US2508054A - Liquid dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

May 16, 1950 R. M. WILSON LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 28, 1946 INVENTOR: Rana/1M WzZsoiz, BY W W ATTORNEYS.

May 16, 1950 R. M. WILSON 2,508,054

LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 28, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 QIQM I Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Pennsylvania Application May 28, 1946, Serial No. 672,797

7 Claims.

This invention has general reference to liquid dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, relates to the so-called metering-type of such apparatus which includes a power operated pump, as well as strainer and by-pass devices.

Dispensing apparatus of the above indicated type as heretofore constructed, while generally satisfactory for the intended purpose, are cumbersome to install, and difiicult of access when repairs must be made. These disadvantages become very pronounced when such dispensing apparatus is installed for use on farms and in rural territory where experienced labor very frequently is unavailable.

Accordingly it is a particular object of this invention to overcome the noted disadvantages by dividing the apparatus or unit into two readily connectable relatively light parts of approximately equal weight and to simplify the assembly set-up thereof, whereby the unit as a whole can be readily installed, or repair thereto easily made by one man without undue physical exertion and with appreciable reduction in the initial and subsequent maintenance costs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid dispensing apparatus of the meteringtype which comprises an easily assembled or readily disconnected base-structure for a pump and meter unit, in association with means for the relatively independent stationary support of a driving motor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel form of base for the metering-pump unit of liquid dispensing apparatus of the species above referred to, which by the simple expedient of releasing two hold-fast devices can be quickly removed for servicing or repair, and just as expeditiously -replaced.

While the foregoing definitions are indicative in a general way of the aims of this invention, others with ancillary advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art upon a full understanding of the construction, arrangement and assembly of the means hereinafter fully disclosed.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a vertical section through the upper portion of a gasoline-service installation, embodying the improvements of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken approximately on the staggered plane II--II in Fig. 1 and at a right-angle thereto.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the plane III-J11 in Fig. l as viewed in the direction of the angled arrows.

Fig. l is a fragmentary cross-section on the plane IV-IV in Fig. l; and

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the complete underground installation, on a reduced. scale, and illustrating how the bi-partite set-up is easily separable for the purpose of servicing or repair of the, hereinafter termed, pump-and-meter unit.

In describing the illustrated form of this invention, specific terms will be employed for the sake of clarity, but it is to be understood the scope of the invention is not to be considered as being thereby limited, each such term being intended to embrace all reasonable equivalents capable of performing the same functions for analogous purposes.

Referring first more particularly to Fig. 5, the reference character 5 designates a fragmentary portion of a liquid reservoir or gasoline storagetank, for what is commonly known as an underground-installation, the same having a suitable fitting 1 into which the lower end of a tubularstandard or base support 8 is screw-threaded. Mounted on the upper end of the standard 8 is a socket-fitting 9 of special construction which is secured in place by radially-arranged set-screws i0.

Also referring now to Figs. 1 to 4, it is to be noted that the illustrated liquid dispensing appa ratus comprises what I preferably term a pumpand-meter unit including a rotary-pump i l and an associated meter l2; a motor unit or base l3, having a removable drive-connection it to the pump H; a conduit l5 including a contact-box 6 for the electrical connections to the motor i3; and wiring or a cable ll from said motor to a switch-box it provided with a starter-switch 19; all of said elements being enclosed within a protective housing 23.

The socket-fitting e is of elbow-formation in that the cap-section 21 thereof has an upset-bend 22, the lower end whereof interiorly screwthreaded for attachment of the pump suctionpipe 23, while the upper and angularly-related end is provided with a laterally-projecting flange 24, including horizontal embossments 25 having bores 2t axially therethrough for a, purpose later on explained. It is also to be particularly noted that the bend 22 and flange 24 are tangential relative to the axis of the socket-fitting 9 so as to define a horizontal ledge 2! with a vertical fiat 28,

The socket-fitting s; also has an upper flat bracket-portion or ridge 29, and a medially-disposed downwardly-inclined web 3!], said parts jointly affording attachment for right and lefthand motor-supporting brackets 3 B. Each bracket 3| is conveniently fabricated from suitable bar stock to provide a supporting section 32 bent 3 at 33, and inclinedly twisted at $34 into a plane at right angles to that of the supporting section 32, the terminal portion 35 of the twisting 34 being apertured for registration with a corresponding hole in the web 39 and through passage of clamp-bolt 36. The'bracket sections 32 are provided, proximate their respective ends, with holes 3'! for passage of securing means 38 which engage in registering apertures through the base flange 39 of the motor 1 3, and whereby the latter is rigidly supported by the socket-fitting 9 as best shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

