With Flue Or Vent Externally Returning To Supply Patents (Class 141/290)
  • Patent number: 5415196
    Abstract: A vapor pressure control system for controlling the vapor pressure in a fuel storage tank is provided which comprises a cooling chamber for cooling the fuel vapor, wherein the temperature of the cooling chamber is maintained at a point slightly above the freezing point of water. Vapor intake and return lines provide for communication of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. A fan interposed in the intake line causes the circulation of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. The fan is operated by a pressure sensitive switch which causes the fan to run when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure falls below a certain minimum level, and which causes the fan to stop when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure rises above a certain, maximum level. The fan is shut off by a temperature sensitive switch when the ambient temperature approaches the freezing point of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventors: Billy O. Bryant, Glen C. Bryant, Douglas D. Drube, Shannon L. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5398737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting mechanism for connecting a vessel (5) through the intermediary of a connecting element (3) to a liquid container (6) of an anaesthetic liquid vaporizing apparatus (1), the connecting element including two ducts (23, 24) extending therethrough, the anaesthetic liquid being carried along one (23) of said ducts between vessel (5) and liquid container (6) and the gas displaced by the liquid being carried along the other duct (24) between vessel and liquid container in the direction opposite to that of the liquid, and the connecting mechanism including an attachment point (2) for fixing said connecting element (3) and a transmission element (10) for operating a shut-off device (13), the shut-off device being capable of closing or opening a flow communication between vessel (5) and the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Instrumentarium Corporation
    Inventors: Erkki Heinonen, Jukka Kankkunen
  • Patent number: 5343905
    Abstract: An automotive type fuel tank has a fuel fill pipe with automatic pressure responsive fuel shutoff means, and a vapor vent assembly. The assembly has a small tube extending down through the top of the tank to below the normal fuel level of a full tank. The lower end is upturned and extends upwardly to a point near the top of the tank with a large orifice opening to vent vapors freely therethrough through the tube. A small orifice is drilled in the bottom of the tube at the bend to slowly bleed fuel into the tube as the tank fills until the fuel level blocks the vent of fuel vapors, resulting in a shutoff of the fill fuel. During operations other than filling, the small orifice prevents/minimizes expulsion of liquid fuel out the vent tube. A weighted ball further seals against fuel leakage upon vehicle or tank rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: William S. Gryc, Chester Cox
  • Patent number: 5327944
    Abstract: Fuel dispensing nozzles, and vapor flow control assemblies useful with such nozzles, are constructed to maximize the possibility of collecting all of the hydrocarbon vapors displaced from the vehicle tank and upward through the fillpipe towards the atmospheric opening during filling of the tank with fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 5327945
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing spout for use in a fuel dispensing nozzle is provided. The fuel dispensing spout includes an inner cylindrical member and a concentric outer cylindrical member. The inner and outer cylindrical members are joined by a series of ribs which divide the space between the inner and outer members into a plurality of longitudinally and continually extending subchannels. Some of the subchannels are utilized for vapor recovery during operation of the spout, while one of the subchannels is utilized in detecting pressure increases in captured air contained therein as fuel dispensation takes place. The inside passageway defined by the inner cylindrical member is used for carrying fuel that is to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Saber Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: W. Dwain Simpson, James H. Pyle
  • Patent number: 5301721
    Abstract: The underground secondary containment and simultaneous vapor return piping system is adapted for use at a fuel service station which includes a fuel dispenser, a fuel nozzle and nozzle vapor return structure at a dispensing island, an underground fuel storage tank and a primary fuel delivery pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: John P. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5289857
    Abstract: A plurality of hydrocarbon storage tanks, each storage tank has a) a fill conduit, b) a vapor recovery conduit and c) a vent line. The vent lines of the hydrocarbon storage tanks are directly connected to the vapor recovery risers and a manifold bar is connected to every vent line. The system allows for the maximum recovery of vapors during simultaneous filling of at least three storage tanks. The system also includes a vapor recovery pipe connected to at least one of the vent lines for receiving the vapor recovered from the vapor-recovery unit of hydrocarbon nozzles which dispense hydrocarbons to automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Pyles
