Abstract: The present invention comprises a nozzle assembly for dispensing fuel into an inlet of a container comprising a body, a spout and a vapor collection sleeve fitted over the spout and compressing when the spout is inserted into the inlet of a container. An interlock mechanism prevents operation of the nozzle assembly unless the sleeve is at least partially compressed by insertion of the spout into the container inlet. The interlock mechanism includes structure to prevent the interlock mechanism from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position in the event of a failure of the interlock mechanism whereby the nozzle assembly cannot dispense fuel regardless of whether the spout is engaged with the inlet of the container or not. An interlock actuator is mounted for movement within the body and coupled to the sleeve, while a lost motion mechanism limits movement of the interlock actuator into the body.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a nozzle assembly for dispensing fuel into an inlet of a container comprising a body, a spout and a vapor collection sleeve fitted over the spout and compressing when the spout is inserted into the inlet of a container. An interlock mechanism prevents operation of the nozzle assembly unless the sleeve is at least partially compressed by insertion of the spout into the container inlet. The interlock mechanism includes structure to prevent the interlock mechanism from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position in the event of a failure of the interlock mechanism whereby the nozzle assembly cannot dispense fuel regardless of whether the spout is engaged with the inlet of the container or not. An interlock actuator is mounted for movement within the body and coupled to the sleeve, while a lost motion mechanism limits movement of the interlock actuator into the body.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a main body that receives fuel from a fuel source for dispensing the fuel into a fuel tank, an operating lever associated with the main body, a locking device, and a locking device release mechanism. The operating lever is adapted to be actuated by an operator to dispense fuel from the nozzle. The locking device is associated with the operating lever for maintaining the operating lever in a hold open position such that the nozzle continues to dispense fuel without continued actuation of the operating lever by the operator. The locking device release mechanism is associated with the locking device and is adapted to release the operating lever from the hold open position upon the nozzle being stowed in an associated fuel pump cradle.

Abstract: An active adsorbent pollutant reducing system includes a canister containing activated carbon, a pump and a series of valves connected to the canister and the pump. The valves and pump of the system are controlled so that vapor/air in the ullage of a gasoline storage tank is pumped to the canister/adsorbent material when tank pressure reaches a first level with vapor being adsorbed and air being discharged to atmosphere. When a second tank pressure level, lower than the first tank pressure level, is achieved, the valves are controlled to reconfigure the pump and canister so that continued pump operation pulls a vacuum on the canister resulting in adsorbed gasoline vapor being purged from the adsorbent material and returned to the storage tank. Tank pressure, HC content in the vapor flow and canister weight can be used for control of the system.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing system is provided that is effective in reducing the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel storage and dispensing system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, an air exhaust port, at least one fuel dispenser, a fuel dispensing nozzle, a rigid, fuel dispensing spout, a boot, a pressure relief chamber, a filter system, and at least one pump. The rigid, fuel dispensing spout further defines a non-coaxial fuel tube. The boot is configured to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the fuel storage and dispensing system. The boot is further configured to prevent fresh air from entering the fuel dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: The air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio in vacuum assist vapor recovery dispensers of fueling systems is controlled by utilizing an in-station diagnostics (ISD) system interfaced with the dispenser or a dispenser diagnostics system. Diagnostics systems monitor the performance of the vapor recovery system according to a number of variables. In one embodiment, a diagnostics system is configured to monitor the A/L ratio of each dispensing event using a flow meter placed in the vapor line and a fluid meter placed in the fuel supply line.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including at least one storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, and at least one pump positioned to cause fluid to pass through a filter input port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct defining a flow path extending from the filter input port to a primary filter output port and a secondary filter output port partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the permeable partition. At least one pump is positioned to cause fluid to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank and the pump are arranged such that major portions of the system operate below atmospheric pressure such that system leaks do not lead to release of fugitives from the fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing system reduces the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds. The system includes at least one storage tank, an air exhaust port, at least one fuel dispenser, a fuel dispensing nozzle, a rigid, fuel dispensing spout, a boot, a pressure relief chamber, a filter system, and at least one pump. The rigid, fuel dispensing spout further defines a non-coaxial fuel tube. The boot is configured to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the fuel storage and dispensing system. The boot is further configured to prevent fresh air from entering the fuel dispensing nozzle. The system may further include a pressure relief chamber that is effective in compensating for high temperature pressure build up in a vapor assist hose, a fuel dispensing nozzle and spout assembly, a vapor recovery boot assembly, and a Venturi shut-off assembly for a fuel dispensing nozzle and spout.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly includes a diaphragm biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring on the diaphragm is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the diaphragm and valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including at least one storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, and at least one pump positioned to cause fluid to pass through a filter input port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct defining a flow path extending from the filter input port to a primary filter output port and a secondary filter output port partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the permeable partition. At least one pump is positioned to cause fluid to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank and the pump are arranged such that major portions of the system operate below atmospheric pressure such that system leaks do not lead to release of fugitives from the fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including at least one storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, and at least one pump positioned to cause fluid to pass through a filter input port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct defining a flow path extending from the filter input port to a primary filter output port and a secondary filter output port partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the permeable partition. At least one pump is positioned to cause fluid to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank and the pump are arranged such that major portions of the system operate below atmospheric pressure such that system leaks do not lead to release of fugitives from the fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing system is provided that is effective in reducing the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel storage and dispensing system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, an air exhaust port, at least one fuel dispenser, a fuel dispensing nozzle, a rigid, fuel dispensing spout, a boot, a pressure relief chamber, a filter system, and at least one pump. The rigid, fuel dispensing spout further defines a non-coaxial fuel tube. The boot is configured to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the fuel storage and dispensing system. The boot is further configured to prevent fresh air from entering the fuel dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A diagnostic fuel storage system is provided and includes a pressure sensor configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the system. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic fuel storage system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, a filter system, at least one pump, and at least one pressure sensor. The storage tank includes a fuel vapor vent port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fuel vapor vent port. The pump is positioned to cause fuel vapor to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank, the filter system, and the pump are arranged such that the storage tank and selected fuel vapor ducts in communication with the storage tank operate below atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor is configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the storage tank, the selected fuel vapor ducts, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A diagnostic fuel storage system is provided and includes a pressure sensor configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the system. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic fuel storage system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, a filter system, at least one pump, and at least one pressure sensor. The storage tank includes a fuel vapor vent port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fuel vapor vent port. The pump is positioned to cause fuel vapor to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank, the filter system, and the pump are arranged such that the storage tank and selected fuel vapor ducts in communication with the storage tank operate below atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor is configured to monitor pressure at one or more diagnostic points within the storage tank, the selected fuel vapor ducts, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including a storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, a primary pump, and at least one secondary pump. The storage tank includes a fuel delivery port, a fluid vent port, and a pollutant return port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct, and primary and secondary filter output ports. The fuel vapor duct defines a flow path extending from the filter input port to the primary filter output port. The primary filter output port is coupled to the pollutant return port. At least a portion of the fuel vapor duct forms a permeable partition designed to pass a non-pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the permeable partition and designed to inhibit passage of a pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the partition. The secondary filter output port is partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the air-permeable partition and is coupled to the exhaust port.