [0069]     Another aspect of the invention is supporting a third containment vessel from said vehicle; disconnecting the first containment vessel from the second port; connecting the third containment vessel to the second port; engaging the pump; moving the flow reversing valve to the first position; and distributing liquid from the third containment vessel through the fourth port.  
         [0070]     A yet further aspect of the invention is disconnecting the second containment vessel from the fourth port, connecting a liquid source to the fourth port, engaging the pump, moving the flow reversing valve to the second position thereby refilling the first containment vessel from the liquid source.  
         [0071]     Another aspect of the invention is coupling a purge valve to the pump outlet, disconnecting the liquid source from the fourth port, engaging the pump, opening the purge valve, and moving the flow reversing valve to the first position thereby discharging retained fluid through the purge valve.  
         [0072]     Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0073]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.  
         [0074]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the left side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system illustrating the directional discharge flow of the bulk liquid with the intake orifice at the top and the discharge at the bottom.  
         [0075]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a variety of different couplings that can be used to adapt the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system into different configurations.  
         [0076]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the right side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system illustrating the directional suction flow of the bulk liquid along with the strainer basket partly removed from the strainer housing.  
         [0077]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective side view of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system illustrating the inclined angle of the strainer basket housing.  
         [0078]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the left side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system illustrating one of the alternate configurations with the intake orifice at the bottom and the discharge at the top.  
         [0079]      FIG. 6  depicts a side elevation schematic of a flow reversing two-way valve with the side cut away illustrating the flow in the discharge configuration.  
         [0080]      FIG. 7  depicts a side elevation schematic of a flow reversing two-way valve with the side cut away illustrating the flow in the suction configuration.  
         [0081]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a two-way reversing flow control valve for liquid distribution.  
         [0082]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the two way reversing flow control valve shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0083]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a liquid pump control and distribution system with a vane pump.  
         [0084]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a further embodiment of a liquid pump control and distribution system with a gear pump.  
         [0085]      FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of the left side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating a crossover line mounted inside the interconnecting line. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0086]     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 12 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.  
         [0087]     There is seen in  FIG. 1 a  perspective view of the left side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  10 . This view illustrates the directional discharge flow of the bulk liquid with arrows having the intake orifice  12  in the flanged coupling  14 A with a flexible victaulic coupling means  16  at the top of the flow reversing two-way valve  18 . The flow reversing two-way valve  18  is shown with the valve handle  20  to the right in the discharge position. At the bottom of the flow reversing two-way valve  18 , the discharge orifice connects to a 90-degree elbow  22  connected to a T-section  24  having two flexible victaulic coupling means  16 , a conventional mounting flange  26  and cover plate  28 . The flexible victaulic coupling means  16  uses an o-ring seal with a two-piece clamp ring  30  to give a sealed coupling that is similar to a ball joint type of flexible connection. One or more of these victaulic coupling means  16  or similar flexible sealed connecting means may be used on or between the lines or fittings in this system for flexibility and still remain within the scope of this patent. Coupled to the T-section  24  is a crossover line  32  having a similar conventional flange  26  and cover plate  28 . The flexible victaulic coupling means  16  between the 90-degree elbow  22  and the T-section  24  allows flexibility along the X-axis parallel to the frame of the vehicle. The flexible victaulic coupling means  16  between the T-section  24  and the crossover line  32  allows flexibility along the Y-axis perpendicular to the frame of the vehicle. The angled strainer basket housing  34  is shown attached to the right side of the flow reversing two-way valve  18  by the means of a square-mounting flange  36 . The strainer basket housing  34  has a cover plate  38 . The conventional pump  40  is shown at the rear with an inter-connecting line  42  attached to the left side of the reversing two-way valve  18  by the means of a square-mounting flange  36 . A pump mounting bracket  44  is attached to the conventional pump  40 , the flow reversing two-way valve  18  and the frame of the vehicle supporting the assembly. A pump drain valve  46  is shown on the lower right side positioned to drain substantially all fluid from the pump control and distribution system  10 .  
