Non-overflow liquid delivery system

Abstract

A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid delivery systems for delivering liquid into a destination container, and more particularly relates to portable liquid delivery systems for delivering liquid into a destination container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The spillage of liquids is a common occurrence when transferring liquids from one container to another, such as transferring fuel from a fuel storage container, to a destination container, such as a fuel tank that supplies an internal combustion engine. Spillage can occur in the form of overflowing the destination container, or in the form of dripping or draining of the device that is used to transfer the liquid. Very frequently, spillage occurs due to user error, stemming from improper use of the device that is used to transfer the liquid, or because of an oversight where the user is not being sufficiently attentive during the process of transferring the liquid. The spillage of liquids is a messy, wasteful, costly and potentially hazardous problem.

Generally, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the spillage of liquids that occurs when transferring liquids from a source container to a destination container. This is especially true for liquids that are toxic, volatile or flammable. In instances where toxic, volatile or flammable liquids are being transferred, spillage poses a significant danger to those in close proximity and to the surrounding environment in the form of pollution.

Portable fuel containers typically utilize a flexible or rigid spout securely attached thereto at an upper outlet where in order to deliver liquid from these portable containers, the portable container is typically lifted and tilted so that the liquid can be poured from the spout into the destination container. This method results in a lot of spillage and that has led to the development of refueling systems which comprise a pump, hose and typically a nozzle. In these systems, the dispensing end of the nozzle is placed into the destination container, and liquid is delivered from the portable container to the destination container, either by means of pumping or siphoning. In each case where such portable containers are used, be it pouring, pumping or siphoning, the opportunity for spilling due to improper use or operator error always exists.

In order to preclude such overflow and spilling, automatic shut-off nozzles can be used. When used properly, these auto-shutoff nozzles will automatically shut off the flow of liquid as the receiving container becomes full to prevent overflowing. Even with such auto-shutoff nozzles, spillage still occurs and often occurs in the following four instances.

In one such instance, spillage can occur with automatic shut-off nozzles when a user attempts to slowly “top off the tank”. Accordingly, when fuel is dispensed at a slow rate, the auto-shutoff mechanism does not create enough of a decrease in vapor pressure to close the valve in the nozzle when the fuel level in the destination container reaches the tip of the spout. Accordingly, the flow of fuel into the destination container will continue, resulting in the overflow of the destination container.

In the second instance, dripping and drainage can occur when the nozzle is removed from the destination container soon after the nozzle has been shut off, which allows a small but significant amount of fuel to drain from the spout of the nozzle. This is due to the placement of the valve within the body of the nozzle, thus leaving several centimeters of open spout to drain. This applies to the liquid delivery conduit and in some instances the vapor recovery conduit.

A third instance of spillage occurs when filling fuel tanks, and the like, that have a narrow fill pipe. This diameter is only slightly greater than the diameter of the spout. The peripheral volume of air between the spout and the fill pipe, above the vapor inlet of the spout, is quite small. Accordingly, it takes only a brief amount of time for the flow of fuel to fill this peripheral volume and subsequently overflow the fill pipe.

This is true if there is a delay in the auto shutoff mechanism for instance if the auto shutoff mechanism fails or if the user is pumping slowly in order to “top off the tank” and when using spouts that are attached directly to containers.

A fourth instance of spillage occurs due to operator error, stemming from improper use of the dispensing system, or because of an oversight where the user is not paying attention during the filling process.

In order to circumvent the problem of relying on venturies or vapor recovery to actuate a valve closing mechanism, U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,969, issued Aug. 1, 2006, to Hollerback, uses a liquid sensor in the vapor recovery line. The liquid sensor ultimately causes the pump of the fuel delivery system to shut off. While this system might work well in commercial fuel delivery systems, it has no application in portable manually operable fuel transfer systems that have no source of power, and therefore is not universally applicable. Further, there is a lag between the time the pumps shuts off and the closing of the valve in the liquid delivery line and the vapor recovery line. In a portable manually operable fuel transfer system, this lag can readily lead to the overflowing of the destination container, and also can allow the dripping and drainage of fuel from the spout of the nozzle.