  • Patent number: 5287898
    Abstract: A filling device for anesthetic vaporizers, with a connection piece which can be connected to a connection opening of an anesthetic reservoir in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner. Leakage of anesthetic gas or liquid anesthetic can be avoided during the filling especially of low-boiling anesthetics by providing the reservoir 10 with a seal 17, which closes the connection opening 9 at least in a liquid-tight manner and can be opened by a projection 5 which is arranged on the connection piece 2 and extends into the interior space of the connection opening 9, as soon as the connection piece 2 is sealed off from the surroundings against the connection opening 9 by a sealing element 15 in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Falb, Karl-Ludwig Gippert, Ulrich Heim, Uvo Holscher, Siegfried Kiske, Gotz Kullik, Ralf-Ernst Loser, Christoph Maurer
  • Patent number: 5284187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventor: Louis Schmit
  • Patent number: 5265652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Couple-Up, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Brunella
  • Patent number: 5259423
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized. Furthermore, a process for distributing toxic chemicals is disclosed which provides full control over the chemicals being distributed and prevents unwanted spillages, misuse, and mishandling of the chemicals in an unpressurized, gravity fed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5244021
    Abstract: A container includes a fill cap, with a delivery conduit directed exteriorly of the fill cap, with a lower distal end within the container adjacent a floor of the container. The delivery conduit is arranged to include a delivery tube end member that includes a forward portion with a collar thereabout, including an outer conduit adjacent an inner central conduit, and the outer conduit is vented rearwardly of the collar for venting of fumes within a delivery fuel tank. A pressurizing squeeze bulb is in pneumatic communication interiorly of the container to effect pressurizing of fuel and fluid contained therewithin for direction through the delivery conduit, wherein the delivery conduit may further include a shut-off valve to cease fuel flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Ernest F. Hau
  • Patent number: 5238031
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Klaus Baeumer, Juergen Neubert
  • Patent number: 5207249
    Abstract: A liquid jet gas pump is connected to a vapor return line for a plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles. The jet pump has a multi-jet orifice plate and a single diffuser tube is coaxially aligned with the orifices in the plate, all of the jets entering the single diffuser tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 5184654
    Abstract: A sealing unit effects a connection between a loading boom and a manhole on a tank car. Liquids are delivered through the boom into the tank car. Vapors displaced from the tank are transmitted, through the sealing unit, to conduit means, which enable disposal of the vapors without contaminating the atmosphere. The unit comprises an upper plate which rests on the manhole. A sleeve is connected at its upper end to the upper plate and, at its lower end, to a lower plate. A pneumatic motor is actuated to draw the lower plate upwardly. When this occurs, the sleeve is bulged outwardly into sealing engagement with the manhole. Column springs are provided to assure that the central portion of the sleeve will bulge outwardly and provide sealing engagement with manholes of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce M. Benzing
  • Patent number: 5179984
    Abstract: An underground storage tank system has an internal retained capacity area for receiving excess liquid from a filling operation. The storage tank system comprises a rigid storage tank, a fill pipe, a vapor recovery tube, a vent line, a dispensing line, and a trapped vapor release valve. A vapor recovery extension tube and vent extension line each extend into the storage tank. The uppermost of the lower end of the vapor recovery extension tube and lower end of the vent extension line within the storage tank defines a horizontal plane above which is an internal retained capacity area. The trapped vapor release valve is closed during a filling operation so that eventually a build up of pressure occurs within the retained capacity area to prevent further flow of liquid to the retained capacity area of the tank. Opening of the trapped vapor release valve relieves the pressure in the retained capacity area thereby allowing excess liquid in the fill pipe and delivery hose to drain into the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5123817
    Abstract: A vapor exhaust system including a volumeter 5 to which an air pump 7 has been coupled mechanically so that the volume of a certain amount of pumped liquid corresponds to the amount of air pumped from a fuel tank. A translatory or rotary motion provides the signal to maintain this correspondence, in which case the drive shaft 10 of the volumeter 5 is coupled to the air pump which may be executed as a gear pump. If desired, the coupling may be executed as a gear transmission 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Koppens Automatic Fabrieken B.V.
