CN116507430A

CN116507430A - Cleaning nozzle for cryogenic fluid fueling receptacle

Info

Publication number: CN116507430A
Application number: CN202180077032.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·乔丹
Original assignee: Engineered Controls International LLC
Current assignee: Engineered Controls International LLC
Priority date: 2020-11-17
Filing date: 2021-11-17
Publication date: 2023-07-28
Also published as: CN116507850A

Abstract

A cleaning nozzle (1000) for cleaning a fueling receptacle (4) capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle (700) for delivering a cryogenic fluid from a fueling station is disclosed. An example cleaning nozzle includes a body (1010) defining a cavity (1070). The example cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head (1020) coupled to and extending from a distal end of the body. The nozzle head defines a plurality of injection holes (1025, 1026) to inject pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle. The example cleaning nozzle includes a lance (1090) defining a lance inlet (1092), a lance outlet (1093), and a lance flow path (1091) extending between the lance inlet and the lance outlet. The gun includes a valve (1097) and a lever (1095) operatively coupled to the valve. The example cleaning nozzle includes an insert (1060) defining an insert flow path (1063) fluidly coupled to the lance outlet. The example cleaning nozzle includes a connector (1080) fluidly connecting the insert and the nozzle head.

Description

Cleaning nozzle for cryogenic fluid fueling receptacle

Cross reference to

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/114,748 to month 11, 17 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/134,454 to month 1, 6 of 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to cryogenic fluids and, more particularly, to cleaning stations for cryogenic fluid nozzles and sockets.

Background

The nozzle and socket are designed to deliver fluid into a connected storage tank. One example of a socket is a vehicle fuel port. One example of a nozzle is a fuel dispenser at a fueling station. One example of a connected storage tank is a fuel tank that is mounted on a vehicle. Fluids such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are transported between storage tanks via dedicated nozzles and sockets. Further, such LNG may be stored in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., -150 degrees celsius or-238 degrees fahrenheit).

In some examples, water may accumulate on the valve surfaces of the fueling receptacle and/or fueling nozzle and become frozen due to the cryogenic temperature of the fluid flowing through the fueling receptacle. Thus, the valve of the fueling receptacle and/or fueling nozzle may be frozen in the open position, making it difficult for an operator to stop the flow of fluid. In addition, dust and/or other materials may accumulate on the fueling receptacle over time, thereby preventing a tight seal from forming between the fueling receptacle and the fueling nozzle for delivering the cryogenic fluid.

Some storage tanks may include spray nozzles configured to clean the fueling receptacle between uses. Typically, spray nozzles are off-the-shelf nozzles that are not designed to clean receptacles dedicated to cryogenic fluid delivery. Thus, it may be difficult for a user to thoroughly clean a dedicated fueling receptacle with such a nozzle.

Some storage tanks may include a sheath (holster) through which warm air flows and into which the fueling nozzle is inserted between uses. Typically, the sheath is an off-the-shelf tube that is not designed to clean nozzles specifically for cryogenic fluid delivery. Thus, it may be difficult for a user to thoroughly clean a dedicated fueling nozzle with such a sheath.

Disclosure of Invention

The appended claims define the present application. The present disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance with the techniques described herein, and are intended to be within the scope of the present application, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following figures and detailed description.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may be omitted or, in some instances, the proportions may have been exaggerated in order to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, the system components may be arranged differently, as is known in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for filling a fill tank with a cryogenic fluid.

FIG. 2 depicts an example fueling receptacle for a source tank within the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 3 coupled to the fueling receptacle of FIG. 2.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 3 in a closed position.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 3 in an open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a side view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 10 with a translucent or transparent shield.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 15 with an opaque shroud.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 17 with an opaque shroud.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 19 with an opaque shroud.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example cleaning nozzle according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 22 is a side view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is another perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of an example body of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

Fig. 27 is a front view of the cleaning nozzle of fig. 21.

FIG. 28 depicts an example blow gun (blower) of the cleaning nozzle of FIG. 21.

Fig. 29 depicts an example fueling station including an example cleaning nozzle and an example cleaning socket, according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 30 depicts an example cleaning docking station including an example cleaning receptacle according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 31 is a side view of an example fueling nozzle of the fueling station of fig. 29.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the forward end of the fueling nozzle of FIG. 29.

Fig. 33 depicts an example cleaning receptacle of the fueling station of fig. 29 and/or the cleaning docking station of fig. 30, according to the teachings herein.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the cleaning receptacle of fig. 33.

Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaning receptacle of fig. 33.

Fig. 36 is a front view of the cleaning receptacle of fig. 33.

Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning receptacle of fig. 33.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning receptacle of FIG. 33 coupled to the fueling nozzle of FIG. 31.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning receptacle of FIG. 33 in a position to clean the fueling nozzle of FIG. 31.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning receptacle of FIG. 33 during cleaning of the fueling nozzle of FIG. 31.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart for cleaning and using a fueling nozzle and socket to fill a tank with cryogenic fluid according to the teachings herein.

Detailed Description

While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Example cleaning nozzles disclosed herein are configured to thoroughly and easily clean a fueling socket for transferring cryogenic fluids (e.g., LNG) between storage tanks. For example, the cleaning nozzles disclosed herein include a plurality of spray holes that are positioned and oriented to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling receptacle. Further, the cleaning nozzles disclosed herein include an alignment mechanism to properly align the cleaning nozzle with a corresponding fueling receptacle and, in turn, direct the injection opening of the cleaning nozzle toward the surface of the fueling receptacle.

Example cleaning receptacles disclosed herein are configured to thoroughly and easily clean a fueling nozzle for transferring cryogenic fluids (e.g., LNG) between storage tanks. For example, the cleaning receptacles disclosed herein include a plurality of spray holes positioned and oriented to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling nozzle with warm air (e.g., air warmer than ambient temperature). Further, the cleaning receptacles disclosed herein are configured to drain moisture from the fueling nozzle to prevent moisture from collecting and freezing on the interior surface of the fueling nozzle.

Turning to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates an example system 1 for filling a fill tank 2 with a cryogenic fluid according to teachings herein. As illustrated in fig. 1, the system 1 includes a source tank 3 configured to store a cryogenic fluid and a fill tank 2 configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3. Further, a fueling socket 4 is connected to the filling tank 2 and a hose 5 is connected to the source tank 3. To enable the fill tank 2 to collect cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3, an operator 6 couples a hose 5 to the fueling receptacle 4 to fluidly couple the fill tank 2 to the source tank 3. For example, the operator 6 couples the hose 5 to the fueling socket 4 via a fueling nozzle of the hose 5. After the cryogenic fluid is delivered from the source tank 3 and to the fill tank 2, the fueling receptacle 4 of the fill tank 2 is decoupled from the fueling nozzle of the source tank 3. The fueling nozzle is then used to fill another filling tank via a similar process. Over time, the fueling receptacle connected to the source tank may become dirty. In the illustrated example, the source tank 3, hose 5 and cleaning hose 7 are part of a fixed station, and the filling tank 2 and fueling receptacle 4 are on the vehicle. In other examples, the filling tank 2 and/or the fueling receptacle 4 are part of a fixed station, and/or the source tank 3, hose 5, and/or cleaning hose 7 are on the vehicle.

Fig. 2 depicts an outer end 20 of an example of a fueling receptacle 4. The fueling socket 4 includes a flow body (flow body) 30 through which the cryogenic fluid is configured to flow. A poppet valve 35 is positioned within the flow body 30 to control the flow of cryogenic fluid through the flow body 30. The outer body 40 extends circumferentially around the flow body 30 adjacent the outer end 20 of the fueling receptacle 4. The positioning member extends inwardly from the outer body 40 towards the flow body 30. In the illustrated example, the positioning members are bearings 50 equally spaced along the inner circumference of the outer body 40. For example, three bearings 50 are spaced about 120 degrees apart from each other along the inner circumference of the outer body 40. As discussed in more detail below, the bearing 50 is configured to engage a portion of a nozzle (e.g., a fueling nozzle or a cleaning nozzle) to facilitate alignment between the nozzle and the fueling socket 4 when the nozzle is coupled to the fueling socket 4 and to prevent rotation of the fueling nozzle and/or the cleaning nozzle relative to the fueling nozzle. Furthermore, when the nozzle is coupled to the fueling receptacle 4, the bearing 50 prevents the nozzle from rotating relative to the fueling receptacle 4. Features of the example fueling socket 4 are further disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application No. 16/838,251 and international application No. PCT/US2020/026388, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Returning to fig. 1, a cleaning hose 7 is located adjacent to the source tank 3 and/or hose 5. Pressurized air and/or another cleaning fluid is configured to flow through the cleaning hose 7. Furthermore, a cleaning nozzle (e.g., cleaning nozzle 100 of fig. 3-9, cleaning nozzle 200 of fig. 10-14, cleaning nozzle 300 of fig. 15-16, cleaning nozzle 400 of fig. 17-18, cleaning nozzle 500 of fig. 19-20, cleaning nozzle 1000 of fig. 21-28) is connected to an end of cleaning hose 7 and is configured to emit pressurized air. To (1) prevent the socket valve (e.g., poppet 35 of fig. 2) from becoming frozen in the open position, and (2) facilitate forming a tight seal between the fueling nozzle of the source tank 3 and the fueling receptacle 4 of the fill tank 2, the operator 6 uses a cleaning hose 7 to clean water and/or other materials in the fueling receptacle 4 prior to connecting the fueling nozzle to the fueling receptacle 4. For example, the operator 6 maintains the cleaning nozzle adjacent to the fueling receptacle 4 of the filling tank 2 before connecting the fueling nozzle of the source tank 3 to the fueling receptacle 4 of the filling tank 2. In turn, the cleaning nozzle injects pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle 4 to purge and/or otherwise remove dirt and/or other materials from the fueling receptacle 4 that might otherwise prevent the fueling receptacle 4 from forming a tight seal with the fueling nozzle of the source tank 3. After the fueling socket 4 has been cleaned by the cleaning nozzle, the operator 6 connects the fueling nozzle of the source tank 3 to the fueling socket 4 of the filling tank 2 to start the filling process.

Fig. 3-9 depict embodiments of a cleaning nozzle 100 according to the teachings herein. The cleaning nozzle 100 includes a body 110, a nozzle head 120, an alignment extension 140, and a shroud 150. The body 110 of the illustrated example includes a substantially cylindrical main body 113 having an outer surface 116. The proximal end 111 (also referred to as a "first end" or "inlet end") of the body 110 defines an inlet 171 of the cleaning nozzle 100, and the opposite distal end 112 (also referred to as a "second end" or "outlet end") of the body 110 defines an outlet 172 of the cleaning nozzle 100. The inlet 171 and outlet 172 of the cleaning nozzle 100 are selectively fluidly connected together via a valve (e.g., the valve 180 of fig. 7-9). For example, pressurized air will travel into inlet 171, through cavity 170 defined by body 110, and out outlet 172 to clean fueling receptacle 4.

As shown in fig. 6-9, the body 110 includes a main body 113, an end cap 114, and a seal 115. The main body 113 defines an outlet 172 at the distal end 112 of the body 110. The end cap 114 is connected to the main body 113 and defines an inlet 171 at the proximal end 111 of the body 110. A seal 115 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned between the body 113 and the end cap 114. The inlet 171 defined by the end cap 114 is configured to fixedly receive a connector (e.g., connector 265 of fig. 10 and 12-14) that is secured to the cleaning hose 7 to enable the cleaning nozzle 100 to receive pressurized air and/or other cleaning fluid from a corresponding source. For example, inlet 171 includes internal threads configured to threadably receive connector 265. Furthermore, the end cap 114 is configured to be decoupled from the main body 113 to provide access to components housed within the cavity 170 of the body 110, e.g., for maintenance purposes.

The nozzle tip 120 extends outwardly beyond the distal end 112 of the body 110. As shown in fig. 7-9, the nozzle head 120 is slidably received within the cavity 170 of the body 110 at the distal end 112 and extends partially within the cavity 170 of the body 110. As shown in fig. 4, one or more support arms 121 extend between the nozzle head 120 and the alignment extension 140. As shown in fig. 6, the support arm 121 is integrally formed with both the nozzle head 120 and the alignment extension 140 such that the nozzle head 120 is integrally formed with the alignment extension 140. Further, the nozzle head 120 includes an outer surface 122, the outer surface 122 defining a plurality of injection openings 123 of a corresponding plurality of injection orifices 124. As shown in fig. 7-9, the injection orifice 124 is defined by the nozzle head 120 and extends through the thickness of the nozzle head 120 to fluidly connect to the cavity 170 of the body 110. As disclosed in more detail below, pressurized air flows through the injection orifices 124 and out the injection openings 123 to clean the fueling receptacle (e.g., fueling receptacle 4).

In the illustrated example, the injection orifices 124 include a first set of injection orifices 125 and a second set of injection orifices 126. The first set of injection holes 125 and the second set of injection holes 126 are configured to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling socket 4. For example, the first set of injection holes 125 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto the poppet valve 35 of the fueling receptacle 4 to clean the surface of the poppet valve 35. The second set of injection holes 126 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the flow body 30 of the fueling receptacle 4 and then clean that surface.

As illustrated in fig. 4, the first set of injection holes 125 are circumferentially arranged about the central axis of the nozzle head 120 and are equally spaced apart from each other. The second set of injection holes 126 are also circumferentially arranged about the central axis of the nozzle head 120 and are equally spaced apart from one another. Each of the first set of injection holes 125 are closer to each other and the central axis than each of the second set of injection holes 126 are to each other and the central axis. That is, the circumference formed by the first group of injection holes 125 is smaller than the circumference formed by the second group of injection holes 126. Each of the first set of injection holes 125 is shaped and positioned so as to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the poppet valve 35 of the fueling socket 4. For example, the injection openings 123 of each of the first set of injection holes 125 are substantially straight and perpendicular to the outer surface 122 of the nozzle head 120 in order to direct pressurized air onto the poppet 35 housed within the flow body 30. Each of the second set of injection holes 126 is shaped and positioned so as to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the flow body 30 of the fueling receptacle 4. For example, the injection openings 123 of each of the second set of injection holes 126 are defined by an inner chamfer as conical (e.g., having an apex angle of about 45 degrees) so as to direct pressurized air radially outward onto the surface of the flow body 30. Further, each of the first set of injection holes 125 has a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of each of the second set of injection holes 126 to enable pressurized air to flow out of the first and second sets of injection holes 125, 126.

The alignment extension 140 extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head 120 and the distal end 112 of the body 110. Alignment extension 140 includes a distal end 141 and a proximal end 142. The proximal end 142 is coupled to the nozzle head 120 and extends from the nozzle head 120. As shown in fig. 6, the alignment extension 140 is integrally formed with the nozzle head 120. As shown in fig. 5, the distal end 141 of the alignment extension 140 includes one or more flanges 143 defining one or more slots 144. The slot 144 is configured to receive the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 to facilitate quick and easy positioning of the cleaning nozzle 100 by the operator 6 to clean the fueling socket 4. In the illustrated example, the slot 144 extends linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the body 110 to enable the alignment extension 140 to receive and connect to the fueling socket 4 without twisting and/or rotating the cleaning nozzle 100.

In the illustrated example, the flanges 143 are equally sized with respect to each other. Further, the flanges 143 are equally spaced apart from each other circumferentially about the central axis of the alignment extension 140 such that the slots 144 are equally sized and spaced apart relative to each other. The slots 144 are equally sized and equally spaced to facilitate alignment with the bearings 50 of the fueling socket 4. For example, the alignment extension 140 defines six slots 144 to receive the fueling receptacle 4 with three bearings 50 such that the cleaning nozzle 100 needs to be rotated no more than 30 degrees to align the alignment extension 140 with the fueling receptacle 4. Further, each of the slots 144 defined by the flange 143 is generally V-shaped to facilitate the operator 6 guiding the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 into the slot 144 of the alignment extension 140. For example, each of the slots 144 is an isosceles triangle with a large apex angle (e.g., about 30 degrees) to facilitate the operator 6 coupling the cleaning nozzle 100 to the fueling receptacle 4.

The shroud 150 of the cleaning nozzle 100 is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator 6. For example, a shroud 150 is positioned between the nozzle head 120 and a portion of the body 110 held by the operator 6 to protect the hands of the operator 6 during operation. The shroud 150 includes one or more posts 155. As shown in fig. 8-9, each of the posts 155 defines a through-hole 156, through which a fastener 157 extends through the through-hole 156 to couple the shroud 150 to the support arm 121 of the nozzle head 120. As shown in fig. 3 and 5, the shroud 150 also includes a plurality of walls 153, each of which is positioned between two posts 155. Furthermore, each of the walls 153 is inclined rearwardly relative to the outer surface 116 of the body 110 to divert pressurized air away from the hand of the operator 6 holding the body 110 of the cleaning nozzle 100.

Fig. 7-9 are cross-sectional views depicting the internal components of the cleaning nozzle 100. More particularly, fig. 7 depicts a cleaning nozzle 100 coupled to the fueling receptacle 4. When the cleaning nozzle 100 is coupled to the fueling receptacle 4, the slot 144 of the alignment extension 140 receives the bearing 50 of the fueling receptacle 4 to maintain the position of the cleaning nozzle 100 relative to the fueling receptacle 4. Furthermore, the spray orifices 124 of the nozzle head 120 are positioned to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling socket 4 without requiring the operator 6 to reposition the cleaning nozzle 100 relative to the fueling socket 4.

Fig. 8-9 depict the cleaning nozzle 100 in an inactive state and an active state, respectively. In the inactive state, the cleaning nozzle 100 prevents pressurized air from being ejected from the nozzle head 120. In the active state, the cleaning nozzle 100 injects pressurized air from the nozzle head 120 to clean the fueling socket 4. The cleaning nozzle 100 includes a valve 180 configured to transition the cleaning nozzle 100 between an inactive state and an active state.

In the illustrated example, the cavity 170 is divided into an inner chamber 174 and an adjacent outer chamber 175. The inner chamber 174 is fluidly connected to the inlet 171 and the outer chamber 175 is fluidly connected to the injection orifices 124 of the nozzle head 120. The valve 180 is configured to axially slide between an open position and a closed position to selectively enable flow of pressurized air between the inner chamber 174 and the outer chamber 175, and in turn, between the inlet 171 and the injection orifices 124. For example, to place the cleaning nozzle 100 in an inactive state as shown in fig. 8, the valve 180 is closed to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the cavity 170. To set the cleaning nozzle 100 in the active state as illustrated in fig. 9, the valve 180 is opened to enable pressurized air to flow through the cavity 170.

The valve 180 includes a seat 181 and a plug 182. The seat 181 (also referred to as a "valve seat") is formed by the body 110 of the cleaning nozzle 100. For example, the seat 181 is formed by the main body 113 of the body 110. The plug 182 of the illustrated example is positioned within the interior chamber 174 of the cleaning nozzle 100. Plug 182 includes a plug body 183 and a seal 184, and plug body 183 includes a first end 185 and an opposite second end 186. A seal 184 (e.g., an O-ring) is secured to plug body 183 and extends circumferentially around first end 185 of plug body 183. The seal 184 is configured to selectively engage the seat 181 to control the flow of pressurized air between the inner chamber 174 and the outer chamber 175 of the cleaning nozzle 100. The seal 184 of the plug 182 is configured to engage the seat 181 in a closed position to close the passageway 187 between the inner chamber 174 and the outer chamber 175. Further, the seal 184 of the plug 182 is configured to engage the seat 181 in the open position to open a passageway 187 between the inner chamber 174 and the outer chamber 175.

As shown in fig. 8-9, second end 186 of plug body 183 is configured to slidably extend through guide 190. The guide 190 defines an aperture 191 through which the second end 186 slidably extends. Furthermore, the guide 190 at least partially defines one or more openings through which pressurized air flows from the inlet 171 to the outer chamber 175. As shown in fig. 6, the guide 190 of the illustrated example includes a plurality of arms 193. The arms 193 are configured to engage the body 113 such that the guide 190 and the body 110 are arranged to define an opening for pressurized air. Returning to fig. 8-9, plug body 183 defines a lip 188 adjacent second end 186 to limit axial movement of plug 182 in an inward direction toward inlet 171. A spring 194 (e.g., a compression spring) engages the guide 190 and the first end 185 of the plug body 183 and extends between the guide 190 and the first end 185 of the plug body 183 to bias the plug 182 in the closed position.

Rod 195 is coupled to first end 185 of plug body 183. The rod 195 includes a first end 196 and an opposite second end 197. The first end 196 of the stem 195 is coupled to the plug 182 and the second end 197 is coupled to the nozzle head 120.

In the illustrated example, the first end 196 includes a flange 198 extending circumferentially around the rod 195 and a protrusion 199 extending beyond the flange 198. The protrusion 199 is configured to be inserted into a bore 189 defined by the plug body 183 to couple the stem 195 to the plug 182. For example, the protrusion 199 and bore 189 include threads to threadably couple the rod 195 to the plug 182. Flange 198 engages seal 184 such that seal 184 is held in place between first end 196 of stem 195 and first end 185 of plug body 183.

The second end 197 of the stem 195 is inserted into the bore 127 defined by the nozzle head 120 to couple the stem 195 to the nozzle head 120. For example, the second end 197 and the bore 127 include threads to threadably couple the stem 195 to the nozzle head 120. Further, in the illustrated example, the nozzle head 120 extends partially into the outer chamber 175 when coupled to the stem 195. A seal 128 (e.g., an O-ring) extends circumferentially around a portion of the nozzle head 120 within the outer chamber 175 to prevent pressurized air from escaping between the nozzle head 120 and the body 110 of the cleaning nozzle 100.

The stem 195 is configured to be coupled to the nozzle head 120 and the plug 182 of the valve 180 to operably connect the nozzle head 120 and the plug 182. Further, since the alignment extension 140 is integrally formed with the nozzle head 120 in the illustrated example, the stem 195 operably connects the alignment extension 140 with the plug 182. That is, the stem 195 is coupled to the nozzle head 120 and the plug 182 to cause the nozzle head 120, the alignment extension 140, the stem 195, and the plug 182 to axially slide together as a single unit.

In operation, the spring 194 is configured to bias the plug 182 in a closed position to close the passageway 187 between the inner chamber 174 and the outer chamber 175. When the plug 182 is in the closed position, pressurized air is prevented from being ejected from the nozzle head 120. In other words, when the plug 182 is in the closed position, the cleaning nozzle 100 is in an inactive state and does not inject pressurized air. In contrast, when the plug 182 is in the open position, the cleaning nozzle 100 is in an active state and jets pressurized air. That is, when the plug 182 is in the open position, pressurized air is enabled to be ejected from the nozzle head 120.

To transition the plug 182 from the closed position to the open position, a force is applied that overcomes the biasing force of the spring 194 to axially urge the plug 182 in a direction toward the inlet 171. In the illustrated example, a force is applied when the operator 6 presses the alignment extension 140 against the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4. That is, the bearing 50 and/or other portions of the fueling socket 4 apply a force to the alignment extension 140 in a direction toward the proximal end 111 of the body 110 of the cleaning nozzle 100. Because alignment extension 140 is coupled to plug 182 via nozzle head 120 and stem 195, when the applied force is greater than the biasing force of spring 194, the applied force moves plug 182 axially toward proximal end 111 of body 110. In turn, the plug 182 disengages from the seat 181 to open the passageway 187 and enable pressurized air to flow to the nozzle head 120 and be ejected from the nozzle head 120. In other words, in order for the cleaning nozzle 100 to spray pressurized air onto the fueling socket 4, the operator 6 presses the nozzle head 120 into the cavity 170 of the body 110 by pushing the alignment extension 140 against the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4.

Fig. 10-14 depict other embodiments of a cleaning nozzle 200 according to the teachings herein. The cleaning nozzle 200 includes a body 210, a nozzle head 220, one or more support brackets 230, an alignment extension 240, a shroud 250, a button 260, and a connector 265. The body 210 of the illustrated example is generally cylindrical. The proximal end 211 (also referred to as a "first end" or "inlet end") of the body 210 defines an inlet 271 of the cleaning nozzle 200, and the opposite distal end 213 (also referred to as a "second end" or "outlet end") of the body 210 defines an outlet 272 of the cleaning nozzle 200. The inlet 271 and outlet 272 of the cleaning nozzle 200 are selectively fluidly connected together via a valve (e.g., the valve 180 of fig. 7-9). For example, pressurized air will travel into inlet 271, through the cavity defined by body 210, and out outlet 272 to clean fueling receptacle 4.

As shown in fig. 10, the connector 265 is fixed to the cleaning hose 7. Further, the inlet 271 is configured to fixedly receive the connector 265 to enable the cleaning nozzle 200 to receive pressurized air and/or other cleaning fluid from a corresponding source. For example, inlet 271 includes internal threads and connector 265 includes external threads to enable inlet 271 to threadably receive connector 265.

The button 260 of the cleaning nozzle 200 is received by the body 210 and positioned along the outer surface 216 of the body 210. The button 260 is received by a button housing 261 and extends at least partially from the button housing 261, the button housing 261 extending from one of the support brackets 230. For example, the button housing 261 is integrally formed with one of the support brackets 230. Further, button housing 261 defines an ergonomically shaped outer surface to facilitate engagement of button 260 by operator 6 while securely holding cleaning nozzle 200. In the illustrated example, the button 260 is a push button that is engaged when the operator 6 presses the button and disengaged when the operator 6 releases the button. In other examples, the button 260 is a toggle button, a rocker button, a knob, a lever, a slider, or any other mechanical input device that enables the operator 6 to control the operation of the cleaning nozzle 200.

