Hydrocarbon vapor sensing
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration of a vapor flow in a vapor return passage comprising:
- a. a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing;
b. a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting vapor into the sensing housing; and
.c. a hydrocarbon sensor mounted in a sensor chamber defined within the sensing housing.
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Abstract
An apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration of the return vapor flow of a fuel dispenser equipped with a vapor recovery system. The apparatus includes a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the return vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing and a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting hydrocarbon vapor into the sensor chamber. Desirably, the sensing housing is angled to the vapor flow within the vapor return passage.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration of a vapor flow in a vapor return passage comprising:
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a. a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing; b. a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting vapor into the sensing housing; and
.c. a hydrocarbon sensor mounted in a sensor chamber defined within the sensing housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A sensor apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration of the return vapor flow of a fuel dispenser vapor return passage comprising:
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a. a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the return vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the housing, the sensing housing being angled to the vapor flow at an angle between about 45 degrees and about 60 degrees; b. a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting hydrocarbon vapor into the sensing housing; and c. a hydrocarbon sensor mounted in the sensing housing for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration in the vapor return passage.
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13. A fuel dispenser including a vapor recovery system having a vapor return passage for routing return vapor flow from a vehicle to an underground tank, the fuel dispenser comprising:
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a. a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the return vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing; and b. a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting hydrocarbon vapor into the sensor chamber. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method of sensing the presence of hydrocarbons in a vapor flow contained in a vapor passage comprising:
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a. directing a flow of vapor potentially containing hydrocarbons in liquid and vapor form through a vapor passage; b. admitting a portion of the vapor in the flow of vapor from the vapor passage to an adjacent sensing housing, while not admitting an appreciable amount of liquid hydrocarbons; and c. determining the presence of hydrocarbon in the diverted portion. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon or oxygen concentration of a vapor flow in a vapor passage comprising:
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a. a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor passage so as to provide fluid communication with the vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing; b. a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor passage for admitting vapor into the sensing housing; and
.c. a vapor sensor mounted in a sensor chamber defined within the sensing housing. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification