Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with upper interior space above the inner tank; a cover extending over the inner and outer tanks above that space; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that upper interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the upper interior to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure located below the top wall, and accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for gasoline fuel pumping stations and the like has an inlet through which the fuel is supplied within a range of inlet pressures, an outlet from which fuel is discharged and a flow passage having valving for selectively opening communication between the inlet and the outlet in response to the pressure differential across the valving. The valving includes a housing within which a movable valve member is mounted, the valve member being actuated to open or partially close communication from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing in response to the pressure differential across the valve member. As the pressure differential decreases above the pressure differential corresponding to the predetermined maximum rate, the valve member begins to close communication to prevent the flow from exceeding the predetermined maximum amount, and as the pressure differential increases communication is decreased so that the maximum predetermined flow rate is not exceeded.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle construction, bellows-like tube therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the construction comprising a valve body having a dispensing spout extending therefrom, and a flexible bellows-like tube of polymeric material telescopically disposed on the spout and having opposed ends one of which is secured to the valve body and the other of which carries a face seal for engaging an annular lip of fill pipe of a fluid storage tank to seal around an opening in the fill pipe when the spout is inserted therein, the spout having an abutment for interlocking with an abutment of the fill pipe that is adjacent the opening thereof when the spout has been inserted into the opening a certain amount.

Abstract: A flow rate limiting device (40) for a fuel dispensing nozzle (10) having an inlet (12) through which fuel is supplied to said nozzle (10) from a supply hose (14) and an outlet (20) from which fuel is discharged, as into a tank of a vehicle. The device (40) includes a flow restrictor (42) which is mounted in the fuel dispensing nozzle in its internal flow passage (16) the flow restricter (42) is automatically operated to reduce the flow rate, when the flow rate of fuel through said nozzle (10) reaches a preselected threshold rate such as the rate established by governmental regulations. After the flow rate of the fuel in the internal flow passage (16) is reduced below the preselected threshold rate, the flow restriction is attentuated such that the flow in the passage (16) can increase and approach the threshold rate.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off fuel dispensing nozzle (10) with a flow rate limiting mechanism (90). The nozzle (10) includes a valve (24) which controls the flow of fuel through a passage (16) leading from the nozzle inlet (12) to the nozzle outlet (20) which is normally connected to a spout. This valve (24) is responsive to a manually operable lever and to a vacuum operated release mechanism (26) which automatically shuts the flow of fuel through the nozzle off when the level of fuel in a tank reaches a preselected level or when the flow of fuel through the nozzle reaches a preselected threshold rate of flow.

Abstract: A combination breakaway and swivel coupling for vehicle fueling systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a body having a swivel connection at one end and a breakaway connection at the other end. The swivel is directly connected to a vehicle fueling nozzle and the breakaway coupling is connected to the supply hose of the fueling system. The swivel coupling is a ball-and-socket type coupling which permits the nozzle to be moved in all directions with respect to the supply hose for convenient positioning of the nozzle in the vehicle during fueling and hanging of the nozzle on the pump when the unit is not is use. The breakaway coupling automatically separates in the event that the vehicle drives away without removing the nozzle and prevents damage to the hose and the pump structure. Automatic shutoff valves close when the breakaway coupling releases to prevent pollution or hazardous spills of fuel. One embodiment utilizes a frangible connection which fractures and releases when breakaway occurs.

Abstract: An attitude control device for use in combination with a fuel dispensing nozzle, incorporating a connector that secures to the normally disposed vent tube provided within the spout of such a nozzle, the connector contains passages therein for venting of any nozzle generated vacuum to the atmosphere, but incorporates a cylinder held ball valve which when seats upon a valve seat, provided within the connector, functions to prevent any further venting of any generated vacuum, and immediately initiates a shut off of the fuel dispensing nozzle, and curtails any further flow of fuel through the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for topping off a fuel tank which is necessary for full tank delivery after false fuel level detection caused by fuel bubbles or splashes. This is made possible by making a spring biased valve sent for a main valve longitudinally movable and providing control means and a mechanism so that despite a trigger being in the actuated position the valve is opened when bubbles or splashes disappear.