The button 260 enables the operator 6 to control the operation of the cleaning nozzle 200. The cleaning nozzle 200 includes valves, springs, and guides that are substantially similar to the valves 180, springs 194, and guides 190 of the cleaning nozzle 100 to control the flow of pressurized air through the cleaning nozzle 200. The button 260 is operably coupled to a plug of the valve (e.g., substantially similar to the plug 182 of the cleaning nozzle 100) to transition the plug between a closed position and an open position, and in turn transition the nozzle between an inactive state and an active state. For example, the button 260 is operatively connected to the plug via a cam. For example, when the operator 6 presses the button 260, the button 260 disengages the plug of the valve from the valve seat (e.g., substantially similar to the seat 181 of the cleaning nozzle 100) to enable pressurized air to flow through the cleaning nozzle 200. When the operator 6 releases the button 260, the spring biases the plug back against the valve seat to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the cleaning nozzle 200.

The nozzle head 220 extends from the distal end 213 of the body 210. As illustrated in fig. 11, one or more support arms 221 extend between the nozzle head 220 and the alignment extension 240 to couple the alignment extension 240 to the body 210. In the illustrated example, the support arm 221 is integrally formed with both the nozzle head 220 and the body 210 such that the nozzle head 220 is integrally formed with the body 210. Further, the nozzle head 220 includes an outer surface 222 defining a plurality of injection openings 223 corresponding to a plurality of injection holes 224. The injection holes 224 are defined by the nozzle head 220 and extend through the thickness of the nozzle head 220 to fluidly connect to the cavity of the body 210. When operator 6 engages button 260, pressurized air flows through injection holes 224 and out injection openings 223 to clean the receptacle (e.g., fueling receptacle 4).

In the illustrated example, the injection holes 224 include a first set of injection holes 225 and a second set of injection holes 226. The first set of injection holes 225 and the second set of injection holes 226 are configured to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling socket 4. For example, the first set of injection holes 225 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto the poppet valve 35 of the fueling receptacle 4 to clean the surface of the poppet valve 35. The second set of injection holes 226 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the flow body 30 of the fueling receptacle 4 and then clean that surface.

As illustrated in fig. 11, the first set of injection holes 225 are circumferentially arranged about the central axis of the nozzle head 220 and are equally spaced apart from one another. The second set of injection holes 226 are also circumferentially arranged about the central axis of the nozzle head 220 and are equally spaced apart from one another. Each of the first set of injection holes 225 are closer to each other and the central axis than each of the second set of injection holes 226 are to each other and the central axis. That is, the circumference formed by the first group of injection holes 225 is smaller than the circumference formed by the second group of injection holes 226. Each of the first set of injection holes 225 is shaped and positioned so as to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the poppet valve 35 of the fueling socket 4. For example, the injection openings 223 of each of the first set of injection holes 225 are substantially straight and perpendicular to the outer surface 222 of the nozzle head 220 in order to direct pressurized air onto the poppet 35 housed within the flow body 30. Each of the second set of injection holes 226 is shaped and positioned so as to inject pressurized air onto the surface of the flow body 30 of the fueling receptacle 4. For example, the injection openings 223 of each of the second set of injection holes 226 are defined by an inner chamfer as conical (e.g., having an apex angle of about 45 degrees) so as to direct pressurized air radially outward onto the surface of the flow body 30. Further, each of the first set of injection holes 225 has a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of each of the second set of injection holes 226 to enable pressurized air to flow out of the first and second sets of injection holes 225, 226.

The alignment extension 240 extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head 220 and the distal end 213 of the body 210. Alignment extension 240 includes a distal end 241 and a proximal end 242. Proximal end 242 is coupled to distal end 213 of body 210 via support bracket 230. The distal end 241 of the alignment extension 240 includes one or more flanges 243 defining one or more slots 244. The slot 244 is configured to receive the bearing 50 of the fueling receptacle 4 to facilitate quick and easy positioning of the cleaning nozzle 200 by the operator 6 to clean the fueling receptacle 4. In the illustrated example, the slot 244 extends linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the body 210 to enable the alignment extension 240 to receive and connect to the fueling receptacle 4 without twisting and/or rotating the cleaning nozzle 200.

In the illustrated example, the flanges 243 are equally sized with respect to each other. Further, the flanges 243 are equally spaced apart from each other circumferentially about the central axis of the alignment extension 240 such that the slots 244 are equally sized and spaced apart relative to each other. The slots 244 are equally sized and equally spaced to facilitate alignment with the bearings 50 of the fueling receptacle 4. For example, the alignment extension 240 defines six slots 244 to receive the fueling receptacle 4 with three bearings 50 such that the cleaning nozzle 200 needs to be rotated no more than 30 degrees to align the alignment extension 240 with the fueling receptacle 4. Further, each of the slots 244 defined by the flange 243 is generally V-shaped to facilitate the operator 6 guiding the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 into the slot 244 of the alignment extension 240. For example, each of the slots 244 is an isosceles triangle with a large apex angle (e.g., about 30 degrees) to facilitate the operator 6 coupling the cleaning nozzle 200 to the fueling receptacle 4.

The support bracket 230 extends between the body 210 and the alignment extension 240 and is connected to the body 210 and the alignment extension 240. For example, the support bracket 230 is integrally formed with the body 210 and the alignment extension 240. The support bracket 230 extends from the outer surface 216 of the body 210 beyond the distal end 213 to connect to the proximal end 242 of the alignment extension 240. In the illustrated example, the support bracket 230 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the body 210. The support brackets 230 are circumferentially arranged about the longitudinal central axis of the body 210 and are equally spaced apart from one another (e.g., three support brackets are spaced apart by about 120 degrees).

The support brackets 230 are reinforcing brackets configured to provide structural support to the alignment extension 240. That is, the support bracket 230 supports the alignment extension 240 when a force is applied to the distal end 241 of the alignment extension 240. For example, the force may be applied by: (1) The fueling receptacle 4 with the alignment extension 240 engaging the fueling receptacle 4 and/or (2) the pressurized air emitted by the nozzle head 220 that has reflected off the fueling receptacle 4 and returned toward the alignment extension 240.

Further, in the illustrated example, one or more openings 232 are formed between the support bracket 230, the distal end 213 of the body 210, and the proximal end 242 of the alignment extension 240. The openings 232 enable the reflected pressurized air to flow through the alignment extension 240 to reduce the force exerted by the reflected pressurized air on the alignment extension 240.

The shroud 250 of the cleaning nozzle 200 is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator 6. For example, a shroud 250 is positioned between the button 260 and the nozzle head 220 to protect the hands of the operator 6 engaging the button 260 to control operation of the cleaning nozzle 200. In the illustrated example, the shroud 250 includes a plurality of shroud inserts 251. Each of the shield inserts 251 is positioned adjacent to an opening 232 formed between the distal end 213 of the body 210 and the proximal end 242 of the alignment extension 240. Further, each of the shield inserts 251 is positioned between two of the support brackets 230. For example, each of the shield inserts 251 is configured to snap into place between the support bracket 230, the distal end 213 of the body 210, and the proximal end 242 of the alignment extension 240. Further, in fig. 11 to 13, the shield 250 is opaque, whereas in fig. 14, the shield 250 is translucent or transparent.

As illustrated in fig. 10, each of the shroud inserts 251 includes opposing side walls 252, a rear wall 253, and a front wall 254 opposite the rear wall 253. Each of the rear wall 253 and the front wall 254 extend between the opposing side walls 252. Each of the side walls 252 is configured to be coupled to a respective one of the support brackets 230. The front wall 254 is configured to couple to the proximal end 242 of the alignment extension 240 and the rear wall 253 is configured to couple to the distal end 213 of the body 210. Further, when the shield inserts 251 are in place, each of the shield inserts 251 defines an opening 255, the openings 255 being adjacent, aligned, and fluidly connected to one of the openings 232 formed between the support brackets 230. The openings 255 of the shroud insert 251 enable pressurized air to flow therethrough. The rear wall 253 is sloped rearwardly relative to the outer surface 216 of the body 210 to divert pressurized air away from the hand of the operator 6 holding the body 210 of the cleaning nozzle 200.

Fig. 15-16 depict other embodiments of a cleaning nozzle 300 according to the teachings herein. In this embodiment, cleaning nozzle 300 includes the same or substantially similar components as cleaning nozzle 100 and/or cleaning nozzle 200. For example, the cleaning nozzle 300 includes a valve, spring, and guide that are substantially similar to the valve 180, spring 194, and guide 190 of the cleaning nozzle 100 to control the flow of pressurized air through the cleaning nozzle 300. Further, the cleaning nozzle 300 includes a nozzle head 320, one or more support brackets 330, a button 360, and a connector 365, which are substantially similar or identical to the nozzle head 220, support brackets 230, button 260, and connector 265, respectively, of the cleaning nozzle 200. Thus, some features of these components are not disclosed in further detail below. Further, other components of the cleaning nozzle 300 are similar to those of the cleaning nozzle 200, except for the differences disclosed below. For example, the cleaning nozzle 300 includes a body 310, an alignment extension 340, and a shroud 350 that are similar or identical to the body 210, alignment extension 240, and shroud 250, respectively, of the cleaning nozzle 200, except for the differences disclosed below.

The outer surface 316 of the body 310 includes one or more flat surfaces 317 extending longitudinally between the proximal end 311 and the distal end 313 of the body 310. That is, the body 310 is generally cylindrical with one or more flat surfaces 317 along the outer surface 316. In the illustrated example, the body 310 includes two planar surfaces 317 having substantially the same dimensions. The planar surfaces 317 are parallel to each other and are positioned on opposite sides of the body 310. The shape and position of the flat surface 317 facilitates the operator 6 to grasp the body 310 as the orientation of the cleaning nozzle 300 is adjusted to align with the fueling receptacle 4.

The alignment extension 340 extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head 320 and the distal end 313 of the body 310. The proximal end 342 of the alignment extension 340 is connected to and extends from the support bracket 330 such that the alignment extension 340 is coupled to the body 310 via the support bracket 330. In the illustrated example, the alignment extension 340 is integrally formed with the support bracket 330 and the body 310. Furthermore, the distal end 341 of the alignment extension 340 forms a bayonet mount configured to securely fix the bearing 50 that receives the fueling socket 4. The distal end 341 of the alignment extension 340 includes one or more L-shaped flanges 343, the L-shaped flanges 343 defining one or more L-shaped slots 344. The slots 344 (e.g., six slots) are equally sized and equally spaced to facilitate alignment with the bearings 50 of the fueling receptacle 4. To securely connect the cleaning nozzle 300 to the fueling socket 4, the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 is inserted into the L-shaped slot 344 and then the cleaning nozzle 300 is rotated while the bearing 50 remains in the L-shaped slot 344.

Shroud 350 of cleaning nozzle 300 is generally dome-shaped. Shroud 350 extends from distal end 313 of body 310 adjacent button 360 and toward distal end 341 of alignment extension 340. Shroud 350 at least partially encloses nozzle head 320, support bracket 330, and alignment extension 340 to prevent debris from blowing back onto operator 6 when operator 6 interacts with buttons 360 to control operation of cleaning nozzle 300. For example, shroud 350 covers nozzle head 320, support bracket 330, and a portion of alignment extension 340 to prevent pressurized air emitted from nozzle head 320 and debris blown by the pressurized air from blowing back onto the hands of operator 6. Furthermore, in fig. 15, the shield 250 is translucent or transparent, while in fig. 16, the shield 250 is opaque.

Fig. 17-18 depict other embodiments of a cleaning nozzle 400 according to the teachings herein. In this embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 400 includes the same or substantially similar components as the cleaning nozzle 100, the cleaning nozzle 200, and/or the cleaning nozzle 300. For example, the cleaning nozzle 400 includes a valve, spring, and guide that are substantially similar to the valve 180, spring 194, and guide 190 of the cleaning nozzle 100 to control the flow of pressurized air through the cleaning nozzle 400. Further, the cleaning nozzle 400 includes a nozzle head 420, a button 460, and a connector 465 that are substantially similar or identical to the nozzle head 220, button 260, and connector 265, respectively, of the cleaning nozzle 200. The cleaning nozzle 400 also includes an alignment extension 440 that is substantially similar or identical to the alignment extension 340 of the cleaning nozzle 300. Thus, some features of these components are not disclosed in further detail below. Further, other components of the cleaning nozzle 400 (e.g., the body 410 and the shroud 450) are similar to the components of the cleaning nozzle 200 and/or the cleaning nozzle 300, except for the differences disclosed below.

The body 410 includes a barrel 418 and a handle 419. Barrel 418 includes a proximal end 411 and an opposite distal end 413. The connector 465 is coupled to the proximal end 411 and the nozzle head 420 extends from the distal end 413. The barrel 418 also defines a cavity in which the valve of the cleaning nozzle 400 is received between the connector 465 and the nozzle head 420. In addition, the cap 414 is detachably coupled to the cylinder 418 of the body 410. The cap 414 is configured to be coupled to the barrel 418 to further enclose the components housed within the body 410 of the cleaning nozzle 400. The cover 414 is also configured to be decoupled from the barrel 418 by the operator 6 to provide access to components housed within the body 410 for maintenance purposes.

A handle 419 extends laterally from the barrel 418 adjacent the proximal end 411. For example, the handle 419 is shaped and oriented to facilitate easy retention and manipulation of the cleaning nozzle 400 by the operator 6. The button 460 extends from the handle 419 of the body 410. The button 460 is received by and extends at least partially from a button housing 461, the button housing 461 extending from the handle 419 below the barrel 418 and adjacent the barrel 418. The button housing 461 is integrally formed with the handle 419 and/or the barrel 418. Further, in the illustrated example, the button 460 is a toggle button. In other examples, button 460 is a toggle button, a rocker button, a knob, a lever, a slider, or any other mechanical input device that enables operator 6 to control the operation of cleaning nozzle 400.

The shroud 450 of the cleaning nozzle 400 is generally dome-shaped. The shroud 450 extends from the barrel 418 of the body 410 adjacent the button 460 and toward the distal end 441 of the alignment extension 440. In the illustrated example, the alignment extension is coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the support arm 421 of the nozzle head 420 and extends from the support arm 421 of the nozzle head 420. The shroud 450 at least partially encloses the nozzle head 420 and alignment extension 440 to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator 6 while the operator 6 remains cleaning the handle 419 of the nozzle 400. For example, shroud 450 covers nozzle head 420 and a portion of alignment extension 440 to prevent pressurized air emitted from nozzle head 420 and debris blown by the pressurized air from blowing back onto the hands of operator 6. Furthermore, in fig. 17, the shield 350 is translucent or transparent, while in fig. 18, the shield 350 is opaque.

Fig. 19-20 depict other embodiments of a cleaning nozzle 500 according to the teachings herein. In this embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 500 includes the same or substantially similar components as the cleaning nozzle 100, the cleaning nozzle 200, the cleaning nozzle 300, and/or the cleaning nozzle 400. For example, the cleaning nozzle 500 includes a valve, spring, and guide that are substantially similar to the valve 180, spring 194, and guide 190 of the cleaning nozzle 100 to control the flow of pressurized air through the cleaning nozzle 500. Further, cleaning nozzle 500 includes a button 560 and a connector 565 that are substantially similar or identical to button 260 and connector 265, respectively, of cleaning nozzle 200. The cleaning nozzle 500 also includes a body 510 that is substantially similar or identical to the body 410 of the cleaning nozzle 400. Thus, some features of these components are not disclosed in further detail below. Further, other components of the cleaning nozzle 500 (e.g., the nozzle head 520 and the shroud 550) are similar to the components of the cleaning nozzle 200, the cleaning nozzle 300, and/or the cleaning nozzle 400, except for the differences disclosed below.

The nozzle head 520 of the cleaning nozzle 500 is generally cylindrical and extends from the distal end 513 of the barrel 518 of the body 510. The proximal end of the nozzle head 520 is connected to the body 510 and the opposite distal end defines one or more injection orifices configured to inject pressurized air. In the illustrated example, one or more support arms 521 extend between the nozzle head 520 and the body 510 to provide structural support to the nozzle head 520 (e.g., if the nozzle head 520 engages the fueling receptacle 4, if pressurized air is reflected back from the fueling receptacle 4, etc.).

The nozzle head 520 of the cleaning nozzle 500 has a substantially smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the fueling socket 4. The relatively small size of nozzle head 520 enables operator 6 to tilt, rotate, and/or otherwise adjust the orientation of cleaning nozzle 500 to adjust the direction in which the injection holes inject pressurized air onto fueling receptacle 4. In turn, the nozzle head 520 is sized to allow the operator 6 to calibrate the different portions of the fueling socket 4 for cleaning.

The shroud 550 of the cleaning nozzle 500 is generally disc-shaped. In the illustrated example, the shroud 550 extends radially outward from between the distal end 513 of the body 510 and the proximal end of the nozzle tip 520. The shroud is located between the handle 519 of the body 510 and the nozzle head 520 to prevent the pressurized air emitted from the nozzle head 520 and residues blown out by the pressurized air from blowing back onto the hands of the operator 6. Furthermore, in fig. 19, the shield 550 is translucent or transparent, whereas in fig. 20, the shield 550 is opaque.

Fig. 21-28 depict another embodiment of a cleaning nozzle 1000 according to the teachings herein. As shown in fig. 24 and 25, the cleaning nozzle 1000 includes a body 1010, a nozzle head 1020, an alignment extension 1040, a shroud 1050, an insert 1060 (also referred to as "flow insert" and "air flow insert"), a connector 1080 (also referred to as "flow connector" and "air flow connector"), and a blowing gun 1090 (also referred to as "blowing gun").

As shown in fig. 21-25, the proximal end 1011 (also referred to as the "first end" or "inlet end") of the body 1010 defines an inlet 1071 of the cleaning nozzle 1000. The proximal end 1011 is configured to fixedly receive a connector (e.g., connector 265 of fig. 10 and 12-14) that is fixed to the cleaning hose 7 to enable the cleaning nozzle 100 to receive pressurized air and/or other cleaning fluid from a corresponding source. The nozzle head 120 defines an outlet 1072 of the cleaning nozzle 1000. As disclosed in more detail below, the inlet 1071 and the outlet 1072 of the cleaning nozzle 1000 are selectively fluidly connected together via a blowing gun 1090. When the operator engages the button 1095 of the blow gun 1090, pressurized air will travel into the inlet 1071, through the tube 1094 and through the blow gun 1090. In turn, the pressurized air will travel through the insert 1060, through the connector 1080, and be ejected through the outlet 1072 to clean the fueling receptacle 4.

As shown in fig. 21-24 and 26, the body 1010 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. In other examples, the body 1010 may have any other shape, such as a generally cylindrical shape that enables an operator to maintain the body 1010 of the cleaning nozzle 1000. As shown in fig. 25, the body 1010 defines a cavity 1070.

As shown in fig. 21-26, the shield 1050 is coupled to the distal end 1012 of the body 1010. In the illustrated example, the shield 1050 is integrally formed with the body 1010 at the distal end 1012. The shield 1050 is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator 6 holding the body 1010. For example, a shroud 1050 is positioned between the nozzle head 1020 and a portion of the body 1010 held by the operator 6 to protect the hands of the operator 6 during operation. The shield 1050 includes one or more posts 1055. Each of the posts 1055 defines a through-hole 1056, with a respective fastener 1057 extending through the through-hole 1056 to couple the shroud 1050 to the nozzle head 1020. The shield 1050 also includes a plurality of walls 1053, each of which is positioned between two of the posts 1055. An opening 1054 is formed between the posts 1055 and adjacent to the wall 1053. The openings 1054 enable the reflected pressurized air to flow through the alignment extension 1040 to reduce the force exerted by the reflected pressurized air on the alignment extension 240. Further, each of the walls 1053 are sloped rearwardly and outwardly relative to the outer surface 1016 of the body 1010 to divert pressurized air that has been ejected by the nozzle head 1020 and reflected back toward the body 1010 away from the hand of the operator 6 holding the body 1010 of the cleaning nozzle 1000.

The nozzle tip 1020 extends outwardly beyond the distal end 1012 of the body 1010. One or more support arms 1021 extend between the nozzle head 1020 and the alignment extension 1040. In the illustrated example, the support arm 1021 is integrally formed with the alignment extension 1040 such that the nozzle head 1020 is integrally formed with the alignment extension 1040. As shown in fig. 25, the fastener 1057 is configured to couple the nozzle head 1020 to a shroud 1050 integrally formed with the body 1010 by (1) extending through a through-hole 1056 defined by the post 1055 and (2) extending into and threadably receiving by a threaded bore 1027 defined by the nozzle head 1020.

As shown in fig. 27, the nozzle head 1020 includes an outer surface 1022, the outer surface 1022 defining a plurality of injection openings 1023 of a respective plurality of injection orifices 1024. As shown in fig. 25, the injection orifices 1024 are defined by the nozzle head 1020 and extend through the thickness of the nozzle head 1020 to fluidly connect to the blowing gun 1090 via the connector 1080 and the insert 1060. Pressurized air will flow through injection orifices 1024 and out of injection openings 1023 to clean the fueling receptacle (e.g., fueling receptacle 4).

In the illustrated example, the injection holes 1024 include a first set of injection holes 1025 and a second set of injection holes 1026. The first set of injection holes 1025 extend through the body of the nozzle head 1020. The second set of injection orifices 1026 extend through (i) the body of the nozzle head 1020 and (ii) pins 1029 that extend outwardly from the outer surface 1022 of the nozzle head 1020 and beyond the outer surface 1022 of the nozzle head 1020. The first set 1025 and second set 1026 of spray holes are configured to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling socket 4. For example, the first set of injection holes 1025 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto a first portion of the fueling receptacle 4. The second set of injection holes 126 are sized, positioned, and oriented to inject pressurized air onto the second portion of the fueling receptacle 4. For example, as illustrated in fig. 27, the first set of injection holes 1025 are circumferentially arranged about a central axis of the nozzle head 1020 and are equally spaced from each other. The second set of injection holes 1026 are also circumferentially arranged about the central axis of the nozzle head 1020 and are equally spaced apart from each other. Each of the first set of injection holes 1025 is farther from each other and the central axis than each of the second set of injection holes 1026 is in proximity to each other and the central axis. That is, the circumference formed by the first set of injection holes 1025 is greater than the circumference formed by the second set of injection holes 1026.

As shown in fig. 21-25, the alignment extension 1040 is positioned longitudinally beyond the distal end 1012 of the body 1010 and extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head 1020. Alignment extension 1040 includes a distal end 1041 and a proximal end 1042. The proximal end 1042 is coupled to and extends from the nozzle head 1020. As shown in fig. 23-24 and 27, the alignment extension 1040 is integrally formed with the nozzle head 1020.

The distal end 1041 of the alignment extension 1040 includes one or more flanges 1043 defining one or more slots 1044. The slot 1044 is configured to receive the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 to facilitate quick and easy positioning of the cleaning nozzle 1000 by the operator 6 to clean the fueling socket 4. In the illustrated example, the slot 1044 extends linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the body 1010 to enable the alignment extension 1040 to receive and connect to the fueling socket 4 without twisting and/or rotating the cleaning nozzle 1000.

In the illustrated example, the flanges 1043 are equally sized with respect to each other. Further, the flanges 1043 are equally spaced apart from each other circumferentially about the central axis of the alignment extension 1040 such that the slots 1044 are equally sized and spaced apart relative to each other. The slots 1044 are equally sized and equally spaced to facilitate alignment with the bearings 50 of the fueling socket 4. For example, alignment extension 1040 defines six slots 1044 to receive a fueling receptacle 4 having three bearings 50 such that cleaning nozzle 1000 needs to be rotated no more than 30 degrees to align alignment extension 1040 with fueling receptacle 4. Further, each of the slots 1044 defined by the flange 1043 is generally V-shaped to facilitate an operator 6 guiding the bearing 50 of the fueling socket 4 into the slot 1044 of the alignment extension 1040. For example, each of slots 1044 is an isosceles triangle with a large apex angle (e.g., about 30 degrees) to facilitate operator 6 coupling cleaning nozzle 1000 to fueling receptacle 4.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view depicting the placement of the insert 1060, connector 1080, and lance 1090 relative to the body 1010, nozzle head 1020, alignment extension 1040, and shroud 1050.

When the cleaning nozzle 100 is coupled to the fueling receptacle 4, the slot 144 of the alignment extension 140 receives the bearing 50 of the fueling receptacle 4 to maintain the position of the cleaning nozzle 100 relative to the fueling receptacle 4. Furthermore, the spray orifices 124 of the nozzle head 120 are positioned to thoroughly clean the surface of the fueling socket 4 without requiring the operator 6 to reposition the cleaning nozzle 100 relative to the fueling socket 4.

As shown in fig. 25 and 28, the blow gun 1090 includes a button 1095 and an actuator 1096, the actuator 1096 being coupled to the button 1095 and operatively connecting the button 1095 to a valve 1097 of the blow gun 1090. The blow gun 1090 is at least partially housed within the cavity 1070 of the body 1010. The button 1095 of the blow gun 1090 extends beyond the body 1010 and out of the body 1010 to enable an operator to engage the button 1095. In the illustrated example, the button 1095 is a toggle lever. In other examples, button 1095 is a toggle button, a rocker button, a knob, a slider, or any other mechanical input device that enables operator 6 to control the operation of blowing gun 1090 and, in turn, cleaning nozzle 1000.

The lance defines an inlet 1092, an outlet 1093, and a flow path 1091 extending between the inlet 1092 and the outlet 1093. The inlet 1092 is fluidly coupled to the tube 1094 and the outlet 1093 is fluidly coupled to the insert 1060. A tube 1094 extends between the inlet 1071 of the cleaning nozzle 1000 to the inlet 1092 of the blowing gun 1090 to fluidly connect the inlet 1071 to the flow path 1091 of the blowing gun 1090. The valve 1097 of the blow gun 1090 is configured to selectively fluidly connect the outlet 1093 of the blow gun 1090 to the inlet 1092. As shown in fig. 25, when the button 1095 is in the disengaged position, the valve 1097 is in the closed position. When the valve 1097 is closed, the flow path 1091 is closed to prevent pressurized air from traveling through the blow gun 1090. In contrast, when the button 1095 is in the engaged position, the valve 1097 is in the open position. When the valve 1097 is open, the flow path 1091 is opened to enable pressurized air to travel through the blowing gun 1090.

As shown in fig. 24-25, the insert 1060 includes a first portion 1061 adjacent a first end and a second portion 1062 adjacent an opposite second end. The first portion 1061 and the second portion 1062 are adjacent to, connected to, and integrally formed with each other.

The first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 defines a flow path 1063, with the flow path 1063 extending between the inlet 1064 and the one or more outlets 1065 and fluidly connecting the inlet 1064 with the one or more outlets 1065. The inlet 1064 is located at a first end of the insert 1060 and the outlet 1065 is located between the ends of the insert 1060. The outlet 1065 includes a plurality of ports positioned radially about the first portion 1061 of the insert 1060. In the illustrated example, the outlet 1065 includes four ports extending radially and equally spaced from one another. In other examples, the outlets 1065 may include more or fewer ports and/or be arranged in different configurations relative to one another.

As shown in fig. 25, the insert 1060 is configured to extend between the lance 1090 and the nozzle head 1020 and fluidly connect the lance 1090 and the nozzle head 1020. First portion 1061 is at least partially received within cavity 1070 of body 1010. The first end of the insert 1060 is positioned to couple to an end of the lance 1090 such that the inlet 1064 of the insert 1060 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 1093 of the lance 1090. Adjacent the outlet 1065, a first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 defines a seat 1066, the seat 1066 engaging a rear surface of the nozzle head 1020.

The second portion 1062 of the insert 1060 extends into and is securely received (e.g., threadably) by the blind bore 1030 of the nozzle head 1020 to securely couple the insert 1060 to the nozzle head 1020. The opening of the blind bore 1030 is defined along the rear surface of the nozzle head 1020. The seat 1066 of the insert 1060 is configured to engage a rear surface of the nozzle head 1020 when the second portion 1062 is securely positioned within the blind bore 1030 and received by the blind bore 1030. In the illustrated example, the second portion 1062 and the blind bore 1030 are threaded to threadably couple the insert 1060 and the nozzle head 1020 together.

As shown in fig. 24-25, connector 1080 includes a first end 1081 and a second end 1082. Connector 1080 has a generally frustoconical shape with a first end 1081 having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a second end 1082.

As illustrated in fig. 25, the first end 1081 of the connector 1080 defines a first opening configured to receive the insert 1060. In the illustrated example, the first end 1081 of the connector 1080 engages the first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 adjacent the outlet 1065 of the insert 1060. A seal 1066 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned between and engages an outer surface of the first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 and an inner surface of the first end 1081 of the connector 1080 to form a sealed connection between the insert 1060 and the connector 1080. In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the insert 1060 defines a circumferential groove (e.g., a first circumferential groove) in which the seal 1066 is positioned. The clip 1068 is positioned circumferentially about the outer surface of the first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 and adjacent the first end 1081 of the connector 1080. The clip 1068 engages the first portion 1061 of the insert 1060 and the first end 1081 of the connector 1080 to securely maintain coupling between the connector 1080 and the insert 1060. In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the insert 1060 defines a circumferential groove (e.g., a secure circumferential groove) in which the clip 1068 is securely positioned.

The second end 1082 of the connector 1080 defines a second opening configured to receive a rear portion of the nozzle head 1020. In the illustrated example, the second end 1082 of the connector 1080 engages the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle head 1020. A seal 1028 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned between and engages an inner surface of the second end 1082 of the connector 1080 and an outer circumferential surface of the nozzle head 1020 to form a sealed connection between the nozzle head 1020 and the connector 1080. The outer circumferential surface of the insert 1060 defines a circumferential groove 1031 (fig. 24) in which the seal 1028 is positioned.

The connector 1080 is positioned relative to the insert 1060 and the nozzle head 1020 such that the outlet 1065 of the insert 1060 is positioned longitudinally between (1) a sealed connection formed between the first end 1081 of the connector 1080 and the insert 1060 and (2) a sealed connection formed between the second end 1082 of the connector 1080 and the nozzle head 1020. In turn, the connector 1080 defines a sealing flow path 1083 that extends between the flow path 1063 of the insert 1060 and the injection orifice 1025 of the nozzle head 1020 and fluidly connects the flow path 1063 of the insert 1060 and the injection orifice 1025 of the nozzle head 1020.

As shown in fig. 25, the inlet 1071 of the cleaning nozzle 1000 is selectively fluidly connected to the injection hole 1025 of the nozzle head 1020 via the tube 1094, the flow path 1091 of the blow gun 1090, the flow path 1063 of the insert 1060, and the flow path 1083 of the connector 1080. When the button 1095 is pressed by an operator, the valve 1097 of the blow gun 1090 is opened by the actuator 1096, allowing pressurized air to flow from the inlet 1071 and out through the jet holes 1095 to clean a receptacle (e.g., the fueling receptacle 4). When the button 1095 is released by the operator, the valve 1097 of the blow gun 1090 is closed by the actuator 1096, preventing pressurized air from flowing from the inlet 1071 and out through the jet hole 1095.

Fig. 29 depicts an embodiment of a fueling station 600 according to the teachings herein. For example, the fueling station 600 enables the operator 6 to control the transfer of low temperatures from a source tank (e.g., source tank 3 of fig. 1) to a fill tank (e.g., fill tank 2 of fig. 1). As illustrated in fig. 29, the cleaning hose 7 extends from the fueling station 600. In the illustrated example, the cleaning nozzle 100 is connected to one end of the cleaning hose 7. In other examples, any other cleaning nozzle configured to clean the fueling socket 4, such as cleaning nozzle 200, cleaning nozzle 300, cleaning nozzle 400, or cleaning nozzle 500, may be connected to the end of the cleaning hose 7. Further, a hose 5 fluidly connected to the source tank 3 extends from the fueling station 600. The fueling nozzle 700 is connected to one end of the hose 5 and interfaces to the cleaning receptacle 800.

In some examples, the fueling station 600 does not include a cleaning receptacle. In such examples, a cleaning docking station including cleaning receptacle 800 may be positioned near the fueling station. Fig. 30 depicts an embodiment of a cleaning docking station 650, separate from and intended to be located near a fueling station, according to the teachings herein. The cleaning docking station 650 includes a cleaning receptacle 800 configured to receive and clean the fueling nozzle 700.

Fig. 31-32 depict embodiments of a fueling nozzle 700 of the fueling station 600. The fueling nozzle 700 is configured to couple and fluidly connect to a fueling receptacle (e.g., fueling receptacle 4) to deliver cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3 and into the fill tank 2. The fueling nozzle 700 is also configured to couple and fluidly connect to a cleaning receptacle 800 for cleaning between fueling cycles. For example, before connecting the fueling nozzle 700 to the fueling receptacle 4, the operator 6 connects the fueling nozzle 700 to the cleaning receptacle 800 and/or cleaning docking station 650 of the fueling station 600. In turn, the cleaning receptacle 800 sprays warm air onto the inner surface of the fueling nozzle 700 to remove moisture that might otherwise freeze and subsequently prevent the fueling nozzle 700 from opening and/or closing. After the fueling nozzle 700 has been cleaned by the cleaning receptacle 800, the operator 6 connects the fueling nozzle 700 to the fueling receptacle 4 to begin the fueling process.

As shown in fig. 31, the example fueling nozzle 700 includes a shroud 710, an end cover 720, and a rotating handle 730. The shroud 710 covers other components of the fueling nozzle 700 (such as the flow body 750 shown in fig. 32 and 38) to enable the operator 6 to securely and securely hold the fueling nozzle 700. End cap 720 includes a flange 722, which flange 722 defines a slot 724 for receiving a bearing of a nozzle, such as bearing 50 of fueling socket 4 shown in fig. 2 and/or bearing 822 of cleaning socket 800 shown in fig. 33-38. The slots 724 of the illustrated example are linear and are configured to linearly receive the bearings of the container without rotating the end cap 720 and/or the fueling nozzle 700. Rotating the handle 730 enables the operator 6 to manually actuate the locking mechanism for securely connecting and disconnecting the fueling nozzle 700 to and from the socket.

In addition, hose 5 extending between fueling nozzle 700 and fueling station 600 includes a bundle of fill hose 742, pneumatic hose 744, and electrical conduit 746. A fill hose 742 is coupled to the flow body 750 to convey the cryogenic fluid through the flow body 750. Pneumatic hose 744 is configured to provide pressurized fluid to a cylinder of fueling nozzle 700 that is configured to pneumatically actuate the locking mechanism. The electrical conduit 746 is configured to house electrical leads coupled to electrical devices of the fueling nozzle 700.

FIG. 32 depicts one end of a fueling nozzle 700 with end cover 720 positioned. One end of flow body 750 extends at least partially through end cap 720. The flow body 750 defines a conduit through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow. A stem 762 of a poppet 760 (shown in further detail in fig. 38) and a valve seat 770 extend partially from within the flow body 750. In addition, a linkage 780 of the locking mechanism is positioned between flow body 750 and end cap 720. The linkage 780 of the locking mechanism is actuated by a cylinder of the fueling nozzle 700 to couple and decouple the fueling nozzle 700 from a socket, such as fueling socket 4 and/or cleaning socket 800. For example, as disclosed in more detail below with respect to fig. 38, the linkage 780 of the locking mechanism is configured to engage the cleaning receptacle 800 to securely couple the fueling nozzle 700 to the cleaning receptacle 800 during the cleaning process.

The features of the example fueling nozzle 700 are further disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application No. 17/016,008 and international application No. PCT/US2020/049872, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Further, while fig. 29-30 and 38 depict the cleaning receptacle 800 being configured to couple to and clean the fueling nozzle 700, the cleaning receptacle 800 is configured to couple to and clean any other fueling nozzle that is capable of being securely coupled to the fueling receptacle 4 for the fueling process.

As shown in fig. 33-37, the example cleaning receptacle 800 includes an outer body 810, a flow body 830, a spray body 860, and a lock nut 880.

The outer body 810 includes a base 812, side posts 814, and an outer wall 816. The base 812 and the outer wall 816 are spaced apart and extend circumferentially about a central axis of the cleaning receptacle 800, and side posts 814 extend between the base 812 and the outer wall 816 and connect the base 812 and the outer wall 816. The base 812, outer wall 816, and side posts 814 define slots 824 therebetween. As shown in fig. 33, the base 812 of the outer body 810 engages the faceplate 675 of the fueling station 600 or the cleaning docking station 650. The base 812 defines through holes 818, the through holes 818 receiving corresponding fasteners 890 to secure the cleaning receptacle 800 to the panel 675.

The outer wall 816 defines an inner surface 820 (also referred to as a "first inner surface") from which a plurality of positioning members extend. In the illustrated example, the positioning member is a bearing 822 extending inwardly from the outer wall 816 toward the flow body 830. Bearing 822 is sized and arranged relative to each other in a manner substantially similar to bearing 50 of fueling socket 4 such that cleaning socket 800 is securely able to receive any fueling nozzle (e.g., fueling nozzle 700) that fueling socket 4 is securely able to receive. In turn, the fueling nozzle 700 can be received by the cleaning receptacle 800 and fueling receptacle 4 in a similar manner. For example, bearing 822 is configured to engage flange 722 of end cap 720 of fueling nozzle 700 to facilitate alignment between fueling nozzle 700 and cleaning receptacle 800 when fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to cleaning receptacle 800. Further, when the nozzle is coupled to the fueling receptacle 4, the bearing 822 prevents rotation of the fueling nozzle 700 when the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800. In the illustrated example, bearings 822 are equally spaced (e.g., approximately 120 degrees) along inner surface 820 of outer wall 816.

The flow body 830 defines an inner surface 832 (also referred to as a "second inner surface") and an outer surface 834. Both the inner surface 832 and the outer surface 834 extend the length of the flow body 830 and extend circumferentially about the central axis of the cleaning receptacle 800. The inner surface 832 of the flow body 830 defines a cavity 836 that extends the length of the flow body 830.

The flow body 830 includes a lip 838 at a second end (also referred to as an "outer end") of the flow body 830. A lip 838 projects radially outwardly from the outer surface 834 and extends circumferentially around the second end of the flow body 830. The lip 838 is configured to engage the linkage 780 of the locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle 700 when the fueling nozzle 700 is securely coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800.

As shown in fig. 35 and 37, the inner surface 832 of the flow body 830 includes internal threads 840 at a first end (also referred to as an "inner end") of the flow body 830. The internal threads 840 are configured to receive the spray body 860. The inner surface 832 includes a first segment 842 adjacent a first end of the flow body 830, a second segment 844 adjacent a second end, and an intermediate segment 846 axially between the first segment 842 and the second segment 844. Each of the segments 842, 844, 846 defines a respective portion of the cavity 836 of the flow body 830. The first segment 842 of the inner surface 832 has a smaller circumference than the second segment 844. In turn, the outer diameter of the first portion of the cavity 836 defined by the first segment 842 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion of the cavity 836 defined by the second segment 844. The circumference of the intermediate segment 846 transitions between the circumference of the first segment 842 and the circumference of the second segment 844. In turn, the outer diameter of the intermediate portion of the cavity 836 transitions between the outer diameter of the first portion and the outer diameter of the second portion of the cavity 836.

The outer surface 834 of the flow body 830 includes external threads 848 at a first end of the flow body 830. The external threads 848 are configured to receive a locking nut 880 to securely fasten the cleaning receptacle 800 to the panel 675. The flow body 830 also includes a flange 850, the flange 850 extending radially outward from the outer surface 834 adjacent the external threads 848. The flange 850 is aligned with the base 812 of the outer body 810, extends to the base 812, and engages the base 812.

As shown in fig. 35-37, the spray body 860 includes a spray head 862 and a cylindrical wall 864 extending from the spray head 862. The spray head 862 defines a plurality of spray orifices 866 extending through the depth of the spray head 862. As disclosed in more detail below, the injection holes 866 are configured to inject warm air onto the inner surface of the fueling nozzle 700 when the fueling nozzle 700 is securely coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800. As shown in fig. 36, the injection holes 866 include six injection holes arranged to form a regular hexagonal shape, with each of the injection holes being spaced the same distance and the same angle from an adjacent injection hole. In other examples, the spray holes 866 may include more or fewer spray holes and/or any pattern arrangement that may facilitate cleaning of the fueling nozzle 700.

The spray head 862 and the cylindrical wall 864 define an outer surface 868 of the spray body 860. The outer surface 868 includes external threads 870 adjacent the second end of the spray body 860. The spray body 860 also includes a stop flange 872, the stop flange 872 extending radially outward from an outer surface 868 adjacent the external thread 870. The stop flange 872 is configured to limit how far the spray body 860 can extend into the cavity 836 of the flow body 830 via the external threads 870 of the spray body 860 and the internal threads 840 of the flow body 830.

Cylindrical wall 864 also defines an inner surface 874, the inner surface 874 defining a chamber 876 of spray body 860 adjacent spray head 862. As shown in fig. 35, the injection orifices 866 of the injector head 862 are fluidly connected and extend between the chamber 876 of the injector body 860 and the cavity 836 of the flow body 830. In addition, the inner surface 874 includes internal threads 878 adjacent the first end of the spray body 860. The internal threads 878 are configured to threadably receive a tube or hose that provides warm air to the cleaning socket 800 to clean the fueling nozzle 700. For example, to clean the fueling nozzle 700, warm air flows (1) from an attached tube or hose into the chamber 876 of the spray body 860, (2) through the spray orifice 866 of the spray body 860, (3) through the cavity 836 of the flow body 830, and (4) onto the surface of the fueling nozzle 700.

As shown in fig. 35 and 37, the lock nut 880 includes internal threads 882, the internal threads 882 configured to threadably couple to external threads 848 of the flow body 830.

To securely fasten the cleaning receptacle 800 to the panel 675, the flow body 830 is positioned through an opening formed in the panel 675 such that the flange 850 of the flow body 830 engages the outer surface of the panel 675 (also referred to as the "outer panel surface"). The lock nut 880 is threaded onto the flow body 830 via the internal threads 882 of the lock nut 880 and the external threads 848 of the flow body 830 until the lock nut 880 engages the inner surface of the panel 675 (also referred to as the "inner panel surface") to pin the flow body 830 to the panel 675. The outer body 810 is positioned above the flow body 830 such that the base 812 engages the outer surface of the panel 675. Fasteners 890 extend through the through holes 818 of the base 812 to pin and securely couple the outer body 810 to the panel 675.

Fig. 38-39 depict a cleaning receptacle 800 secured to the panel 675 and securely coupled to the fueling nozzle 700. For example, the cleaning receptacle 800 is secured to the panel 675 via a locking nut 880 and a fastener 890 (shown in fig. 33) extending through the base 812 of the outer body 810. When the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800, the flange 722 of the end cap 720 extends partially into the cavity 836 of the flow body 830. Bearings 822 of cleaning receptacle 800 facilitate alignment between fueling nozzle 700 and cleaning receptacle 800 and prevent rotation of fueling nozzle 700 when coupled to cleaning receptacle 800.

In the illustrated example, the fueling nozzle 700 includes a flow body 750, a poppet 760, and a valve seat 770. Each of the poppet 760 and the valve seat 770 are partially disposed in the flow body 750 of the fueling nozzle 700 and partially extend into the cavity 836 of the cleaning socket 800 when the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning socket 800.

Valve seat 770 includes a flange 772 positioned beyond flow body 750 and extending radially outward. A seal 774 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned and retained between the flange 772 and the outer end of the flow body 750. Mechanical wiper 776 extends circumferentially around valve seat 770 adjacent the outer end of valve seat 770.

The poppet 760 includes a stem 762, a poppet body 764, and a seal 766. The poppet body 764 is hollow and defines an opening through which a cryogenic fluid is configured to flow when coupled to the fueling receptacle 4. The lever 762 is coupled to the poppet body 764, and a seal 766 is positioned between the lever 762 and the poppet body 764. The stem 762, poppet body 764, and/or seal 766 define a sealing surface 768, the sealing surface 768 configured to sealingly engage the valve seat 770 in the closed position of the fueling nozzle 700.

As shown in fig. 39, the injection holes 866 are configured to inject warm air onto the sealing surface 768 of the poppet 760 and/or the surface of the valve seat 770 to prevent the poppet 760 from freezing in place (e.g., in a closed position or an open position). The injection holes 866 are positioned and oriented with the injection head 862 such that warm air is injected in a direct path to the sealing surface 768 of the poppet 760 and the surface of the valve seat 770. For example, the injection holes 866 are spaced apart from and extend parallel to the central axis of the cleaning receptacle 800 so that warm air directly flows to the sealing surface 768 of the poppet 760 and the surface of the valve seat 770. The injection holes 866 inject warm air onto the surfaces of the poppet 760 and the valve seat 770 to melt and remove moisture that might otherwise freeze the poppet 760 in place.

Further, the flow body 830 of the cleaning receptacle 800 is sized and shaped to flow moisture away from the fueling nozzle 700. As the warm air is injected onto the surfaces of poppet 760 and valve seat 770, moisture is removed from the surfaces and pushed back toward cavity 836 of flow body 830. The inner surface 832 of the flow body 830 is shaped to facilitate the venting of moisture from the cleaning receptacle 800 and into the atmosphere. For example, the first segment 842 has a circumference that is less than the circumference of the second segment 844 to prevent moisture from flowing back toward the spray body 860. Further, the intermediate segment 846 and/or other adjacent segments of the inner surface 832 direct moisture through a vent path 852 formed between the flow body 830 of the cleaning receptacle 800 and the fueling nozzle 700.

Fig. 40 illustrates a vent path 852 through which moisture is vented. The vent path 852 is formed between (1) the flow body 830 of the cleaning receptacle 800 and (2) the flow body 750 and the valve seat 770 of the fueling nozzle 700. In the illustrated example, the vent path 852 is defined between (1) the lip 838 of the flow body 830 of the cleaning receptacle 800 and (2) the flange 772 of the flow body 750 and the valve seat 770 of the fueling nozzle 700, the seal 774, and the mechanical wiper 776.

To form a vent path 852 with the fueling nozzle 700, the cleaning receptacle flow body 830 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the fueling receptacle 4 flow body 30. For example, the flow body 30 of the fueling socket 4 is sized to sealingly engage the seal 774 and/or the mechanical wiper 776 when the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the fueling socket 4. The flow body 830 of the cleaning receptacle 800 is sized such that a small gap is formed between the flow body 830 and the seal 774 and mechanical wiper 776 of the fueling nozzle 700 in order to form the vent path 852 when the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800.

Furthermore, the cleaning receptacle 800 for the fueling nozzle 700 and the cleaning nozzle 100 for the fueling receptacle 4 are located in close proximity to each other to facilitate a quick cleaning process of both the fueling nozzle 700 and the fueling receptacle 4 between fueling events. Fig. 41 is a flow chart of a process 900 for cleaning the fueling nozzle 700 and fueling receptacle 4 and using the fueling nozzle 700 and fueling receptacle 4 to fill the filling tank 2 with cryogenic fluid in accordance with the teachings herein.

At block 910, the operator 6 connects the cleaning nozzle 100 to the fueling socket 4. For example, to connect the cleaning nozzle 100 to the fueling receptacle 4, the operator 6 (1) aligns the slot 144 of the alignment extension 140 of the cleaning nozzle 100 with the bearing 50 of the fueling receptacle 4, and (2) extends the cleaning nozzle 100 toward the fueling receptacle 4 until the flange of the alignment extension 140 engages the bearing 50 of the fueling receptacle 4. At block 920, the operator cleans the fueling socket 4 with the cleaning nozzle 100. For example, operator 6 causes cleaning nozzle 100 to spray pressurized air onto fueling receptacle 4 by pushing alignment extension 140 against bearing 50 of fueling receptacle 4. In other examples, operator 6 causes a cleaning nozzle (e.g., cleaning nozzle 200, cleaning nozzle 300, cleaning nozzle 400, or cleaning nozzle 500) to spray pressurized air by pressing a button (e.g., button 260, button 360, button 460, or button 560). At block 930, the operator 6 disconnects the cleaning nozzle 100 from the fueling socket 4 by pulling the cleaning nozzle 100 away from the fueling socket 4.

At block 940, a determination is made as to whether the cleaning sequence of the fueling nozzle 700 is complete. In some examples, the cleaning sequence includes cleaning the socket 800 to spray warm air onto the fueling nozzle 700 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 minutes). For example, the fueling nozzle 700 may include a proximity sensor that detects when the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800. In such examples, the cleaning receptacle 800 is configured to begin injecting warm air for a predetermined amount of time once the fueling nozzle 700 is detected by the proximity sensor. In other examples, the cleaning receptacle 800 may continuously or intermittently inject warm air for a relatively short period of time such that a cleaning sequence occurs each time the fueling nozzle 700 is coupled to the cleaning receptacle 800. In response to determining that the cleaning sequence is not complete, the process 900 remains at block 910. Otherwise, in response to determining that the cleaning sequence is complete, process 900 continues to block 950.

At block 950, operator 6 removes fueling nozzle 700 from cleaning receptacle 800. For example, the operator 6 (1) decouples the locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle 700 from the cleaning receptacle 800 via rotating the handle 730 and/or the cylinder and (2) then pulls the fueling nozzle 700 away from the cleaning receptacle 800. At block 960, the operator connects the fueling nozzle 700 to the fueling receptacle 4. For example, operator 6 (1) aligns fueling nozzle 700 with fueling socket 4 via bearing 50 of fueling socket 4 and end cap 720 of fueling nozzle 700, and (2) securely couples fueling nozzle 700 to fueling socket 4 via rotating handle 730 and/or a locking mechanism of fueling nozzle 700 with a cylinder.