Another important consideration with such automatic shut-off nozzles used in portable fuel transfer systems is that of cost. Such automatic shut-off nozzles have their genesis in the design of nozzles used in commercial fuel filling stations, and accordingly have numerous moving parts. Reducing the number of moving parts would both reduce the cost of the nozzle and reduce the chance of either temporary or permanent failure of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container, wherein liquid is sensed to close the valve in the spout of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, wherein, in use, the volume of liquid in the destination container stops increasing once liquid in the destination container covers the liquid-receiving inlet of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system substantially eliminates spillage due to overflowing of liquid from the destination container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system will greatly reduce spillage due to dripping or drainage that can occur once the liquid transfer process is complete.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, wherein the flow control valve controls both the flow of liquid in the liquid delivery conduit and the flow of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, wherein the flow control valve is located in the spout of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system minimizes the chance of user error.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system helps preclude the pollution of the environment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system is cost effective to manufacture.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container, wherein liquid is sensed to close the valve in the spout of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, wherein, in use, the volume of liquid in the destination container stops increasing once liquid in the destination container covers the fluid-receiving inlet of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, which system substantially eliminates spillage due to overflowing of liquid from the destination container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, which system will greatly reduce spillage due to dripping or drainage that can occur once the liquid transfer process is complete.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, wherein the flow control valve controls both the flow of liquid in the liquid delivery conduit and the flow of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, wherein the flow control valve is located in the spout of the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system minimizes the chance of user error.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, which system helps preclude the pollution of the environment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which is part of a portable fuel transfer system, and which system is cost effective to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container. The non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container. The non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit, and a second movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid recovery conduit. The first movable valve portion and the second movable valve portion are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container. The non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. The length of the liquid delivery hose and the liquid recovery hose is between about one meter and about three meters.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel method of precluding overflow of a destination container having liquid delivered thereto from a source container. The method comprising the steps of placing the liquid-dispensing outlet and the liquid-receiving inlet of a nozzle in a destination container, thereby defining a fill level with the liquid-receiving inlet; pumping liquid from the liquid-dispensing outlet into the destination container; when the liquid in the destination container reaches the liquid-receiving inlet: receiving liquid from the destination container into the liquid-receiving inlet, and recovering liquid from the destination container into a source container at substantially the same rate as liquid is being delivered into the destination container.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently first preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic view of the first preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front of the first preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system of FIG. 2, taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2, with the first movable valve portion in a valve-closed position, the manually operable trigger in a rest position, and the linkage mechanism in an operating configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 3, but with the first movable valve portion in a valve-open position and the manually operable trigger in an in-use position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 6, but with the first movable valve portion in a valve-closed position and the manually operable valve control mechanism (specifically the linkage mechanism) in an non-operating configuration;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front elevational view of the first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system of FIG. 2, taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 3, showing the liquid sensor piston and the area around the liquid sensor piston;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the spout of the nozzle inserted into a destination container and showing excess liquid being suctioned up the liquid recovery conduit;

FIG. 8 is a block diagrammatic view of the second preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system of FIG. 8; and,

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the spout of the nozzle inserted into a destination container and showing excess liquid being suctioned up the liquid recovery conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 10 of the drawings, it will be noted that FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 7, which show a first preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The non-overflow liquid delivery system 10 is for delivering liquid into a destination container 24, and recovering excess liquid 29x(see FIG. 7) from the destination container 24. Typically, the liquid is stored in a source container 26, such as a portable fuel container, also known as a portable gas can. In brief, the first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10 according to the present invention comprises a pumping apparatus 28, a nozzle 20, a nozzle body 31, a liquid delivery conduit 40, a liquid recovery conduit 50, an openable and closable valve 60, a manually operable trigger 70, a spout 80, a manually operable valve control mechanism 90 (including a liquid sensor 110).

The first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10 will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

The non-overflow liquid delivery system 10 comprises a pumping apparatus 28 having a liquid delivery pumping portion 28d and a liquid recovery pumping portion 28r fluidically isolated one from the other. The liquid delivery pumping portion 28d has an inlet 28da and an outlet 28db. Similarly, the liquid recovery pumping portion 28r has an inlet 28ra and an outlet 28rb. In the first preferred embodiment, the pumping apparatus 28 consists of a single pump body divided into two chambers by a piston, diaphragm, bellows, or the like, to provide a variable volume liquid delivery pumping portion 28d and a variable volume liquid recovery pumping portion 28r. Alternatively, the pumping apparatus could consist of two separate individual pumps wherein the first pump is a liquid delivery pump and the second pump is a liquid recovery pump.

