A Novel Fuel Tap
Page 82
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SIMPLE as it may seem at first sight, the task of constructing a petrol tap which cannot leak externally is one which many designers have given up in disgust. The present design, known as the Apex and made by Inventions Developments, Ltd., Sardinia House, Kings-way, London, W.C.2, can be used for many liquids or gases. It embodies very few parts and can easily be mounted upon a chassis by means of the attachment lugs which form part of the body.
, A brass die-casting forms the main part of the device; fuel flows in through One branch, up through the central orifice, past the face of the valve, and then travels along the other branch, after passing through the aperture in the well of the body. The valve is also of brass, and has a 60-degree face angle ; it is normally held off its seating by a spring.
The chamber, formed in the body of the tap, is closed by a diaphragm soldered to it. The centre of the diaphragm is reinforced by a button which centres the valve and prevents wear upon the comparatively thin corrugated disc.
Fixed to the body by six screws is the cover plate which carries the handle ; both are hot stampings. The handle cannot be lost because it is drilled and pinned at its lower end. In operation the handle is unscrewed and the valve rises under the influence of the spring, the diaphragm deflecting slightly. Petrol fills the chamber in the body of the tap and flows through it, but it cannot leak because it is in an hermetically sealed vessel. There is neither a plug nor a cork face to wear. Should the cover be lost the fuel flow is unimpeded and no leak can occur, but the tap cannot he shut off. It -will be realized that fire risks are diminished and waste, due to external leaks, -cannot occur. Seepage from the control handle is, of course, impossible.
c44 If desired taps of this kind can be supplied with detachable handles forming keys so that the fuel can be shut off and only the possessor of a suitable key can open the tap. This acts as a deterrent to thieves.