ORVR valve assembly

• US 20130180600A1
• Filed: 01/07/2013
• Published: 07/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Husky Corporation
• Original Assignee: Husky Corporation
• Inventors: Brown, Robin J., Fink, Arthur C.
• Granted Patent: US 9,604,837 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/197
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0478 constructional features or components vapour recovery nozzles B67D7/54
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/048 Vapour flow control means, e.g. valves, pumps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/3084 Discriminating outlet for gas

Abstract

An ORVR valve assembly operative of relatively few movable components includes a valve body, having conduits to provide for routine passage of vapors therethrough through operations of a vacuum assist system. This is when a non-ORVR vehicle is being replenished with fuel. But, when a vehicle equipped with ORVR vapor recovery is being fueled, vacuum is generated above a piston supported diaphragm, attracts the diaphragm upwardly, plugs off the vapor passage conduits, and allows the ORVR system of the automobile to exclusively treat the generated vapors at the location of the vehicle and its fuel tank. Simultaneously, air is vented into the valve body, below its diaphragm, and into the vapor return line of the vacuum assist system, to prevent it from being subject to excessive vacuuming. Thus, vapor recovery or treatment can be achieved through the use of the ORVR valve assembly of this invention, regardless whether the automobile being refueled is an ORVR equipped vehicle, or one that is not equipped with vapor recovery.

Claims

1. An ORVR valve assembly, for use in conjunction with a fuel dispensing hose, the valve assembly provided for the accumulation and dispensing of generated vapors during refueling of a vehicle, said valve assembly including a valve body, a diaphragm assembly located within the valve body, a stem operatively associated with the diaphragm assembly, said stem having a plug located at its downward end, a vacuum chamber provided above the diaphragm assembly, and said vacuum chamber generating a vacuum therein upon initiation of the operations of refueling an ORVR equipped vehicle, to thereby pull the diaphragm assembly upwardly, and blocking off the flow of vapors through the valve body, while simultaneously venting the vacuum assist line to atmosphere through a chamber located just beneath the diaphragm assembly, but that when a non-ORVR equipped vehicle is being refueled, a spring biases the diaphragm assembly downwardly, for lowering of its equipped plug, and to reopen the vapor flow chambers to allow passage of vapors through the valve body, for return by the vacuum assist system to the underground fuel storage tank.

2. The ORVR valve assembly of claim 1 wherein chambers provided just above, and just below, the diaphragm assembly regulate the operations of said diaphragm assembly to provide for vapor recovery through the vacuum assist system, or by the ORVR system of the vehicle, depending upon whether a non-ORVR vehicle or a ORVR equipped vehicle is being refueled.

3. The ORVR valve assembly of claim 2 wherein air vents into the vacuum assist passage entering into the valve body in proximity with the underside of the diaphragm assembly, during its functioning.

4. The ORVR valve assembly of claim 3 and including a check valve, normally disposed within the air venting chamber, and capable of closing off the venting of ambient air into the vacuum assist passage when a non-ORVR equipped vehicle is being refueled, and the vacuum assist system of vapor recovery is in operation.

5. The ORVR valve assembly of claim 4 and including said plug capable of shifting within a formed spring, and said spring being sealed against the entrance of air or debris by means of a freeze plug.