         [0088]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a variety of different couplings that can be used to adapt the manual bulk-liquid pump control and distribution system  10  into different configurations. The first fitting on the left is the flanged coupling  14 A with the flexible victaulic coupling means  16 . The second fitting is a threaded flanged coupling  14 B. The third is a flanged elbow  22 B, to be used when the crossover line  32  is not desired.  
         [0089]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the right side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  10  illustrating the directional suction flow of the bulk liquid along with the strainer basket  48  partly removed from strainer basket housing  34 . The extended handle  50  mounted on the lip  52  of the strainer basket  48  extends the strainer basket housing  34  forward increasing the accessibility to the cover plate  38 . Note at this point that no matter whether the flow reversing two-way valve  18  is in the discharge or suction mode that the liquid always passes through the strainer basket  48  in the same direction. At the right is a half-round shield  54  for the drive coupling on the power take off.  
         [0090]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective side view of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  10  illustrating the inclined angle along the Z-axis of the strainer basket housing  34  eliminating spillage when the cover plate  38  is opened for cleaning of the strainer basket  48 . A unique angled elbow  56  is used to make the connection between the strainer basket housing  34  and the pump  40  positioning the flow reversing two-way valve  18  and valve handle  20  in a convenient location and keeping the system as compact as possible. The elbow  56  may be custom made with a flange and an angle to fit a variety of different brand name pump specifications. In the preferred embodiment as shown, the elbow  56  is angled at 110-degrees, however many other configurations are anticipated depending on the particular pump used. Similarly, the flange on the inter-connecting line  42  is custom designed to fit the particular pump  40  used.  
         [0091]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the left side of the manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  10  illustrating one of the alternate configurations with the intake orifice  12  in the flanged coupling  14 A at the bottom of the flow reversing two way valve  18 . The discharge through the 90-degree elbow  22  is at the top with a pipeline  58  going parallel to the frame to the back of the vehicle.  
         [0092]      FIG. 6  depicts a side elevation schematic of a flow reversing two-way valve  18  with the side cut away illustrating the flow pattern in the discharge configuration.  
         [0093]      FIG. 7  depicts a side elevation schematic of a flow reversing two-way valve  18  with the side cut away illustrating the flow pattern in the suction configuration.  
         [0094]     Valve  18  can also be in a third neutral position between the discharge position and suction position where flow or pressure differential is not developed between the inlet orifice and outlet orifice. In one mode, the liquid recirculates between the valve and pump. Handle  20  (shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 ) is used to change the liquid flow direction in valve  18 . Adjusting handle  20  between the neutral position and either the discharge position or the suction position will change the flow rate of liquid through valve  18 .  
         [0095]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a reversing flow control valve  58 . Reversing control valve  58  has valve body  60 , a truncated conical tapered interior and four flanged ports  62 . Each flanged port  62  has a recessed O-ring  64  to provide a leak free coupling across the flange face of the port. Valve body  60  also has a top flange face  66 .  
         [0096]     Valve candle  68  has a flat plate impeller  70  with tapered sides to match the truncated conical taper in valve body  60 . Valve candle  68  has top shaft  72  with a recessed O-ring  74  that interacts with valve bonnet  82  for leak free operation. Aperture  76  is positioned in top shaft  72  to secure a handle. Bottom shaft  78  has a recessed O-ring  80  that interacts with valve body  60  for leak free operation. An indexing pin  81  is mounted on the upper surface of valve candle  68 . The impeller  70  is configured to direct liquid flow in and out two adjacent ports when aligned between ports. Impeller  70  can also align with two opposite ports to allow liquid to recirculate within valve  58  and through the pump.  
