Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A filling apparatus 1 is made up of a gas passage 14 connected to a storage tank 31 via a connection passage 14a, a first gas valve 35 that opens and closes the gas passage, a pressure gas passage 41 connected to a pressure gas supply source, a pressure gas valve 42 that opens and closes the pressure gas passage, an exhaust passage 43 that allows an interior of a container 4 to communicate with the exterior thereof, and an exhaust valve 44 that opens and closes the exhaust passage. With this filling apparatus, before a pressurized filling operation, both the gas passage and the pressure gas passage are opened to pressurize the interior of the container with a carbonated gas supplied through both passages. Further, also before a unpressurized filling operation, both the gas passage and the pressure gas passage are opened to perform a flushing operation in which droplets are discharged from the gas passage with air exhausted from the container into the storage tank via the gas passage.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel includes treatment or conditioning of gaseous flow of vapor and air and/or air into the ullage space in a manner to increase the fuel vapor concentration of the gaseous flow toward saturation. A system for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel is also described.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel dispenser having a valve positioned in the hanging hardware for testing for leaks along a vapor recovery line. Vapor valves placed along the vapor recovery line allow for isolating sections of the recovery line to determine the position of any leaks. A vapor pump positioned on the vapor recovery line provides for changing the pressure within the line and a vapor sensor positioned on the vapor recovery line determines the amount of pressure within the line. A control system controls the vapor pump and valves and receives signals from the pressure sensor for determining the position of leaks along the vapor recovery line.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid hydrocarbons includes a vapour recovery circuit having a vapour/liquid separator and a vapour flow controller. The vapour/liquid separator has a receiving chamber in which liquid is collected and is mounted in the vapour recovery circuit upstream of the vapour flow controller. The recovery chamber is connected to a bleeding pipe having an inlet fitted with a non-return valve.

Abstract: A material handling system for dispensing and recovering particulate material, such as, packaging material, known as “Peanuts”, includes a supply container for the material having a valve for controlling the dispensing of the material into shipping cartons positioned below on a work table. The work table is formed with openings through which packaging material may be dumped from incoming cartons by upending same allowing the material to fall into a collection container and thence into a transition chamber, such as a trap container. A vacuum system including pipes is arranged to draw out material collected in the transition chamber and convey the material back to the supply container for reuse. A hose may be selectively connected to the vacuum system for use in recovering loose material falling outside of the material handling system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.

Abstract: A machine for the filling of containers, and in particular for the fillings of bottles, which combines advantages of a traditional isobaric machine with those of a machine operating under a slight depression, such as a good seal at a neck of a bottle and a minimum absorption of air by an introduced liquid. The machine allows performing steps of pre-evacuating air inside the bottle and insufflating an inert gas through the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: A filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product under counter pressure has a plurality of filling elements. Each filling element has a liquid valve for the controlled dispensing of the product as well as a plurality of gas ducts realized in a housing, by means of which ducts at least three separate and individually controlled control valves for each filling element can be controlled so that a wide variety of processes can be conducted for the bottling of the product, and namely merely by varying the actuation of the control valves or by varying a corresponding program for a microprocessor-assisted or computer-assisted control device.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly (20) for filling a beverage container (24), such as a bottle or can, with a liquid beverage, such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine (20) includes a support housing (40) having an inner fluid chamber (46) for supplying the liquid to be discharged into the container (24). A valve housing (48) is mounted to the bottom (16) of the support housing (40) for controlling the discharge of the liquid and a control device (52) is disposed adjacent to the top (14) of the support housing (40). A vent tube (54) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (52) and extends into the valve housing (48). The filling machine (20) is characterized by the control device (52) including at least one magnet (66) moveable between a first position and a second position for moving the vent tube (54) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly (10) for filling a beverage container (12), such as a bottle or can, with a beverage, such as a carbonated drink, juice or water. The filling machine (10) includes a support housing (14) having an inner fluid chamber (20) for supplying the beverage to be discharged into the container (12). A valve housing (22) is mounted to the bottom of the support housing (14) for controlling the discharge of the beverage and a control device (24) is mounted to the top of the support housing (14). A vent tube (26) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (24) and extends into the valve housing (22). A support tube (34) extends between the control device (24) and the valve housing (22) and has a bore (36) surrounding the vent tube (26). An actuation device (42) moves the vent tube (26) within the bore (36) relative to the support tube (34) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a battery support for supporting a battery at a fill position, a head assembly with a plurality of heads each with an opening formed therethrough, an acid tank, a circulating conduit with a pump for circulating acid, and a valve for stopping the circulation of acid. The head assembly is moved from an upper position to a lower position for engaging the head openings with the upper cell openings of the battery. A plurality of fill conduits extend from the circulating conduit between the pump and the valve to the heads for injecting acid into the battery openings by way of the head openings. A plurality of leveling tubes extend through the head openings and beyond the lower ends of the heads for with removing excess acid by way of a plurality of leveling chambers operated together with a piston.

