US3825045A

US3825045A - Fluid delivery and vapor recovery apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3825045A
Application number: US00282809A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Bloomquist
Original assignee: FMC Corp
Current assignee: FMC Corp
Priority date: 1972-08-22
Filing date: 1972-08-22
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23
Also published as: FR2196965B1; IT979849B; GB1434375A; GB1434376A; NL163188C; CA1014044A; JPS4964013A; JPS53124320A; FR2196965A1; NL163188B; DE2334303A1; NL7303937A; GB1434374A; JPS5330367B2

Abstract

A fluid delivery and vapor recovery arm especially for dispensing gasoline or other volatile liquids and collecting their evolved vapors, having a combined fluid delivery-vapor recovery head assembly mounted on the distal end of the arm''s outer boom section. The outer boom section includes vertically spaced and generally parallel conduits, one for fluid delivery and one for vapor return, interconnecting the head assembly and the arm''s inner boom section through swivel joints in such manner that vertical orientation of the head assembly is ensured for any attitude of the outer boom section. The head assembly includes an annular dome seat that engages a collar to close off the lower end of a vapor return conduit until the head is seated in a container hatch. The arm will deliver fluid to a container only when the head is properly seated in the hatch, and only when the fluid in the container is below a certain level. The arm further includes a control valve assembly having a diaphragm valve that controls a fluid delivery valve operated by air pressure. A venturi-type mechanism, also considered to be an aspirator device, functions to actuate the diaphragm valve when the liquid in the container rises to a predetermined level, causing this valve to shut off air pressure to the fluid delivery valve, which delivery valve then automatically closes. A contact valve in the control valve assembly directs air pressure to the fluid delivery valve only when the dome seat is properly positioned in the hatch thus causing the delivery valve to open, and the diaphragm and contact valves cooperate in a unique manner to prevent the delivery valve from opening accidentally.

Description

United States Patent [191 Bloomquist July 23, 1974 FLUID DELIVERY AND VAPOR RECOVERY APPARATUS George W. Bloomquist, Long Beach, Calif.

[73] Assignee: FMC Corporation, San Jose, Calif.

[22] Filed: Aug. 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 282,809

[75] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl 141/198, 137/615, 141/387,

285/30, 285/136, 141/302, 141/351 [51] Int. Cl. B67c 3/00 [58] Field of Search 141/1, 4-7,

5/1973 Muller 141/198 Primary Examiner-l-louston B. Bell, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-W. W. Ritt, Jr.; C. E. Tripp [57] ABSTRACT A fluid delivery and vapor recovery arm especially for dispensing gasoline or other volatile liquids and collecting their evolved v'apors,'having a combined fluid delivery-vapor recovery head assembly mounted on the distal 'end of the arms outer boom section. The outer boom section includes vertically spaced and generally parallel conduits, one for fluid delivery and one for vapor return, interconnecting the head assembly and the arms inner boom section through swivel joints in such manner that vertical orientation of the head assembly is ensured for any attitude of the outer boom section. The head assembly includes an annular dome seat that engages a collar to close off the lower end of a vapor return conduit until the head is seated in a container hatch. The arm will deliver fluid to a container only when the head is properly seated in the hatch, and only when the fluid in the container is below a certain level. The arm further includes a control valve assembly having a diaphragm valve that controls a fluid delivery valve operated by air pressure. A

venturi-type mechanism, also considered to be an aspirator device, functions to actuate the diaphragm valve when the liquid in the container rises to a predetermined level, causing this valve to shut off air pressure to the fluid delivery valve, which delivery valve then automatically closes. A contact valve in the control valve assembly directs air pressure to the fluid delivery valve only'when the dome seat is properly positioned in the hatch thus causing the delivery valve to open, and the diaphragm and contact valves cooperate in a unique manner to prevent the delivery valve from opening accidentally.

39 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENIE JUL231974 sum 2 or 5 n l u uifm-W wN I Eu 1 a W lul 00 3 NM 3/ 9 N9 m A 02 K 91 4 mm m NNK 3 D Y 0 on 8w m saw u or 6 IF'IE Ei FLUID DELIVERY AND VAPOR RECOVERY I APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to apparatus for dispensing volatile liquids and collecting vapors evolved therefrom. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved vapor recovery-type of fluid delivery arm for delivering gasoline or other volatile liquid from storage into tank trucks, etc., and for recovering and returningthe vapors to the storage facility.

2. Description of the Prior Art Vapor recovery-type fluid delivery arms designed for use in loading gasoline tank trucks include a delivery head assembly with provision both for discharging gasoline into the truck and for returning gasoline vapors to storage. This kind of arm is preferred to other equipment because of various safety, environmental, and economic factors. The currently most popular arms of this type are described in US. Pat. Nos. 3,099,297 and 3,176,730, both to H. W. Knight. Although these Knight arms operate safely-and efficiently, and in general are quite satisfactory, they possess some features that experience gained from long term, extensive use has shown to be less than ideal, and therefore susceptible to improvement.

For example, an arm constructed according to these prior art patents has an outer boom section that includes two conduits, one for carrying gasoline to the head and one for returning gasoline vapors to storage, and these conduits are disposed in horizontally offset relation to each other. An inherent limitation of this arrangement is that the conduits occupysubstantial horizontal space which is at a premium in installations where several arms are mounted side-by-side on a support rack. In some installations, for example, upwards of 12 arms may be supported on the rack, six on each side, in a space of as little as 30 feet. It is easy to comprehend that a significant saving in the area required for such an installation can be achieved by reducing the horizontal space occupied by each arm so that the arms can be installed closer together.

Another limitation possessed by this prior art arm is that the horizontally offset relation of the outer boom section conduits sometimes makes it impossible to simultaneously position two arms within adjacent closely spaced hatches of a tank truck. Simultaneous loading through two or more arms often is very desirable, as it can save valuable time and provide a significant increase in the number of trucks that can be handled at the rack in a given period.

The delivery head assembly of this prior art arm includes a check valve arrangement actuated by the vapor pressure created during delivery of gasoline into the tank truck or other container, the check valve opening to admit evolved gasoline vapors into the vapor recovery conduit system of the arm. This check valve is considered safe, but it has caused concern by some users, this concern based on natural distrust of the total reliability of check valves per se, particularly in light of the explosion hazards, however slight in reality, associated with the remote possibility of over buildup of vapor pressure in the container being filled. Notwithstanding the fact that the Knight arm has been utilized at many facilities without mishap and has a per- 2 fect safety record, it is desirable, if only because of the time and expense involved in servicing and maintaining the arms check valve, to altogether eliminate check valves from an arm of this kind.

This prior art arm's delivery head assembly also includes a float-actuated valve mechanism to prevent overfill of the tank truck or other container, this mechanism arranged so that whenthe gasoline in the truck reaches a certain level the float lifts, causing the mechanism to divert pressurized air from the arm 5 fluid delivery valve. This-in turn allows the delivery valve to close, thereby shutting off the flow of gasoline through the arm. As in all types of float-controlled systems, this float is not entirely malfunction proof, and on occasion may stick in its up or down position. The type of use to which the arm is put, and the type of float maintenance performed, largely determine whether or not the float will stick or otherwise improperly function, and these factors are very difficult to control.

Another limitation of the float mechanism in this prior art arm is that the float must be located in the vapor return conduit of the head assembly, thereby diminishing the space available in the head assembly for the gasoline discharge conduit. The time required to fill a container with gasoline is, of course, increased as the size of the gasoline discharge conduit is decreased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides an improved vapor recoverytype of fluid delivery arm for delivering fluids, particularly volatile fluids such as gasoline, to containers and recovering the vapors that evolve therefrom. The invention has several aspects that result in significant improvements in the operation, performance, safety and sponding pair of inboard boom section conduits, and

also by swivel joints to a delivery head assembly, with the result that the outboard conduits, the delivery head assembly and the unique swivel joint together form a pantograph arrangement that maintains the head assembly in vertical orientation at all times.

The armof the present invention further incorporates an improved delivery head assembly, including a dome seat and collar arrangement adapted to accomplish exposure of the open lower end of a vapor return conduit upon proper seating of the head assembly within a container hatch. The arm also includes a ven turi or aspirator device in the head assembly for effectin'g stoppage of fluid delivery into a container when the fluid therein rises to a certain level.

The invention also includes an improved control valve assembly for controlling the arm's fluid delivery valve. This control valve assembly comprises a diaphragm valve responsiveto a flow of vapor through the assembly from the tank truck or other container beingfilled, and a contact valve responsive to proper seating of the delivery head assembly in a container hatch, the assembly interconnected with the fluid delivery valve by a high pressure air system in a unique manner.

It is, therefore, a general object of the invention to provide an improved vapor recovery-type fluid delivery apparatus.

A further object of the invention isto provide an improved fluid delivery and vapor recovery arm with vertically spaced outboard arm section conduits that cooperate with respective swivel joints at their proximal and distal ends to maintain the fluid delivery head assembly in a vertical orientation at all times during maneuvering of the arm.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved fluid delivery and vaporrecovery arm with an aspirator or venturi device in combination with a diaphragm type control valve, whereby a rise in the fluid level in a container will cause the device to operate the control valve which then diverts air pressure from the arm s fluid delivery valve, allowing the delivery valve to close and shut off flow into the container.

The above and other objects, as well as advantages and features of the present invention, will be made more clear upon review of the following discussion of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid delivery and vapor recovery arm embodying the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the arm illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the arm illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3, illustrating the delivery head assembly partially inserted into the hatch of a container.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, illustrating the head assembly fully inserted and seated in the hatch.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the head assembly with some structure broken away to provide a section view of the control valve assembly.

FIG. 7 is'a view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6, showing the general arrangement of the fluid delivery valve.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the control valve assembly portion of FIG. 6, showing the contact valve in its open position.

FIG. 9 is a view like FIG. 8, showing the contact valve closed, as when the head assembly is seated in a container hatch. FIG. 10 is a front elevation of the control valve assembly as illustrated in FIG. 8, with a portion broken away to show its passageway forconducting air pressure to the fluid delivery valve.

. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The fluid delivery-vapor recovery arm 8, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, generally includes an inner boom section 10, an outer boom section 12, and a fluid delivery head assembly 14. The inner boom section 10 includes two parallel conduits l6 and 18 that are mounted one above the other in the same vertical plane. Similarly, the outer boom section 12 is comprised of two

parallel conduits

20 and 22 that likewise are oriented one above the otherin a common vertical plane.

Thepro'ximal ends of the inner

boom section conduits

16 and 18 are provided with

swivel joints

24 and 26, respectively, that have a common vertical axis and thus permit pivotal movement of conduits l6, 18 in a horizontal plane. The lower swivel joint 26 is adapted to be connected to the upper endof a riser pipe (not shown) from which fluid is delivered to the lower conduit 18. The upper swivel joint 24 is similarly adapted to be'connectedto the lower end of a riser pipe (not shown) that conducts vapors from the upper conduit 16 to a suitable recovery system.

