US2285686A - High pressure gas dispensing system - Google Patents

Description

June 9, 1942. JQJ. SHANLEY 2,235,686

' HIGH PRESSURE GAS DISPENSING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 19, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l I E 7- x FIG. 2 36 33 33 I 32 Patented Jun\,9, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HIGH PRESSURE GAS DISPENSING SYSTEM James J. Shanley, Bartlesville, kla., assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware ApplicationFebruary 19, 1940, Serial No. 319,786 24 Claims. (Cl. 62-4 The present invention relates to improvements in devices for automatically changing withdrawal connections from one source of high pressure gas to another upon decrease inpressure in the first source.

Liquefied petroleum gas, such as propane, butane, or a mixture of the two, is now being marketed extensively in tanks or cylinders. In making use of this liquefied gas for operating gas consuming appliances, such as domestic gas ranges, it is customary to provide the customer with two containerswithsome means of connecting them to a service line through a suitable arrangement of 'valves and pressure regulators. The usual procedure is to use one of the to the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of-this specification, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical section of the changeover device. s

Figure 2 is a view in cross section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in cross section of the spring retainer and unlatching mechanism.

Figure 4 is a view in elevation of the sleeve and unlatching mechanism. 7 e

Figure 5 is a view in vertical section of a modiiication.

cylinders as the active source of the gas supply, keeping the other cylinder as a reserve source until the first cylinder is exhausted. Itis then necessary to cut oil the exhausted source and establish connection with the reserve source. In

prior practice, the valve on the active cylinder was opened while the valve on the reserve cylinder was kept closed. When the gas in the active cylinder became exhausted the valve on that cylinder was closed and the valve on the'reserve cylinder opened; The disadvantage of this system was that the customer had to go to the place where the cylinders were housed, usually outside, and change the valves each time one of the containers became depleted. Sometimes, acontainer became depleted at night or while the customer was not at home and the result was that there was a cessation in the gas supply and all pilot lights were extinguished. Recently there have been developed various systems equipped with s'o-called automatic valves, whereby upon the pressure in the active.container becoming low, the vapor in' the reserve container will be drawn upon but the valve must be reset Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof, referencebeing had Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the same modification,

Figure 7 is a view in vertical section of a further modificatipn, and Figure8 is a diagrammatic view of a dispensing s'ystem.

Reference numeral [0 designates generally a casing which may be-made up of many parts but is shown in only two parts I l and I 2 for purposes of simplicity in illustration.

Between parts II and I2 a flexible diaphragm I3 is sealingly clamped. Diaphragm l3, including stifi'ening member I! is rigidly secured to a tubular sleeve l5 by any desirable fastening means l6.

Casing I 0 is internally shaped at H and I 8 to receive snugly, but slidably, hollow sleeve at its extremities. The sliding connection between hollow sleeve i5 and the casing at I? and 58 should be as sealing as possible consistent with free motion of sleeve l5. As will be described later, any slight gas leakage at this point is not consequential. Casing l0 further presents valve chambers l9 and slidably receiving piston valves 2| and 22 which are spaced from the walls of the valve chambers I9 and 20 by fins 23 which allow gas to blow past the valves. It will be apparent that the-outlet sides of valves ,(2! and 22 are exposed to a common pressure. Each valve having valve face 24 coacting with a valve seat 25 on the casing is maintained in closed position by a; elativelylight spring 26. Springs 26 at the op osite end from their contact'with valves 2| and 22 contact spring retainers 21 which are identical. Spring retainers 21 have reduced portions 28 slidably received by the same portions l1 and I8 of the casing which receive sleeve l5.