         [0097]     Valve bonnet  82  has flange  84  with recessed O ring  86  adapted to couple to top flange face  66  of valve body  60  and has indexing ears  88  that restrict the turning range of valve candle  68  by restricting the travel of indexing pin  81  and providing tactile resistance at the end of the range. In this embodiment, the turning range of valve  58  extends from the discharge position, through the neutral position and to the suction position. In a further embodiment, valve bonnet  82  has visible markings such as “discharge,” “neutral” and “suction” to indicate the position of the valve relative to the position of handle  90 . In a still further embodiment, the markings on valve bonnet  82  are “load on,” “neutral,” and “load off.” Handle  90  is coupled to upper shaft  72  with pin  92  that fits through aperture  76  and indexes the handle position relative to the position of impeller  70 .  
         [0098]     Note that when impeller  70  is positioned in the neutral position in valve body  60 , liquid can flow freely between each port  62 . In this mode, liquid is recycled through the pump and reversing valve  58  but no pressure is developed between the inlet orifice and outlet orifice. Thus there is no flow of liquid into or out of the inlet orifice or outlet orifice of reversing valve  58 .  
         [0099]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of reversing flow control valve  58  shown in  FIG. 8 . Tapered valve candle  68  is seated in the internal chamber of valve body  60 . Spring  92  is positioned under bonnet  82  to urge valve candle  68  into the tapered internal chamber of valve body  60 . Recessed O-ring  74  seats in the center opening of bonnet  82  to prevent leaking when the fluid in valve  58  is under pressure. Similarly, O-ring  80  positioned on bottom shaft  78  seats in valve body  60  to resist leaks under pressure. Jack screw  96  screws into jack nut  98  which is coupled to the bottom of valve body  60 . Jack screw  96  is the lower pivot for bottom shaft  78  and vertical adjustment for optimum positioning of valve candle  68  in the taper of valve body  60  to adjust the tension on handle  90  and prevent binding or leaking.  
         [0100]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a liquid pump control and distribution system  100  with a positive displacement vane pump  102  shown in partial cross section view. Vane pump  102  is shown supported on bracket  44  such as on a vehicle, but could also be skid mounted or permanently mounted near a liquid containment vessel. Pump  102  has inlet  104  fluidly coupled to reversing two-way valve  58  through strainer housing  34  and has outlet  106  fluidly coupled to inter-connecting line  42 . In one embodiment, the fittings of pump control and distribution system  100  are about 3 inch in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, pump  102  is a constant speed pump since flow rate and direction can be controlled by valve  58 . In a further embodiment, pump  102  is operated by engaging a power take off shaft on a vehicle. In one embodiment, pump  102  can transfer up to 240 gallons per minute of liquid.  
         [0101]     Vane Pump  102  has a pressure relief valve  108  that will allow liquid flow from the pump outlet  106  to the pump inlet  104  when the pressure differential exceeds the relief valve setting. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is set at about 75 psi. In normal operation using reversing valve  58 , relief valve  108  is only required to mitigate fluid hammer during a loaded pump start or quick valve movements since no pressure is developed between the inlet and outlet orifices when reversing valve  58  is in the neutral position.  
         [0102]     Port  110  is placed in the sump of pump  102  and positioned at the lowest point liquid can flow in the outlet  106  of pump  102 . Preferably, port  110  is positioned at the lowest point liquid can flow in liquid pump control and distribution system  100 . In one embodiment, port  110  is ¼ inch NPT. A drain line  112  is sloped downward from port  110  and terminates in a spring-loaded, normally closed “deadman” purge valve  114 . In a further contemplated embodiment, a removable container is connected to spring-loaded purge valve  114  to collect fluid drained from liquid pump control and distribution system  100 . Purge valve  114  can also be used to pull samples of product being transferred and pressurize the system and test for leaks.  
         [0103]     A drain port  116  is also positioned at the lowest point in strainer body  34 . This port can be fitted with a valve such as a ball valve or spring loaded valve to drain any liquid remaining in strainer body  34 . Since strainer body  34  is coupled to the suction inlet  104  of pump  102 , the pump would need to be disengaged before draining liquid through port  116 .  
