Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to calculate the vapor-to-liquid (V/L) ratio of the fuel dispenser. If the V/L ratio is not as desired, an adjustment is made to attempt a correction of the V/L ratio. If such correction attempt is unsuccessful, and error is reported.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling a container with a liquid product. The apparatus includes various passageways which facilitate the evacuation of the container of atmospheric gases prior to filling as well as facilitating introduction of the liquid product into the container. The apparatus also allows for the introduction of a counter-pressure purge gas to be introduced into the container after evacuation to prevent reintroduction of atmospheric gases into the container during filling of the container with a fluid product. A method in accordance with the instant invention comprises substantially evacuating the container as well as introducing liquid product into the container.

Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for introducing new coolant into a cooling system of a vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system. The attachment (3) comprises: a body (4) having a first inlet (36) for air left in the cooling system of the vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system; a second inlet (37) for the new coolant; an outlet (38); a passage (39) connecting the outlet (38) to each of the inlets (36, 37); and, a jumper valve (40) located within the passage (39). The jumper valve (40) is moveable between a first closed position and a second open position, and it is biased with a coil spring (41) to remain in the first position. Whilst a vacuum is applied to the attachment (3) by the vacuum gun (2), the jumper valve (40) is in the second position and air may be drawn from the cooling system to form a partial vacuum within the cooling system.

Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. A sleeve of the second valve part is rotatably mounted to the first valve part. A cap is mounted to the first valve part for rotational and longitudinal movement. Rotation of the sleeve results in rotational and longitudinal movement of the cap. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A coupling device for fueling automobile gasoline tanks is disclosed and claimed. The coupling has two parts: a cap assembly (female half) and a nozzle assembly (male half). Little or no spillage occurs due to opposing flush faces of the female main valve and the plug of the male. The cap assembly is affixed to an existing gasoline tank (fuel storage tank) or alternatively can be supplied as original equipment on a new automobile. Fuel vapor is extracted from the automobile fuel tank with high efficiency and returned to the pumping station for storage and/or reprocessing. Vapors and/or liquid fuel are extracted through the portion of the gasoline tank cap assembly which resides within the tank. Apertures in the cap assembly communicate with an annular passageway which removes the vapors to ports which mate with peripheral apertures in a concentric nozzle having an outer sheath and an inner fluid conduit.

Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for loading a tank with brake fluid in an air-free manner which is accomplished by providing a flexible diaphragm in a tank and vacuuming air out underneath the diaphragm to draw new fluid into the tank so that it can be loaded for use in pressurized flushing of brake systems on vehicles. Another aspect of the method and apparatus is an indicator on the top of the tank which warns the user when the tank is almost out of new brake fluid in order to avoid the problem in the prior art systems of running out of new brake fluid during the flushing process.

Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.

Abstract: A disposable lubricating container system including a disposable container, a carrier, a sealing unit and transfer tubes. The carrier rigidly attaches itself to an engine or other machine part and the container attaches to the carrier. The container mates with the carrier to securely hold the container while being easily removed or inserted into the carrier. The sealing unit attaches to a neck portion of the container and serves to provide a fluid transfer system for the lubricating oil or fuel/oil mixture from the container to the engine. Lubricating oil in the container is transfered to an existing oil reservoir, directly to engine components or other machine parts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting a multiple component material is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus utilizing an operator controllable pressurization device to generate a pressure differential between two receptacles attached to the device. The receptacles may contain individual components of a multiple component material, and may include liquid-liquid or liquid-solid compounds. The apparatus includes a material transfer lumen attachable to a first and second component receptacle. A pressurization lumen is connected to one of the component receptacles to facilitate material transfer. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a negative pressure differential created in the second receptacle to facilitate transfer. In another embodiment, a positive pressure is created in the first receptacle to force material transfer between the two receptacles.

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery and injection system for a small watercraft engine reduces the heat effects within an enclosed engine compartment upon various components of the engine and upon the fuel within the fuel system. The fuel system integrates a fuel pump within a fuel tank at a location which minimizes the effects of watercraft leaning. The inlet of the fuel pump desirably corresponds, in the lateral direction, with a position of an inlet to the jet pump unit. In this position, the pump is less likely to draw air as the watercraft maneuvers. The fuel lines also are arranged within the engine to minimize the effect of engine heat produced by the exhaust system on the fuel delivery lines. The arrangement of the fuel pump and fuel delivery lines consequently improves the consistency of the fuel/air ratio within the fuel charge produced by the engine as less air and vapor delivered to the fuel injectors.

