Orvr compatible vacuum assist fuel dispensers

Abstract

An improved gasoline dispensing nozzle and vapor recovery system configuration makes an assist-type gasoline dispenser compatible with onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) equipped vehicles. The gasoline flow shut-off mechanism of a nozzle functions without regard to variations in the level of vacuum in the filler neck, such as may occur when refueling vehicles having ORVR systems, by routing first and second sides of a shut-off diaphragm to the end of a spout of the nozzle via passageways within the nozzle.

1 . A nozzle configuration compatible with ORVR equipped vehicles, said nozzle configuration comprising: 
 a nozzle body having a pressure sensitive shut-off diaphragm;    a spout having a first end connected to said nozzle body and a second end, said spout being inserted into a vehicle filler pipe so that fuel can be dispensed from said second end of said spout into said filler pipe;    a vacuum generator for generating vacuum while fuel is dispensed by said nozzle;    a vapor recovery path extending through said nozzle body;    a first passageway having a first end leading to a first side of said shut-off diaphragm and a second end leading to said vapor recovery path within said nozzle; and    a second passageway having a first end leading to a second side of said shut-off diaphragm and a second end leading to said second end of said spout, said second passageway being coupled to said vacuum generator.    
   
   
       2 . The fuel dispensing system of  claim 1  wherein said first and second passageways are in substantially sealed communication with said first and second sides of said diaphragm, respectively.  
   
   
       3 . The fuel dispensing system of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 a boot surrounding said spout and adapted to be in substantially sealed contact with said filler tube as part of said first passageway.    
   
   
       4 . A refueling arrangement compatible with an ORVR equipped vehicle comprising: 
 a storage tank for storing fuel;    a hose including a fuel passage for transferring fuel from said storage tank;    a pump operably coupled to said hose for pumping fuel through said fuel passage;    a nozzle connected to said hose for dispensing fuel through an end of said nozzle and a filler tube into a fuel tank of said vehicle;    a vapor recovery system for transferring vapors displaced from said fuel tank, said vapor recovery system including a pump for pumping vapors from said fuel tank and through said nozzle and a vapor passage also included in said hose to said storage tank;    said nozzle including a shut-off mechanism for stopping the flow of fuel through said nozzle and into said filler tube when said fuel tank is approaching a filled condition, said shut-off mechanism including a diaphragm having a first side and a second side;    a first passageway having a first end leading to said first side of said shut-off diaphragm and a second end leading to said vapor recovery path within said nozzle; and    a second passageway having a first end leading to said second side of said shut-off diaphragm and a second end leading to said filler tube, said second passageway being coupled to a vacuum generator,    wherein when said vehicle is being refilled with fuel, pressure relative to atmospheric pressure and generated by the vapor recovery system and said ORVR system is communicated to both said first and said second sides of said diaphragm such that said diaphragm is not substantially deflected by said pressure until such time as said shut-off mechanism senses said fuel tank approaching the filled condition by fuel blocking at least said second passageway.    
   
   
       5 . The refueling arrangement of  claim 4  wherein said first and second passageways are in substantially sealed communication with said first and second sides of said diaphragm, respectively.  
   
   
       6 . The refueling arrangement of  claim 5  further comprising: 
 a boot surrounding said spout and adapted to be in substantially sealed contact with said filler tube as part of said first passageway.    
   
   
       7 . An arrangement for making refueling nozzles having diaphragm controlled shut-off devices compatible with ORVR equipped vehicles, said arrangement comprising: 
 a first passageway having a first end in communication with a first side of a diaphragm of a shut-off device of a refueling nozzle and a second end; and    a second passageway having a first end in communication with a second side of said diaphragm and a second end,    wherein said second ends of said first and second passageways are vented near a fuel discharge end of said nozzle and are located within said nozzle.    
   
   
       8 . The arrangement as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said first passageway is vented into a vapor return path of said nozzle.  
   
   
       9 . The arrangement as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said vapor return path is defined by space between a spout of said nozzle and a boot surrounding said spout.  
   
   
       10 . The arrangement as claimed in  claim 7  wherein a vacuum generator is connected into said second passageway between said second side of said diaphragm and said second end of said second passageway where it is vented near said fuel discharge end of said nozzle.