Fuel overflow prevention device
First Claim
1. A fuel overflow prevention device for use in combination with a fuel storage container having a fill tube and a vent tube, and an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle having a spout with a sensor port and an exit port, the fuel overflow prevention device comprising:
- an overflow prevention chamber, the overflow prevention chamber comprising;
a. a primary fill space configured for removably receiving therein the automatic shutoff fuel nozzle;
b. a fill tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the fill tube; and
c. a vent tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the vent tube,wherein the fill tube interface section is arranged to establish a flow interface between the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the nozzle, wherein the vent tube interface section is arranged to establish a fluid passageway between the fuel storage container and the primary fill space through the vent tube, and wherein the primary fill space is arranged to receive enough fluid from the vent tube to cover the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic shutoff of the nozzle.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.
18 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A fuel overflow prevention device for use in combination with a fuel storage container having a fill tube and a vent tube, and an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle having a spout with a sensor port and an exit port, the fuel overflow prevention device comprising:
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an overflow prevention chamber, the overflow prevention chamber comprising; a. a primary fill space configured for removably receiving therein the automatic shutoff fuel nozzle; b. a fill tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the fill tube; and c. a vent tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the vent tube, wherein the fill tube interface section is arranged to establish a flow interface between the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the nozzle, wherein the vent tube interface section is arranged to establish a fluid passageway between the fuel storage container and the primary fill space through the vent tube, and wherein the primary fill space is arranged to receive enough fluid from the vent tube to cover the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic shutoff of the nozzle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A fuel overflow prevention device for use in combination with a fuel storage container having a fill tube and a vent tube, and an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle having a spout with a sensor port and an exit port, the fuel overflow prevention device comprising:
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a. an overflow prevention chamber, the overflow prevention chamber including; i. a primary fill space configured for removably receiving therein the automatic shutoff fuel nozzle; ii. a fill tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the fill tube; and iii. a vent tube interface section configured for releasable attachment to the vent tube, wherein the fill tube interface section is arranged to establish a flow restricting interface between the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the nozzle, wherein the vent tube interface section is arranged to establish a fluid passageway between the fuel storage container and the primary fill space through the vent tube, and wherein the primary fill space is arranged to receive enough fluid from the vent tube to cover the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic shutoff of the nozzle; and b. a vent tube extension for releasably connecting the vent tube to the fuel storage container. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification