System Fluid Used In Seal Or In Valve Or Lift Operation Patents (Class 141/46)
  • Patent number: 5273087
    Abstract: A user friendly vapor recovery nozzle with special signaling devices to signal and assure the customer of proper delivery of fuel and return flow of hydrocarbon vapors. In the preferred embodiment, the signaling devices include both a fuel flow indicator and a vapor flow indicator. The flow indicators can comprise one or more fuel and vapor driven balls, paddle wheels, propellers, spinners, blades, or vanes. In the preferred form, the vapor recovery nozzle has an inner fuel spout to discharge gasoline into a customer's tank and has an outer spout which cooperates with the inner spout to provide a vapor return passageway to return vapors emitted during fueling to a vapor return hose. The nozzle has a liquid sensing tube in the vapor return passageway to sense when the customer's tank is filled. An automatic shutoff valve cooperates with the liquid sensing tube to shutoff the supply of gasoline when the customer's tank is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang H. Koch, Dennis J. Strock, Harry B. Hartman, Michael S. Butkovich, Terrance L. Lambert, Charles M. Daul, Philip B. Jones
  • Patent number: 5273084
    Abstract: A gas flow check valve for a bottle filling device employs a piston received within a bore which is maintained at the bottom of the filling head vent tube. The piston has a head thereon which is interposed within the flow path of escaping gas during the filling operation. The escaping gas impinges upon the underside of the head and urges the same toward a sealing position. An opposite end of the piston extends downwardly into the bottle being filled. When the level of the beverage within the bottle reaches the bottom of the piston, the buoyancy of the piston, coupled with the forces of the escaping gas impinging upon the piston head urge the piston into sealing engagement, terminating the escape of gas and similarly terminating the inward flow of beverage or liquid, terminating the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Figgie International Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Monnig
  • Patent number: 5255723
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body and a projecting spout and surrounding bellows which define a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage connected to corresponding concentric passages within flexible coaxial hoses. The body supports a manually actuated control valve within the fuel passage, and a pressure responsive check valve is also located within the fuel passage adjacent the spout. The check valve includes a valve member normally biased against a tapered valve seat, and a first venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat to control a pressure responsive diaphragm mechanism for automatically closing the manually actuated valve when fuel blocks a suction vent line within the of the spout. A second venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat through the nozzle body and connects with a fuel evacuation passage within a flexible tube which extends downwardly into the vapor passage within the coaxial hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5234036
    Abstract: A process comprising fueling a tank, collecting emitted vapors, and recovering condensed vapors. In the process, gasoline is discharged into a fill opening or filler pipe of a tank through a fuel outlet conduit of a nozzle. Gasoline vapors emitted during fueling are collected with a vapor return conduit of the nozzle and conveyed through a vapor return hose. A portion of the gasoline vapors in the vapor hose are condensed and removed from the vapor hose with a condensate pickup tube extending from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Butkovich, Dennis J. Strock
  • Patent number: 5226463
    Abstract: An apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a pressurized liquid into successive containers, such as cans or bottles, has a housing which stores a supply of pressurized liquid and carries one or more combined container sealing and centering units. Each such unit has a vertically reciprocable at least partially elastomeric tubular member movable between a lower end position and an upper end position. The external surface of the annular upper end portion of the tubular member sealingly engages a cylindrical internal surface which surrounds the outlet of the housing when the tubular member assumes its lower end position, and an end face of the annular lower end portion of the tubular member is then in sealing engagement with the open top of a container to be filled. The open lower end of a conduit for compressed gas is located at the upper end of the passage within the tubular member to ensure that the upper end portion of the tubular member can be expanded into sealing engagement with the internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Alfill Getranketechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Mette, Wolfgang Wilke
  • Patent number: 5222532
    Abstract: A lubricating system for the pump of the vapor recovery circuit of a nozzle for dispensing a hydrocarbon. The lubricating system comprises a capillary pipe which takes off a small flow of hydrocarbon from the main pump of the feedpipe and feeds it to the inlet of the vapor recovery pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventors: Sylvain Janssen, Jacques Fournier, Claude Fouinaud
  • Patent number: 5220946
    Abstract: A counterpressure type container filling apparatus typically includes a housing defining an annular liquid feed passageway therein, a valve for opening and closing the liquid feed passageway, a holding member externally fitted to the housing in a slidable manner and provided with a sealing element for sealing a container to be filled, and a gas pipe for introducing gas into the container or for allowing gas to escape from the container. The gas pipe is detachably mounted to the holding member and is projectable into the container in cooperation with the holding member. The improvements offered by the present invention act to apply an appropriate sealing pressure to the container, to facilitate the replacement of the holding member and the gas pipe, and to prevent the application of an excessively large pressure to the side wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Murao, Yukio Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5217051
