Marine fuel backflow preventer and over-fill alarm system
US8511341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86372
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A marine fuel backflow preventer and overfill alarm for use with marine vessels includes a housing provided for in-line installation in the fuel fill inlet line and directs fuel entering the a fuel filling inlet generally directly to a fuel filling outlet such that the fuel passes freely through the back flow preventer while being directed to the vessel fuel tank. The housing further functions as a reservoir for containing fuel which has accumulated therein due to over-filling and/or that has been carried into the housing via the fuel tank vent line. By providing a fuel containing reservoir disposed in-line the present invention thus functions to prevent unintended fuel spillage into the environment. The back flow preventer further includes an electro-mechanical float switch that automatically activates an alarm upon sensing the presence of fuel within the housing. The alarm provides the fuel filling attendant a prompt warning that an overflow condition is being experienced such that the flow of fuel may be terminated prior to spillage into the environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.