At block 970, the operator 6 operates the fueling nozzle 700 to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3 to the fill tank 2. The features of the cryogenic fluid delivery sequence are further disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/016,008 and International application PCT/US2020/049872, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Once the fueling sequence is complete, operator 6 disconnects fueling nozzle 700 from fueling receptacle 4 at block 980. For example, operator 6 (1) decouples the locking mechanism of fueling nozzle 700 from fueling receptacle 4 and (2) then pulls fueling nozzle 700 away from fueling receptacle 4. At block 990, operator 6 connects fueling nozzle 700 to cleaning receptacle 800 and then begins the cleaning sequence of fueling nozzle 700. For example, to connect the fueling nozzle 700 to the cleaning receptacle 800, the operator 6 (1) aligns the fueling nozzle 700 with the cleaning receptacle 800 via the bearing 822 of the cleaning receptacle 800 and the end cap 720 of the fueling nozzle 700, and (2) then securely couples the fueling nozzle 700 to the cleaning receptacle 800 via the locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle 700.

Once the cleaning sequence of the fueling nozzle 700 has been initiated, the process 900 returns to block 910. For example, after operator 6 has (1) cleaned fueling receptacle 4, (2) started and completed a fueling sequence for filling tank 2, and (3) started a cleaning sequence for fueling nozzle 700, operator 6 may transport filling tank 2 away from source tank 3 to enable another operator to (4) access source tank 3 with another filling tank, (5) clean the corresponding fueling receptacle, (6) started and completed a fueling sequence, and (7) subsequently begin another cleaning sequence for fueling nozzle 700.

An example fueling station for a cryogenic fluid includes a first hose fluidly connected to a source tank for the cryogenic fluid. The example fueling station also includes a fueling nozzle connected to one end of the first hose and fluidly connected to the source tank via the first hose. The fueling nozzle is configured to be securely coupled to a fueling receptacle to transfer cryogenic fluid from the source tank and into the fuel tank. The example fueling station also includes a cleaning receptacle configured to receive the fueling nozzle and clean the fueling nozzle by injecting air, a second hose configured to deliver pressurized air, and a cleaning nozzle configured to couple to the fueling receptacle and clean the fueling receptacle by injecting pressurized air.

In some examples, the cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a cavity between the proximal and distal ends and a seat adjacent the cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head slidably received by the cavity at a distal end of the body and an alignment extension configured to engage the fueling receptacle. The alignment extension is coupled to the nozzle head, extends beyond the nozzle head, and is configured to slide with the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes a stem configured to slide axially within the cavity. The stem includes a first end and a second end coupled to the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes a plug coupled to a first end of the stem within the cavity. The plug is configured to slide axially between a closed position and an open position using the rod. The plug is configured to disengage from the seat in the open position to enable pressurized air to travel through the cavity and be ejected by the nozzle head. The plug is configured to sealingly engage the seat in the closed position to prevent pressurized air from being ejected by the nozzle head. The plug is configured to be pushed by the rod from the closed position to the open position when the alignment extension presses against the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a spring configured to bias the plug into the closed position.

In some examples, the cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The body defines a cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle tip coupled to and extending from the distal end of the body. The cleaning nozzle includes a button positioned along an outer surface of the body and configured to control operation of the cleaning nozzle. When the button is released by the operator, the button is configured to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the cavity and being ejected by the nozzle head. When the button is pressed by an operator, the button is configured to enable pressurized air to flow through the cavity and be ejected by the nozzle head to clean the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a shroud positioned between the nozzle head and a portion of the body configured to be held by an operator. The shroud is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator when the nozzle head is injecting pressurized air.

In some examples, the cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle tip coupled to and extending from the distal end of the body. The nozzle head defines a plurality of injection holes to inject pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a blowing gun at least partially received in the cavity. The lance defines a lance inlet, a lance outlet, and a lance flow path extending between the lance inlet and the lance outlet. The blowing gun includes a valve and a lever operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is movably positioned between an open position and a closed position within the gun flow path. The lever is configured to position the valve in a closed position when released by an operator to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the gun flow path. The lever is configured to position the valve in an open position when pressed by an operator to enable pressurized air to flow through the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes an insert received in the cavity, sealingly coupled to the lance, and defining an insert flow path fluidly coupled to the lance outlet. The cleaning nozzle includes a connector received in the cavity and sealingly coupled to the insert and the nozzle head and fluidly connecting the insert and the nozzle head. The connector and the insert fluidly connect the lance outlet to a plurality of injection holes of the nozzle head.

In some examples, the cleaning receptacle includes an outer body. The outer body includes an outer wall extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cleaning receptacle. The outer wall has a first inner surface. The outer body includes a plurality of locating features extending inwardly from the first inner surface toward the central axis. The plurality of positioning members are configured to engage an end of the fueling nozzle to facilitate alignment with the fueling nozzle and prevent rotation of the fueling nozzle relative to the cleaning receptacle. The cleaning receptacle includes a flow body extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cleaning receptacle. The flow body includes a second inner surface defining a cavity and a lip at an outer end of the flow body. The lip is configured to securely engage a locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle. The cleaning receptacle includes a spray body disposed at an inner end of the flow body. The injection body includes an injection head defining a plurality of injection holes configured to inject air through a cavity of the flow body and onto a surface of the fueling nozzle when the fueling nozzle is securely coupled to the flow body.

Example cleaning nozzles are used to clean a fueling receptacle that is capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle to deliver a cryogenic fluid from a fueling station. The cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a cavity between the proximal and distal ends and a seat adjacent the cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head slidably received by the cavity at a distal end of the body and an alignment extension configured to engage the fueling receptacle. The alignment extension is coupled to the nozzle head, extends beyond the nozzle head, and is configured to slide with the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes a stem configured to slide axially within the cavity. The stem includes a first end and a second end coupled to the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes a plug coupled to a first end of the stem within the cavity. The plug is configured to slide axially between a closed position and an open position using the rod. The plug is configured to disengage from the seat in the open position to enable pressurized air to travel through the cavity and be ejected by the nozzle head. The plug is configured to sealingly engage the seat in the closed position to prevent pressurized air from being ejected by the nozzle head. The plug is configured to be pushed by the rod from the closed position to the open position when the alignment extension presses against the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a spring configured to bias the plug into the closed position.

In some examples, the body defines an inner chamber and an outer chamber of the cavity. The inner and outer chambers are fluidly connected together when the plug is in the open position.

In some examples, the nozzle head is integrally formed with the alignment extension.

In some examples, the nozzle head includes a plurality of support arms that extend and connect to the alignment extension.

In some examples, the nozzle head includes a plurality of injection holes configured to inject pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle to clean the fueling receptacle. In some such examples, the plurality of injection holes includes a first set of injection holes configured to inject pressurized air onto a poppet valve of the fueling socket and a second set of injection holes configured to inject pressurized air onto a flow body of the fueling socket.

In some examples, the alignment extension defines a plurality of slots configured to receive positioning features of the fueling socket to facilitate an operator aligning the cleaning nozzle with the fueling socket. In some such examples, each of the plurality of slots is V-shaped, equally sized, and equally spaced relative to one another to facilitate alignment of the alignment extension with the positioning member of the fueling socket.

In some examples, the first end of the rod may be threadably coupled to the plug. In some such examples, the second end of the stem may be threadably coupled to the nozzle head.

In some examples, a plug includes a plug body and a seal secured to the plug body. The seal of the plug is configured to engage the seat in the closed position. Some such examples further include a guide defining an aperture through which an end of the plug body slidably extends.

Some examples further include an end cap received by the proximal end of the body. The end cap defines an inlet to the cavity. The inlet is configured to receive pressurized air from a source.

Some examples further include a shroud positioned between the nozzle head and a portion of the body configured to be held by an operator. The shroud is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator. In some such examples, the shroud includes a plurality of posts. Such examples further include a plurality of fasteners configured to couple the plurality of posts of the shroud to the nozzle head. In some such examples, the shroud includes a plurality of walls, each positioned between two of the plurality of posts. Each of the plurality of walls is inclined to divert pressurized air away from a portion of the body to be held by the hand of the operator.

Another example cleaning nozzle is for cleaning a fueling receptacle capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle for delivering a cryogenic fluid from a fueling station. The cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The body defines a cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle tip coupled to and extending from the distal end of the body. The cleaning nozzle includes a button positioned along an outer surface of the body and configured to control operation of the cleaning nozzle. When the button is released by the operator, the button is configured to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the cavity and being ejected by the nozzle head. When the button is pressed by an operator, the button is configured to enable pressurized air to flow through the cavity and be ejected by the nozzle head to clean the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a shroud positioned between the nozzle head and a portion of the body configured to be held by an operator. The shroud is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator when the nozzle head is injecting pressurized air.

Some examples further include an alignment extension configured to engage a fueling receptacle. The alignment extension is coupled to the nozzle head and extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head. In some such examples, the alignment extension defines a plurality of slots configured to receive positioning features of the fueling socket to facilitate an operator aligning the cleaning nozzle with the fueling socket. Further, in some such examples, each of the plurality of slots is equally sized and equally spaced relative to one another to facilitate alignment of the alignment extension with the positioning member of the fueling receptacle. Further, in some such examples, each of the plurality of slots is V-shaped to further facilitate alignment of the alignment extension with the locating feature of the fueling receptacle. Further, in some such examples, each of the plurality of slots is L-shaped to facilitate a secure connection between the cleaning nozzle and the fueling receptacle.

Some examples further include a plurality of support brackets extending between and connected to the body and the alignment extension. In some such examples, the shroud includes a plurality of shroud inserts, each positioned between a corresponding two of the plurality of support brackets. Further, in some such examples, each of the plurality of shroud inserts includes a rear wall and defines an opening. The rear wall is sloped to divert pressurized air through the opening and away from a portion of the body held by the hand of the operator.

In some examples, the shroud is generally dome-shaped and extends toward the distal end of the alignment extension.

In some examples, the body includes a barrel and a handle. The cylinder defines a cavity through which pressurized air is to flow. The button is positioned along the handle.

In some examples, the nozzle head is substantially cylindrical and the shroud is substantially disc-shaped.

In some examples, the shield is transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Another example cleaning nozzle is for cleaning a fueling receptacle capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle for delivering a cryogenic fluid from a fueling station. The cleaning nozzle includes a body including a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a cavity. The cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle tip coupled to and extending from the distal end of the body. The nozzle head defines a plurality of injection holes to inject pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle. The cleaning nozzle includes a blowing gun at least partially received in the cavity. The lance defines a lance inlet, a lance outlet, and a lance flow path extending between the lance inlet and the lance outlet. The blowing gun includes a valve and a lever operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is movably positioned between an open position and a closed position within the gun flow path. The lever is configured to position the valve in a closed position when released by an operator to prevent pressurized air from flowing through the gun flow path. The lever is configured to position the valve in an open position when pressed by an operator to enable pressurized air to flow through the nozzle head. The cleaning nozzle includes an insert received in the cavity, sealingly coupled to the lance, and defining an insert flow path fluidly coupled to the lance outlet. The cleaning nozzle includes a connector received in the cavity and sealingly coupled to the insert and the nozzle head and fluidly connecting the insert and the nozzle head. The connector and the insert fluidly connect the lance outlet to a plurality of injection holes of the nozzle head.

Some examples further include an alignment extension configured to engage a fueling receptacle. The alignment extension is coupled to the nozzle head and extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head.

In some such examples, the alignment extension defines a plurality of slots configured to receive positioning features of the fueling socket to facilitate an operator aligning the cleaning nozzle with the fueling socket. Further, in some such examples, each of the plurality of slots is V-shaped, equally sized, and equally spaced relative to one another to facilitate alignment of the alignment extension with the positioning member of the fueling socket.

In some such examples, the nozzle head is integrally formed with the alignment extension.

In some such examples, the nozzle head includes a plurality of support arms extending and connected to the alignment extension.

In some such examples, the plurality of injection holes includes a first set of injection holes configured to inject pressurized air onto a first portion of the fueling receptacle and a second set of injection holes configured to inject pressurized air onto a second portion of the fueling receptacle. Further, in some such examples, the nozzle head includes an outer surface and a plurality of pins extending outwardly from and beyond the outer surface. Each of the second set of injection holes extends through one of the plurality of pins.

Some such examples further include a shroud positioned between the nozzle head and a portion of the body configured to be held by an operator. The shroud is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator when the nozzle head is injecting pressurized air. Further, in some such examples, the shield is integrally formed with the distal end of the body. Further, in some such examples, the shroud includes a plurality of posts and further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to couple the plurality of posts of the shroud to the nozzle head. Moreover, in some such examples, the shroud includes a plurality of walls, each of which is positioned between two of the plurality of posts. Each of the plurality of walls is inclined to divert pressurized air away from a portion of the body to be held by an operator.

In some examples, the insert includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sealingly coupled to the blow gun and the second portion is securely coupled to the nozzle head. In some such examples, the nozzle head defines a blind bore configured to securely receive the insert to couple the insert to the nozzle head.