Spring retainers 21 also each have a channel 29 which slidably receives integral extensions 30 on sleeve l5. Spring retainers 21 in the reduced portions 28 further have a peripheral channel 3| having flattened guide portions 3 I (see Figure 2) which receives a closed ring 32 having an outtened portions 32 on ring 82 coacting with guide portions 8| of the channel limit the ring to vertical movement. Integral extensions 80 on sleeve l5 have cut out portions 84 which include cam surfaces 85 which on extreme movement of sleevelS engage ring 82 to bring it within the confines of reduced portion 28 of the spring retainer. Gas passages 88 and 81 connect the upstream side of valves 25 with the diaphragm chambers in the casing on separate sides of diaphragm l3. Passages 88 and 81 terminate in check valves 88 and 89 which act to prevent gas in .the diaphragm chambers from returning into the gas passages. Bleeder ports 48 and 8| connect the diaphragm chambers with the interior of the hollow sleeve I5. A passage 42 connects the interior of the casing with the utility or stage regulator, or if no first stage regulators are, used at the cylinder, the system regulator.

In the operation of the device the spring retainers 21 are moved by gas pressure difierential acting on diaphragm lit at the time a cylinder becomes exhausted to bias the piston valve 2| and 22 nearest that cylinder by compressing one of springs 26, along the lines shown in Patent 2,138,989 of R. W. Thomas and Charles Mac- Sporran; Ring 32 then acts as a latch to hold that spring retainer in its biasing position until there is again a pressure difierential operating on diaphragm iii in the reverse direction at which time the opposite piston valveis biased. The

cylinder nearest the piston valve thus biased will thus constitute the reserve cylinder.

- Specifically, with no cylinders connected to the device and with the parts in theposition shown in Figure 1, connection of a cylinder by means of a pigtail to the left hand side of casing l and with the gas pressure in the pigtail at ten pounds after reduction to that value by the first stage regulator, a pressure differential of ten 2| would thereupon have a greater spring force exerted upon it than valve 22 and when a cylinder is later connected to the pigtail associated with the right hand side of the device, the ten pounds acting on valve 2| would fail to open the valve for the reasons set out in the above mentioned patent. This same ten pounds, however, acting through passage 81 and check valve 88 would balance the pressure acting on the left hand side of diaphragm l8 and restore the sleeve I to its original or intermediate position. Right hand spring retainer 2I,'however, is prevented from returning to its original position by ring 82 which leaf spring 88 has forced up into eccentric position where the edge of ring 82 will engage the abutment in casing formed by the Junction of portionl1 and valve chamber l8. The right hand cylinder will thus be maintained in reserve when the left hand cylinder is exhausted or freezes.

we will assume that valve 22 now causes a pressure drop of one pound whereas biased valve 2| would cause a pressure drop of three pounds to gas flowing past it. When the left hand cylinder becomes exhausted and the pressure'therein and in the associated pigtail drops below ten pounds, the pressure in passage 88 will begin to drop below ten pounds and check valve 88 will close. The pressure at 42 which was nine pounds due to the one pound pressure drop over valve 22 will drop until it reaches seven poimds at which time valve 2| will open and the gas pressure at 42 will remain at seven pounds. the pigtail associated with the left hand cylinder has continued to drop, valve 22 will close. The pressure in the righthand diaphragm chamber will be ten pounds corresponding to the pressure on the upstream side of valve 25. On the other hand the pressure in the left hand diaphragm chamber which was ten pounds will be dropping service line which may include the usual second due to leakage of gas through bleeder port 40. This leakage will continue until the pressure in the left hand diaphragm chamber reaches seven pounds, the pressure in the interior of sleeve l5. However, diaphragm I8 is so designed that the resulting three pound pressure differential will move sleeve l5 and the lefthand spring retainer 21 to the left an extreme distance, limited if desired by contact of the spring retainer 21 with valve 22. Such extreme movement carries integral extension 88 on-the righthand side of sleeve l5 into contact with the associated ring 82 and the cam surface 85 moves the ring so as to unlatch that spring retainer'and allow it to move to the left, removing the bias from the associated valve spring 28. Bleeder ports 48 and 4| can be designed so that together with any leakage between sleeve l5 and the casing there will be a time factor present in the building up of the pressure differential in order that in case I of freezing of the supply cylinder, it will have time enough to warm up and continue to act as supply cylinder with only a slight drain on the reserve. I

When the empty cylinder is removed from the left hand side of 'the device and a new cylinder connected, diaphragm l8 will once moreresume the position shown in Figure l but leaving left hand spring retainer 21 locked in spring biasing position so that the new cylinder will be in reserve.