         [0104]     After a liquid transfer operation is complete, some liquid is retained in liquid pump control and distribution system  100 . When pump  104  is running, opening spring-loaded purge valve  114  and moving handle  90  to the discharge or suction position will build internal pump pressure and discharge substantially all retained liquid in reversing valve  58 , pump  104  and associated pipe and fittings. When substantially no liquid remains in outlet  106  of pump  104 , the pump will discharge air from purge valve  114 . The discharge of air from purge valve  114  is visible and audible.  
         [0105]     A method of using pump control and distribution system  100  is described as follows: The first port of reversing valve  58  is coupled to inlet  104  of pump  102  and the third port of reversing valve  58  is coupled to outlet  106  of pump  102 . Typically, there are ball or butterfly shut off valves with victaulic or flange fittings installed at the inlet orifice connection and the selected outlet of crossover pipe  32 . The first containment vessel or liquid reservoir is connected to the inlet orifice or second port of reversing valve  58 . The second containment vessel or liquid receiver is connected to the outlet orifice or fourth port through crossover pipe  32 , typically with a hose. Handle  90  of valve  58  is placed in the neutral position. The operator opens the shut off valve to the liquid receiver and starts or engages pump  102 . Next the shut off valve on the crossover pipe to the hose is opened. Handle  90  is then moved slowly to the discharge position until liquid flows from the liquid reservoir through the two way reversing valve  58  and into the liquid receiver. During the liquid transfer, handle  90  can be moved anywhere between the discharge and suction positions. For example, handle  90  can be moved quickly from the discharge position to the suction position if a leak is observed or the hose becomes accidentally disconnected.  
         [0106]     When the transfer of liquid is complete, handle  90  of valve  58  is moved to the neutral position to stop flow of liquid and the shut off valve to the liquid reservoir is closed. Next, the hose is disconnected from the liquid receiver, keeping the open end of the hose elevated above the crossover line to prevent spillage of retained liquid.  
         [0107]     Next, the operator moves handle  90  of reversing valve  58  to the suction position and walks the hose end up towards the connection with crossover pipe  32  until substantially all retained liquid in the hose flows into pump control and distribution system  100 . When this step is completed the valve to the hose is closed, thereby retaining the liquid in reversing valve  58  and pump  104 . The operator moves handle  90  to the neutral position and disengages or turns off pump  104 .  
         [0108]     At this point hoses and vents can be removed and stored, ports capped and the vehicle moved to the next destination to distribute liquid. Alternately, another containment vessel or liquid reservoir on the vehicle can be connected to the pump control and distribution system  100  to transfer liquid to another liquid receiver.  
         [0109]     The first containment vessel on the vehicle can be refilled by connecting a liquid source to the fourth port of reversing valve  58 , opening the internal valves, engaging the pump and moving handle  90  to the second or suction position. Liquid will flow from the liquid source through the fourth port and into the first containment vessel through the second port. Flow of liquid is stopped by moving handle  90  to the neutral position.  
         [0110]     In some situations, it is desired to remove all retained liquids in pump control and distribution system  100  before transferring a different liquid from a different containment vessel. A method to remove substantially all retained liquid from the pump control and distribution system  100  after transferring liquid is as follows: After liquid is transferred and the shut off valves to the liquid receiver, the liquid reservoir and to the hose are closed, position handle  90  to the neutral position and start the pump. Place a container under spring-loaded purge valve  114 . Move handle  90  slowly to the discharge position and open purge valve  114 . Pump  104  will discharge substantially all retained liquid in pump control and distribution system  100  through drain line  112  and out purge valve  114 . Collect purged liquid in the container until only air is discharged from purge valve  114 . Release spring-loaded purge valve  114 , return handle  90  to the neutral position and turn off pump  104 . At this point, there is substantially no liquid retained in the system. The discharge of air from purge valve  114  can be seen and heard and is an observable indicator that there is substantially no liquid retained in pump control and distribution system  100 .  
