Dispensing nozzles

A fuel nozzle has a modular construction wherein valve, venturi and spout modules are mounted in a bore formed in a nozzle body. The main fuel valve is controlled, independently of fuel pressurization, in response to a mechanical signal input, acting through a servo valve. The mechanical signal input is provide by a finger displaced trigger, acting through a pivotal lever arm and latching means that form part of the automatic shut off means for preventing overfill of a fuel tank. The venturi module has a venturi passage for generating a vacuum employed in the automatic shut off mechanism. The venturi module includes a bypass passage that enables sufficient vacuum force to be generated at both high and low flow rates. The spout module comprise an extruded spout (including a venturi vent passage) and a pair of mechanical adapter shells that are mechanical locked onto the spout and mechanically locked to the nozzle body, to secure the several modules in assembled relation.

 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as novel and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body adapted, at an inlet end, for connection with a source of pressurized fuel,

spout means projecting from an opposite one end of the nozzle body,

said nozzle body and spout means compositely forming a fuel flow passage way that extends from the inlet end of the nozzle body to the distal end of the spout means,

fuel valve means, mounted in the nozzle body, for controlling flow of fuel through said fuel flow passage,

said valve means having a normally closed position, preventing flow of fuel,

a manually operated trigger for controlling said valve means, and

control means for controlling the operative position of said valve means in response to manual positioning of the trigger,

characterized in that

the control means comprise

an input lever pivotally mounted, at one end, in fixed relation relative to the nozzle body, and

a link pivotally mounted at one end on the input lever at a location spaced from said fixed relation mount on said one end of said input lever, said link, at a portion of the link remote from said one end of the link, being pivotally connected to the slidable input member and, interconnecting the input lever and the slidable input member,

an outer end portion of said input lever being pivoted in response movement of the trigger in one direction, so that the slidable input member is displaced in a direction causing the valve means to open.

2. A nozzle as in claim 1,

further characterized in that the control means further comprises

a rotary input member that is rotated in response to sliding movement of the slidable input member to proportionally control the degree to which the fuel valve means is open.

3. A nozzle as in claim 1, wherein

the nozzle body, at its inlet end portion, has a hand grip portion, and

further characterized by

guide means for mounting the trigger for sliding movement toward and away from the hand grip portion.

4. A nozzle as in claim 3,

further characterized in that

the guide means for mounting the trigger comprise

a pair of guard shells mounted on opposite sides of the nozzle body in underlying relation to the hand grip portion, and

said guard shells include

spaced wall sections providing guides, and

the trigger comprises

a slide portion having grooves in which the spaced wall sections are slidingly received.

5. A nozzle as in claim 4,

further characterized by

latch means for releasably holding the trigger in a given position,

said trigger latching means comprising a toothed member mounted on one of the guard shells and

a series of teeth on the trigger slide portion,

said tooth member being selectively engageable with an aligned tooth on the trigger slide portion.

6. A nozzle as in claim 5,

further characterized in that

the trigger projects from the slide portion toward the inlet end of the nozzle body and is disposed on one side of the spaced wall sections providing guides, and

the series of teeth on the slide portion are disposed on the opposite side of said spaced wall sections,

the walls of the guard shells extend laterally, from said spaced wall sections one to form nozzle side wall sections enclosing the series of teeth in the trigger slide section, and

said toothed member is mounted on one the nozzle side wall portion of one of said shells.

7. A nozzle as in claim 6,

further characterized by

means for mounting the toothed member, which means comprise

a button member,

slidably mounted on said side wall section for movement toward and away from said series of teeth,

in which the toothed member is slidably mounted for movement toward and away from said teeth,

spring means urging the toothed member toward said teeth, and

means urging the button member away from said series of teeth,

whereby, the button member may be manually displaced toward the series of teeth to engage the toothed member with a given tooth with a controlled, force, independent of the manual force on the button member.

8. A nozzle as in claim 7,

further characterized by

a post, rotatably mounted on the trigger slide portion and by

the series of teeth being formed on the post.

9. A nozzle as in claim 8

further characterized by

detent means for releasably maintaining the post in a position in which the series of tooth are aligned with the toothed member and a position in which the tooth cannot be engaged by the toothed member, and

torquing means formed in the bottom of the post, so that the post can be rotated to disable the trigger latching means.

10. A nozzle as in claim 6,

further characterized by

a post on which the series of teeth is formed,

fingers projecting from the trigger slide portion and rotatably supporting the upper and lower ends of the post, and

further characterized in that

said pivotal lever is bifurcated to engage said fingers on opposite sides of said post, so that the pivotal lever will swing upwardly, when the trigger is raised.

11. A nozzle as in claim 6,

further characterized by

a second series of teeth on the trigger slide portion, and

a second toothed member mounted on the nozzle side wall section of the other of said shells and selectively engageable with the second series of teeth on the trigger slide portion.

12. A nozzle as in claim 1,

further characterized in that

the slidable input member is an input latch member, and

further characterized by

an output latch member for providing a control input to the valve means, and

latch means for selectively engaging said input and output latch members so that they are locked together.

13. A nozzle as in claim 12

further characterized in that the control means further comprises

a rotary input member that is rotated in response to movement of the output latch member to control the fuel valve means.

14. A nozzle as in claim 12,

further characterized in that

the input latch member is slidably mounted on said nozzle body, for movement longitudinally thereof,

the output latch member is slidably mounted on the input latch member for movement longitudinally thereof,

the latch means comprise

a cage mounted for movement transversely of said input and out latch members,

said input and output latch members having alignable slots,

roller means mounted on said cage and positioned in a given orientation thereby, said roller means also being guided for movement, relative to the cage, in a direction longitudinal of the nozzle,

means for displacing the cage between

an engaged position in which the roller means are disposed in the slots of both the input and output members, so that when the input lever is pivoted by movement of the trigger, in said one direction, the output member is displaced in a direction causing the valve means to open, and

a disengaged position in which the roller means are maintained in the slot of the input latch member, but disposed lateral to one side of the output latch member,

whereby the trigger is disabled and the output latch member is not displaced in a direction causing the valve means to open when the input lever is pivoted by movement of the trigger, in said one direction.

15. A nozzle as in claim 14,

further characterized in that

the input latch member has a cylindrical outer surface,

the output latch member as a square cross section,

the slots in the input and output latch members are vertically disposed, and

the roller means are positioned in a vertical orientation by the cage.

16. A nozzle as in claim 15,

further characterized in that the control means further comprises

a vertically disposed rotary input member that is rotatable to control the fuel valve means, and

further characterized in that

the output latch member has a second vertically disposed slot,

the rotary input member has a lever arm engageable with said second output latch member slot, and

spring means, effective on the input lever, are provided for yieldingly maintaining the input latch member, and trigger in their rest positions, in which the valve means are closed.

17. A nozzle as in claim 14,

further characterized in that

the means for displacing the cage between

an engaged position and a disengaged position comprise,

spring means for yieldingly maintaining the cage in its engaged position and

vacuum actuated means for displacing the cage to its disengaged position,

said vacuum actuated means being generated in response to an overfill condition being sensed in the container into which fuel is being dispensed.

18. A nozzle as in claim 17,

further characterized by

a second means engageable with said cage to displace it between its engaged and disengaged positions,

said second means comprising a latch lever mounted on a side of the input and output latch members, opposite that of the vacuum actuated means,

said latch lever having a pair of arms that span the input latch member and are engageable with the cage,

spring means acting on said lever with a force sufficient to overcome the spring means for yieldingly maintaining the cage in its engaged position and displacing said cage to a disengaged position, and

means, energized by pressurized fluid upstream of the fuel valve means, for pivoting the latch lever to a position permitting the spring means, for yieldingly maintaining the cage in its engaged position, to be effective.

19. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body

having a hand grip portion at an inlet end,

which inlet end is adapted for connection with a source of pressurized fuel,

spout means projecting from an opposite end of the nozzle body,

said nozzle body and spout means compositely forming a fuel flow passage way that extends from the inlet end of the nozzle body to the distal end of the spout means,

fuel valve means, mounted in the nozzle body, for controlling flow of fuel through said fuel flow passage,

a manually operated trigger for controlling said valve means, and

control means for controlling the operative position of said valve means in response to manual positioning of the trigger,

characterized by

guide means for mounting the trigger, which guide means comprise

a pair of guard shells mounted on opposite sides of the nozzle body in underlying relation to the hand grip portion, and

said guard shells include

a pair of aligned, spaced wall sections providing means for guiding movement of said trigger, which spaced wall sections are formed opposite each other on said pair of guard shells, and

the trigger comprises

a slide portion having grooves in which the spaced wall sections are slidingly received.

20. A nozzle as in claim 19,

further characterized by

latch means for releasably holding the trigger in a given position,

said trigger latching means comprising a toothed member mounted on one of the guard shells and

a series of teeth on the trigger slide portion,

said tooth member being selectively engageable with an aligned tooth on the trigger slide portion.

21. Nozzle as in claim 20,

further characterized in that

the trigger projects from the slide portion toward the inlet end of the nozzle body and is disposed on one side of the spaced wall sections providing guides, and

the series of teeth on the slide portion are disposed on the opposite side of said spaced wall sections,

the walls of the guard shells extend laterally, from said spaced wall sections, to form nozzle side wall sections enclosing the series of teeth in the trigger slide portion, and

said toothed member is mounted on the nozzle side wall portion of one of said shells.

22. A nozzle as in claim 21,

further characterized by

means for mounting the toothed member, which means comprise

a button member,

slidably mounted on said side wall section for movement toward and away from said series of teeth,

in which the toothed member is slidably mounted for movement toward and away from said teeth,

spring means urging the toothed member toward said teeth, and

means urging the button member away from said series of teeth,

whereby, the button member may be manually displaced toward the series of teeth to engage the toothed member with a given tooth with a controlled, force, independent of the manual force on the button member.

23. A nozzle as in claim 22,

further characterized by

a post, rotatably mounted on the trigger slide portion and by

the series of teeth being formed on the post.

24. A nozzle as in claim 23,

further characterized by

detent means for releasably maintaining the post in a position in which the series of tooth are aligned with the toothed member and a position in which the tooth cannot be engaged by the toothed member, and

torquing means formed in the bottom of the post, so that the post can be rotated to disable the trigger latching means.

25. A nozzle as in claim 21,

further characterized by

a second series of teeth on the trigger slide portion, and

a second toothed member mounted on the other nozzle side wall portion of one of said shells and selectively engageable with the second series of teeth on the trigger slide portion.

26. A nozzle as in claim 19, which includes

latch means for releasably holding the trigger in a given position, and

further characterized in that

the latch means comprise

two, independently operable means for engaging the latching means, with one of said two means being disposed on one side of the nozzle and the other of said two means being disposed on the other side of the nozzle, and

further wherein

latch actuating means face laterally outward of the opposite sides of the nozzle,

whereby the latching means may be readily engaged by either hand of the use of the nozzle.

27. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body having an inlet end adapted for connection with a source of pressurized fuel,

spout means projecting from an opposite end of the nozzle body,

said nozzle body and spout means compositely forming a fuel flow passage way that extends from the inlet end of the nozzle body to the distal end of the spout means,

fuel valve means, mounted in the nozzle body, for controlling flow of fuel through said fuel flow passage,

a manually operated member for controlling said valve means,

control means for controlling the operative position of said valve means in response to manual positioning of the manually operated member, and

latch means for releasably holding the manually operated member in a given position, and

characterized in that

the latch means comprise

two, independent, manually operable means for latching the manually operated member in a desired position for the delivery of fuel, one of said two means being disposed on one lateral side of the nozzle and the other of said two means being disposed on the other lateral side of the nozzle,

whereby the latching means may be readily engaged by either hand of the user of the nozzle.

28. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body, adapted for attachment to a pressurizable fuel hose at an inlet end thereof, and

a spout projecting from the opposite end of the nozzle body,

said nozzle having a fuel flow passage therethrough, from an inlet end of the nozzle body to the distal end of the spout,

fuel valve means for controlling the rate at which fuel is discharged from the nozzle,

said fuel valve means comprising first and second valve members, and

a manually operated member for controlling said valve means,

characterized in that

said nozzle body has a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from the spout end of the nozzle,

one of said valve members is a tubular, seat member,

said seat member

being telescoped into the nozzle body bore and

having an upstream, annular edge forming a fixed valve seat, and

the other of said valve members is a sealing member disposed upstream of the seat member and is reciprocable from a closed position to an upstream position in which the valve is opened for flow of fuel therethrough wherein the fuel valve means comprise

control means for displacing said reciprocable valve member to and from said closed position in response to movement of said manually operated member by a force on the manually operated member that is substantially unaffected by the pressure of the fuel in the nozzle,

further wherein

the control means comprise

a servo housing upstream from the tubular seat member,

said sealing member extending, in piston fashion, into said tubular housing to define a servo chamber at the upstream end of the sealing member,

orifice means providing the servo chamber with limited fluid communication with the fuel passage upstream of the fuel valve,

spring means acting on said sealing member and yieldingly maintaining it in a closed position, and

venting means for venting the servo chamber to the fuel passage downstream of the fuel valve means,

said venting means being responsive to a mechanical input signal generated by movement of said manually movable member, and

further wherein

the venting means comprise

a venting passage extending through said fuel valve sealing member from the servo chamber to the downstream side thereof,

servo valve means for sealing said venting passage, and

means for opening said servo valve in response to a mechanical signal input originated by said movable member, and

further characterized

the servo valve comprises

a servo valve seat formed on the fuel valve sealing member,

a servo valve sealing member, and

a servo stem connected to the servo valve sealing member and projecting through said venting passage to the downstream side of said fuel valve sealing member, and

the mechanical input signal, generated by movement of said manually movable member, includes

a servo control arm that is pivotally mounted relative to the nozzle body and engageable with the servo valve stem to displace the servo valve sealing member to an open position, permitting flow of fuel from the servo chamber to the downstream side of the valve sealing member.

29. A nozzle as in claim 28,

further characterized by

means mounting the manually operated member for generally rectilinear movement, and

means for converting rectilinear movement of the manually operated member into pivotal movement of the servo control arm in providing the mechanical signal input thereto.

30. A nozzle as in claim 28,

further characterized in that

the spring means acting on said fuel valve sealing member comprise

a compression spring acting between an end wall of the servo chamber and the servo valve sealing member to also urge the servo valve sealing member to a closed position.

31. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body, adapted for attachment to a pressurizable fuel hose at an inlet end thereof, and

a spout projecting from the opposite end of the nozzle body,

said nozzle having a fuel flow passage therethrough, from an inlet end of the nozzle body to the distal end of the spout,

fuel valve means for controlling the rate at which fuel is discharged from the nozzle,

said fuel valve means comprising first and second valve members, and

a manually operated member for controlling said valve means,

characterized in that

said nozzle body has a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from the spout end of the nozzle,

one of said valve members is a tubular, seat member,

said seat member

being telescoped into the nozzle body bore and

having an upstream, annular edge forming a fixed valve seat, and

the other of said valve members is a sealing member disposed upstream of the seat member and is reciprocable from a closed position to an upstream position in which the valve is opened for flow of fuel therethrough

wherein the fuel valve means comprise

control means for displacing said reciprocable valve member to and from said closed position in response to movement of said manually operated member by a force on the manually operated member that is substantially unaffected by the pressure of the fuel in the nozzle, and

the control means comprise

a servo housing upstream from the tubular seat member,

said sealing member extending, in piston fashion, into said tubular housing to define a servo chamber at the upstream end of the sealing member,

orifice means providing the servo chamber with limited fluid communication with the fuel passage upstream of the fuel valve,

spring means acting on said sealing member and yieldingly maintaining it in a closed position, and

venting means for venting the servo chamber to the fuel passage downstream of the fuel valve means,

said venting means being responsive to a mechanical input signal generated by movement of said manually movable member,

further characterized in that

the control means for displacing one of said valve members, includes

a pivotally mounted arm providing a mechanical input signal to the control means, and

further characterized by

means mounting the manually operated member for generally rectilinear movement, and

means for converting rectilinear movement of the manually operated member into pivotal movement of the pivotally mounted arm.

32. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a nozzle body having

an inlet end adapted for connection with a source of pressurized fuel,

a bore having an entrance opening at an end of the nozzle body remote from said inlet end and extending inwardly from said remote end toward the inlet end of the nozzle body, and

a fuel passage extending from the inlet end of the nozzle body and communicating with said bore,

characterized by

(a) a valve module

comprising valve means for controlling flow of fuel through the nozzle,

inserted in said entrance opening of the bore and disposed in said bore inwardly of said entrance opening, and

having means sealing the valve module relative to said bore to divert fuel flow interiorly of said module,

(b) a venturi module

inserted in said entrance opening of the bore and disposed in said bore inwardly of said entrance opening and downstream of said valve module, and

having venturi means for generating a negative pressure to be employed in automatically closing the valve means,

(c) a spout module

inserted in said entrance opening of the bore and disposed in said bore downstream of said venturi module, and

comprising spout means from which fuel is discharged, and

adapter means for providing an interface between the spout means and the nozzle body, said adapter means being received by and positioned in said bore, and

(d) releasable means for securing said adapter means in fixed relation to said nozzle body.

33. A nozzle as in claim 32,

further characterized in that

the venturi module comprises

a housing through which fuel flows, the spout means comprises

a tubular fuel spout through which fuel flows,

a portion of said fuel spout projects upstream of the adapter means, and

further characterized by

means for sealing said portion of the fuel spout relative to the housing of the venturi module.

34. A nozzle as in claim 32,

further characterized in that

the releasable means for securing said adapter means in fixed relation to said nozzle body comprises

a retainer member insertable laterally of the nozzle body bore and maintained in a securing position by detent means formed in part on the clip and comprising a projection and a recess which are yieldingly maintained in an engaged, locking relation.

35. A nozzle as in claim 32,

further characterized in that

the venturi module includes

a longitudinal, venturi passage, and

a bypass passage,

bypass valve means for yieldably blocking fuel flow through said bypass passage,

said valve means being responsive to a given upstream fuel pressure to permit fuel flow through said bypass passage.

36. A nozzle as in claim 35,

further characterized in that

venturi module comprises

a generally tubular housing,

a hub centrally disposed within the tubular housing, and

vanes extending between said tubular housing and hub,

said venturi passage being disposed in said hub, and

said bypass passage being defined by said hub and said tubular housing.

37. A nozzle as in claim 36,

further characterized in that

the valve module comprises a generally tubular valve seat housing defining a fuel flow passage therethrough, and

the bypass valve means comprise

an annular valve member and

spring means for yieldingly maintaining the annular valve member in engagement with the downstream end of the tubular valve seat member.

38. A nozzle as in claim 37,

further characterized in that

the annular valve member includes a tubular stem slidably mounted on the hub of the venturi module and

the spring means comprise a compression spring acting between said annular sealing member and said vanes.

39. A nozzle as in claim 36,

further characterized in that

the venturi module, tubular member has a circular cross section,

sealing rings, adjacent opposite ends of the tubular housing sealing engage said bore,

a source vacuum chamber is defined by said venturi module, tubular housing and the nozzle body, between said sealing rings, and

a passage extends through at least one of said vanes and connects the venturi passage with said source vacuum chamber.

40. A nozzle as in claim 39,

further characterized in that

the venturi module, tubular housing extends downstream of the source vacuum chamber,

a third sealing ring provides a sealing engagement between the venturi module, tubular housing and the nozzle body,

an intermediate vacuum chamber is defined by said venturi module, tubular housing and the nozzle body, sealed at one end by said third sealing ring, and

passage way means connect said source vacuum chamber and said intermediate vacuum chamber by way of means for automatically shutting off flow of fuel through the nozzle.

41. A nozzle as in claim 40,

further characterized in that

the spout means comprises

a tubular fuel spout through which fuel flows,

an upstream portion of said fuel spout projects upstream of the adapter means, and

further characterized by

a bore in the venturi module, tubular housing, in which the upstream end portion of the fuel spout is received,

means for sealing said portion of the fuel spout relative to the housing of the venturi module,

venting passage means

extending longitudinally of the fuel spout, and

having an inlet at the distal end of the spout, and

an outlet at the upstream end of fuel spout, and

passage means connecting the outlet of the venting passage means with the intermediate vacuum chamber.

42. A nozzle as in claim 41,

further characterized in that

the fuel spout has a generally circular outline,

the venting passageway is disposed interiorly of the fuel spout and is formed integrally with the spout,

a circumferential groove is formed in the upstream end of the spout and a lateral passage interconnects said groove and tile venting passageway to provide the outlet therefor.

43. A nozzle as in claim 42,

further characterized in that

attitude shut off means are provided in the passageway means, in the venturi module, tubular housing, that interconnect the venting passage outlet and the intermediate vacuum chamber,

said attitude shut off means comprises means for blocking flow of air to the intermediate vacuum chamber, when the nozzle is disposed in a position in which fuel could be discharged other then in a generally downward direction.

44. A nozzle as in claim 35,

further characterized in that

the bypass valve means comprise

a sealing member mounted on the venturi module and

a seat member formed on the valve module.

45. A nozzle as in claim 44,

further characterized in that

the valve module comprises

a generally tubular, valve seat housing,

a servo valve seat,

a servo valve sealing member, and

a servo stem connected to the servo valve sealing member and projecting through said venting passage to the downstream side of said fuel valve sealing member, the nozzle is further characterized by

a servo control arm that is pivotally mounted relative to the nozzle body, projects through an opening in said valve module, seat member and is engageable with the servo valve stem to displace the servo valve sealing member in controlling flow of fuel through the valve module, and

the means sealing the valve module relative to said bore comprise an O-ring disposed upstream of the opening in the valve module valve seat housing, and

further characterized by an O-ring, downstream of said opening in the valve module, valve seat housing, sealingly engaging the nozzle body bore to prevent flow of fuel between the valve seat housing and the nozzle bore, to the venturi module.

46. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a fuel passage,

valve means for controlling the flow of fuel through the fuel passage,

means for automatically shutting off flow of fuel through the fuel passage to prevent overfilling of a fuel tank,

said means for shutting of flow of fuel being responsive to generation of a vacuum of a given magnitude,

venturi means for generating said vacuum,

said nozzle being characterized in that

the venturi means comprise

a venturi passage, and

a bypass passage, and

bypass valve means for yieldably blocking fuel flow through said bypass passage,

said valve means being responsive to a given upstream fuel pressure to permit fuel flow through said bypass passage,

whereby a vacuum of the desired given magnitude can be generated at low fuel flow rates,

wherein

the venturi passageway is disposed generally longitudinally and centrally of the fuel passage, and

the bypass passage is an annular passage generally surrounding the venturi passage,

whereby flow losses are minimized at both low and high flow rates, and

further wherein the nozzle comprises a nozzle body, and

further characterized by

the nozzle body having a bore, and

a venturi module mounted in said bore,

said venturi module comprising

a generally tubular housing,

a hub, and

a plurality of vanes, extending generally radially of the tubular housing and positioning the hub generally centrally within the tubular housing,

said venturi passage extending longitudinally of said hub, and

said hub and said tubular housing defining the bypass passage.

47. A nozzle as in claim 46,

further characterized in that

the venturi module housing and the nozzle body compositely define a source vacuum chamber,

and passage means extend through at least one vane, from the venturi passage to the source vacuum chamber.

48. A nozzle for the dispensing of liquid fuels and other liquids, said nozzle comprising

a fuel passage,

fuel valve means for controlling the flow of fuel through the fuel passage,

means for automatically closing said valve means to shut off flow of fuel through the fuel passage to prevent overfilling of a fuel tank,

said means for shutting of flow of fuel being responsive to generation of a vacuum of a given magnitude,

venturi means for generating said vacuum,

said nozzle being characterized in that

the venturi means comprise

a venturi passage, and

a bypass passage, and

bypass valve means for yieldably blocking fuel flow through said bypass passage,

said bypass valve means being responsive to a given upstream fuel pressure to permit fuel flow through said bypass passage,

whereby a vacuum of the desired given magnitude can be generated at low fuel flow rates,

wherein

the venturi means is closely spaced, downstream from the fuel valve means,

further characterized in that

the fuel valve means comprising a housing member which provides a seat for the fuel valve and also provides a seat for the bypass valve.

The present invention relates to improvements in dispensing nozzles and particularly to improved nozzles employed in the dispensing of fuels.

Although varying in design details, the vast majority of fuel nozzles, presently in use, employ the same basic components. Thus it is a standard practice that fuel nozzles are comprised of a nozzle "body", which is the primary structural component of the nozzle. One end of the nozzle body, referenced as the inlet end, is adapted for attachment a hose, which extends to a dispenser, for connection with a source of pressurized fuel. A spout, formed of a length of tubing, is provided with an adapter, on one end, which is then inserted into a bore in the nozzle body, at an end opposite the inlet end. A fuel passage extends through the nozzle body from the inlet end to the spout.

A manually operated valve is provided for controlling the discharge of fuel from the nozzle. Universally, in nozzles employed in the retail sale of fuel, an automatic shut-off feature is provided to prevent overflow of fuel from a fuel tank. To this end it is a standard practice to employ a vertically disposed, poppet valve, as the fuel valve. The poppet valve is disposed immediately downstream of a hand grip portion of the nozzle body, at its inlet end. The poppet valve is controlled by a lever, which underlies the hand grip portion and is engageable with a valve stem that extends through the nozzle body. The lever is pivotal on a trip stem, which, in turn, is pivotally mounted on a generally vertically disposed "trip stem".

The trip stem is latched in an upper position, to provide a fixed pivot for the valve lever. Generally all of a user's fingers engage the valve lever to squeeze it upwardly and open the popper valve against the action of a relatively strong spring that acts against the top of the poppet valve. In use, when fuel reaches the level of the: spout, the latching means is disengaged to permit the trip stern to move downwardly. The spring, acting on the popper valve, then displaces the lever and trip stem downwardly, as the valve is displaced to a closed position.

The means for disengaging the latch means for the trip stem are based on a vacuum system that includes a venturi fuel flow section, downstream of the main popper valve. The vacuum generated by this venturi is vented through a passageway that extends through the spout and opens at the distal end of the spout. Conventionally, this vent passageway is formed by a small. diameter tube that extends lengthwise of the spout.

When the opening to the vent passageway is blocked by fuel (indicating that the fuel tank is approaching an overflow condition), a negative force of substantial magnitude is created in a chamber that is defined, in part, by a diaphragm. The diaphragm is flexed to release the trip stem latch means, to the end that the main popper closes.

Another feature of fuel nozzles is found in adapting fuel nozzles to prepay systems that permit a user to dispense only the amount of fuel that has been paid for before delivery fuel commences. A system that has round widespread acceptance is based on a service station operator controlling pressurization of the fuel to a given dispenser and fuel nozzle, as is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,578. In this system, the station operator initiates pressurization of fuel and sets a predetermined amount for delivery. The rate of delivery is controlled by the user of the nozzle until the amount delivered is within half a gallon of the prepaid amount. At this point, the fuel pressurization is reduced to approximately 2.5-3.0 psi and the flow rate down to about half a gallon a minute.

With the flow rate thus reduced, it is possible to accurately shut the main popper when the prepaid amount of fuel has been delivered.

While the end of limiting the delivery of fuel to a predetermined, prepaid amount is achieved through the use of low fuel pressure, low flow rates, their use makes difficult the generation of a sufficient vacuum (negative pressure) at the venturi, for proper operation of the automatic shut off feature. That is, the negative pressure is insufficient to release the trip stem latching means, so that delivery of fuel continues after the level of fuel would rise to block the entrance of the vacuum vent passage.

This problem has been solved, in part, by the provision of a venturi passage of relatively small cross section which creates a sufficient vacuum pressure at low flow rates. There is also a bypass passage, that is closed by valve means at low flow rates. When the fuel pressure increases, concommitentaly with the delivery of fuel at higher flow rates, the bypass valve opens to permit fuel flow through the bypass passage. Such proposal is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,139, which is of common assignment with the present application.

The present invention has several aspects and objects all calculated to providing a fuel dispensing nozzle which is easier to use and/or which is more reliable in use and/or more economical to manufacture.

A more specific object of the invention ms to provide a spout and spout assembly that is mounted on the nozzle body without the need of bonding agents (epoxy resins, e.g.).

This end may be achieved by employing means for mounting spout means wherein adapter means are mounted on the spout means and form a subassembly therewith. The nozzle body has a bore in which the adapter means are received. The nozzle is then characterized in that the adapter means comprise a plurality of longitudinally split adapter shells that are mechanically held in assembled relation on the spout means. Mechanical means are then employed to longitudinally and angularly position the adapter means in predetermined relation relative to the spout means. Further, mechanical means longitudinally and angularly position the adapter means in predetermined relation relative to the nozzle body. Also mechanical means lock the adapter means relative to the nozzle body.

The end of providing an improved mounting of a spout on a nozzle body is facilitated by extruding a tubular spout member and simultaneously, in the extrusion process, forming longitudinal grooves that cooperate in mechanically positioning the spout relatively to the adapter shells. After extrusion, circumferential grooves may be formed in the spout to facilitate its longitudinal positioning relative to the adapters shells. Also after extrusion, the tube may be bent so angularly dispose the end portions relative to each other.

In a broader sense, the extrusion method enable the elimination of the separate vent tube for the shut-off venturi. Thus, in extruding a spout, a separate passageway, of relatively small cross section, is formed in the wall of the tube that defines a main flow passage. The opposite ends of the tube may be plugged. Then an opening can be formed in the outer wall of the tube, communicating with the vent passage, at the distal end of the spout. A passage may be formed through the spout wall, at the inner end of the vent passage to provide communication with the venturi.

A related object of the invention is to provide improved means for maintaining the nozzle in its inserted position in the inlet pipe of a vehicle fuel tank.

Conventionally this end is accomplished by a wire that is coiled about the inner end portion of a spout. The present invention attains the same end, in an improved fashion by means of a tubular, anchor member that is telescoped over the inner end portion of the spout and has notches that are engageable with a lip on the inlet pipe of a vehicle fuel tank to maintain the spout in an inserted position. Advantageously, the anchor member is held in place by the above referenced shell means employed in mounting the spout on the nozzle body.

Yet another related object of the invention is to minimize, if not eliminate the dripping of fuel onto the nozzle body or onto underlying surfaces, when the nozzle is in its stored position hanging in a holster on the dispenser.

This end is attained by the provision of a tubular member mounted on the spout means of a nozzle. The tubular member forms, in combination with the spout means, an upwardly open chamber for receiving liquid fuel that emanates from the spout means, when the nozzle is in its stored position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide, a more readily controlled and, preferably, a reduced force requirement for opening the main fuel valve so that delivery of fuel is facilitated, and in so doing, to particularly satisfy the needs of the elderly or persons with disabilities.

This end is, in part, achieved by improved means for providing a mechanical signal input from a manually controlled trigger to an element that controls operation of the fuel valve.

More specifically, the control means for controlling the operative position of the valve means in response to manual positioning of the trigger, include a slidable input member. Further, the control means comprise an input lever pivotally mounted, at one end, relative to the nozzle body. A link, interconnects the input lever and the slidable input member. An outer end portion of the input lever is pivoted in response movement of the trigger in one direction, so that the slidable input member is displaced in a direction causing the valve means to open.

Other features of the linkage system for transmitting a mechanical input signal from the trigger to the fuel valve include the provision of a rotary input member that is rotated by movement of the slidable input member.

Additionally, where the nozzle body, at its inlet end portion, has a hand grip portion, guide means may be provided for mounting the trigger for sliding movement toward and away from the hand grip portion. Preferably the guide means for mounting the trigger comprise a pair of guard shells mounted on opposite sides of the nozzle body in underlying relation to the hand grip portion. The guard shells may include spaced wall sections providing guides, and the trigger may comprise a slide portion having grooves in which the space wall portions are slidingly received.

The object of providing, a more readily controlled and preferably reduced force requirement for opening the main fuel valve, may also be attained by control means for displacing a fuel valve sealing member to and from a closed position in response to movement of said manually operated member by a force on the manually operated member that is substantially unaffected by the pressure of the fuel in the nozzle.

The end of essentially isolating the manual force requirement from the magnitude of fuel pressurization may be attained by the provision of servo means, including a servo chamber into which an end of the fuel valve sealing member extends. This chamber is provided with orifice means that provide restricted fluid communication of the servo chamber with the fuel passage upstream of the fuel valve. A servo valve is opened to vent the servo chamber downstream of the fuel valve sealing member. Venting of the servo chamber may be provide by a mechanical signal input derived from movement of the manually controlled, nozzle lever. Preferably, the mechanical signal input is by way of a pivotal lever, with means converting rectilinear movement of the manually controlled lever to the desired pivotal input for the servo valve.

The invention has, among its objects, the end of minimizing costs, which end is achieved, through a modular construction that provides the several functions required in a fuel nozzle.

The modular nozzle of the present invention comprises a nozzle body having an inlet end adapted for connection with a source pressurized fuel. A bore extends inwardly from an opposite end of the nozzle body, and a fuel passage extends from the inlet end of the nozzle body and communicates with the bore.

This nozzle is characterized by a valve module which comprises valve means for controlling flow of fuel through the nozzle. The valve module is inserted in nozzle body bore. The valve module also has means for sealing it relative to the nozzle body bore to divert fuel flow interiorly of the valve module. The nozzle further comprises a venturi module, which is, likewise, inserted in the nozzle body bore, downstream of the valve module. The venturi module has venturi means for generating a negative pressure to be employed in automatically closing the valve means. The nozzle further comprises a spout module inserted in said bore downstream of the venturi module. The spout module includes spout means from which fuel is discharged and adapter means received by and positioned in the nozzle body bore. The modules are maintained in assembled relation by releasable means for securing the adapter means in fixed relation to said nozzle body.

As is later detailed, the several modules cooperate in various fashions to provide conventional and improved functions for the nozzle.

One of the problems in assuring automatic shut-off based on use of a vacuum force is in obtaining a sufficient vacuum (negative pressure) to assure shut off at low flow rates. Where, as in the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the nozzle is employed in a prepay system, the problem is more pronounced. This is to point out that for most, if not all uses of the nozzle, a significant portion of the delivery cycle will involve delivery at a flow rate of half a gallon per minute, or less. This increases the likelihood of the automatic shut off mechanism being actuated.

Thus another object of the invention is increase the magnitude of vacuum obtainable at low flow rates, and, at the same time to obtain sufficient vacuum at high fuel delivery rates. Differently worded, this object goes to obtaining a vacuum of effective magnitude over an increase range of fuel delivery rates and particularly to extend to lower levels, the lower end of that range.

Such ends are attained by a nozzle comprising a fuel passage and valve means for controlling the flow of fuel through the fuel passage. The nozzle also includes means for automatically shutting off flow of fuel through the fuel passage to prevent overfilling of a fuel tank, which means are responsive to generation of a vacuum of a given magnitude. Venturi means for generating this vacuum are characterized in that they comprise a venturi passage, and a bypass passage. Further bypass valve means yieldably block fuel flow through said bypass passage. The bypass valve means are responsive to a given upstream fuel pressure to permit fuel flow through the bypass passage, whereby a vacuum of the desired given magnitude can be generated at low fuel flow rates. The venturi passage is further characterized in being disposed generally longitudinally and centrally of the fuel passage and the bypass passage is annular and surrounds the venturi passage.

The described venturi means including the venturi passage and bypass passage and at least a part of the valve means may be advantageously incorporated in a venturi module adapted to be mounted in a nozzle body bore, with particular advantage in being incorporated in a modular nozzle that further includes valve and spout nozzles, as above referenced. Additional features are found in employing a central hub mounted centrally of the fuel passage and supported by radially extending vanes. The venturi passage extends longitudinally of the hub and the bypass passage is defined by the hub and the fuel passage. The bypass valve may comprise a sealing member slidably mounted on the hub and, in a further preferred situation, engageable with a valve seat formed on a valve module housing.

The above and other related objects and features of the invention will be apparent from a reading of the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the novelty thereof pointed out in the appended claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a nozzle, embodying the present invention, which is adapted to dispense gasoline or other liquid fuels or other liquids;

FIG. 2 is an elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the spout end portion of the nozzle seen in FIG. 1, showing it positioned in the fill pipe of a fuel tank;

FIG. 3 illustrates the spout end portion of the nozzle in a generally vertical position and demonstrates a drip protection feature of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevation, on a further enlarged scale, with portions broken away and in section, of the nozzle's spout;

FIG. 5 is a section taken on line 5--5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken on line 6--6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an elevation, with portions broken away and in section, of the connection of the nozzle spout to the nozzle body;

FIG. 8 is an elevation of shells which compositely form an adapter employed in mounting the spout on the nozzle body;

FIG. 9 is a section taken on line 9--9 in FIG. 7, with a spout retaining clip aligned for assembly;

FIG. 9A is a section taken on line 9A--9A in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9B is a section taken on line 9B--9B in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a elevation similar to FIG. 7 with different portions broken away and in section and with the spout retaining clip removed;

FIG. 11 is a section taken on line 11--11 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a view, on an enlarged scale, with portions broken away and in section, of trigger actuating mechanism, seen in FIG. 1, in its rest position;

FIG. 13 illustrates the trigger actuating mechanism seen in FIG. 12 in a delivery position;

FIG. 13A shows the trigger actuating mechanism still in its delivery position, but with fuel valve in a closed position as a result of an overfill condition being sensed, or as a result of a prepaid quantity of fuel having been delivered;

FIG. 14 is a section taken generally on line 14--14 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a section taken generally on line 15--15 in FIG. 12, with the trigger mechanism raised to fuel delivery position;

FIG. 15A is a section taken on line 15A--15A in FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a section taken generally on line 16--16 in FIG. 12, illustrating the rest position of the nozzle, with a latching mechanism in its released position;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of components of the latching mechanism;

FIG. 17 is a section taken generally on line 17--17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a lever mechanism employed in providing a pressure signal input to the latching mechanism;

FIG. 18 is a section taken generally on line 17--17 in FIG. 16, illustrating the latching mechanism its engaged position; FIG. 18A is a section similar to FIG. 18, illustrating the latch in its released position as the result of an overfill condition being sensed;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary top view of the nozzle, with portions broken away and in section to illustrated control mechanism for the control valve mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal elevation section, on an enlarged scale, of a valve control mechanism and an aspirator indicated in outline form in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section, on a reduced scale, illustrating actuation of a servo control for the main valve, seen in FIG. 20, in an open position;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal section, on a reduced scale, illustrating the main valve, seen in FIG. 20, in an open, delivery position;

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal section, on a reduced scale, illustrating a bypass valve, seen in FIG. 20, in an open position;

FIG. 24 is an elevation of a cap member seen in FIG. 20, illustrating its attachment to a valve seat member;

FIG. 25 is a section taken on line 25--25 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a section taken generally on line 26--26 in FIG. 19;

FIG. 27 is a section taken on line 27--27 in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 28 is a section taken on line 28--28 in FIG. 20.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 for a description of the present nozzle, which is generally identified by reference character 30. In use the nozzle provides the normal functions of a fuel nozzle, as employed in dispensing gasoline at retail fueling stations. Thus, one end of the nozzle is provided with a threaded portion 32 at its inlet end for connection to a hose, which, in turn, is connected to a pedestal and means for delivering pressurized fuel through the hose to the nozzle.

The nozzle further comprises a spout 34, projecting from its other, discharge end. Fuel flow through the nozzle 30 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 1. The nozzle comprises, as a basic structural unit, a nozzle body 36 which includes a hand grip portion 38, at its inlet end. The nozzle also includes a guard 40 which is compositely formed by guard shells 40a and 40b, which are secured to each other and to the nozzle body 36 by fasteners 42, which can be in the form of screws or rivets.

A scuff guard/hand warmer 44, formed of synthetic elastomeric material encases the hand grip portion 38 and major portions of the nozzle body 36, as well as adjacent portions of the guard 40. The scuff guard 44, being elastomeric, is removable from the nozzle for purposes of adjustment and maintenance of the nozzle.

Control of fuel flow through the nozzle 30 is provided by a trigger 46 and a valve mechanism 48. In use, the nozzle 30 a user would grasp the hand grip portion and position the spout 34 in the fill pipe of a fuel tank, reference FIG. 2, (or otherwise insert the spout 34 in a vessel to be filled). The trigger can then be raised by the user's fingers to open the valve 48 and initiate delivery of fuel in a manner described in detail below.

The nozzle 30 possesses several advantageous capabilities which will be briefly noted at this point and described in greater detail at a later point.

Thus, means 49 are provided for maintaining the valve mechanism 48 in an open position. These means include a button 50, which is depressed to lock the trigger in an elevated position. Automatic shut off capability is provided to close the valve mechanism 48 when the level of fuel in the fuel pipe reaches a predetermined level and prevent spilling of fuel. Alternatively, the valve means can be closed at any time simply be slightly raising the trigger 46 and then releasing it.

The nozzle is also adapted for use in systems where it is desired to limited the amount fuel delivered to a predetermined amount, as in pre-pay systems.

Further, the nozzle is provided with an attitude device, which automatically closes the valve mechanism 48 if the nozzle is tilted at an upwardly directed angle.

Spout/Spout Mounting

Reference is next made to FIGS. 4-9 for a description of the spout 34 and the manner in which it is mounted on the nozzle body 36.

Preferably, and advantageously, the spout 34 is formed by an extrusion process. Extrusion of tubular members, both metallic and synthetic resin, is, per se, well known in the art. The spout 34 is configured to take unique advantage of the extrusion process in economically providing the spout functions of the present nozzle and in mounting the spout on the nozzle body.

Thus in forming the spout 34, an extrusion is initially made with a cross section, indicated in FIG. 5. This initial cross section comprises a central, fuel flow passage 50. A smaller, longitudinal, venting passageway 52 is disposed beneath the fuel flow passage 50. The cross section of the extruded spout outline also defines a pair of grooves 56, the inner ends of which provide a locating, or positioning, function in mounting the spout on the nozzle body 36.

The extrusion may be formed from aluminum, or a structural plastic resin, such as delrin. The extrusion is cut to a desired length and then bent so that the discharge end of the spout is angled downwardly from its upstream end, which is to be mounted on the nozzle body 36. This angled relation is well known and provides a proper and comfortable orientation of the nozzle body relative to a vehicle, when the spout is inserted in a vehicle inlet pipe.

Either before, or after, bending of the spout extrusion, various circumferential grooves are formed in its exterior surface. This may be economically done on a lathe. These groove include a V-shaped groove 58, which provides a predetermined failure mode for the nozzle; O-ring grooves 60, 62 and 64; a locking groove 66 and a venting groove 68.

Additionally, plugs 70, 72 are inserted into opposite ends of the passageway 52 and radial holes 74, 76 are drilled from the lower surface of the spout 34 to open into the passageway 52. There is thus defined, in the spout 34, a venting passageway which extends from an entrance at the hole 74 to an exit at hole 76 and groove 68. The function of the venting passageway will be further described below in connection with the automatic shut-off function of the nozzle.

The spout 34 is mounted on the nozzle body 36 by strictly mechanical means, which do not depend on the use of threaded members. This mounting means obviates the environmental problems, as well as the health hazards, associated with the use of adhesives (commonly used) and the breakdown of such adhesives, as by chemical attack of the fuel or fuel additives. The elimination of the use of threaded connections in such mountings also increases reliability as well as minimizing the expense of manufacture.

The mounting means here employed follow the generally accepted prior practice of mounting the spout 34 in or on an adapter, identified by reference character 78 (See FIGS. 7-9 and also FIG. 20). The adapter is an intermediate mounting member between the spout 34 and the nozzle body 36.

In brief, the adapter comprises a pair of clam shells 78a, 78b. The clam shells each define 180.degree. of and compositely form a cylindrical bore 80 having a diameter approximating the outer diameter of the spout 34. An inwardly projecting, circumferential rib 82 is likewise compositely formed. The clam shells 78a, 78b also include longitudinal, inwardly projecting ribs 83, on opposite sides of the circumferential rib portions 82, which are adapted to be received by the slots 56.

The clamshells 78a, 78b each include a lug 84 which project through a slot 86 in the opposite clam shell to provide means for joining the clam shells 78a, 78b in assembled relation on the spout 34. The adapter 78 is thus mounted on the spout 34 in axially fixed relation thereto by engagement of the circumferential rib 82, with the spout groove 66. The adapter is also in a fixed angular relation with respect to the spout 34 by reason of the longitudinal ribs 83 being positioned in the tube slots 56.

The adapter 78 may also be employed to mount an anchor member 88 on the spout 34, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The anchor member 88 is generally tubular and is telescoped over the spout 34 prior to mounting the adapter clam shells thereon. The anchor may be provided with a flange 90 that is longitudinally positioned within a recess at the front end of the compositely formed adapter 78. The anchor is angularly positioned, relative to the adapter 78 by a lug 91, which is received in a notch 92, on the inner surface of the recess at the front end of the adapter 78. Notches 92 are formed in the tops and bottoms of the clam shells 78a, 78b so that they may be mounted on the spout 34 in either of two possible angular positions.

The spout 34, with the adapter 78 and adapter 88 thus mounted therein is then mounted on the nozzle body 36 by use of a clip 94, which is best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9. The nozzle body 36 has a bore 96 which slidingly receives a cylindrical surface 97 on the adapter 78, (FIGS. 9B and 10). The adapter 78 has a groove 98 intermediate the length of the surface 97. At this point it will also be noted that thin webs 95 span the groove 98, with the means (84, 86) connecting the clam shells 778a, 78b, being disposed in the groove 98.

When the spout/adapter 34/78 is inserted into the bore 96, the unit is first aligned with and angularly positioned relative to the nozzle body 36, by engagement of radial adapter lugs 99 with slots 100 in the nozzle body 36 (FIGS. 9, 9A and 11). When the adapter is fully inserted into the bore 98, as limited by engagement of a flange 102 with the outer end of the nozzle body 36 the adapter groove 98 is axially aligned with vertical slots 104 formed in the nozzle body 36.

The clip 94 (FIGS. 7 and 9) is generally U-shaped and comprises a pair of upstanding legs 106 connected by a bridge 108. The legs 106 are projected through the slots 104 into the groove 98. Preferably, the upper ends of the legs 106 are bifurcated to provide for a yieldable retention of the clip 94 in its locking position. Retention of the clip 94 in its locking position is additionally facilitate by the provision of radial ribs 110 (FIG. 7, 9 and 9B). The opposed faces of the ribs 110 are provided with curved lands 112, which are received by grooves 114 formed in the legs 106.

The clip 94 may be formed of any of several synthetic resinous material which will provide the necessary strength as well as resiliency for the resilient retention of the clip, as described. In mounting the clip, it is simply inserted upwardly through the openings 104, reference FIG. 9. The bifurcated ends of the legs 106 are cammed together and the grooves 114 brought into engagement with the lands 112. The spout is thus firmly and rigidly mounted on the nozzle body 36.

The spout assembly can be readily removed by simply releasing the clip 94 from its locking position. To facilitate such release, a notch 116 is provided in the bridge 108 of the clip 94 (FIG. 7). A screw driver, or equivalent can be engaged with the notch 116 to pry it downwardly and obtain release from the detent means comprising the lands 112 and lands 114. Once the detent means is released, the clip 94 can be readily removed from the nozzle. The spout/anchor/adapter subassembly can then be freely withdrawn from the nozzle body bore 96.

The spout 34 functions in the usual fashion in discharging fuel into a fuel tank through the inlet pipe therefor. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 where the spout 34 is shown inserted into a fill pipe P which includes a no-lead restrictor R, this being the usual arrangement to assure that no-lead gasoline will be used in vehicles designed for such fuel. The restrictor R has a relatively small opening which will not permit insertion of larger diameter spouts employed on nozzles used in the dispensing of leaded gasoline.

The spout 34 has the small diameter employed in nozzles for dispensing no-lead gasoline and thus passes through the opening in restrictor R to permit the spout to be properly positioned in the fill pipe P. The anchor 88 is provided with a series of three notches 118 which are adapted to engage an inwardly projecting lip L, which is illustrated as being formed on the restrictor R. This provides a latching function for maintaining the nozzle in its delivery position, with the spout 34 fully inserted into the fill pipe P. The latching function is a great convenience where the trigger 46 is latched to maintain the valve mechanism 48 in an open position and the user no longer maintains a grip on the nozzle.

Inturned lips (L) will be found on fill pipes, which do not include a restrictor, and the posi