Abstract: A device for localized containment of extraneous material at and in the vicinity of the interface between a material receiving body (e.g., a reaction vessel) and a material dispensing body (e.g., a powder bin). The device includes a containment chamber and a ventilation system for ventilating the interior of the containment chamber whereby extraneous material at and in the vicinity of the interface between the material receiving body and the material dispensing body is transported to a remote location.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a quick connect adaptor has a first coupling that attaches to the bung of a plastic blow molded drum by way of pivotal retainer members and a second coupling that connects to a conventional dispense head. The bung has internal or external threads and may have a radially extending circumferential lip or other retainer member engagement structure. The first coupling provides a secure attachment that is quickly accomplished by manual operation. In a preferred embodiment, the pivotal retaining members pivot into and out of a retention position with the radially and circumferential extending lip. The retaining members are mechanically linked with a circular manual handle member to operate the pivoting of said plurality of retaining members. The pivotal members are preferably biased toward the retention position. These couplings will generally utilize O-rings for sealing.

Abstract: A dispensing installation for fuel or other volatile liquids comprises a storage tank, a pipe and a pump for dispensing fuel, a vapor recovery pipe and pump for recovering vapor and delivering it back to the tank, and a controller maintaining the vapor delivery rate approximately equal to the liquid delivery rate. In order to check that the vapor recovery system is operating correctly, the vapor delivery rate is constantly detected and compared with a value of the liquid delivery rate. If the result of the comparison is outside a predetermined range, an alarm is triggered in order to indicate a malfunction. The predetermined range may be adjustable.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a filler neck, a housing, and an appearance cover. The housing includes a nozzle-receiving passageway and an interior region. A closure door is coupled to housing and prevents fuel vapor from flowing through passageway. A pressure-relief valve assembly is positioned within interior region and controls the flow of fuel vapor through interior region when the closure door is closed. A valve actuator is coupled to housing and includes a nozzle arm, a stem arm, and a conductor arm. Stem arm moves with nozzle arm and opens pressure-relief valve assembly when nozzle arm is engaged by a fuel-dispensing nozzle upon movement of a nozzle into passageway. A conductor arm is coupled to nozzle arm and is positioned to contact filler neck through an opening in housing. When a nozzle contacts the nozzle arm, any electrical charge present on the fuel-dispensing nozzle is conducted through nozzle arm and conductor arm to the filler neck.

Abstract: A liquid sucking and dispensing device includes a body having a passage and an air inlet and an air outlet are respectively located one two ends of the body. A first valve is engaged with the passage at a mediate section of the passage and a second valve is engaged with the passage at a second end of the body. An opening is defined radially through the body and communicates with the passage and an interior of a container. When the second valve closes the passage, pressurized air enters the container to push liquid in the container out from the container.

Abstract: In the coolant circulating apparatus for supplying a coolant in a tank to a heat load connected to the tank through a feed pipe and a return pipe in a circulating manner to cool the heat load, the coolant building up in the feed pipe, the heat load, and the return pipe is caused to flow back into the tank and recovered by supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas supply source into the feed pipe through a recovery gas duct when operation of the apparatus is completed and changes in a liquid level in the tank caused by supply and recovery of the coolant to and from the heat load are absorbed by, supplying or discharging compressed gas from and into a liquid level regulating gas duct into and from a liquid level regulating chamber to thereby push the coolant out from the liquid level regulating chamber or cause the coolant to flow into the liquid level regulating chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling vapor so as to increase the rate of flow of liquid while moving from one vessel to a second vessel by replacing pumped off liquid with vapor from the liquid and then depressurize the first vessel. After the first vessel is emptied of liquid, the first vessel is depressurized by pulling the vapor out of the first vessel, condensing the vapor, and routing the condensed vapor to the second vessel. The vapor utilized for balancing the first and second vessels during movement of liquid is vapor from the head space of the second vessel or vapor obtained by vaporizing a side stream of the liquid being pumped from the first vessel to the second. The system is also adapted for assisting with the recovery of vent gas from the vent gas recovery system of the facility.

Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.

Abstract: In the coolant circulating apparatus for supplying a coolant in a tank to a heat load connected to the tank through a feed pipe and a return pipe in a circulating manner to cool the heat load, the coolant building up in the feed pipe, the heat load, and the return pipe is caused to flow back into the tank and recovered by supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas supply source into the feed pipe through a recovery gas duct when operation of the apparatus is completed and changes in a liquid level in the tank caused by supply and recovery of the coolant to and from the heat load are absorbed by supplying or discharging compressed gas from and into a liquid level regulating gas duct into and from a liquid level regulating chamber to thereby push the coolant out from the liquid level regulating chamber or cause the coolant to flow into the liquid level regulating chamber.

Abstract: A process is provided for filling an at least partially collapsible container comprising one or more fill and/or dispense apertures. The collapsible container is evacuated prior to refilling the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring pressure within a vapor recovery pathway of a vapor recovery fuel system including pressure transducer linked to a radio frequency (RF) transponder. The pressure transducer detects changes in vapor pressure within a vapor recovery pathway pressure and the RF transponder relays the information to a remote site for monitoring. The radio frecuency transponder can be housed within as spacer between the vapor recovery hose and the nozzle, mounted in the nozzle itself, the fuel delivery hose, or externally to any of these elements. The detected changes in vapor line pressure can be relayed to any of the fuel dispenser to actuate adjustments in the dispensing system such as vapor recovery pump speed or other parameters.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided which includes a nozzle body having a proximal end and an insertion end and defining an inlet orifice at the proximal end thereof and an outlet orifice at the insertion end thereof. The nozzle body is adapted to be attached at the proximal end thereof to an opening of a container and to be inserted at the insertion end thereof into an opening of a receiving vessel for dispensing a first fluid from the container into the receiving vessel from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice thereof. The nozzle further includes a venting device connected to the nozzle body and defining a vent discharge opening for venting a second fluid from the receiving vessel into the container through the vent discharge opening such that the second fluid is vented through the vent discharge opening of the venting device without traversing the first fluid in the container substantially during an entire time for a dispensing of the first fluid from the container into the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for loading organic chemical liquids in a transporting vessel are described. The invention provides for selective transfer of vapor released during loading to a vapor control system or to vent. A vapor control logic system which controls flow direction of vapor captured from a transporting vessel being loaded, either to a vapor control system, or to vent in the environment, is described.

Abstract: A battery acid filler apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a single, relatively large diameter tube to both fill and retract excess acid from a battery, at a single station by means of controlling the time of filling and the opposing pressures of acid pumps.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pair of inputs for determining the pressure within a vapor recovery path. The inputs are positioned about a flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path. The vapor recovery path may include a mounting platform for attaching the pressure sensor and positioning the inputs relative to the flow restrictor. In one embodiment, a vapor sensor may also be positioned within the vapor recovery path. An inlet port and an outlet port direct vapor from the vapor recovery path to a sensor. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned relative to the flow restrictor for forcing the vapor through the sensor. In this embodiment, a common flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path may accommodate both the vapor sensor and the pressure sensor. If vapor is not being returned in the vapor return path properly, the fuel dispenser may set an alarm condition and/or shut down the fuel dispenser operation.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.

Abstract: Piping system for chemical liquids, in particular oil products, such as fuels, at least including a double-walled plastic conveyor pipe (3) with an inlet and an outlet, the double-walled pipe (3) having, in the double wall, one or more intermediate spaces extending along the length of the pipe (3), in which the piping system furthermore includes a gas-conveying system which has a gas-suction device which is connected to the intermediate spaces in such a manner that, in operation, gas can be sucked through the intermediate spaces. A piping system of this nature is suitable in particular for underground use at a petrol station.

Abstract: A gasoline refueling nozzle (3) includes a system for preventing theft of gasoline by leaving without payment after refueling. The nozzle communicates both ways with a chip (7) on the car and a central unit (9) in the gasoline station via two air interfaces (5, 6, 8). The nozzle is equipped with an easily legible display (20) and with a built-in battery (17) for its operation, and the battery is recharged inductively from the gasoline pump (2) via an adapter unit.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.

Abstract: In a filling system for moving a supply of liquid through an automatic nozzle, a filling adaptor affixed to a fill pipe of the container for receiving the automatic nozzle has a safety closure at a discharge end thereof to reduce spillage of liquid from the container upon tipping of the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, for servicing engine cooling systems, including a service inlet, a vacuum pump, a two-way solenoid interposed between the vacuum pump and the service inlet, a service outlet, a disposal hose, a new fluid tank, a pressure pump interposed between the service outlet and the new fluid tank, a three-way solenoid interposed between the service outlet and the two-way solenoid, a low-level trigger mechanism, a flow control relief valve and other elements to enhance various modes of operation. The apparatus is capable of performing various operations, including close-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.