Between, and interconnecting, the inner and

outer boom sections

10,12 is a swivel joint assembly 28 that facilitates movement of the outer boom section 12 in both vertical and horizontal planes with respect to the inner boom section 10. The distal ends of the

conduits

16,18 are connected to swivel

joints

30,32, respectively of the assembly 28, these joints 30,32having a common vertical axis. The proximal ends of

conduits

20,22 are connected to swivel

joints

34,36, respectively of the assembly 28, these joints being oriented on separate horizontal axes. The assembly 28 is so constructed that swivel joints 30,34 are interconnected by an elbow 37 to provide passageway communication between

conduits

16,20. Likewise, swivel joints 32,36 are interconnected by an elbow 38 (FIG. 3) to provide passageway communication between

conduits

18,22. Thus the

conduits

20,22 which are oriented one above the other in the same vertical plane, can be pivoted in unison laterally about the common verticalv axis extending through the swivel joints 30,32. The

conduits

20,22 also can be pivoted as a unit vertically by virtue of the parallel axes extending through the swivel joints 34,36. Therefore, the outer boom section 12 is free to be maneuvered both horizontally and vertically with respect to the inner boom section 10.

The distal ends of the

conduits

20,22 are connected by

swivel joints

40,42 respectively, to the top portion of the arms fluid delivery head assembly 14. These swivel joints 40,42 are oriented so that their axes are 1 horizontal, and also are parallel not only to each other FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8, illustrating the control valve assemblys diaphragm valve in its closed position.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the control valve assembly as illustrated in-FIG. 11, with a portion broken away to show details of its interior.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary section taken along the line 1313 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the fluid sensing port illustrated in FIG. 6.

but also to the axes of swivel joints 34,36. This manner of interconnecting the swivel joint assembly 28, the

conduits

20,22 and the fluid delivery head assembly 14 results in these elements cooperating as -a pantograph system, and because of this system the head assembly 14 maintains its preestablished vertical attitude as the outer boom section 12 is raised or lowered by pivoting the

conduits

20,22 about the axes through the swivel joints 34,36.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fluid delivery head assembly 14 includes an outer vapor return conduit 46 connected to the swivel joint 40 through an elbow 47, and an inner fluid delivery conduit 48 connected through an elbow 49 to the swivel joint 42. The

elbow 49 extends through the side of the conduit 46 to position the conduit 48 in concentric relationship with that conduit 46. Thus, the deliveryhead assembly 14 is constructed so that swivel joint 40 provides passageway communication between the conduits and 46, and swivel joint 42 provides a separate passageway communication between the conduits 22and 48. An annular collar 56 is fixed about the lower end of conduit 48 by means of set screws 58, and has an internal vertical bore that is threaded at its lower end. A conduit 60, serving as a fluid discharge spout, is threaded into the collar 56 thereby continuing the fluid-tight passageway from the conduit 48. v

The delivery head assembly 14 further includes an annular dome seat 64 concentrically disposed about, and axially slidable on, the lower end of conduit 46. The dome seat 64 has an outer cover 66 of resilient material such as rubber or a suitable plastic. An annular stop flange 70 is fixed to the conduit 46, this flange having circumferentially spaced vertical openings through each of which a vertical pin 72 extends downward into vertically aligned openings in the dome seat 64. The v pins 72 are secured to the dome seat 64, and a helical compression spring 74 is disposed about each pin 72 between the flange and the dome seat 64. The springs 74 bias the dome seat 64 downward against the upper end of the collar 56, causing the dome seat to close off the annular space 76 between the open lower end of the conduit 46 and the collars upper end. As the head assembly is lowered through a hatch H into a tank truck or other container C, the dome seat 64 contacts the flange F or other element surrounding the hatch and is held by it against further downward movement. The rest of the delivery head assembly continues. to move downwardly until the stop' flange 70 comesto rest against the upper end of the dome seat 64 (FIG. 5) opening up the annular space 76 at the lower end of conduit 46 for entry of vapors into it from the container C.

Referring once again the FIGS. 1 to 3, the arm 8 includes a pneumatic actuator 96 for raising and lowering the outboard boom section 12 and the head assembly 14. Actuator 96 includes a pneumatic cylinder 98 pivotally mounted on a bracket 100 fixed to the conduit 20, and a piston rod 102 pivotally connected to a bracket 104 fixed to swivel joint assembly 28 near the swivel joint 32. Thus, as the piston rod 102 is extended the outboard arm section 12 will pivot upwardly about the axes through the swivel joints 34,36, and as the rod is retracted this boom section will pivot downwardly.

A pneumatic line 110 (FIGS. l-3), secured to

conduits

16 and 22, delivers high pressure air from an air supply (not shown) to a manually operated four-way control valve 120, having a handle 120a. The manual control valve 120, to be described later in further detail, is connected to opposite ends of the cylinder 98 by

pneumatic lines

122 and 124, and thus can be operated to admit high pressure air to either end of the cylinder 98 to position the piston rod 102 with respect to the cylinder 98.

In this embodiment of the invention, horizontal movement of the inner boom section 10 about the common axis through the swivel joints 24,26 is accom plished manually. Likewise, horizontal movement of the outer boom section 12 about the common vertical axis extending through the swivel joints 30,32 also is accomplished manually. However, it should be understood that appropriate pneumatic or other power means can be installed on the arm to provide power for achieving these horizontal movements, if so desired.

A fluid delivery valve shown in FIGS. l-3, 6 and 7, is situated in the conduit 22 near its connection to the swivel joint 42. This valve 130 controls the flow of fluid from the storage facility through the

conduits

18 and 22 into the delivery head assembly 14, and is substantially identical to that disclosed in my US. Pat. No. 3,206,158. As seen best in FIG. 7, valve 130 includes a cylinder 132 integral with its cap plate 134, which cap plate 134 is secured as by cap screws 135 in an opening in the elbow-shaped valve body 136. A cylindrical valve-closure element or piston 138, which is closed at its outer or upstream end, is telescopically fitted within the clyinder 132. The piston 138 is utilized to make sealing engagement with the valves annular seal surface 140 to prevent fluid flow through the valve to the delivery head assembly 14.

As is fully explained in my aforementioned patent, valves of this type are self-closing, and are remotely controllable by air pressure supplied to an internal pilot valve to allow the delivery valve to open in response to fluid pressure, as in the conduit 22 and close when that air pressure is vented or otherwise removed from the pilot valve. In the valve 130, air under pressure to operate the valve is conducted by pneumatic line 141 to a fitting 142 in the valves cap plate 134, and thence to its internal pilot valve (not shown). Fitting 142 includes a low temperature-melting plug 143, which melts at temperatures above 165F, to vent high pressure air coming into the fitting so that the valve 130 will close in the event of undue temperature rise. Further details of the valve 130 are not critical to the present invention, and can be observed in my aforementioned patent if desired.

One of the more important features of the present invention is a fluid delivery control valve assembly (FIGS. 2,3,6 and 8-13) that functions to control the operation of the delivery valve 130, and hence fluid flow through the arm. This control valve assembly 150 is mounted on the delivery head assembly 14 (FIGS. 2,3 and 6), and includes a diaphragm valve 152 and a contact valve 154 (FIGS. 6 and 8-12). The control valve assembly 150 is interconnected by the pneumatic line 141 to the fluid delivery valve 130, and also by a pneumatic line 156 to the manual control valve 120 that functions in this instance as a high pressure air supply valve for the control valve assembly 150.

The diaphragm valve 152 includes an inner body element 158 secured to the conduit 46 by bolts 159, and an outer body element 160 secured to the inner element 158 by cap screws 161. The opposed faces of the

v elements

158, 160 are relieved to form a chamber 162 in which is disposed a resilient diaphragm 164 with its periphery secured between the elements 158,160, thus dividing chamber 162 into two

subchambers

162a, 162b on opposite sides of the diaphragm. Attached to the diaphragm 164 is an axially moveable valve element 166 with a portion that extends through a central opening in the diaphragm 164. The valve element 166 includes a cylindrical stem 168 with a large diameter radial flange 170 and a small diameter cylindrical neck 172. A nut 174 disposed about one end of the stem 168, secures the diaphragm 164 and the valve element together.

Annular metal discs

176 and 178 are glued or otherwise secured to the diaphragm 164 for reinforcement purposes. A helical compression spring 180, which biases the diaphragm 164 towards the valves outer element 160, is'disposed in a bore 182 formed in the valves inner element 158, the springs outer end encircling the nut 174 and abutting the disc 176.

The diaphragm valves outer body element 160 has a vertical bore 184 that is divided into upper and lower portions or chambers 184-U, 184-L by'a tubular spool element 186 that is secured in a bore 188 extending transversely through the element 160. The spool element 186 includes a central bore 192 in which the stem 168 of the valve element 166 is slidably disposed. In the spool 186 two diametrically opposed radial ports 194,196 interconnect the chambers 184-U, 184-L, respectively, with the spools bore 192, and a third radial port 198 interconnects the chamber 184-L with the bore 192. Thus, when the valve element 166 is in the position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the chambers 184-U, 184-L are in communication through the ports 194,196, and the port 198 is closed by the valve element stems outer portion 168a. When, on the other hand, the valve element 166 is in the positionshown in FIG. 11, the chambers 184-U, 184-L are isolated from each other by the stems outer portion 168a, and the chamber 184-L is open to the atmosphere through the port 198 and the bore 192.'Hence, it can be seen that the diaphragm valve 152 governs whether the stream of high pressure air entering chamber 184-U from line 156 is able to continue on into chamber 184-L, as in FIGS. 8 and 9, or is prevented from entering chamber 184-L, as in FIG. 11.

The contact valve 154 of the control valve assembly 150 includes a cylindrical valve element 206 axially slidably disposed in lower chamber 184-L, with its exposed lower end portion extending downwardly from the periphery ,of the outer body element 160. The contact valve element 206 is retained in place by a transverse pin 208 that projects into a vertical slot 210 formed in the front wall of the body element 160. Somewhat above the upper end of the contact valve element 206 is a port 212 through the wall of the chamber 184-L, this port providing an air passageway from this chamber to the atmosphere. The port 212 is located so that when the dome seat 64 is out of contact with the valve element 206 and the element is in'its lowest position (as shown in FIG. 8) the upper end of the element is beneath the port, and when the dome seat has been raised on the conduit 46 to its uppermost position (FIGS. 9-12), as when the delivery head assembly 14 is properly seated in a container hatch, the upper end of the raised element seals off the port, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11.

