Vapor recovery nozzles and sub-assemblies therefor

Abstract

A vapor recovery nozzle, employed in minimizing atmospheric pollution by fuel vapors is described. The nozzle comprises a bellows which is compressed against the fill pipe of a vehicle fuel tank during discharge of fuel therein. The bellows surrounds a nozzle spout to define a vapor return flow path which extends through a nozzle body. The body of the nozzle is compositely formed by a body member and a vapor path cap which compositely define the vapor return flow passage. Flow of fuel is controlled by a control valve which may be opened, or maintained opened, by an operating lever only when a trip mechanism stem is latched in an operative position. A mechanical interlock prevents latching of the trip mechanism stem unless the bellows is compressed in sealing engagement with a fill pipe. When the bellows is so compressed, the trip stem is latched. If the level of fuel in the fill pipe covers the end of the spout, vacuum actuated means unlatch the trip mechanism stem. If the pressure in the vapor return flow path rises to a level indicating a blockage in return flow, the trip stem is also unlatched. A vapor valve is provided in the bellows to prevent the escape of fuel vapors when the nozzle is in a rest position. Angular relationships of the bellows and the spout facilitate obtaining a seal with a fill pipe. A groove is formed in the spout outwardly of and adjacent the vapor seal so that the vapor seal maintains its integrity in the event the spout is broken when inserted in a fill pipe. A trip mechanism sub-assembly, a spout sub-assembly and a bellows sub-assembly facilitate rebuilding, as well as the original assembly, of the nozzle.