Abstract: A vapor recovery line monitor, a fuel dispenser, and fuel dispensing system are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vapor recovery line monitor is provided comprising a fuel dispensing and vapor recovery hose, a pressure sensing passage, and a pressure transducer. The fuel dispensing and vapor recovery hose defines a fuel dispensing passage and a vapor recovery passage. The pressure sensing passage defines a pressure sensing orifice. The pressure sensing orifice is positioned within the vapor recovery passage. The pressure transducer is coupled to the pressure sensing passage and is configured to provide an indication of pressure at the pressure sensing orifice. Pressure data may be processed and compared to predetermined thresholds to trigger a vapor return line blockage signal. A controller may also be configured to shut down all or part of the system when a blockage signal is generated.

Abstract: A vacuum assist vapor recovery system, e.g., in or for a fuel dispensing system, having a coaxial hose with an outer fuel conduit for delivery of fuel and an inner vapor conduit for recovery of vapor, includes an indicator assembly for providing indication of vapor flow reduction in the inner vapor conduit, e.g., due to restriction of flow cross-section in the inner vapor conduit or failure of a vacuum pump or other vacuum control device. The indicator assembly includes a detector element in communication with the inner vapor conduit for detection of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit and an indicator element of vapor flow for indication of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit detected by the detector element.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a vehicle is equipped with an ORVR system. A processor receives a signal from a fuel pump or the like indicating the fuel being dispensed by the fuel dispenser. The processor is programmed to determine a threshold vapor concentration level based on the signal. Processor further receives a signal from at least one environmental sensor indicating at least one environmental condition to which the fueling operation is exposed. The processor is further programmed to adjust the threshold vapor concentration either up or down dependent upon the environmental condition. Finally, processor receives an actual vapor concentration from a vapor sensor. The processor then compares the actual vapor concentration value with the adjusted threshold vapor concentration value to determine whether the vehicle is equipped with an ORVR system.

Abstract: A combined oil drain and fill apparatus includes an oil supply container, oil waste container, supply pump, waste pump, supply check valve, waste check valve, Y-connector, and oil hose. One end of the supply pump is connected to the supply container and the other end is connected to the supply check valve. One end of the waste pump is connected to the waste container and the other end is connected to the waste check valve. The Y-connector has two inlets and one outlet. The supply and waste check valves are connected to the inlets of the Y-connector and the oil hose is connected to the outlet of the Y-connector. The supply and waste check valves may be replaced with a supply shut-off valve and a waste shut-off valve.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A fuel system 10 which selectively receives and stores volatile fuel. System 10 includes a dynamic seal or air intake inhibitor 26 which is operatively disposed within fuel filler pipe 20 and which minimizes the amount of air ingested by fuel tank 12. System 10 further includes an air separation portion or chamber 16 that includes a recirculation aperture 30 and tapered valve 34 that are effective to automatically regulate the rate of vapor recirculation within system 10 based upon the amount of fuel and vapor within portion 16.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pair of inputs for determining the pressure within a vapor recovery path. The inputs are positioned about a flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path. The vapor recovery path may include a mounting platform for attaching the pressure sensor and positioning the inputs relative to the flow restrictor. In one embodiment, a vapor sensor may also be positioned within the vapor recovery path. An inlet port and an outlet port direct vapor from the vapor recovery path to a sensor. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned relative to the flow restrictor for forcing the vapor through the sensor. In this embodiment, a common flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path may accommodate both the vapor sensor and the pressure sensor. If vapor is not being returned in the vapor return path properly, the fuel dispenser may set an alarm condition and/or shut down the fuel dispenser operation.

Abstract: The resin dispenser comprises a support frame, a probe with an adjustable loading volume mounted on the support frame and connected to a vacuum source, a hopper for containing a resin slurry, a holder for retaining one or more containers to be loaded at a loading position, a translation means for moving the probe from the hopper to the container, a fluid circulation pump and an air pump for circulating fluid in the hopper, and at least one control device. The hopper includes a means for continuous circulation and replenishment of solvent with a large reserve of resin, and has a small volume from which the resin is extracted. The method for dispensing comprises drawing resin from a dispenser trough in the hopper into the loading volume using a vacuum, moving the probe to the loading position, then activating an air actuator which expels a resin pellet from the probe into the container by initiating movement of the inner and outer tubes that define the loading volume.