The outer body element 160 of the diaphragm valve 152 has an air passage 214 that interconnects the chamber 184-L with the pneumatic line 141, which line extends to the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve 130. Accordingly, when the diaphragm valve is in the position illustrated in FIG. 8, and-the contact valve element 206 is beneath the port 212, as when the delivery head assembly is not properly seated in a container hatch, high pressure air coming into chamber 184-L passes through the port 212 to atmosphere, rather than pressurizing passage 214, line 141, and actuating the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve 130. When, however, the diaphragm valve is in this same position and the contact valve element 206 is elevated sufficiently to seal off the port 212 (FIG. 9), the high pressure air in 8 chamber 184-L is precluded from venting to atmosphere and instead pressurizes the passage 214 and line 141, thereby actuating the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve which then opens in response to fluid pressure in the conduit 22.

The diaphragm valve 152 is actuated when the gasoline or other product being delivered into the container C reaches a predetermined full level, thereby stopping a flow of vapors from the container through a bypass system to the valves chamber 16212, and thence into the conduit 22. This system functions like a venturi or aspirator device, reducing the pressure in the chamber 1621) sufficiently to cause the, diaphragm 164 to move from its position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 into its position shown in FIG. 11, thereby causing-the valve element 166 to close the ports 194,196 and open the port 198 in the spool element 186. When this occurs, high pressure air is prevented from leaving chamber l84-U,an'd the air pressure on the fluid delivery valves pilot valve is vented to the atmosphere throughline 141, passage 214, chamber 184-L, port 198 and the spool bore 192, allowing the fluid delivery valve to close.

The lowerportion of this diaphragm valve s actuating system comprises a port 220 in the head assemblys collar 56, and a passage 222 leading upwardly from the port 220 into communication with a venturi tube 224 that interconnects the passage 222 with a bore 228 in a fitting 226 on the inside of the conduit 46. The fitting 226 includes a lateral bore into which a spool plug 230 is threaded, the plug having an axial bore 232 in communication with the fittings bore 228. The'plug 230 extends through the stop flange 70 and the conduit 46, thereby securing fitting 226 in position against the adjacent surface of the conduit 46. The lower end of the inner body element 158 has an external bore 236 in communication with the chamber 162b through a passage 238, and the bore 236 is sealed to the bore 232 of the plug 230 by an O-ring 240 or other suitable sealing means. v

The upper portion of the diaphragm valve s actuating system comprises a pneumatic line 242 interconnecting the diaphragm chamber 162b with the, conduit 20 through a port 244 at a point just downstream of the sealing surface 'of the fluid delivery valve 130, such as the downstream or exit portion 136a (FIG. 7) of the valves body 136.

As seen best in FIGS. 8-13, a locking lever 250 is disposed in the chamber 162a between the diaphragm 164 and the outer body element 160. The lever 250 is pivoted on a pin 252 (see FIG. 12) that is secured to and projects from the element 160. A lever operating pin 254 projects from the free end of the lever 250 through a vertical slot 256 in the wall of the element 160, this slot being surrounded by an elongated recess 258 (FIG. 10) that provides access to the pin 254 for raising it in the slot. The lever 250 includes a circular hole 260 of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the flange on the valve element 166, which element is disposed within the hole 260 when the diaphragm 164 is in the position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

As the diaphragm 164 moves into the position indicated in FIG. 11, i.e., when the fluid in the container C reaches the full level, the flange 170 is withdrawn from the hole 260, thereby permitting the lever 250 to pivot downwardly about the pin 252 until it comes to rest on the valve elements stem 168. This locks the diaphragm valve in the position shown in FIG. 11, and as explained earlier the valve element 166 in this position withholds high pressure air from the chamber 184-L and opens the port 198, venting toatmosphere the air pressure in the chamber, the passage 214, the line 141, and the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve 130. Accordingly, so long as this locked condition prevails the fluid delivery valve 130 cannot be reopened, a highly desirable safeguardagainst overfilling the container oraccidentally openingthe valve 130 when the head assembly is not in the container hatch, either of which could cause wasteful spillage of fluid, a possibility of fire, explosion, or other harm to the installation, the surrounding equipment and personnel, and perhaps severe ecological damage as well. When it is desired to unlock the diaphragm valve 152 so that the flow delivery valve 130 can be opened, the lever 250 is simply pivoted upwardly about the pin 252 by lifting the pin 254. When the levers hole 260 aligns with the valve elements flange 170 the spring 180 forces the element back into the position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, reestablishing an air passageway between the chambers 184-U and 184-L and facilitating pressurizing the flow delivery valves pilot valve.

As has been briefly stated earlier, the four-way manual control valve 120 functions to control the supply of high pressure air to the pneumatic cylinder 98 and also to the fluid delivery control valve assembly 150. When the valves handle 120a is in its first position an air-supply (not shown but mentioned earlier herein) that is connected to the valve by the pneumatic line 110 furnishes high pressure air through

lines

110 and 124 to the inner end of the cylinder 98, thereby extending the piston rod 102 out of the cylinder 98 and elevating the outer boom section 12 and the head assembly 14. As long as the handle 120a is in its first position the valve 120 does not transmit air pressure to the pneumatic line 156 that is connected to chamber 184-U of the fluid delivery control valve assembly 150, and, accordingly, no air pressure is supplied through the control valve 150 the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve 130.

In order to lower the outer boom section 12 and the head assembly 14, the handle 120a is moved into its third position. In this third position the valve120 transmits high pressure air from the pneumatic line 110 through the line 122 to the outer end of the cylinder 98, and also to chamber 184-U of the valve 150 through the line 156. High pressure air transmitted to the pneumatic cylinder 98 through the line 122 retracts the piston rod 102 into the cylinder, pivoting the outer boom section 12 downward to position the delivery head assembly 14 in the containers hatch H.

In its second position the valve 120 closes off the associated ends of the

tubes

122, 124 so that high pressure air cannot flow into or out of either end of cylinder 98, thereby holding the outer boom section 12 and the head assembly 14 against any vertical movement. Accordingly, the outer boom section 12 and the head assembly 14 can be brought into any desired vertical location by proper operation of the valve handle 120a between its first and third positions, and then held in that location by placing the handle in its second position. I

Since the valve 120 transmits air pressure to the line 156 and thence to the control valve assembly 150 only when its handle 120a is in its third position, there is no danger of the fluid delivery valve 130 opening either during upward movement of the outer boom section 12 and the head assembly 14, as when the arm is being lifted out of the hatch H, or during the time the outer boom section and head assembly are being held in a selected position by placing the handle a in its second position. Furthermore, since the delivery valve cannot be opened as long as the contact valve element 206 is not raised sufficiently to block the port 212, as when the head assembly is properly seated in the hatch H, no fluid flow through the arm can occur when the valve handle 120a is in its first position.

OPERATION In order to deliver gasoline into a container C, the delivery head assembly 14 is manually positioned above the hatch H with the lid L open, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. After the head assembly 14 has been vertically aligned with the hatch, the handle 120a of the manual control valve 120 is placed in its third position to lower the head assembly into the hatch and to supply high pressure air to the valve chambers 184-U, 184-L of the control valve 150. The head assembly 14 is then lowered into the hatch until the resilient cover 66 of the dome seat 64 properly seats upon the flange F, sealing off the hatch. Air pressure in the cylinder 98 continues to retract the piston 102 after the dome seat contacts the hatch flange F, thereby effecting further downward movement separates the collar 56 from the dome seat 64, and continues until the stop flange 70 comes to rest against the upper end of the dome seat. Vapor may now flow upward into the conduit 46, and the downward force acting on the head assembly 14 keeps the dome seat 64 in contact with the flange F to maintain the vapor tight seal between it and the seat3 s resilient liner As the head assembly 14 moves downward with respect to the dome seat 64, the valve element 206 contacts the dome seat and stops. The outer body element continues to move downward, however, eventually bringing port 212 into a position where it is blocked by the valve element 206 (FIG. 11). Once port 212 is blocked the high pressure air admitted to the chamber l84-L can no longer escape to the atmosphere, and can only flow through the passage 214 and pneumatic line 141 to the pilot valve of the fluid delivery valve 130, thereby causing the valve 130 to open. Assuming that the gasoline supply pump system associated with the delivery arm 8 has been set to deliver a metered number of gallons, the opening of the delivery valve 130 results in a flow of gasoline through the

conduits

18, 22, 48 and 60 into the container C.

During the time that gasoline is flowing through the arm into the container, the flow past the venturi port 244 (FIG. 7) creates a suction force extending all the way through the diaphragm valves actuating system. This suction draws gasoline vapor and/or air from the container C into the collars entry port 220 (FIG. 14), through the collar passage 222, the venturi tube 224, the spool plug 230, the bore 236 and the passage 238, the chamber 162b behind the diaphargm 164, and the line 242 into theport 244, from where it is drawn into the gasoline stream in the conduit 22. The flow of vapor through the path just described does not alter the position of the diaphragm 164, and it remains as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as long as the collars vapor entry port 220 is not immersed in gasoline.

The gasoline filling operation normally is automatically completed, as by a halt .in the pumping operation, after the metered gallons have been delivered into the container. Once this occurs, and the fluid pressure in the conduit 22 falls below a predetermined level (such as p.s.i.g.), the flow delivery valve 130 automatically closes in response to the action of a spring within the valve acting to urge the piston 138 against the valve seat 140. The manual control valves handle 120a is then moved from its third to its first position, and-the head assembly 14 raises out of the hatch H. The springs 74 restore the dome seat 64 into contact with the collar 56, accomplishing closure of the lower open end of the conduit 46. As the dome seat 64 moves toward the collar 56, the contact valve element 206 returns to its position shown in FIG. 8, unblocking'the vent port 212.

Depending on the equipment utilized, a malfunction might occur in the operation of the gasoline pump and meter system so that it may fail to stop gasoline delivery to the arm 8 after the metered number of gallons have been delivered into the container C. Also, the individual responsible for carrying out the loading operation might set the gasoline delivery meter for a greater number of gallons than the container can hold. If either of these should happen, or if for any other reason the flow is not stopped when the gasoline level in the container C reaches the vapor entry port 220 in the collar 56, the gasoline blocks the intake of vapor into this port and, as a result, the pressure in the diaphargm chamber return into the position shown in FIG. 8. At this time,

since the head assembly 14 has been removed from the 162b drops due to the suction created at the venturi port 244 (FIG. 7). This drop in pressure in the chamber 1621; creates a partial vacuum behind the diaphragm 164, which then moves into the position shown in FIG. 11. As explained earlier, this resposit'ions the valve element 166 so that its stem portion 168a blocks the

ports

194, 196 and unblocks the air outlet port 198. Thus, the supply of high pressure air to the chamber 184-L is cut off, and pressure in this chamber, the passage 214, the line 141, and the flow delivery valves pilot valve is vented to the atmosphere through the port 198. As a consequence, the delivery valve closes, immediately stopping the flow of gasoline into the container C.