In some examples, the connector includes a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening. The first opening is configured to receive an insert to couple the connector to the insert. The second opening is configured to receive the nozzle head to couple the connector to the nozzle head. Some such examples further include a first seal configured to form a sealed connection between the connector and the nozzle head. Some such examples further include a second seal configured to form a sealed connection between the connector and the insert. Some such examples further include a clip configured to engage the insert and the first end of the connector to securely couple the connector to the insert.

In some examples, the body defines an inlet of the cavity and further includes a tube fluidly connecting the inlet of the cavity to a lance inlet of the lance to receive pressurized air from the source.

Example cleaning receptacles are used to clean fueling nozzles for delivering cryogenic fluids. The cleaning receptacle includes an outer body. The outer body includes an outer wall extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cleaning receptacle. The outer wall has a first inner surface. The outer body includes a plurality of locating features extending inwardly from the first inner surface toward the central axis. The plurality of positioning members are configured to engage an end of the fueling nozzle to facilitate alignment with the fueling nozzle and prevent rotation of the fueling nozzle relative to the cleaning receptacle. The cleaning receptacle includes a flow body extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cleaning receptacle. The flow body includes a second inner surface defining a cavity and a lip at an outer end of the flow body. The lip is configured to securely engage a locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle. The cleaning receptacle includes a spray body disposed at an inner end of the flow body. The injection body includes an injection head defining a plurality of injection holes configured to inject air through a cavity of the flow body and onto a surface of the fueling nozzle when the fueling nozzle is securely coupled to the flow body.

In some examples, the second inner surface of the flow body includes a first segment defining a first portion of the cavity adjacent the inner end, a second segment defining a second portion of the cavity adjacent the outer end, and an intermediate segment axially defining an intermediate portion of the cavity between the first portion and the second portion. In some such examples, the first portion of the cavity has an outer circumference that is smaller than an outer circumference of the second portion of the cavity to prevent moisture removed by air from the surface of the fueling nozzle from flowing back toward the spray body. Further, in some such examples, the intermediate portion of the cavity has an outer circumference that transitions between the outer circumference of the first portion and the outer circumference of the second portion of the cavity. The intermediate portion of the cavity is shaped and positioned relative to the plurality of injection holes to direct moisture removed from the surface of the fueling nozzle through a vent path formed between the flow body and the fueling nozzle.

In some examples, the flow body is configured to form a vent path with the fueling nozzle. In some such examples, the lip of the flow body is configured to at least partially form a vent path with the fueling nozzle. In some such examples, the plurality of injection holes and the cavity of the flow body are arranged to direct moisture removed by air from the fueling nozzle through the vent path to prevent the flow of moisture back onto the surface of the fueling nozzle.

In some examples, the outer body further includes a base and a jamb. The base is configured to be coupled to a faceplate of the station. The base is spaced apart from the outer wall. The jamb extends between and is connected to the base and the outer wall.

In some examples, the inner end of the flow body defines internal threads and the spray head of the spray body defines external threads. The spray body is threadably coupled to the flow body via internal threads and external threads.

In some examples, the spray head is located at the first end of the spray body. The spray body further includes a cylindrical wall at the second end of the spray body. The cylindrical wall includes internal threads configured to threadably receive a tube providing air injected by the plurality of injection holes.

In some examples, the flow body is configured to be positioned through an opening defined by a panel of the station. In some such examples, the flow body defines a flange extending radially outward from an outer surface of the flow body. The flange is configured to engage an outer panel surface of a panel of the station when the flow body is positioned through the opening. Further, in some such examples, the inner end of the flow body defines an external thread. Moreover, some such examples further include a lock nut configured to be threaded onto the flow body via external threads and engage an inner panel surface of a panel of the station. The locking nut and the flange of the flow body are configured to pin the flow body to the panel. Further, in some such examples, the outer body further comprises a base. The outer body is configured to be positioned over the flow body such that the base engages an outer panel surface of a panel of the station. Moreover, some such examples further include a fastener configured to extend through an aperture defined by the base to securely couple the outer body to the panel of the station.

In some examples, the plurality of injection holes are configured to direct air onto surfaces of a poppet valve and a valve seat of the fueling nozzle to prevent the poppet valve from freezing in place relative to the valve seat.

Example methods are used to operate a fueling station for a cryogenic fluid. The fueling station includes a fueling nozzle fluidly connected to the source tank via a hose, a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the fueling socket, and a cleaning socket for mounting and cleaning the fueling nozzle. The method includes cleaning the fueling receptacle using a cleaning nozzle to blow air onto one or more surfaces of the fueling receptacle, disconnecting the cleaning nozzle from the fueling receptacle, and removing the fueling nozzle from the cleaning receptacle upon completion of the first cleaning sequence. The method includes delivering cryogenic fluid from a source tank to a fill tank via a hose, a fueling nozzle, and a fueling receptacle by securely coupling the fueling nozzle to the fueling receptacle. The method includes reconnecting the fueling nozzle to the cleaning receptacle when delivery of the cryogenic fluid is completed.

Some examples further include connecting the cleaning nozzle to the fueling receptacle prior to cleaning the fueling receptacle via the cleaning nozzle. In some such examples, connecting the cleaning nozzle to the fueling receptacle includes aligning a plurality of slots of the cleaning nozzle with a plurality of locating features of the fueling receptacle and extending the cleaning nozzle toward the fueling receptacle until a flange of the cleaning nozzle engages the locating features of the fueling receptacle.

Some examples further include pushing the alignment extension of the cleaning nozzle against a locating feature of the fueling socket to cause the cleaning nozzle to inject pressurized air.

Some examples further include pressing a button or lever of the cleaning nozzle to cause the cleaning nozzle to spray pressurized air.

Some examples further include performing a first cleaning sequence for the fueling nozzle. In some such examples, the first cleaning sequence includes injecting air onto a surface of the fueling nozzle via the cleaning receptacle. Further, in some such examples, injecting air through the cleaning receptacle includes injecting air for a predetermined amount of time. Further, in some such examples, injecting air via the cleaning receptacle includes continuously or intermittently injecting air. Further, in some such examples, air is injected for a first cleaning sequence when the fueling nozzle is detected to be coupled to the cleaning receptacle. Moreover, some such examples further include detecting, via a proximity sensor of the fueling nozzle, that the fueling nozzle is coupled to the cleaning receptacle.

In some examples, removing the fueling nozzle from the cleaning receptacle includes decoupling a locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle from a flow body of the cleaning receptacle and then pulling the fueling nozzle away from the cleaning receptacle. In some such examples, securely coupling the fueling nozzle of the fueling station to the fueling receptacle includes aligning the slot of the fueling nozzle with the positioning member of the fueling receptacle, extending the fueling nozzle toward the fueling receptacle until the flange of the fueling nozzle engages the positioning member of the fueling receptacle, and having the locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle securely couple the fueling nozzle to the fueling receptacle.

Some examples further include decoupling the fueling nozzle from the fueling socket prior to reconnecting the fueling nozzle to the cleaning socket. In some such examples, decoupling the fueling nozzle from the fueling receptacle includes decoupling a locking mechanism of the fueling nozzle from the fueling receptacle and subsequently pulling the fueling nozzle away from the fueling receptacle. Some such examples further include initiating a second cleaning sequence for the fueling nozzle when the fueling nozzle is reconnected to the cleaning receptacle. Further, in some such examples, the second cleaning sequence includes injecting air onto a surface of the fueling nozzle via the cleaning receptacle. Further, in some such examples, injecting air via the cleaning receptacle includes continuously, intermittently injecting air, or injecting air for a predetermined amount of time. Further, in some such examples, the second cleaning sequence begins in response to detecting that the fueling nozzle is coupled to the cleaning receptacle via the proximity sensor of the fueling nozzle.

Another example method is for operating a fueling station for a cryogenic fluid. The fueling station includes a fueling nozzle fluidly connected to the source tank via a hose, a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the fueling socket, and a cleaning socket for mounting and cleaning the fueling nozzle. The method includes performing a first cleaning sequence including blowing air onto a surface of a fueling nozzle via a cleaning receptacle when the fueling nozzle is installed in the cleaning receptacle. The method includes using a cleaning nozzle to blow air onto one or more surfaces of a fueling receptacle to clean the fueling receptacle fluidly connected to the filling tank, disconnecting the cleaning nozzle from the fueling receptacle, and removing the fueling nozzle from the cleaning receptacle. The method includes delivering cryogenic fluid from a source tank to a fill tank via a hose, a fueling nozzle, and a fueling receptacle by securely coupling the fueling nozzle to the fueling receptacle. The method includes reconnecting the fueling nozzle to the cleaning receptacle when delivery of the cryogenic fluid is completed.

In this application, the use of disjunctive words is intended to include conjunctions. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, references to "the" object or "a and an" object are intended to also represent one of a possible plurality of such objects. Further, the conjunction "or" may be used to convey that features are contemporaneous, rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunctive word "or" should be understood to include "and/or". The terms "include" and "comprise" are inclusive and have the same ranges as "comprise" and "comprise", respectively.

The examples described above, and in particular any "preferred" examples, are possible examples of implementations, and are set forth merely to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the techniques described herein. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning nozzle for cleaning a fueling receptacle capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle for delivering a cryogenic fluid from a fueling station, the cleaning nozzle comprising:

A body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body defines a cavity;

a nozzle head coupled to and extending from the distal end of the body, wherein the nozzle head defines a plurality of injection holes to inject pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle;

a lance at least partially housed in the cavity, wherein the lance defines a lance inlet, a lance outlet, and a lance flow path extending between the lance inlet and the lance outlet, wherein the lance comprises a valve and a lever operably coupled to the valve, wherein the valve is movably positioned between an open position and a closed position within the lance flow path, wherein the lever is configured to position the valve in the closed position when released by an operator to prevent the flow of pressurized air through the lance flow path, wherein the lever is configured to position the valve in the open position when pressed by the operator to enable the flow of pressurized air through the nozzle head;

an insert received in the cavity, sealingly coupled to the lance, and defining an insert flow path fluidly coupled to the lance outlet; and

A connector received in the cavity and sealingly coupled to the insert and the nozzle head and fluidly connecting the insert and the nozzle head, wherein the connector and the insert fluidly connect the lance outlet to the plurality of injection holes of the nozzle head.

2. The cleaning nozzle of claim 1, further comprising an alignment extension configured to engage the fueling socket, wherein the alignment extension is coupled to and extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle head.

3. The cleaning nozzle of claim 2, wherein the alignment extension defines a plurality of slots configured to receive positioning features of the fueling socket to facilitate alignment of the cleaning nozzle with the fueling socket by the operator.

4. The cleaning nozzle of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of slots is V-shaped, equally sized, and equally spaced relative to one another to facilitate alignment of the alignment extension with the locating feature of the fueling socket.

5. The cleaning nozzle of claim 2, wherein the nozzle head is integrally formed with the alignment extension.

6. The cleaning nozzle of claim 2, wherein the nozzle head includes a plurality of support arms extending and connected to the alignment extension.

7. The cleaning nozzle of claim 2, wherein the plurality of injection holes includes a first set of injection holes configured to inject the pressurized air onto a first portion of the fueling socket and a second set of injection holes configured to inject the pressurized air onto a second portion of the fueling socket.

8. The cleaning nozzle of claim 7, wherein the nozzle head includes an outer surface and a plurality of pins extending outwardly from and beyond the outer surface, wherein each of the second set of injection holes extends through one of the plurality of pins.

9. The cleaning nozzle of claim 2, further comprising a shield positioned between the nozzle head and a portion of the body configured to be held by the operator, wherein the shield is configured to prevent debris from blowing back onto the operator when the nozzle head sprays the pressurized air.

10. The cleaning nozzle of claim 9, wherein the shroud includes a plurality of posts, and further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to couple the plurality of posts of the shroud to the nozzle head.

11. The cleaning nozzle of claim 10, wherein the shroud includes a plurality of walls, each positioned between two of the plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of walls is sloped to divert the pressurized air away from the portion of the body to be held by the operator.

12. The cleaning nozzle of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is sealingly coupled to the blow gun, and wherein the second portion is securely coupled to the nozzle head.

13. The cleaning nozzle of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first opening is configured to receive the insert to couple the connector to the insert, wherein the second opening is configured to receive the nozzle head to couple the connector to the nozzle head.

14. The cleaning nozzle of claim 13, further comprising a clip configured to engage the insert and the first end of the connector to securely couple the connector to the insert.

15. The cleaning nozzle of claim 1, wherein the body defines an inlet of the cavity, and the cleaning nozzle further comprises a tube fluidly connecting the inlet of the cavity to the lance inlet of the lance to receive the pressurized air from a source.