Abstract: A gas cushion proportioning microsystem to proportion liquid volumes in the microlitre and sub-microlitre ranges, comprising a liquid reservoir including a storage space for the liquid being proportioned the boundary line of which is broken through by an outwardly leading liquid passage and a gas passage, a gas displacement system which has a micropump to pump a gas and a connection to the gas passage, and a proportioning control in an operative communication with the micropump to generate a negative pressure or positive pressure by actuating the micropump and to apply the negative pressure or positive pressure to the liquid reservoir in order to receive liquid in the storage space through the liquid passage or to deliver it from said space.

Abstract: Method for controlling movement of a liquid from a first location to a second location via a dispenser for the liquid located in a liquid line between the first and second location. The dispenser includes a nozzle, an internal liquid conduit, a valve, a body portion, a hollow annular collar and a first detector. The first detector is located in the collar which is positioned around the nozzle or between the nozzle and the body portion such that the first detector is in vapor communication with a vapor space above the second location. The vapor from the vapor space is analyzed by withdrawing the vapor past the first detector and using the results of the analysis to control the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser system having a storage tank and a fuel delivery hose extending from the storage tank and terminating at a nozzle. A vapor recovery line extends between the nozzle and the storage tank. The vapor recovery line extends between the nozzle and the storage tank and has a section with a first larger diameter and a second section having a smaller diameter. A vapor pump is operatively connected to the vapor recovery line for moving vapor along said vapor recovery line. A chamber is positioned along the vapor recovery line and includes inlet and outlet ports, and a main sensor chamber. The inlet port connects to the vapor recovery line at a point having the larger diameter. The outlet port connects a point of the smaller diameter. Each of the ports connects to the main sensor chamber where a sensor is positioned for determining the vapor concentration.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel dispenser having a valve positioned in the hanging hardware for testing for leaks along a vapor recovery line. Vapor valves placed along the vapor recovery line allow for isolating sections of the recovery line to determine the position of any leaks. A vapor pump positioned on the vapor recovery line provides for changing the pressure within the line and a vapor sensor positioned on the vapor recovery line determines the amount of pressure within the line. A control system controls the vapor pump and valves and receives signals from the pressure sensor for determining the position of leaks along the vapor recovery line.

Abstract: A dispensing system (10) that utilizes radio frequencies identification capabilities in a service station environment to reliably and accurately detect an on-board vapor recovery (ORVR) system in a vehicle (26). The dispensing system (10) includes a vapor recovery system (33) for recovering fuel vapors responsive to a fuel being dispensed. The vapor recovery system (33) has a disabling mechanism (42) for selectively preventing its operation. The dispensing system (10) also includes an antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B) for detecting a radio frequency signal from a transmitter (23 or 25) in a vehicle (26). The radio frequency signal may be a single bit indicating that the vehicle (26) has the ORVR system, or may include additional bits indicating a type of fuel to be dispensed. When the transmitter (23 or 25) is within a predetermined distance from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B), a controller (20) receives the radio frequency signal from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24a, 24B) and asserts a disable signal (41).

Abstract: A vacuum assist vapor recovery system for a fuel dispensing system having a coaxial hose with an outer fuel conduit for delivery of fuel and an inner vapor conduit for recovery of vapor, and such a fuel dispensing system includes an indicator assembly for providing indication of vapor flow reduction in the inner vapor conduit. The indicator assembly has a detector element in communication with the inner vapor conduit for detection of vapor flow within the inner vapor conduit and an indicator element of vapor flow for indication of vapor flow and vapor flow reduction within the inner vapor conduit detected by the detector element. The detector element includes a Venturi device disposed in communication with the inner vapor conduit, a diaphragm responsive to the pressure between the Venturi throat and the upstream inner vapor passageway, and a magnet associated with, i.e., reflecting the movement of, the diaphragm.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly for a vehicle fuel tank filler neck, comprising: a housing configured to be mounted in the filler neck and formed to include a sealing surface and a pressure-relief valve positioned to lie in the housing and provided with a nozzle-receiving portion and a sealing portion, wherein the nozzle-receiving portion is formed to include a nozzle-receiving opening sized to receive a pump nozzle during refueling of the fuel tank and the sealing portion is movable with the nozzle portion and relative to the housing between a closure-sealing position sealingly engaging the sealing surface and a pressure-relief position away from the sealing surface to define an opening to vent fuel vapor from the fuel tank when tank pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure.