Material Returned To Supply Patents (Class 141/45)
  • Patent number: 11401155
    Abstract: A system for transferring crude oil from an onshore location to an offshore vessel comprises a crude oil supply assembly for transferring the crude oil from an onshore oil supply to the vessel, and a vapor return assembly for transferring vapor from the vessel to a vapor processing facility. The vapor return assembly is provided with a fan configured to promote a flow of vapor through the vapor return assembly from the vessel towards the vapor processing facility. The system further is provided with a member for energizing the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: BLUEWATER ENERGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Nicolaas van Sloten, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria van der Nat, Roland Wilhelmus van der Zande
  • Patent number: 10989129
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a cylinder of an engine including a pre-chamber ignition system. In one example, a method may include determining amounts of pre-chamber gases in the cylinder prior to combustion, and adjusting an amount of fuel injected into the cylinder based on the amounts of pre-chamber gases in the cylinder. In this way, cylinder fueling may be compensated for additional air and/or fuel from the pre-chamber gases, which may increase an accuracy of the cylinder fueling and increase cylinder efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 10266387
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprising fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. The fuel flow piping further has a filter manifold for mounting a fuel filter thereon. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. A sensor device is mounted to the filter manifold, the sensor device having at least one sensor operative to detect a sensed condition related to the fuel dispenser. The sensor device further comprises electronics to transmit a signal related to the sensed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Giovanni Carapelli, Michael Charles Liebal, Wayne McNinch, Howard Myers, Edward A. Payne, Christopher Adam Oldham
  • Patent number: 9376011
    Abstract: A method of transferring a volatile organic liquid between a railcar and a truck, comprising: providing for the flow of a volatile organic liquid through a first conduit from a liquid unloading vessel to a liquid loading vessel, wherein the liquid unloading vessel can be coupled to or part of a railcar, in which case the liquid loading vessel is coupled to or part of a truck, or the liquid unloading vessel can be coupled to or part of the truck, in which case the liquid loading vessel is coupled to or part of the railcar; providing for the flow of organic vapor through a second conduit from the liquid loading vessel to the liquid unloading vessel; and providing for the flow of organic vapor from the second conduit through a pressure relief valve upon opening of the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventors: Larry Padfield, Tom Hansen
  • Patent number: 9296602
    Abstract: Vehicle fuel dispensing system for a dwelling unit includes a fuel source and a fuel supply conduit for the unit connected to the fuel source. The fuel supply conduit has an in-line meter for measuring fuel flow characteristics and provides readouts of the characteristics. Vehicle fuel dispensing system for a plurality of dwelling units includes a fuel source and a fuel supply conduit for the plurality of units connected to the fuel source. The fuel supply conduit has an in-line meter for measuring fuel flow characteristics and provides readouts of the characteristics. Method of dispensing vehicle fuel to one or more dwelling units includes steps of: providing a fuel source; providing a fuel supply conduit for the one or more units for connecting the fuel source to the one or more units; and providing an in-line meter for measuring fuel flow characteristics and providing readouts of the characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Paul R. Juhasz
  • Patent number: 9187307
    Abstract: A fuel surge arrestor can include a funnel shaped to fit within a fuel fill receptacle of a craft. The funnel can have a nozzle opening for accepting a fuel fill nozzle. A vent can be located at a top opening of the funnel. The vent can include a plurality of baffles that enable airflow within the vent while deterring heavy vapors and liquids from exiting the vent during a fuel surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FOX ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Garry Fox
  • Patent number: 8936051
    Abstract: A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bonner, Gary Underhill
  • Patent number: 8925595
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in a non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a nozzle body, a liquid delivery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-dispensing outlet, and a non-bifurcated liquid recovery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-conveying outlet. The minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid recovery throughpassage is greater than half the minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage. A valve has a first movable valve portion and a second movable valve portion that are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other. A manually operable trigger is connected to the first movable valve portion for corresponding positive uninterruptable movement of the first movable valve portion between a valve-closed configuration and the valve-open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bonner, Gary Underhill
  • Publication number: 20130233442
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Mellone, Randall Boucher
  • Patent number: 8491720
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, David H. Quach, Anzhong Chang, Olga Kryliouk, Yuriy Melnik, Harsukhdeep S. Ratia, Son T. Nguyen, Lily Pang
