US3921682A - Automatic fuel dispensing nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatically operating fuel dispensing nozzle adapted to function within a sealed fuel system. In particular a signal system incorporated within said nozzle which functions to permit a topping-off operation for filling a fuel tank, or for automatically discontinuing a filling operation in response to an excessive pressure which might build up within the fuel tank or other parts of the closed system.

Description

United States Patent McGahey et al.

[ Nov. 25, 1975 l l AUTOMATIC FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE [75] Inventors: Dean C. McGahey, Fishkill; Eugene W. Vest, Wappingers Falls; Edward A. Mayer. Newhurgh all of NY.

[73] Assigneei Texaco Inc., New York, NY.

[22] Filed: May 9, 1973 [2l] Appl. No.: 358.762

[52] US. Cl. H [41/128 [51] Int. Cl. H [3653 3/26; 867D 5/373 [58] Field of Search Nil/40, 4l, 46 52. I02v [41/128. [98. 206-229, 302 392; 25l/l4 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,603,359 9/l97l Beluc i i v o i i i i, l4l/208 3,7IO 83| l/l973 Riegcli v v 4 l4l/207 I09 23 I l J l I l I27 1 l l0? I 69 I l 22l 78 Murray l4l/207 Eklund Mil/207 Primary Exuminer-Richard E. Aegertcr Assistant ExaminerFrederick R. Schmidt Attorney, Agent, or FirmT. H. Whaley; C. G. Ries; Robert B Burns [57] ABSTRACT 2 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 2 of5 3,921,682

7 2 H a M r W m I m w i m 1I 4 2L H1 9i l q A 7 I I 6 2 N 2 2 mm 2 a W G I 9 F 2 FIG. 12

U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975Sheet 4 of5 3,921,682

US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 5 of5 3,921,682

FIG. 8

AUTOMATIC FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the ordinary filling of a fuel tank by means of a nozzle attached to a fuel source, the nozzle is usually provided with means for automatically discontinuing flow when the tank becomes filled. This is achieved without the attention of an attendant to monitor the operation.

In the usual arrangement, the fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with means to sense the surge and rising of the fuel level within a fuel tank filler spout. At such time as fuel initially covers the sensing means a vacuum signal established in the fuel path is utilized to adjust the nozzless llow control valves.

In one form of nozzle this initial vacuum signal will cause the main fuel flow control valve to be released thereby completely discontinuing flow of fuel to the tank. However, an improvement on this type of nozzle includes the feature for reducing the fuel flow upon reception of the initial vacuum signal. At the reduced flow rate, the tank will continue to be filled or topped off to a predetermined level, at which time a second sphere. However, in lieu of the fuel vapors being discharged into the air, they are collected either through the dispensing nozzle or through ancillary equipment. In either instance, the collected fumes are treated, or more preferably returned to the storage tank after being condensed into liquid form.

To properly function in such a closed system, a fuel dispensing nozzle must be designed such that it will not only shut off under full tank conditions, but will automatically discontinue operation when a malfunction occurs in the system. The latter shut off is effective particularly in preventing an internal pressure build-up. In brief, should the means for drawing or venting off the vaporous fumes become inoperative, the possibility exists that a sudden pressure build-up within the system could precipitate a dangerous circumstance.

In the instant dispensing nozzle, valve means is provided for automatically regulating fuel flow in response to conditions within the fuel receiving tank. A sensing system embodied in the nozzle signals the regulatory mechanism to provide a topping-off fuel flow, a final shut off, and also an emergency shut off in response to an excessive pressure build-up.

A fuel nozzle embodying the above mentioned features for automatically providing the basic fuel tank topping-off, as well as shut off operation, is shown in US. Pat. No. 3.688,8l3. In said patent the manually operated dispensing nozzle includes a primary or main llmv val\e together with a secondary valve. A vacuum sensing means incorporated into the nozzle includes a conduit disposed within the nozzle spout and communicated with a valve release mechanism. The latter is in turn connected to the respective valves to adjust their settings.