The nozzle 20 comprises a nozzle body 30 made from a suitable robust plastic material, such as PVC, HDPE, Nylon™, and so on, and molded in a left half 30a and a right half 30b secured together by suitable threaded fasteners 31 or any other suitable means. Alternatively, the nozzle could be diecast in zinc, aluminum, or the like. In the sectional views, specifically FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, only the left half 30b is shown. The nozzle body 30 has a main body portion 32, a rear handle portion 34, and a lower trigger protector portion 36.

The manually operable trigger 70 is operatively disposed between the rear handle portion 34 and the lower trigger protector portion 36. In use, a user's hand would generally surround the rear handle portion 34 and the user's fingers would pull the manually operable trigger 70 towards the rear handle portion 34 to permit the flow of liquid from the nozzle 20.

The nozzle 20 has the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the liquid recovery conduit 50 disposed therein. The liquid delivery conduit 40 is carried by the nozzle body 30. More specifically, the liquid delivery conduit 40 comprises a substantially straight member 42 and an angled rear member 44 that inserts over a cooperating back end portion of the substantially straight member 42. The liquid delivery conduit 40 has a liquid-receiving inlet 41 disposed at the back end of the liquid delivery conduit 40, and more specifically at the back end of the angled rear member 44, and a liquid-dispensing outlet 43 disposed at the front end of the liquid delivery conduit 40, and more specifically at the front and of the substantially straight member 42. The liquid-receiving inlet 41 and the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 are interconnected one with the other in fluid communication by a liquid delivery throughpassage 45, such that liquid entering the liquid delivery conduit 40 at the liquid-receiving inlet 41 may be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 of the liquid delivery conduit 40.

A liquid recovery conduit 50 is also carried by the nozzle body 30. More specifically, the liquid recovery conduit 50 comprises a substantially straight member 52 and an angled rear member 54 that inserts into a cooperating enlarged back end portion of the substantially straight member 52. The liquid recovery conduit 50 also has a sensor retaining portion 58 disposed in the angled rear member 54, immediately forwardly of the overall change in angle of the angled rear member 54.

The liquid recovery conduit 50 has a liquid-receiving inlet 51 disposed at the front end of the liquid recovery conduit 50, and more specifically at the front end of the substantially straight member 52, and a liquid-conveying outlet 53 disposed at the back end of the liquid recovery conduit 50, and more specifically at the back end of the angled rear member 54. The liquid-receiving inlet 51 and the liquid-conveying outlet 53 are interconnected one with the other in fluid communication by a liquid recovery throughpassage 55, such that liquid entering the liquid recovery conduit 50 at the liquid-receiving inlet 51 may be conveyed from the liquid-conveying outlet 53 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, to the pump apparatus 28, and then to the source container 26.

The liquid recovery conduit 50 further comprises a spout portion 57 generally disposed within the spout 80. The sensor retaining portion 58 is disposed between the spout portion 57 and the liquid-conveying outlet 53. Preferably, but not necessarily, the sensor retaining portion 58 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 is oriented generally transversely to the spout portion 57 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, partially due to space considerations and partly to enable it to interact with the linkage mechanism 100.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 are formed together. The angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 are combined in this manner for the purpose of readily fitting these parts into a small space while realizing the necessary design requirements, and also to provide a structural base portion for mounting the angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 on to the nozzle body 30 via posts 92 that fit into cooperating apertures 94 in the nozzle body 30.

A flexible liquid delivery hose 46 connects the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d of the pumping apparatus 28 in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit 40. The liquid delivery hose 46 is secured at a first end 46a to the liquid-receiving inlet 41 at the back end of the angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40, to be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery throughpassage 45 of the liquid delivery conduit 40. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, since the angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 is formed together with the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, the back portion of the angled rear member 44 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the back portion of the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 are not concentric one with the other, and are partially formed one with the other.

The opposite second end 46b of the flexible liquid delivery hose 46 is connected to the outlet 28db of a liquid delivery pumping portion 28d, which is part of the overall pump apparatus 28, for receiving liquid from the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d. The liquid in the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d is drawn by the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d from the source container 26 into the inlet 28da of the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d. In essence, the liquid delivery pumping portion 28d draws liquid from the source container 26 and pumps it through the liquid delivery hose 46 and through the liquid delivery conduit 40 of the nozzle 20, to be delivered from the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 and into the destination container 24.

