US1978597A - Liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 30, 1934. w. J. PETER LIQUID DISPENSER Filed Jun 5. 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 d (n s n I m 53.: a-

e INVENTOR w/LL/HM J. PETER @M+W n.fn-romunm lll FIG. 2

Oct. 30, 1934. w. J. PETER 1,978,597

LIQUID DISPENSER Filed-June 5 1953 s sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR WILL/HM J PE'E/ Iy y di I n ..1 C.-.

Oct. 30, 1934. w. J. PETER LIQUID DISPENSER 3 Sheng-sheet 3 Filed June 5, 1935V g lNvl-:N'roR wIlL/HM J. PEN-'1? I BY @Ale/Irv P W ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 30, 1934 LIQUID DISPENSER William J. Peter, New

York, N. Y., assigner to Aqua Systems Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a

corporation of New York Bpiirggioarnne 5, wasrserialNofsmase" tained in the apparatus during intervals of nonuse, as when not dispensing. Although referring generally to gasoline as the liquid being hantiled or dispensed, it is understood that this term is used generically to mean any liquid.

A primary purpose of my invention is to produce meter dispensing apparatus, pumps and the like, the conduit flow system of which is maintained full of gasoline, from the discharge hose nozzle back to the source of supply; and this confined gasoline is kept at substantially a constant and more particularly a normal hydrostatic may expand` the coniinedoliquid and-produce ex? pressure or head by the normalizing means here- 'in described, when the apparatus is not dispensing.- During intervals when not in dispensing use, the hydrostatic pressure in the -flow lines may vary over a wide range. For example, the pressure may decrease by reason-of contraction er shrinkage of the confined liquid column in cessive or abnormal pressure resulting in leakage and fire hazard. My invention compensates for and equalizes both conditions by automatically forcing gasoline into the ow lines, particularly the outlet discharge line, should there be a tendency for the pressure to decrease; and conversely, drawing oi or absorbingsome of. the liquid pressure shouldite-increase.VA

, By reason Yof the foregoing, the entire conduit flow system is maintained positively lled with a solid column of confined liquid at substantially a constant or a satisfactory normal pressure with the result that a dispensing operation is positive from its beginning because the ow is a continuous one, free from air and vapor. Achieving these ends by my invention prevents air from entering the flow lines and perfects the operation of a visible flow indicator, one general type known as the visi gage, by keeping its liquid level in the glass container at maximum height. This invention, therefore, insures a full flow and a true indication thereof from the inception of the dispensing operation, by avoiding air pockets in the line with initial bubbling or blowing of gaseous vapor and inaccurately measured liquid ow as a consequence thereof.

In addition to the foregoing, a special object is to produce safe gasoline meter dispensing apparatus. This phase of the invention comprises means for relieving the excess internal pressure from the gasoline confined in the iiow lines when the apparatus is not in use and, consequently, when subjected to abnormal increase in pressure by reason of expansion taking place when exposed to a rise in temperature usually during the day time in the hot sunlight or for other reasons said pressure increases to an undesirable value, thus giving rise to leakage and fire hazard. Gasoline is usually cool and contracted when first pumped up from an underground storage into a dispensing apparatus and thereafter expands greatly, exerting dangerous pressure, as it absorbs the heat from the surrounding atmosphere above the ground.

It is a further object to provide pressure normalizing means, in gasoline dispensing apparatus, irrespective of the form of meter used, whether said meter is of the inside by-pass type, or of the so called solid type, whereby the pressure variations in the flow lines, exposed either to heating or cooling conditions, are compensated for and maintained within controlled pressure limits. This is attained in my combination comprising,

Vw Lrnongnther things, a pressure relief means and a pressure storing and pressure feeding means. If the pressure in the line rises, the pressure relief means draws oi some gasoline, but if it falls the line is supplied with gasoline; hence pressure compensating is attained. In either event, the gasoline passes through or around the meter without movingmor. altering the position of theindi ""'catidial and recorder thereof. This invention, therefore, accommodates or makes use of any type of meter, whether of the (first mentioned) by-pass valve accuracy-adjustment type which will permit passage therethrough of a limited or gradual creeping flow due to gradual rise or fall of pressure in the ilow line, or of the second mentioned) mechanical-accuracy adjustment type which will resist this slow ow in either direction as an incident to variation of the internal pressure in the conduit ow system, due to the fact that the second mentioned meter is solid, so called, because it is sealed between its inlet and outlet and has no f,

acts as a positive pressure means to effect a feedl invention: f'

back of gasoline into the pipe to compensate for pressure decrease therein.

'Ihe accompanying drawings show several forms of my invention, comprising metered dispensing apparatus in the form of curb pumps and the like, by which to illustrate the principles involved, and in accordance with'vhich various other forms of construction may be produced without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Reference is first made to the views in the draw ings in respect to the two forms of meters above named by which to explain the pressure compensating, equalizing, or normalizing operation, taking place in the apparatus, when not dispensing.

Figures 1, 2 and 4, 5 while showing two different forms of dispensing apparatus nevertheless employ the first mentioned meter ordinarily known as the by-pass valve accuracy-adjustment type because this meter housing contains an internal by-pass opening regulated in size by a needle valve which may be finelyadjusted manually to vary the size of said opening by which Jthe accuracy of the meter is periodically checked and corrected to dispense precisely the amount of liquid indicated on its dial. This form of meter readily permits the slight back and forth creeping flow in the conduit system, without moving the meter mechanism. incident to pressure variations and compensation therefor.

On the other hand, Figure 3, with Figure 2 as a part thereof, shows a dispensing apparatus employing the second mentioned meter ordinarily known as the mechanical-accuracy adjustment type wherein any error is corrected by resetting the meter mechanism such as varying the stroke of the piston in this well known type of meter. This form of meter offers a resistance to the slow creeping flow incident to variations in line pressure and compensation therefor because it does not contain the needle-valve controlled by-pass opening. as first mentioned. I have, therefore, provided means, as in Figure 3, to accommodate my novel dispensing apparatus to this well known meter, by which the gradual ow, incident to lne pressure.varlation and compensation, may take place in either direction, without going thru the meter.

A preliminaryy description of each view in the accompanying drawings and position of parts will now be given in respect to all three forms of the Figure 1 shows a front view of a curb pump stand with the housing thereof broken away in vertical section to expose the inside parts. The flexible service hose is hanging up on its hook and consequently the motor and suction force pump are not running and the ow line is full of confined gasoline. The direct-ion of the arrows, as applied to this view, indicates that internal gasoline or vapcr pressure is building up, or in fact has already reached the needed pressure relief stage, in the conduit flow lines. 'I'his abnormal pressure is exerting and relieving itself reversely backv through the dispensing line, directly through the rst mentioned meter and into a pressure relief absorption vacuum chamber which forms a feature of this invention in both forms thereof and which conserves the excess gasoline and4 vapor and returns it to the flow lines to prevent waste.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged fragmentary portion of the pressure normalizing or compensating means, but the apparatus is in a state of dispensing operation, in that the motor and force pump are running. The direction of the arrows 8.'.

indicates that the pressure gasoline, previously accumulated out of the lines to reduce their pressure as in Figure 1, is being returned to the outlet line and dispensed along with gasoline sucked up from a storage tank.

Figure 3 shows a side elevation of a modified form of the invention more especially provided forV the second meter heretofore discussed, namely, the mechanical-accuracy `adjustment type, or so called solid meter. This view il1ustrates the apparatus at rest, not in dispensing use, with the discharge hose nozzle placed on its pivoted support hook. A meter by-pass or pressure equalizing line is open and leads the gradual flow, incident to contraction or expansion of the conlined gasoline, around the solid meter so as to avoid applying a pressure on or thru it. Variation and equalization of the pressure in the lines is accomplished around and not thru this meter.

Figure 4 shows a modified form of the dispens- 1;.

ing apparatus, showing a flow indicator or visi gage which cf course may be used with all forms of the invention. 'I'his view also shows the first mentioned meter. The pressure normalizer combination, including the pressure relief and pres- 11` sure supply chambers, is located in the upper part of the pump stand. The direction arrows are applied, in this view, to demonstrate a pressure storing and feed-back operation by which to compensate for a drop in the hydrostatic head 1j of the confined gasoline column in the outlet or discharge pipe line and its hose taking place between dispensing operations.

Figure 5 is a detail section of the pressure compensating unit means shown in Figure 4 and 1j comprising a pair of chambers, one of negative pressure for drawing ofi gasoline, and the other of positive pressure for feeding back gasoline, to maintain the normal hydrostatic head in the outlet line.

The invention is illustrated in connection with an upright pump or dispenser stand, ordinarily known as curb pumps, which are in use gener ally at gasoline filling stations, in garages and the like, and which are usually installed at the streetY curb or on the sidewalk for convenient service to motor vehicles, or at docksfor 'marine service. The pressure compensating apparatus shown inside the stand or stands is of course useful in other environments, particularly so on wall panel pumps where the meter and related apparatus is installed inside of a building and onveniently grouped cn a panel support attached to a standing structure such as a wall of the building. Also the apparatus comprising my in- 1, vention may be used in connection with fuel pits An inlet flow pipe line 8 connects with a stor- 1115 of supply 5, and thus a liquid column is confined 15 in the full length of the conduit flow line system\ of the dispensing apparatus, which includes the outletand flexible hose hereinafter named. Usually the check valve 9 is located some distance from the pump stand 6 and either at or within the storage tank 5, but for convenience it is here shown at the bottom of the stand 6. The upper end of the inlet pipe 8 may be connected with another check valve housing 10 usually tted with a spring seated valve head 1l normally closing an inlet port 12.

In case this second check valve 10 is used in the inlet line 8, the upper end of its housing 10 communicates with the inlet side of a suction force pump vl5 ,which operates to vdraw gasoline up from storage tank 5 thru inlet pipe 8 and force it outwardly thru a discharge pipe line 13 connected to the other side of the pump. The check valve 10 also serves to maintain gasoline in the outlet line 13 and in the pump 15 between dispensing operations. Any suitable form of suction and force pump per se, such as the rotary pump 15 shown, may be included in the conduit flow line system 8, 13.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there is shown a unit pipe-connection housing le to which the inlet pipe 8 and outlet pipe 13 are rdirectly attached thereby placing these two pipes in communication with each other thru the force pump 15 but avoiding direct rattachment of the piping system to the casing 15 of the pump itself. In the `housing 14 there may be provided the usual strainer' means and by-pass valve for the force pump 15, instead of mounting these parts within the pump casing 15, or otherwise providing therefor. The pump lcasing 15 journals a driven pulley 16 affording a self contained pump which is structurally independent of and removable from the pipe-connection housing 14. A base flange 1'? on the pump 15 secures the latter to the vertical face of the pipeconnection housing 14 by cap screws 18.

The pump 15, 16 is usually driven by an elecy tric motor 20 having a pulley 21.,.oparrating the pump pulley 16 through a belt 2 2 or-other transmission means. The motor 20 is supported in the pump stand 6 in any convenient manner, as for example on a horizontal cross bar support 23 having its ends anchored to the vertical pump stand housing 6 or to a frame therein. Likewise, the pipe-connection housing 14, which entirely supports the self contained pump 15, 16 may, to advantage. be xed to and entirely carried by any suitable inside frame or the cross support 23. The housing and pump assembly 14, 15 is rst installed in the dispenser stand 6 and thereafter it is a simple matter to install the piping system without disturbing the pump 15. The conveniences and advantages inherent inthis construction are more fully set forth in my Patent 1,913,128 issued on June 6, 1933.

The discharge outlet pipe line 13 extends upwardly thru the pump stand 6 and thru a meter 25 having the usual indicating dial 26. This me- ;er is of the by-pass valve accuracy-adjustment type, as hereinbefore discussed. Said outlet pipe 13 projects from the top of the pump stand 6 and ordinarily turns down for convenient connection with a flexible service discharge hose 27.

When not dispensing, this nozzle 28 is supported on a hose hook 29 projecting from the pump stand 6. The hose hook 29 is usually a pivoted lever operatively connected with a motor starting switch, but that feature is not directly related to this first form of the invention and accordingly is not yet shown in detail.

An\air cushion and pressure feed-back dome 31 is disposed upright within the dispensingstand 6 and constitutes the pressure storing element of a hydrostatic normalizing unit or compensator combination. This member 31 is a positive pressure means and has its lower end connected directly to and in continuously open communication with the outlet pipe 13. For this purpose, a pipe T or a cross-pipe tting 32 supports the bottom of the air dome 31 in open communication on the outlet pipe column 13. This air dome 31 ordinarily contains more or'less gasoline with entrapped air or gas vapor thereabove. The upper end of the chamber 31 is sealed and liquid surges upwardly into it, atthe end of a dispensing operation when the discharge nozzle 28 is suddenly closed, until the air or gas vapor entrapped'above the liquid level is compressed to a value wherel it resists further ingress or surge up of the liquid. It follows, therefore, that a pressure is stored or accumulated in the chamber 31 at a somewhat greater head than the outlet flow or pumping pressure in the line 13 when dispensing under the force of the pump l5. Note that the dotted line on the dome 31 in Figure l indicates a volume of gasoline therein and shows the approximate level of the gasoline filling the lower end of said dome and that the vapor in its upper end is compressed, the stored energy of which reacts to maintain full the Aflow lines and keep pressure thereon to offset for shrinkage ofthe conned liquid column.

The entrapped air or gas vapor, above the liq.- uid level in the chamber 31, serves as 'a cushion or buffer against the inertia of a flowing liquid column when the latter suddenly stops and thus prevents undue shock and strain on the flow lines when the discharge hose nozzle 28 is suddenly closed at the ond of a dispensing operation. It is this shock absorbing and cushioning function of the air dome 31 which energizes it with stored up pressure of a somewhat higher degree or value v than the ow pressure from the force pump 15, and which stored pressure acts as a'feed-back to the flow line 13 to return liquid thereto from dome 31 to compensate for a drop of f pressure therein and thus maintain a solidv` and full column of liquid throughout the now lines and in a now indicator when it is used. Also, the gasoline light ends or vapors rising to the head of the dome 31 and compressed therein are continuously absorbed or condensed back into the liquid and no waste occurs thru evaporation.

From the foregoing, in reference to the air dome 31, it will now be understood, in my invention, that said dome constitutes a shock absorbing cushion, a pressure accumulator, a pressure feed-back means, and a condensing means to reabsorb the gaseous vapors to conserve the motor fuel. With this one chamber 31, having in itself no moving parts, I accomplish these several functions, and consequently I employ the air dome in a new way and attain improved results and mode of operation, especially with other apparatus of my invention, as will now be explained.

A description will now be given of the pressure relief element of the general combinatie-n, the operation of which also saves all gasoline and vapor, returning same to the discharge line 13, 27 during each dispensing operation, and minimizes the danger of leakage and reduces fire risk.