) provided within the signal sensing system. such that the manual actuating lever will be released to discontinue fuel flow through the nozzle in spite of the conditions of the other flow control mechanisms. Further, this event will occur so long as there is a predetermined pressure build'up within the closed fuel system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 represents a schematic flow diagram ofthc elements incorporated into the instant fuel dispensing nozzle.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the nozzle which embodies the herein disclosed features.

- FIG. 3 constitutes a front elevation view ofthe nozzle as shown in FIG. 2, the portion of the center housing being broken away to show the internal structure.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken centrally through the nozzle along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are detailed sectional views substantially identical with those of FIG. 4, but showing the internal parts in different operating positions.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. I0 is a segmentary view in cross section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4.

FIG. II is a segmentary view in cross section taken along line IIlI of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a segmentary sectional view taken along line I2-12 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a segmentary view in cross section similar to FIGS. 5 and 6.

GENERAL STRUCTU RE FIG. I illustrates diagrammatically a schematic arrangement of the present nozzle including the various valves and their relationship whereby they interfunction to provide the desired flow characteristics. As shown, nozzle body I0 comprises a fuel inlet means II which connects to a pressurized source of fuel through a flexible conduit I2. Amain fuel passage 13 communicates saidconduit 12 with a supplementary flow control valve I4.

Fuel flow through the nozzle in accordance with the operation of saidvalve 14, is conducted through a main flow control valve I6 and thence to thenozzle spout 17. In the alternative. flow will be directed around said supplementary control valve I4, into adiverter valve 18 and thereafter passed to the mainflow control valve 16 and tonozzle spout 17.

Each of saidvalves 14 and 16 is operably connected to afirst release mechanism 19 comprising in essence a closed chamber provided with a movable diaphragm. Similarly. a nozzle actuating lever ZI is operably connected with asecond release mechanism 22 whereby 3 reception of a signal from thenozzle spout 17 will cause the respective valves to be closed.

The signal mechanism embodied in the nozzle comprises in brief asignal selector valve 23 adapted to selectively transmit a signal to one of therelease mechanims 19 or 22. Further, saidsignal selector valve 23 is provided with an overriding mechanism, to be herein more fully described. to permit the flow of fuel to be discontinued through the nozzle at such time as an excessive pressure is realized within the fuel system into which the nozzle is sealably coupled.

Referring to FIG. 2, the nozzle structure is characterized by a cast housing or body having a handle inlet 11 which receives fuel from a pressurized source by way of hose orconduit 12.Supplementary valve 14, andmain valve 16 to be herein described more fully, are disposed within the main portion ofhousing 10 and are actuated byhand lever 21 acting on elongated valve stemend 24.

Lever 21 is pivoted on the lower end of a lock-outplunger 26, the lever is latched in the maximum operative position shown in FIG. 2, or in an alternate position, by a springbiased latch 27.Spout 17 extending from one end ofbody 10 is adapted to extend intoinlet pipe 28 of a fuel tank.

Externally, spout 17 is provided with anappropriate sealing mechanism 31 to permit the nozzle to removably engageinlet pipe 28. Saidseal mechanism 31 can be of the resilient collar type adapted to slidably fit withinpipe 28, or it can merely engage thepipe 28 outer lip. Alternatively the seal member can be controllably expandable to form an annular fluid barrier with the pipe at such time as the nozzle is inserted therein.

Spout 17 is further provided internally with a venting means which comprises a portion of the signal system.Vent tube 127 extending alongspout 17, is communicated with the nozzle main fuel passage whereby a flow of fuel through aconstriction 106 will create a source of vacuum which is normally vented.

When, during a filling operation fuel rises about and entersorifice 29, the vacuum sharply rises. In the conventional automatic nozzle control system, said vacuum signal will be directed to, and actuate the diaphragm of thefirst release mechanism 19 to in turn adjustsupplementary valve 14.

Further in the conventional system,selective valve 23 will be actuated to redirect any further vacuum signal onto the diaphragm of thelever release mechanism 22. Thus, upon the event of fuel again rising in filler pipe 28 a second vacuum signal will causelever release mechanism 22 to be adjusted andfree lever 21 thereby closingmain flow valve 16.

