Patents Assigned to OPW Fueling Components
  • Publication number: 20240228260
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a fluid path therein through which fluid is configured to flow in a downstream direction. The nozzle further includes a valve having a valve body positioned in the fluid path and movable between a closed position wherein the valve body sealingly engages a valve seat to generally block fluid from flowing therethrough, and an open position wherein the valve body is spaced away from the valve seat to generally allow fluid to flow therethrough. At least part of a surface of the valve body positioned upstream of the valve seat is configured to be fluidly isolated from a pressure of fluid in the fluid path upstream of the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Gray
  • Publication number: 20230141263
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector, wherein the assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, wherein the fluid path includes an at least partially radially extending portion, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly. One of the first or second connectors has a shaft which defines or includes at least part of the fluid path therein, and the at least partially radially extending portion includes or is defined by an opening in the shaft. The assembly further includes a closure valve positioned in the one of the first or second connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan William Clever
  • Publication number: 20230084840
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector, wherein the assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly. The assembly includes a closure valve positioned in one of the first or second connectors, wherein the closure valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to move to a closed position when the assembly moves to the second configuration to generally block the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan William Clever
  • Patent number: 11603954
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly. The assembly includes a closure valve positioned in one of the first or second connectors, wherein the closure valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to move to a closed position when the assembly moves to the second configuration to generally block the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan William Clever
  • Patent number: 11597645
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, wherein the fluid path includes an at least partially radially extending portion, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan William Clever
  • Patent number: 11554949
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path therein and a valve positioned in the fluid path and configured to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes a manually operable actuator operatively connectable to the valve, a spout shell coupled to the nozzle body, and a fluid tube at least partially positioned in the spout shell and in fluid communication with or at least partially defining the fluid path. The nozzle further has a spacer at least partially positioned in the spout shell, a spout tip at least partially positioned in the spout shell, and a seal positioned between the spout tip and the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20220063985
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, wherein the fluid path includes an at least partially radially extending portion, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan William Clever, Kate Marie Abeln
  • Publication number: 20220063984
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly. The assembly includes a closure valve positioned in one of the first or second connectors, wherein the closure valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to move to a closed position when the assembly moves to the second configuration to generally block the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan William Clever, Kate Marie Abeln
  • Publication number: 20200354212
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path therein and a valve positioned in the fluid path and configured to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes a manually operable actuator operatively connectable to the valve, a spout shell coupled to the nozzle body, and a fluid tube at least partially positioned in the spout shell and in fluid communication with or at least partially defining the fluid path. The nozzle further has a spacer at least partially positioned in the spout shell, a spout tip at least partially positioned in the spout shell, and a seal positioned between the spout tip and the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20200354213
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path and a suction path therein. The nozzle has a valve positioned in the fluid path and configured to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid through the fluid path, and a manually operable actuator operatively connectable to the valve. The nozzle also includes a suction generator configured to apply a suction force in the suction path at a suction location. The suction path includes an expansion chamber located upstream of the suction location with respect to a direction of flow in the suction path. A bottom surface of the expansion chamber and a bottom surface of a portion of the suction path positioned immediately upstream of the expansion chamber are generally aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20200317501
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path and a suction path therein. The nozzle includes a suction generator configured to generate a suction force in at least part of the suction path when fluid to be dispensed flows through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes a shut-off device including a suction chamber fluidly coupled to the suction path and configured such that when the suction path is blocked during fluid dispensing the shut-off device moves to a closed configuration to prevent the nozzle from dispensing fluid through the fluid path. The suction path includes a terminal portion in fluid communication with the suction chamber, and the terminal portion has a cross sectional area of at least about 0.015 square inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20200277182
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle system including a nozzle body having a fluid path therein and a fluid valve positioned in the fluid path and configured to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes a manually operable actuator operatively connectable to the fluid valve, and a spout coupled to the nozzle body, the spout having a cavity to allow fluid flowing through the fluid path to pass through the spout. The spout includes a first segment having a first cross sectional area at at least a portion thereof and a second segment having a second cross sectional area at at least a portion thereof that is different than the first cross sectional area. The first segment has transition portion which transitions along a length thereof from the first cross sectional area at one end thereof to the second cross sectional area at a second opposite end thereof, wherein the first segment is made of a separate piece of material than the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components LLC
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20180223498
    Abstract: A system including a backfill protector including a skirt having an opening configured to receive a cover therein and a lip extending around a perimeter of the opening. The lip is configured to support the cover thereon, and the skirt further includes an inwardly-extending channel positioned adjacent to the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components, LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Bechler, Kevin Allen Webster
  • Publication number: 20180037452
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path and a suction path therein. The nozzle includes a suction generator configured to generate a suction force in the suction path when fluid to be dispensed flows through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes a shut-off device having a suction chamber fluidly coupled to the suction path. The shut-off device is configured such that when the suction path is blocked during fluid dispensing the shut-off device prevents the nozzle from dispensing fluid through the fluid path. The suction chamber includes a lip extending around a perimeter thereof. An opening is formed in or extends through the lip, the opening providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the suction path to enable liquid to flow from the suction chamber to the suction path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20180029872
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a spout and fluid path through which fluid to be dispensed is flowable. The nozzle includes an actuator configured to detect when the spout is sufficiently inserted into a fluid receptacle, and a shut-off device configured to selectively terminate or prevent fluid dispensing operations through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes an interlock operatively coupling the actuator to the shut-off device. The interlock includes a slider that is operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivotable arm that is operatively coupled to the shut-off device, and the slider is slidable along the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Garrison, John M. Gray, Brenton T. Hershner
  • Publication number: 20170240416
    Abstract: A nozzle system including a nozzle body having a fluid path through which fluid to be dispensed is flowable. The system includes a fluid valve positioned in the fluid path and movable between a first position and a second position, and a manually operable lever operatively coupleable to the fluid valve and movable between a first position and a second position. The system further has a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force biasing at least one of the valve or the lever to one of the associated first or second positions, and a magnetic assist system configured to apply a magnetic force opposing the biasing force applied by the biasing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Matthew R. Lauber
  • Publication number: 20160347602
    Abstract: A nozzle system including a nozzle body configured to dispense fluid therethrough and a lever coupled to the nozzle body and movable in a lever plane between a non-operating position and an operating position. The nozzle system further includes a latch assembly having an engagement surface and a cam. The cam is coupled to or positioned on one of the nozzle body or the lever, and the engagement surface is coupled to or positioned on the other one of the nozzle body or the lever. The nozzle system is configured such that when the lever is moved from the non-operating position to the operating position, the engagement surface engages the cam to cause at least one of the engagement surface or the cam to move relative to the other such that the lever is automatically retainable in the operating position by the latch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan William Clever, Brenton Tyler Hershner
  • Patent number: 8931499
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector including a ball portion movably received therein and a second connector including a coupling portion. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the coupling portion is removably received in the ball portion and the first and second connectors together define a fluid path through which fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the coupling portion is not received in the ball portion. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly. The assembly further includes a valve positioned in one of the first or second connectors. The valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to move to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan William Clever, Matthew Ryan Lauber
  • Publication number: 20140311579
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector that is releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are axially separated. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly, and to be moved from the second configuration to the first configuration when a sufficient connecting force is applied to the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: D728736
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: Yashodhan Dhuru, Ares Marasligiller