A flexible liquid recovery hose 56 connects the liquid recovery pumping portion 28r of the pumping apparatus 28 in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit 50. The liquid recovery hose 56 is secured at its first end 56a to the liquid-conveying outlet 53 at the back end of the angled rear member 54 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, to be in fluid communication with the liquid recovery throughpassage 55 of the liquid recovery conduit 50. The opposite second end 56b of the flexible liquid recovery hose 56 is connected to a liquid recovery pumping portion 28r, which is part of the overall pump apparatus 28. The liquid recovery pumping portion 28r is for pumping the excess liquid 29x recovered from the destination container 24 back to the source container 26. The opposite second end 56b of the flexible liquid recovery hose 56 is connected to the inlet 28ra of the liquid recovery pumping portion 28r for receiving liquid from the liquid recovery hose 56.

The liquid recovery pumping portion 28r draws liquid in from the destination container 24, once the liquid 29 in the destination container 24 has risen to cover the liquid-receiving inlet 51 at the tip of the spout 80. The liquid is then drawn in through the liquid-receiving inlet 51 of the liquid recovery conduit 50. The recovered liquid is conveyed through the liquid recovery conduit 50 and the liquid recovery hose 56 to the inlet 28ra of the liquid recovery pumping portion 28r which pumps the recovered liquid from outlet 28rb into the source container 26.

The preferred length of the liquid delivery hose and the liquid recovery hose is between about one meter and about three meters. This range of lengths is important, especially combined with the disposition of the liquid recovery hose 56 within the liquid delivery hose 46, to provide a cost effective non-overflow liquid delivery system that is not found in the prior art.

In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a portion of the liquid delivery conduit 40, specifically the substantially straight member 42, is carried by the spout 80 for insertion into the destination container 24. Similarly, a portion of the liquid recovery conduit 50, specifically the substantially straight member 42, is carried by the spout 80 for insertion into the destination container 24.

Also, in the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the liquid recovery conduit 50 is generally disposed within the liquid delivery conduit 40. The purposes of this are to permit the liquid recovery conduit 50 to be protected by the liquid delivery conduit 40, thus allowing it to be made from a less robust, and therefore less expensive material, and also to take up less space in the nozzle body 30 and the spout 80.

As can readily be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the liquid-receiving inlet 51 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 are disposed adjacent each other. Although this juxtaposition of liquid-dispensing outlet 43 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 and the liquid-receiving inlet 51 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 is not necessary, it has been found to be useful for effective placement of the liquid-receiving inlet 41 in establishing a “non-overflow” elevation for a destination container 24.

The nozzle 20 according to the present invention further comprises an openable and closable valve 60 that is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, to be mounted on the front end of the substantially straight member 42 of the liquid delivery conduit 40. The operable and closable valve 60 is basically a flow control valve.

The openable and closable valve 60 comprises a first movable valve portion 61 for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. The valve 60 is disposed in the liquid delivery conduit 40, and selectively movable between a valve-closed position, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, and a valve-open position, as best seen in FIG. 4. In the valve-closed position, liquid 29 is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 of the liquid delivery conduit 40. In the valve-open position, liquid 29 is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid delivery conduit 40, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

The openable and closable valve 60 further comprises a second movable valve portion 62 for opening and closing the liquid recovery conduit 50. The second movable valve portion 62 is disposed in the liquid recovery conduit 50, and selectively movable between a valve-closed position, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, and a valve-open position, as best seen in FIG. 4. In the valve-closed position, liquid 29 is precluded from being recovered by the liquid-receiving inlet 51 of the liquid recovery conduit 50. In the valve-open position, liquid is permitted to be recovered by the liquid recovery conduit 50, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

More specifically, the valve 60 comprises a substantially cylindrical central main body portion 63 that is securely connected to the front end of the substantially straight member 42 of the liquid delivery conduit 40 for longitudinal sliding movement therewith. The first movable valve portion 61 and the second movable valve portion 62 extend forwardly from the main body portion 63.

In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the first movable valve portion 61 and the second movable valve portion 62 are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other. More specifically, the first movable valve portion 61 and the second movable valve portion 62 are interconnected one to the other for concurrent movement one with the other. Even more specifically, the first movable valve portion 61 and the second movable valve portion 62 are integrally formed one with the other for concurrent movement one with the other.

