The Patented Truth: Part 1 - 1995

A review of patents issued in 1995 for dispensers and components, point-of-sale systems, vapor recovery and dispensing nozzles. Bby Wolf H. Koch, Ph.D. (first in a two part series)

This is the first of a two-part review of patents issued in 1995 for dispensers and components, point-of-sales systems, vapor recovery and dispensing nozzles. A future article will cover new technology in product tanks, secondary containment, leak detection and construction methods. PE&T will provide information on other new, relevant patents on an ongoing basis. In his search of available data bases for U.S., European and world patents on petroleum-equipment related topics, Dr. Koch has located a number of patents issued by individual countries; however, they have not been included in the side bar on page 54 because of availability and language problems. Should you find any omissions of U.S. patents, other than those issued in late December, please call or write PE&T headquarters. 1995 patents from late December will be included in future updates.

For 1995, I see no real technology show-stopppers. However, most of the patents obtained represent continuous improvements of technology already implemented or previously protected. A number of them represent interesting changes and potential improvements to today’s equipment.

Listed below are brief descriptions of several key patents for dispensers, point-of-sale systems and dispensing nozzles for last year. From each of these categories, I have selected one patent to highlight.

A sample of 1995 patents
Dispensers and components

• Scheidt-Bachmann of Germany disclosed a novel retracting hose mount in a multi-product dispenser, with all hoses mounted on a common counterbalanced retractor mechanism.

• A new product meter that uses helical worm drives has been developed by Saltzkotten of Germany. The meter appears to have the potential for miniaturization.

• Gilbarco received protection on a dispenser vapor valve that is actuated by a mechanical linkage from the nozzle boot.

• Finally, two independent inventors patented environmental devices that will minimize fuel spillage during dispenser filter cartridge changeout: one, which can be retrofitted to the filter mount; the other, a dispenser pan that allows drainage of spilled product.

Point-of-sale systems

• Gilbarco was awarded two patents covering security encryption of customer information.

• Fujitsu patented a system that converts customer information to a bar code format.

Vapor recovery technology
Eight vapor recovery patents were issued for Stage 1 (one patent), Stage 2 systems (six patents) and vehicle on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) (one patent).

• Schlumberger patented two methods for determining vapor recovery efficiency by measuring air-to-liquid ratios of the dispensed fuel.

• Gilbarco disclosed a vapor recovery system using a centralized vacuum source. In this system, liquid and vapor flow sensors control the vapor return flow relative to the product dispensed. The company also protected a method for detecting vapor leaks and performance deficiencies with pressure sensors.

• Wayne Dresser also disclosed sensor-based technology for controlling and optimizing vapor-to-liquid ratios.

• Gilbarco addressed the problem of overpressuring the underground tank system by inserting a membrane device between the manifolded underground tanks and the vent.

• General Motors disclosed a ORVR vehicle system.

Dispensing nozzles
A total of ten patents were issued for dispensing nozzles and associated equipment.

• Rabinovich was awarded two patents for integrating a vapor pump into the dispensing nozzle.

• Emco Wheaton was issued four patents for assisted vapor recovery nozzles. One patent describes an innovative magnetic proportioning device that adjusts the vapor/liquid ratio in the nozzle while another provides spout symmetries other than the usual coaxial design.

• Two patents were issued to OPW, one each for balance and assisted vapor recovery nozzles.

• An independent inventor protected a check valve that prevents gasoline drip at the spout

• Gogas disclosed a locking nozzle for pressurized liquids such as LPG.

Technical highlights
This summary of 1995 inventions would be incomplete without a highlight of some of the major innovations. Issuance of a patent does not indicate that the product has been implemented commercially. The roadblocks to commercialization are many. These roadblocks include the fact that certification and/or listing by various safety, consumer and environmental agencies may take several years – especially for products that represent a new methodology for which test and certification procedures need to be developed.