It will be understood that the type of valves. latches, and other elements shown are purely to complete an operative combination and any suitable form of these elements may be substituted such as for example some form of valve having a lower pressure drop it than a piston valve or a simpler form of latch. Further, it will be seen that leakage past sleeve II from the diaphragm chambers to the interior of the casin will not be of consequence since the pressure actand will only be drawn upon as explained later (5 ing to cause this leakage is only a few pounds and most important the gas thus leaking passes into the utilization conduit or if the leakage is in the reverse direction, is stopped by check valves 88. If a perfect seal can be set up between sleeve II and the casing at l1. and I8 and still have sumcient movement as is done in the liquefied gas manual valves in the prior art, then check valves 88 and 88 and bleeder ports 88 and 4| might, if desired, 'be omitted and the changeover action would then-take place only when the empty cylinder is This would Since the pressure in necessitate, of course, that no check valves be interposed in the pigtails or the first stage regulators. Extensions 30 are of such a length that extreme movement of sleeve I will not disengage the operative latch before the other latch is in its eccentric position. Thus the cam surface 35 is spaced out far enough on the extension so that the spring retainer of the spring being compressed by spring I5 is moved past its initial latching position before the operative latch is moved from its eccentric position to a position within the boundaries of its spring retainer.

Figures 5 and 6 show an application of the general principles present in the device shown in retainer II2 in the position shown, a pressure of 20 pounds will be present in compartment I22 and gas at the pressure of 20 pounds will be fed to the second stage pressure regulator I26, check valve I23 acting to prevent this pressure from going toward the other cylinder. When a full cylinder is connected to first stage regulator I25,-

a pressure of 15 pounds will be present in conduit II8 to the left of valve I 23 which will remain closed and a pressure of 15 pounds will be present in compartment I20. Diaphragm IOI will be slightly to the left of its intermediate position shown which will result in no pressure being applied to-spring II by spring retainer II2.

When the cylinder connected to casing I00 is depleted and the pressure in, compartment I22 drops below 15 pounds, check valve I24 will close and check valve I23 will open and gas at 15 pounds pressure will be fed to the second stage regulator from the cylinder connected to regu- '--lator I25. Diaphragm ,IOI will substantially remain at intermediate positions due to 15 pounds being present in compartment I20 and substanany other suitable valve I09. The lower end of ,slidably received by concentric support I I4. Dia-' phragm IOI has an element II5 connected thereto for contacting spring retainer II2 to urge the same toward diaphragm I02. A ring H6 in the tially 15 pounds in compartment I22. Diaphragm I02 will be maintaining valve I09 in wide open position. Removal of the cylinder connected to casing I00 will allow the small amount of gas in compartment I22 to go ofi through the open connection and the 15 pounds pressure in compartment I20 will then by means of diaphragm IOI move spring retainer II2 to the right into its latched position where it will force spring III into engagement-with member IIO to act on dia- I phragm IM to approximately its intermediate reduced portion H3 and an extension III on element II5 act in the same manner as the latch of 32 and extension 30 of Figures 1-4 inclusive.

A conduit H8 joins the usual first stage regulator I25 of an adjacent cylinder to the second stage regulator I26 of the system. This conduit II8 has a port II9 connected to the left hand .compartment I20 and a passage I2I connected to the middle compartment I22. A check valve I23 is interposed in the conduit IIB between port H9 and passage I2I. A check valve I24 isinterposed in passage I2I.