Abstract: A method of recovering vapor emitted in a liquid dispensing installation comprising: liquid dispensing means (P.sub.L) adapted to cause said liquid to flow with a liquid flowrate Q.sub.L ; vapor recovery means (P.sub.V) adapted to cause said vapor to flow with a vapor flowrate Q.sub.V along a pipe (120), said vapor flowrate Q.sub.V being controlled by a parameter G. According to the invention, the method includes the following steps: establishing an equation G=F (Q.sub.V, {p.sub.i }) relating the parameter G to the vapor flowrate Q.sub.V and to parameters p.sub.i characteristic of the recovery means and said pipe (120); determining an initial value {p.sub.i }.sub.o of the parameters p.sub.i ; on each dispensing k of liquid: measuring the liquid flowrate Q.sub.Lk and determining a value G.sub.k of the parameter G from the equation:G.sub.k =F (Q.sub.Lk, {p.sub.i }.sub.k-1);determining a new value {p.sub.i }.sub.k of the parameters p.sub.i to be used for the next dispensing k+1 of liquid.

Abstract: A Vapor Recovery System for recovering gasoline vapors released into the vicinity of an automotive filing installation. The inventive device includes an closed-ended pipe having a plurality of apertures formed therealong disposed in spaced relationship to a pumping column front portion, a first sealed housing sealingly attachable to the closed-ended pipe, the first sealed housing further comprising a motor and fan assembly disposed therein, a second sealed housing sealingly attachable to the first sealed housing, the second sealed housing further comprising a filter disposed therein, a third sealed housing sealingly attachable to the second sealed housing, the third sealed housing having attached thereto a compressor, and an outlet pipe sealingly attachable to the third sealed housing at an end thereof and terminating in the gasoline storage tank.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a gasoline vapor/air mixture from a vehicle tank during the dispensing of gasoline from a storage tank into the vehicle tank in which the mixture flows from the vehicle tank to the storage tank during the dispensing of the gasoline. A sensor is provided which detects a property of the mixture which corresponds to the vapor content of the mixture. The flow of the mixture is controlled in response to the vapor content of the mixture.

Abstract: An improved hose for dispensing gasoline at service stations has removable fittings at each end; the removable fittings receive spreaders, each of which in turn receive a bayonet fitting at an end of a vapor recovery tube. An internal collar on an inner portion of the removable fitting and a keeper on the bayonet fitting cooperate to hold the spreader in place. The spreader retains the bayonet fitting on the vapor recovery tube in concentric position at each end of the hose. When the gasoline hose is replaced the vapor tube is removed and the removable fittings are unscrewed; the removable fittings and the vapor tube are then installed in a new section of outer hose and the assembly is re-installed on a gasoline pump.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a gasoline vapor/air mixture from a vehicle tank during the dispensing of gasoline from a storage tank into the vehicle tank in which the mixture flows from the vehicle tank to the storage tank during the dispensing of the gasoline. A sensor is provided which detects a property of the mixture which corresponds to the vapor content of the mixture. The flow of the mixture is controlled in response to the vapor content of the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for collecting gassy residues in fuel filling plants and fuel tanks and apparatus for carrying out the method. The method includes the following phases: removing the residual gases during a refueling phase, subjecting some to a condensation phase (3) up until the gas passes into a liquid stage, bringing the liquid thus produced up to the refueling station or to a collection tank (4).

Abstract: A recovery system for recovering hydrocarbon vapor given off by motor vehicle tanks while they are being filled with liquid fuel via at least one dispensing pipe. According to the invention, said recovery system comprises a recovery pipe associated with said dispensing pipe, a power pump placed on said recovery pipe, and a metering pump driven by a motor at an angular velocity that is substantially proportional to the volume flow rate of liquid fuel delivered by the dispensing pipe, said metering pump being mounted in series with said power pump via a differential pressure expander-regulator suitable for maintaining a pressure difference that is small between the outlet and the inlet of the metering pump so as to obtain a vapor volume flow rate that is substantially proportional to the angular velocity imparted by said motor. Application to dispensing liquid fuel.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a flow metering unit is provided for measuring the flow of a mixture of air and gasoline vapor from a vehicle tank and for determining the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture. A value is provided for varying the flow of the mixture from the tank, and a control unit is operatively connected to the flow metering unit and to the valve for adjusting the position of the valve, and therefore the flow of the mixture from the tank, in response to the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture and the gasoline flow.

Abstract: A Stage II Vapor Recovery System that provides for efficient fuel vapor collection while automatically correcting for pressure differentials between the Ambient Atmospheric Pressure and the pressure in the fueling facility's Fuel Storage Tanks (FSTs). The FSTs may be either Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) or Above Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs). The system has advantages over current Stage II systems by providing only the pressure necessary to return vapors to the FSTs without under- or over-pressurizing the FSTs, with the appropriate values of returned volume of vapor to provide Vapor to Liquid Ratios (V/Ls) that ensure efficient vapor collection. It eliminates the anticipated problems associated with earlier Stage II Vapor Recovery systems which work well with current automobile fueling systems, but have unique problems when used with the mandated Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) systems.

Abstract: An adapter defining a transition between a motor vehicle fuel filler pipe having a concentric vapor exhaust passage and a motor vehicle fuel filler pipe having a parallel vapor exhaust passage. The fuel filler pipe having a parallel vapor exhaust passage includes a rigid stem accessible from outside of the motor vehicle, a flexible hose attached to the rigid stem, and a parallel hose connected to the rigid stem by an upper fluid connector. The filler pipe having a concentric vapor exhaust passage includes a rigid outer tube on the fuel tank and a rigid inner tube inside of the rigid outer tube and cooperating therewith in defining a concentric vapor exhaust passage around the rigid inner tube.

Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a fuel tank containing fuel therein and having a gas space disposed above the fuel, and a venting device connected to the fuel tank. The venting device includes an activated charcoal filter and a venting conduit connecting the gas space to the activated charcoal filter for establishing gas communication therebetween. A stop valve is disposed in the venting conduit and is adapted to open gas communication between the gas space and the activated charcoal filter during refueling. Moreover, a fuel separator is disposed in the venting conduit for separating fuel from a gas flow through the venting conduit thereby yielding separated fuel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a container filling machine with a supply chamber for a fluid and a compressed gas, onto which at least one filling device is attached. This device possesses a discharge opening, a fluid valve, a compressed gas valve body arranged on its valve body and a probe which determines filling height held on this compressed gas valve body. It leads out of the lower end of the compressed valve body in a gastight arrangement. Hereby is a container filling machine achieved with higher filling accuracy, greater versatility, more cleanability and low production costs.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus and method in which a valve unit having a plurality of inlets is respectively connected to multiple fluid sources and an outlet. A unit containing a flowmeter is also provided which cooperates with the valve unit in a manner so that, upon rotation of one of the units relative to the other, the flow of fluid is controlled from the selected fluid source to the valve unit outlet. The flowmeter is adapted to measure variations in the flow rate of the fluid, and the flow of the fluid is controlled in response to one or more related parameters.