A negative pressure chamber 34 is disposed upright in the pump stand 6 and constitutes the pressure relief vacuum absorption element in my pressure normalizer combination. It has its lower end connected thru a drain or return pipe 35 to the check valve housing 10 with the result that the lower end of the vacuum chamber 34 is always in open communication with the inlet ow line 8 and the inlet side of the force pump 15, thru the valve 10 if it is used. When the pipe 35 is connected to the inlet line 8 below the check valve head 11 and its port 12, the gasoline accumulated in the relief chamber 34 may drain back to the line 8 to keep the latter full or even empty its contents back into the storage tank 5. The upper end of the vacuum chamber 34 is connected by a pipe 36, thru a pressure relief valve housing 37, and with the outlet line 13 lat a point above the pump 15. Therelief valve 37 is shown diagrammatieally and any approved type may of course be used.

The pressure relief valve h0us1ng37 1s fitted with a valve head 38 normally closed against its seat defining an inlet port in direct communication with the outlet flow line 13. This valve head 38 is carried on a stern 39 operating in a cage or other retainer in the usual way and having a manual adjustment to regulate it to a predetermined safety pop-off pressure. A spring 40 normally closes the valve 38, 39 against its seat formed in the housing 37. The resistance of the spring 40 is considerably greater than the flowpressure or head produced by the force pump 15 in the discharge line 13. Consequently this spring 40 easily maintains the pressure relief valve 3'? closed, as shown in Figure 2, during all dispensing operations, to positively shut olf communication between the dispensing line 13 and vacuum chamber 34, during that phase of operation. The pressure relief valve 37 has its spring or variable means 40 adjusted to pop-off or automatically open, by yielding compression of said spring 40, at a hydrostatic head or pressure (when notl dispensing) at about 40 pounds in the several commonly-used gasoline meter pumps. Approximately a 35 to 45 pound adjustment for the safety relief Valve 37 is found to function satisfactor-ily by which the relief means 34 may take in or absorb any excess pipe and hose line gasoline pressure or vapors attaining an unsafe hydrostatic head substantially higher than the dispensing pressure and higher than the surged-up stored pressure in the air dome 31 heretofore described. T'ne pop-o adjustment of the safety or relief valve 37 depends on a variety of factors, particularly the pumping or flow-pressure and safety requirements.

lt is noted that the pressure relief chamber 34 is connected into the flow line 8, 13 around the force pump unit 14, l5. This arrangement means that the vacuum chamber 34 by-passes the pump l5 due to the upper end of said chamber being connected into the conduit flow system 8, 13, 27 above the pump and the lower end thereof connected'to the line below the pump. Hence all back or reverse flow of liquid or vapors, to relieve the pressure on the outlet line 13, 27 goes around the pump and back to the inlet side 8 thereof. In this way, the excess pressure accumulated gasoline, taken out of the discharge line 13, 27 to relieve its internal confined pressure, is again wicked up by the pump 15 and returned to the line 13 during the next operation when the station attendant is selling gasoline.

A dispensing operation (and the function and noveltgr of this invention) is better understood by :eference to Figure 2 where the arrows indicate actual dispensing flow. The gasoline is being drawn up from the storage tank 5 and is also belng sucked downwardly and out of the vacuum chamber 34 into the inlet line 8. Upon starting the suction force pump 15, the check valves 9 and 10 open and the force pump 15 propels the gasoline outwardly thru the meter 25 and discharge nozzle 28, during which the pressure relief valve spring 40 is positively holding its valve head 38 closed on its seat against the dispensing flow so that no gasoline enters the pressure relief chamber 34. The level of gasoline conserved in the vacuum chamber 34 is rapidly dropping, as indicated by the arrow in the chamber, due to the dispensing operation. Since the pressure relief valve 37 above the chamber 34 is closed (Figure 2) while the force pump 15 is running, it follows that the drop of the liquid level in chamber 34 sets up an atmosphere or gaseous rarefaetion thus producmg e negative pressure or vacuum. This action conditions or energizes the chamber 34 for its next pressure relieving function when the dispenser is at rest and the hydrostatic pressure of the conned liquid column runs up in the hose and pipe lines to the safety limit of say 40 or 50 pounds pressure at which the safety valve 37 is set to open.

Continuing the dispensing operation in the above paragraph, but turning now to the air cushion and feed-back dome 31, the gasoline is propelled up thereinto until the vapor or air above the rising liquid level equalizes with the pumping or flow-pressure and said level then comes to rest. Hence the dome 31 is now surcharged with pressure equal to that of the dispensing pressure. The dome 3l does not necessarily contribute to the dispensing operation, although priming itself by receiving liquid, as seen in Figure 2, whereupon the compressed vapor at pumping pressure above the liquid level acts as a cushion to absorb the shock and inertia of the flowing column of liquid when the discharge nozzle 28 suddenly closes at the end of the dispensing operation being described.

This last named function produced a surgedup pressure in the dome 31 higher than the pump dispensing pressure because the nal rush of liquid, propelled by inertia, surged upwardly into the dome 31 and compressed its light end vapors and air above pumping and dispensing pressure a very appreciable amount. This over-pump surged-up hydrostatic head in the dome 3l was instantly trapped when the hose nozzle 28 and inlet check vrgrlve 10 closed. This inertia-produced pressure in the dome 31 now reacts or feeds back reversely to instantly impose a line pressure some number of pounds above dispensing pressure. The result is a tendency for steady back flow of gasoline from the dome 31 into the line 13 to coni tinuously restore or compensate for any shrinkage of the confined liquid column itherein. The presy sure relief Valve 37, it is to be remembered, is set at a pop-open pressure higher than the overpump surged-up pressure accumulated in the -1 therein.

lof the arrows which indicate back pressure in valve in the line 8. After a time, the expansion ofv this confined liquid rises to the safety limit of the relief valve 37 and it automatically opens, as intherein. system does "not take in air but keeps itself filled dicated diagrammatically in Figure 1, and the excess gas pressure then ows into the chamber 34. The rise of pressure in the flow lines frequently develops or starts in the service hose 27 dueto it ordinarily being exposed to the sun and pushes back thru the lines. The vacuum previously induced in the pressure reducing or absorption chamber 34, by reason of the former dispensing operation, facilitates removal of a quantity of gasoline and vapor pressure from the outlet' flow line 13, 27 and aids in popping open the automatic pressure relief valve 37 by which to drain some of the gasoline from line 13 down in to chamber 34. The valve'- 37 instantly closes as soon as enough liquid has drained from the line 13 to relieve its excess pressure and lower same down to some predetermined value, say about 40 pounds or to Whatever pressure the valve 37 may be adjusted, as required by safety regulations.

1t is noted by the dotted lines in Figure 1 that the receiving of excess pressure gasoline into vthe relief vacuum chamber 34 from the discharge line 13 thru the open valve 37 is raising the level of the gasoline in said chamber and hence is reducing the internal pressure on the conduit lines 8, 13 and 27. The dotted lines in the chamber 34 indicate that it is about half lled with excess pressure accumulated gasoline. On the other hand', it is noted in the dispensing view Figure 2 that the gasoline level in the vacuum chamber 34 is dropping, flowing out, and has reached a very low level, due to the fact that the gasoline previously accumulated therein, incident to relieving the internal pressure on the hose line 27, is being drained off and returned to the outlet line 13 by the pump 15. At the same time, the air is being rarefied in the upper end of the suction chamber 34 thus re-energizing it for the next pressure relief operation on the pipe and hose lines 13, 27.

