Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel tanks including features for capturing vapors displaced during a filling process. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fuel tank including a housing defining an interior volume; an inflow conduit providing fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the interior volume; a check-valve coupled to the inflow conduit, the check-valve configured to allow fuel to flow through the check-valve into the interior volume but prevent the flow of gases from the interior volume to the outside of the housing; an expansion member configured to reversibly change in volume; and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the expansion member and the interior volume of the housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 24, 2009
Date of Patent:
November 18, 2014
Assignee:
Sartec Corporation
Inventors:
Charles Vincent McNeff, Larry C. McNeff
Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting an ORVR-compatible Stage II vapor recovery system to maintain the air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio within desired tolerances or limits to meet regulatory and/or other requirements. An air flow sensor (AFS) or vapor flow meter measures the amount of recovered vapor for a dispensing point to calculate the recovery efficiency of the system in the form of the A/L ratio. Volume or flow rate measurements can be used. ORVR fueling transactions are either minimized or excluded from the A/L ratio, so that the A/L ratio is not artificially lowered due to a blocked or altered recovery. The A/L ratio is then compared to a desired or nominal A/L ratio. Adjustments to the recovery system are made within prescribed safety tolerances if the A/L ratio differs from the desired ratio.
Abstract: System and method for controlling a hazardous fluid distribution facility wherein a control arrangement is provided at the facility having a power on switch providing for its general energization and de-energization along with a start switch which is actuated by an operator for an interval of time sufficient for a gas pressure control monitor to assume an enable condition causing the actuation of tank valves and the enablement of emergency shut-off valves. A receiver is incorporated with the housing which performs in conjunction with strategically positioned emergency transmitters which are actuated by personnel in the event of a perceived emergency condition. The transmitters transmit an off-state signal which is responded to by the receiver circuit to vent the pneumatic actuation and enablement system as well as to disenable electrical input to pump motors. The transmitters are polled periodically by the receiver circuit to determine their operational status.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a heavier liquid from a container having a cover and containing a plurality of liquids of differing specific gravities. A sealable access is provided in the cover and a conduit having an end positioned within the liquid to be removed is connected at an opposite end to the sealable access. A superatmospheric medium is introduced into the container through the sealable access to create a pressure on a lighter liquid which acts as a plunger to pressurize the heavier liquid and force it through the conduit to be ejected to an exterior location via the sealable access.
Abstract: A sealed reagent container structure that contains reagent material, has a body portion with length and width dimensions each greater than its height dimension and port defining neck structure upstanding from the upper wall of the body portion and asymmetrically located so that it is close to one endwall of the body portion. Coupling structure on the bottom wall of the body portion is provided for interengagement with a transport mechanism so that a series of reagent containers may be disposed on the transport mechanism for movement past a reagent station where the reagent material is transferred from the reagent container to the analysis cuvettes for mixing with sample material and analysis.