The means for seating the pump H consists of a combination hollow by-pass-and 'strainer device, comprehensively designated 30, said device being of generally rectangular contour, as best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, with a curved-extension 4! at one end for connection of a flowconduit 42 into the meter l2. The device is formed with base pads 43,havingscrew-threaded bores therein, for the purpose of securing'said device on the platform member 45 of the housing 26, as by stud-bolts 46. In addition the device 40 is provided at one side with a flange portion 47 conformable with the lateral flange *2'4'of the upset-bend 22 on the socket fitting 9 aforesaid, and whereto it is attached as by stud-boltsiii, \vitl'i'inter-position of a suitable gasket t9. It is alsoto be observed that'the device at has a top flange 58 i to which the conformatory base-flange fitof the pump His secured by suitable means 52. Interiorly, the device 50 is provided with an angular-'partition53, Fig. 4, having an aperture 54 above" the level of the bottom'thereof to de fine'by-pass-and- strainer sections 55, 55 respectively, the strainer component not being shown, the top flange 50 having'spaced orifices 51, 58 m'atching'the intake and delivery ports of'the pump! I, Fig. 3. The side wall 59, Fig. 4, spaced from its flange-connection G! to the socket-fitting. 9, is" provided with a hole '65 aligned with the aperture 54, and a second hole 6! aligned with the bore 62 of the upset bend 22 and inlet orifice 63 from the suction pipe 23, said holes it and GI being closed-in by a plate component 64' and gasket 65, with the aid of securingmeans 65.

The housingQE) comprises a rectangular framework*61, see Figs. 3 and'5, preferably'm'ade of angle-section stock and having the angular corners'rounded at 58, said framework having the platform. 45 suitably mounted thereon to oneside with its inner edge on a cross-bar 6?, and braces fi9 azcross the spacedly related corners. An inverted U-shaped channel-section it medially surmounted on the frame 8'! has its terminal ends weldedthereto at'll. The framework 5? affords support'for the housing 29 which is preferably formed from suitable sheet material to the contour best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, that is to say, with an'arched' crown or top '12 and rectangularly-related walls 13 each including an outset-panel portion and corner roundingsl5, the latter being conformative with the corners 68 of the base framework'fi'l. 'As shown, the housing 29 is securely attached by clamp bolts "16 and spacers "it to the framework?! and the channel-section 10.

From the foregoing the merits of my improved dispensing apparatus will be readily apparent, but it is desired to emphasize certain pronounced advantages over all hitherto known analogous structures. Assuming the reservoir or storage tankt to have been installed below ground, the first'step is to screw the lower end of the base support '8 into the fitting l, whereupon the 4 socket-fittin S with the attached suction-pipe 23 and motor I3, as a previously assembled unit, is lowered onto the base support 8 and rigidly secured in position by simply tightening-up the setscrews [6. The by-pass-and-strainer device 40, together with the pump H, meterlZ, switch-box l8 and cable I l, as well as the other associated parts also having been previously assembled and mounted in the housing 20 as a unit, which one man can easily pick up and carry, is then placed in position by resting the side-flange 41' thereof on the horizontal'ledge 21 of the socket-fitting 9.

With this preparation the latter unit is readily alignabla-by lateral movement, until the holes in the respective flanges 41 and 2 are in registration, when-the two stud-bolts 48 are inserted and tightened-up. All that remains to be done now is to clamp the cable I! to the motor binding-post i7, and to apply the V-belt or drive connection M from the motor l3'to-thepump H. Inthe event of trouble arising in any part of pump-and-meter unit ll, l2 due to clogging, sticking or wear; said unit together with the housing 25 can'be easily removed by simply retracting the stud-bolts 58 from engagement in the flange a? of the by-pass-and-strainer device-=59, releasing the V-belt M from the pump it and uncoupling the cable H from the motor binding post TE. These parts in assembly can be thereupon lifted-off as a unit, relaced with a corresponding unit, or carried to a repair depot for servicing where tools, work-benches and spare parts are available. This procedure is also an important advance-over the prevailing practice of having to'make all repairs in the field; often under unfavorable conditions. Another noteworthy advantage inherent in my invention is that when the side'flange 41 of the removable unit id-is initially rested on the edge of the horizontal-ledge2T of the stationary motor base as shown, said unit will not slide-oil or from its inclinationfromrthevertical since thebase flange 39 and bend 33 of the bracket 3! jointly and temporarily serve as an "abutment guide during movement of the unit laterally andinto vertical position, so that the. holes in the respective flanges 24, 4'! are easily brought into proper registration ready-for insertion of the stud-bolts 48.

In conclusion, 'while I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it is tobe expressly understood, that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction set'forth by way of illustration. The bi-partite dispensing apparatus structure as a unit may be mounted on any other desirable base support than the'standard 2, and that changes and variations may be made therein without departing fronrthe spirit of the invention within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In liquid dispensing apparatus the combination of a tubular standard for attachment at one end to an underground liquid storage-tank; a socket-fitting seatable on the other end of the standard, said socket-fitting including a hollow bend with means for attachment thereto of a suction-conduit for entry into the storage-tank, and means affording rigid bearing for a motor; a relatively removable by-pass-and-strainer device embodying bearing for the pump and meter assembly of the apparatus; and means for securing the by-pass-and-strainer device to the socket-fittin bearing portion with capacity for quick release of said device for replacement by another, or for repair.

2. In liquid dispensing apparatus, the combination of a tubular-support for attachment at its lower end to an underground liquid storage tank with projection above ground level; a socket-fitting seatable on the upper end of said tubular support, said fitting including an elbowbend with means for attachment thereto of a suction pipe for passage through said support into the tank aforesaid, and means affording rigid bearing for a motor; a relatively removable by-pass-and-strainer device embodying a bearing for the pump and meter assembly of the apparatus; means for attaching the socket-fitting to the hollow tubular-support with capacity for quick release; and means for rigidly connecting the by-pass-and-strainer device to the socketfitting with provision for easy detachment therefrom wherever desirable or expedient.

3. A bi-partite liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a base including a seating-portion; means defining a bore through the base, an attachment flange with an angularly-related ledge projecting outwardly beyond the plane of said flange, and means affording rigid bearing for a motor; a by-pass-and-strainer device having a portion engageable on the base ledge, and said device affording support for a pump and meter assembly; and means for attaching the base to the by-pass-and-strainer device with capacity for release whenever desirable or expedient.

4. A bi-partite liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising a base including a seating-portion; means defining a bore through the base, an attachment flange with an angularly-related ledge projecting outwardly beyond the plane of said flange, and means affording rigid bearing for a motor; a by-pass-and-strainer device having a portion engageable on the base ledge, and said device affording support for a pump and meter assembly; means for attaching the base to the by-pass-and-strainer device with capacity for release therefrom whenever desirable; and a closure housing secured to the bypass-and-strainer device with capacity to include therein the motor base when said device is attached thereto.

5. A bi-partite liquid dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the base is in the form of a socket-fitting including a capsection and associated up-set elbow having a bore therethrough with the lower end adapted for connection of a suction conduit; an inset vertical flange at the upper end of said elbow with a subjacent ledge; spaced embossments to the rear of said flange with through bores; a

transverse ridge across the socket-fitting with a medially-located downwardly-inclined web to the cap-section; and wherein the bearing means for the motor comprises spaced brackets, each such bracket being bent intermediate the ends to define a horizontal supporting section and a relatively inclined section, with the latter section turned into a plane at right angles to that of the former section; and means whereby the terminal ends of the spaced brackets are securable to the elbow transverse ridge and inclined web respectively.

6. A bi-partite liquid dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the by-passand-strainer device consists of a hollow generally rectangular unit with a curved extension at one end adapted for connection thereto of a flow-conduit; a flange portion at one side of said device for mating connection to the base attachment flange with seating on the angularlyrelated ledge thereof; a flange on top of the device, conformatory with the base of the sustained pump, and having flow and return orifices therethrough; an angular-partition in the device to define by-pass-and-strainer sections therein; and the opposed side wall of the device having spaced holes therein with an associated removable closure component, for the purposes specified.

7. A bi-partite liquid dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the closure housing comprises a rectangular framework of suitable section stock with the angular corners rounded; a platform to one side of the framework for seating reception and attachment of the apparatus pump and meter, with braces across the spacedly related corners of said framework; an inverted U-shaped section medially surmounting the framework and having its ends integrated thereto; a suitable sheet material covering having an arched crown and rectangular related walls supported over the framework by the U-shaped section and means whereby the covering is secured to the framework at its lower end and also to said U-shaped section.

RONALD M. WILSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,848,393 Spielman Mar. 8, 1932 1,992,500 Morgan Feb. 26, 1935 2,289,003 Foss July 7, 1942 2,330,634 Shoemaker Sept. 28, 1943

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