Dispensers and component selection
Patent: the Salkzkotten product meter

• Difference: It represents a departure from the positive displacement meters that are generally in use. The patent claims reduced flow restrictions and simplified manufacturing. The flow restrictions improvements result from the rectilinear flowpath; a reduction in structural parts simplifies the manufacturing.

Background: Current gasoline meters are quite bulky. Reducing the meter size can lead to smaller dispensers, which increase visibility across the forecourt.

Design: Figure 1 shows the meter integrated into a typical suction pump dispenser. (Use in submersible systems is, of course, possible.) Details of the actual meter are shown in Figure 2. Based on the patent drawings, miniaturization of the meter (compared to existing technology) should be feasible. The meter consists of a housing that contains at least two rotary helical worm spindles. When the spindles mate, an electrical pulse is generated and transmitted to a signal processing unit.

Figure 1, Figure 2

Vapor recovery technology
1. Patent: Gilbarco membrane device

Difference: Gilbarco addressed concerns over potential fugitive emissions resulting from a situation in which assisted vapor recovery systems pressurize underground tanks with the use of a membrane for hydrocarbon vapor permeation. While membrane devices have been used to control emissions from gasoline tank farms, the specific application to prevent UST overpressurization is new. The membrane apparatus can be retrofitted to existing tank systems, and should provide an effective means of significantly reducing VOC vent emissions.

Background: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has projected that there will be more service station fugitive emissions from the interaction of the current assisted Stage 2 systems and vehicles equipped with on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) canisters. Membrane processors are one of several ways to eliminate these emissions.

Design: Figure 3 shows the membrane processor as part of the station vent system. Figure 4 displays details of the system. When underground tank pressure increases, a pump starts pulling excess vapors through the membrane. Air will diffuse, and hydrocarbons will be returned to the tank.

Figure 3, Figure 4

2. Patent: General Motors’ vehicle ORVR patent

Difference: This patent addresses potential problems with the interaction between existing Stage 2 and vehicle on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) systems.

Background: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has recently expressed concern over these potential problems.

Design: Figure 5 shows a typical vehicle tank system with two carbon canisters for vapor absorption. One larger canister would also do the job. As fuel is dispensed through the fill pipe, a liquid seal is established at the anti spit-back ball, which increases the internal tank pressure.

The differential pressure valve opens, allowing vapors into the carbon canisters where the vapors will be absorbed. When the car is being driven, the engine vacuum will purge the canisters.

Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration – a j-trap, in addition to the ball –to provide the liquid seal. CARB is currently testing a configuration that seals by reducing the diameter of the fill pipe. By sealing the fill pipe with the dispensed gasoline, refueling hydrocarbon vapors will remain in the vehicle; and the assisted State 2 vapor recovery systems will return. air to the underground tank.

Figure 5

Dispensing nozzles:

Patent: Two Rabinovich patents, covering additional features of gasoline-driven vapor pump integrated into a dispensing nozzle (supplementing Rabinovich’s 1994 patent).

Difference: If the nozzle design can overcome the regulatory and certification hurdles and be cost-effective, Rabinovich’s inventions can greatly simplify the conversion of balance systems to assisted vapor recovery. The integration of vapor pump and nozzle is certainly innovative, and should lead to reduced installation costs. The patents claim a constant vacuum level at the fill pipe, resulting in improved efficiency for the vapor recovery process.

Design: Figure 7 shows the shape of the nozzle, and Figure 8 provides internal details. Compared to conventional vapor recovery nozzles, the area around the spout mount is enlarged. It houses the liquid-driven turbine motor that drives the vapor pump.

Currently, it is costly to change balance systems to assist vapor recovery to allow for the use of bootless nozzles. Vapor pumps must be installed in the dispenser along with extensive repiping of the vapor passages. The Rabinovich nozzle has the potential to greatly simplify the tank: only the dispensing nozzle needs changing.

Figure 7, 8

Discuss