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 fluid exchange apparatus for the transfer of fluids from a first containment area to a second containment area, including a total fluid reconciliation process, whereby the same amount of fluid transferred from the first containment area to the second containment area is replenished into the first containment area, or is replenished to a preset amount. The fluid exchanger includes an evacuation section having a vacuum pump therein, and a fill section. The fluid being vacated from the first containment area is transferred to the second containment area by vacuum pressure introduced into the first containment area. An air purge is used to drive fluid out of the fluid passages/filters into the first containment area. The pressure may be developed internally to the fluid exchange apparatus or externally thereto. CPU controlled electronics are utilized to measure, monitor, and control, via a user interface screen, the fluid exchange machine.

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 liquid fuel filter system for use in fuel dispensing stations including a ball valve assembly and replaceable strainer cartridge permitting strainer cartridge replacement even if the associated fuel pump is activated. The ball valve assembly seals the inlet port of the filter housing thereby disabling the flow of fuel through the housing when the strainer cartridge or filter housing cap are removed. A check valve prevents fuel from flowing back thorough the filter system outlet port into the filter housing. A pressure valve disposed in the check valve prevents possible harmful pressure build up.

Abstract: A leak detection device for restricting the flow of liquid fuel through the undergound fuel conduit whenever the leakage exceeds a predetermined rate of flow. The device includes a valve in the conduit that is movable between a first position to permit a first volumetric rate of flow for quickly pressurizing the conduit to a predetermined pressure, and a second position to permit a second volumetric rate of flow is that is much less that the first volumetric rate of flow. The valve includes a seal member which is extendable radially outward of the valve. A valve seat for the valve is provided and has a plurality of slots therein to provide fluid communication between the fuel inlet and outlet of the device. Once the conduit is pressurized to the predetermined pressure, the valve moves from its first position to its second position resulting in the seal member being sealingly aligned with each of the slots thereby preventing the flow of the fuel through each of the slots.

Abstract: A liquid fuel dispensing system having a fuel reservoir and a plurality of remote fuel dispensers, each of which including a suction pump and a pressure regulator valve positioned in the fuel conduit on the inlet side of the suction pump. A pressure relief passage is positioned in the fuel conduit in parallel with the regulator valve. When the vapor pressure of the fuel on the inlet side of the regulator valve exceeds a predetermined pressure, the pressure relief valve opens to permit the flow of fuel through the relief passage within the conduit, thus bypassing the regulator valve.

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 submerged pump manifold for a liquid fuel dispensing system. The pump manifold includes a chamber for housing a filter cartridge and a cover attached to the top of the chamber. An interlock device is removably attached to the cover such that the device must be removed upon removing the cover. The interlock device is attached to a plug-type connection on the pump manifold so that as the interlock device is rotated away from the cover, the plug-type connection is moved from its plugged-in position to its unplugged position, thereby electrically disabling the submerged pump while the cover is removed.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls variable valves according to volumetric data observed by flow meters on input lines to the dispenser, by calculating measuring error as the difference between desired blend ratio and the observed blend ratio calculated from volumes of blend components dispensed. The dispenser successively corrects the settings of the valves after dispensing predetermined volumes, the corrections determined by a volume based PID error function so that the total amount of each blend component is separately and accurately measured while providing the desired blend ratio.

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: The present invention is a variable blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls variable valves according to volumetric data observed by flow meters on input lines to the dispenser, by calculating measuring error as the difference between desired blend ratio and the observed blend ratio calculated from volumes of blend components dispensed. The dispenser successively corrects the settings of the valves after dispensing predetermined volumes, the corrections determined by a volume based PID error function so that the total amount of each blend component is separately and accurately measured while providing the desired blend ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is a linearized flow meter apparatus. A turbine flow meter measures a liquid flow and a processor corrects measurement errors and provides an adjusted number of output pulses. The processor uses an endpoint displacement method to provide the corrected output pulse signals.

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 cylndrical 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 sealed backlit switch assembly including an integral body composed of an elastomeric material and having a hollow push button. The body is clamped to a panel by means of a printed circuit board and threaded fasteners whereby the body is sealed to the panel. The printed circuit board has an LED mounted thereon which is enclosed in a hollow push button which forms a part of the unitary molded body and thereby illustrates the push button.

Abstract: A hose clamp for clamping a swivel hose in a fuel dispensing installation. The hose clamp includes a breakable portion by which the hose clamp is connected to a retrieving cable. When sufficient force is placed on the cable, the hose clamp will break away from the cable thereby releasing the hose from the dispensing installation.

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: An apparatus for and method of calibrating a fluid meter having an output transformable into a series of digital pulses, where each pulse represents a certain volume of liquid through the meter that changes as a result of meter wear and/or component failure. A microprocessor controlled bidirectional prover tube having a calibrated volume is provided in the dispenser housing for operation once during each of a predetermined number of dispensing events. The digital pulses are accumulated during dispensation of the calibrated volume of fluid through the prover, and a calibration factor is automatically calculated and applied to the digital pulses prior to being supplied to an electronic display unit for accurate computation and display of the volume of liquid through the meter. A four-port, two-position valve is actuated prior to the beginning of each dispensing event by the microprocessor to reverse flow through the prover tube.

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 an aspirating block adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that is connected in series with ends of the inner tube and defines a venturi or jet pump forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also includes bypass passages for fuel to bypass the venturi and to increase the fuel flow through the block. The aspirating block also has radial aspirator ports which communicate between the venturi throat or jet pump and the annular vapor return passage. Each radial aspirating port includes a check valve to permit only one-way fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.