Abstract: The liquid-dispensing pistol-grip nozzle comprises a filling hose liquid-dispensing device equipped with a delivery pump which can be turned on and shut off, a valve housing with a spigot, a filling hose connector and a connected fuel duct, an operating mechanism with a pistol-grip handle and if necessary a flow rate setting mechanism for the pistol-grip handle, an automatic shut off device and a safety device. The automatic shut off device which operates a locking mechanism has a pressure equalizing chamber, a chamber-separating control membrane and a vacuum chamber with a filling state sensing duct with a vacuum duct opening near the delivery valve seat in the valve housing. The control membrane is connected with flexible free play to a hollow piston shaft of a safety piston guided in the valve housing which is movable between a locked in position and a locked out position. The safety piston is a differential piston with a small effective piston surface and a large effective piston surface.

Abstract: A pressure actuated poppet valve for a fuel dispensing nozzle is disclosed having a piston therein movable between a first and a second position. In the first position, the piston holds a plurality of coupling or latching balls in coupling engagement with an axially movable stem so that upon a user pulling the actuator handle or lever of the dispensing nozzle, the poppet valve is opened for the dispensing of fuel. When the dispenser goes off such that there is no fuel pressure in the hose upstream from the nozzle, a spring within the poppet valve pushes the piston from its first to its second position, thus permitting the coupling balls to move clear of the stem, allowing the poppet valve to close, and preventing opening of the poppet valve upon the subsequent actuating of the nozzle handle.

Abstract: An automatic shutoff device of the type which makes use of a venturi to terminate the flow of a liquid into a container when the liquid in the container reaches the level of the discharge tube. A movable housing is operatively positioned downstream of a constrictive nozzle giving rise to the venturi and a consequent low pressure area; the movable housing substantially encompasses the low pressure area except that the downstream end of the housing is open and may serve as a discharge tube from which liquid flows into the container to be filled, the filling operation continues until such time as the level of the liquid reaches the level of the discharge tube at which time liquid is rapidly drawn into the low pressure area causing the housing to move in the downstream direction thereby overcoming the restoring force of an associated spring biased valve causing the valve to seat to thereby substantially terminate the flow of liquid.

Abstract: Flow through a vapor recovery nozzle is stopped when the liquid in a tank being filled reaches a predetermined level to cause a first diaphragm, which forms a wall of a first chamber, to move a latch release mechanism against the force of a single spring. Flow through the nozzle also is stopped when pressure in the tank being filled exceeds a predetermined pressure through movement of a second diaphragm, which is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first diaphragm and forms a wall of a second chamber connected by two separate passages to a vapor return passage communicating the tank with vapor recovery equipment, to cause movement of the latch release mechanism in the same direction and against the force of the same spring. The first diaphragm is prevented from moving in response to the pressure in the tank increasing. The exterior of each of the first and second diaphragms is exposed to ambient pressure.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle for gasoline or the like includes a valve seat, a poppet valve for controlling flow through the valve seat, a spring urging the poppet valve closed, a valve stem extending into the poppet valve, a handle engaging the valve stem for manually urging the poppet valve away from its seat and a high-level shut-off means for disabling the handle. The poppet valve assembly is constructed to lift one side of the poppet when the handle is initially lifted.