Now as lto a pressure restoring operation, it has heretofore been mentioned. However, reference is made to Figure 1, Where the reader must necessarily regard the relief valve 37 as closed instead of being open since the pressure feedback chamber 31 only functions when the relief valve 37 has long since closed to cut-out the vacuum chamber 34 so the latter cannot absorb the restorative pressure from dome 31. Contraction or shrinkage of the liquid. gasoline in the flow lines 8, 13 and 27 comes about by evaporation thru the hose 27, leakage, a drop initemperature and cooling of the apparatus at night'or seasonably, or by operation of other causes. Unless compensated for, the conduit system will begin to draw in air. The pressure feed-back vcierne `3l fully corrects for this by gradually forcing its'" reserve of gasoline into the line 13 in exactly the same proportion shrinkage occurs The result is that the conduit flow solid with gasoline under the hydrostatic pressure or head of the vapor pressure formerly built up atthe end of the next prior dispensing operation when at the termination thereof the liquid surged up into the dome 31, as hereinabove explained. The construction described herein, therefore, does not need or use an air eliminator because air cannot leak into the flow lines.

It is noted that in the generalarrangement of the apparatus within Vthe curb pump stand 6 that the meter 25 may be installed in the upper portion of the housing or pump stand while the liquid propelling or forcing means l5 and motor 20 are disposed in the lower portion of the stand. The air cushion feed-back dome 31 is placed between the meter and motor driven pump. As to the vacuum chamber pressure relief means 34, its upper portion is connected to the outlet flow line 13 and its lower end is connected to the pump 15 on its inlet side. While the first views portray this particular relation of parts, it is to be understood that changes in these positions may be made without departing from the purpose and spirit of the invention, as observed for example in Figures 4 and 5.

Thesecond form in FigureY 3 This form of the invention is especially devised for use in connection with a meter 43 of the second type having a mechanical-accuracy adjustment means, (sometimes called a solid meter) as heretofore briefly discussed in the opening statements of this invention. Such a meter resists gradual slow iiow and does not satisfactorily" from the flow line and normal pressure restoredv without in any way passing the gasoline through and disturbing the position of the meter dial and its piston mechanism.

Figure 3 of thedrawings shows the hose and its discharge nozzle hanging in non-dispensing po- I have, therefore, prosition on a pump stand 42. I have coordinated 4 this modified form of the invention with a motor meter 43. In this manner, the equalization of pressure in the conned liquid column in the conduit system 13, 27 is effected around the meter with the latter cut-out of the ilow system. The upper part only of a dispensing stand 42 is shown inasmuch as the same pressure absorption chamber 34 and the related feed-back dome 31 in Figures 1 and 2 are used in conjunction with this bypassing line and valve means.

The discharge or outlet flow line 13, heretofore described in Figures 1 and 2, is also shown in Figure 3 as extending upwardly thru the dispensing stand 42. The line 13 is connected with the meter mechanism or bowl 43 of this mechanicalaccuracy type usually housing .the piston or other driving means for actuating the recording and dialing means 44. The outlet pipe line 13 continues from the meter bowl 43 upwardly through the stand 42 and connects with the upper end of the service hose 27 having the discharge nozzle 28, as heretofore described. During dispensing operations, the gasoline flows upwardly through pipe 13 and meter 43, indicating the measurement thereof on dial 44, and outwardly through the hose 27 to an automobile or other point of consumption. At the end of the dispensing operation the nozzle 28 is placed on a pivoted hose hook support lever 45 fulcrumed at 46 on any suitable support, as for example on a switch box 47 mounted inside the stand 42. This tilting hose hook 45 is employed to stop and start the motor and pump means 20, 15 later explained.

A by-pass pipe line or pressure equalizing tube 49 connects the outlet pipe 13 around the meter 43, thereby shunting or cutting-out the latter and placing the two sections of outlet piping 13 in direct communication with each other, when not dispensing, instead of going thru the meter 43, as when dispensing. A by-pass valve '50 is included in the by-pass pipe 49 for positively closing this line when in dispensing u se. A valve arm 51 is-xed on the movable element or core of the valve 50. An operating link 52 has its lower end pivotally connected to this valve arm 51 and its upper end pivotally connected at 53 to the rear end of the tiltable hose nozzle support 45; and this pivot 53 comprises a switch actuating p'm, the rear end of which projects beyond the pivotally connected lever 45 and link 52 for a purpose to be described.

-The foregoing valve actuating link 52 and related parts are so arranged that when the leverlike hose hook 45 is down, due to the weight of the hose and discharge nozzle 27. 28 thereon as in Figure 3, the by-pass Valve 50 is automatically opened. This operation serves to directly communicate the flexible discharge hose 27 back to the lower section of outlet piping 13 behind or below the meter 43, which connection takes place around said meter 43 now by-passed or cut-out from the entire conduit ow system 8, 13, 27. On the other hand, when the nozzle 28 is removed for dispensing use and the operator is compelled to manually thrust up the hose hook lever 45 to start the motor 20 in Figures 1 and 2, the bypass valve 50 is then automatically closed through the downward thrust of the link 52 which rotates the by-pass valve core 50 to positively close the by-pass \valve line 49, whereupon the meter 43 is again cut-in so the upward iiow of gasoline, when dispensing, can only take place through the meter 43.

'I'he switch box 47, heretofore mentioned, contains any suitable form of electric switch 55 for opening and closing an electric power circuit 54 to operate the pump-driving motor 20 in Figure l. A switch arm 56 is fixed to the switch 55 for actuating the latter. A forked lever 57 is fixed on a shaft 58 journalled in the switch box 47 and coacts with the switch arm 56 to actuate the latter. The switch arm 56, with its operating means 57 and other mechanism therefor, are standard in construction and hence are diagrammatically shown. A switch mechanism of any approved form is housed within the switch box 47. The shaft 58 is fixed in an operating yoke having two spaced parallel arms 59 swingable in a common plane transversely to the rear end of the projecting switch actuating pin 53 which also operatively connects the valve link 52 and hose hook 45.

The pivot and switch actuating pin 53, fixed in the rear end of the hose hook 45, piojects into the yoke 59 land lies within the operating plane of its two arms and consequently is engageable by rst one arm 59 and then the other. This yoke has its two arms 59 spaced apart and thus the hose support lever 45 has some freedom of action or movement in relation to said yoke 59 and consequently to switch arm 56. Therefore, a greater travel of the member 45 occurs for a shorter throw of the switch arm 56 and this movement is adequate to actuate the by-pass valve 50. It is this manually-operable mechanism which compels the operator to close the switch 55 to start the motor 20 by an up movement of the outer end of the hose nozzle support lever 45 before he can dispense gasoline. The reverse operation is, however, automatic because the weight of the hose line 27, 28 opens the switch 55 when the hose is replaced on its support 45. The link 52 is, therefore, coordinated with this switch operating mechanism 45, 59 so it follows that the pressure equalizing by-pass line and valve means 49, 50 is simultaneously set to perform its function with the manual starting and stopping of the motor and pumping means 20, 15.

In the performance of a dispensing operation, the operator closes the switch 55 and starts the motor 20, as above described. This operation simultaneously and positively closes the by--pass line 49 by reason of the interconnections 51 and 52 between the by-pass valve 50 and switch operatng mechanism 45, 59. Hence there is no possibility of dispensing gasoline through the bypass line 49 and around the meter without measur-ng it because said meter 43 is now positively and manually cut-in the flow line 13, 27 when the motor 20 starts.

At the end of the dispensing operation, the station attendant replaces the discharge hose on the lever support 4 5 and the weight of the hose and nozzle throws the front end of said member '45 to its down cut-off position. This opens the switch 55, thereby opening the power circuit 54 to stop the motor 20 and pump 15, at the same i time pulling up on link 52 to open the by-pass valve 50. The apparatus is now set to permit a compensating or pressure normalizing movelment which occurs thru a creeping ow of the liquid in either direction back and forth thru the conduit system from the closed discharge valve nozzle 28 to the check valve 10, by which excess gasoline pressure is either taken into the vacuum chamber 34 when internal expansion becomes excessive, or to lallow the over-pump hydrostatic pressure in the feed-back dome 3l to urge gasoline back into the line to keep it full and counteract',- ner a diminished pressure therein.

