Miscellaneous (e.g., Filling Heads) Patents (Class 141/392)
  • Patent number: 7607459
    Abstract: A nozzle attachment for a conventional pump nozzle for preventing dripping or leaking of liquid after a pre-determined amount of liquid has been dispensed. The attachment is configured for telescopically mounting on a dispensing end of a standard pump nozzle. The nozzle attachment has a hollow body and a spring-mounted valve moving in the hollow body between a normally closed position and an open position, allowing a flow of liquid, such as gasoline fuel, to be dispensed through a central opening of the nozzle attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: John S. Treen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7594616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles. The discharge nozzle has a flow control device. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from at least one perforated plate. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum pressure on a decaying portion of a stream of liquid right in the center of the outlet of the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Evergreen Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Hupp
  • Publication number: 20090223597
    Abstract: A device that is placed over an inlet of a fuel tank for an automobile, motorcycles, watercraft or other vehicle, that prevents the overflow of fuel during the filling of the fuel tank. The device allows the user to completely fill the gasoline or fuel tank on the vehicles without getting their hands soiled. The device comprises an upper portion that accepts a fuel pump nozzle, an inner core that captures fuel fumes and provides for pressure build up inside the fuel tank, and a lower portion that is designed to engage the fuel tank opening. The upper portion and inner core are generally the same on each embodiment. The lower portion of the different embodiments, however, are specifically designed to adapt to different types of fuel tank openings, including flush mounted and indented gas tank inlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Castro
  • Publication number: 20090218009
    Abstract: A fuel filling device that includes, but is not limited to a filling head and a filling pipe disposed between fuel tank and filling head, has a further guiding tube having a front end viewed in the direction of insertion and a rear end viewed in the direction of insertion, which is disposed inside the filling pipe, and the front end is disposed directly below the filling head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Dieter RONGSTOCK
  • Patent number: 7581572
    Abstract: A valve assembly disposed in a nozzle of a fuel-dispensing pump that, when in an open, operative position, freely allows fuel to flow therethrough. In a closed position, fuel is prevented from dripping from the end of the fuel-dispensing nozzle. A first embodiment provides a spherical or flat, spring-loaded one-way sealing element or check valve that is forced away from the dispensing end of the nozzle to allow fuel to flow therefrom. When fuel dispensing is complete, the check valve seals the nozzle. In a second embodiment, apertures in a cap are rotated between an open and a closed orientation to allow or block fuel passage depending upon their angular position. The valve assembly is press fitted into a conventional fuel-dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Janet M. Sutera, Kenneth A. Lyman, Steven Palmatier
  • Patent number: 7575028
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with fuel activated levers that engage the vehicle fill pipe to prevent drive-off without paying. Fuel pump pressure acts on plungers to pivot fill pipe levers, against spring pressure, to lock the two together. Movement of the levers is initially prevented by a trigger that is spring biased forward on the nozzle spout. Since the fill pipe is not large enough to pass the trigger, insertion of the spout into the fill pipe moves the trigger against spring pressure to uncover the levers. The levers are locked to the fill pipe as long as pump pressure is present. Removal of fuel pressure allows the levers to be withdrawn by spring action. A breakaway joint is provided to stop fuel flow in the event of drive-off with the fuel nozzle in a fuel filled pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas G. Thorpe, Norwood Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20090194197
    Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for connecting a gas feeding device to introduce a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle comprises a base and at least one gas filling port, in which the gas filling port comprises a foundation, an elastic element and a fixing element for fixing the elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Yung-Shun Pan, Yu-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090145519