Abstract: An improved poppet valve constructed having a lower member partially mating and fitting within an upper portion is constructed in the shape of a top hat, and with the lower member having a formed shoulder upon which a gasket seats, and being biased thereagainst by means of the flanged upper portion of the valve, with a spring forcing these various components, including the gasket, against the valve seat of the body of the dispenser. An aperture is formed through the base member of the valve, and opens into that location between this base member and the upper portion of the poppet valve, thereby effectively venting any encapsulated air located between these two components, or to prevent the development of any vacuum therein.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle for dispensing gasoline includes a main valve, an actuating lever for operating the main valve, a plastic plunger to which the actuating lever for the nozzle is pivoted, and a sleeve slidably mounted on the lower end of the plunger for preventing breakage of the plunger. The sleeve includes a yoke part which surrounds both the end of the plunger and the end of the lever. A cast hand guard surrounds the yoke.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has liquid flow through its vapor return means automatically stopped when liquid has filled the vapor line sufficiently to move a first valve to block the vapor return line. This blocking of the vapor return line by the liquid increases the pressure in the tank being filled to cause stopping of liquid flow through the automatic shut-off nozzle. If the pressure in the tank increases beyond a predetermined pressure when the first valve is in its blocking position, the increased pressure is vented by a second valve, which is supported by the first valve, moving to an open position. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or to the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure even when there is no blocking of the vapor line by the first valve.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a fuel supplying nozzle having an ejection pipe for ejecting fuel and a supplying passage for supplying the fuel to the ejection pipe, an opening and closing valve provided in the supply passage, a nozzle lever for opening the opening and closing valve, locking mechanism for locking the opening and closing valve in an open state, negative pressure generating mechanism for generating negative pressure upon supply of the fuel outside through the ejection pipe, lock releasing mechanism for releasing the lock of the locking mechanism by the introduction of the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating mechanism, atmosphere introducing mechanism for introducing atmosphere into the lock releasing mechanism to neutralize the negative pressure, solenoid valve for interrupting the introduction of the atmosphere by the atmosphere introducing mechanism when no current is introduced, and allowing the introduction of the atmosphere by the atmosphere introducing me

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device in the form of a so-called piston valve for use with a gasoline pump comprises a valve housing having an inlet connected to the pump and an outlet; a valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet; a discharge pipe connected to said outlet; and a manually operable operating mechanism for controlling movement of said valve, which operating mechanism comprises adjustable means which can be moved between an engagement position and a free position.

Abstract: A liquid jet gas pump providing suction to recover vapor through a line connected to dispensing nozzle, the pump having chambers for collecting liquid carried by returning vapor and a float therein so that the float, when the amount of liquid collected in the chambers becomes too great, blocks the suction path through the pump thereby shutting off the dispensing nozzle. The pump also has an internal connection from a diaphragm chamber to an internal area which is substantially at atmospheric pressure during pump operation thereby eliminating the need for an access vent from the diaphragm chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has liquid flow through its vapor return means stopped in response to movement of an actuator by a flexible diaphragm when liquid has filled the vapor line sufficiently to move a float into engagement with the diaphragm. The actuator produces a signal to cause stopping of liquid flow through the nozzle. In another embodiment, a flexible diaphragm is positioned to block vapor flow through the vapor return means when a predetermined quantity of liquid is collected by the diaphragm. The blocking of the vapor return means creates an increased pressure, which can be sensed by a pressure transducer, for example, with the pressure transducer producing a signal to stop liquid flow through the nozzle. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or to the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has liquid flow through its vapor return automatically stopped when liquid has filled the vapor line sufficiently in a predetermined period of time to move a float valve to block the vapor return line. This blocking of the vapor return line by the liquid increases the pressure in the tank being filled to cause the automatic shut-off nozzle to stop liquid flow. If the pressure in the tank increases beyond a predetermined pressure when the float valve is in its blocking position, the increased pressure is vented. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or to the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure even when there is no blocking of the vapor line by the float valve.

Abstract: System for transferring a volatile liquid fuel from a common source, into one or more of a plurality of dispensing nozzles. The latter can be individually or simultaneously operated to service one or more vehicles. The system avoids passage of fuel vapors into the atmosphere during the transfer operation by providing a preferential path back into the fuel tank or other vapor storage devices through a central, vacuum assist apparatus. It further includes devices to avoid the inadvertent accumulation of condensate in the vapor lines by passing liquid around the vapor metering valve and directing it to a vapor receptacle.

Abstract: Liquid flow through an automatic shut-off nozzle is automatically stopped when the presence of liquid at a predetermined location in the vapor return means is sensed by an independent sensor arrangement. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle has a first venturi created between a seat ring and a movable, resiliently biased poppet valve. The resistance of the movable poppet valve is decreased as the flow rate increases by a second venturi effect, which reduces the pressure in a chamber formed within the movable poppet valve.