Since a flow of gasoline through the valve 130 is necessary to create suction at the venturi port 244, this suction disappears when the valve 130 closes, and as a result the partial vacuum in the chamber l62b disappears. Were it not for the fact that the locking lever 250 dropped into its locking position (FIG. 11) in front of the flange 170 when the diaphragm 164 was moved into its FIG. 11 position, the diaphragm would return into its FIG. 9 position in response to the force of the spring 180, promptly restoring air pressure to the valve 130 and facilitating its reopening. Thus the locking lever 250 serves the purpose of preventing undesired reopening of the valve 130 once it has been closed due to the above described diaphragm action.

Once the container C has been filled and the delivery valve 130 has closed in response to the movement of the diaphragm into the FIG. 11 position, the operator returns the manual control valves handle 120a to its first position to shut off air pressure to the control valve assembly and raise the head assemby 14 out of the containers hatch H. The pin 254 on the locking lever 250 is then lifted into its FIG. 10 position, aligning the levers hold 260 with the diaphragm valves flange and permitting the diaphragm and its element 166 to containers hatch the contact valve element 206 has dropped to its FIG. 8 position, and the entire control valve system is again'in its proper state for beginning the arms next fluid transfer operation.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the fluid delivery-vapor recovery arm 8 will operate to deliver fluid to the receiving container C only when the' delivery head assembly 14 is placed in proper seated relation with the containers hatch H, and only when the fluid within the container is below a certain predetermined level. It is also apparent that the vapors which otherwise would escape from the container to the atmosphere are carried from the container into the arm 8 in a reliable manner, and transferred safely back to the reservoir.

Although the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been herein shown and described, it will be apparent that modification and variation may be made without departing from what is regarded to be the subject matter of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for delivering fluid into a container and collecting evolved vapors from the container, the apparatus adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a supply of high pressure air, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor recovery conduit system;

a fluid delivery valve situated in a passage of the fluid delivery conduit system and including a moveable valve element positionable to open or close said valve, said valve having a valve operator mechanism that includes a control port connected to a first air line, said mechanism being operable to position said moveable valve element to close said valve in the absence of high pressure air in said first air line;

a second'air line connected to a control valve and adapted to be connected to an air supply for providing high pressure air, said first air line being operatively interconnected between said control valve and said fluid delivery .valve control port;

said control valve including a vapor chamber and an air chamber, said air chamber having an air inlet connected to said first air line and having an air outlet connected to said second air line, said air chamber having a first air 'vent and a second air vent, said vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port and a vapor outlet port;

a moveable diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to control the flow of high pressure air through said air inlet into said air chamber, said diaphragm being moveable in response to a reduction in pressure the vapor chamber to reposition said moveable valve member from a position wherein it blocks said first air vent to another position wherein it blocks said air outlet;

second moveable valve member positioned in said air chamber to block said second air vent during the delivery of fluid into the container under nor-- mal circumstances; and

control means for controlling the operation of the fluid delivery valve by controlling the operation of said control valve, said control means comprising a vapor entry port connected to a vapor line that is connected to said vapor inlet port, and further comprising a vapor exit port that is in open communication with the fluid delivery passage and that is interconnected to said vapor outlet port through a vapor line.

2. An apparatus for delivering fluid into, and collecting evolved vapors from, a container while controlling the operation of a fluid delivery valve in the apparatus through the use of high pressure air, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system providing a fluid delivery passage for the delivery of fluid into a container and a vapor recovery conduit system providing a vapor return passage for the collection and return of evolved vapor from the container;

a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery passage and including a moveable valve element positionable to open or close said valve and thereby turn on or shut off fluid flow through the fluid delivery passage to the container, said valve having a valve operator mechanism for controlling the positioning of said moveable valve element, said mechanism including a control port connected to an air line providing an air passage, said mechanism being operable to position said moveable valve element to close said valve in the absence of high pressure air in said air passage and to position said moveable valve element to open said valve in the presence of high pressure air in said air passage;

an air supply connected by an air supply-line to a control valve assembly, said control valve assembly being operatively connected to said fluid delivery valve control port by said air line; said control valve assembly including a vapor chamber and an air chamber, said air chamber having an air inlet connected to said air supply line for admitting high pressure air from said air supply into said air chamber, said air chamber having an air outlet connected to said air line to provide an air passage for high pressure air to said fluid delivery valve control port, said air chamber having first and second air vents for venting high pressure air from the chamber, said vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port and a vapor outlet port; moveable diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to control the flow of high pressue air through said air inlet into said air chamber, said diaphragm being moveable in response to reduction in the pressure level in the vapor chamber to reposition said first moveable valve member from a position whereinit blocks said first air vent to another position wherein it blocks said air inlet;

a second moveable valve member positioned in said air chamber to block said second air vent outlet during the delivery of fluid into a container under normal circumstances; and

a fluid level control means for controlling the operation of said fluid delivery valve by controlling the operation of said control valve during the delivery of fluid into a container, said fluid level control means comprising a vapor entry port for admitting evolved vaporsfrom the container into a vapor line that is connected to said vapor inlet of said vapor chamber and further comprising a vapor exit port that is open communication with said fluid delivery passage and that is connected to said vapor outlet of said vapor chamber by a respective vapor line in order that fluid flow through said fluid delivery passage creates a suction at said vapor exit port which acts to draw vapor from the vapor entry port through the vapor chamber to said vapor exit port, the vapor entry port beinglocated within the container during fluid delivery thereto whereby when the fluid level in the container rises to such a level as to immerse said vapor entry port in fluid the pressure level in the vapor chamber promptly drops to bring about repositioning of the diaphragm.

3. An apparatus comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system providing a fluid delivery passage with a fluid delivery valve disposed therein;

a fluid delivery control valve assembly including a vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port connected by a first vapor line to a vapor entry port and further having a vapor outlet port connected by a second vapor line to a vapor exit port that is in open communication with the fluid delivery passage;

said fluid delivery control valve assembly including an air chamber having an air inlet connected to a first air line that is connectable to an air supply and further having an air outlet connected by a second air line to a control port of said fluid delivery valve;

said fluid delivery control valve also including a diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to block a first air vent of said air chamber and further including a second moveable valve member that is positionable to block a second air vent of said air chamber;

the flow of fluid through said fluid delivery passage creating a suction at said vapor exit port, the suction acting to draw vapor from the vapor entry port via the vapor chamber so long as the vapor entry port is unobstructed by fluid, whereby when the vapor entry port becomes obstructed with fluid the pressure level in the vapor chamber falls and said diaphragm moves carrying said first moveable valve member to a position wherein it does not block said first air vent;

the connection of said air supply to the air inlet of said fluid delivery control valve assembly via the first air line establishing a relatively high level of air pressure in said air chamber and in said control port of said fluid delivery valve so long as both said first and second air vents are blocked, whereby movement of the aforesaid second moveable valve member to a position wherein it does not block said second air vent causes a fall in the level of air pressure in said air chamber and in said control port of said fluid delivery valve, and whereby movement of said diaphragm resulting in unblocking said first air vent also causes a fall in the level of air pressure in said air chamber and said fluid delivery valve control port;

the fluid delivery valve being controlled by the level of air pressure in its control port in such manner that a relatively high level of air pressure in said control port results in an open condition of said ond air vent.

valve whereas a relatively low level of air pressure in said control port results in a closed condition of said valve; and

a latch mechanism including means for releasably latching said diaphragm in position after it has moved to carry the valve member connected thereto to a position wherein it does not block said first air vent.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 further including a vapor return conduit system providing a vapor return passage.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein the first vapor line is disposed within said vaporreturn passage.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein said vapor return conduit system and said fluid delivery conduit system are mechanically coupled to, and form part of, a delivery head assembly wherein fluid'may discharge from said fluid delivery passage and vapor may enter said vapor return passage.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 wherein the second valve member is mounted on a portion of said deliveryv head assembly.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 including a dome seat that is moveably mounted on the vapor return conduit system, said dome seat moveable into contact with the second valve member to move said valve member into such position that it blocks said sec- 9. The apparatus set forth in claim 8 including a collar mounted on the fluid discharge end of the fluid delivery conduit system in such physical relation to said dome seat that movement of said dome seat, resulting in blocking of said second air vent, is away from said collar to create an opening between the dome seat and the collar through which vapor may rise into said vapor return passage.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim delivery head assembly includes a first swivel joint connected to a fluid delivery conduit and further includes a second swivel joint connected to a vapor return conduit, and wherein said swivel joints and said conduits are arranged with said conduits in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation in such manner that said delivery head assembly remains vertical for all angular positions of said conduits.

11. The apparatus set forth in claim 10 further including a multiway control valve connected by the first air line to the air inlet of said fluid delivery control valve, said control valve having a handle.

12. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 further in cluding a pneumatic actuator operable to vary the angular position of said conduits, and wherein positioning of said control valve handle in a first position is effective to simultaneously actuate the actuator so as to elevate said delivery head assembly and to cut off delivery of high pressure air to said air chamber via the first air line.

13. The apparatus set forth in claim 12 wherein positioning of said handle in a second position cuts off the delivery of high pressure air to said pneumatic actuator and to said air chamber.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 12 wherein positioning of said handle in a third position causes delivery of high pressure air to said pneumatic actuator, effecting lowering of said delivery head assembly, and also to the air inlet of said air chamber.

6 wherein said 15. In an apparatus for delivering fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the combination' comprising: I

a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return conduit system ending in a head assembly;

a fluid delivery valve situated inthe fluid delivery conduit system to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly;

a fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling said fluid delivery valve;

a fluid sensing device for sensing a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to a certain level;

vapor conduit means interconnecting said fluid sensing device to said fluid delivery control valve assembly;

means for drawing evolved'vapors from the container through the fluid sensing device, the vapor conduit means, and the fluid delivery control valve assembly to operate said control valve assembly and cause said fluid delivery. valve toclose when said fluid sensing device senses a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to said certain level;

means for operating said fluid delivery control valve 1 assembly to cause said fluid delivery valve to close when said head assembly is not properly positioned in relation to the container;

fluid supply means connected to said fluid delivery valve through said fluid'delivery control valve assembly for controlling the opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve in response to said fluid delivery control valve assembly;

said fluid delivery control valve assembly establishing high pressure communication of said fluid supply means through said fluid delivery control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve when the head assembly is properly positionedrelative to a container and the fluid in the container is below the aforementioned certain level.

16. The apparatus set forth in claim 15 wherein the fluid supply means is an air supply means.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 15 wherein the fluid delivery control valve assembly includes at least one vent outlet which can be unblocked to ensure a low fluid pressure condition in said chamber, thereby preventing the fluid delivery valve from being opened accidentally.