    Inventor: Henricus J. A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 5078187
    Abstract: An underground storage tank system has an internal retained capacity area for receiving excess liquid from a filling operation. The storage tank system comprises a rigid storage tank, fill pipe, vent line, vent extension line, dispensing line, and trapped vapor release valve. The vent extension line extends into the storage tank. The lower end of the vent extension line within the storage tank defines a horizontal plane above which is an internal retained capacity area. The trapped vapor release valve is closed during a filling operation so that eventually a build up or pressure occurs within the retained capacity area to prevent further flow of liquid to the tank. Opening of the trapped vapor release valve relieves the pressure in the retained capacity area thereby allowing excess liquid in the fill pipe and delivery hose to drain into the rigid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5072912
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated vent valve for venting the headspace of a fuel storage tank such as generally cylindrical a gasoline delivery truck includes a housing, sealingly mounted in the top of the tank and having a central passage opening at its lower end into the headspace of the tank and opening at its upper end, at the anterior of the tank into a hood. A pneumatic motor cylinder defining a piston chamber closed at its upper end is integrally formed with the housing coaxial to the central passage and a piston rod projecting downwardly from the piston chamber carries a valve head at its lower end disposed below the lower end of the housing. The valve head is normally biased upwardly into sealed engagement with a valve seal at the lower end of the central passage by three (or more) springs biased guide rods symmetrically disposed about the central passage wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Leo J. LeBlanc, Bruce R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5058636
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5042536
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with a liquid such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine includes a turntable having a surface to support a plurality of open top cans and a reservoir containing a liquid is spaced above the supporting surface. A plurality of filling heads are mounted on the reservoir and serve to dispense the liquid into the individual cans. Each filling head includes a spring loaded cylindrical tulip adapted to seal against the upper edge of the can and a vent tube and fill tube are disposed concentrically within the tulip. The lower end of the vent tube communicates with the can while the upper end is sealed against the surface of the reservoir and when the sealing engagement is released the vent tube communicates with the headspace of the reservoir. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve that controls flow of liquid from the reservoir into the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: H & K Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich H. Petri, Friedrich Rademacher, Siegmar Sindermann
  • Patent number: 5038838
    Abstract: A system for safe vapor recovery, particularly for fuel filling installations, in which a positive displacement pump effects controlled drawing of a vapor-air mixture into a vapor return pipe which extends to the bottom of the underground tank of the installation. The system is provided with a non-return valve downstream of the pump and a special circuit for effecting the controlled in-drawing based on the quantity of fuel delivered, the difference in temperature between the underground tank and the recovered mixture, and especially on the density of the mixture, by which its degree of explosiveness is determined. Structure are also provided for preventing or limiting explosion propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Nuovopignone-Industrie Meccaniche E Fonderia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Bergamini, Ernesto Paris
  • Patent number: 5018558
    Abstract: An underground storage tank system has an internal retained capacity area for receiving excess liquid from a filling operation. The storage tank system comprises a rigid storage tank, a coaxial fill line with a fill pipe and an outer concentric vapor recovery tube, a vent line, a dispensing line, and a trapped vapor release valve. A vapor recovery extension tube and vent extension line each extend into the storage tank. The uppermost of the lower end of the vapor recovery extension tube and lower end of the vent extension line within the rigid tank defines a horizontal plane above which is an internal retained capacity area. The trapped vapor release valve is closed during a filling operation so that eventually a build up of pressure occurs within the retained capacity area to prevent further flow of liquid to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4971121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Guertin
  • Patent number: 4938261
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with a liquid such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine includes a turntable having a surface to support a plurality of open top cans and a reservoir containing a liquid is spaced above the supporting surface. A plurality of filling heads are mounted on the reservoir and serve to dispense the liquid into the individual cans. Each filling head includes a spring loaded cylindrical tulip adapted to seal against the upper edge of the can and a vent tube and fill tube are disposed concentrically within the tulip. The lower end of the vent tube communicates with the can while the upper end is sealed against the surface of the reservoir and when the sealing engagement is released the vent tube communicates with the headspace of the reservoir. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve that controls flow of liquid from the reservoir into the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: H & K Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich H. Petri, Friedrich Rademacher, Siegmar Sindermann