  • Patent number: 8474492
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bonner, Gary Underhill
  • Patent number: 8448675
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Mellone, Randall S. Boucher
  • Patent number: 8408252
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in a non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a nozzle body, a liquid delivery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-dispensing outlet, and a non-bifurcated liquid recovery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-conveying outlet. The minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid recovery throughpassage is greater than half the minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage. A valve has a first movable valve portion and a second movable valve portion that are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other. A manually operable trigger is connected to the first movable valve portion for corresponding positive uninterruptable movement of the first movable valve portion between a valve-closed configuration and the valve-open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies
    Inventors: Mark Bonner, Gary Underhill
  • Patent number: 8402817
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a leak in a Stage II vapor recovery system is disclosed. The system may monitor the Stage II vapor recovery system for the occurrence of quiet times and record pressure data during those quiet times. The system may make a determination of a leak based on the evaluation of the pressure data from a plurality of the quiet times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Mellone, Randall S. Boucher
  • Patent number: 8397770
    Abstract: A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies
    Inventors: Mark Bonner, Gary Underhill
  • Patent number: 8342214
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly for containing a non-corrosive liquid and a gas containing an evaporated liquid. The reservoir assembly includes a main reservoir having a main reservoir bottom wall, a main reservoir top wall and a main reservoir peripheral wall extending therebetween. An auxiliary reservoir, is provided having an auxiliary reservoir bottom wall and an auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall extending therefrom defining a peripheral wall top edge. The auxiliary reservoir located inside the main reservoir with the auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall adjacent the main reservoir peripheral wall to allow an infiltration of the non-corrosive liquid therebetween when the auxiliary reservoir is filled and the non-corrosive liquid overflows over the peripheral wall top edge. A deflector, is mounted inside the main reservoir to the main reservoir peripheral wall, having a deflector free end located above the auxiliary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Normand Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8342199
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a coriolis flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the coriolis flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Ryan C. Garrett, Michael C. Liebal, Edward Payne, Brent K. Price, Rodger K. Williams, Zhou Yang
  • Patent number: 8191585
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Mellone, Randall S. Boucher
  • Patent number: 8091591
    Abstract: A device for the filling of vessels, with a container for liquid and pressurized gas and at least one filling pipe connected with this, which filling pipe comprises a liquid valve and a return gas pipe, whereby a gas pipe discharges into the filling pipe outside the return gas pipe, which gas pipe is connected with the container by means of a pre-stressing valve, so that the pre-stressing valve is positioned on the upper side of the container and the gas pipe discharges into the container from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Erwin Knieling
  • Publication number: 20110284125
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tank venting system for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle, having a vent line (14) for discharge of gaseous hydrocarbons from the fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof. Gaseous hydrocarbons originating from the fuel tank (12) can be introduced in a filler pipe (20) of the fuel tank (12) via a recirculation line (24). A control device (34) controls a proportional valve (32) and changes in this way a pass-through cross section of the recirculation line (24). In this way, a load of an activated charcoal filter (16) which is coupled with the vent line (14) can be minimized. The control device (34) can especially determine a pressure in the fuel tank (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of venting a fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: HARALD HAGEN, Andreas Wagner
  • Patent number: 7942170
    Abstract: An installation for packaging a product in receptacles. The installation includes a series of filler stations each having a filler spout having a spout body with a top end connected to a filler spout feed duct and a bottom end provided with an orifice fitted with a controlled valve. The filler spout is fitted with a looping duct opening into the spout body above the controlled valve and connected by a link member to a general feed duct at a point between a stop valve and an isolation valve. A purge valve is connected to the general feed duct between the isolation valve and the link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
  • Patent number: 7938150
    Abstract: Reduction of fuel tank heating during the refueling process is effected by a coolant exchange between the station and the vehicle whereby an on board heat exchanger internal to the tank is interconnected through a heat exchanger external to the tank with a station side cooler that cools the refill gas to an ambient temperature. As a result of station provided ambient temperature cooling, the vehicle does not need to have particularly complicated on-board cooling devices, nor does the station need to be encumbered with complex and expensive pre cooling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co, Ltd
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 7905259
    Abstract: An onboard inert gas generation system includes an evaporator comprising a vessel that receives a hydrocarbon fuel from a fuel tank, separates vapor fuel components from liquid fuel components, establishes a nearly constant fuel vapor composition, and outputs the fuel vapor to be mixed with air prior to combusting the fuel vapor and air mixture in a catalytic reactor. Water is separated from the inert gas produced and the inert gas is introduced into the ullage space of the fuel tank to prevent or reduce possible hazardous conditions in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Johnson, Rehan Zaki, Stephen F. Yates
  • Patent number: 7866356
    Abstract: A vapor emission control system includes an electrically operated shutoff valve in the fuel vapor vent recirculation line to the filler tube. The electrically operated valve is controlled by an electronic controller responsive to signals from a fuel level indicator and a fuel cap sensor in the tank. In one embodiment, the valve closes when the fuel level indicator indicates a full tank condition and when the fuel cap sensor indicates that the fuel cap is off the filler neck. The present invention thus provides a positive shutoff of fuel vapor to the filler tube during refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Publication number: 20100224282
    Abstract: In a tank system, a venting line (6) connects the fuel tank to an activated carbon filter, and a recirculating line (10) opens into a filler head (3). In order to prevent the penetration of liquid fuel into the activated carbon filter, to permit the seal to be checked by applying a partial vacuum and to provide a filler head which can be manufactured inexpensively, an insertion body (22) is provided which forms a funnel (23) which is adjoined by a neck (24) which accommodates the fuel nozzle, which insertion body (22) has, in addition to the neck (24), two vertical blind holes (31, 32), open at the bottom, and a transverse duct (33) which connects the latter, wherein the first blind hole (31) is connected to the recirculating line (10), and a float (40), which clears or closes off the connection to the transverse duct (33), is guided in the second blind hole (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FUEL SYSTEMS GESMBH
    Inventors: Guenther Pozgainer, Thomas Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20100200107
    Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing system for storing and dispensing diesel exhaust fluid to a vehicle. The system includes a diesel exhaust fluid storage tank surrounded by a housing in which the interior temperature is maintained above a first temperature at or below which salting of the fluid occurs, and below a second temperature at or above which an ammonia constituent of the fluid evaporates. The system further includes filling and dispensing systems for refilling the storage tank and dispensing the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Will Weathers, George Hochman
  • Publication number: 20100139782
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a coriolis flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the coriolis flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Ryan C. Garrett, Michael C. Liebal, Edward Payne, Brent K. Price, Rodger K. Williams, Zhou Yang
  • Patent number: 7617848
    Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with liquid gas from a storage tank includes removing the liquefied gas from the storage tank and feeding it to a container via a liquid feed line through use of a delivery system. The gas is compressed in the container and is removed from the container in its gaseous state and is at least partially liquefied by cooling in a heat exchanger. The at least partially liquefied gas is fed into the liquid feed line at the suction end of the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Messer France S..A.S.
    Inventors: Patrick Matheoud, Jean-Claude Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7600541
    Abstract: A fluid supply system is provided which includes a filling station operable to provide a fluid to a fuel storage vessel. The fluid supply system is operable in a first mode to provide a fluid in a liquid phase from the filling station to the storage vessel and is operable in a second mode to prevent the supply of the fluid to the storage vessel. The storage vessel is in fluid communication with the fluid supply system and is operable to receive the fluid in the liquid phase when the fluid supply system is in the first mode and discharge the fluid in a gaseous phase to the filling station. At least one sensor is in communication with the discharge passage and the fluid supply, and operates to cause the fluid supply to operate in the second mode in response to a detected pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Rainer Pechtold
  • Publication number: 20090056827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vapor recovery system for gas station that is capable of controlling vapor emission to less than 0.38 lbs/1000 gallons fuel dispensed. The system may include at least one canister containing adsorbents such as activated carbon, zeolite, activated alumina, silica, and other adsorbents for passive removal of hydrocarbon vapors in venting air. Additionally, the system may include a means to enhance vapor-liquid equilibrium in the ullage of the fuel tank and accordingly minimize vapor emission level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Tschantz
  • Publication number: 20090025822
