Abstract: An apparatus for pumping recovered vapor in a vapor recovery liquid fuel dispenser includes a liquid fuel dispenser apparatus adapted to dispense liquid fuel to a liquid fuel dispenser nozzle proximate a fuel vapor passage. A transducer associated with the dispenser apparatus generates a liquid fuel flow signal indicative of the rate of liquid fuel flow therethrough. A vapor pump driven by an electric motor is arranged to pump vapor from the vapor passage through a vapor pump inlet to a vapor pump outlet and has a characteristic that the flow rate through the vapor pump at a given vapor pump operating speed is inversely proportional to the difference between the vapor pump inlet and outlet pressures. Sensors associated with the inlet and outlet ascertain inlet and outlet pressures and generate signals representative thereof. A controller for the vapor pump includes vapor recovery control electronics and motor drive electronics.

Abstract: A multiaxial pipe system is provided particularly for use in underground fuel transfer between a fuel storage tank and one or more dispensing pumps. The pipe system includes a primary fuel flow line and a vapor recovery line mounted within a common outer containment conduit. Adapter fittings are provided on the ends of the fuel flow and vapor recovery lines for quick and easy connection to biaxial pipe fittings located respectively at the fuel storage tank and at each dispensing pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the routing of fuel vapor in an automotive fuel vapor recovery system that includes a pressure actuated control valve. A vent line extends between the tank and the mouth of the filler pipe of the fuel system. A venturi member located in the vent line includes a signal port in communication with the control valve. Vapor flows through the vent line and venturi creates a low pressure signal which operationally acts on the control valve.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method for making same having a fuel dispensing hose connecting between a dispenser pump and nozzle that has a flexible inner tube defining a fluid conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The system includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The venturi section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi opening part of the fuel conduit. The vapor return passage forming at least one looped low portion during dispensing of fuel. The block also has an aspirator mechanism that defines a plurality of separate radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. The ports are formed so that one of the ports will be below the centerline of the looped portion during dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: A receptacle includes a receiving chamber into which an injection fluid is to be injected. An injection unit includes a syringe having a needle adapted to pierce a diaphragm of the receptacle. The injection unit has a second needle [(28)] that may be advanced through a further diaphragm into a return chamber of the receptacle. The second needle is secured to a sliding pipe coupled to the syringe via a coupling means. Both needles are advanced simultaneously into the receptacle. Then, the syringe is ejected by moving the syringe plunger. The liquid volume displaced from the return chamber reaches the rear barrel chamber via the sliding pipe, the volume of the rear barrel chamber increasing by the amount in which the injection fluid has been ejected, subtracting the volume of the plunger rod. The exchange of liquid is supported by the suction effect of the partial vacuum generated by the lowering of the syringe plunger. The fluid of the injection device is sealed tight against the environment.

Abstract: A process comprising fueling a tank, collecting emitted vapors, and recovering condensed vapors. In the process, gasoline is discharged into a fill opening or filler pipe of a tank through a fuel outlet conduit of a nozzle. Gasoline vapors emitted during fueling are collected with a vapor return conduit of the nozzle and conveyed through a vapor return hose. A portion of the gasoline vapors in the vapor hose are condensed and removed from the vapor hose with a condensate pickup tube extending from the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved vapor recovery system for use in a fuel dispensing arrangement is disclosed employing two concentrically arranged hoses. The inner hose includes a turbine disposed therein which rotates in response to fuel flowing therethrough. The outer hose includes a turbine which is preferably magnetically coupled to the turbine included within the inner hose. Rotation of the turbine in the inner hose causes rotation of the turbine in the outer hose and rotation of the turbine in the outer hose creates a vacuum which recovers vapors from the fuel being dispensed.

Abstract: A Stage II Vapor Recovery System is provided with a special array of storage tanks, dispensers, fuel pumps, vapor assist pumps, and flow control nozzles, to capture hydrocarbon emissions, prevent condensate from blocking vapor return lines, and dispense gasoline or other liquid fuel and condensate to customer tanks. Specifically, fuel lines connect storage tank to flow control nozzles via dispensers and are assisted by fuel pumps to pump gasoline into customers' tanks. The nozzles have vapor passageways to capture hydrocarbon vapors emitted during fueling. The captured vapors are pumped by vapor assist pumps from the vapor passageways through vapor return lines into the storage tanks. The nozzles are equipped with condensate liquid pickup tubes to remove condensed vapors blocking the vapor return lines. The condensate liquid tubes communicate with condensate venturi ports adjacent venturi sleeves in the nozzles.

Abstract: The problems associated with combining fuel blending and vapor recovery functions in a fuel dispenser are substantially overcome by a casting and method which provide for not only fuel blending and dispensing, but also vapor recovery. The casting and method of the present invention are adapted for use with a coaxial hose having a small diameter inner hose for dispensing fuel and a larger diameter outer hose defining an annular vapor recovery passage between the inner and outer hoses. The casting of the present invention has first and second product inlets intersecting at a mixing or blending chamber which empties into a single product outlet. As such, blending occurs within the casting and the product output can be either of the first or second products, for example, high or low grade unleaded fuel, or an intermediate grade blended fuel product produced by blending selected volumes of the first and second products.

Abstract: In the process, fuel is pumped from a storage tank through a dispenser and nozzle into a customer's tank. Hydrocarbon vapors emitted during fueling are collected through a vapor recovery passageway between the inner and outer spouts of the nozzle and conveyed by a vapor pump through vapor return lines into the storage tank. A portion of the vapors in the vapor return lines condense and are removed with the nozzle's condensate pickup tube. The removed condensate is dispensed into the customer's tank.

Abstract: A service station dispenser for gasoline with a vapor collection system 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: A device for recovering vapor in a vehicle fuel tank has a hydraulic motor arranged in the way of a liquid duct for feeding volatile liquid from a fuel reservoir tank to a gun nozzle mounted at the free end of the liquid duct, and a pneumatic pump arranged in the way of a vapor duct for feeding the vapor in the vehicle fuel tank through the gun nozzle to the fuel reservoir tank. The hydraulic motor and the pneumatic pump have a pair of meshing rotors, respectively. One pair of rotors are of substantially same configuration and size with those of the other pair of rotors. The rotors of the pneumatic pump are driven by the hydraulic motor rotors through multiplying gearings.

Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho

Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a liquid into discrete containers in the form of bottles, cans or the like has a rotary annular tank which carries at its underside a ring-shaped set of filling units each of which has a discrete metering vessel serving to receive a metered quantity of liquid from the interior of the tank for admission into a container which is placed into alignment with a centering and sealing sleeve movably mounted on each metering vessel. If the liquid is to be admitted into the containers at an elevated pressure, the supply of liquid in the tank is disposed beneath a plenum chamber and each filling unit is designed to admit compressed gas from the plenum chamber into the aligned container prior to admission of a metered quantity of liquid. The liquid which flows into a container expels the compressed gas which is returned into the plenum chamber or into a separate receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho

Abstract: A hose rotation restrainer which attaches to the inner product hose of a coaxial vapor recovery hose assembly along with the inlet end of a suction tube in the vapor passageway between the inner product hose and the outer hose to prevent rotation of the product hose in order to maintain the end of the suction tube at a low point in the catenary of the hose assembly for removing liquid accumulations.

Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.

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.

Abstract: A coaxial vapor recovery hose assembly comprising an inner hose, an outer hose, and structure for holding said hoses in concentric relationship; wherein the inner hose is substantially reinforced to be relatively incompressible as well as being capable of bearing tensile stress applied to the assembly and having an outside diameter; wherein the outer hose is corrugated and has an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter to define a vapor passageway therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission control system uses a charcoal canister, but, rather than air purging the canister of stored vapors, desorbs them, substantially without air, by application of a vaccum and reabsorbs the purged vapors into the liquid fuel in the tank. Any effect on driveability and exhaust emissions is thereby avoided, and canister capacity and efficiency are increased.

Abstract: A vortex motion phase separator for transferring a liquid in a zero gravity environment while at the same time separating the liquid from vapors found within either the sender or the receiving tanks. The separator comprises a rigid sender tank having a circular cross-section and rigid receiver tank having a circular cross-section. A plurality of ducts connects the sender tank and the receiver tank. Disposed within the ducts connecting the receiver tank and the sender tank is a pump and a plurality of valves. The pump is powered by an electric motor and is adapted to draw either the liquid or a mixture of the liquid and the vapor from the sender tank. Initially, the mixture drawn from the sender tank is directed through a portion of the ductwork and back into the sender tank at a tangent to the inside surface of the sender tank, thereby creating a swirling vortex of the mixture within the sender tank.

Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.

Abstract: A vapor handling system is provided that uses negative pressure created during discharge of liquid fuel from a fuel-dispensing nozzle into a filler tube to actuate a remotely situated vapor venting valve. Actuation of the vapor venting valve permits fuel vapor in the fuel tank connected to the filler tube to be communicated to a vapor treatment canister or the like.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is provided for recovering fuel vapors discharged from a fuel tank having a vent tube and a separate filler neck during refueling. The vapor recovery system includes a partition dividing the filler neck into an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The partition includes an aperture for sealingly admitting a fuel dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in fluid communication during refueling. A fuel cap may sealingly engage the filler neck to close the mouth of the filler neck. A refueling sensing system is provided for actuating a flow valve during an initial stage of each refueling activity to permit flow of fuel vapor to the canister. Upon removal of the fuel cap, fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank is conducted automatically to the canister for processing therein instead of being discharged directly into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is provided for recovering fuel vapors discharged from a fuel tank having a vent tube and a separate filler neck during refueling. The vapor recovery system includes a partition dividing the filler neck into an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The partition includes an aperture for sealingly admitting a fuel dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in fluid communication during refueling. A fuel cap may sealingly engage the filler neck to close the mouth of the filler neck. A refueling sensing system is provided for actuating a flow valve during an initial stage of each refueling activity to permit flow of fuel vapor to the canister. Upon removal of the fuel cap, fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank is conducted automatically to the canister for processing therein instead of being discharged directly into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device liquefies fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. An arrangement prevents the liquefied fuel from escaping into the atmosphere. The liquefied fuel may be returned to the fuel tank. A canister may be used to trap fuel vapor which is not liquefied by the device.

Abstract: A vapor valve is useful in a vapor recovery nozzle of the type used to dispense fuel to motor vehicles. In response to the stopping of liquid through the valve, the valve stops the flow of vapor through an adjacent passage. The valve operates using coupled permanent magnet actuators.

Abstract: One end of a flexible hose is inserted into a vapor recovery hose in an area where liquid fuel may accumulate, and the other end of the hose is connected to a pump, for pumping the fuel out of the vapor recovery hose to maintain a clear vapor path.

Abstract: A system for transferring a volatile liquid such as a fuel into a tank, from a storage facility. A nozzle sealably and removably engages the tank to pass a flow of liquid to the tank, and to return vapors therefrom to the storage facility. The fuel passing to the nozzle is chilled in accordance with the pressure in the storage facility, whereby to maintain a vacuum in the storage facility and therefore at the nozzle tank interface.

Abstract: A burner which is capable of burning a very lean mixture of flammable vapors and air, and which preferably also can burn a mixture of varying richness and B.T.U. content, with the burner desirably including a structure forming an upwardly facing recess and an inlet for introducing the vapor-air mixture into a lower portion of that recess in a relation enabling the mixture, when lean, to burn at least partially in the recess in isolation from external air, and when richer to burn at an upper elevation at which external air can mix with the basic vapor-air mixture.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system in which gasoline vapors or other flammable vapors are withdrawn from the vicinity of a like, and are disposed of by combustion in a burner system, preferably consisting of two burners selectively usable for burning vapor-air mixtures of different B.T.U. contents. The vapors may be temporarily stored by adsorption onto an adsorbing substance, and then be removed from that substance by conducting a flow of air therepast.

Abstract: An anti-pollution nozzle assembly that removably engages the fuel inlet tube on an automotive vehicle and removes fuel vapor from the tank thereof at a rate that varies with the rate at which fuel is discharged into said tank by said nozzle assembly, with the removed fuel vapor being returned to the fuel storage tank of the service station where the anti-pollution nozzle assembly is employed.

Abstract: A system for automatically releasing the pressure built up inside a tank when the liquid level falls below a predetermined level. This system is particularly applicable for use on a hydrocarbon tank truck which receives the vapors from the underground tank being filled, so that the pressure built up during filling can be released into the atmosphere through a filter in order to minimize the hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere when the connections to the underground tank are uncoupled. The system includes a pressure relief line connected to a float valve located inside a tank compartment on one end and to a filter on the other end. The filter can be made out of an adsorbant material which permits it to be cleaned and used over again.