  • Patent number: 4926915
    Abstract: An ampul comprising a container having a reduced neck which supports an integral closure part that is removable by tearing away frangible portions. The neck can be sealingly applied over the seating cone of a hypodermic syringe whereby the syringe and ampul are firmly joined as one unit. The ampul is preferably produced as a single piece of a thermoplastic synthetic such as polypropylene whereby the ampul neck has sufficient elastic ductility to be elastically expanded by applying it to the seating cone of the syringe, thereby to assure a firm coherence. To permit air to enter to container when suctioning off the ampul contents, the ampul neck has on its inside an axial ventilating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Stella KG Werner Deussen
    Inventors: Heino Deussen, Werner Deussen
  • Patent number: 4867212
    Abstract: A safety arrangement for filling and emptying an anesthetic vaporizer via a supply vessel connected thereto includes a movable tube-shaped conducting member having first and second ends. A vessel-connecting piece is provided on its first end and an index member is provided on its second end for engaging a vaporizer. The tubular-shaped conducting member has a ventilating channel separate from the filling channel and the safety arrangement is improved with respect to its use characteristics. This improvement is obtained in that a joint piece is connected to the second end of the tubular conducting member intended for the vaporizer. An index member is rotatably journalled in the joint piece and contains respective line segments of the filling channel and the ventilating channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Mohr, Wolfgang Falb, Carl-Friedrich Wallroth
  • Patent number: 4828183
    Abstract: A butterfly valve provided within a disconnect of a fluid flow line, such as in a fuel dispensing system, incorporating a pair of decoupling members, at least one or a pair of butterfly valves mounted within and in proximity with location for disconnection of the conduit, the butterfly valve incorporating a valve disk held by a retainer and which is spring biased for snapping into closure against its valve seat, when disconnection occurs, to prevent the further flow of fuel from the conduit, or in the instance where a pair of the butterfly valves of this design, are incorporated proximate each of the disconnect members, upon severance of the conduit or hose at this location, effecting an immediate closure of both butterfly valves, preventing the discharge of any further fluid from the remaining separated parts of the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4825914
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle construction and method of making the same are provided, the construction comprising a valve body having a dipensing 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 means for engaging an annular lip of a fill pipe of a fluid storage tank to seal around an opening in the fill pipe when the spout is inserted therein, the spout and the tube defining a vapor recovery passage therebetween that leads from the seal means to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Donald L. Leininger
  • Patent number: 4776615
    Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle is connected to a fuel hose and to a vapor recovery hose. A ball and socket connection attaches each hose to the nozzle to permit the nozzle to swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Pomeco Corporation
    Inventor: Randall K. Young
  • Patent number: 4671773
    Abstract: A marine propulsion installation comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be pivotally mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an engine connected to the propeller, a fuel conduit having a first end communicating with the engine for supplying fuel thereto, and a second end, a fuel tank defining a fuel chamber adapted to contain fuel, and a coupling apparatus including a first member mounted on the fuel tank and including an air ventilation passage communicating with the fuel chamber, a valve member movable between a closed position and an open position for respectively closing and opening the air ventilation passage, a pivotal lever movable between a first position and second position for respectively moving the valve member from the closed position to the open position, a spring for biasing the lever to the first position, and a first fuel pasageway including a first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Friedle, Richard P. Kolb
  • Patent number: 4649969
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing nozzle has a check valve mounted adjacent the front of the nozzle body to seal an annular vapor return passage, which is between the spout and a bellows, to prevent communication through vapor return passages in the nozzle to the vapor recovery equipment unless the spout is disposed in the fill pipe of a vehicle tank. One of the elements of the check valve for forming this seal is mounted on the spout and the other is mounted on a member, which is slidably supported by the nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. McMath
  • Patent number: 4649970
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen M. Bower, Robert D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4592386
    Abstract: An underground liquid storage tank that limits the filling of the tank to prevent it from being completely filled and to prevent spills from occurring when the tank is filled. The tank includes, in general, a hollow body having a plurality of standard openings through the top thereof for a fill pipe, a vent line, vapor recovery piping, pump system, gauges, etc. A cylindrical skirt is located within the interior of the body conterminous with each of the standard openings to cause an air "pocket" to be left in the top of the hollow body when the tank is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Inventor: Joseph R. Mooney
  • Patent number: 4502516
    Abstract: A fuel tank filler including a positive vapor return vent system that prevents substantial loss of vapor or liquid is provided using an arrangement of relatively light weight and low cost coupling members. A guide provided together with the arrangement of the couplings requires connection of the vent coupling before the fill pipe is connected and until it is disconnected so that fuel cannot be added unless the return vent is operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Shields
  • Patent number: 4428395
    Abstract: A lock apparatus for attachment to the top of an input pipe communicating with a storage tank includes an open-ended cylindrical housing for mounting to the top of the input pipe, a valve assembly pivotally mounted in the housing with a valve activating axle protruding through an orifice in the housing, and a locking mechanism. The valve assembly includes at least one valve plate with a seal member provided around the edge of the valve plate for sealing the space between the edge of the valve plate and the cylindrical housing when the valve assembly is closed. The locking mechanism includes a latch pivotally attached to the protruding end of the axle, a lock flange attached to the outside of the housing and a tamper prevention flange above and in linear alignment with the axle and the latch to prevent unauthorized tampering with the axle and attached latch. The latch may be coupled to the lock flange and locked to maintain the valve in the closed position across the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 4320788
    Abstract: Apparatus for the bulk delivery of a volatile liquid including a mobile delivery vessel having at least one compartment for the bulk storage of the volatile liquid. Each compartment has a liquid outlet controlled by a remotely controllable liquid outlet valve and a vapor inlet controlled by a remotely controllable vapor inlet valve. The opening and closing of these valves are interlocked and, optionally, the closing of the vapor inlet valve is delayed a predetermined time after the closing of the liquid outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Frank K. Lord
  • Patent number: 4306594
    Abstract: A balanced system for transferring a volatile liquid fuel into a tank therefor while avoiding passage of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. Vacuum assist means is provided in the system to compensate for lack of integrity of the fit between a removable fuel dispensing nozzle and the tank filler tube. The system includes a vapor pump to carry vapor from the tank being filled, and a valved bypass means to conduct liquid away without impairing vapor passage. The system also includes a check valve in the vapor passage to prevent escape of vapors during periods of non-use. The system further includes a trim valve connecting the vapor pump outlet to the vapor pump inlet so that the desired vapor/liquid exchange ratio can be attained during calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Planck
  • Patent number: 4295504
    Abstract: The valve in the vapor recovery conduit of a gasoline dispenser system is located between the hose portion of the vapor recovery conduit and the rigid portion thereof to free the nozzle of all valves and to make room for a retainer spring on the nozzle, thereby substantially reducing the weight of the nozzle, making it easier to handle, and protecting the valve from wear. A long nozzle sealing the boot which provides a good vapor seal with light pressure (e.g. 15 pounds) eliminates the need for an interlock on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Detlev E. M. Hasselmann
  • Patent number: 4290463
    Abstract: A loading arm having dual inboard and outboard arms and dual connections for connecting the arm to a tank in which provision is made for the loading arm to be connected to side-by-side flanges on the tank and to provide for movement of the connecting system in three mutually perpendicular planes relative to the outboard arm of the loading arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company
    Inventors: Bernard J. DeGeorge, Dean E. Hermanson, Carlos Tomas
  • Patent number: 4260000
    Abstract: A system for concurrently transferring a volatile liquid fuel from a source thereof into a fuel tank, while receiving vapors which are displaced from the tank during the inflow of the liquid fuel. Included in the system is a vacuum assist arrangement capable of imposing a vacuum condition on the vapor return line to avoid passage of vapors to the atmosphere. The liquid phase of the system includes a liquid flow regulator adapted to establish a desirable flow rate. Further, a vapor restrictor interposed in the vapor section of the system includes means to both throttle and regulate the vapor flow whereby to establish a favorable vapor:liquid ratio during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. McGahey, Eugene W. Vest
