CA1055898A - Dispensing nozzle control system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A control system for a gasoline dispensing nozzle which includes a locking system for placing the nozzle in an inoperative mode once the nozzle automatically shuts off. Resetting of the locking system is then required before operation of the nozzle can again be commenced. The locking system includes a biased member which maintains the automatic shut-off system in its disabling mode once it disables the nozzle. This locking system is designed primarily for use on a dispensing nozzle with a vapor receiving system and is used to discourage an operator of the nozzle from overfilling a gasoline tank, which results in increa-sing the risk of spilling gasoline or forcing gasoline back through the vapor return line. An alternative embodiment using magnetic locking means is also provided.

Description

11D~589~ -BACKGROUND OF'THE'INVENTION

This invention relates to nozzles for dispensing gasoline into vehicle fuel tanks and more specifically to systems for controlling the operation of a dispensing nozzle having a ;
vapor receiving system.

Current environmental regulations require in some areas that gasoline vapors displaced from a vehicle fuel tank while being filled are to be recovered in order to prevent their escape into the atmosphere. One method of complying with this reguirement is to have a closed filling system wherein the vapors , displaced from the ~'uel tank are forced back into the under~
ground hydrocarbon storage tanks. ~any systems have been de-signed to recover vapors by this direct displacement method.,"
Most o~ them include a vapor receiving system surrounding the discharge spout of the nozzle which has a sealing face for making a tight seal against the f~llp ,pe opening and an outlet ~,~
which is connected to the'underground tanks so that the vapors '~
are di~placed ~nto the vapor rece~vi~ng s~stem and back through ~' the vapor 'i.return l~ne to the underground tanks. A second system for collect~ng the vapors ~s a vacuum ass~,st system which util~zes a vacuum pump in the vaPor return line'to assi~st the ~low ,l;o~
vapors into the underground tank o~ other collection facility~

One problem that has ar~s~n in the use of these vapor receiving systems is that once the vehicle fuel tank becomes filled, and the dispensing nozzle automatically shuts itself off, the operator often tries to fill the tank further. These attempts may result in gasoline being pumped back into the vapor receiving system and back to the underground tanks through the vapor return line. This recycling of the gasoline can result in perpetrating a ,,:
.

~'`.' ' ~ ' . ~ . .
~ 2-... . . .

- 1~iSS3!~98 fraud on the customers since the meter on the pump is also operating while gasoline ls being pumped back to the underground tanks, thereby possibly indicating that the custome:r is buying more gasoline than he has actually received and maybe even more than the tank in his vehicle can hold. In addition, leakage of gas-oline out through the seal of the vapor receiving system with the fillpipe can increase the risk of fire. Another problem is that the efficiency of vapor recovery is decreased if liquid gasoline is in the vapor return line.

Understanding the reason behind this problem re~uires an understanding of the operation of the automatic shut-o:Ef system used in most noz~les commercially available today. The shut-a~f system utilizes the pressure differential between two pressure chambers to create a di~erentlal displacement of a flexible diaphragm separating the two chambers. The posit.~on of this diaphragm determines whether or not the actuating lever which is moved to popen the main valve of the nozzle, is able to actuate the main valve. In operation, when the pressure in a first chamber falls below a predetermined level, the diaphragm displacement disables the actuating lever so that it can no longer open the main nozzle valve~
~ he reduced pressure in the first chamber is achieved by having it connected to a vacuum source such as a venturi arrangement in which the vacuum is created by the flow of gasoline through the venturi. As is known by those skilled in the art, this vacuum is relieved through a vent line connected to this first chamber at one end and at the end of the d scharge spout at the other end. When the liquid level reaches the end of the spout, the vent tube outlet is covered and the vacuum caused by the venturi cannot be relieved, so the diaphragm is displaced to cause the main valve to close.

. `

~5589~ :

; However, if the operator desires, he can at~mpt dispensing of gasoline again since the diaphragm returned back to - its normal position when the flow of gasoline stopped because the automatic shut-off system has an inherent time delay before disabling the nozæle again due to the fact t:hat the required vacuum force from the flow of gasoline through the venturi must be created again. Thusly, the operator can initiate gasoline dispen#ing ad infinitim, causing a certain amount of gasoline to be pumped into the tank each time.
: .
~` When using a vapor receiving system with the dispensing nozzle, the operator cannot visually ascertain the liquid level ~, in the tank. Therefore, with further attempts to "top off" the ; tank~ a point is reached where gasoline is pumped into the Vapor receiving system~

S~MM~Y OF TH~ INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a locking system is provided which operates in conjunction with the control system for a gasoline dispensing nozzle to prevent further dispensing of gasoline after the nozzle has automatically shut ` itself off. The locking mechanism is designed to preferably be ; 20 used on most conventional nozzles availabl~ today, having a nozzle control system which includes a nozzle valve actuation ;~ system for opening and closing the nozzle valve r and an automatic shut-off system operating in response to the liquid level in the container being filled to disable the actuation system so that , the nozzle valve closes. The locking mechanism is designed to lock the automatic shut-off mechanism in its disabling position when that position is obtained. A reset mechanism is provided to :., 1 release the locking mechanism to again enable the actuation ,.~. . ~.

., 10551~9~
system so that further dispensing of gasoline can be commenced.
Preferably, the reset mechanism is located in such a position as to make it inconvenient ~or the operator to continually reset the locking mechanism, so as to discourage excsssive attempts to "top off" the tank.

An alternative embodiment utilizes a ~magnetic means for maintaining the automatic shut-of~ mechanism in its disabling position when that position is obtained as well as reset means to release the magnet~c means.

In order for the operator to top o~ the tank~ he will `
have to reset the locking mechanism a~ter each time`the automatic ~;
' shut-of~ system dIsa~les the nozzle. ~ssuming proper instruc~
tions to the operator and compli~ance by the operator~ the possibilit~ o~ the operator over~illing the tank is minimlzed, as well as the poss;~bil~t~ o~ gasoline being pumped back into the vapor receiYing system, The resulting bene~its include accurate determ~nation o~ the`quanti~t~ of gasollne received by the customer and maintenance of the vapor receiving system i~n i~ts prope~
cond~tion.
:`, A better understanding of the invention and its ad-vantages can be seen in the ollowing description of the figures and pre~erred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
:, , ;~ Figure 1 ~s a view o~ a typical dispensing nozzle with a vapor receiving sys*em illustrating its external appearance.
~,:
Figure 2 is a partial sectional view taken through the dispensing nozzle o~ Figure 1, i~llustrating the nozzle valve and ~luid passages~

,'"' .
. . .

, ~: , ~ , . : : , l(~S5~
Figure 3, is a sectional view taken thro~gh the nozzle control system. (Some of the hidden detail has been eliminated to avoid unnecessarily complicating the drawing.) Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a sectional view of Figuxe 3 along the line 5-5 illustrating the locking system in its locked position.
Figures 6 and 7, appearing on the page containing Figure 1, are partial sections of Figure 5 taken along the line 6-6, illustrating the normal and locked positions of the locking system, respectively.
Figure 8 is a detailed view of the reset mecha~i~m.
Figure 9, app~aring on the page containing Figure 1, is an elevational view o the locking arm.
Figure 10, is a sectional view similar to Figure 4, showing the alternative embodiment o schematic orm.
Figure 11, is a partial view of Figure 10, illustrating the locking system in its locking position.

For purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment o this invention, a dispensing nozzle with a design similar to that illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 3,734,339, issued to E.T.
Young, and a vapor receiving system similar to that disclosed in a copending Canadian patent application entitled "Gasoline Dispensing Nozzle With A Vapor Receiving System", by Hansel, . .
; filed September 1, 1976, Serial No. 260,338 will be used.
., .
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the basic noæzle and vapor receiving components, other than the nozæle control system components, will be briefly disoussed. ~he novzle assembly has a .

. ~ .

1~)5i51~913 housing 11 with a discharge spout 12 connected thereto by retaining nut 13. A vapor return hose 14 and a gasoline supply hose 15 are connected to handle portion 16 of nozzle housing 11.
Actuating lever 17 is provided to control dispensing o~ gasoline through the nozzle. Guard 18 acts to protect actuating lever 17 as well as to provide a support for holding the nozzle when it is inserted into the pump housing for storage when not in use~

Inside housing 11 is a gasoline flow passageway connected to gasoline supply hose 15 r in which is included anti~
10 drain valve 19 and nozzle valve 20 for controlling the f:Low of ,, gasoline through the nozzle. Nozzle valve 20 is opened when operating arm 21 on valve shaft 22 is rotated toward nozzle valve 3 20. Valve sha~t 22 ;s connected to actuator sha~t 23 of lever 17 through a nozzle control system which is located behind cover 24 and will be explained in more detail below~
~.
The vapor receiving system has a vapor receivi~ng chamber, generally denoted by the numeral 25~ which is ~ormed by a non-flexible housing 26 mounted to nozzle housing 11 on one end, flexible bellows sectton 27 mounted on the other end of non-' 20 flexible housing 26, and a sealing section 28 connected to the ~`; free end of bellows 27, for making a tight seal against the fillpipe opening. A vapor return l~ne ~or vapor receiving chamber 25 includes internal passayeway 29 inside nozzle housing , 11 connected to non-1exible housing 26 and vapor return hose 14 j~ leading to the underground storage tanks or other container for . ':' f.` ' collecting the vapors. An attitude valve r such as that identified ~;, by the numeral 30 in Figure 2, can be provided at the connection of internal passageway 29 to non-flexible housing 26, so that the ` vapor return line is closed when the nozzle is not in use to ,,~,. .

~;,!~ , . ~' ' .
,~ -7 ~;

$
.~ :. . ~ , , - . . .
,.", . . . ~ . . .

~0558g8 prevent vapors from being displaced from the underground ~nks :
back out into the atmosphere through the vapor receiving system.
One attitude valve deslgn which will perform thi.s function is lllustrated and discussed in the copending Canadian patent ;~.
application entitled "Attitude Valve For A Gasoline Dispensing Noæzle With A ~apor Recelving System", by Hansel~ Canadlan Serial No. 260,338, filed September 1, l9f6.
The locking system for the control system of the nozzle is designed primarily to operate on those control systems ~Dhaving an automatic shut-off system employing at least one diaphragm which separates two chambers of different pressures in which the movement of the diaphragm a predetermined distance causes the nozzle valve actuatlon system to be dlsabl~d so the gasoline can no longer flow through the nozæle. However, i-t ls understood that the principles o~ operation behind these locking ., systems may be equally applicable in other nozzle control systems `, utilizing a different automatic shut-off system. :~ ~
l ..
.. j .
The structure of the nozzle valve actuation system for the nozzle control system will now be discussed with rePerence to Figures 3-7. Valve shaft 22 extends outwardly (laterally) from ~ the arm 21, through a bore 33 ~ormed in wall 32 of housing 11.
:' sleeve bearinK is provided ~or shaft 22 by means of a bushing 31~ -which surrounds this shaft, within bore 33. A seal is provided for valve sha~t 22 by means of o-ring 35 which surrounds this shaft and engages the wall o~ bore 33~ near the outer end of wall -:
32. This arrangement seals rotatable valve shaft 22 through wall 32 of nozzle housing 11 and prevents leakage o~ gasoline out of ;::
this housing.

- 8 - :

~; :
, , :, ' '; . ', . ,, ", ~, . . . .. .

` ~055~9~3 Valve shaft 22 extends outwardly (sideways or laterally, in the normal upright position of the nozzle) beyond O-ring 35 ~--and beyond the outer end of wall 32 a suitable distance. The outer end of thi~ shaft (opposite to the inner end thereo, to which end arm 21 is fastened, as previously described) is provided with a tang 36. A valve arm 37, which extends generally in a direction at right angles to the axis of shaft 22, has at one end thereof an integral hub 38 having a substantially rectangular opening which fits over tang 36; this fastens valve arm 37 to shaft 22 so that rotation of valve arm 37 will rotate valve shaft 21 opening or closing valve 20. Valve arm 37 is somewhat banjo-shaped, having a large substantially central opening 39, and at its other end topposite to hub 38) has an integral pin 40 which extends outwardly from the plane o~ the ~ main portion of the arm.

,j A rocker arm 41, which is shown to be considerably thicker than valve arm 37, has at one end an elongated slot 42 which receives the outwardly-extending portion of pin 40, to ' provide a pin-and-slot pivotal connection between valve arm 37 and rocker arm 41. Rocker arm 41 has a substantially central circular hole 43 for recelving a fulcrum pin 58 (to be later described), and has at its other end an elongated slot 44 which ~; receives the inwardly-extending portion of an outstanding pin 45 ;~ which is integrally located at one end of actuator arm 46. This latter arm provides a pin-and-slot pivotal connection between rocker arm 41 and actuator arm 46.

- Actuator arm 46 lies substantially parallel to valve . , ~ .
arm 37 (and also to rocker arm 41). At the end of arm 46, opposite to pin 45, is an integral hub 47 with a substantially rectangular opening which fits over a tang 48 provided on one end of actuator shaft 23.

:¢
... . .
~.
_9_ 3 ~
~ .
.. . . ~ . . .

1~558g~ ~
Operation of the nozzle actuation system is accom-plished by moving actuator arm 17 toward handle 16, which causes actuator arm 46 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction with respect to actuator shaft 23~ The pin and slot pivotal connection at pin 45 causes rocker arm ~1 to be pivoted in a counterclockwise :; position about fulcrum pin 58. Val~e arm 37 is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction with respect to shaft 22 due to the pin and slot connection at pin 40~ Ro~ation of valve shaft 22 in the counterclockwise direction causes operating arm 21 to be rotated towards nozzle valve 20 r thereby causing it to open.

An automatic shut-off system, which is responsive to the presence o~ liquid gasoline reaching the end of the discharge spout, is also provided as part of the nozzle control system.
The automatic shut-of system is designed to disable the valve actuating system by the movement o~ fula~um pin 58 into and out of hole 43 in rocker arm 41. When fulcrum pin 58 is in the position lllustrated in Figure 4, it can act as a fulcrum point ~ for the rotation of rocker arm 41. However, when fulcrum pin 58 .~ is in its disabling position, as illustrated in Figure 5, rocker arm 41 does not have a fulcrum point about which to pivot and . therefore cannot rotate to move valve arm 37, despite the movement of actuating lever 17. In this disabling position, the .
spring in nozzle valve 20 causes valve 20 to remain closed, so ~:
: that no gasoline is dispensed~

; The automatic shut-off system will now be described in .. more detail, referring to Figure 4. The side wall 32 af housing ;~
11 has an outwardly-facing annular shoulder 50 which supports the outer ends of the three legs of a three-legged leaf spring 51. ~.

Spring 51 is generally Y-shaped, having three legs extending :
'' ', ~055~39~

radially outwardly f`rom a central hu~ area. Spring 51 is normally bowed sllghtly outwardly at its center (or upwardly as shown in Figure 4).

Side wall 32 o* the casing also has an outwardly-~acing annular shoulder 52 (o~ larger diameter than shoulder 50) for mounting the outer periphery of a flexible impervious diaphragm ; 53. Diaphragm 53 is made from a suitable material ~for example, neoprene rubber) which is substantially unaffected by gasoline.
Diaphragm 53 is sealingly held in position against shoulder 52 by 1~ means of a diaphragm mounting or clamp-Lng plate 54 a portLon of which overlies the outer edge of the diaphragm and which i5 secured to wall 32 by means of four bolts 55 (see Fleure 3), located beyond the edge o~ ~he diaphragm. Between the inner face o~ the diaphragm 53 and the inner partition which closes off the space within wall 32 there is thus formed an enclosed space or chamber 56 (ac-tually~ a volume) which may be termed a low pressure chamber~ Clamping plate 54 has apertures spaced around its center so that a reference or high pressure chamber 57 is defined as the space between the outer ~ace oP diaphragm 53 and the inside of cover 24.
' ' ; The outwardly-pro~ecting fulcrum pin 58, whose outer end is normally positioned within hole 43 in the ro&ker arm 41, is attached to diaphragm 53, for movement thereby, by means of a bolt 59 whlch passes sealingly through a central hole in dia-phragm 53 and which threads into a tapped hole in fulcrum pin 58.
The head at the inner end o~ bolt 59 bears against the central hub area o~ spring 51. The fulcrum pin 58 is mounted for sli~ing movement (in the direction of its length~ in a rigld support (capable of resisting lateral forces) provided by a sleeve 60 3 ~ integral with the fixed diaphragm mounting plate 54.
.. '''~ ~ .
A