FIG. 4 of the drawings illustrates the interior of the instant nozzle in cross section, with the various valves set to permit maximum flow fuel to a tank being refilled. The body of the nozzle is provided with interior cavities and passages to define the respective fuel flow passage as well as to accomodate the various operable elements therein.

Valves 14 and 16 as shown are mounted to operate along a common axis.Valve 16 includes amovable element 33 having a lower surface adapted to engage acircular seat 34 when in the closed position. and to be spaced from said seat in the open position. When in the latter position, fuel flows intolower chamber 36 and thence tonozzle spout 17.

Said movingelement 33 is positioned on alower stem 37, the latter being slidably mounted inbody 10 for reciprocal movement therethrough and registered incircular sealing ring 38.

Movable element 33 includes a central cavity in the upper end adapted to slidably receive a downwardly dependingupper stem 39 from acage 41. Saidcage 41 includes a center longitudinal bore having a sufficient opening diameter to slidably receive the guide portion of a lockingpin 42 and enclosesspherical balls 43.

The latter are disposed coaxially with therespective valves 14 and 16, and function to lock said valves in the open position at such time as actuatinglever 21 is set to provide maximum fuel flow through the nozzle.

Valve 14 comprises a slidingmember 46 having a pcripheral seating surface which is movable to engagering seat 47 to close the valve. Acompression spring 48 disposed between therespective members 33 and 46 maintains a separating force therebetween.

The plurality ofspherical balls 43 held withincage 41 bear against the shallow conical segment of lockingpin 42. When, as shown in FIG. 4, the latter is in the downward position, said balls are urged outwardly and engageperipheral shoulder 49.Compression spring 50 is mounted externally ofcage 41, bearing against a wall ofbody 10 to normally urgevalve 14 into the downward or closed position againstseat 47.

The upper end ofvalve 14 is provided with an outwardly radiatingheat 52 adapted to slidably fit withincavity 53. Atrip lever 54 is positioned adjacent to saidcavity 53 and includes an outward projecting portion positioned to engage the edge ofhead 52 when the latter enterscavity 53.

The upper end of lockingpin 42 is slidably received incylindrical sleeve 51, which is a part ofvalve 14, and further carries a retainingplate 56 having a relatively smooth outer edge to engagediaphragm 57. The latter is peripherally fastened along a shoulder of the body wall and receives acap 58 which is fixed in position to clampdiaphragm 57 andform chamber 59. Aspring 61 carried withinchamber 59 on the upper side ofdiaphragm 57, bears against thespring retainer plate 56, urging the lockingpin 42 into a normally downward position.

As above mentioned, with respect to FIG. 4,valves 14 and 16 are both shown in the open position to permit maximum flow through the nozzle. in such an instancelower stem 37 is urged upwardly by actuatinglever 21.

At the reception of a first signal from the nozzle sig nal sensing means, the vacuum or reduced pressure signal is sent tochamber 59 ofrelease mechanism 19. Sig nalselector valve 23 is closed, thereby preventing the signal from reachingchamber 96 ofrelease mechanism 22. Because of the pressure differential thereby affected acrossdiaphragm 57, the latter will be displaced in an upward direction against the force ofspring 61. The consequent withdrawal of lockingpin 42 bydiaphragm 57 will thus permit therespective balls 43 to fall inwardly into a non-locking position thereby permittingvalve 14 to close and in effect blocking a segment of the fuel flow passage.

Diverter valve 18 is positionedadjacent valve 14. Saidvalve 18 includes amovable valve stem 66. Saidelement 66 as shown, includes a center shank together with aspring 67 mounted thereon to normally bias said valve into a closed position againstperipheral seating ring 68.

Valve 18 includes anactuating mechanism 69 includingcap 71 formed across the valve defining achamber 72. The latter is provided with adiaphragm 73 together with a reinforcingplate 74 against which apositioning spring 76 acts. Saidspring 76 engages a wall of body and normally urgesdiaphragm 73 into a displaced position whenvalve 14 is open and the pressure gradient across said valve is in effect zero, such that the diverter valve I8 is normally closed.