Abstract: A discharge spout tip for a fuel-dispensing nozzle wherein the outlet end of the tip has a cross-sectional area approximately equal to that of the discharge spout inwardly of the tip and wherein the tip has a downwardly sloping, upper surface for deflecting fuel flowing through the outlet end of the tip in a generally downward direction at an effective angle of deflection from the center line of the discharge spout so that the fuel flow is directed away from the upper surface of the fill pipe in order to prevent the formation of a liquid barrier in the fill pipe. By reducing or eliminating the liquid barrier in the fill pipe, the likelihood of occurrence of a spitback or spill is reduced. The fuel-deflecting surface of the tip may be formed by positioning a wedge-shaped projection on the upper surface of the tip, and alternately, the upper surface of the tip itself may slope downwardly from a point on said discharge spout to form a fuel-deflecting surface.

Abstract: An automatic shut off dispensing nozzle has a nozzle main body, a discharge pipe disposed down stream of the main body, a fluid passage provided substantially straight in the main body, a valve mechanism having an axial line crossing the fluid passage, a lever provided to the main body for the operation of the valve mechanism, a first sliding shaft interlocking with the lever and having the same axial line as that of the valve mechanism, a second sliding shaft provided on the same axial line of the first sliding shaft for the operation of the valve mechanism, rollers provided for causing engagement between each of the sliding shafts, a diaphragm for the retention of the rollers, a negative pressure chamber including the diaphragm, an apparatus for generating a negative pressure which is communicated to the negative pressure chamber, and an atmosphere introducing port provided in the discharge pipe which communicates with the negative pressure chamber.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has its valve, which controls liquid flow from its inlet to its outlet, arranged to provide a minimum flow rate to prevent recycling of fuel irrespective of the angle of the fill pipe.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for a closed system holding a volatile fuel. The nozzle is adapted to sealably engage the filler pipe of a fuel tank to avoid passage of fumes to the atmosphere during a fuel transfer operation. The nozzle will automatically discontinue fuel flow in response to a reduction in flow rate within the closed system, which would otherwise cause recycling of fuel through the nozzle and back to its source.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has a venturi effect, which causes automatic shut off of the liquid flow through the nozzle body by causing a main poppet valve to be closed when the tank is filled, created by two aligned passages of different diameters in either the resiliently biased bleeder poppet valve, which opens in response to the pressure of the fluid flowing through the nozzle body, or the seat ring for the bleeder poppet valve. The smaller diameter passage has the liquid enter its inlet with the liquid exiting through the outlet of the larger diameter passage with the larger diameter passage also communicating with the vacuum chamber in which the vacuum is increased by the venturi when the tank is filled to cause automatic closing of the main poppet valve in the nozzle body.

Abstract: In an automatic shut-off nozzle, the vacuum chamber, which has its vacuum increased when flow through the nozzle is to be stopped in response to a predetermined condition such as the tank being filled to a predetermined level, for example, has the reduction in the vacuum therein controlled so that the automatic shut-off mechanism cannot be returned to its latching position by the attendant for a predetermined period of time after having been activated. A check valve allows removal of air from the chamber to increase the vacuum in response to the predetermined condition while preventing flow of air into the chamber. The flow of air into the chamber to reduce the vacuum therein must be through metering means so that a predetermined period of time must elapse until the vacuum in the chamber has been reduced by the air flow through the metering means to enable the shut-off mechanism to be latched.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid into a container in which a first passage is formed in a housing for permitting direct flow of fluid from an inlet to an outlet associated with the housing and a second passage receives a portion of the fluid and includes an eductor for creating a vacuum in the housing. A valve member is disposed in the housing and is normally biased into a closed position to close the passage. A manually operable lever is adapted to open the valve member and is controlled by a linkage mechanism responsive to the vacuum. A diaphragm seal is associated with the valve member for preventing leakage of fluid through the valve mechanism.