    Abstract: In a droplet ejection apparatus for forming a conductive pattern with a conductive pattern formation ink comprised of a water-based dispersion medium and metal particles dispersed in the water-based dispersion medium by an ink jet method, the droplet ejection apparatus includes a droplet ejection head having a reservoir with ink chambers for storing the conductive pattern formation ink and a plurality of nozzles from which droplets of the conductive pattern formation ink are to be ejected by the ink jet method. A filling liquid is used instead of the conductive pattern formation ink for filling the reservoir and the ink chambers to prevent the reservoir and the ink chambers from being dried when the droplet ejection apparatus is not used for a certain period of time. The filing liquid is comprised of the water-based dispersion medium, a sugar alcohol A and a surfactant A. The filling liquid can be easily and reliably replaced with the conductive pattern formation ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoyuki TOYODA
  • Publication number: 20090114310
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprises a cannula which is externally wrapped by a coaxial jacket so as the cannula can keep a plurality of angular positions with respect to the jacket, the cannula being provided with a first opening and the jacket being provided with a second opening, the second opening being arranged for cooperating with the first opening to define a breather passage through the jacket and through the cannula, the first opening and the second opening being shaped so as to define a longitudinal position for the breather passage, the longitudinal position depends on a relative angular position between the jacket and the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SIDEL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Lucio Conforti
  • Patent number: 7523771
    Abstract: A filling valve apparatus for a beverage filling machine includes a primary valve portion. A replacement valve portion is coupled to the primary valve portion. A release mechanism is slideably mounted to the primary valve portion. The release mechanism selectively couples the replacement valve portion to the primary valve portion, and the release mechanism is moveable between an engaged position securing the replacement valve portion to the primary valve portion and a disengaged position releasing the replacement valve portion from the primary valve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: ADCOR Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Demetrios Stavrakis, Michael J. Brown, Edwin K. Ruble
  • Publication number: 20090101231
    Abstract: A filling device for container filling machines including an exchangeable centering socket for a mouth of a container, a bayonet joint for mounting the centering socket to the filling device, and at least one permanent magnet for removably fixing the centering socket in a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Stefan Poeschl, Rupert Meinzinger
  • Publication number: 20090095373
    Abstract: In a fuel filling assembly to fill diesel fuel into a vehicle tank, having a slotted actuation bush (40), the actuation bush is fitted at its end facing the fuel tank with a drive segment on at least one side of said gap, and the actuation bush is configured in floating manner in a jar-like housing (30). A closure mechanism (50) is mounted at the actuation bush (40) end facing the fuel tank and is designed to constitute, in its closed position, a stop for an inserted fuel pump nozzle. The drive segment of the actuation bush engages the closure mechanism, whereby this closure mechanism is displaced out of the closed into the open position when the diesel fuel pump nozzle expands the actuation bush, the closure mechanism in its closed position closing in approximately sealing manner the passage to said tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gerald Correira, Andrew Mine
  • Publication number: 20090084466
    Abstract: An automobile gas tank adaptor includes a cylindrical element having a bottom with an aperture and a side wall extending outwardly from the bottom. A plurality of spaced apart holes are disposed in a radial pattern in the bottom about the aperture and at least one pin protruding from the bottom is aligned with the holes in the radial pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: JAMES R. QUIGG
  • Publication number: 20090078336
    Abstract: A plastic adapter for fuel tanks. The adapter includes crimping lugs for fixing the adapter to a pipe or an opening in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Inergy Auto. Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrice Baudoux
  • Publication number: 20090056844
    Abstract: A protective auxiliary fuel pump handle for pumping gasoline comprises an interior semi-circumferential wrapping means made of semi-rigid material for shape retention and appropriate fit on top of a gas station fuel pump handle. It includes an exterior handle means that is of a single embodiment made of flexible material. Said interior wrapping means and said exterior handle means are adhered to each other by means of adhesive or similar fastening means. Optionally, said interior wrapping means and said exterior handle means can be manufactured monolithically so long as the two materials can achieve their separate, appropriate flexibility/rigidity. To pump gasoline a motorist will place this auxiliary fuel pump handle on top of a gas station pump handle so as to substantially prevent his/her hand from coming into physical contact with the gas station fuel pump handle, thus maintaining hygiene of his/her hand as well as preventing the spread of bacteria and/or diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Andreas Schanz
  • Publication number: 20090050233
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fuel into a vehicle. The nozzles includes a body portion and a spout extending from the body portion. The spout passes fuel from the body portion to a vehicle during refueling. The body portion includes a fuel flow control member for allowing or preventing fuel from passing through the body portion and the spout into the vehicle. A fuel collector collects fuel remaining in the body portion and the spout after the fuel flow control member shuts-off the flow of fuel through the body portion and the spout. Preferably, the fuel collector is configured to allow fuel collected in the fuel collector when the vehicle is being refueled to drain into the fuel tank of the vehicle after the flow control member prevents fuel from passing through the body portion and the spout but prior to removal of the spout from the fuel tank of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Lawrence, Charles S. Pearson, Didier Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20090020181
    Abstract: A fill head for depositing hazardous waste materials into a container movable between a filling position seated on the container, and a container exchange position withdrawn from the container; a control arm carried by the fill head directing movement of the fill head between the filling and exchange positions; a drip tray movably carried on a support platform adjacent the fill head for extending underneath the fill head to retain drippings of the hazardous waste material from the fill head when in the exchange position; and, a lifting arm carried by the drip tray engaging the control arm, wherein the lifting arm biases the control arm to raise the fill head from the filling position to the exchange position when the drip tray is extended underneath the fill head so that as the fill head is withdrawn from the container any dripping hazardous waste is captured by the drip tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Richard W. Martin
  • Patent number: 7455086
    Abstract: A nozzle for accelerating filling a container with gas up to a required gas pressure including a barrel having venturi openings in a side of said barrel and a sleeve that, in one position uncovers the tunnels and in another position, closes off the openings. In another version the nozzle further includes a pressure chamber, having a wall coupled to the sleeve. In a contracted position the sleeve is moved by the wall of the chamber to close off the tunnels. In another position of the wall where the chamber is in an expanded position the tunnels are so as to increase the rate of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Olaf D Elze, Helmut R Elze, Mark Joseph Caires
  • Publication number: 20080271808
    Abstract: An auxiliary tool comprises a core material covered on the surface with an elastic cloth. The auxiliary tool is inserted into a pipe having curved and bent parts and a fluid is injected into the pipe. Since the cloth covering is elastic and flexible, the auxiliary tool passes through the ridges of peaks in the pipe while maintaining a tight fit against the pipe wall. The auxiliary tool is moved through the pipe without slipping while forcing out air, and is discharged through a discharge side thereof. Air does not accumulate in the curved and bent parts of the pipe, thereby completely filling the pipe with the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Guochun Xu, Takashi Ookubo, Seiya Chiba
  • Patent number: 7442297
    Abstract: A water dispensing device for dispensing water at a location remote from a water purification unit and methods of using the water dispensing device and methods of operating such remote water dispensing devices. The water dispensing device includes a dispensing gun, a support structure for the dispensing gun, and a manifold hydraulically coupling the water purification unit with the dispensing gun for supplying a stream of water from the water purification unit to the dispensing gun. The water dispensing device is also equipped with a flow control valve operative for selectively directing the stream of water from the manifold to the dispensing gun. Equipping the remote water dispensing device with a manifold and flow regulation device permits the flow of water to be regulated locally at the water dispensing device, in contrast to regulation only at the water purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Larkner, Joseph Francis Tilp
  • Publication number: 20080223486
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a simple and reliable locking device for a quick-action connection coupling for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for refuelling vehicles. Said device comprises a hand lever (50) for actuating a valve and a lock which is positioned on the end side thereof and engages with a hand grip (45) in the refuelling position. To this end, an unlocking lever (46) which can be pivoted on the hand grip (45) is mounted adjacent to the end region of the hand lever (50). The unlocking lever (46) comprises at least one, preferably two laterally protruding journals (47), arranged inside the hand grip (45), especially for simple handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Patent number: 7406988
    Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel dispensing nozzle which provides for sustained shut off of a nozzle when its spout is not inserted into the fill pipe of a fuel tank. When the spout inserts within the fill pipe its bellows or splashguard is forced rearwardly, for urging an interconnecting rod to move rearwardly, against the bias of a spring, to force a pivotal link to disengage from the automatic shut-off diaphragm, to allow it to function normally. But when the nozzle is removed from the fuel tank, the pivotal link contacts against the diaphragm structure, of the automatic shut-off, and prevents the nozzle from dispensing or delivering any fuel from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas O. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20080110524
    Abstract: A fuel oil supply nozzle includes a cylindrical discharge pipe and an anchor spring mounted on an outer circumference surface of the discharge pipe. The anchor spring is a spring wire in a spiral shape in a state in which a contact portion having a width and formed on one side in the direction of an axis is situated inside, and is mounted on the discharge pipe in a state in which the contact portion is pit into close contact with the outer circumference surface of the discharge pipe by a contracting force reducing the inside diameter of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuomi Kumakiri, Shuichi Eda, Masamitsu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7350546
    Abstract: A filling valve apparatus having a flange for mounting to a beverage filling machine. A shank extends through the flange and is mounted to the beverage filling machine. A locking device is coupled to the shank with the locking device having an unlocked position loosely connected to the shank and a locked position with at least a portion of the locking device wedged between the flange and the shank for fixedly securing the filling valve apparatus to the beverage filling machine. The subject invention also includes a servicing kit for servicing the filling valve apparatus. The servicing kit includes the shank, the locking device, and a wrench assembly as well as other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ADCOR Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Demetrios Stavrakis, Edwin K. Ruble, Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7270142
    Abstract: An apparatus that injects fluid into an inflatable device, dynamically monitors the pressure inside the device, and automatically terminates the inflation and disconnects from the inflatable device when the pressure inside the device reaches a predetermined value preset by the operator. After securing a chuck to the valve of an inflatable device by simply pulling a trigger similar to that of a pistol, the operator initiates the inflation and does not need to intervene further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Carlos R. Acosta
  • Patent number: 7255142
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle guard, in some embodiments, comprises a static control material. When a consumer grabs the fuel nozzle, his or her hand will touch the static control material, thereby, safely dissipating any electrostatic charges at a controlled rate of discharge without a spark. The fuel nozzle guard, in some embodiments, slides onto the nozzle interfacing with the nozzle so that retaining edges secure the fuel nozzle guard to the nozzle, without removing the nozzle from its hose. The material, in some embodiments, lacks plastisol and allows labels to adhere directly to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: M. Carder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mervin L. Carder, Sr., Mervin L. Carder, Jr., E. Leonard Poli
  • Patent number: 7255140
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle having an operating lever pivoted at its forward end to a plunger, a clip pivoted to the lever, the clip engaging a holding structure and holding the lever open when the plunger is elevated and the lever lifted, and at least one protrusion on the lever or the clip for mechanically forcing the clip out of engagement with the structure when the plunger drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: M. Carder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Leonard Poli
  • Patent number: 7234614
    Abstract: The present invention therefore aims at providing a nozzle that reduces the amount of residual fuel left on a spout after fueling by encouraging the residual fuel to drip into the container to be filled. A fuel dispensing nozzle is comprised of a nozzle body, a fuel regulating valve, and a spout for directing the fuel supply from the regulating valve to and in the container to be filled. After a fueling cycle, fuel clings to both the inside and outside spout surfaces and can be considered a falling film. Wherein existing nozzle spouts have discontinuous spout end faces that impede the flow of falling films into the container to be filled, the improved nozzle and endface according to the present invention encourage the falling films to create drops that fall into a container to be filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Allan Knight, Walt D Takisaki
  • Patent number: 7216680
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fuel into a vehicle. The nozzle includes a body portion and a spout extending from the body portion. The spout passes fuel from the body portion to a vehicle. The body portion includes a fuel flow control member for allowing or preventing fuel from passing through the body portion and the spout into the vehicle. The spout has first and second portions. The first portion of the spout is positioned adjacent the body portion and the second portion of the spout is removed from the body portion. Preferably, at least one fuel collection member is provided for collecting fuel remaining in the body portion and the spout after the fuel control member shuts-off the flow of fuel through the spout to prevent dripping of fuel from the end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: EMCO Wheaton Retail Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Lawrence, Charles S. Pearson, Jose Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7134580
    Abstract: Spout assemblies are provided for dispensing liquid from a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Garrison, Harold M. Schubert, Bryan S. York, Daniel E. Preston
  • Patent number: 7108026
    Abstract: The portable fuel delivery apparatus for temporarily providing fuel to disabled machines, such as motor vehicles. The apparatus comprises a container for housing the fuel, a hose for discharging the fuel from said container, an electric pump inside said container for pumping the fuel from the container through said hose, and a pair of wires to connect said electric pump to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Luca
  • Patent number: 7089977
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a body, a handle connected to the body, a handle guard connected to the body and generally surrounding the handle, and a spout extending from the body. Parts of the nozzle are made of, or covered in, static dissipative materials. Additionally, a method for reducing static discharge in existing nozzle installations includes the application of static dissipative material to existing nozzles to address certain static discharge risks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Linwood Davis
  • Patent number: 7082972
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a body with a spout, which together define a passageway for flow of fuel from a hose connected to a fuel dispenser, through the spout, and into a vehicle fuel tank fill pipe. A boot surrounding the spout defines an outer rim that engages a surface surrounding the fill pipe. A valve within the nozzle body starts and stops flow of fuel through the passageway. An anti-spitting lockout assembly resists opening of the valve, but a linkage mechanism triggers release of the lockout assembly when the boot rim engages the surface surrounding the fill pipe, signaling insertion of the spout into the fill pipe, to permit actuation of valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 7082969
    Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for transferring fluid from a fluid storage vessel to a fluid receiving container. The system is adapted to vent the fluid receiving container while preventing discharge of both vapor and fluid into the surrounding environment. The system includes an enclosed fluid receiving container having upper and lower portions. A fluid flow receiving unit is mounted proximate the fluid receiving container. The receiving unit has a pair of spaced fluid ports and a pair of non-spill coupling connectors extending from the fluid ports, one port being a fluid inlet port and one being a vapor-fluid exit port. A movable cover element is provided for selectively covering and protecting the fluid ports and coupling connectors from contaminants when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hollerback
  • Patent number: 7063112
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle having a dripless spout has a nozzle for placement in a tank. The nozzle has a housing with an air bleed device, an attitude support device extends from the housing, a gland joined to the attitude support device and then the spout attaches to the gland. At fuel shutoff, fuel remains in the gland and the spout. Fuel drops exit the gland then the spout. Regulations limit the drops to three or less. Smooth tubes have little if any capillary action while tubes with roughened interior surfaces retain fluid. The dripless spout has a texture applied to the interior surface of the gland, the spout, or both by way of a screen; a hole in the attitude support device; and the air bleed device located in the vapor path to reduce negative vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Fink, Jr., Jeff Deaton
  • Patent number: 7040361
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle activation lever lock for use with a dispensing nozzle such as a fuel dispensing nozzle having a handle portion, a trigger guard, and a pump activation lever allows an operator to dispense fuel without having to continuously hold the pump activation lever. The fuel pump activation lever lock includes a first and second engagement arm disposed opposite ends of each other. The first engagement end engages the trigger guard, while the second engagement arm engages the pump activation lever such that the fuel pump activation lever lock holds the pump activation lever in a position wherein the fuel pump nozzle continuously dispenses fuel without the operator holding the pump activation lever. The fuel pump activation lever lock also preferably includes a slot sized and shaped to engage a fuel cap such that the fuel pump activation lever lock may be stored within a fuel chamber on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Soussan, Benjamin E. Caron
  • Patent number: 7028724
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the concentration of hydrogen gas being transferred through a nozzle from a source container to a destination container and for providing an alert and/or taking action where hydrogen gas leaks may create an unsafe condition. The invention can accurately and reproducibly respond to and measure the absolute hydrogen gas concentration within the nozzle housing using hydrogen gas sensors that are selective only to hydrogen, which do not require the presence of oxygen to operate and which do not saturate when hydrogen safety levels are reached. These sensors are positioned inside the nozzle housing to allow for the direct and immediate knowledge of the presence of hydrogen gas that cannot be safely determined by other means. An apparatus and process for detecting leaks of liquid hydrogen through a nozzle during transfer of liquid hydrogen from a source container to a destination container are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Frank Kenneth Schweighardt
  • Patent number: 7021345
    Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7017630
    Abstract: A device for use with a fueling nozzle including a handle assembly and a spout, the device includes a connection component for coupling to the fueling nozzle, proximal the spout, and a resilient member extending from the connection component. When in use, the connection component is coupled to the fueling nozzle and the resilient member extends into a fuel inlet of a vehicle along with the nozzle. The resilient member thereby biases the nozzle against a side of the fuel inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kardtech Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
  • Patent number: 7000657
    Abstract: Drive off is prevented by having a grasp assembly engage the restrictor plate of the fill pipe of a motor vehicle when the nozzle spout is inserted. After the fuel pump is started and pressure is placed on the fuel, fuel is admitted into the nozzle by pressing on the hand lever to open the poppet valve. Fuel pressure in the nozzle activates a lock actuator system, to prevent removal of the spout from the fill pipe, by a lock system that prevents a grasp assembly latch from retracting from the fill pipe restrictor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Douglas G. Thorpe, Norwood Thorpe
  • Patent number: 6997220
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle having a valve for controlling the flow of fuel to a spout attached to the nozzle. The nozzle spout includes three or more spaced apart protrusions that extend from an outer surface of the spout. If the outer spout surface is made from a non-electrically conductive material, the plurality of protrusions may be made from a electrically conductive material, and thus, provide electrical grounding to the nozzle. If the outer spout surface is made from a material having less than ideal wear properties, the plurality of protrusions may be used to provide wear protection to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: KnuBox Technologies
    Inventors: Paul A. Knight, Walt D. Takisaki
  • Patent number: 6983868
    Abstract: A fuel container having novel dispensing devices is disclosed. A hose or spout is fitted with a funnel, both being sufficiently clear to permit the visual detection of the free surface of the fuel within. At the juncture between the spout and the funnel, a valve is provided. The valve is thumb operated, so only one hand is required to open and close the valve. A carrying strap and a handle help make the fuel container portable. A window strip in the fuel container permits the user to observe the level of the fuel within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Harris
  • Patent number: 6983772
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fuel into a vehicle. The nozzles includes a body portion and a spout extending from the body portion. The spout passes fuel from the body portion to a vehicle. The body portion includes a fuel flow control member for allowing or preventing fuel from passing through the body portion and the spout into the vehicle. The spout has first and second portions. The first portion of the spout is positioned adjacent the body portion and the second portion of the spout is removed from the body portion. Preferably, at least one fuel collection member is provided for collecting fuel remaining in the body portion and the spout after the fuel control member shuts-off the flow of fuel through the spout to prevent dripping of fuel from the end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Emco Wheation Retail Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Lawrence, Charles S. Pearson, Jose Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6968873
    Abstract: A bagel or pastry filling device attachable to one end of a standard and well-known pastry filling or cake decorating gun. The inventive concept combines a bent piece of tubing made from any suitable material wherein one end has a sharp edge which is insertable into a bagel, donut, piece of pastry, and whose other end is inserted into a funnel where it is held in place by means of an insert placed inside the flared opening of the funnel which, while usually made of plastic, may be made of any suitable material. The pastry filling attachment is then inserted into a nut, usually made of plastic, which in turn engages a length of plastic tubing having external male threads. A trigger device associated with a trigger handle threadably engages the opposite end of the plastic tubing and further holds a horizontally extending ratchet device for moving a plunger forward which squeezes filling into in and through the funnel and tubing and into a receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony J. Cariddi, Rachel L. Cariddi
  • Patent number: 6968867
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a fill system and method for reducing the chemical concentration gradient in absorbent materials. The fill system includes a source of liquid connected to a nozzle for dispensing the liquid into a container. The nozzle includes a dispersal face that defines primary apertures approximately equidistant from the outer perimeter and center point on the dispersal face. The nozzle may also include secondary apertures proximate to the outer perimeter and one or more tertiary apertures proximate to the center point. The dispersal of fluid through the secondary or tertiary apertures may be less approximately one-half of the dispersal of fluid through the primary apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Jenkins, Henry Skoog, Matthew Dudensing, Lidia Vega, Hector Barrera, Thao Doan
  • Patent number: 6962177
    Abstract: A locking fuel pump dispenser nozzle has a valved nozzle connected to a pressurized fuel supply and has an elongated spout for insertion into a vehicle filler tube of the type having an annular raised surface therein. The nozzle has a manually actuating valve for controlling the flow of fuel from the pressurized fuel supply through the nozzle into the vehicle filler tube and vehicle fuel tank. The improvement includes a locking mechanism for locking the nozzle spout in the filler tube when filling a vehicle fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: James A. McCommons
  • Patent number: 6957673
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle and boot therefor that includes a sound system and/or video system which contains prerecorded messages for playback during refueling by a user of the fuel dispensing nozzle. The sound system and/or video system includes a speaker for playback of audio messages. A switch is also included to initiate the playback of messages. The switch can activate the system when the nozzle is inverted to pump fuel or can activate the system in response to squeezing of the handle actuator used to control fuel flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Information Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alan S. Ambrose, James D. Ferguson, Robert Lilienfeld, Mark J. McKinley, Timothy Mishler
  • Patent number: 6957674
    Abstract: The locking fuel nozzle is used to prevent spilling of fuel while filling two-inch fill tubes on railroad cars. The nozzle includes a nozzle tube that is secured to a pressurized fuel source. The nozzle tube is inserted into the opening of the fill tube and delivers fuel from the pressurized fuel source to a fuel receptacle. A sealing member is disposed along the nozzle tube. A compression member is slidably disposed along the nozzle for impacting the sealing member. A handle is secured to the compression member for forcing the compression member along the nozzle tube. The compression member compresses the sealing member forcing it to swell. The sealing member swells until it completely seals the opening of the fill tube and the compression member is then locked into place by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Joe A. Burr
  • Patent number: 6951229
    Abstract: A nozzle is provided for dispensing liquid into a container. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, having an inlet for receiving liquid, an outlet for dispensing liquid, and a liquid passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. A poppet valve assembly including a poppet valve stem, wherein the poppet valve assembly is adapted to selectively control the flow of liquid through the liquid passage. A latch stem is provided that is slidable to and from an operative position. A retention pin attached to the latch stem and at least one first rotatable member is disposed to contact the retention pin. A first lever portion includes at least one second rotatable member disposed to contact the poppet valve stem and a second lever portion. The second lever portion has a first end pivotally attached to the first lever portion and a second end that engages at least one of the retention pin and first rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Garrison, Harold M. Schubert
  • Patent number: 6941984
    Abstract: A tubular spout is fluidly connected to a nozzle body. The nozzle body having a main valve for regulating the flow of a supply of fuel to the spout. Within the tubular spout is a dripless valve that moves to an open position allowing for the flow of fuel out the spout and to a closed position shutting off the flow of fuel out of the spout. According to the present invention at least a portion of the dripless valve surface has a surface energy less than the surface tension of the fuel being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Knubox Technologies
    Inventor: Paul A. Knight