VENT ALARM WITH PROTECTIVE COVER

Abstract

A vent alarm apparatus, including: a main housing; an alarm/whistle mounted or attached to or within the main housing at a top portion and which has a lower portion that extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing and terminates in a lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, a protective cover attached or mounted to the main housing at a top portion and which extends downwardly and in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle. The protective cover has a lowermost end portion that extends beyond and below the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and allows for an entry of a heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, into the lowermost end portion of the protective cover.

Claims

1. A vent alarm apparatus, comprising: a main housing; an alarm/whistle, wherein the alarm/whistle is mounted or attached to or within the main housing at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the alarm/whistle has a lower portion of the alarm/whistle that extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing and terminates in a lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle; a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to or mounted to the main housing at a top portion of the protective cover, and further wherein the protective cover extends downwardly and in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the protective cover has a lowermost end portion of the protective cover that extends beyond and below the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the protective cover allows for an entry of a heating oil, a liquid, a substance, or a material, into the lowermost end portion of the protective cover.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover allows for a flowing of the heating oil, the liquid, the substance, or the material, in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle.

3. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alarm/whistle generates a sound, an alarm noise or sound, or a whistle or whistling sound, when the heating oil, the liquid, the substance, or the material, is being introduced into, filled into, or delivered into, a heating oil tank or a storage tank.

4. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent alarm apparatus is a heating oil tank vent alarm.

5. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is attached to or secured to the main housing via a threaded connection.

6. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 5, wherein the protective cover is attached to an interior side of the main housing via a threaded connection.

7. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 5, wherein the protective cover is attached to an exterior side of the main housing via a threaded connection.

8. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is attached to or secured to the main housing with a bolt and nut, or wherein the protective cover is attached to or secured to the main housing with a screw.

9. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is attached to or secured to the main housing with a glue or an epoxy.

10. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover prevents a coagulated substance, a slime, a formation, or a sludge element, from coming into contact with the alarm/whistle.

11. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover deflects a coagulated substance, a slime, a formation, or a sludge element, away from the alarm/whistle.

12. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover has a uniform diameter along its entire length.

13. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover has a first diameter at the top portion of the protective cover, and further wherein the protective cover has a second diameter at the lowermost end portion of the protective cover.

14. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second diameter is larger or greater than the first diameter, or wherein the first diameter is larger or greater than the second diameter.

15. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a screen or a grating, wherein the screen or the grating is located at the lowermost end portion of the protective cover.

16. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is manufactured from or with a plastic, or from or with tin or aluminum.

17. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is manufactured from or with a metal.

18. The vent alarm apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lowermost end portion of the protective cover is open and receives at least a portion of the heating oil, the liquid, the substance, or the material, introduced into, filled into, or delivered into, a heating oil tank or a storage tank, or wherein the lowermost end portion of the protective cover is open and receives at least a portion of the heating oil introduced into, filled into, or delivered into, the heating oil tank.

19. A vent alarm apparatus, comprising: a main housing; an alarm/whistle, wherein the alarm/whistle is mounted or attached to or within the main housing at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the alarm/whistle has a lower portion of the alarm/whistle that extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing and terminates in a lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle; a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to or mounted to the main housing at a top portion of the protective cover, and further wherein the protective cover extends downwardly and in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the protective cover has a lowermost end portion of the protective cover that extends beyond and below the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the vent alarm apparatus is a heating oil tank vent alarm, wherein the protective cover allows for an entry of the heating oil into the lowermost end portion of the protective cover, and wherein the protective cover allows for a flowing of the heating oil in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle.