18. An apparatus for delivery of fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system ending in a head assembly; a vapor return conduit system beginning at said head assembly;

said head assembly including a first conduit opening.

downward and a second conduit opening downward, a collar member surrounding said first conduit and including a fluid sensing port in its lower end, said port in vapor path communication with a passage in said collar, a seat member surrounding said second conduit and moveable relative thereto, and resilient means to urge said seat member into engagement with said collar member;

a fluid delivery valve situated in said fluid delivery conduit system; a control valve assembly for controlling said fluid valve, said control valve assembly including a first valve element having a first position wherein said seat member engages said collar member and does not engage said moveable valve element, and a second position wherein said seat member is not in engagement with said collar member and is in engagement with said moveable valve element, placement of said head assembly in the hatch of a conainer serving to move said seat member out of engagement with said collar member and into engagement with said first valve element to thereby move said valve element from said first position to said second position, said control valve assembly operating to permit opening of said fluid delivery valve when said first valve element is in its second position;

fluid sensing means for sensing when the fluid in the container reaches a certain level, said fluid sensing means including said fluid sensing port in passagwise communication with said control valve assembly, said control valve assembly including a second valve element moveable between a first position and a second position, said fluid sensing means operating in such manner that immersion of said fluid sensing port in fluid causes said second valve element, to move from said first position wherein said control valve assembly maintains said fluid delivery valve open, to said second position wherein said control valve assembly maintains said fluid delivery valve closed; and releasable latch means for automatically holding said second valve element in said second position.

19. In an apparatus for delivery of fluid into a container and for collecting evolved vapors of fluid from the container, the combination comprising:

a fluid delivery-vapor return head assembly;

a fluid delivery conduit system ending in the head assembly;

a vapor return conduit system beginning in the head assembly;

the head assembly including a. inner and outer vertically oriented conduits open at their lower ends, said outer conduit surrounding said inner conduit,

b. a collar member surrounding and fixed to the inner conduit at a location below the lower end of the outer conduit, and

c. a seat member surrounding the lower end of the outer conduit for establishing a vapor tight seal between said outer conduit and a fluid inlet port in a container, said seat member being slidable axially on said outer conduit and secured thereto by bias means that urge said seat member into contact engagement with said collar member,

whereby as said head assembly is positioned in said inlet port for delivery of fluid into said container the seat member moves axially from the collar member opens the outer conduit to the interior of said container, and as said head assembly is withdrawn from said inlet port the seat member returns axially into engagement with the collar member to seal off the outer conduit from the atmosphere.

20. The apparatus set forth in claim 19 further comprising:

d. fluid level sensing means including a vapor pot in the collar member and a vapor return passageway extending from said vapor port to a means for regulating fluid flow through the inner conduit into the container, said regulating means comprising a control valve assembly including a chamber wherein a diaphragm is disposed, said chamber having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet arranged on one side of the diaphragm, and said vapor return passageway communicating with said vapor inlet so that vapor may flow in a confined path from said vapor port to and through said chamber.

21. The apparatus set forth in claim 19 including two vertically spaced swivel joints interconnecting said fluid. delivery and vapor return conduit systems with said first and second vertically oriented conduits.

22. The apparatus set forth in claim 19 including two conduits respectively coupled at their outer ends by swivel joints to the first and second vertically oriented conduits, said two conduits extending as an outer arm section from said head assembly to a swivel joint assembly to which their inner ends are respectively coupled, the two conduits being vertically spaced in parallel relation to each other and being connected to the swivel joints so that said head assembly is constrained to remain vertically oriented during changes in the vertical orientation of said two conduits.

23. In an apparatus for delivery of fluid and for collecting vapors evolved from the fluid, the combination comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system;

a vapor return conduit system;

a delivery head assembly in which said delivery system terminates and said vapor return system originates, said head assembly including first and second vertically oriented-conduits, said first conduit open at its lower end, a collar secured to the lower end of the first conduit, a fluid sensing port in said collar and in vapor path communication with a vapor return tube disposed within said second conduit, a seat member moveably secured to the lower end of said second concuit so as to contact said collar until moved away there from to provide an opening therebetween through which vapor may rise into said second conduit, said delivery head assembly also including a first swivel joint connected to one end of a third conduit and further including a second swivel joint connected to one end of a fourth conduit that is in parallel, vertically spaced relation with said third conduit, the third and fourth conduits also being connected to a swivel joint assembly including a third swivel joint connected to the other end of the third conduit and a fourth swivel joint connected to the other end of said fourth conduit, the aforesaid four swivel joints and said third and fourth conduits being arranged such that vertical movements of said third and fourth conduits about the axes through said third and fourth swivel joints accomplishes raising and lowering of said head assembly in such manner as to automatically maintain it in a vertical orientation during such movements.

24. An apparatus for delivery of fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the apparatus comprising a fluid delivery head assembly; a fluid delivery conduit system terminating in said head assembly; a vapor return conduit system originating in said head assembly;

said head assembly including a first conduit opening downward for discharging fluid and a second conduit opening downward for collecting vapor, said second conduit surrounding said first conduit, a collar member surrounding said first conduit and including a vapor entry port in its lower end which is in communication with a vapor passage in said collar member, a seat member surrounding said second conduit and moveable relative thereto, said seat member being adapted for positioning in'a container hatch to form a vapor tight seal therewith, resilient means to urge said seat member downward into engagement with said collar member to form a vapor tight seal about the openlower end of the second conduit, a fluid delivery valve situated in said fluid delivery conduit system, a fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling said fluid delivery valve; said control valve assembly including a first moveable valve element positionable in'a first position when said seat member engages said collar member and positionable in a second position when said seat member is not in engagement with said collar member, whereby placement of said head assembly in the hatch of a container serves to move said seat member in an upward direction and out of engagement with said collar member to thereby move said first valve element into said second position, said first position of said first moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said control valve acts to effect closure of said fluid delivery valve, said second position of said first moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said first moveable valve element acts to effect opening of said fluid delivery valve; said control valve assembly including a second moveable valve element moveable between a first position and a second position, said first position of said second moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said conrol valve assembly acts to effect opening of said fluid delivery valve, said second position of said secondmoveable valve ele- .ment establishing a condition wherein said control valve assembly acts to effect closure of said fluid delivery valve; fluid level sensing means for sensing when the fluid in the. container reaches a certain level, said fluid sensing means including a vapor entry port in passagewise communication with said control valve assembly in such manner that immersion of said vapor sensing port in fluid in the container causes said second valve element to move from said first position wherein said control valve assembly is operable to maintain said fluid delivery valve in open condition, to said second position wherein said control valve assembly is operable to maintain said fluid delivery valve in closed position; and valve latching means for holding said second valve element in said second position after said fluid delivery valve has been moved from open to closed position.

25. The apparatus set forth in claim 24 wherein said vapor passage in said collar member is in passagewise communication with a vapor return tube extending into said second conduit, said tube being in passagewise communication with said control valve assembly.

. 20 i 26. The apparatus set forth in claim 24 further comprising:

a manually operated valve for operating said fluid delivery valve and an air supply for supplying high 5 pressure air to said manually operated valve, said manually operated valve being connected to said control valve assembly, said manually operated valve being operable to supply high pressure air to said control valve assembly, said control valve being operable by movement of said moveable valve elements thereof to permit or prohibit supply of high pressure air through said control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve, said fluid delivery valve being a self closing valve that is held open whenever high pressure air is suppliedthereto via said control valve assembly.

27. A valve control system in a fluid delivery apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a delivery passage comprising:

a self-closing fluid delivery valve arranged to shut off fluid flow through the apparatus when it is closed, said delivery valve having a control mechanism that includes a control port;

a control valve assembly for controlling the operation of the delivery valve, said assembly including a pressure chamber and a valve chamber, a diaphragm in said pressure chamber, and a valve closure element connected to said diaphragm, said pressure chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, said valve chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent, said valve closure element of said control valve being normally positioned to block said air outlet and unblock saidair inlet and being positionable by movement of said diaphragm in response to reduction in pressure level in said pressure chamber to block said air inlet and unblock said air outlet;

an aspirator-type control device coupled to said control valve assembly to control the operation thereof and thereby control the operation of said delivery valve, said device comprising a fluid detecting port interconnected to a venturi port by a vapor flow passage, said venturi port being arranged so that fluid flow through the apparatus creates a suction at said venturi port, said venturi port being in communication with the outlet port of said pressure chamber and said fluid detecting port being in communication with the inlet port of said pressure chamber to establish a vapor flow path from said fluid detecting port through said pressure chamber to said venturi port; and

an air supply in communication with said air inlet of said valve chamber, the air outlet of said valve chamber being in communication with the control port of said delivery valve so that an air flow path can be established from said air supply through said valve chamber to said delivery valve control port.

6 28. In an articulated fluid loading arm for delivering fluid petroleum products into a container, the combination comprising a. a delivery head assembly having a control valve assembly mounted thereupon, the control valve assembly including 1. a contact valve that is actuated when said head assembly is properly positioned relative to a'container,

2. a diaphragm valve that can be actuated when the fluid in the container rises above a certain level, and A 3. a fluid level sensing device for actuating said diaphragm valve when the fluid in the Container reaches said certain level, and

b. a fluid delivery valve for controlling the flow of petroleum product through the head assembly and into the container, said fluid delivery valve interconnected to said control valve assembly through a pilot valve mechanism, said control valve assembly operating to admit and cut off a supply of compressed air to said pilot valve mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve.

29. A'fluid delivery and vapor recovery apparatus,

for delivering volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, comprising:

a segmented fluiddelivery arm including first, second, and third conduit sections;

a segmented vapor return arm including fourth, fifth,

and sixth conduit sections;

a first swivel joint connected to the proximal end of the first conduit section and a second swivel joint connected to the proximal end of the fourth conduit section;

said first and fourth conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation and being simultaneously rotatable about a vertical axis passing through said first and second swivel joints;

a first swivel joint assembly connected between the distal ends of the first and fourth conduit sections and the proximal ends of the second and fifth conduit sections, said first swivel joint assembly includmg a third swivel joint connecting said first conduit section to said second conduit section,

a fourth swivel joint connecting said fourth conduit section to said fifth conduit section,

a fifth swivel joint connecting said first conduit section to said second conduit section, 7

a sixth swivel joint connecting said fourth conduit section to said fifth conduit section, a

said third and fourth swivel joints allowing said second and fifth conduit sections to be simultaneously pivoted about a vertical axis passing through said third and fourth swivel joints,

said fifth and sixth swivel joints allowing said second and fifth conduit sections to be simultaneously pivoted about two respective, vertically spaced horizontal axes each passing through a respective one of said fifth and sixth swivel joints,

said second and-fifth conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation and being simultaneously pivotable in horizontal and vertical directions about the first swivel joint assembly; v

a second swivel joint assembly connected between the distal ends of the second and fifth conduit sections and the proximal ends of the third and sixth conduit sections, said second swivel joint head assembly including a seventh swivel joint connecting said second conduit section to said third conduit section;

an eighth swivel joint connecting said fifth conduit section to said sixth conduit section;

said third and sixth conduit sections being vertically disposed and being respectively pivotable about two respective, vertically spaced, horizontal axes passing through the respective seventh and eighth swivel joints whereby said third and sixth conduit sections remain vertically disposed during vertical arcing movement of said second and fifth conduit sections about said first swivel joint assembly; and

said second swivel jointassembly forming the top portion of a fluid delivery head assembly that is operable to discharge fluid from said third conduit section and to admit evolved vapor into said sixth conduit section.

30. The apparatus set forth in claim 29 further comprising:

a pneumatic actuator for-varying the angular orientation of said second and fifth conduit sections in any vertical plane to'thereby vary the elevation of the fluid deliveryhead assembly.

. 31. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 further comprising: 1

a pneumatically actuated valve system for controlling the flow of fluid through the first, second, and third conduit sections and the discharge of fluid from said third conduit section,-and 1 air lines interconnecting the aforesaid pneumatic actuator into the valve system so that said actuator must be appropriately actuated before fluid may discharge from said third conduit section.

32. The apparatus set forth in claim 31 further comprising a fluid delivery control valve assembly forming part of said'pneumatically actuated valve system and including a valve mechanism that permits fluid discharge from said third conduit section only when said fluid delivery head assembly is properly positioned in relation to a container hatch.

33. The apparatus set forth in claim 31 further comprising a fluid delivery control valve assembly forming part of said pneumatically actuated valve system and including a valvemechanism that permits fluid discharge from said third conduit system only when the fluid in a container being filled with-discharged fluid remains below a .certain level in the container.

34. A fluid delivery and vapor return apparatus for discharging volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, comprising:

a. a segmented fluid delivery and vapor return arm including A1. a plurality of fluid delivery conduit sections; A2. a plurality of vapor return conduit sections; A3. swivel joint assemblies A30. joining the proximal end of one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections to another one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections,

A3b. joining the distal end of the aforesaid one fluid delivery conduit section to yet another one of theaforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections,

A30. joining the proximal end of one of the aforesaid vapor return conduit sections to another one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections, and

A3d. joining the distal end of the aforesaid one vapor return conduit section to yet another one of the aforesaid vapor return conduit sections;-

a handle operator for appropriately actuating said actuato'r ,to cause fluid pressure to be supplied through said actuator to said control valve assembly to enable the operation-thereof.

36. The apparatus set forth' in claim 35 wherein said control valve assembly includes a second valve mechanism that permits fluid discharge from said head assembly when it is properly positioned in relation to a container hatch.

37. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the aforesaid first valve mechanism permits fluid discharge from said head assembly only when the-fluid in a container being filled with discharged fluid remains below a certain level. I

38.'-ln an apparatus for delivering fluid into a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid from the container, the combination comprising:

1. a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return conduit system ending in a head assembly;

2. a fluid deliveryvalve situated in the fluid delivery *conduit system to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly; i r l 3. a fluid delivery control valve assembly mounted on the head assembly for controlling-the fluid delivery valve; 1 v

4. a fluid sensing device physically associated with the head assembly for sensing a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to a certain level; v Y

5. means interconnecting the fluid sensing device to B. a fluid delivery and vapor return head assembly joined to the aforesaid joint head assemblies that are respectively joined to the respective distal ends 5 of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections; I

C. the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation;

D. the aforesaid swivel joint assemblies D1. allowing the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduits to be simultaneously pivoted in vertical and horizontal directions about the proximal ends thereof in such manner that parallelism is maintained between such conduits for all positions thereof, and

D2. allowing said fluid delivery and vapor recovery head assembly to be raised and lowered by simultaneous vertical arcing movements of said fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections about their proximal ends in such manner that said fluid delivery and vapor recovery head assembly will be kept, by the distal ends of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduits in a vertical orientation for all positions of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor recovery conduit sections.

35. A fluid delivery and vapor return apparatus for discharging volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return conduit system ending in a fluid discharge and vapor return head assembly; a fluid delivery valve operable to permit or to shut off the fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to close when said fluid sensing deivce senses a condition wherein the fluid the flow of volatile fluid therethrough'and through in the container has risen to said certain level;

the-fluid delivery conduit system to the fluid dis- 6. means for operating the fluid delivery control charge and vapor return head assembly; valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to a fluid operated actuator for moving said conduit sysclose when the head assembly is not properly positems in order to position said head assembly; tioned in' relation to the container,,said operating a fluid actuated valve control system for controlling 40 means including a moveable valve member actuatthe operation of said fluid delivery valve, able by a dome seat moveably. mounted on the said valve control system including fluid conveying head assembly in such manner that proper posilines interconnecting said actuator into said valve tioning of the head assembly inrelation to the concontrol system so'that said actuator must be approtainer disposes said domeseat in such pOSltlO Il that prlately actuated before flu1d may flow through vapor may rise 1nto the vapor return condu1t sys- Zaiddfluid dgllivery valve and discharge from said 7 tgn ii and l t d t th fl d d 1 ea assem y; ui supp y means connec e o e m e ivery said valve control system including a control valve valve through the fluid delivery control valve as- ZZm lid "52in?5 5;3 .3231333532305 3: 5O ffi fillliilefivifllili rs'ilfl.ll.l3 f been appropriately actuated and a condition arises livery control valve assembly, the fluid delivery wherein it is desirable to automatically close said control valve assembly establishing high pressure fluid delivery valve; communication of the fluid supply means through said fluid delivery valve being fluid controlled by said 55 said fluid delivery control "valve assembly to the control valve assembly so that it is necessary that fluid delivery valve when the head assembly is said actuator be appropriately actuated before said properly positioned relative to a container and the control valve assembly can cause said fluid delivery fluid in the container is bleow the aforementioned valve to open for the flow of fluid therethrough; certain level. said control valve assembly including a vapor con- 39. In an apparatus, for delivering fluid into a conveying tube in communication with the fluid delivery passage of the fluid delivery conduit system by means of a vapor path through a chamber of said control valve and further including a first valve mechanismthat operates in response to immersion of the tube in discharged fluid to thereby cause said control valve assembly to-close said fluid delivery valve; and

tainer and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid from the container, the combination comprising:

1. a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return condiuit system ending in a head assembly;

2. a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery condiut system to regulate the flowof fluid through v the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly;

3. a fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling the fluid delivery valve;

4. a fluid sensing device physically associated with the head assembly for sensing a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to a certain level;

5. means interconnecting the fluid sensing device to the fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to close when said fluid sensing device senses a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to said certain level;

6. means for operating the fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to close when the head assembly is not properly positioned in relation to the container; and

7. fluid supply means connected to the fluid delivery valve through'the fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling the opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve in response to said fluid delivery control valve assembly, said fluid supply means including a multi-way control valve means that is manually operable to establish or interrupt a high fluid pressure condition in a chamber of said fluid delivery control valve assembly, said fluid delivery control valve assembly establishing high pressure communication of said fluid supply means through said fluid delivery control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve when the vhead assembly is properly positioned relative to a container and the fluid in the container is below the aforementioned certain level.

Claims

1. An apparatus for delivering fluid into a container and collecting evolved vapors from the container, the apparatus adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a supply of high pressure air, the apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor recovery conduit system; a fluid delivery valve situated in a passage of the fluid delivery conduit system and including a moveable valve element positionable to open or close said valve, said valve having a valve operator mechanism that includes a control port connected to a first air line, said mechanism being operable to position said moveable valve element to close said valve in the absence of high pressure air in said first air line; a second air line connected to a control valve and adapted to be connected to an air supply for providing high pressure air, said first air line being operatively interconnected between said control valve and said fluid delivery valve control port; said control valve including a vapor chamber and an air chamber, said air chamber having an air inlet connected to said first air line and having an air outlet connected to said second air line, said air chamber having a first air vent and a second air vent, said vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port and a vapor outlet port; a moveable diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to control the flow of high pressure air through said air inlet into said air chamber, said diaphragm being moveable in response to a reduction in pressure the vapor chamber to reposition said moveable valve member from a position wherein it blocks said first air vent to another position wherein it blocks said air outlet; a second moveable valve member positioned in said air chamber to block said second air vent during the delivery of fluid into the container under normal circumstances; and a control means for controlling the operation of the fluid delivery valve by controlling the operation of said control valve, said control means comprising a vapor entry port connected to a vapor line that is connected to said vapor inlet port, and further comprising a vapor exit port that is in open communication with the fluid delivery passage and that is interconnected to said vapor outlet port through a vapor line.

2. a diaphragm valve that can be actuated when the fluid in the container rises above a certain level, and

2. a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery conduit system to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly;

2. a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery condiut system to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly;

2. An apparatus for delivering fluid into, and collecting evolved vapors from, a container while controlling the operation of a fluid delivery valve in the apparatus through the use of high pressure air, the apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system providing a fluid delivery passage for the deliveRy of fluid into a container and a vapor recovery conduit system providing a vapor return passage for the collection and return of evolved vapor from the container; a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery passage and including a moveable valve element positionable to open or close said valve and thereby turn on or shut off fluid flow through the fluid delivery passage to the container, said valve having a valve operator mechanism for controlling the positioning of said moveable valve element, said mechanism including a control port connected to an air line providing an air passage, said mechanism being operable to position said moveable valve element to close said valve in the absence of high pressure air in said air passage and to position said moveable valve element to open said valve in the presence of high pressure air in said air passage; an air supply connected by an air supply line to a control valve assembly, said control valve assembly being operatively connected to said fluid delivery valve control port by said air line; said control valve assembly including a vapor chamber and an air chamber, said air chamber having an air inlet connected to said air supply line for admitting high pressure air from said air supply into said air chamber, said air chamber having an air outlet connected to said air line to provide an air passage for high pressure air to said fluid delivery valve control port, said air chamber having first and second air vents for venting high pressure air from the chamber, said vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port and a vapor outlet port; a moveable diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to control the flow of high pressue air through said air inlet into said air chamber, said diaphragm being moveable in response to reduction in the pressure level in the vapor chamber to reposition said first moveable valve member from a position wherein it blocks said first air vent to another position wherein it blocks said air inlet; a second moveable valve member positioned in said air chamber to block said second air vent outlet during the delivery of fluid into a container under normal circumstances; and a fluid level control means for controlling the operation of said fluid delivery valve by controlling the operation of said control valve during the delivery of fluid into a container, said fluid level control means comprising a vapor entry port for admitting evolved vapors from the container into a vapor line that is connected to said vapor inlet of said vapor chamber and further comprising a vapor exit port that is open communication with said fluid delivery passage and that is connected to said vapor outlet of said vapor chamber by a respective vapor line in order that fluid flow through said fluid delivery passage creates a suction at said vapor exit port which acts to draw vapor from the vapor entry port through the vapor chamber to said vapor exit port, the vapor entry port being located within the container during fluid delivery thereto whereby when the fluid level in the container rises to such a level as to immerse said vapor entry port in fluid the pressure level in the vapor chamber promptly drops to bring about repositioning of the diaphragm.

3. An apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system providing a fluid delivery passage with a fluid delivery valve disposed therein; a fluid delivery control valve assembly including a vapor chamber having a vapor inlet port connected by a first vapor line to a vapor entry port and further having a vapor outlet port connected by a second vapor line to a vapor exit port that is in open communication with the fluid delivery passage; said fluid delivery control valve assembly including an air chamber having an air inlet connected to a first air line that is connectable to an air supply and further having an air outlet connected by a second air line to a control port of said fluid delivery valve; said fluid delivery control valve also including a diaphragm disposed in said vapor chamber and connected to a first moveable valve member that is positionable to block a first air vent of said air chamber and further including a second moveable valve member that is positionable to block a second air vent of said air chamber; the flow of fluid through said fluid delivery passage creating a suction at said vapor exit port, the suction acting to draw vapor from the vapor entry port via the vapor chamber so long as the vapor entry port is unobstructed by fluid, whereby when the vapor entry port becomes obstructed with fluid the pressure level in the vapor chamber falls and said diaphragm moves carrying said first moveable valve member to a position wherein it does not block said first air vent; the connection of said air supply to the air inlet of said fluid delivery control valve assembly via the first air line establishing a relatively high level of air pressure in said air chamber and in said control port of said fluid delivery valve so long as both said first and second air vents are blocked, whereby movement of the aforesaid second moveable valve member to a position wherein it does not block said second air vent causes a fall in the level of air pressure in said air chamber and in said control port of said fluid delivery valve, and whereby movement of said diaphragm resulting in unblocking said first air vent also causes a fall in the level of air pressure in said air chamber and said fluid delivery valve control port; the fluid delivery valve being controlled by the level of air pressure in its control port in such manner that a relatively high level of air pressure in said control port results in an open condition of said valve whereas a relatively low level of air pressure in said control port results in a closed condition of said valve; and a latch mechanism including means for releasably latching said diaphragm in position after it has moved to carry the valve member connected thereto to a position wherein it does not block said first air vent.

3. a fluid delivery control valve assembly mounted on the head assembly for controlling the fluid delivery valve;

3. a fluid level sensing device for actuating said diaphragm valve when the fluid in the container reaches said certain level, and b. a fluid delivery valve for controlling the flow of petroleum product through the head assembly and into the container, said fluid delivery valve interconnected to said control valve assembly through a pilot valve mechanism, said control valve assembly operating to admit and cut off a supply of compressed air to said pilot valve mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve.

5. means interconnecting the fluid sensing device to the fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to close when said fluid sensing deivce senses a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to said certain level;

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein the first vapor line is disposed within said vapor return passage.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein said vapor return conduit system and said fluid delivery conduit system are mechanically coupled to, and form part of, a delivery head assembly wherein fluid may discharge from said fluid delivery passage and vapor may enter said vapor return passage.

6. means for operating the fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause the fluid delivery valve to close when the head assembly is not properly positioned in relation to the container, said operating means including a moveable valve member actuatable by a dome seat moveably mounted on the head assembly in such manner that proper positioning of the head assembly in relation to the container disposes said dome seat in such position that vapor may rise into the vapor return conduit system; and

7. fluid supply means connected to the fluid delivery valve through the fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling the opening and closing of the fluid delivery valve in responSe to the fluid delivery control valve assembly, the fluid delivery control valve assembly establishing high pressure communication of the fluid supply means through said fluid delivery control valve assembly to the fluid delivery valve when the head assembly is properly positioned relative to a container and the fluid in the container is bleow the aforementioned certain level.

7. fluid supply means connected to the fluid delivery valve through the fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling the opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve in response to said fluid delivery control valve assembly, said fluid supply means including a multi-way control valve means that is manually operable to establish or interrupt a high fluid pressure condition in a chamber of said fluid delivery control valve assembly, said fluid delivery control valve assembly establishing high pressure communication of said fluid supply means through said fluid delivery control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve when the head assembly is properly positioned relative to a container and the fluid in the container is below the aforementioned certain level.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 wherein the second valve member is mounted on a portion of said delivery head assembly.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 including a dome seat that is moveably mounted on the vapor return conduit system, said dome seat moveable into contact with the second valve member to move said valve member into such position that it blocks said second air vent.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 8 including a collar mounted on the fluid discharge end of the fluid delivery conduit system in such physical relation to said dome seat that movement of said dome seat, resulting in blocking of said second air vent, is away from said collar to create an opening between the dome seat and the collar through which vapor may rise into said vapor return passage.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 wherein said delivery head assembly includes a first swivel joint connected to a fluid delivery conduit and further includes a second swivel joint connected to a vapor return conduit, and wherein said swivel joints and said conduits are arranged with said conduits in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation in such manner that said delivery head assembly remains vertical for all angular positions of said conduits.

12. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 further including a pneumatic actuator operable to vary the angular position of said conduits, and wherein positioning of said control valve handle in a first position is effective to simultaneously actuate the actuator so as to elevate said delivery head assembly and to cut off delivery of high pressure air to said air chamber via the first air line.

15. In an apparatus for delivering fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the combination comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return conduit system ending in a head assembly; a fluid delivery valve situated in the fluid delivery conduit system to regulate the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit system to the head assembly; a fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling said fluid delivery valve; a fluid sensing device for sensing a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to a certain level; vapor conduit means interconnecting said fluid sensing device to said fluid delivery control valve assembly; means for drawing evolved vapors from the container through the fluid sensing device, the vapor conduit means, and the fluid delivery control valve assembly to operate said control valve assembly and cause said fluid delivery valve to close when said fluid sensing device senses a condition wherein the fluid in the container has risen to said certain level; means for operating said fluid delivery control valve assembly to cause said fluid delivery valve to close when said head assembly is not properly positioned in relation to the container; fluid supply means connected to said fluid delivery valve through said fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling the opening and closing of said fluid delivery valve in response to said fluid delivery control valve assembly; said fluid delivery control valve assembly establishing high pressure communication of said fluid supply means through said fluid delivery control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve when the head assembly is properly positioned relative to a container and the fluid in the container is below the aforementioned certain level.

18. An apparatus for delivery of fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system ending in a head assembly; a vapor return conduit system beginning at said head assembly; said head assembly including a first conduit opening downward and a second conduit opening downward, a collar member surrounding said first conduit and including a fluid sensing port in its lower end, said port in vapor path communication with a passage in said collar, a seat member surrounding said second conduit and moveable relative thereto, and resilient means to urge said seat member into engagement with said collar member; a fluid delivery valve situated in said fluid delivery conduit system; a control valve assembly for controlling said fluid valve, said control valve assEmbly including a first valve element having a first position wherein said seat member engages said collar member and does not engage said moveable valve element, and a second position wherein said seat member is not in engagement with said collar member and is in engagement with said moveable valve element, placement of said head assembly in the hatch of a conainer serving to move said seat member out of engagement with said collar member and into engagement with said first valve element to thereby move said valve element from said first position to said second position, said control valve assembly operating to permit opening of said fluid delivery valve when said first valve element is in its second position; fluid sensing means for sensing when the fluid in the container reaches a certain level, said fluid sensing means including said fluid sensing port in passagwise communication with said control valve assembly, said control valve assembly including a second valve element moveable between a first position and a second position, said fluid sensing means operating in such manner that immersion of said fluid sensing port in fluid causes said second valve element, to move from said first position wherein said control valve assembly maintains said fluid delivery valve open, to said second position wherein said control valve assembly maintains said fluid delivery valve closed; and releasable latch means for automatically holding said second valve element in said second position.

19. In an apparatus for delivery of fluid into a container and for collecting evolved vapors of fluid from the container, the combination comprising: a fluid delivery-vapor return head assembly; a fluid delivery conduit system ending in the head assembly; a vapor return conduit system beginning in the head assembly; the head assembly including a. inner and outer vertically oriented conduits open at their lower ends, said outer conduit surrounding said inner conduit, b. a collar member surrounding and fixed to the inner conduit at a location below the lower end of the outer conduit, and c. a seat member surrounding the lower end of the outer conduit for establishing a vapor tight seal between said outer conduit and a fluid inlet port in a container, said seat member being slidable axially on said outer conduit and secured thereto by bias means that urge said seat member into contact engagement with said collar member, whereby as said head assembly is positioned in said inlet port for delivery of fluid into said container the seat member moves axially from the collar member opens the outer conduit to the interior of said container, and as said head assembly is withdrawn from said inlet port the seat member returns axially into engagement with the collar member to seal off the outer conduit from the atmosphere.

20. The apparatus set forth in claim 19 further comprising: d. fluid level sensing means including a vapor pot in the collar member and a vapor return passageway extending from said vapor port to a means for regulating fluid flow through the inner conduit into the container, said regulating means comprising a control valve assembly including a chamber wherein a diaphragm is disposed, said chamber having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet arranged on one side of the diaphragm, and said vapor return passageway communicating with said vapor inlet so that vapor may flow in a confined path from said vapor port to and through said chamber.

21. The apparatus set forth in claim 19 including two vertically spaced swivel joints interconnecting said fluid delivery and vapor return conduit systems with said first and second vertically oriented conduits.

23. In an apparatus for delivery of fluid and for collecting vapors evolved from the fluid, the combination comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system; a vapor return conduit system; a delivery head assembly in which said delivery system terminates and said vapor return system originates, said head assembly including first and second vertically oriented conduits, said first conduit open at its lower end, a collar secured to the lower end of the first conduit, a fluid sensing port in said collar and in vapor path communication with a vapor return tube disposed within said second conduit, a seat member moveably secured to the lower end of said second concuit so as to contact said collar until moved away there from to provide an opening therebetween through which vapor may rise into said second conduit, said delivery head assembly also including a first swivel joint connected to one end of a third conduit and further including a second swivel joint connected to one end of a fourth conduit that is in parallel, vertically spaced relation with said third conduit, the third and fourth conduits also being connected to a swivel joint assembly including a third swivel joint connected to the other end of the third conduit and a fourth swivel joint connected to the other end of said fourth conduit, the aforesaid four swivel joints and said third and fourth conduits being arranged such that vertical movements of said third and fourth conduits about the axes through said third and fourth swivel joints accomplishes raising and lowering of said head assembly in such manner as to automatically maintain it in a vertical orientation during such movements.

24. An apparatus for delivery of fluid to a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid, the apparatus comprising a fluid delivery head assembly; a fluid delivery conduit system terminating in said head assembly; a vapor return conduit system originating in said head assembly; said head assembly including a first conduit opening downward for discharging fluid and a second conduit opening downward for collecting vapor, said second conduit surrounding said first conduit, a collar member surrounding said first conduit and including a vapor entry port in its lower end which is in communication with a vapor passage in said collar member, a seat member surrounding said second conduit and moveable relative thereto, said seat member being adapted for positioning in a container hatch to form a vapor tight seal therewith, resilient means to urge said seat member downward into engagement with said collar member to form a vapor tight seal about the open lower end of the second conduit, a fluid delivery valve situated in said fluid delivery conduit system, a fluid delivery control valve assembly for controlling said fluid delivery valve; said control valve assembly including a first moveable valve element positionable in a first position when said seat member engages said collar member and positionable in a second position when said seat member is not in engagement with said collar member, whereby placement of said head assembly in the hatch of a container serves to move said seat member in an upward direction and out of engagement with said collar member to thereby move said first valve element into said second position, said first position of said first moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said control valve acts to effect closure of said fluid delivery valve, said second position of said first moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said first moveable valve element acts to effect opening of said fluid delivery valve; said control valve assembly including a second moveable valve element moveable betWeen a first position and a second position, said first position of said second moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said conrol valve assembly acts to effect opening of said fluid delivery valve, said second position of said second moveable valve element establishing a condition wherein said control valve assembly acts to effect closure of said fluid delivery valve; fluid level sensing means for sensing when the fluid in the container reaches a certain level, said fluid sensing means including a vapor entry port in passagewise communication with said control valve assembly in such manner that immersion of said vapor sensing port in fluid in the container causes said second valve element to move from said first position wherein said control valve assembly is operable to maintain said fluid delivery valve in open condition, to said second position wherein said control valve assembly is operable to maintain said fluid delivery valve in closed position; and valve latching means for holding said second valve element in said second position after said fluid delivery valve has been moved from open to closed position.

26. The apparatus set forth in claim 24 further comprising: a manually operated valve for operating said fluid delivery valve and an air supply for supplying high pressure air to said manually operated valve, said manually operated valve being connected to said control valve assembly, said manually operated valve being operable to supply high pressure air to said control valve assembly, said control valve being operable by movement of said moveable valve elements thereof to permit or prohibit supply of high pressure air through said control valve assembly to said fluid delivery valve, said fluid delivery valve being a self closing valve that is held open whenever high pressure air is supplied thereto via said control valve assembly.

27. A valve control system in a fluid delivery apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a delivery passage comprising: a self-closing fluid delivery valve arranged to shut off fluid flow through the apparatus when it is closed, said delivery valve having a control mechanism that includes a control port; a control valve assembly for controlling the operation of the delivery valve, said assembly including a pressure chamber and a valve chamber, a diaphragm in said pressure chamber, and a valve closure element connected to said diaphragm, said pressure chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, said valve chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent, said valve closure element of said control valve being normally positioned to block said air outlet and unblock said air inlet and being positionable by movement of said diaphragm in response to reduction in pressure level in said pressure chamber to block said air inlet and unblock said air outlet; an aspirator-type control device coupled to said control valve assembly to control the operation thereof and thereby control the operation of said delivery valve, said device comprising a fluid detecting port interconnected to a venturi port by a vapor flow passage, said venturi port being arranged so that fluid flow through the apparatus creates a suction at said venturi port, said venturi port being in communication with the outlet port of said pressure chamber and said fluid detecting port being in communication with the inlet port of said pressure chamber to establish a vapor flow path from said fluid detecting port through said pressure chamber to said venturi port; and an air supply in communication with said air inlet of said valve chamber, the air outlet of said valve chamber being in communication with the control port of said delivery valve so that an air Flow path can be established from said air supply through said valve chamber to said delivery valve control port.

28. In an articulated fluid loading arm for delivering fluid petroleum products into a container, the combination comprising a. a delivery head assembly having a control valve assembly mounted thereupon, the control valve assembly including

29. A fluid delivery and vapor recovery apparatus, for delivering volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, comprising: a segmented fluid delivery arm including first, second, and third conduit sections; a segmented vapor return arm including fourth, fifth, and sixth conduit sections; a first swivel joint connected to the proximal end of the first conduit section and a second swivel joint connected to the proximal end of the fourth conduit section; said first and fourth conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation and being simultaneously rotatable about a vertical axis passing through said first and second swivel joints; a first swivel joint assembly connected between the distal ends of the first and fourth conduit sections and the proximal ends of the second and fifth conduit sections, said first swivel joint assembly including a third swivel joint connecting said first conduit section to said second conduit section, a fourth swivel joint connecting said fourth conduit section to said fifth conduit section, a fifth swivel joint connecting said first conduit section to said second conduit section, a sixth swivel joint connecting said fourth conduit section to said fifth conduit section, said third and fourth swivel joints allowing said second and fifth conduit sections to be simultaneously pivoted about a vertical axis passing through said third and fourth swivel joints, said fifth and sixth swivel joints allowing said second and fifth conduit sections to be simultaneously pivoted about two respective, vertically spaced horizontal axes each passing through a respective one of said fifth and sixth swivel joints, said second and fifth conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation and being simultaneously pivotable in horizontal and vertical directions about the first swivel joint assembly; a second swivel joint assembly connected between the distal ends of the second and fifth conduit sections and the proximal ends of the third and sixth conduit sections, said second swivel joint head assembly including a seventh swivel joint connecting said second conduit section to said third conduit section; an eighth swivel joint connecting said fifth conduit section to said sixth conduit section; said third and sixth conduit sections being vertically disposed and being respectively pivotable about two respective, vertically spaced, horizontal axes passing through the respective seventh and eighth swivel joints whereby said third and sixth conduit sections remain vertically disposed during vertical arcing movement of said second and fifth conduit sections about said first swivel joint assembly; and said second swivel joint assembly forming the top portion of a fluid Delivery head assembly that is operable to discharge fluid from said third conduit section and to admit evolved vapor into said sixth conduit section.

30. The apparatus set forth in claim 29 further comprising: a pneumatic actuator for varying the angular orientation of said second and fifth conduit sections in any vertical plane to thereby vary the elevation of the fluid delivery head assembly.

31. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 further comprising: a pneumatically actuated valve system for controlling the flow of fluid through the first, second, and third conduit sections and the discharge of fluid from said third conduit section, and air lines interconnecting the aforesaid pneumatic actuator into the valve system so that said actuator must be appropriately actuated before fluid may discharge from said third conduit section.

32. The apparatus set forth in claim 31 further comprising a fluid delivery control valve assembly forming part of said pneumatically actuated valve system and including a valve mechanism that permits fluid discharge from said third conduit section only when said fluid delivery head assembly is properly positioned in relation to a container hatch.

33. The apparatus set forth in claim 31 further comprising a fluid delivery control valve assembly forming part of said pneumatically actuated valve system and including a valve mechanism that permits fluid discharge from said third conduit system only when the fluid in a container being filled with discharged fluid remains below a certain level in the container.

34. A fluid delivery and vapor return apparatus for discharging volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, comprising: a. a segmented fluid delivery and vapor return arm including A1. a plurality of fluid delivery conduit sections; A2. a plurality of vapor return conduit sections; A3. swivel joint assemblies A3a. joining the proximal end of one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections to another one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections, A3b. joining the distal end of the aforesaid one fluid delivery conduit section to yet another one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections, A3c. joining the proximal end of one of the aforesaid vapor return conduit sections to another one of the aforesaid fluid delivery conduit sections, and A3d. joining the distal end of the aforesaid one vapor return conduit section to yet another one of the aforesaid vapor return conduit sections; B. a fluid delivery and vapor return head assembly joined to the aforesaid joint head assemblies that are respectively joined to the respective distal ends of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections; C. the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections being disposed in vertically spaced, mutually parallel relation; D. the aforesaid swivel joint assemblies D1. allowing the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduits to be simultaneously pivoted in vertical and horizontal directions about the proximal ends thereof in such manner that parallelism is maintained between such conduits for all positions thereof, and D2. allowing said fluid delivery and vapor recovery head assembly to be raised and lowered by simultaneous vertical arcing movements of said fluid delivery and vapor return conduit sections about their proximal ends in such manner that said fluid delivery and vapor recovery head assembly will be kept, by the distal ends of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor return conduits in a vertical orientation for all positions of the aforesaid fluid delivery and vapor recovery conduit sections.

35. A fluid delivery and vapor return apparatus for discharging volatile fluids into containers and for collecting evolved vapors, the apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery conduit system and a vapor return conduit system ending in a fluid discharge and vapor return head assembly; a fluid delivery valve operable to permit or to shut off the flow of volatile fluid therethrough and through the fluid delivery conduit system to the fluid discharge and vapor return head assembly; a fluid operated actuator for moving said conduit systems in order to position said head assembly; a fluid actuated valve control system for controlling the operation of said fluid delivery valve, said valve control system including fluid conveying lines interconnecting said actuator into said valve control system so that said actuator must be appropriately actuated before fluid may flow through said fluid delivery valve and discharge from said head assembly; said valve control system including a control valve assembly that is operable to automatically close said fluid delivery valve after said actuator has been appropriately actuated and a condition arises wherein it is desirable to automatically close said fluid delivery valve; said fluid delivery valve being fluid controlled by said control valve assembly so that it is necessary that said actuator be appropriately actuated before said control valve assembly can cause said fluid delivery valve to open for the flow of fluid therethrough; said control valve assembly including a vapor conveying tube in communication with the fluid delivery passage of the fluid delivery conduit system by means of a vapor path through a chamber of said control valve and further including a first valve mechanism that operates in response to immersion of the tube in discharged fluid to thereby cause said control valve assembly to close said fluid delivery valve; and a handle operator for appropriately actuating said actuator to cause fluid pressure to be supplied through said actuator to said control valve assembly to enable the operation thereof.

36. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein said control valve assembly includes a second valve mechanism that permits fluid discharge from said head assembly when it is properly positioned in relation to a container hatch.

37. The apparatus set forth in claim 35 wherein the aforesaid first valve mechanism permits fluid discharge from said head assembly only when the fluid in a container being filled with discharged fluid remains below a certain level.

38. In an apparatus for delivering fluid into a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid from the container, the combination comprising:

39. In an apparatus for delivering fluid into a container and for collecting evolved vapors of the fluid from the container, the combination comprising: