Patent ID: 7128102

Claim:
A drop tube segment adapted for use with a liquid reservoir, the drop tube segment comprising: a) a conduit including a first end portion and a second end portion; b) a valve assembly including: i) a valve member associated with the first end portion, ii) afloat, iii) a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member and adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir; c) a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment, the fastening section comprising a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment; and d) a resilient sealing member engaging the sealing surface of the fastening section, wherein the resilient sealing member is configured not to be axially compressed between the sealing surface of the fastening section and a sealing surface of another drop tube segment engaging the resilient sealing member.