A by-pass connection III communicateschamber 72 with the main fuel flow passage. Thus, withvalve 14 in the closed position. fuel flow will proceed through said connecting passage Ill and enterschamber 72. The fuel pressure difference acrossdiaphragm 73 acting against the outer side of the diaphragm. will opendivcrter valve 18. Thereafter,valve 18 is communicated with the main fuel passage I3 thus permitting fuel to be metered throughvalve 18 or be metered through adjacent constrictedpassage 78 tovalve 16.

The fuel stream has thus in effect been passed around the closedsupplementary valve 14, and its flow throttled to a minimum by passage through the restricted opening of diverter valve [8 andpassage 78. This minimum flow is continued during the topping-off period of a filling operation. Further, said How continues until such time as a second signal is registered in the signal sensing means to completely discontinue flow through the nozzle by closingvalve 16.

Release mechanism 22 functions to displacelever 21 and permit valve I6 to adjust to a closed position. Saidmechanism 22 comprises a lock-outplunger 26 which is slidably mounted withinbody 10 and connected at its lower end at a pivotal joint 82 to lever 21. Said plunger is biased byspring 83 normally into an upward position.

Plunger 26 includes a center passage adapted to slidably receive lockingpin 84. The latter includes a substantiallycylindrical locking surface 86 having tapered orconical segments 87 and 88 immediately adjacent thereto. A series ofballs 89 held within a cage section of lock-outplunger 26 functions to establish the retracted position of the latter when lockingpin 84 is as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, therespective balls 89 are out wardly urged into contact withshoulder 91 by lockingsurface 86.

Lever release mechanism 22 will maintainplunger 26 in the retracted position shown so long as the pressure differential across thediaphragm 92 remains constant. Acap 93 clamps the periphery ofdiaphragm 92 in place to defineclosed chamber 96. Saiddiaphragm 92 is acted upon by oppositely positionedretainer plates 97 and 98, which retain upper and lower balancing springs 99 and I0] respectively.

At such time as a second vacuum signal is registered in thenozzle spout 17 by fuel rising in the latter, said signal will be directed throughsignal selector valve 23 andpassage 127 tochamber 96. With this differential pressure acrossdiaphragm 92, the latter will be drawn upwardly intochamber 96 thereby simultaneously drawing lockingpin 84 upwardly, permitting the respectivespherical balls 89 to move inwardly and release lockingplunger 26, as shown on FIG. 6. The latter will therefore be free to act under the urging ofspring 48 to move downwardly and concurrently releasevalve 16 to engage sealingseat 34. This action will terminate all fuel flow through the nozzle.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the instance of a positive pressure build-up within the closed fuel system, said pressure. rather than a vacuum will be transmitted to 6diaphragm 92. The latter will therefore be depressed downwardly into chamber I02 such thatballs 89 will engage taperedsurface 87. As in the above instance, said balls will move inwardly thus permitting lock-outplunger 26 to be urged downwardly byspring 48.

Signaling System Referring to FIGS. and 4, the nozzle signaling system comprises, as noted, a network of conduits adapted to transmit either a vacuum. or a positive pressure signal whereby to control fuel flow. Line I05 ofsaid signal system is communicated with constricted annulus I06 which in turn, guides the mian flow to nozzle spout l7. Said line is communicated withvent tube 107 andorifice 29 such that normally,annulus 106 andorifice 29 are vented to the fuel tank interior. Thus, as fuel flows through the constrictedannulus 106 the reduced pressure or vacuum created by the fuel flow will be vented into the fuel tank.

Line 105 is further communicated with passages I07 and 109, and thence toactuating mechanism 19. Since the vacuum will normally be vented by way oforifice 29,diaphragm 57in chamber 59 will maintain a neutral position.

However, as fuel rises at a rapid rate intube 28 to eventually fill theorifice 29, the vacuum created will be transmitted tochamber 59. The resulting pressure differential acrossdiaphragm 57 will cause the latter to be drawn upwardly into said chamber, as shown in Flg. 5, thereby drawing lockingpin 42 upwardly. With said movement,spherical balls 43 will be displaced inwardly thus releasingcage 41 to permitvalve 14 to close under the influence ofspring 50.

Topping-Off Flow Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, withvalve 14 closed, the pressure infuel passage 13 will be transmitted by way of passage 111 tochamber 72. Said fuel pressure acting againstdiaphragm 73 will displace the latter inwardly thereby displacingvalve 18 from itsseat 68.

Fuel flow throughvalve 18 will then enterconstricted passage 78 which is in turn communicated with compartment ll2. Thereafter the throttled or toppingoff fuel stream will continue throughopen valve 16 and tonozzle 17.

With the downward actuation ofvalve 14 to the closed position, the outer edge ofhead 52 will contact and rotatetrip lever 54. The latter is fixedly mounted to rotatable shaft [17.Tab 118 also carried onshaft 117 slidingly engagescenter plunger 119 ofvalve 23 to form an overriding mechanism to the latter.

Referring to FIG. 12,valve 23 includes plunger I19 which is slidably guided at one end in vented bushing 12] anddiaphragm 123 to form a vapor tight sliding seal therewith. The opposite end of plunger H9 opens intochamber 122. Said plunger opposite end includes aflexible diaphragm 123, the periphery of which is sealably fixed to the walls ofchamber 122 thus permitting reciprocatory movement ofplunger 119 therethrough. Aspring 125 onplunger 119 biases the latter to in effeet maintainvalve 23 in the closed position.

Aresilient ring 124 carried onplunger 119 adjacent to diaphragm 123, cooperates with seat I26 to form a sealing engagement with the latter (FIG. 7), or to be displaced therefrom (FIG. 8) to communicate passage I07 withpassage 127 and thence withrelease lever mechanism 22.

7 During the initial or rapid filling flow to thefuel tanlc valve 23 will be closed (FIG. 7) so that there is no com munication betweenpassages 107 and 127. However, with the closingvalve 14 for the low velocitytoppingoff operation valve 23 will be longitudinally shifted as above noted to the open position shown in FIG. 8.

The latter valve adjustment is achieved by engagement of downwardly movinghead 52 to contactlever 54, thereby rotating theshaft 7 and thus withdraw diaphragm I23 from Contact with itsmating seating surface 126.

In accordance with the invention. an excessive pressure will normally build up within the fuel tank being filled during the period of the preliminary filling operation. Thus. main valve I6 and supplementary valve I4 will initially be in the open position. At thistime selector valve 23 is closed.

Since it is desirable to immediately discontinue flow by way of main valve I6 when a predetermined positive pressure is reached in the closed system,valve 23 is so designed to override the closing force exerted byspring 125, and go to an open position by the pressure differential acrossdiaphragm 123.

In brief a predetermined pressure build-up within the fuel system will be detected first atorifice 29. Said pressure will be transmitted by way of passage I07 to chamber I22 whereby to actuate the lever release mechanism ofchamber 22.

The diameter of diaphragm I23 is thus of sufficient size such that the force exerted thereon by the pressure within the closed fuel system will be adequate to overcome the opposing force ofspring 125. Thus. the diaphragm and valve will be displaced into the open position as shown in FIG. 8, in response to the pressure build-up.

Said pressure will then be communicated directly by way of passage I27 tochamber 96. In the latter the positive pressure acting againstdiaphragm 92 causes the latter, as well as lockingpin 84, to move downwardly. As therespective balls 89 pass fromsurface 86 toconical surface 87 they move radially inward thereby releasingplunger 26 to its lower position.

Release of the plunger in turn permits the lever valve stem to be similarly released such thatspring 48 will urgevalve 16 into the closed position in which this latter movement is achieved as noted without consideration for the phase of the filling operation. That is, the overriding closing action will be effected in the system even though the nozzle be set to either maximum flow or topping flow conditions.

Other modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

We claim:

I. An automatic fuel dispensing nozzle communicated with a source of fuel. said nozzle having 11 spout (I7) adapted to engage a fuel tank filler tube (28) thereby to form said nozzle. fuel tank and fuel source into a closed fuel system; a fuel conduit (I3) in said nozzle. main (I6) and secondary I4) flow control valves positioned in said conduit I3 an actuating arm (2] operably connected to said main I6) and secondary I4) llow control valves respectively. and being movable to adjust and lock said respective flow control valves (I4 and I6) in an open position to permit a rapid fuel flow through said nozzle to said fuel tank. first valve release means (19) connected to said secondary flow control valve (I4). being operable to automatically adjust the latter to a closed position in response to a vacuum condition created at said nozzle spout by a rise of fuel in the latter thereby adjusting said rapid fuel flow to a slower. topping-off fuel flow. second valve release means (22) connected to said main flow control valve ([6), being operable to automatically adjust the latter to a fully closed position in response to a second occurring vacuum condition at said spout in response to the rise of fuel in the latter, whereby to achieve complete shut off of fuel flow through said nozzle, and pressure sensing means including a sensing passage (29) opening into said spout, and communicating the latter with said first and second valve release means and (22) respectively, said sensing passage (29) including a selector valve (23) operable when in the open position during said topping-off fuel flow to communicate said second valve release means (22) with said nozzle spout (I7), whereby to actuate said second valve release means to close said main valve (14) in response to a vacuum condition at said spout (l7). and being further operable when in the closed position during said rapid fuel flow, to be adjusted to an open position in response to an excessive pressure at said nozzle (I7) caused by a pressure accumulation in said fuel tank during the filling operation whereby to actuate said second valve release means to close said main valve and discontinue fuel How to said tank.

2. A fuel dispensing nozzle as defined inclaim 1, wherein said selector valve (23) includes spring means in said selector valve positioned to hold said selector valve in the closed position and yieldable to permit opening of said selector valve in response to a predetermined pressure exerted on said selector valve.

l l =i l=

Claims (2)

1. An automatic fuel dispensing nozzle communicated with a source of fuel, said nozzle having a spout (17) adapted to engage a fuel tank filler tube (28) thereby to form said nozzle, fuel tank and fuel source into a closed fuel system; a fuel conduit (13) in said nozzle, main (16) and secondary (14) flow control valves positioned in said conduit (13), an actuating arm (21) operably connected to said main (16) and secondary (14) flow control valves respectively, and being movable to adjust and lock said respective flow control valves (14 and 16) in an open position to permit a rapid fuel flow through said nozzle to said fuel tank, first valve release means (19) connected to said secondary flow control valve (14), being operable to automatically adjust the latter to a closed position in response to a vacuum condition created at said nozzle spout by a rise of fuel in the latter thereby adjusting said rapid fuel flow to a slower, topping-off fuel flow, second valve release means (22) connected to said main flow control valve (16), being operable to automatically adjust the latter to a fully closed position in response to a second occurring vacuum condition at said spout in response to the rise of fuel in the latter, whereby to achieve complete shut off of fuel flow through said nozzle, and pressure sensing means including a sensing passage (29) opening into said spout, and communicating the latter with said first and second valve release means (19) and (22) respectively, said sensing passage (29) including a selector valve (23) operable when in the open position during said topping-off fuel flow to communicate said second valve release means (22) with said nozzle spout (17), whereby to actuate said second valve release means to close said main valve (14) in response to a vacuum condition at said spout (17), and being further operable when in the closed position during said rapid fuel flow, to be adjusted to an open position in response to an excessive pressure at said nozzle (17) caused by a pressure accumulation in said fuel tank during the filling operation whereby to actuate said second valve release means to close said main valve and discontinue fuel flow to said tank.

2. A fuel dispensing nozzle as defined in claim 1, wherein said selector valve (23) includes spring means in said selector valve positioned to hold said selector valve in the closed position and yieldable to permit opening of said selector valve in response to a predetermined pressure exerted on said selector valve.

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