Abstract: A vapor recovery hose assembly for connecting a liquid fuel dispensing pump to a liquid fuel dispensing nozzle includes a venturi pump for aspirating liquid fuel condensates from the vapor recovery passageway capable of useful operation over a wide range of the liquid fuel flow rates. At relatively low flow rates, all of the liquid fuel passes through the throat of a venturi tube located within the pump. As the flow rates increase, increasing amounts of the liquid fuel are bypassed around the venturi throat. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid fuel which bypasses the throat of the venturi tube flows through the bore of a hollow, bypass tube that partly surrounds the venturi tube and is spring-biased toward the upstream end of the venturi tube.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a mixture of air and gasoline vapor is passed from a vehicle tank to a storage tank during the dispensing of gasoline from the storage tank to the vehicle tank. A portion of the mixture of air and gasoline vapor is vented from the storage tank, the flow and/or the vapor concentration of the vented mixture from the storage tank are determined, and the mixture flow from the vehicle tank is varied accordingly.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid, where at the temperature of operation the vapor pressure of the liquid is at or above atmospheric pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas or any other liquid with high vapor pressure at the temperature of operation. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition. One of the methods currently in use requires a mechanical valve which senses liquid level in the tank and is supposed to close so as to stop flow to the tank when the liquid has reached the maximum allowable level.

Abstract: A system for the automatic filling of cryogenic containers such as fuel tanks. A cryogenic fluid having a vapor phase at positive pressure is removed by a control mechanism and transported to a primary storage tank through a single phase transport line. When the pressure in the fuel tank is reduced to an acceptable level, liquid cryogen is automatically pumped from the primary storage container to the fuel tank through the same single phase transport line.

Abstract: A container (1) for masses (17) which can be pumped and which flow freely consists of a sack-shaped bag (3) made of flexible, diffusion-impervious plastic sheet which is closed pressure tight and arranged in a holding frame (2). From a bottom area (9) of bag (3), a conduit (11) to which an intake conduit (13) can be coupled emerges from the bag's discharge opening (10), which can also serve as a filling hole. During removal of mass (17) from the bag (3), the latter is progressively raised by a hoist (16). In this way and under the action of the reduced pressure prevailing inside the bag (3), the latter assumes an increasingly slimmer pear shape. In this way, the mass (17) accumulates in the area of the mouth of the conduit (11), and the mass (17) can be completely removed from the bag without difficulty and without air inclusions. In order to laterally support and protect the bag (3) when it is full, a holding frame (2) has a wall (5).

Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a flexible valve member on the closure cap closes a vent passageway through the cap in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling bottles with liquid, the liquid supply tank has several bottle filling adapters mounted to its body and providing a valve seat for liquid to flow from the tank to a bottle. The seat is proximate to a vertically movable valve body which has an integral tubular stem extending upwardly from it and a gas tube extending downwardly from it so gas can be conducted downwardly into a bottle and upwardly for being exhausted or returned to the tank. In the bore of the tubular combination gas conducting tube and valve stem there is a wire constituting a filling level probe. The tip of the wire is exposed in the gas tube to liquid in the bottle and the body of the wire is insulated and runs upwardly through the bore of the tubular stem where it is terminated in a cylindrical conductive element that enters an electrical connector. The connector provides a lead to a microprocessor based controller.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted vapor recovery system and method using a processing unit to process excess vapors collected during vehicle refueling with a bellowless nozzle. The system and method can be divided into two sequences of operation. The first sequence is the collection of vapors from the automobile during refueling. The second sequence is the return of vapors to a product storage tank with the processing of any excess vapors that would otherwise increase the pressure inside the storage tank. A single collection unit is used to collect the vapors as well as to send them to the storage tank and the processing unit. An improvement provides a recirculation loop in the collection unit to also control vapor growth in the underground storage tank. Pressure sensitive switches maintain a pressure level in the storage tank by activating the system if the pressure in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of recovering fuel vapors using a fuel dispenser having first and second sets of associated liquid flow lines, vapor flow lines, nozzles and nozzle rests includes removing the first nozzle from the first nozzle rest, inserting the first nozzle into a fill pipe of a receptacle, moving the first nozzle rest, thereby transmitting motion through a mechanical linkage from the first nozzle rest to a first normally-closed valve in the first vapor flow line to open the first normally-closed valve and turning on a first pump in the first liquid fuel line, pumping liquid fuel from a first tank through the dispenser out the first nozzle into the receptacle, and pumping fuel vapor from the first nozzle through the first vapor flow line to a manifold which has a connection to the second vapor flow line and communicates with the tanks, the second vapor flow line being closed by its normally-closed vapor valve.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system includes a main vapor recovery path and a vapor pump to provide a vacuum along the path. Dispensers for dispensing fuel from a storage tank each have a branch conduit having one end adapted to be coupled to a receiving tank, and another end opening into the main vapor path, to provide a branch vapor recovery path. A sensor provides a first electrical signal indicative of the flow of the fuel being delivered, and a vapor flow sensor in the branch conduit supplies a signal indicative of the actual vapor flow. An adjustable valve in the branch conduit has an opening that is adjustable responsive to the magnitude of a control signal to vary the impedance of the vapor recovery path.

Abstract: A vapor valve for use in conjunction with the fuel dispensing nozzle for capturing vapors returned through the nozzle to a storage area, the nozzle incorporating a body, a spout extending forwardly therefrom, and the nozzle having an operating latch pin and housing for normally providing for opening or shut-off of the nozzle during a dispensing function, a vapor passageway extending through the spout, communicating into the latch pin housing, and extending through the nozzle body for return of vapors back to a storage area, and a latch ring operatively associated with the latch pin and providing for opening or closure to the vapor port of the latch pin housing to furnish its opening while fuel is being dispensed for return of vapors to a storage area, or when the fuel dispensing function is curtailed, providing for an upward shifting of the latch ring within the housing for closure of its associated vapor port and preventing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for filling a cryotank with liquid hydrogen, in which thermal energy is introduced into the liquid hydrogen by the transfer of the liquid hydrogen to the cryotank, such that the amount of gas which results during filling of a cryotank and is carried away via the gas return line is reduced to as great an extent as possible, preferably to zero, it is suggested that for filling hydrogen be used at a pressure and a temperature corresponding to an undercooled state of the liquid hydrogen.

Abstract: A service station dispenser for gasoline with a vapor collection system is disclosed which processes the electrical signal typically produced by the fuel meter which represents the volume flow rate of fuel to the tank to control the displacement volume of an electrically driven vacuum pump so that a simple vacuum intake disposed preferably inside, but not sealed with, the filter neck can be used to collect only the vapors displaced from the fuel tank by the fuel. The vacuum pump is preferably controlled by the same digital processor which calculates and displays volume and cost to the customer, and a single vacuum pump can be used in connection with single point of sale, multiple fuel grade systems or with multiple point of sale, single grade systems for enhanced economy of cost.

Abstract: An overhead vacuum assembly for recovering, storing and dispensing flowable packaging material including a flexible storage bag having an open upper end for receiving flowable packaging material, a dispensing valve mounted at the lower end of the bag, a liner or frame for maintaining the perimeter shape of the flexible bag, a cover mounted at the open upper end of the flexible bag, a fan motor assembly, including a filter, mounted to the cover for creating a vacuum in the bag and a hose mounted to the cover. The filter acts as a deflector to evenly distribute the loose fill throughout the bag during the recovery process. The cover may have a pyramidal shape and tear-away panels for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A service station dispenser for gasoline with a vapor collection system for processing the electrical signal typically produced by the fuel meter which represents the volume flow rate of fuel to the tank to control the displacement volume of an electrically driven vacuum pump so that a simple vacuum intake disposed preferably inside, but not sealed with, the filter neck can be used to collect only the vapors displaced from the fuel tank by the fuel. The vacuum pump is preferably controlled by the same digital processor which calculates and displays volume and cost to the customer, and a single vacuum pump can be used in connection with single point of sale, multiple fuel grade systems or with multiple point of sale, single grade systems for enhanced economy of cost.

Abstract: The underground secondary containment and simultaneous vapor return piping system is adapted for use at a fuel service station which includes a fuel dispenser, a fuel nozzle and nozzle vapor return structure at a dispensing island, an underground fuel storage tank and a primary fuel delivery pipeline.

Abstract: A special nozzle is provided to recover hydrocarbon vapors emitted during fueling and remove condensate collected in the vapor line, as well as to dispense fuel and removed condensate to customer tanks. In the preferred embodiment, the special nozzle has a venturi sleeve with a valve seat positioned adjacent venturi ports. One of the venturi ports communicates with a condensate liquid pickup tube which removes condensed gasoline vapors in the vapor return hose. Another of the venturi ports communicates with a liquid sensing tube and an automatic shutoff valve assembly which collectively shut off the flow of gasoline when the customer's tank is filled.

Abstract: A plurality of hydrocarbon storage tanks, each storage tank has a) a fill conduit, b) a vapor recovery conduit and c) a vent line. The vent lines of the hydrocarbon storage tanks are directly connected to the vapor recovery risers and a manifold bar is connected to every vent line. The system allows for the maximum recovery of vapors during simultaneous filling of at least three storage tanks. The system also includes a vapor recovery pipe connected to at least one of the vent lines for receiving the vapor recovered from the vapor-recovery unit of hydrocarbon nozzles which dispense hydrocarbons to automobiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus makes it possible to discharge liquid stagnating within a filling valve. The filling valve is lowered towards a container being conveyed. Then a liquid passageway gating section is opened by pressing a bell-shaped member of the filling valve against the container, and liquid thus fills the container. The net amount of the contents to fill the container can be adjusted by vertically moving at least one of a filler liquid tank and a stopper member which limits the lower position of an intermediate spring bracket supporting a second elastic body for biasing a valve body upwardly with respect to a loading table on which the containers are supported. In addition, it is possible to open the liquid passageway gating section by lowering the filling valve with an external force. Therefore, liquid stagnating in the passageway of the filling valve can be discharged.

Abstract: A fuel and vapor control system for motor vehicle applications is disclosed. The fuel and vapor control system regulates the refueling operation to maintain a sufficient vapor dome within the motor vehicle fuel tank to prevent over-filling thereof upon malfunction of a fuel nozzle's automatic shut-off mechanism. The fuel and vapor control system includes a first valve assembly for controlling the flow of fuel vapors to a vapor capture device, a second valve assembly for controlling actuation of the nozzle shut-off mechanism, and a third valve assembly for controlling the delivery of liquid fuel into the fuel tank in response to actuation of the first and second valve assemblies. A fourth valve assembly inhibits the emission of evaporative fuel vapors upon withdrawal of the nozzle from the fill pipe. The various valve assemblies cooperate to inhibit leakage of liquid fuel and vapors from the motor vehicle fuel system upon impact and/or the occurrence of a roll-over situation.

Abstract: A user friendly vapor recovery nozzle with special signaling devices to signal and assure the customer of proper delivery of fuel and return flow of hydrocarbon vapors. In the preferred embodiment, the signaling devices include both a fuel flow indicator and a vapor flow indicator. The flow indicators can comprise one or more fuel and vapor driven balls, paddle wheels, propellers, spinners, blades, or vanes. In the preferred form, the vapor recovery nozzle has an inner fuel spout to discharge gasoline into a customer's tank and has an outer spout which cooperates with the inner spout to provide a vapor return passageway to return vapors emitted during fueling to a vapor return hose. The nozzle has a liquid sensing tube in the vapor return passageway to sense when the customer's tank is filled. An automatic shutoff valve cooperates with the liquid sensing tube to shutoff the supply of gasoline when the customer's tank is filled.

Abstract: A system for recovering vapor and liquid emerging from a tank as it is being filled, in which the volumetric flow of a recovery pump that withdraws the vapor through a recovery tube is made equal to the volumetric flow of a fuel delivery pump with a microprocessor. The microprocessor can also modify the volumetric flow of the recovery pump in response to variations in the hydraulic pressure at the inlet side of the recovery pump.