Abstract: Liquid flow through an automatic shut-off nozzle is automatically stopped when liquid is present at a predetermined location in the vapor return means. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Vapors displaced from a volatile liquid container, such as a vehicle's fuel tank, during refilling of the container are recovered by a system employing a liquid jet gas pump to produce a suction in a vapor removal conduit. The liquid jet gas pump draws the vapors through the vapor conduit at a velocity which is sufficient to remove any liquids in the conduit, thereby preventing blockage of the conduit. Valving arrangements in the liquid jet gas pump make the system compatible with leak detection devices and regulate the vacuum in the vapor conduit to a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A control system for a gasoline dispensing nozzle which includes a locking system for placing the nozzle in an inoperative mode once the nozzle automatically shuts off. Resetting of the locking system is then required before operation of the nozzle can again be commenced. The locking system includes a biased member which maintains the automatic shut-off system in its disabling mode once it disables the nozzle. This locking system is designed primarily for use on a dispensing nozzle with a vapor receiving system and is used to discourage an operator of the nozzle from overfilling a gasoline tank, which results in increasing the risk of spilling gasoline or forcing gasoline back through the vapor return line. An alternative embodiment using magnetic locking means is also provided.An actuator for the resetting operation is also provided for limiting the number of times the locking system can be reset during each filling operation.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing nozzle is provided with a liquid discharge tube and a vapor recovery tube, both of which are adapted to be inserted into the fill pipe of a tank such as a motor vehicle gasoline tank. While gasoline or other volatile liquid is discharged through the discharge tube, a substantially equal volume of vapor is withdrawn through the vapor recovery tube to a pneumatic pump portion of a hydraulic motor-pneumatic pump device. Gasoline flowing through a hydraulic motor therein drives the pneumatic pump, which is operably connected to the hydraulic motor to be driven in synchrony therewith. The volume of vapor withdrawn from the fuel tank is adjusted to be approximately equal to the volume of liquid discharged, such that the pressure inside the tank is substantially atmospheric, and the end of the fill pipe of the tank may be sealed to prevent vapor from escaping or air from being drawn into the tank.

Abstract: Fuel vapors displaced from a vehicle's fuel tank during refueling are recovered by a system employing a liquid jet pump to produce a suction. A minor portion of a conventional fuel pump's output is diverted from the usual metering-and-dispensing conduits, passed through the jet pump, and then recycled to the fuel reservoir which supplies the fuel pump. The familiar fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with passages for conveying vapors away from the vehicle fuel tank. A vapor conduit links those passages with the jet pump thereby aspirating the displaced vapors to the jet pump and, ultimately, the fuel reservoir. Valving arrangements in the nozzle's vapor passages are suited for use with various vapor recovery systems, as is a mechanism which automatically interrupts the dispensing of fuel when there arises a danger of either fuel or vapor escaping from the vehicle's tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are various improvements in the vapor handling arrangements of a conventional fuel dispensing nozzle. In particular, there is shown a vapor shut-off valve that can override a vapor pressure regulator valve to seal the vapor conduit when fuel is not being dispensed; a magnetic sealing arrangement for preventing escape of vapor at the mouth of the vehicle fuel tank; and a relief valving arrangement to protect both the nozzle and the vehicle tank against excessive pressure conditions.

Abstract: A valve system for the vapor receiving system of a gasoline dispensing nozzle which acts to prevent the flow of liquid gasoline into the vapor return line in the event that the automatic shut-off system of the nozzle fails to turn the nozzle off. The valve system has a valve seat located at the point where the vapor return line connects to the vapor receiving system and a floating member suspended below the valve seat in such a manner that when the vapor receiving chamber fills with gasoline, the floating member covers the valve seat so that no gasoline flows back through the vapor return line. A shield can also be provided to prevent closure of the floating member by the normal flow of vapors.

Abstract: An automatic nozzle having a spout which is releasably connected to the body of the nozzle in a manner so that it may be forceably removed therefrom without damage to the connecting means as well as the spout.

Abstract: An automatic nozzle assembly for the dispensing of gasoline and similar liquids and of simple, efficient and low cost construction. A stem extends into a housing and is actuated by a handle. The stem extends through a check valve which closes a downstream opening in a valve seat secured in the housing. A poppet valve is disposed about the valve stem and closes the upstream side of the opening in the valve seat to prevent fluid flow therethrough. A yoke is disposed about the upper end of the poppet valve and balls are disposed in openings in the poppet valve and are forced into engagement with the top of the stem whereby the poppet valve moves upwardly with the stem and whereby the yoke may be moved to allow the balls out of engagement with the stem whereby the poppet valve may close independently of movement of the stem.

Abstract: In order to prevent malfunctioning of an automatic liquid fuel dispensing nozzle which is being used for vapor recovery while dispensing, the pressure inside the tank (into which liquid fuel is being dispensed) is used as a reference pressure for the actuating diaphragm of the nozzle cut-off arrangement, rather than using atmospheric pressure for this purpose.