WO2004106219A1 - Anti-drip valve for fuel dispenser nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

A secondary valve (10) is fitted, as a self-contained cartridge insert, within a discharge nozzle spout (25) of a flow delivery controller, such as a garage forecourt fuel gun dispenser (20), and is operative in conjunction with a primary regulator and control valve (28) to inhibit spillage, by temporary containment of discharge residue within the spout between successive discharge cycles; the configuration allowing retro-fit adaptation of existing nozzles.

Description

ANTI-DRIP VALVE FOR FUEL DISPENSER NOZZLE

Delivery Flow vaive {Dribble Inhibitor}

Layout

This text is laid out with a wide right-hand margin, for ease of reader interaction, by say manuscript marginal annotation.

Similarly, sentences are kept short and paragraphs limited to a single sentence for ease of comprehension. Sub-headings are used for ease of identification of, and cross-reference, to salient points.

Bracketed terms are optional qualifiers.

Background

This invention relates to delivery flow control, to address inadvertent spillage and attendant wastage.

As such it is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with fuel conservation, such as fuel (motor spirit) dispensing from a filling station garage forecourt to a motor vehicle fuel tank. Although the emphasis is upon fuel - as a precious energy medium derived from a finite natural resource - the principles apply to wider liquids, or even solid particulate (powder) flowing media.

Thus, in a wider industrial and commercial context, other diverse examples might include beverages or flowable powders.

Problem

In discharge regulation and control a residue may arise downstream - and so beyond the scope or control - of a dispensing regulator valve.

Moreover, the residue may prove difficult to drain or exhaust - for reasons not necessarily entirely understood - but which may reflect surface tension attendant surface wetting and inadequate venting against air lock effects.

Exposed residue may itself entrap dirt, debris and precipitates. Thus discharge residue represents wastage, but also a contaminant - possibly even hazardous.

In a pressurised delivery, once a primary regulator valve has shut-off a supply, reliance is typically placed upon gravity drainage of any downstream residue.

However, conventional fuel delivery valves entrap, or allow entrapment of, a residual quantity of fluid (fuel) downstream of a regulator valve.

In practice this entrapment cannot be completely exhausted, [whether passively, by patient waiting, or pro-actively by shaking] - and so is typically wasted through inadvertent spillage at a delivery station.

Taken individually, the entrapped volume may seem insignificant or trivial, - although informal measurements by the Applicants have shown amounts between some 5ml and 20ml.

Nozzle Control / Discharge Configuration

It is convenient in configuration, construction and use to locate a primary flow control and regulator valve somewhat upstream of a nozzle outlet spout.

This keeps the discharge away from the operator and 'safely' into the mouth of a tank fill passage.

This is particularly so in a fuel delivery context, where a handle and valve operating trigger are conveniently juxtaposed - so a finger pull trigger can be operated while gripping the handle - yet the delivery point is somewhat (say, 5-10 inches, circa 12.5-25.5cm) remote.

A nozzle outlet spout represents a volume downstream of regulation and control by a primary valve - and yet one which can prove stubbornly resistant to complete exhaustion by drainage.

Alongside spout drainage are considerations of high supply rates and venting of displaced tank air. Tank Venting & Automatic Valve Shut-Off

Tank fill requires venting of displaced air and volatile evaporative fumes.

Advantage can be taken of this displacement to monitor fill progress and determine delivery shut-off without over-fill and spillage.

It is common to employ automatic shut off valves in fuel delivery or dispenser systems. Thus, in one approach, an air flow sensor monitors fuel tank replenishment by change in displaced air and upon tank fill trips an over-ride coupling, disabling the fuel trigger and halting the fuel flow.

An isolated air flow passage is commonly integrated into the nozzle, to communicate between tank fill pipe and a valve trigger.

Conventional automatic shut off valves still leave residual fuel in a spout downstream of the valve - which cannot be drained totally or adequately. Speculatively, contributory factors may be that, for private motor vehicles, nozzle handle and spout orientation are configured for ease of use upon delivery.

That is, a nozzle is slightly canted with respect to a handle - which sits generally upright in a pump holder and is held generally horizontally upon insertion into a vehicle tank filler passage mouth.

