Patent · US Expired

Breakaway device for fueling stations

US6692034B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
24References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 29, 2001
Grant dateFeb 17, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 5, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/1654
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A breakaway device joins a portion of a dispensing hose that is connected to a fueling station with a portion of a dispensing hose that is joined to a coupling that connects to a vehicle during fueling. The breakaway device includes a pair of leg members that are joined by their proximal ends to the dispensing hose portions. The distal ends of the leg members are joined at an angle to a frangible member that includes a pair of inner segments that are joined in an abutting fashion by a surrounding frangible sleeve. When a driveaway occurs, the leg members are pulled apart and exert a bending moment on the frangible member. As a result, the frangible member breaks which prevents significant damage to the station. A pneumatic line that provides pressurized air to open the station dispensing valve is attached to each leg member so that when the frangible member breaks, the pneumatic line is ruptured so that pressurized air is no longer delivered to the dispensing valve. As a result, the dispensing valve closes and fuel is no longer delivered to the dispensing hose.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.