    Abstract: A liquid separator that can be used in a vehicle fuel system can have, among other components, an inlet portion, a deflector surface, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion can receive fluid from a fluid tube that communicates with a fuel tank. The deflector surface may cause a change-in-direction that separates liquid and fuel vapor from the fluid. The outlet portion can carry separated fuel vapor to a vapor tube that communicates with a canister. A space adjacent the inlet portion can be defined by a fuel system component such as partly by a fill tube or by a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Frank U. Rittershofer
  • Patent number: 7464734
    Abstract: A system for transfer of cryogenic fluids and a method to keep the system at cryogenic temperatures during non-transfer periods requires an insulated transfer pipe that is inclined with a high end at a storage tank, a transfer jumper extending from the high end to the vapor area of the tank and a feeding line fluidly connecting to the high end also. During idle periods, the cryogenic liquid is fed from the storage tank into the transfer pipe to compensate the liquid that vaporizes in the transfer pipe due to heat leakage from the surroundings. The fed liquid flows down by gravity, and the boil-off gas flows back to the storage tank along the top of the transfer pipe and through the transfer jumper. As a result, the transfer system is kept at cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Xuejie Liu
  • Patent number: 7270155
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor recycling system for gasoline tank includes a route control valve installed on a breathing valve piping of a gasoline tank to control change of gasoline vapor path, and a discharge processing apparatus which has an intake pipe connecting to the route control valve and a gasoline return pipe connecting to the breathing valve piping via a check valve. The discharge processing apparatus has a sensor to monitor the pressure of the saturated gasoline vapor in the gasoline tank. A control element activates a delivery unit or directly actuates the route control valve to direct the gasoline vapor that otherwise will be discharged through the breathing valve piping into the discharge processing apparatus. The gasoline vapor is processed by a compressing unit and a processing unit for separating of liquid and vapor, and purifying of the vapor. A portion of the gasoline vapor flows back to the gasoline tank via the gasoline return pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Wei Pin Ho
  • Patent number: 7168459
    Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley H Buchanan, Jim A Austin
  • Patent number: 7055556
    Abstract: A two-stage pressure differential pressure responsive flow control valve is disposed to provide greater fuel vapor recirculation to a tank filler tube when high vacuum conditions are encountered during refueling from a fuel dispensing nozzle inserted in the filler tube. The pressure responsive valve has an obturator with a passage therethrough for providing a relatively low flow rate when the valve is in the closed condition resulting from a relatively low vacuum during refueling. When a higher vacuum is encountered, the obturator is moved to the open position permitting greater flow. Preferably, the pressure responsive valve is disposed in a common housing with a float operated rollover valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Craig H. Allman
  • Patent number: 6929037
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6929038
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6889730
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system that does not cause a decrease in efficiency of actuators, does not hinder an optimal action of devices such as flow adjustment valves, and does not cause any corrosion of water acting as an operating fluid. The system uses water as an operating fluid. The system includes a hydraulic generation apparatus 40 including, a main tank 41, a return path 52, an accessory tank 54, and a water disposal apparatus 56 disposed in a path 57. The operating fluid from structuring devices of the processing apparatuses 10, 20 and 30 flows through the return path 52. The operating fluid flows from the accessory tank 54 to the main tank 41 through the path 57 and the water disposal apparatus 56.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Shinoda, Shimpei Miyakawa, Chishiro Yamashina, Tamami Takahashi, Yoshihiro Mochizuki, Shinzo Mammoto, Shiro Kumazawa, Ryuji Kodama
  • Patent number: 6880586
    Abstract: A fuel filler assembly collar comprising: a first semicircular shaped structure having a first pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, each of the terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, a chamber duct in the top edge of the first semicircular structure, and an outer circumferential side separating the top edge and the bottom edge, and an elbow-shaped tubular structure connected to a fuel vapor vent tube; and a second semicircular shaped structure having a second pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, the two terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, and one or mor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Allen G. Crowley, David D. Chen, Mingchi Michael Tsai
  • Patent number: 6834686
    Abstract: A tank pressure management system includes a vapor condensing system in fluid communication with a storage tank and an accumulator vessel in fluid communication with the vapor condensing system and a storage tank. The accumulator vessel includes an air/vapor conduit and a liquid conduit connected to a storage tank. A method of managing air/vapor pressure of a storage tank includes the steps of monitoring the pressure in a storage tank, removing air/vapor from a storage tank, separating liquid from the air/vapor, returning all remaining air/vapor to a storage tank and returning the liquid to a storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, John P. Nesbit
  • Patent number: 6835223
    Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing system reduces the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds. The system includes at least one storage tank, an air exhaust port, at least one fuel dispenser, a fuel dispensing nozzle, a rigid, fuel dispensing spout, a boot, a pressure relief chamber, a filter system, and at least one pump. The rigid, fuel dispensing spout further defines a non-coaxial fuel tube. The boot is configured to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the fuel storage and dispensing system. The boot is further configured to prevent fresh air from entering the fuel dispensing nozzle. The system may further include a pressure relief chamber that is effective in compensating for high temperature pressure build up in a vapor assist hose, a fuel dispensing nozzle and spout assembly, a vapor recovery boot assembly, and a Venturi shut-off assembly for a fuel dispensing nozzle and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn K. Walker, Rodger P. Grantham, Ken Allen
  • Patent number: 6802345
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6763856
    Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel includes treatment or conditioning of gaseous flow of vapor and air and/or air into the ullage space in a manner to increase the fuel vapor concentration of the gaseous flow toward saturation. A system for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Healy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 6761190
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6684917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidized bed for dispensing small quantities of powders. The fluidized bed is made using a porous housing to permit injection and removal of fluid through the surrounding walls to improve the operation of the bed particularly for small particles of the group C size, including significantly reducing powder adhesion to the walls. In one aspect of the invention the fluidized bed housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis, which may be oriented at any suitable angle. A system for changing the volume of the bed is described as is a system for incorporating injection nozzles within the bed for constant agitation and prevention of powder adhering to the walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Jesse Zhu, Jianzhang Wen, Ying Liang Ma, Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 6681813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the removal of fluid from a container (10), which carries a gas and which in the area of a collection point (12) for the liquid has a removal connection (14), to which can be connected a collection container (18) by means of a removal conduit (16), which container can be connected through an equalization conduit (20) with an equalization connection (22) arranged on the container (10), which connection is different from the removal connection (14). In this manner a liquid removal device of small structure is made available as a maintenance unit which can be connected with only very short time period of the container being out of commission and in turn can also be rapidly separated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Baltes
  • Publication number: 20040000352
    Abstract: A canister adsorbs evaporative fuel generated in a fuel tank. A purge gas circulation pump causes canister outlet gas to flow out from the canister. A high-concentration separation unit separates canister outlet gas into high-concentration treating gas and medium-concentration gas. A medium-concentration separation unit separates medium-concentration gas flowing out from the high-concentration unit into medium-concentration circulating gas and low-concentration canister inlet gas. Treating gas is introduced into the fuel tank. Circulating gas is caused to circulate upstream of the purge gas circulation pump. Canister inlet gas is caused to circulate upstream of the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Kojima, Hidefumi Aikawa
  • Patent number: 6659143
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering vapor during the dispensing of gasoline via a hose into a vehicle tank, according to which a turbine disposed in a vapor passage and is activated in response to the dispensing of the gasoline for drawing the vapor from the tank and into the vapor passage. Blades on the turbine separate the air from the gasoline vapor. The vapor is returned to the liquid stream and the air discharged to atmosphere. The apparatus therefore does not require vapor return piping to the underground tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken W. Taylor, Robert G. McKinney
  • Patent number: 6644360
    Abstract: A fueling environment having a vent on an underground fuel storage tank may be improved by adding a mass flow meter in conjunction with a vapor recovery membrane in a tank vent. The mass flow meter measures an amount of vapor that passes through the vent and thus allows alarms to be generated if the vapors passing through the vent exceed a predetermined level or an efficiency of the membrane drops below a predetermined threshold. Measurements from the mass flow meter may be provided to a site controller or a remote location for further analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Sobota, William P. Shermer, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
  • Publication number: 20030192620
    Abstract: A passive pressure control method and system for controlling pressure in the ullage vapor space of a volatile liquid fuel underground storage tank (“UST”) temporarily, during periods of increasing ullage vapor space pressure, allows vapor to flow into an auxiliary vapor space of variable volume, defined at least in part by a resilient wall member, thereby to reduce the volume of vapor otherwise released to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Healy