20. A vent alarm apparatus, comprising: a main housing; an alarm/whistle, wherein the alarm/whistle is mounted or attached to or within the main housing at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the alarm/whistle has a lower portion of the alarm/whistle that extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing and terminates in a lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle; a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to or mounted to the main housing at a top portion of the protective cover, and further wherein the protective cover extends downwardly and in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the protective cover has a lowermost end portion of the protective cover that extends beyond and below the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle, and further wherein the protective cover allows for a flowing of the heating oil, the liquid, the substance, or the material, into the lowermost end portion of the protective cover and in a direction towards the lowermost end portion of the alarm/whistle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the Drawings:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 from a bottom view perspective;

[0032] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate an exemplary manner in which the apparatus of FIG. 1 can serve to protect the alarm/whistle of the apparatus from coming into contact with any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates still another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective;

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective; and

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates still another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention from a side view perspective.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The present invention pertains to a vent alarm with and having a protective cover and, therefore, the present invention pertain to a new and improved vent alarm. In particular, the present invention pertains to a new and improved vent alarm which can be utilized in connection with oil tanks and/or with other storage tanks for any type or kind of liquids, substances, and/or materials, which is equipped with a protective cover for a whistle component of the same, which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The present invention pertains to an apparatus which is a new and improved vent alarm which provides protection to the alarm or whistle component of the vent alarm, or any portion of the same, during the filling of, or delivery of, heating oil or any other type or kind of liquid, substance, and/or material, into a storage tank.

[0039] The apparatus of the present invention serves to protect the alarm or whistle component of the vent alarm, or any portion of the same, from coming into contact with a coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may float on top of, or under the surface of, the heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, which is being delivered into, or stored inside, a respective storage tank, during a delivery operation and/or at any other time.

[0040] The apparatus of the present invention serves to protect the alarm or whistle component of the vent alarm from having its operation hindered by, adversely affected by, and/or being rendered inoperable by, any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may come into contact with, and/or which may cling to or on, or which may form on, the alarm or whistle component or any portion of the same.

[0041] The apparatus of the present invention serves to protect the alarm or whistle component of the vent alarm from having its operation hindered by, adversely affected by, and/or being rendered inoperable by, any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may come into contact with, and/or which may cling to or on, or which may form on, the alarm or whistle component, or any portion of the same, during a delivery operation and/or at any other time.

[0042] The apparatus of the present invention serves to protect the alarm or whistle component of the vent alarm from having its operation hindered by, adversely affected by, and/or being rendered inoperable by, any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may become affixed to, or which may surround or encompass, or otherwise cover or coat, the alarm or whistle component, or any portion of the same, of the vent alarm during a delivery operation and/or at any other time.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention effectuates an improvement to existing vent alarms which are known to those skilled in the pertinent art. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a cover, which is attached to a housing of the vent alarm, which extends beyond of the length of the alarm or whistle component, so as to protect the alarm or whistle component from any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, which is being delivered into or stored with the respective storage tank.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the cover of the apparatus protects the alarm or whistle component of the apparatus by deflecting any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, from coming into contact with and compromising the operation of the alarm or whistle component of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the cover of the apparatus prevents any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, from coming into contact with and compromising the operation of the alarm or whistle component of the apparatus.

[0045] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/412,738, filed Jan. 15, 2024, and entitled VENT ALARM WITH PROTECTIVE COVER, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0046] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/449,633, filed Mar. 3, 2023, and entitled VENT ALARM WITH PROTECTIVE COVER, the subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is denoted by the reference numeral 100, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 can include and/or contain any and/or all of the components that are typically known to be included in conventional vent alarms, including the main housing 110 which can include any and/or all of the components or parts which are typically found in the housing of conventional vent alarms, an alarm or whistle component 120 (hereinafter referred to as alarm/whistle 120) which can include any and/or all of the components or parts which are typically found in the alarm or whistle component of conventional vent alarms, and a protective cover 130 which is attached or affixed to a portion of the main housing 110 and which extends downwardly and as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the alarm/whistle 120 has a lowermost end portion 121 as shown.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the alarm/whistle 120 is attached to, or mounted to or within, the main housing 110 at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and a lower end portion of the alarm/whistle 120 extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing, as shown in FIG. 1, and terminates in the lowermost end portion 121.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, during normal use, the alarm/whistle 120 generates or emanates a sound, an alarm noise or sound, or a whistle or whistling sound, when a respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, is being introduced into, filled into, or delivered into, a respective heating oil tank or storage tank.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 has a lowermost end portion 133 that extends below the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120 as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the extension of the lowermost end portion 133 of the protective cover 130 beyond the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120 serves to prevent any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, from coming into contact with and compromising the integrity and/or operation of the alarm/whistle 120.