         [0111]     An additional step to ensure and verify that no liquid remains in pump control and distribution system  100  is to open port  116  in strainer body  34  after pump  102  is off to drain any remaining liquid retained in strainer body  34 .  
         [0112]     If verification is desired that substantially no liquid is retained in the system, a witness can observe that only air is discharged from spring-loaded purge valve  114  and annotate the delivery log. This verification that substantially no liquid is retained can be made at the end of a liquid transfer or prior to filling the liquid reservoir. The observer can also verify that port  116  in strainer body  34  was opened to drain any remaining liquid. Verification that substantially no liquid is retained in the distribution system is particularly important when different liquids are distributed and cross contamination with even a small amount of retained liquid cannot be tolerated.  
         [0113]     Verification of substantially no liquid retained in a liquid reservoir connected to the inlet orifice and positioned above pump control and distribution system  100  can be accomplished just prior to refilling the liquid reservoir as follows: First, close the shut off valve to the outlet orifice. Position handle  90  to the neutral position, start the pump and open the internal valve to the liquid reservoir. Move handle  90  first toward the discharge position to remove any retained liquid from the liquid reservoir, then close the internal valve on the liquid reservoir. Place a container under spring-loaded purge valve  114  and open spring-loaded purge valve  114  and move handle  90  toward the suction position and until only air is discharged. Close purge valve  114 , move handle  90  to the neutral position and turn the pump off. An additional step would be to open port  116  in strainer body  34  and drain any remaining fluid after pump  102  is shut off. Verification that substantially no liquid is retained in the liquid reservoir is particularly important when cross contamination with even a small amount of retained liquid cannot be tolerated.  
         [0114]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of further embodiment of a liquid pump control and distribution system  120  with a positive displacement gear pump  122  shown in partial cross section view. Pump  122  is supported on bracket  44  and has inlet  124  fluidly coupled to reversing two-way valve  58  through strainer housing  34  and has outlet  126  fluidly coupled to inter-connecting line  42 . Pump  122  also has a relief valve  128  that will recycle liquid from the pump outlet  126  to the pump inlet  124  when the pump is running and the pressure exceeds the relief valve setting. In one embodiment, pump  122  has about a 3 inch diameter inlet and outlet and can transfer up to about 130 GPM of liquid. In another embodiment, pump  122  has about a 4 inch inlet and outlet and can transfer up to about 300 GPM of liquid. In a preferred embodiment, pump  122  is a constant speed pump since flow rate can be controlled by valve  58 .  
         [0115]     Port  130  is positioned in the sump of pump  122 , which is the lowest point liquid can flow in the outlet  126  of pump  122 . Preferably, port  130  is positioned at the lowest point liquid can flow in liquid pump control and distribution system  120 . A drain line  112  is sloped downward from port  120  and connects a spring-loaded, normally closed “deadman” purge valve  114 .  
         [0116]     A drain port  116  is also positioned at the lowest point in strainer body  34 . This port can be fitted with a drain plug or valve such as a ball valve or spring loaded valve to drain any liquid remaining in strainer body  34 .  
         [0117]     In a less preferred embodiment, a centrifugal pump or a diaphragm pump is configured to operate with reversing flow control valve  58  to transfer liquids.  
         [0118]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  140  similar to  FIG. 1  but where crossover line  32  is positioned inside interconnecting line  42 . This embodiment allows manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system  140  to be mounted in a compact area, such as under a vehicle. In one mode of this embodiment, the front shaft of pump  40  is shortened or removed so as not to interfere with crossover line  30 .  
         [0119]     In a further embodiment, an additional top crossover line can be coupled to intake orifice  12 . In this configuration, liquid can be pumped from one side of the system and discharged to the other side of the system. This configuration is particularly useful when access to the system is restricted for loading or offloading liquid. An example is where a system is mounted on a vehicle and hoses cannot be placed beneath the vehicle for access or safety reasons. This configuration can also add versatility to a system that needs to change liquid transfer modes quickly such as a fire suppression vehicle.  
         [0120]     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Technology Classification (CPC): 5