  • Patent number: 4252583
    Abstract: For powder filling of cables, in a fluidized powder bed, it has been proposed to pass the cable core through the bed in a substantially closed condition. There is a limit to the number of conductors a core can have for effective filling. In the present invention the cable core is opened up into a number of core units by passing through an opening member. The opening member is freely ridable on the cable core and has a hole for each unit. The opener is held against a support member and an air bearing formed between the two members. Air is also usually fed to the holes in the opener member through which the core units pass to prevent flow of powder out from the bed. The opening member can be positioned in the fluidized bed or outside immediately prior to passage of the cable core through the bed. The units are each in a substantially closed condition in the bed and the units close to a single core also in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: John N. Garner
  • Patent number: 4233922
    Abstract: An improved fluid transfer system for a tanker vessel adapted for the transportation of fluid chemical and petroleum products in water. The vessel includes a hull comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck, a plurality of watertight cargo compartments disposed within the hull between the top deck and the hull bottom for receiving the fluid products, cargo expansion trunks coupled to and opening downwardly into each of the cargo compartments, branch vent lines coupled to the cargo expansion trunks and including pressure/vacuum relief valves, and a longitudinally disposed trunk vent line including a pressure/vacuum relief valve coupled to the branch vent lines and communicative with the atmosphere for venting contaminated gases formed by the fluid products and contained within the cargo compartments of the vessel from the cargo compartments through the cargo expansion trunks and the branch vent lines to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Inventor: Charles S. Conway
  • Patent number: 4223706
    Abstract: A system for transferring a volatile liquid fuel into a tank therefor, while avoiding passage of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. Vacuum assist means is provided including a reciprocatory, fuel actuated tandem motor and pump combination, to assure maintenance of a condition in the system which will prompt removal of fuel vapors from the tank being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. McGahey
  • Patent number: 4197883
    Abstract: A fuel system in which a fuel dispensing nozzle removably and sealably engages a fuel tank. Pressure sensing means in the nozzle monitors the degree of vacuum established adjacent to the nozzle seal, and in response thereto, actuates a vacuum control apparatus. The latter then functions by regulating the volume of vapor flow withdrawn from the fuel tank, to maintain a desired degree of vacuum adjacent to said seal whereby to avoid or minimize the intake of air into the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4167957
    Abstract: An improvement in a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system is disclosed. The improvement senses and responds to the presence of liquid flowing in the vapor passageway of the system and, as preferred, to the existence of an abnormal pressure in a liquid receiver with which the system is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Frederick L. Voelz, Peter P. Moskovich, William J. Kosinski
  • Patent number: 4167958
    Abstract: An improvement in a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system is disclosed. The improvement senses and responds to the presence of fuel flowing in the vapor passageways of the system and to the existence of a safe maximum pressure in a vehicle fuel tank with which the system is utilized. The improvement draws power from the movement of liquid fuel in the liquid fuel dispensing passageway of the system through the action of an aspirator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Frederick L. Voelz
  • Patent number: 4090539
    Abstract: A fuel hose assembly having an inner and outer hose that have their respective ends secured to a coupling member that retains their ends in spaced apart positions thereby defining separate passageway while permitting the hoses to rotate relative to each other. The coupling member has means for rotating the fuel hose assembly relative to their connection to a fuel dispensing pump and vapor recovery system such that the one hose will convey the liquid fuel while the other hose will convey the fuel vapors that are displaced from the tank being filled with the liquid fuel. Sensing means are provided to prevent the flow of the liquid fuel via the vapor recovery passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Carroll Peter Krupp
  • Patent number: 4072934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting blockages in one or more vapor flow lines such as vapor recovery lines used in liquid gasoline dispensing systems. The method and apparatus operate by sensing pressure in vapor flow lines and determining whether the frequency of the variations in the filtered rate of change with time of the pressure signal exceeds a preset limit indicating vapor bubbling through a liquid blockage. The method and apparatus also operate to determine whether the pressure signal exceeds a preset limit indicating a blockage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Wylain, Inc.
    Inventors: Trueman W. Hiller, David C. Hamstra
  • Patent number: 4068687
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Inventor: Robert A. Long