Liquid transfer system

摘要

A novel system for safely transferring liquids from containers such as plastic jugs that are sealed by frangible seals, to conventional drums of the character having coupler-operated extractor valves. In one form of the invention, a standard coupler mechanism has been modified in a manner to provide means for rupturing the frangible seal of the sealed container without adversely affecting the manner in which the coupler is used to operate the extractor valve that is carried by the drum to which the liquid is to be transferred. Additionally, a novel adapter member has been provided for interconnecting the sealed container to the coupler mechanism.

主权项

1. In a liquid transfer system for transferring liquid from a first liquid container having a threaded neck portion including an outlet sealed by frangible seal to a second liquid container having a reservoir, an access opening to the reservoir and an extractor valve assembly connected to the access opening, which extractor valve assembly includes a valve member movable from a closed position blocking liquid flow through the extractor valve assembly to an open position permitting liquid flow there through, the liquid transfer system comprising:
(a) a coupler assembly removably connected to the extractor valve assembly of said second liquid container, said coupler assembly comprising:
(i) a coupler body having an upper portion and a lower portion;(ii) an actuating assembly carried by said coupler body for moving the valve member of the extractor valve assembly to an open position, said actuating assembly including an actuating member having a threaded neck portion having an inlet port and an outlet port; and(iii) a cutter assembly carried by said actuating member, said cutter assembly including a punch cutter movable from a first position to a second frangible seal cutting position upon movement of said valve member of the extractor valve assembly to an open position; and (b) an adapter assembly for interconnecting the first container with said coupler body of said coupler assembly, said adapter assembly comprising:
(i) a housing having an interior chamber, an upper portion and a threaded lower portion for threadable interconnection with said threaded neck portion of said actuating member;(ii) a rinsing assembly connected to said housing of said adapter assembly for rinsing the first container, said rinsing assembly including a fluid passageway and communication with said interior chamber of said housing of said adapter assembly;(iii) a threaded connector ring connected to said upper portion of said housing of said adapter assembly for interconnecting said adapter assembly with the first container; and(iv) a vent assembly connected to said housing of said adapter assembly said vent assembly including a vent housing having an interior space and a passageway in communication with said interior chamber of said housing and a check valve disposed within said interior space of said vent housing.