FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH BREAK-AWAY COUPLING

• US 20140116515A1
• Filed: 10/23/2013
• Published: 05/01/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Engineered Controls International LLC (Engineered Controls International Holdings LLC), General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: Macro Technologies, LLC (Dover Corporation)
• Inventors: KONISHI, Howard M.
• Application Number:
  US14/061,487
• Publication Number:
  US 20140116515A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/1
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/3218 relating to emergency shut-off means
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/1007 Couplings closed automatically when broken
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/1015 Couplings closed automatically when disengaging force exceeds preselected value F16L55/1007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7738 Pop valves

Abstract

A break-away coupling within a fuel dispensing line configured to arrest the flow of fluid when broken away. The coupling includes a first end configured to engage a fluid dispensing nozzle and a second end configured to engage a fluid dispensing system. Then, a break-away body is disposed between the first end and the second end and the coupling includes a sensor configured to determine if the first end is separated from the second end in any manner. Such a separation may be caused by a large force applied to one end, such as a truck driving away with the fueling nozzle will engaged in the fuel talk. Thus, upon separation at the break-away point, the sensor may trigger a shut-off procedure at the fuel dispensing system.

Claims

1. A coupling, comprising:

a first end configured to engage a fluid dispensing nozzle;

a second end configured to engage a fluid dispensing system

a break-away body disposed between the first end and the second end; and

a sensor configured to determine if the first end is separated from the second end.

2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the break-away body comprises a junction point of a first portion and a second portion suited to break when a suitable force is applied to the junction.

3. The coupling of claim 2, wherein the junction comprises one of the group including:

a weld junction, an adhesive junction, a magnetic junction, and a friction fitting junction.

4. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed on the first end of the coupling.

5. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor suited to provide a signal indicating pressure at the first end.

6. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an electric sensor configured to provide a signal indicating coupling of the first end to the second end.

7. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a mechanical sensor having a pin configured to indicate coupling of the first end to the second end.

8. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a poppet disposed in the first end and configured to arrest the flow of fluid through the first end if the first end is separated from the second end.

9. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a poppet disposed in the second end and configured to arrest the flow of fluid through the second end if the first end is separated from the second end.

10. The coupling of claim 9, wherein the poppet is further configured to allow controlled leakage after arresting the flow of fluid in response to the first end being separated from the second end.

11. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising components configured for handling liquid natural gas and low temperatures.

12. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising

a first shaft having a first central axis aligned with a central axis of the first end;

and

a second shaft having a second central axis, the second shaft coupled to the first shaft such that the second central axis is set at a non-zero angle to the first central axis.

13. The coupling of claim 12, wherein the angle is such that a force applied to the second shaft is substantially transferred to the first shaft to place the force substantially upon the break-away body.

14. A fuel delivery system, comprising:

a fuel dispensing tank;

a fuel dispensing line coupled to the fuel dispensing talked and configured to deliver fuel to a vehicular fuel tank; and

a break-away coupling in the fuel dispensing line, including;

a first end configured to engage a fluid dispensing nozzle;

a second end configured to engage a fluid dispensing system

a break-away body disposed between the first end and the second end; and

a sensor plug configured to determine if the first end is separated from the second end.

15. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the fuel comprises liquid natural gas.

16. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the first end further comprises:

a first shaft having a first central axis aligned with a central axis of the first end; and

a second shaft having a second central axis, the second shaft coupled to the first shaft such that the second central axis is set at a non-zero angle to the first central axis.

17. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor suited to provide a signal indicating pressure at the first end.

18. A method, comprising:

dispensing a liquid from a first location to a second location though a coupling having a first end and a second end;

sensing separation of the first end from the second end; and

arresting the dispensing in response to the sensing.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising engaging a poppet at each of the first and second ends after sensing separation of the first end from the second end.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the separation is caused by a force applied to one of the ends.