The first movable valve portion 61 comprises a cylindrically shaped flange with an “O”-ring gland that carries an “O”-ring 65 on its outer periphery. The “O”-ring 65 seals against a co-operating receiving surface 64 adjacent the front end of the spout 80. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the first movable valve portion 61 is disposed adjacent the liquid-dispensing outlet 43 of the liquid delivery conduit 40. Accordingly, there is very little distance between the first movable valve portion 61 and the front end of the spout 80, and thus only a very small volume for liquid to be retained in the spout 80 when the first movable valve portion 61 is in its valve-closed position, thereby precluding any significant dripping and draining of liquid after the first movable valve portion 61 has been moved to its valve-closed position.

The second movable valve portion 62 comprises a cylindrically shaped flange that is concentric with the first movable valve portion 61 and disposed therewithin. Unlike the first movable valve portion 61, but analogous thereto in a functional sense, the second movable valve portion 62 does not carry an “O”-ring. Instead, the second movable valve portion 62 engages a cooperating “O”-ring 66 disposed within an “O”-ring gland on a central plug 68, which seals against inner surface 67 of the second movable valve portion 62. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the second movable valve portion 62 is disposed adjacent the liquid-receiving inlet 51 of the liquid recovery conduit 50. Accordingly, there is very little distance between the second movable valve portion 62 and the front end of the spout 80, and thus only a very small volume for liquid to be retained in the spout 80 when the second movable valve portion 62 is in its valve-closed position, thereby precluding any significant dripping and drainage of liquid after the second movable valve portion 62 has been moved to its valve-closed position.

The nozzle 20 further comprises a spring 69 for biasing the valve 60 to the valve-closed position. The spring 69 is retained in compressed relation between an inwardly directed annular flange 39 within the interior of the nozzle body 30 at the front end thereof, and an outwardly directed annular flange 49 on the liquid delivery conduit 40.

A manually operable valve control mechanism 90 is connected to the valve 60 for controlling the first movable valve portion 61. The manually operable valve control mechanism 90 is reconfigurable between an operating configuration, as can be best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a non-operating configuration, as can be best seen in FIG. 5. In the operating configuration, force can be transmitted by the valve control mechanism 90 to the first movable valve portion 61 of the valve 60, to thereby move the first movable valve portion 61 to the valve-open position. In the non-operating configuration, force cannot be transmitted by the valve control mechanism 90 to the first movable valve portion 61 of the valve 60. Accordingly, the first movable valve portion 61 is biased by the spring 69 to the valve-closed position.

Also, the manually operable valve control mechanism 90 further comprises the manually operable trigger 70 for moving the first movable valve portion 61 of the valve 60 to the valve open position. The manually operable trigger 70 is movable between a rest position, as is shown in FIG. 3, and at least one in-use position, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The trigger 70 is movable by the fingers of the user's hand that is used to operatively grip the rear handle portion 34.

More specifically, the manually operable trigger 70 is pivotally mounted on the nozzle body 30 via a pivot post 72 that extends through a cooperating circular aperture 74 in the front portion of the trigger 70. A torsion spring 76 biases the manually operable trigger 70 to its rest position.

The manually operable valve control mechanism 90 further comprises a linkage mechanism 100 operatively connecting the manually operable trigger 70 and the valve 60. The manually operable trigger 70 is operatively connected to the valve 60 for permitting selective operation of the valve 60, and more particularly the first movable valve portion 61, between the valve-closed position and the valve-open position, and particularly to the valve-open position.

The linkage mechanism 100 comprises a generally horizontally disposed first link arm 101, a generally horizontally disposed second link arm 102, and a generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104. The first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 are connected one to the other in angularly variable relation at a linkage elbow 105. More specifically, the first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 are connected one to the other in pivotal relation at the linkage elbow 105. The first link arm 101 is also connected at its back end 101a to the manually operable trigger 70 in pivotal relation by means of a clasp 101c engaged onto a post 70p.

As can readily be seen in FIGS. 3 through 5, the first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 form an over-the-center type mechanism. When the valve control mechanism 90 is in its operating configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 can transmit force from the manually operable trigger 70 to the generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104, and thus to the valve 60, thereby permitting operation of the valve 60. When the valve control mechanism 90 is in its non-operating configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 cannot transmit force from the manually operable trigger 70 to the generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104, and thus to the valve 60, thereby precluding operation of the valve 60.

The generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104 is pivotally mounted on a pivot post 104p on the nozzle body 30, and has an upper portion 104a and a lower portion 104b. The upper portion 104a has an integrally molded stud 104c that engages a forward facing surface 42f of the substantially straight member 42 of the liquid delivery conduit 40.