    Abstract: An improved vapor recovery system for use in a fuel dispensing arrangement is disclosed employing two concentrically arranged hoses. The inner hose includes a turbine disposed therein which rotates in response to fuel flowing therethrough. The outer hose includes a turbine which is preferably magnetically coupled to the turbine included within the inner hose. Rotation of the turbine in the inner hose causes rotation of the turbine in the outer hose and rotation of the turbine in the outer hose creates a vacuum which recovers vapors from the fuel being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Saber Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: W. Dwain Simpson, James H. Pyle
  • 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: 5199471
    Abstract: In the process, fuel is pumped from a storage tank through a dispenser and nozzle into a customer's tank. Hydrocarbon vapors emitted during fueling are collected through a vapor recovery passageway between the inner and outer spouts of the nozzle and conveyed by a vapor pump through vapor return lines into the storage tank. A portion of the vapors in the vapor return lines condense and are removed with the nozzle's condensate pickup tube. The removed condensate is dispensed into the customer's tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Harry B. Hartman, Michael S. Butkovich, Dennis J. Strock, Wolfgang H. Koch
  • Patent number: 5197523
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle (10) has a body (12) including a fuel passage for fuel to flow from a source thereof through the body. A spout (18) is attached to the body in fluid communication therewith for fuel to flow into the spout from the passage. The distal end of the spout forms a mouth (19) insertable into the tank. A vapor return path is provided for capturing fuel vapors and returning them to the source, so to substantially reduce or eliminate emissions. A vacuum is produced in a variable venturi portion (42) of the nozzle and is applied to the return path to extract any fuel collecting therein. This vacuum is in addition to another vacuum produced at the venturi and used to assist in automatically shutting-off fuel flow when the tank is full. This device is a power generating source that is not limited to only fuel extraction and nozzle shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Fink, Jr., Thomas O. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5186220
    Abstract: A nipple is attachable to the outer end of the fill pipe of a motor fuel tank and contains a closure flap and a number of other valves performing various functions. The nipple therefore can have unified in it mechanisms performing most or all of the functions required in association with the tank and can be made as a pre-assembled unit quickly and easily attached to a fuel tank in the manufacture of a vehicle to minimize the number of required assembly procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Blau KG
    Inventor: Konrad Scharrer
  • Patent number: 5186221
    Abstract: A fuel vapor filter (10) for use with a fuel nozzle (22) for filtering fuel-entrained vapor (60) displaced from a fuel tank and a fuel tank fill tube (18) during refueling. The filter (10) comprises a housing (12) containing a filter (14). An external boot (16) encloses the fill tube (18) during refueling. A splash shield (46) prevents splashing of liquid fuel on the filter housing (12). The filter (10) of the present invention protects people and the environment by preventing the escape of fuel-entrained vapor from the fuel tank during refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5181547
    Abstract: A liquid spill device arrangement is disclosed for liquid transfer in a closed system from a terminal or other sender facility to a vessel, such as a tanker vessel, and vapor/gas transfer from the vessel to the sender facility. A single spill device is used to serve multiple tanks of a tanker vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Midland Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Fontain M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5161586
    Abstract: A pneumatic circuit for controlling a liquid filler. A pilot air conduit conducts high pressure air to a pilot valve and a back pressure piloted valve. The pilot valve is normally closed so as to prevent the supply of liquid product to a container. High pressure air in the pilot air conduit opens the pilot valve to actuate supply of liquid to the container. A level sensor positioned above the container being filled provides a back pressure signal to the back pressure piloted valve causing it to exhaust the high pressure pilot air from the pilot air conduit causing the pilot valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Pneumatic Scale Corporation
    Inventor: Albert A. Auriemma
  • Patent number: 5156200
    Abstract: The filling valve in a counterpressure filling apparatus for admission of liquids into bottles or other types of containers having open upper ends is provided with a sleeve which can descend toward an empty container below the valve and carries a deformable internal annular sealing element which is movable into sealing engagement with the external surface of the open end to center the container. The sealing element is thereupon acted upon by a gaseous fluid to bear against the external surface and to establish a reliable seal during subsequent or simultaneous admission of a pressurized gaseous fluid which precedes the admission of a metered quantity of liquid whereby the liquid expels the gaseous fluid along the same path which serves for admission of pressurized gaseous fluid into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Alfill Getranketechik GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Mette
  • Patent number: 5150740
    Abstract: Filling valves for counterpressure filling of containers with carbonated liquids. The filling valves comprise valve bodies for conducting the carbonated liquids to the container from an external reservoir, the valve body having an end from which the carbonated liquid is dispensed to the container. The valves further comprise counterpressure valves movably mounted in the valve body for controlling the flow of counterpressure gas to the containers. Vent tubes mounted in the valve bodies through the dispensing end of the valve bodies, the vent tubes being slidable with respect to the valve bodies from a retracted position to an extended position in the containers in response to the counterpressure gas are provided. Pressure relief passages interfaced through the valve bodies for venting gas from the valves after the liquid has filled the containers whereby movement of the vent tubes from the extended position to the retracted position is substantially unimpeded are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Chung J. Yun
  • Patent number: 5150741
    Abstract: A device for controlling, in association with a stop valve, the gas stream delivered by a pressurized gas reservoir, whose casing is provided with an opening so that the inside of said reservoir may be connected to the outside. A cylinder is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a piston. The first chamber is in communication with the opening in the casing and includes an orifice which can be connected with the stop valve. A core is connected to the piston on the side thereof turned towards the first chamber. The core cooperating with the orifice so as to form a variable flow section as a function of the position of the piston in the cylinder. A passage with a non-return valve establishes communication between the first and second chambers of the cylinder. A controllable locking device is capable of locking the piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Yves H. G. Valy, Pascal D. Coquet, Michel Amagat
  • Patent number: 5148840
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5145008
    Abstract: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filling valve in which the seal between the valve and a can is created by an O-ring seal disposed about a valve member. Preferably, two concentric, axially-spaced O-rings are used; a first O-ring serves as a guide, while the second, slightly larger O-ring creates a seal. Since the sealing O-ring may be moved axially along the can to permit the head space volume to expand, the need for a shift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gaskets expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Chung J. Yun
  • Patent number: 5141037
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body and a projecting spout and surrounding bellows which define a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage connected to corresponding concentric passages within flexible coaxial hoses. The body supports a manually actuated control valve within the fuel passage, and a pressure responsive check valve is also located within the fuel passage adjacent the spout. The check valve includes a valve member normally biased against a tapered valve seat, and a first venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat to control a pressure responsive diaphragm mechanism for automatically closing the manually actuated valve when fuel blocks a suction vent line within the of the spout. A second venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat through the nozzle body and connects with a fuel evacuation passage within a flexible tube which extends downwardly into the vapor passage within the coaxial hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5139058
    Abstract: Filling valves for counterpressure filling of containers with carbonated liquids. The filling valves comprise valve bodies for conducting the carbonated liquids to the container from an external reservoir, the valve body having an end from which the carbonated liquid is dispensed to the container. The valves further comprise counterpressure valves movably mounted in the valve body for controlling the flow of counterpressure gas to the containers. Vent tubes mounted in the valve bodies through the dispensing end of the valve bodies, the vent tubes being slidable with respect to the valve bodies from a retracted position to an extended position in the containers in response to the counterpressure gas are provided. Pressure relief passages interfaced through the valve bodies for venting gas from the valves after the liquid has filled the containers whereby movement of the vent tubes from the extended position to the retracted position is substantially unimpeded are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Chung J. Yun
  • Patent number: 5139055
    Abstract: A liquid cooled electric generating apparatus is provided with a liquid circulation system that is divided into two portions. One of the portions includes a rotor mounted in a rotor cavity such that rotation of the rotor expels liquid from that portion of the circulation system. A normally open valve connects the two portions of the liquid circulation system. This valve is automatically closed during filling of the portion of the liquid circulation system which does not contain the rotor cavity. Both the liquid circulation system of the generating apparatus and the method of filling the system are encompassed by this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: David D. Pollard
  • Patent number: 5115841
    Abstract: A draught beer dispensing system according to the present invention comprises a beer receiving receptacle, a beer dispensing valve from which the draught beer is dispensed into the receptacle under the pressure of carbon dioxide gases, a source supplying carbon dioxide gases, and a movable dispensing nozzle connected to the beer dispensing valve through a flexible pipe and operated by an actuating means. When draught beer is dispensed, the tip of the beer dispensing nozzle is positioned within the receptacle first and is moved upwardly to the upper edge of the receptacle upon completion of beer dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Kirin Beer Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morikatsu Horino, Yoshiaki Yagi
  • Patent number: 5088528
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a substantially straight Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the inner hose having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hose to provide the first fluid passage therewith, the ends of the inner ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5088527
    Abstract: A bottle filling apparatus is provided in which a non-contact choke valve is employed. The choke valve comprises a disc having an outer cylindrical wall which is received within a valve seat having an inner cylindrical wall. The cylindrical walls have a close tolerance fit, preventing flow therebetween by molecular action and surface tension. Additionally, the bottom surface of the seal and the top surface of the seat have similar tapers such that, with the seat below the seal in a normal dispensing operation, beverage flow is directed into the bottle without turbulence and the resultant foaming action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Figgie International, Inc.
    Inventor: Len W. Monnig
  • Patent number: 5056569
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage therein for respectively conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage therein, and a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the second fluid passage therebetween, the inner hose having a Venturi therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage, the outer hose having wire reinforcing therein to tend to prevent inward crushing of the outer hose in a manner to damage the Venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn K. Walker, Rodger P. Grantham, Guy L. Renshaw
  • Patent number: 5042537
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage arrangement therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage arrangement therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose unit having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage arrangement therein, and a flexible outer hose unit having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose unit, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose unit and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose unit defining the second fluid passage arrangement therebetween, the inner hose unit having a Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage arrangement, the inner hose unit having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • 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: 5040576
    Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylindrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Warren P. Faeth
  • Patent number: 5040574
    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 20, 1991
    Assignee: H & K Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich H. Petri, Friedrich Rademacher, Siegmar Sindermann
  • Patent number: 5035271
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body and a projecting spout and surrounding bellows which define a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage connected to corresponding concentric passages within flexible coaxial hoses. The body supports a manually actuated control valve within the fuel passage, and a pressure responsive check valve is also located within the fuel passage adjacent the spout. The check valve includes a valve member normally biased against a tapered valve seat, and a first venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat to control a pressure responsive diaphragm mechanism for automatically closing the manually actuated valve when fuel blocks a suction vent line within the of the spout. A second venturi suction passage extends from the valve seat through the nozzle body and connects with a fuel evacuation passage within a flexible tube which extends downwardly into the vapor passage within the coaxial hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 5014742
    Abstract: A tank vapor vent valve assembly mounted to the top of the tank wall has a piston actuated by a source of engine vacuum which maintains a fill vapor exit closed until the gas cap is removed to relieve the vacuum and allow the piston to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Covert, Kenneth W. Turner, Carl H. Sherwood, William E. Gifford, Richard W. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4986318
    Abstract: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filing valve in which the seal between the valve and a can is created by an O-ring seal disposed about a valve member. Preferably, two concentric, axially-spaced O-rings are used; a first o-ring serves as a guide, while the second, slightly larger O-ring creates a seal. Since the sealing O-ring may be moved axially along the can to permit the head space volume to expand, the need for a snift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gasket expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Chung J. Yun
  • Patent number: 4978374
    Abstract: When a hydrocarbon liquid is pumped (11) for retail delivery, it is degassed by means of a vortex device (13). A control valve (21) shuts off delivery if the gas content in the degassed liquid being delivered via a main duct (16) is too high. Unlike prior systems which sense gas content only in the liquid being delivered, the present invention senses the greater gas content in the recycled gas-enriched fraction from the vortex separator device (13). This is done by means of a venturi system (19) controlling a servo-valve (25) which in turn controls the control valve (21). By using a magnified image of the gas content, the system is made more sensitive and more reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventors: Sylvain Janssen, Jacques Fournier
  • Patent number: 4976296
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dispensing unit for a filling machine for filling containers with particulate material comprising a nozzle having an outlet end for delivery of particulate material to a container. The nozzle is encircled by a downwardly facing seal to engage the upper open end of the container. The nozzle has an outer annular cavity terminating in an annular port around the open end of the nozzle in which a relatively high vacuum is drawn to evacuate the container and draw material through the passageway into the container. The nozzle has an inner annular cavity terminating in a porous wall encircling the discharge end of the nozzle in which a relatively low vacuum is drawn to adhere material in the nozzle to the wall of vacuum and terminate flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Portals Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Peter E. Pope
  • Patent number: 4974645