~L~S5~3~8 As can be seen fr~m thls descriptlon, two pressure chambers are prov:lded on either side o~ diaphragm 53 which are identlfiecl as low pressure chamber 56 and reference p:ressure chamber 57 in Figur0 4. Reference chamber 57 can be allowed to remain at atmospheric pressure. However, because o~ the in-creased pressure in a tank bein~ filled with a nozzle having a vapor recovery system, reference chamber 57 is connected to the vapor return line to provide a more reliable operation when using a vapor receiving system~ This particular problem and one ~solution.is discussed in more detail in the copending pat~ent application by ~ansel~ entitled "Automatic Dispensing Nozzle Adapted for Vapor Recovery", Serial No. 468,841, f:iled MaY 10, 1~7l~ now U~S. Patent No. 3,946,773 ,, ` . Low pressure chamber 56 is connected to a venturi s l arrangement which is included in the valve deslgn of main poppet : I valve 20, by a passageway means (not shown). As ~s well known by those skilled in the art, the flow of gasoline through ~he i venturi arrangement produces a vacuum o~ sufficient force to :: cause dlaphragm 53 to be displaced into chamber 56. ~ow~ver, this vacuum force is normally relieved through a vent lirle 61 ~, connected at one end to chamber 56 and at the other end to an ~ outlet 62 at the end of discharge spout 12. '!':, ' ;''~ :
During normal operation o~ the nozzle, ga~oline is ,,~. , . - . :
; pumped through nozzle valve 20 and the venturi therein~ to create :.
a vacuum in low pressure chamber 56, which is relieved through vent tube 61. ~hen the llquid level of the tank being filled ..~ .1 .; reaches outlet 62 of vent tube 61 in the end of spout :L2, the .: relief of the vacuum in ch~mber 56 is prevented and this provides , means fordisakling the nozzle actuatlng means. The vacuum 3dcreated causes :fu.l.crum pin 5~ and diaphra~m 53 to be pulled ., ~
12 _ .. ... , - . . . . . .

1~5~98 toward the interior of chamber 56 (or in a downward direction as illustrated in Figure 4). At this time, rocker arm 41 does not have a pivot point and permits valve arm 37 to return to its normal position due to the force of the spring in nozzle valve 20. Since the flow of gasoline through the nozzle has stopped, no vacuum is created in chamber 56 and spring 51 moves fulcrum pin 58 and diaphragm 53 back to its original position.

The problem that is encountered in using nozzles which operate on principles similar to those discussed above is that the force required to shut the nozzle off ~the vacuum created by the venturi arrangement) must be created by the flow of gasoline through the nozzle. The problem inheremt in this system is that when the gasoline tank becomes filled with gasoline, de~pite the fact that outlet 62 of the vent tube 91 is covered with gasoline, some gasoline can still be dispensed into the gasoline tank before a sufficient vacuum is developed Eor the shut-off mechanism to disable the nozzle valve actuation system.

Herein lies the problem to which this invention is directed. Continuous attempts by the operator to pump more gasoline into a tank that is already f~lled can result in dis-placing gasoline into the vapor receiving system and back into the vapor return lines. While it is possible that this can be done innocently, it is also possible tha-t a pump operator can create aifraud on the customer by causing him to pay for more gasoline that he is actually receiving~ While no system can be made foolproof to thwart an unscrupulous operator, the locking system provided herein serves to discourage the operator from continually trying to pump gasoline into a tank after it is automatically shut off the first time.
: ;:
,...

~055898 `~

: One embodiment Or the locking means syste-m has a locking arm 63 which is plvoted on one end about locklng shaft 64 and lies in a plane between and parallel to valve arm 37 and rocker arm 4l. .
Sleeve 60 o~ clamping plate 54, through which fulcrum pin 58 - passes, has an opening or slo-t 65 passing entirely through part : of the side wall of sleeve 60, through which locking arm 63 can pass. ~llcrum pin 58 has a notched shoulder 66 locatecl around ~;~
the circumference of its outwardly facing or upper side, as illustrated in Figure 4. Iocking arm 63 is biased so that it 1 normally rotates into slot 65 toward fulcrum pin 58 by biasing spring 67 connected to a part of side wall 32 of housing ll. A ;
reset mechanism is provided for rotating locking arm 63 ~way from .~ slot 65 which lncludes a knob 68 slidably mounted in cover 24 and ;:
:
connected to the nonpivoted end o.f lockln~ arm 63.

In operation, since lockin~ arm 63 is biased about locklng shaft 64 toward fulcrum pin 58, locking arm 63 is pulled -:
through slot 65 and onto shoulder 66 of fulcrum pin 58 when the : .
vacuum force overcomes the force of spring 51 and pulls fulcrum pin 58 into sleeve 60, out of engagement with rocker arm 4l. The vacuum within chamber 56 is relelved once nozzle valve 20 closes, ~ . :
however, fulcrum pin 58 is prevented from returning to its origlnal position ln engagement with rocker arm ~l by the contact of locking p3.ate 63 against shoulcler 66, as is shown in Figures 5 and 7. This creates a means for securing (~.e. holding~ the disabling means in its disabling mo~e. At this time, ~urther dispensing o~ gasoline is preventecl since rocker arm 41 has no pivot point. In ord~r to be able to dispense more gasoline, the ,~., .
. operator must reset the locking mechanism by pulling knob 68 .. .
upward and away from nozzle valve control system cover 24.
~` 3~ This action then permits spring 51 to return fulcrum p:Ln 58 back into its original position, ancl , ~, ...................................................................... .

.

: . , .

55~8 locking plate 63 again rests against the ~ide of pin 58, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

For purposes of minimizing the effect of the locking system on the normal operation of the nozzle systems, it is desirable to arrange the relationship between locking plate 63 and pin 58 so that the frictional force exerted on pin 58 by plate 63 does not greatly increase the vacuum force required to displace diaphragm 53 and pin 58. One method of accomplishing this result is to keep the surface area of locking plate 63 resting on pin 58 to a minimum, An additional feature is to have plate 63 resting on a beveled portion of pin 63 as opposed to the lateral side of pin 63, as is shown in Figure 4. This particular placement of plate 63 acts to divide the force exerted by plate 63 and spring 67 so that the radial Eorce on pin 63 is reduced.

Other variations on the locking system are possible to provide the same function. One alternative to the locking plate embodiment is illustrated ain Figures 10 and 11. This embodiment . ~ , ~, utilizes magnetic means to maintain the automatic shut-off system ~;, 20 in its disabling position.
~, ; ~ In this alternative embodiment, a magnet 70 is positioned h !' ' beneath bolt 59 (as shown in Figure 10), which secures fulcrum ~ ~ pin 58 to diaphragm 53. Bolt 59 is selected to be made from a , :
~' ferrous material or other magnetically attractable material. The ~,- distance between magnet 70 and bolt 59 and the strength of magnet ~ .; .
~, 70 are selected so that bolt 59 is not attracted to magnet 70 ., until the automatic shut-off system is actuated, moving bolt 59 against magnet 70, wherein the magnetic force of magnet 70 is sufficient to maintain diaphragm 53 and fulcrum pin 58 in their ; 30 actuated positions.

.~'',:
,~
s; -15-... . .

, . . . . .

~1~5589~
A reset system to release bolt 59 can be designed in several ways. One system may include a mechanical means to push bolt 59 away from magnet 70. Another sy~tem, shown in Figure 10, uses a means to displace magnet 70 away from bolt 59. In this system, magnet 70 is slidably mounted in a groove 71 with a stop 72 located so that when magnet 70 is positioned agains~ the stop, it is correctly in place under bolt 59. Compression spring 73 is provided to normally bias magnet 70 against stop 72. Connecting link 74 extends out of chamber 56 to reset button 75 so that magnet 70 can be pulled away from bolt 59, as shown in phantom in Figure 11, to permit the automatic shut-off system to return to its normal position.

As can be seen from this description o:E loaking systems, the extra requirement of resetting the noz~le valve control syskem by unlocking the automatic shut-o~ system acts to r~mind the operator not to overfill the tank. While this locking mechanism cannot absolutely prevent overfilling of a tank by an ~l operator intent on doing so, it does inconvenience the operator a ; sufficient amount to deter most operators from trying to overfill the tank.

While a particular embodiment of this invention has ;; been shown and ede~cribed, it is obvious that changes and modi-fications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It is the intention of the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.
: ' ''' , . .

Claims (9)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. In a dispensing nozzle for filling a tank with a liquid, and having, (a) a nozzle valve, (b) means for actuating the nozzle valve into an open or a closed position; and (c) automatic shut-off means, responsive to the liquid in the tank reaching a predetermined level, for placing the actuating means in a disabled condition wherein the nozzle valve cannot be actuated, said shut-off means having an enabling mode wherein the actuating means can actuate the nozzle valve and a disabling mode wherein the actuating means cannot actuate the nozzle valve;

an improvement for preventing the further dis-pensing of liquid by a nozzle once the tank liquid level has reached its predetermined level, said improvement comprising:

(d) means, responsive to the automatic shut-off means obtaining its disabling mode, for maintaining the actuating means in the disabled condition so that the nozzle valve cannot be actuated by the actuating means; and (e) means for resetting athe maintaining means to its normal position wherein further dispensing of liquid is permitted until the automatic shut-off means and the maintaining means is actuated again.

2. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 1, wherein the maintaining means comprises means for locking the automatic shut-off means in its disabling mode, said locking means having a first position wherein normal operation of the actuating means is permitted and a second position wherein the automatic shut-off means is locked in its disabling mode to prevent the actuating means from actuating the nozzle valve.

3. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 2, wherein the automatic shut-off means includes, (a) at least one pressure chamber;

(b) means for reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber below a predetermined level;

(c) means for relieving the reduced pressure in the pressure chamber at all times except when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the tank; and (d) means, responsive to the pressure in the pressure chamber falling below ta predetermined level, for disabling the actuating means; and the locking means comprises:

(e) means for holding the disabling means in its disabling mode so that in its first position the normal operation of the actuating means is permitted and in the second position, the disabling means is held in its disabling mode to prevent the actuating means from actuating the nozzle valve.

4. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 3, wherein the disabling means further includes, (a) a flexible diaphragm, the amount of displacement of a selected portion of the diaphragm being indicative of the pressure in the pressure chamber; and (b) a rigid pin member secrued to the selected portion of the diaphragm, the displacement of said pin member into and out of engagement with the actuating means being determinative of the enabling and disabling of the actuating means; and the holding means comprises:

(c) means, responsive to the pin member being dis-placed into position for disabling and actuating means, for securing said pin member into the position for disabling the actuating means.

5. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 4, wherein the rigid pin member has a catching means located on its body and the securing means comprises:

(a) a locking arm, pivotally mounted on the nozzle;
and (b) means for biasing the arm into contact with the rigid member so that when the pin member is displaced a sufficient distance to be out of engagement with the actuating means, the locking arm engages the catching means and maintains the pin member in this position to prevent further dispensing of gasoline until reset by the resetting means.

6. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 5, wherein the rigid pin member has a section beveled away from the side of the pin member toward its center and the catching means is a circumferentual shoulder located in the beveled section of the pin member, and wherein the improvement is arranged so that the locking arm rests on the beveled section of the pin member when the automatic shut-off system and the pin member are in their normal position and so that when the automatic shut-off system is actuated to disable the nozzle valve actuating means, the locking arm contacts the shoulder to prevent the pin member from return-ing to its normal position to enable the nozzle valve actuating means.

7. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 1, wherein the maintaining means is magnetic.

8. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 7, wherein the automatic shut-off means includes a movable, magnetically attractable member having a first position wherein the shut-off means is in its enabling mode and a second position wherein the shut-off means is in its disabling mode; and wherein the magnetic means comprises a magnet located in relation to the magnetically attractable member so that when the member is in its first position, insufficient magnetic force is available to attract the member and when the member is in its second position, sufficient magnetic force acts on the member to maintain it in its second position; and wherein the resetting means comprises means for allowing the magnetically attractable member to overcome the magnetic force to return to its first position.

9. The improvement for a dispensing nozzle recited in Claim 8, wherein the magnetic means is movable and the allowing means comprises means for moving the magnetic means away from the megnetically attractable member so that insufficient magnetic force is available to maintain the member in its second position.