In the operation of this modification it is assumed that the first stage regulator I25 on the adjacent cylinder is set for an output pressure of 15 pounds. The tension of spring I05 is set so that with no counteracting force exerted on member I III by spring I I I; apressure of 20 pounds in compartment I22 will close valve. I09 and any smaller pressure there will result in the valves being maintained open. In other words, diaphragm I02 and valve I09 will operate as a regulator with an output-pressure of 20 pounds. By means of member IIO the pressure exerted by spring III on spring retainer II2 in its extreme latched right-hand position'will be such that the action of spring I 05 will be counterbalanced to the amount that a pressure of 10 pounds in compartment I22 will close valve I09. In this latter case, diaphragm I02 and associated parts including valve I09 will-act as a regulator with an output pressure of 10 pounds.

Assuming that no cylinder is connected to the system, the connection of a full cylinder by means of the connector I21 on casing I00, with spring position but spring retainer II2 will remain latched in its extreme right-hand position so that diaphragm- I02 and valve I09 will now be acting as a regulator with an output pressure of 10 pounds. Check valve I24 will of course stay closed since there is still 15 pounds pressure present in conduit II8.

When the cylinder connected to regulator I25 is depleted and the pressure in conduit II8 drops below 10 pounds, check valve I23 will close and check valve I24 will open and gas will pass from compartment I 22 to the second stage regulator.

With 10 pounds pressure in compartment I20 diaphragm IOI will remain at approximately its intermediate position until the cylinder connected to regulator I25 is disconnectedand the small amount of gas in compartment I22 and conduit II 8 to the left of check valve I23 will pass out through the regulator. Obviously no check valve should be used in regulator I25. The pressure in compartment I20 will then drop to atmospheric and the diaphragm IOI will move to its extreme left hand position in which position extension II'I operates to unlatch ring IIS and diaphragm I02 and valve I09 will again be set to operate at 20 pounds, thus completing the cycle. It will be observed that diaphragm IOI has minimum movement due to 5 pounds differential but its operating movement is dueto 10 or 15 pounds differential. Freezing" would be taken care of in this type changeover.

that the cylinder connected to casing I00 is sup-.

plying the gas and 15 pounds, the other cylinder. The casing I00 which has been shown quite supply gas through valve 2".

elongated to simplify the showing of the preferred forms of the elements, could be made not much larger nor more expensive than the usual regulator shown at I25. Any form of the elements shown would of course be usable so long as the principles are followed;

It can be seen that the device shown in Figures 1-4 inclusive could be used in the present high pressure or even low pressure pigtail systems by substituting diaphragm regulators for the piston valves 2| and 22, the diaphragms of which would be counterbalanced bysprings 26 in the same manner as diaphragm I02 of Figure 5.

Such an arrangement is shown 'in Figure 7 wherein a casingis shown at 200 divided into six compartments 20!, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, by three flexible diaphragms 201, 208, 203, and two rigid partitions 2l0, 2. As will be apparent from further description, compartments 202 and 205 areineffect one compartment and might be so constructed. The same is true of compartments 20! and 206 which are open to the atmosphere and serve to protect the regulator diaphragms 201 and 209 in addition to positioning the usual regulator spring.adjusting mechanism 2|2. A gas inlet 2|3 connectable to one source of gas opens into compartment 203 and .a second gas inlet 2 connectable with a second source of gas opens in compartment 204', each inlet being closed against reverse fiow by check valves 2l5. Regulator valves operable by diaphragms 201 and 209 are shown at H6 and 2H respectively and are operatively associated with The changeover devices of Figures 1-4 inclusive and '7 may be used in a liquefied gas dispensing system of the type shown in Figure 8 where two sources of supply of liquefied gas are shown as containers 300 and 3M having. first stage regulators 302 and 303 detachably connected to the containers at 304, 305. A conduit 306 connects the output side of each first stage regulator to the change-over device 301 the output side of which is connected to the system or second stage regulator 308 in service or utilization line 309. i

While I have herein described and illustrated three modifications of my invention which are their respective diaphragms by stem members 223 having reduced portions 224, channels 225 and 225, rings 221, and unlatching extensions 228. 'As in Figure 5 the spring retainers 223 contactsprings'233 which counteract the effect of,

the regulator springs 234. A gas outlet connectable' to a gas utilization line is shown at 235.

The operation of this modification will be obvious from consideration of its'similarity to the preceding modifications. With the parts in the positions shown and the regulators including diahpragms 201 and 209 set to give equal pres-' sure on the outlet side of valves 2H5 and 2H, connection of a source of gas under pressure to inlet 213 will cause diaphragm 208 to move to the right thereby increasing the degree of compression in right hand spring 233.. This in turn changes the setting of the regulator including diaphragm 209 and reduces the output pressure at which valve 2| 1 will operate. Due to the latching rings 221 the new setting will be maintained when a source of gas is connected to inlet 2 altho diaphragm 203 will move back-to an intermediate position. Since the left hand regulator is still set for the original pressure, gas will be fed at this pressure to outlet 235. When the pressure of the source connected to inlet 213 declinesto that of the output setting of the right hand regulator, the latter will begin to Check valve H5 in compartment 203 will prevent gas from flowingback through open valve 2l6 of that compartment. At the time'valve 2" starts to supply gas, or if desired before this pointbut after the pressure of the source connected to chamber 203 declines below the value set for the left hand regulator, the changeover will take place thru extreme movement of diaphragm 200.

tobe taken as preferred examples, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in size, shape, and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of my invention as expressed in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed to a common pressure, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, and gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens.

2. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed to a common pressure, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve re- 'mains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens, and.

means for applying the differential of the pressures present in the withdrawal conduits on the inlet side of the valves to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same. r

3. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed to a common pressure, v'alve operating means associated with the valves to set the same'so that one valveremains closed until a operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is 'reache'dwhen said other valve opens, means for applying the differential of the pressures present in the'withdrawal conduits on the inlet side of the valves to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the-same, and latching means associated with the valve operating means;

to maintain the same in one setting.

4. A systemfor storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for thegas, a serve of the valves being exposed to a common pressure, valve operatin Aneans associated with the valves to set the s I "e so that one valve remains .closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associ-ated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed mpresent on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same, and

latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting.

8. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same v so that one valve remains closed until a until a minimum operating pressure is reached 5. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied g-as comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for'connection with the gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, valve operating means including a spring associated with each valve, and gas pressure operated means acting on said springs to change the influence of a spring on its associated valve. v

6. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas jwithdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed to a common pressure,

valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one. valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressureis reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens, and means for applying thediilerential of the pressure present on the outletside or the valves and the pressure present on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same.

"1. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for. the gas,,a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container tothe service line, a valve controlling eacli withdrawal conduit, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to changethe setting so that the other valve remains closed un til a minimum operating pressure is. reached operating pressure is reached on .the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when-said other valve opens, means for applying'the differential of the pressure present on the outlet side of the valves and the pressure present on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same, latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting, and unlatching means associated with the gas pressure operated means, operable on predetermined pressure differential to release the latching means.

9. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line fonconnection to gas consuming appliances, conduits connecting the interior of the containers with theservice line, a valve having ing in response to pressure differential between conduits on the upstream side of the valves.

10. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed as a common pressure,

valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached 1 on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, and fluid pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens.

11. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, the outlet sides of the valves being exposed to a common pressure, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed when said other valve opens, means for applying the'difierential oi the 'pressure present on the outlet side 01' the valves and the pressure until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, 'fiuid pressure operating means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so thatthe other valve remains closed untila operating pressureis reached when said other valve opens, and means for'applying'the differential o! the pressures present in the withdrawal conduits on the. inlet side of the valves to the fluid pressure operated mea to actuate the same.

.l2.-An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, valve operating means associated with the valves to set'the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, fluid pressure operated -means associated .with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when a said other valve opens, means for applying the diflerential of the pressures present in the withdrawal conduits on the inlet side of 'the valves to the fluid pressure operated means to actuate the sameyand latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting.

13. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas

pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens, means for applying the difierential of the pressures present in the withdrawal conduits on the inlet side of the valves to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same, latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting, and unlatching means associated with the gas pressure operated means, operable on predetermined pressurediii'erential to release the latching means.

""14. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for. the inlets, valve operating side of the valves and-the pressure present on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate-the same, and latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting.

17. An automatic changeover device comprising a-valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves -for the inlets, valve operating means associated with the valves to set the same means including a spring associated with each 1 valve, and fluid pressure operated means acting on said springs to change the influence of a spring on its associated valve.

15. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, the outlet sides of until a minimum-operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens, and means for applying the difierential of the pressure present on the outlet side of the valves and the pressure present on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same.

16. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet,, valves for the inlets, v alve operating means associated with the valves to set the same so that one valve remainsclosed until amini- K mum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas

pressure operated means associated'with the value of output pressure of the other regulator valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens; means for applying the difso that one valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached on the outlet side of the valves when said one valve opens, gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting so that the other valve remains closed until a minimum operating pressure is reached when said other valve opens, means for applying the differential of the pressure present on the outlet side of the valves and the pressure present on the inlet side of a valve to the gas pressure operated means to actuate the same, latching means associated with the valve operating means to maintain the same in one setting, and unlatching means associated with the gas pressure operated means, operable on predetermined pressure differential'to release the latching means.

18. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, one valve being a check type valve opening in direction of the pressure from its associated container, valve operating means associated with the other valve set to control its output pressure, and gas pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting of the same and thus the output pressure of the other valve. i

19. A system for storing and utilizing liquefied gas-comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a valve controlling each withdrawal conduit, onevalve being a check type valve opening in direction of the pressure from its associated container, valve operating means associated with the other valve set to control its output pressure, gas presure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting of the same and thus the output pressure of the other valve, and the operating pressure in the conduit controlled by the check type valve being greater than one output pressure of the other valve and smaller than the other output pressure of the other valve.

20. A system for storing and utilizinghigh pressure gas comprising two containers for the gas, a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line, a

gas pressure regulator associated with each conduit for controlling the pressure of the gas de-,

livered to the service line, one gas pressure regulator having a constant output pressure, ad- Justment means associated with the other regulator to change the output pressure of the same from low to a high value and vice versa, the low being lower than,said constant output pressure and the high valueoi' output pressure of the other regulator being above said constant output ferential of the pressure present on the outlet pressure.

21. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, one valve being a check type valve opening in direction of the pressure from its associated container, valve operating means associated with the other valve set to control its output pressure, and-fluid pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting of the same and thus the output pressure of the other valve.

22. An automatic changeover device comprising a valve structure having two inlets and an outlet, valves for the inlets, one valve being a check type valve opening in direction of the pressure from its associated container, valve operating means associated with the other valve set to control its output pressure, fluid pressure operated means associated with the valve operating means to change the setting of the same and thus the output pressure of the other valve, and the operating pressure in the conduit controlled by the checktype valve being greater than one output pressure of the other valve and smaller than the other output pressure of the other valve.

23. An automatic changeover device comprising a pair of conduits, a valve controlling one conduit, a. valve operating member for actuating the valve, adjustment means associated with the valve operating member, latching means-associated with the valve operating member to maintain the same in one position, and unlatching means associated with the adjustment means to release the latching means.

24. A system for storing and utilizing high pressure gas comprising two containers for the gas', a service line for connection with gas consuming appliances, a gas withdrawal conduit connecting each container to the service line,

JAMES J. SHANLEY.

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