The/third form in Figures 4 and 5 This species of the invention is illustrated in connection with a visible flow indicator known as a visi gage and also shows a simple grouping of the pressure normalizing chamber combination in the upper portion of a dispensing stand 61. These two views may also employ either form of meter, the rst mentioned form is shown, i. e., like the meter 25'in Figure 1 of the internal by-pass valve accuracy-adjustment type, and I designate it as in this third description. l

The stand 61 receives an inlet pipe 62 having its lower end connected with a source of gasoline supply or a storage tank 63 and its upper end is connected with a pumping unit 64, 65 similar to the one previously described or of any approved suction force type and driven by a motor 66. The inlet pipe line 62 is provided with a check-valve 67 of any suitable form located at any' convenient point to retain the gasoline up in the pump and flow lines.

" relief chamber 81. spring 88 is tensioned or set to permit automatic ner/8,59%

An outlet or discharge pipe 69 has its lower end connected to the pumping unit 64, and its upper end communicates with a standard meter bowl 70 having an indicating dial 71. The discharge or outlet gasoline line 69 extends thru the upper end of the dispensing stand 61 and carries a depending flexible service hose 72 fitted with a discharge nozzle 73 placed on a hose hook support 74 projecting from said stand.

` It is usual to provide a -visible flow indicator 75 ordinarily known as the visi gage. This indicator comprises a glass container 75 rising from a base 76. It is usual practice to connect the hose 72 and discharge line 69 to this base 76, whereupon the gasoline rises upwardly in the visi gage sight chamber 75. Usually apropeller 77 spins in the Visi gage glass so as to make it readily apparent that gasoline is flowing thru the sight chamber into the discharge line 69, 72 and hence to the customer.

Figui-esa and 5 show the air dome and pressurerelief chamber placed in the upper yend of the dispensing stand 61 at a point adjacent the connection of the pipe 69 with meter 70. By

` way of illustration, there is provided a pipe flt- `port .80 in the stand 61 may support the meter 70 and the tting 79 if desired to thereby carry the vacuum relief chamber 81 and air dome 82. l

'from collecting therein and thus avoids an in- However, in some installations, the pressure compensating unit 81, 82 is supported directly by the upright pipe line 69 by use of a separate T connection-or other pipe tting for each chamber. Both chambers 81 and 82 have their lower ends placed in communication with the line 69 and their upper ends are sealed.

A pipe nipple or other fitting 84 may be used to support the air dome 82 in upright service. position on the manifold 79. The pressure relief vacuum chamber 81 may be screw-threaded down on to a neck 86 integral with the pipe fitting or unit housing 79. A pressure relief valve 87, during all dispensing operations, is held nbrmally closed by a spring 88 against a valve seat formed at the upper end of neck 86. Any form of pressure .relief valve may be used and it opens into the vacuum chamber 81 so that excess or abnormal pressure in the line 69, above pump dispensing pressure and above the feed-back pressure from dome 81, may force open the relief Valve 87 to admit a quantity of gasoline upwardly into the The relief or safety valve opening of the valve 87 whenA the hydrostatic head in the flow line 69 reaches a safety limit of predetermined value and to which the relief valve 87 is adjusted. In this form of the invention,-1 preferably locate the vacuum chamber high up in the stand to minimize the tendency of the vacuum chamber to lift or draw liquid u tliereinto from the inlet pipe line 62.

The lower end of the pressure relief chamber 81 is connected thru a tube or drain pipe 89 to the lower and hence inlet side of the pump unit 64, 65. For this purpose, the pipe 89 may be connected at the lower extremity of the hollow pipe-connection housing 64 on the vertical face of which the motor driven pump 65 is carried.

` The suction of the pump 65, therefore, evacuates or draws the pressure accumulated gasoline from the relief chamber 81 and returns it to the outlet line from whence it came. It is preferable to include a check valve 90 in the tube line 89 so that the ow of liquid can take place in one direction only and that is downwardly from re lief chamber 81 to theinlet side of the pumping unit 64, 65.. This check valve 96 opens under the suction flow downwardly to the pump in the direction of the arrows applied to the line 89 so that there is no possibility, when not dispensing, of liquid being sucked up into the vacuum chamber 8l from the lower portion of the piping system or from the inlet side of the pump 65.

At the end of a dispensing operation, the rush of liquid upwardly thru iiow line 69 is suddenly stopped when the discharge nozzle 73 is closed, whereupon the inertia of the fast moving liquid column surges upwardly into air dome 82 with the result that the air or gas vapors in said dome above the liquid level is compressed and surged up to a degree above that of normal dispensing or pumping pressure, but below the popoif pressure of the safety relief valve 87. This inertia-produced pressure is conserved in the upper end of the air dome 82 and acts to feed gasoline therefrom back into the discharge lines 69 and 72 should there occur contraction of the confined liquid column, as by a drop in temperature, due to evaporation, or for other causes. In this way, the dome 82 feeds back gasoline under pressure to the flow lines to keep them normally full and thus exclude air from the lines. The pressure restoring dome 81 maintains the visi gage 75 full and prevents air or gas bubbles elcient and erroneously measured liquid dispensing operation.

The air cushion and pressure restoring chamber 82 is preferably placed high up-in the dispensing stand 61 to avoid too great a difference in gravity head between the visi gage 75 and said chamber. By locating the chamber or dome 82 comparatively close .to the visi gage, it follows that most of the inertia-produced vapor pressure, in the upper end of said dome above the liquid therein, is actually available for impressing the gasoline from said dome out thru the meter 70 and up the pipe line 69' into the visi gage' and down the hose line 72. It is noted that the reference HC denotes the initial and maximum height of the liquid suddenly forced up into the 'or cont'r ti'on of the liquidin the line caused by a drep in temperature. The arrows in the dome Sportray the expansive force of the high compression HC level working the entrapped liquid downwardlyt'o/'effect pressure compensation throughout the flow lines.

It may also be pointed out that" the correct operation of the air dome 82 is not dependent on the surged-up over-pump pressure. It is obvious that the termination of a dispensing operation will leave a stored pressure in the dome 821 at least equal in value to that of pumping-flow pressure and this is true even though the operator very slowly closes the discharge nozzle 73 kso that the liquid may not be surged up into the dome and produce the high compression HC. Furthermore the .stored pressure in the dome 82 may gradually drop below that of pumping pressoI sure. In any event, the stored pressure is suiiicient to always keep the flow lines full because the compressed vapor in the dome is elastic and expands to push back in the flow line at all times.

The pressure relief chamber 81 absorbs or draws off pressure from the line"69, 72 and thereby compensates for an abnormal increase or over pressure which might tend to produce leaks and cause damage and loss of motor fuel. In this connection, it is to be remembered that the pressure relief valve 87 is set to automatically open and admit gasoline into the chamber 81 at a higher pressure than the pressure generated in the air dome 82 when the discharge nozzle 73 was suddenly closed. Hence the air dome 82 can always perform its function of feeding pressure gasoline back into the line 69, 72 without losing its effect due to misoperation of the relief valve 87 nasm/uch as said valve cannot open in response to the comparatively lower feed-back pressure acting from said dome. Also the stored pressure in dome 82, will rell or restore the liquid column in the lines after excess pressure therein has opened the relief valve 87 and the vacuum chamber 8l has drawn off considerable liquid, followed by a shrinkage of the liquid column due to a long period of non-dispensing.

This invention lls a need felt for a safe, ecient gasoline dispensing apparatus, wherein the liquid lines are always Well lled and maintained at substantially normal pressure.

What is claimed is:

1. A curb pump comprising an upright dispenser stand enclosing a flow line, including a meter and suction force pump, and a discharge hose connected with the flow line and carried on the stand; a pressure relief chamber closed to atmosphere, a relief valve interconnected between the chamber and the flow line and adjusted to positively close against the dispensing force of the pump, and an open ilow connection from the chamber to the suction side of the pump whereby said pump evacuates said chamber.

2. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow line including a discharge hose, a meter in the fiow line, a suction force pump to dispense liquid thru the meter and flow line, means to reduce the hydrostatic pressure of the confined liquid in the flow line when not dispensing, including a negative pressure means, a relief valve connecting the negative pressure means to the flow line, said relief valve remaining closed against the dispensing pressure of the pump but adapted to open when the hydrostatic pressure in the flow line rises to a predetermined value, and a drain connection between the suction side of the pump and the negative pressure means to evacuate the latter and induce a negative pressure therein during dispensing operations.

3. A liquid dispenser comprising an outlet line having a meter therein, an inlet line having a check valve and adapted to connect with a source of liquid supply, a suction force pump interconnected between the outlet and inlet lines, a discharge hose and nozzle connected with the outlet line and closed to confine liquid in the lines from the nozzle to the check valve, a chamber by-pass -connected around the pump with the outlet line between the pump and meter and to the inlet line to take in liquid from the outlet line and return it to the inlet line, and a normally closed valve means between the chamber and the'outlet line which opens upon excessive pressures existing gin the latter.

4. A liquid dispenser comprising an outlet line having a meter therein, an inlet line having a check valve and adapted to connect with a source of liquid supply, a suction force pump interconnected between the outlet and inlet lines, a discharge hose and nozzle connected with the outlet line and closed to confine liquid in the lines from the nozzle to the check valve, a pressure relief chamber, a relief valve interconnected between the chamber and outlet line, said relief valve adapted to positively hold. closed against the' force pump on its outlet side during dispensing operations but adapted to open under a greater pressure to admit liquid into the chamber and reduce the pressure in the lines, and a continuously open communication between the chamber and the inlet suction side of the pump to evacuate said chamber when the pump is running.

5. A curb pump comprising an upright dispensing stand enclosing a flow line, a meter in the-upper portion of the stand through which the flow line conveys and measures the dispensed liquid, a flexible hose connected with the upper end of the flow line and having a discharge nozzle closed and hanging on the outside of the stand when not in dispensing use, a suction force pump and a driving motor therefor mounted in the lower portion of the stand and lsaid pump being connected with the ow line to force liquid therethrough, an upright air dome mounted in the stand above the suction force pump and the lower end of said dome being connected in continuously open communication with the flow line at a point above said pump; and a pressure relief chamber mounted upright in the stand and connected with the flow line thru a pressure relief valve which positively closes against the ow line pressure of the pump when dispensing but adjusted to open under a higher pressure when not dispensing, and a ow connection between the relief chamber and the inlet side of the force pump whereby the suction of said pump evacuates said relief chamber.

6. A dispensing stand enclosing a ow system, a discharge hose carried by the stand and connected with the flow system, a meter and a suction force pump supported by the stand and communicating with the flow system to measure and propel liquid therethrough, and a pair of chambers forming means to normalize and maintain substantially a constant pressure in the flow system when not dispensing; one chamber being a positive pressure means and having its lower end in continuously open communication with the flow system above the pump, to absorb the inertia shock of the suddenly stopped column of liquid in the flow system at the end of a dispensing operation, thereby energizing itself with a feed-back pressure higher than the pump -propelling pressure to compensate for shrinkage of the conned liquid column in the flow system when not dispensing; the other chamber being a negative pressure means having an outflow connection with the inlet side of the suction force pump by which the latter evacuates said negative pressure means into the flow system to remove liquid therefrom and induce a negative pressure therein, and a pressure relief valve between the negative pressure means and flow system and adapted to open at a pressure higher than the feed-back pressure of the positive pressure means and higher than the pump propelling pressure by which to suck in liquid from the flow system in event of excess pressure therein.

7. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow line including a meter and a liquid forcing means to propel the liquid through the line for dispensing operations, a pressure relief chamber, means to communicate the chamber with the flow line only when the hydrostatic pressure has reached a predetermined value in said flow line above dispensing pressure, and an air cushion dome in continuously open communication with the ow line to receive the shock of the suddenly stopped liquid ow at the end of a dispensing operation thereby building up a hydrostatic head greater than the dispensing pressure but lower than the aforesaid pressure of predeterminedvalue.

8. A gasoline dispenser comprising a flow line including a meter and a discharge hose, propelling means to force gasoline through the flow line and produce a suction to draw it into said line, a pressure reducing chamber in constant communication with the suction of the fiow line by which gasoline drains from the chamber to said flow line and a negative pressure is induced in said chamber,- a pressure relief valve interconnected.

between the pressure reducing chamber and the flow line and said valve being set to positively close against the propelling pressure through the flow line and against the negative pressure in the pressure' reducing chamber, said pressure relief valve being set to open under excessive hydrostatic pressure of the flow line to draw gasoline therefrom into the pressure reducing chamber, and an air dome in constant communication with the flow line between the discharge hose and propellingmeans and adapted to receive gasoline surged up thereinto as a result of the inertia of the suddenly stopped dispensing flow which compresses the air therein and adapts said dome to maintain the flow line under pressure when not dispensing.

9. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow line including a meter and'liquid propelling means, pressure normalizing means to maintain' the hydrostatic head in the flow line at substantially a constant pressure and approximately at dispensing pressure, including pressure relief means connected to the flow line to reduce the line pressure, pressure restoring means connected to the ow line to retain dispensing pressure in the ow line in order to increase the line pressure and compensate for diminished pressure when not dispensing, 'and means to positively shut oil communication between the iiow line and pressure relief means at the pressure delivered by the liquid propelling means.

l0. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow line including a meter and liquid propelling means, pressure normalizing means to maintain the hydrostatic head in the ow line at substantially a constant pressure when not dispensing; including a vacuum chamber connected to the flow line, a pressure relief valve between the vacuum chamber and flow line, said relief valve being adjusted to remain closed against the pressure of the liquid propelling means, but to open under a hydrostatic pressure, when not dispensing, of substantially greater value than the flow pressure of the liquid propelling means; and an air dome in open communication with the ilow line, to cushion the shock of the suddenly stopped liquid flow, store up air pressure of higher value than the ilow pressure but less than the hydrostatic pressure at which the relief valve opens, and thus keeping the ilow line (when not dispensing) under a normal pressure higher than the liquid propelling pressure but below the pressure at which the relief valve opens.

11. A liquid dispenser comprising a ow line and discharge hose, including a'liquid forcing means to propel liquid through the line for dispensing operations, a pressure relief chamber, means to communicate the chamber with the ilow line only when the hydrostatic pressure has reached a. predetermined value in said now line above dispensing pressure; and a pressure storing chamber having its lower end in continuously open communication with the flow line with entrapped air at its upper end, to receive the shock of the suddenly stopped liquid flow at the end of a dispensing operation, thereby compressing the entrapped air to greater pressure than the dispensing pressure but lower than the aforesaid pressure of predetermined value, whereby the compressed air acts to feed back liquid into the flow line tokeep the latter under pressure when not dispensing.

12. A curb pump comprising an upright dispensing stand enclosing a conduit ow line, a meter in the stand through which the flow line' conveys and measures the dispensed liquid, a

hose connected with the upper end of the flow line and having a. discharge nozzle hanging on the outside of the stand when not in dispensing use, a`4 suction force pump and driving motor therefor mounted in the lower portion of the stand and said pump being connected with the ow line to force liquid therethrough, an upright air dome mounted in the stand and the lower end of said dome being connected in continuously open communication with the flow line at a point above the force pump; and a pressure relief chamber mounted upright in the stand and connected with the flow line above the force pump thru a pressure relief valve which is positively closed against the flow line pressure produced by said pump when dispensing but adjusted to openI under abnormally high pressure, and a flow connection between the relief chamber and the inlet side of the force pump whereby the suction of said pump evacuatesv said relief chamber, the air dome and pressure relief chamber serving to maintain a normal and safe pressure when not dispensing by equalizing directly thru the meter by reason of a gradual and slow liquid movement in either direction thru said meter.

13. A liquid dispenser comprising an out1et line having a hose and discharge nozzle closed when not dispensing, a meteri'n the outlet line, a suction pump connected with the outlet line, an inlet line connected with the force pump and adapted to communicate with a source of liquid supply, a check valve in the inlet line to trap and hold liquid in both lines from said check valve to the closed discharge nozzle; a pair of chambers connected in the lines, one chamber being positive pressure charged by the pump pressure and the inertia of the owing liquid when the discharge nozzle is closed at the end of a dispensing operation, the other chamber having communication with the suction side of the pump and being negative pressure energized and-also communicating thru a relief valve with the outlet line; whereby the gradual. movement in eitherdirection of liquid directly thru the meter when not dispensing due to pressure variations in the lines, is equalized by the positive orl liO mounted above the outlet flow line and connected therewith, a discharge hose carried by the stand and connected with the outlet flow line and with the visible ilow gage, a meter and a suction force pump supported by the stand and included in outlet flow line to measure and propel liquid thru the flow gage and hose, a nozzle on the hose adapted to be closed to keep the line full when not dispensing, a pair of chambers forming means to normalize and maintain substantially a constant pressure in the line when not dispensing; one chamber being positive pressure charged and having its lower end in continuously opencommunication with the ow system above the pump, to absorb the inertia shock of the suddenly stopped column of liquid in the flow system at the end of a dispensing operation, thereby energizing itself with a feed-back pressure somewhat higher than the pump propelling pressure during the dispensing operation, and by which to compensate for any shrinkage of the confined liquid column in the line and keep it under pressure to maintain a full charge of liquid in the visible flow gage when not dispensing; the other chamber being energized by a negative pressure and having an outow connection with the suction side of the pump by which the latter evacuates said chamber, and a pressure relief valve between the negative pressure chamber and the line and being set to open at a positive pressure higher than the feed-back of the positive pressure means by which to drawoff a quantity of liquid from the hose, the visible flow gage, l

and the line, in event expansion therein produces an abnormal pressure.

l5. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow line including a meter and a suction pump, a visi gage and a hose connected to the flow line, pressure -normalizing means to maintain the hydrostatic head in the line at substantially a constant pressure when not dispensing to keep the line and visi gage full, including a vacuum chamber connected to the iiow line, apressure relief valve between the vacuum chamber and flow line, said relief valve being adjusted to remain closed against the pressure of the suction pump when dispensing, but to open under a hydrostatic pressure of greater value than the pump pressure when said pump is not running so as to relieve excess pressure in the hose and visi gage as well as the line, and an air dome in open communication with the flow line to cushion the shock f the suddenly stopped liquid flow and store up air pressure higher than the ow pressure but lower than the hydrostatic pressure at which the relief valve opens to keep the ow line under pressure when not dispensing and consequently prevent a drop of the liquid level in the visi gage.

16. A curb pump comprising a dispensing stand, an outlet flow line extending from the top of the stand, a hose and discharge nozzle carried on the stand and connected with the outlet line, a visi gage to indicate flow thru the hose, a meter in the outlet line, a pump having its outlet side connected with the outlet line, an inlet line convvnected with the inlet side of the pump and adapted to communicate with a liquid supply, a check valve in the inlet linel to retain the inlet and outlet lines full of liquid from said check-valve to' the discharge nozzle, an air pressure dome gmounted in the upper part of the stand and having its lower end connected with the outlet .line to entrapair and compress it above the liquid therein at the end of a dispensing operatQIl and hence urge liquid back into the line to keep the visi gage filled, and a vacuum chamber connected with the outlet line thru a relief valve to take in excess pressure generated by expansion in the lines, and an open connection between the vacuum chamber and inlet line to evacuate said chamber.

17. A gasoline dispenser comprising an upright pump stand enclosing a suction force pump, a meter, an outlet and an inlet line; a hose and discharge nozzle carried on the stand, and a visi gage on the stand to indicate flow thru the meter to the hose; a pressure reducing chamber mounted in the vupper end of the stand and in open communication with the suction side of the pump by which gasoline flows from the chamber to said pump and a negative pressure is built up in said chamber, a pressure relief valve interconnected between the pressure reducing chamber and the outlet line and said valve being adapted to positively close against pumping pressure in the outlet line and against the negative pressure in said chamber, said pressure relief valve being set to open under excessive hydrostatic pressure of the outlet line to draw liquid therefrom into the reducing chamber, and an air dome mounted in the upper end of the stand and in constant communication with the outlet line between the visi gage and pump and adapted to receive gasoline up thereinto as a result of the inertia of the suddenly stopped dispensing' flow which compresses the air therein and produces a pressure adapted to feed back gasoline into the outlet line and visi gage under pressure to avoid intake of air should shrinkage occur in the confined liquid.

18. A liquid dispenser comprising a ow line including a meter and liquid propelling means, a hose and nozzle connected therewith, a visi gage to indicate flow, pressure normalizing means disposed adjacent the meter and proximate the visi gage to maintain the hydrostatic head in the flow line at substantially a constant pressure when not dispensing and to maintain the visi gage full, including pressure relief means connected to the ow line to reduce the line pressure, pressure storing and feed-back means connected to the flow line at an upper position therein to increase the line pressure, and means to positively shut oi communication between the flow line and pressure relief means at the operating pressure o f the liquid propelling means.

19. A liquid dispenser comprising an outlet line having a visi gage and hose, a meter in the outlet line, a pump to dispense liquid therethrough, a pair of closely mounted upright chambers having their lower ends disposed proximate the meter and connected with the outlet line adjacent the meter, one chamber being in open communication with the outlet line and adapted to entrap liquid and compressed air therein and feed back said liquid under pressure to keep the outlet line and visi gage full between dispensing operations, a pressure relief valve in the connection for the other chamber to the outlet line and positively closed against the dispensing pressure but opening under higher pressures to discharge liquid from the outlet line, and a drain connection from the last named chamber to the pump by which the liquid is returned to the outlet line.

20. A liquid dispenser comprising an outlet line supported on the pipe fitting and opening directly thereinto and adapted to receive liquid from the hollow member andA retain a charge of compressed air in its upper end at the termination of each dispensing operation and to feed back into the outlet line to keep full the visi gage as 4well as the hose when not dispensing, av pressure 21. A curb pump comprising an upright dispensing stand enclosing a meter, an outlet line running thru said meter, a pump connected with the outlet line, a hose and discharge nozzle connected with the outlet line and carried on the stand, a hose support pivoted on the 4stand on which rests said hose and nozzle and the weight of which actuates said support, a by-pass valve and pressure equalizing line connected into the outlet line around the meter, and an operating connection between the by-pass valve and the pivoted hose support so that said valve is actuated by the weight of the hose and nozzle as aforesaid, whereby the dispensing ow is directed thru the meter but the liquid movement seeking equalization ,in pressure takes place thru the by-pass valve and pressure equalizing line. y

22. A curb pump comprising an upright dispensing stand enclosing a meter, an outlet line running thru said meter, a pump connection with the outlet line, a hose and discharge nozzle connected with the outlet line and carried on the stand', a hose support pivoted on the stand on which rests said hose and nozzle and the weight of which actuates said support, a by-pass valve and pressure equallzing line connected into the outlet line around the meter, and an operating connection between the by-pass valve and the pivoted hose supportfso that said valve is actuated by the weight of the hose and nozzle as aforesaid, and pressure normalizing means .in communication with the outlet line below the by-pass valve and pressure equalizing line, whereby the dispensingy ow is thru the meter but the liquid movement incident to normalizing the pressure is thru the by-pass valve and pressure equalizing line.-

23. A liquid dispenser comprising a pump and outlet line having a meter, a hose and nozzle connected with the outlet line, a visi gage to indicate ilow, a by-pass pressure equalization line and valve connected around the meter to the outlet line, a pivoted hose support on which rests the hose and nozzle to actuate said support, an operating connection between the pivoted hose support and by-pass valve automatically opening the latter when the hose hangsat rest on its support, and

pressure compensating means in the outlet linel 'joutlet line having a meter, a hose and nozzle connected with the o`utlet line, a visi gage to indicate flow, a by-pass pressurel equalization line and valve 'connected'around the meter to the outlet line, a pivoted hose support on which rests the hose and nozzle to actuate said support, an opi erating connection between the pivoted hose support and by-pass valve automatically opening the latter when the hose hangs at rest on its support, an electric switch, an operating connection between the switch and pivoted hose support whereby the switch is open when the by-pass valve is open, and pressure compensating means in the outlet line below the by-pass valve and pressure equalizingline comprising a negative pressure means to draw liquid out of the outlet'line and positive pressure means to feed liquid to the line to maintain it and the visi gage full despite contraction of the liquid therein.

25. A liquid dispenser comprising a discharge line and hose, a meter, a suction pump on the inlet side of the meter to dispense liquid therethrough, a by-pass valve for the meter which closes to direct the dispensing ow thru the meter but opens to afford a free movement of liquid in the discharge lnefwitho'ut passing thru said meter when not dispensing, a vacuum chamber having a drain connection with the suction side of the pump, and a pressure relief valve communieating the vacuum chamber with the discharge line and adapted to open under pressure considerably greater than the dispensing pressure to remove excess liquid from the line.

26. A liquid Adispenser comprising a discharge line and hose, a lmeter, a suction pump on the inlet side of the meter to dispense liquid therethrough, a bi1-pass valve for the meter which closes to direct the dispensing flow thru the meter but opens to afford a free movement of liquid in the discharge line in both directions without passing thru said meter when not dispensing, a visi gage in the discharge line to indicate flow, a pressure storing means for the discharge line comprising an air chamber, continuously open at its bottom to the discharge line betwen'the pump and the by-pass valve, said air chamber entrapping air and liquid in its upper portion at the end of each dispensing operation, and adapted to' feed liquid into the discharge line and thru the open by-pass valve when not dispensing to compensate for a drop'in pressure in said line and maintain the visi gage full.

27. A liquid dispenser comprising a discharge line and hose, a meter, a suction pump on the inlet side of the meter to dispense liquid therethrough, ahy-pass valve for the meter which closes to direct the dispensing flow thru the meter but opens to afford a free movement of liquid in the discharge line in both directions Without passing thru said meter when not dispensing, a vacuum chamber having a drain connection with the suction side of the pump, a pressure relief valve communicating the vacuum chamber with the discharge line and adapted to open under pressure considerably greater than the dispensing pressure to remove excess liquid from the line, a visi gage in the discharge line to indicate ow, a pressure storing means for the discharge line comprising an air chamber continuously open at its bottom to the discharge line between the pump and the by-pass valve, said air chamber entrapping air and liquid in its upper portion at the end of each dispensing operation, and adapted to feed liquid into the discharge line and thru the open bypassvalve when not dispensing to compensate for a drop in pressure in said line and maintain the visi gage full.

28. A liquid dispenser comprising a flow system and discharge line having a hose and nozzle normally closed to retain liquid in said line when not dispensing, a-visible flow indicator in the discharge line, a meter included in the discharge line, a pump adapted to draw liquid from a source of supply and dispense it thruthe meter and discharge line `as shown by the flow indicator, a pressure equalizing line having one end connected with the discharge line between the hose and meter and its other end connected to said line-between the pump and meter thereby bypassing said meter, a by-pass valve in the pressure equalizing line, a manual control for the by-pass valve to close said valve when dispensing and open it to cut out the meter and permit flow in both directions when not dispensing, and means communicating with the flow system to compensate for a pressure variation in the hydrostatic head of the .conned liquid, said pressure variation and the means to compensate thereof acting thru the open by-pass valve and pressureA equalizing line when not dispensing and with the meter cut-out of the discharge line line, a pump under the meter to propel liquid thru the line; an air dome located above the pump under the meter and having its lower'end opening into the line to receive liquid into the lower end of said dome and compress air inl its upper portion at the end of a dispensing operation and act as a pressure feed-back chamber for the line to compensate for a drop in pressure therein, an upright vacuum chamber under the air dome and adjacent the pump and having a drain connection to the inlet side of the pump, and a relief valve connection between the upper portion o'f the vacuum chamber and the outlet line and adapted to open under pressure considerably greater than dispensing pressure to drain excess liquid pressure from the line into the chamber. I

30. A liquid dispenser comprising a stand enclosing a meter; an outlet line running through said meter including a hose, a discharge nozzle carried on the hose, and a normally closed'valve meansbetween the meter and nozzle; a hose supporting means movably mounted on the stand on which said hose and nozzle is hung. when not in use and the weight of which actuates said supporting means, a pressure equalizing line including a by-pass valve connected into the outlet line around the meter, an operating connection between the oy-pass valve and the movable hose supporting means so that said by-pass valve is actuated to open position by the weight of the hose and nozzle as aforesaid, whereby the .dispensing flow is directed through the meter but .the liquid movement seeking equalizationv in pressure when not dispensing liquid takes place through the by-pass valve and pressure equalizing line, and a pump connected with the outlet line.

31. A curb pump having a meter to measure the ow of liquid comprising a dispensingy stand, an outlet line in which the meter is connected, a dispensing valve means in said outlet line controlling the dispensingof liquid therethrough, a pump connected with the outlet line, an inlet line connected with the pump and adapted to be connected with a source of liquid supply, a pump by-pass connection connecting the inlet and/outlet lines and operable to circulate the liquid therethrough upon closing of the dispensing valve, a check valve in said inlet line preventing return flow of liquid to the liquid supply, a negative pressure chamber connected to the inlet line on the liquid supply side of said check valve, and a relief valve connecting the outlet line with the negative pressure chamber and relieving pressures in excess of delivery pressure. v

32. A curb pump having a meter to measure the ow of liquid comprising a dispensing stand, an outlet linein which the meter is connected, a dispensing valve means in said outlet line controlling the dispensing of liquid therethrough, a pump connected with the outlet line, an inlet line connected with the pump and adapted to be connected with a. source of liquid supply, a pump by-pass connection connecting the inlet and outthe liquid supply side of said check valve, a relief chamber in continuous open communication with the outlet line.

WILLIAM J. PETER.

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