Fuel dispensing system and method
First Claim
25. A system for regulating flow of fuel between a fuel dispenser having a fuel nozzle and a fuel recipient having a fuel receptacle during a fueling period, said system comprising:
- (a) an electrical connector for electrically coupling said dispenser to said recipient;
(b) an interlock for lockably coupling said nozzle to a fuel inlet on said recipient in communication with said receptacle; and
(c) an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative motion of said dispenser and said recipient during said fueling period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This application relates to a fuel dispensing system and method for safely regulating transfer of fuel between a fuel dispenser and a fuel recipient. The fuel dispensing system may be used, for example, to replenish electric vehicles that use refillable electro-chemical power generation systems, such as fuel cell hybrid systems using hydrogen fuel. The system employs a combination of interlocks and other safety features specifically adapted for high-risk indoor environments. Fueling cannot commence until the dispenser and the recipient are electrically bonded to minimize the risk of spark generation. The system may include, for example, a fuel supply subsystem for preventing fuel flow except during a fueling session, an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative movement of the dispenser and the recipient during a fueling session, a communication subsystem for enabling data exchange between the dispenser and the recipient, and a leak detection subsystem for monitoring the fueling site for fuel leaks. In order to minimize or negate the risk that hazardous and/or flammable products could be exposed to the atmosphere during a fueling session, the system ensures that fueling cannot commence until multiple safety criteria are satisfied.
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Citations
42 Claims
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25. A system for regulating flow of fuel between a fuel dispenser having a fuel nozzle and a fuel recipient having a fuel receptacle during a fueling period, said system comprising:
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(a) an electrical connector for electrically coupling said dispenser to said recipient;
(b) an interlock for lockably coupling said nozzle to a fuel inlet on said recipient in communication with said receptacle; and
(c) an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative motion of said dispenser and said recipient during said fueling period. - View Dependent Claims (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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33-1. The system as defined in claim 25, wherein said fuel supply subsystem comprises a valve adjustable between an open position permitting flow of fuel through said nozzle into said inlet during said fueling period and a closed position preventing flow of fuel into said inlet.
Specification