Nozzle orientation and interfit with a downward tank fill pipe impedes upending or inversion for drainage. Fuel may also be entrapped in the nozzle vent passage.

Only upon removal of the nozzle from the fill pipe can it be more downwardly inclined.

Indeed, this generally happens naturally with a relaxing of wrist support action, and this is when dribble discharge arises.

Even upon careful nozzle return to a pump docking station the next user suffers from unexpected dribble when the nozzle is removed and re- orientated downwardly to a tank filler pipe - even before a fresh delivery cycle has commenced.

Commercial vehicle filler nozzle variants have an abruptly cranked handle and nozzle configuration, which should facilitate spout gravity drainage - but air lock and surface tension effects may still entrap fuel in the nozzle, with attendant wastage dribble.

Prior Art

Patents

Various earlier proposals have been made to address the problem of nozzle drip. Thus, by way of non- exhaustive background, attention is drawn to:

US 5,645,116 McDonald - non-drip liquid dispensing nozzle, but with a cumbersome and vulnerable external spring stopper at a nozzle outlet. US 5, 620, 032 Dame - retro-fit anti-drip nozzle valve for fuel dispensing nozzles using C-spring mounted rubber flap valves. These are insecure, fragile and vulnerable to interference.

US 6,520,222 Carmack et al - vapour assisted fuel dispensing nozzle with interconnected spring biassed poppet regulator valve and recessed ball valve at discharge end.

US 4,331 ,187, US 3,648,894, US 6,491 ,282 teach various liquid dispensing valve configurations with refinements such as flow anti-shock conditioning.

WO 02/087969 and WO 03/010022 teach fuel dispensing nozzle elaboration respectively with interactive user interface and shroud interaction with a fuel tank filler neck. Proprietary

Non-exhaustive examples of proprietary automatic nozzle dispensing nozzles are those of OPW Fuelling Components (Dispensing Products), of Cincinnati. Ohio, USA. Health and Safety, Fire, etc regulations prescribing dispensing nozzle requirements can be found inter alia at internet web site ref:

• www.gepower.com/geooilandgas/en_us/ prod_soIutions/fuel_dispensers Some nozzle valve variants are also configured to shut-off upon upright orientation for return to the pump, but this still leaves a downstream residue. Residue Discharge

Residual fuel is inadvertently discharged and spilled over the vehicle (creating unsightly and even harmful paintwork stains or discolouration) or filling station forecourt upon nozzle removal from a vehicle fill neck and re-orientation for docking back at a fuel pump.

Health & Safety

For low volatility fuels, such as diesel, accumulated ground spillage creates a slippery hazardous surface and unsavoury environmental fumes.

Accidental spillage or leaks can cause respiratory problems, dermatitis or chemical burns.

The forecourt surface thus becomes progressively slippery and so hazardous to pedestrians. Quantification

As recognised, the individual amount per delivery is modest, but cumulatively, wastage through spillage is significant.

Wastage represents fuel metered through the pump and thus paid for by the consumer.

It may be disregarded in an individual transaction, but represents a proportionately greater fraction of total delivery for modest purchase.

From a wider environmental perspective, the cumulative wastage represents a notable issue.

Cost Savings

Applicants' calculations suggest ...

• Residual fuel averages 5 -10ml - equating to annual 1 litre per vehicle wastage. This represents a modest, but cumulatively worthwhile cost saving to individual motorists.

• Extrapolated over some 29 million UK vehicles in 2001 - annual wastage totals some 6.8 Million Imperial gallons (31 Million litres).

• At 4.55 litres per gallon, and at nominally £0.82 per litre, this represents an overall potential annual saving of £25,420,000.

Corresponding USA estimates indicate ...

For 191 ,275,719 licensed US drivers in 2001 , and 1 refuelling per week, represents an annual total wastage spillage of 45,006,049 US gallons (170,366,428 litres);

Conservation

From a wider industry, socio-economic and political perspective ...

Potential savings for UK & USA motorists would be some 51.8 Million Imp Gallons (235.5 Million litres) per annum.

Over a five year period, potential world-wide fuel saving could exceed 1 billion Imp gallons (4.55 billion litres).

The cumulative effect is thus difficult to ignore.

Statement(s) of Invention

An in-line secondary automatic shut-off valve, at or adjacent the output end of a fuel dispenser delivery line

- such as at a petrol filling station - and configured to inhibit fuel spillage and attendant wastage [or evaporation] of residual fuel in a delivery nozzle downstream of a primary control or regulator valve.

In a particular construction ...

An adjustable secondary valve closure bias, such as a variable tension valve spring, may be employed to allow setting to individual locations and flow delivery characteristics.

Primary shut-off valves may themselves be configured to avoid shock reaction loads upon the pump and pump drive motor. The secondary valve must not impede high delivery volumetric flow rates, nor communication of displaced tank air to trigger primary valve disabling. Ready Installation

It is envisaged that the secondary valve would be configured readily and securely to fit into existing filling stations fuel dispenser nozzles. Diverse valve configurations are feasible, including poppet, spool, diaphragm, rotary, etc, in addition to the particular embodiments described herein - in which a simplified approach is adopted to convey generic operational principles and requirements. Modular Cartridge Insert

For ease of installation and maintenance, a secondary valve could be configured as a modular, self-contained cartridge insert.

In a particular construction, a valve assembly is fitted upon, a flexible spigot insert or 'bung', for interference fit within the end of an existing dispenser nozzle.

A threaded interconnection between valve and mounting stem could be employed. A wedge-action expansion joint could be incorporated, to drive a flared stem profile against a nozzle internal wall, say upon fitment of the valve assembly.

Removal of the valve, say by unscrewing a threaded coupling, could release the stem.

Alternatively, the stem could remain permanently in situ.

The secondary valve could incorporate a rotatable valve member in a gate valve seat. Internal flow capacity reduction by valve installation would be minimised by appropriate valve configuration.

Pump delivery pressures could be adjusted to compensate for locally reduced flow passage cross- section.

Advantage might be taken of locally induced turbulent flow or venturi effects. Resolution - Rationale

Provision of a secondary valve according to the present invention thus addresses the problem of spillage, by allowing temporary entrapment - ready for release at the next delivery cycle.

This residual entrapment or confinement is kept secure from access by a secondary valve, configured to inhibit vapourisation which might otherwise represent a fire hazard. This means that each delivery cycle is prefaced with a supplementary (unmetered, or rather previously metered) release of entrapment liquid - at no cost the immediate recipient - albeit who in turn relinquishes a corresponding metered entrapped residue at the end of that delivery cycle.

Thus the beneficiary in turn bears the cost of undelivered residual liquid at the end of the metered discharge, contained ready for release to a follow-on delivery. Fuel Saver - Merchandising Scheme

A promotional or merchandising scheme could be contrived, based upon fuel saving entrapment, rather than wasted dribble spillage, afforded by secondary valve provision according to the invention.

Such a scheme could have charitable and/or environmentally-friendly aspects as an incentive to adoption and usage.

Individual user cost would be minimal, but with a high 'feel good' factor and significant cumulative benefit.

By way of example, Oil Company sponsors could make Charitable donations by re-cycling, crediting, or even re-charging a customer for otherwise wasted fuel dribbles/spillage. Saved fuel dribble could be returned to the system for re-sale.

Saved dribble would be charged again and additional funds raised donated to Charity.

Alternatively, a customer might pay a surcharge for recovery of the proportion of their fuel formerly wasted.

For example, say nominally 1 p fuel value in every £10 delivery wasted;

• customer pays 0.2p surcharge; • oil company donates 0.6p to charity;

• 0.1 p spent on administration;

• 0.1 p scheme licence commission; or whatever figures prove appropriate.

Assuming fuel dribble wastage is fixed, i.e. independent of total delivery, proportional wastage is therefore greater for small deliveries than for large.

Schemes could take advantage of this, by large customers making disproportionately larger contributions / donations. Terminology

The terms 'secondary' is used herein for convenience to differentiate from another 'primary' module, but does not necessarily signify absolute or relative importance, precedence or priority in action. Embodiments

There now follows a description of some particular embodiments of a spillage inhibitor according to the invention, by way of example only - in a fuel (especially motor spirit) delivery context - with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic and schematic drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1 B show longitudinal sectional views, in different operating conditions, of a (secondary) shut-off valve, according to the invention, configured such as for a fuel delivery discharge nozzle;

More specifically:

Figure 1 A shows the valve closed to shut-off (fuel) through-flow, by isolating inlet and outlet sides;

Figure 1 B shows the valve of Figure 1 A open, to allow (fuel) through-flow (depicted by hollow arrows), by interconnecting inlet and outlet;

Figure 2 shows a part cut-away view of a fuel delivery gun with pistol grip handle, valve operating squeeze trigger - and discharge nozzle outlet spout fitted with a secondary valve according to the invention;

Figures 3A through 3C show a variant secondary valve of Figures 1A and 1 B respectively, with a vent through passage in a side wall, isolated from a fuel delivery passage, and for connection to a pressure or flow sensor (not shown) for automatic trigger of a primary valve (again not shown);

More specifically: Figure 3A shows a valve in a closed condition, with no vent through flow;

Figure 3B shows the valve of Figure 3A in an open condition with attendant vent through-flow; and

Figure 3C shows valve closure with displaced air inhibit signal to a remote primary valve automatic shut-off sensor;

Figures 4A through 4C show variant installation configurations of a secondary valve, such as of Figures 1 A and 1 B, at the end of a delivery nozzle discharge spout outlet;

More specifically:

Figure 4A shows a secondary valve body contained entirely within a discharge nozzle as an internal sleeve, with internal flow cross-section preserved by a stepped spout wall profile;

Figure 4B shows a secondary valve body fitted upon one end of a discharge nozzle with a threaded stub interconnection;

Figure 4C shows a secondary valve body fitted upon one end of a discharge nozzle with a pinned sleeve interconnection;

Figures 5A and 5B show fitment of an anti-tamper guard in the secondary valve of Figures 1A and 1 B;

More specifically: Figure 5A shows a perforated anti-tamper guard, configured as a perforated disk, located by a threaded end collar also locating a valve bias spring;

Figure 5B shows an end view revealing an anti- tamper guard perforated end face profile;

Figures 6A through 6B show successive operating conditions for a delivery system with co-operative primary and secondary valves; {NB. For convenience of illustration, flow passages are simplified and depicted either full or empty - albeit intermediate, partially filled conditions may exist.}

More specifically;

Figure 6A shows the delivery system in a closed condition, with fuel in a feed hose, but isolated from a discharge nozzle;

Figure 6B shows the delivery system of Figure 6A in an open condition, with fuel flow from a pump (not shown) to an umbilical delivery hose and thence through in-line primary and secondary valves to a discharge nozzle spout outlet;

Figure 6C shows the delivery system in shut-off condition, similar to Figure 6A, but with fuel entrapped within the discharge nozzle spout by the secondary valve;

Figures 7A through 7C show installation of a vented secondary valve, such as of Figures 3A and 3B, in a discharge nozzle of a delivery gun;

More specifically: Figure 7A shows a pistol grip valve with trigger released and primary and secondary valves closed;

Figure 7B shows an enlarged sectional end detail of a discharge nozzle, with secondary valve, vent passage and air pressure feed tube; and Figure 7C shows an end view of a discharge nozzle with exposed air vent and fluid (fuel) delivery outlet;

Figures 8A through 8E show a variant secondary valve arrangement, with a poppet valve plate fitted to one end of a sleeve insert; More specifically:

Figure 8A shows an overall view of delivery gun, with a secondary valve insert within its discharge nozzle outlet spout; Figure 8B shows an enlarged sectional detail of the secondary valve of Figure 8A in a closed condition;

Figure 8C shows the secondary valve of Figure 8A in an open condition; Figure 8D shows an external end view of the closed valve of Figure 8B;

Figure 8E shows an external end view of the open valve of Figure 8C - with notched valve plate to fit around a nozzle breather vent; Figure 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a variant secondary valve configuration of Figures 8A through 8E, with end face seal;

Figure 10 a variant secondary valve configured as a bonded sleeve insert; Figure 11 shows a variant secondary valve with profiled valve stem to preserve valve closure plate orientation in relation to a valve seat with intervening vent aperture;

Figures 12A through 12H show variant secondary poppet valves, with optional breather venting - configured as self-contained cartridges for external/internal fit with a dispenser nozzle;

More specifically:

Figure 12A shows a fuel delivery gun with an externally fitted secondary poppet valve;

Figure 12B shows an externally fitted secondary poppet valve in closed condition;

Figure 12C shows an externally fitted secondary poppet valve in an open condition; Figure 12D shows an inset secondary poppet valve in closed condition;

Figure 12E shows an inset secondary poppet valve in open condition;

Figure 12F shows the inset secondary poppet valve of figure 12E configured as a modular cartridge insert. Figure 12G shows a 3-D view of figure 12F.

Figure 12H shows an unvented variant of Figure 12G;

Figures 13A through 13D show other variant modular secondary valve cartridge inserts;

More specifically:

Figure 13A shows an exploded view of a flexible ribbed bung or mounting spigot with demountable butterfly valve assembly; Figure 13B shows the elements of Figure 13A, fitted together;

Figure 13C shows rotary valve gate opening upon fluid pressure build up in a discharge nozzle;

Figure 13D shows a fully open rotary valve gate; Figures 14A through 14E show an alternative modular self-contained valve cartridge to that of Figures 13A through 13D- with axial swivel rotary valve;

An axial swivel configuration avoids valve member intrusion beyond the valve body;

More specifically:

Figure 14A shows a longitudinal section of rotary (axial swivel) valve, demountable upon a serrated mounting spigot, by a threaded interconnection; Figure 14B shows a 3-D external view of the valve assembly of Figure 14A;

Figure 14C shows a part cut-away view of the valve of Figure 14B;

Figure 14D shows flow through the swivel valve of Figure 14C when open;

Figure 14E shows an exploded view of the valve of Figure 14B, with mutually displaced valve member, valve body with integral valve seat, and valve closure bias coil spring; +++ Referring to the drawings, particular examples of (fluid) spillage inhibition are in the context of fuel (motor spirit) delivery, such as at a garage forecourt pump dispenser - albeit with wider applicability to other fuels, liquids or flowable media.

In some circumstances, a secondary valve according to the invention is retro-fitted, to adapt an otherwise conventional delivery gun for spillage inhibition.

In other cases, a delivery gun has integrated primary and secondary valves.

Generally, a delivery control includes a primary [flow regulator and control] valve 28, located within a gun housing 20, itself configured as a pistol grip handle 21 , with an operating trigger 23 within a guard 22, fitted in line with an umbilical pump hose 24.

In the particular secondary valve configuration illustrated, a floating valve member 12 has a bull nose 18, with modest locating and angular travel limit ridges 19, to co-operatively interfit with waisted seat faces 16 of a venturi restrictor 15 in a valve body 11.

Opposite end of valve member 12 has a tapered stem 17 configured as a locating nose within a bias spring 13 of conical form upon a location seat 14.

A secondary valve 10 according to the invention is fitted at, or closely adjacent, a discharge end of a outlet spout 25 or nozzle, to operate in conjunction with primary valve 28.

Trigger 23 has a direct connection with primary valve 28, only disabled upon remote sensing of a tank fill condition, whereupon the trigger 23 is disabled and the primary valve 28 closed by a spring bias action.

Such automatic fill trigger off is known perse, such as in the aforementioned prior art references.

Co-operative Primary & Secondary Valve Action However, co-operative interaction with a secondary

[downstream] valve poses special considerations.

Thus, when the primary valve 28 is open, flow pressure opens the secondary valve 10, by flow pressure upon end face of valve member 12 overcoming closure bias of spring 13 . ON/OFF Cycle

Figures 6A through 6C depict an On/Off cycle sequence.

Conversely, when fuel flow pressure in nozzle 25 passage reduces, secondary valve 10 also starts to close, under the default bias of a valve actuator compression spring 13 upon valve member 12.

Spring Bias Adjustment

[Optional] provision is made for adjusting valve 10 operational bias under spring 13 set pre- compression, through a threaded fitment of locating collar 14 in valve body 11.

Internal locating flats or end holes (not shown) in collar 14 may be provided to facilitate its (rotational) adjustment.

Spring 13 reaction tends to lock the threaded mounting of collar 13, but a lock washer or sealing gland (not shown) may be fitted to preserve settings.

Tamper Guard Provision (not shown) may be made for securing valve body 11 within nozzle spout 25, to inhibit inadvertent (casual impact) displacement, or deliberate prising / insertion interference to gain access to residual entrapped fuel contents. Similarly, an outlet guard, such as perforated disc 51 in Figures 5A and 5B, may be fitted to nozzle or spout outlet mouth, to obstruct access to valve member 12.

The perforation or mesh density allows this without unduly undermining through-flow capacity, or engendering fuel aeration or foaming.

As depicted in Figures 3A and 3B, an air vent passage 31 in the valve body 11 communicates with displaced or vented air from a tank being filled and so preserves action of an automatic fill shut-off trigger.

In one type of automatic trigger, such return displaced air flow is used to create a vacuum condition at a control diaphragm, which - when interrupted by return (fuel) - engenders a diaphragm movement unlatching operating trigger 13 from primary valve 28.

As indicated, secondary valve 10 is depicted as an insert for retro-fit in an existing nozzle, but could be integrated within the body of a nozzle. Figures 4A through 4B show variant retro-fit mounting arrangements with modest nozzle spout modification.

Thus, as in Figure 4A, secondary valve 10 may be located completely with a spout 25, with a fine pitch longitudinal threaded interconnection along the entirety of valve body 11 , with a stepped spout wall 45 and with an intervening abutment seal 42.

Figure 4B shows a shorter coarser pitch threaded interconnection 43, again with abutment seal 44. Figure 4C depicts an interference fit (ie push-on / pull off) stub interconnection, with abutment seal 46 and locating ring or circumferential restraint pins 47.

Valve Roles

Secondary valve 10 could be configured to have an ancillary role as an independent fail-safe leakage shut-off back up to primary valve 28, without necessity of direct interconnection.

Thus leakage from primary valve 28 into nozzle spout 25 is contained upon closure of primary valve 10. Venting

Figures 7A through 7C show secondary valve adaptation and installation to preserving automatic vent trigger shut-off of primary valve 28 upon sensing a fill condition. Thus, an existing vent tube 71 within nozzle spout

25 is connected through a mounting ferrule 72 to through passage 31 in the secondary valve body 11 , in the manner of Figures 3A and 3B.

A breather or vent passage 31 is thus preserved alongside discharge passage 73 at the spout end.

Figures 8A through 8E show a secondary poppet valve 80 with a valve (closure) head plate 82 mounted upon a barrel sleeve valve body 81. A valve stem 83 guides the valve plate 82 throughout its longitudinal movement, generally along or parallel to the axis of nozzle spout 25, and carries a closure bias spring 84. Spring 84 is operative between a stem head abutment 85, with optional provision for (screw) adjustment, to set required spring pre-compression, and an end carrier spider 89 of the valve sleeve 81.

Valve sleeve 81 is held captive within spout 25 by one or more radial pins or grub screws 87.

Secondary valve 80 closed configuration presents a generally 'blank' shielded nozzle end, as shown in Figure 8D - inhibiting interference.

Valve 80 may be fitted at, or (as Figures 8B and 8C depict) marginally inset from, the spout 25 end, so that, in a valve open condition, of Figure 8E, valve plate 82 remains within, or extends marginally proud of, the spout 25.

Throw, or range of travel, of valve plate 82 is set by valve stem 83 and limit stop abutment 85.

Discharge pattern may be directed outward, as indicated in Figure 8C, towards a tank filler neck wall.

Inner face (say conical) profiling of valve plate 82 could preserve orderly discharge flow capacity. Multi-plate (say, spool) valve members (not shown) could distribute the closure sealing burden.

A notch 'N' in valve plate 82 preserves breather venting upon valve closure - through an inboard pipe 86 set within a ferrule mount 88. Figure 9 shows a supplementary valve plate seal 91 , juxtaposed between and carried by either one or both of valve plate 82 or sleeve body 81.

Figure 10 shows circumferential seal bonding 101 of valve sleeve 81 within nozzle spout 25. Figure 11 shows adoption of a profiled valve stem

113 to preserve (rotary) alignment of valve plate 82 with a breather vent aperture.

Insofar as secondary valve 80 creates additional wetted surfaces, which may themselves be slow to drain, each successive discharge effectively flushes out or purges residue from the preceding cycle.

This in turn helps avoid accumulated deposits of contaminant debris or precipitates. Secondary valve pre-loading bias can be set to promote shock discharge, for residual contents flush, without undermining primary valve action.

Secondary valve motion - such as a rotary and/or flip or snap-action valve member - might promote residual discharge and/or secure closure.

Mix and Match

The various features described can be selectively mixed and matched - albeit it is not possible to show every feasible combination.

Component List

1 0 secondary (anti-spill) valve

1 1 valve body

12 valve member

1 3 bias spring

14 bias adjustment collar

1 5 venturi / restrictor

1 6 valve seat

17 valve taper

1 8 valve head

1 9 locator upstand

20 delivery gun

21 pistol grip

22 handle guard

23 trigger

24 delivery hose

25 discharge nozzle / spout

26 discharge outlet

28 primary valve

31 vent passage

41 threaded stem interconnection

42 abutment seal

43 threaded stub interconnection

44 abutment seal

45 nozzle 6 abutment (end seal) 7 locating ring / pins perforated (disk) screen breather tube / conduit mounting ferrule discharge outlet secondary (poppet) valve valve body valve plate valve stem valve spring (adjustable) stop head breather pipe mounting screw ferrule end carrier spider valve seal bonding valve stem

Claims

NB: Phrases in brackets, vis {-} alongside claim numbering are for ease of reference and form no part of claim content or interpretation.

Claims

1 . (residual discharge containment}

A flow delivery and discharge control, comprising a primary valve (28), and a secondary valve (10), operative as a downstream spillage inhibitor, by residual discharge containment.

2. (primary-secondary valves}

A secondary valve (10), for fitment in a flow discharge nozzle spout (25), to operate in conjunction with a primary flow regulatory or control valve (28).

3. (demountable valve}

A demountable valve, configured as a self-contained cartridge insert, with a valve module fitted upon a mounting spigot, for insertion into discharge nozzle spout.

4. (delivery nozzle entrapment}

A (fluid) delivery spillage inhibitor, for a discharge spout (25) of a delivery nozzle, comprising a valve (10), with a valve member (12), biassed into a closed condition, against a delivery flow direction, operative to open under flow pressure and to close automatically upon flow pressure reduction, and entrap residue within the nozzle spout (25), ready for discharge in a subsequent delivery cycle, whereby to inhibit inadvertent spillage from the nozzle at the end of a delivery cycle. {valve sleeve}

A spillage inhibitor of any preceding claim, with a poppet, rotary or swivel valve member, within a valve body configured as a compact stub sleeve, for interfit within a discharge nozzle, as a supplementary end closure, of a fluid delivery system.

6. {vent passage} A spillage inhibitor of any preceding claim, with a valve member configured to accommodate a vent passage.

7. {illustrations}

A spillage or dribble inhibitor valve, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as show in, the accompanying drawings.

8. {fluid delivery system}

A fluid delivery system, incorporating a spillage inhibitor valve as in any preceding claim.

9. {post shut-off spillage inhibitor }

A fluid delivery system incorporating a spillage inhibitor valve, deployable after a shut-off valve.

10. {merchandising scheme)

A merchandising scheme for fluid delivery, using a spillage inhibitor valve of any preceding claim, configured to entrap otherwise wasted residual fluid drips from a discharge nozzle, upon closure of an upstream primary valve, with value being accorded to retained fluid and passed on to a designated recipient.

1 1 . {forecourt system}

A garage forecourt fuel delivery system, incorporating a spillage inhibitor valve as in any preceding claim.