The horizontally disposed second link arm 102 is pivotally connected at an opposite second end 102b to the lower portion 104b of the generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104. In this manner, the pusher link arm 104 and the second link arm 102 are connected one to the other in angularly variable relation. The generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104 is operatively interconnected between the manually operable trigger 70 and the valve 60, and more particularly between the second link arm 102 and the valve 60, for transmitting force from the second link arm 102 to the valve 60, to thereby permit the first movable valve portion 61 of the valve 60 to be moved to the valve open position. When the manually operable trigger 70 is moved from its rest position, as shown in FIG. 3, to an in-use position, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontally disposed arm 104 is pushed forwardly, thus rotating the generally vertically disposed pusher link arm 104 counterclockwise (as illustrated), thus moving the first movable valve portion 61 of the valve 60 from its valve-closed position to its valve-open position.

The linkage mechanism 100 also comprises a ferrous portion. More specifically, the ferrous portion comprises a linkage magnet 106 mounted on one of the first link arm 101 and the second link arm 102 for movement therewith. In the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the linkage magnet 106 is mounted on the first link arm 101.

The manually operable valve control mechanism 90 also has the liquid sensor 110 disposed within the sensor retaining portion 58 of the liquid-recovery conduit 50, and has a rest state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and an actuated state, as shown in FIG. 5, whereat the liquid sensor 110 reconfigures the valve control mechanism 90 from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration. The liquid sensor is responsive to a threshold amount of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

The liquid sensor 110 is responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the sensor retaining portion 58 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, to thereby cause the liquid sensor 110 to be in its actuated state. For instance, the liquid sensor 110 will generally be actuatable by a threshold force due to the pressure of excess liquid 29x against the liquid sensor 110. This threshold condition can be realized at various flow rates of the excess liquid 29x, various pressure differences across the liquid sensor 110 (in its direction of movement), and so on.

In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the liquid sensor 110 comprises a piston 112 slidably mounted in the sensor retaining portion 58 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 for movement between a rest position, as can be best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, corresponding to the rest state of the liquid sensor 110, and an actuated position, as can be best seen in FIG. 5, corresponding to the actuated state of the liquid sensor 110. A piston spring 111 spring biases the piston 112 to the rest position.

It should also be noted that there is another important aspect to the nozzle according to the present invention. In use, as liquid is being delivered into the destination container 24 from the liquid delivery conduit 40, vapor is being suctioned from the destination container 24 through the liquid recovery conduit 50. The suctioned flow of vapor by-passes the piston 112 by flowing around it, through the area between the piston 112 of the liquid sensor 110, as shown in FIG. 6, and the liquid recovery conduit 50 at the sensor retaining portion 58.

It has been found that the correct size of the area separating the sensor 110 and the sensor retaining portion 58 is especially important in refueling system where a manual pump is utilized. In a manual system the flow rate of fuel dispensed by the refueling system is dependent on the user. In situations where the user is pumping slowly, the flow rate of recovered liquid could be below the minimum threshold flow rate for moving the liquid sensor 110 to the actuated state. Accordingly, the liquid sensor 110 would not be actuated to close the valve 60 to stop the flow of fuel being dispensed from the liquid delivery conduit 40. The recovered liquid would instead freely flow around the liquid sensor 110 and continue to be recovered back to the source container 26. Accordingly the auto shut-off nozzle of the present invention can prevent spillage due to overflow by either automatically shutting off or by recovering excess liquid 29x as described above.

In order to accomplish this liquid recovery feature while maximizing the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of the non-overflow liquid delivery system 10, a preferable range of sizes of the cross-sectional area separating the piston 112 of the liquid sensor 110 and the liquid recovery conduit 50 at the sensor retaining portion 58 (see FIG. 6) has been found. This range has been determined to be between the minimum cross sectional area of the liquid recovery conduit 50 and the predominant cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage 45 of the liquid recovery conduit 50. The predominant cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage 45 of the liquid recovery conduit 50 is defined as the modal average of the cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage 45 of the liquid recovery conduit 50, or in other words the most common cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage 45 of the liquid recovery conduit 50.

The liquid sensor 110 further comprises a sensor magnet 114 operatively connected to the liquid sensor 110 for movement between a rest position corresponding to the rest position of the piston 112 and a link disabling position corresponding to the actuated position of the piston 112. In the link disabling position, the magnetic force from the sensor magnet 114 acts on the ferrous portion of the linkage mechanism 100, or in other words the linkage magnet 106, to move the linkage mechanism 100 to the non-operating configuration. The sensor magnet 114 is operatively connected to the piston 112 for movement therewith. More specifically, the sensor magnet 114 is mounted on the piston 112 for movement therewith. In the first preferred embodiment, the sensor magnet 114 is substantially cylindrical and fits within the hollow interior of the piston 112.

As can be readily seen in FIGS. 3 through 5, the sensor magnet 114 and the linkage magnet 106 are oriented such that the linkage magnet 106 is repelled by the sensor magnet 114 when the piston 112 is in the actuated position. This orientation may be either magnetic-north to magnetic-north, or magnetic-south to magnetic-south.

It should be noted that due to the incomplex design of the linkage mechanism 100, the manually operable trigger 70 is connected to both the first movable valve portion 61 and the second movable valve portion 62 for corresponding positive movement of the first movable valve portion 61 and the second valve portion 62 between their respective valve-closed positions and valve-open positions.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 8 through 10, which show a second preferred embodiment of the non-overflow liquid delivery system according to the present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 10′. The second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10′ is similar to the first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10. Accordingly, in the following description of the second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10′, like reference numerals have been used to describe parts that are similar one to another in both systems, except that the reference numerals in the second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10′ include a prime symbol (′).

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 through 10, the second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10′ is similar to the first preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10, except that there is no automatic shut-off valve control mechanism. Accordingly, the generally horizontally disposed first link arm 101 and the generally horizontally disposed second link arm 102 have been replaced by a horizontally disposed arm 101′.

In use, when the second preferred embodiment non-overflow liquid delivery system 10′ is being used, the manually operable trigger 70′ is manipulated by a user to open the valve 60′. When the valve 60′ is open, liquid is delivered to the destination container 24′. As the liquid 29′ in the destination container 24′ reaches the liquid-receiving inlet 51′ of the liquid recovery conduit 50′, the excess liquid 29x′ is suctioned up the liquid recovery conduit 50′ by the liquid recovery pump 28r′, and pumped to a source container 26′. In this manner, the level of the liquid 29′ in the destination container 24′ does not rise significantly above the liquid-receiving inlet 51′ of the spout 80′, thereby precluding the overflow of liquid from the destination container 24′, even if the user continues to pump liquid for a considerable period of time.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a non-overflow liquid delivery system, which system may be part of a portable fuel transfer system, for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from the destination container, wherein, in use, the volume of liquid in the destination container stops increasing once liquid in the destination container covers the liquid-receiving inlet of the nozzle, which system substantially eliminates spillage due to overflowing of liquid from the destination container, which system will greatly reduce spillage due to dripping or drainage that can occur once the liquid transfer process is complete, wherein the flow control valve controls both the flow of liquid in the liquid delivery conduit and the flow of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit, wherein the flow control valve is located in the spout of the nozzle, wherein the flow control valve is located at the tip of the spout, which system minimizes the chance of user error, and which system is cost effective to manufacture, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the nozzle of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A non-overflow liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into a destination container, and recovering excess liquid from said destination container, said non-overflow liquid delivery system comprising: a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other;a nozzle having a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit;a liquid delivery hose connecting said liquid delivery pumping portion of said pumping apparatus in fluid communication with said liquid delivery conduit;a liquid recovery hose connecting said liquid recovery pumping portion of said pumping apparatus in fluid communication with said liquid recovery conduit; and,a valve having a first movable valve portion for opening and closing said liquid delivery conduit.

2. The non-overflow liquid delivery system of claim 1, wherein said liquid recovery conduit is generally disposed within said liquid delivery conduit.

3. A method of precluding overflow of a destination container having liquid delivered thereto from a source container, said method comprising the steps of: placing the liquid-dispensing outlet and the liquid-receiving inlet of a nozzle in a destination container so that the nozzle is in non-sealing engagement with the destination container, thereby defining a fill level with said liquid-receiving inlet;pumping liquid from said liquid-dispensing outlet into said destination container;when the liquid in said destination container reaches said liquid-receiving inlet;receiving liquid from said destination container into said liquid-receiving inlet; and,recovering liquid from said destination container into a source container at substantially the same rate as liquid is being delivered into said destination container.

4. The non-overflow liquid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the length of said liquid delivery hose and said liquid recovery hose is between about one meter and about three meters.