[0051] With reference once again to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 can have a cylindrical shape, or the protective cover 130 can have a square shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape, as long the top end portion 131 of the protective cover 130 and the protective cover 130 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 132. In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110, by using threaded portions on each of the main housing 110 and the protective cover 130, by using appropriate and/or suitable hardware such as screws, nuts and bolts, glue, and/or epoxy, by using any other suitable substance or material, and/or by using any combination of the same.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 is securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, an interior portion of the main housing 110 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 can be manufactured from any suitable plastic or plastic material, from any suitable metal, including, but not limited to, tin, aluminum, steel, brass, or any other suitable metal, from any suitable composite material, and/or from any combination of the same.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 can be any suitable hollow cylinder or any hollow object of any suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 should allow for the unimpeded and uniform flowing, and filling up, of heating oil, or any other liquid, substance, or material, into the respective storage tank, and relative to the alarm/whistle 120, during any filling or delivery process.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 from a bottom view perspective. With reference to FIG. 2, the main housing 110 is shown along with the alarm/whistle 120 and the protective cover 130. With reference once again to FIG. 2, the alarm/whistle 120 is shown as being surrounded by, and/or encompassed by, the cylindrical protective cover 130 as shown.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 serves to protect the alarm/whistle 120 from coming to contact with any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, during a delivery operation or at any other time. Likewise, the protective cover 130 serves to prevent any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, from coming into contact with the alarm/whistle 120 of the apparatus 100, during a delivery operation or at any other time.

[0057] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate an exemplary manner in which the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 can serve to protect the alarm/whistle 120 from coming into contact with any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements. In a preferred embodiment, the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described as being utilized in connection with a heating oil delivery during which heating oil is being pumped into, or delivered into, a heating oil tank which is equipped with the apparatus 100. It is, however, important to note that the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C can be utilized in connection with any delivery of any liquid, substance, or material, which can be delivered to an respective storage tank.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the apparatus 100 is deployed, as shown, in connection with a heating oil tank containing heating oil 20, the level of which is designated by the reference numeral 40. Also shown in FIG. 3A is object or mass 30 which can be any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge element (hereinafter mass 30), which may be floating on the surface 40 of the oil 20 and, as shown in FIG. 3A is moving from left to right as depicted by the arrow. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120 is shown as being at a level above the lowermost end portion 133 of the protective cover 130. As is also shown in FIG. 3A, the protective cover 130 allows for the entry of heating oil into an within the same so as to allow for the proper operation of the alarm/whistle 120 during a heating oil delivery.

[0059] As heating oil is pumped into the heating oil tank, the level 40 of the oil 20 will rise at the same rate, and be of the same level, both outside of the protective cover 130 as well as inside the protective cover 130, as shown. FIG. 3B illustrates the movement of the mass 30 from left to right, as shown by the arrow. In FIG. 3B, the mass 30 is shown as coming into contact with the protective cover 130. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mass 30 does not come into contact with any portion of the alarm whistle 120. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the mass 30 remains on the outside of the protective cover 130.

[0060] FIG. 3C illustrates the movement the mass 30, from left to right in the direction of the arrow, by or along the protective cover 130 as heating oil continues to be pumped into, or delivered in, the heating oil tank, and until the heating oil level 40 reaches the level of the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120, at which time the delivery of the heating oil will cease. As shown in FIG. 3C, the protective cover 130 prevents the mass 30 from coming into contact with any portion of the alarm/whistle 120.

[0061] In the above described and illustrated manner, the apparatus 100, equipped with the protective cover 130, protects the alarm/whistle 120 from the mass 30, and protects the alarm/whistle 120 from coming into contact with the mass 30. In this regard, the apparatus 100 prevents any damage to, or compromising of, the alarm/whistle 120. In this regard, the mass 30 can not come into contact with and/or contaminate, or cause damage to, the alarm/whistle 120.

[0062] As noted herein, the apparatus 100 of the present invention and the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, can be utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous manner, in connection with a delivery of any liquid, substance, or material, into a respective storage tank.

[0063] As noted herein, the protective cover 130 of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, an interior portion of the main housing 110 as shown in FIG. 1. In another preferred embodiment, the protective cover can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, an exterior portion of the main housing 110.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is denoted by the reference numeral 200, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 4, the apparatus 200 includes a main housing 110 and an alarm/whistle 120. With reference to FIG. 4, the apparatus 200 also includes protective cover 230 which is attached to, affixed to, connected to or with, or secured to, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 232.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, as in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the alarm/whistle 120 is attached to, or mounted to or within, the main housing 110 at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and a lower end portion of the alarm/whistle 120 extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing, as shown in FIG. 4, and terminates in the lowermost end portion 121.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 230 has a top end portion 231. The protective cover 230 also has a lowermost end portion 233 that extends below the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120 as shown in FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment, the extension of the lowermost end portion 233 of the protective cover 230 beyond the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120 serves to prevent any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge elements, which may be floating on, or beneath, the surface of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, from coming into contact with and compromising the integrity and/or operation of the alarm/whistle 120.

[0067] With reference once again to FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 230 can have a cylindrical shape, or the protective cover 230 can have a square shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape, as long the protective cover 230 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 232. In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 230 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110, by using threaded portions on each of the main housing 110 and the protective cover 230, by using appropriate and/or suitable hardware such as screws, nuts and bolts, glue, and/or epoxy, by using any other suitable substance or material, and/or by using any combination of the same.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 230 is securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, an exterior portion of the main housing 110 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover 230 can be manufactured from any suitable plastic or plastic material, from any suitable metal, including, but not limited to, tin, aluminum, steel, brass, or any other suitable metal, from any suitable composite material, and/or from any combination of the same.

[0070] In another preferred embodiment, the protective cover 130 or 230, or any of the other protective covers described herein, can also be provided with a protective screen or grating located at the lowermost end of the same. FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus, denoted by the reference numeral 300, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 5, the apparatus 300 contains all of the same components described and illustrated herein with respect to the embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. In addition, the apparatus 300 includes a protective cover 330 which includes, or which has attached, at the lowermost end portion 333 of the same, a screen or grating 335 (hereinafter screen 335). In a preferred embodiment, the screen 335 serves to prevent any objects, substances, and/or formations, from coming into contact with the alarm/whistle 120. In a preferred embodiment, the screen 335 should be selected and/or deigned so as not to impede the free flowing of the respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, relative to the apparatus 100 and to the alarm/whistle 120. With reference once again to FIG. 5, the protective cover 330 has a top end portion 331 and the protective cover 330 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 332.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment, the protective cover of the apparatus 100 can be on any shape, size, or configuration, provided that it allows for the unimpeded flow of the respective heating oil, liquid, liquid, substance, or material, relative to the alarm/whistle 120 of the apparatus.

[0072] In another preferred embodiment, the protective cover of the apparatus can be designed and/or chosen so as to have a lower portion which has a cross sectional diameter which increases, or fans outwardly, towards or at the bottom of the protective cover.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is denoted by the reference numeral 400, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 6, the apparatus 400 includes a main housing 110 and the alarm/whistle 120 which alarm/whistle 120 has the lowermost end portion 121.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, as in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the alarm/whistle 120 is attached to, or mounted to or within, the main housing 110 at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and a lower end portion of the alarm/whistle 120 extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing, as shown in FIG. 6, and terminates in the lowermost end portion 121.

[0075] With reference once again to FIG. 6, the apparatus 400 also includes protective cover 430 which has an upper portion 436 which has a uniform diameter a lower portion which has a diameter which increases downwardly as shown. With reference once again to FIG. 6, the protective cover 430 has a lowermost end portion 433 that extends below the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120. With reference once again to FIG. 6, the protective cover 430 also has a top end portion 431 and the protective cover 430 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 432.

[0076] In another preferred embodiment, the protective cover of the apparatus can also be designed and/or chosen so as to have a lower portion which has a cross sectional diameter which increases, or fans outwardly, at a location which is located further down and towards or at the bottom of the protective cover than the protective cover 430 of FIG. 6.

[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is denoted by the reference numeral 500, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 7, the apparatus 500 includes a main housing 110 and the alarm/whistle 120 which alarm/whistle 120 has the lowermost end portion 121.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, as in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the alarm/whistle 120 is attached to, or mounted to or within, the main housing 110 at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and a lower end portion of the alarm/whistle 120 extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing, as shown in FIG. 7, and terminates in the lowermost end portion 121.

[0079] With reference once again to FIG. 7, the apparatus 600 also includes protective cover 530 which has an upper portion 536 which has a uniform diameter a lower portion which has a diameter which increases downwardly as shown. With reference once again to FIG. 7, the protective cover 530 has a lowermost end portion 533 that extends below the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120. With reference once again to FIG. 7, the protective cover 530 also has a top end portion 531 and the protective cover 530 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 532. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the lowermost end portion 533 of the protective cover 530 begins to increase in diameter, or to fan out, at a location along the protective cover 530 which is lower than the location at which the lowermost portion 438 of the protective cover 430 begins to increase in diameter, or to fan out.

[0080] In yet another preferred embodiment, the protective cover of the apparatus can have a lowermost portion that decreases in diameter, or fans inwardly, at or towards the bottom of the protective cover.

[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is denoted by the reference numeral 600, from a side view perspective. With reference to FIG. 8, the apparatus 600 includes a main housing 110 and the alarm/whistle 120 which alarm/whistle 120 has the lowermost end portion 121.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, as in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the alarm/whistle 120 is attached to, or mounted to or within, the main housing 110 at a top portion of the alarm/whistle, and a lower end portion of the alarm/whistle 120 extends downwardly and in a direction opposite from the main housing, as shown in FIG. 8, and terminates in the lowermost end portion 121.

[0083] With reference once again to FIG. 8, the apparatus 600 also includes protective cover 630 which has an upper portion 636 which has a uniform diameter a lower portion which has a diameter which decreases downwardly as shown. With reference once again to FIG. 8, the protective cover 630 has a lowermost end portion 633 that extends below the lowermost end portion 121 of the alarm/whistle 120. With reference once again to FIG. 8, the protective cover 630 also has a top end portion 631 and the protective cover 630 can be securely attached to, or affixed to, or connected to or with, the lower portion of the main housing 110 at the region 632.

[0084] In any and/or all of the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, as well as any other preferred embodiments, the respective protective cover 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and/or 630, or any other protective cover utilized in connection with the apparatus of the present invention, can serve to protect the alarm/whistle 120 from and against any coagulated substance and/or slime, or other formation, or any sludge element or any mass 30 while allowing for the unimpeded delivery, and for the maintaining of a uniform surface level, of a respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, into a respective storage tank.

[0085] The apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, or any other embodiment of the same can be utilized to protect, and to preserve the proper functioning of, the alarm/whistle 120 of, and the vent alarm of, the respective apparatus and can ensure for the safe delivery of a respective heating oil, liquid, substance, or material, into a respective storage tank.

[0086] While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate, embodiments, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.