    Abstract: A fuel filler assembly (10) for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle including a filler tube (14) for directing fuel to the tank (12) and a vent tube (15). The vent tube (15) is closed by a float valve (24) when the tank is filled to capacity and an equalizing port (27) is provided in the vent tube (15) to balance the pressure between the upper portion of the filler neck and the vapor dome area of the tank. When pressure is relieved by removing the filler cap, relief valve (25) located above the float valve (24) and within the vapor dome of the fuel tank operates to allow pressure relief from the vapor dome of the fuel tank. A check valve (20) is provided in the filler tube (14) at the fuel tank (12). The check valve (20) in the filler tube (14) features a valve element (38) having cylindrical sides (39) and a hemispherical end (41) which is received in a housing (32) having cylindrical walls (34) and an annular seat (40) against which the hemispherical end (41) of the valve element (38) seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4974646
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a powder flow control valve comprising a nozzle formed from a material such as high density polythene having an upper frusto-conical section which converges towards the lower end of the nozzle and terminates in a cylindrical section. The nozzle is encircled by a plenum chamber to which sources of vacuum and air pressure are selectively connectable through a pneumatic control system. When vacuum is connected to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure drop across the wall of the porous nozzle causes powder flowing through the nozzle to consolidate in the nozzle and terminate the flow. When air pressure is applied to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure rise across the boundary surface accelerates powder flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Portals Engineering Limited
    Inventors: David Martin, Roderick MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4967813
    Abstract: A filling head for a machine for automatic filling of bottles to a constant level, particularly in free air, and a filling machine equipped with such filling heads. The filling head has a circulation chamber into which the filling liquid enters via a feed orifice and from which the filling liquid leaves via a lower outlet orifice which is extended by a discharge tube for penetrating inside a neck of a bottle during filling. A membrane with a projection opens or closes the outlet orifice in response to control signals emitted by a detector of the filling level arranged on a zone of the discharge tube situated inside the bottle during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Mapco
    Inventors: Gabriel Ponvianne, Jean-Pierre Bosman
  • Patent number: 4967809
    Abstract: A device for mounting in a fuel dispensing hose that has a flexible inner tube defining the fuel conduit, and a tubular outer sleeve that defines with the inner tube an annular vapor return passage. The device includes a venturi section adapted for serial connection with the inner tube within the outer sleeve. The section comprises a cylndrical block that connects at each end with an end of the inner tube and defines a venturi forming part of the fuel conduit. The block also has an aspirator means that defines at least two radial ports communicating between the venturi throat and the annular vapor passage. Each radial port has a check valve to block fuel flow from the fuel conduit to the vapor passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Warren P. Faeth
  • Patent number: 4966299
    Abstract: In association with a fuel tank of a vehicle with an inlet, an improved fuel filler assembly therein with first and second sealing means for isolating the interior of the fuel tank from the atmosphere and a vapor storage canister before a refill of the tank and subsequently from the atmosphere but not the storage canister during a refill operation while preventing passage of liquid to the storage canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Teets, Keith A. Kerby, Michael P. Rafferty, Wayne D. Carver, Robert Shrodes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4955950
    Abstract: In a fuel fill tube for automobiles including an "onboard vapor recovery system", a portion thereof in the vicinity of the fuel fill neck is divided into an upper fill tube and a lower fill tube and a space is provided between the two tubes wherein a vaporized gas recovery system may be provided. Furthermore, a leaded fuel restricting shutter, a vapor discharging valve and other members may be attached to a base provided in the space between the two tubes and can be manufactured as a single unit. In addition, even though the lower fill tube extending from a fuel tank to the fill neck may be formed in a variety of complex configurations in accordance with the kind of automobile to which the fill tube is to be attached, only one version of the upper fill tube is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: OM Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatsuka Seiichi, Sato Kyokuichi
  • Patent number: 4951720
    Abstract: A hose assembly and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having a first fluid passage arrangement therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and a second fluid passage arrangement therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose unit having an outer peripheral surface and defining the first fluid passage arrangement therein, and a flexible outer hose unit having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose unit, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose unit and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose unit defining the second fluid passage arrangement therebetween, the inner hose unit having a Venturi section therein that tends to remove liquid from a certain area of the second fluid passage arrangement, the inner hose unit having adjacent intermediate ends, the Venturi section having opposed ends respectively interconnected to the ends of the inner hos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4947903
    Abstract: A loose material recovery apparatus such as for recovering foam plastic packaging elements has an overhead bin for containing the material. The bin has a storage chamber for storing the material and an outlet from which the material in the bin is dispensed. A vacuum assembly above the storage chamber includes a container having a bottom door, an actuating member, and a motor. A storage compartment is defined within the container between the motor and the bottom door. The bottom door is mounted for movement between a closed position for retaining the material in the storage compartment and an open position allowing the material to fall from the compartment into the bin storage chamber. When the motor is energized movement is imparted to the actuating member to close the bottom door and create a vacuum in the storage compartment for drawing material to be recovered into the compartment through a suction hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Robert H. Beckwith
  • 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: 4926914
    Abstract: A vent control valve for controlling fuel vapor flow from a fuel tank to a vapor storage canister during fuel supply to the fuel tank. The vent control valve is fixedly attached to a fuel filler tube and formed therein with first and second chambers. The first and second chambers are located side by side on an immaginary plane along the fuel filler tube. The first and second chambers are communicated respectively with the fuel tank and the vapor storage canister. A valve mechanism is provided between the first and second chambers and adapted to cause the first and second chambers to communicate with each other so as to allow fuel vapor in the fuel tank to flow into the vapor storage canister, when opened. The valve mechanism is opened when a fuel supply gun is inserted into the fuel filler tube to supply fuel into the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company, Limited, Tsuchiya Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Morizumi, Kinya Omura, Eriya Arita, Katsuji Furuya, Sakae Yasuda, Masaya Kodera
  • Patent number: 4917145
    Abstract: A valve device is disclosed for an aeration and air evacuation pipe leading away from a motor fuel tank. In a known valve device for aerating and evacuating air from a motor fuel tank, a positive pressure valve is provided, the closing force of which is generated by a compression spring which is braced against its valve element. This closing force generally corresponds to the positive pressure value of a water column of 300 to 400 mm. Such a positive pressure valve is therefore unsuitable for aeration and air evacuation devices in which the required positive pressure value is very low, only approximately 80 mm WG for example, for safety and functional considerations, and correct functioning of the valve element of the positive pressure valve is required to be ensured even at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Helmut Wawra, Wolfgang Kleineberg, Dieter Scheurenbrand
  • Patent number: 4917157
    Abstract: A tank vapor vent valve assembly uses a spring loaded sealing flapper door located below a normally open float chamber. The flapper door spring is specifically designed to open when the tank pressure falls, allowing make up air to pull the flapper door down and draw in make up air through the canister inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Gifford, Carl H. Sherwood, Charles H. Covert, Kenneth W. Turner
  • Patent number: 4903741
    Abstract: A pneumatic action dispenser for filling bottles with soda and carbon dioxide according to alternate mixing sequences, where each bottle has a normally closed closure valve in its neck, said dispenser being engageable with the neck of the bottle and provided with a pneumatically and coaxially activated mobile body which contains another body mobile with respect to the other, said second mobile body having a mouthpiece engageable with the bottle which is provided with a central opening for a member capable of opening the valvular closure of the bottle and which is in communication with an inlet and/or outlet connector for carbon dioxide and soda. The main pneumatically activated mobile body includes a member for opening the valvular closure of the bottle, the activation of which opens a closure valve within the dispenser between the main and second mobile bodies in the communication line for the fluid feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Industrias Marsel S.A.I.C.I.A.
    Inventor: Alberto A. Ibanez
  • Patent number: 4895192
    Abstract: A service valve (10) is provided to provide an apparatus and method for filling a constant speed drive without overfilling and for preventing gas entrapment in the oil circuit of the drive. The valve (10) has a spool (12) movable in response to pressure from a filling fluid so as to connect the filling fluid with the drive circuit until a predetermined level has been reached at which point a signal is generated to allow the operator to remove the source of filling fluid. An air vent float valve (44) and a pressure switch (28) in the oil circuit allow the trapped gas to be vented from the oil circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Jerome A. Mortenson