US5330073A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gasoline dispenser leak detectors and automatic shut-off systems
Assignee: Boston Advanced Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1993-04-15
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Granted: 1994-07-19
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Expires: 2013-04-15
Abstract
Abstract Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels from storage tanks and the like, by employing a sensor in an environment proximal to the dispenser. The sensor preferably includes an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, and the waveguide is disposed in the environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide. The sensor further includes a light source for projecting light into a first end of the waveguide, and a detector for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide. The sensor is electrically connected to a controller which terminates the dispensation of fuel in the event that a leak is detected by the sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Randall Collins
- 👤 Ralph F. Cohn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:11
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D7/00; B67D7/06; B67D7/08; G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A system for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels comprising: dispensing means for dispensing a hydrocarbon fuel from a storage tank; sensor means for sensing a leak of hydrocarbon fuel in an environment proximal to the dispensing means, the sensor means comprising an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, the waveguide being disposed in said environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide; irradiation means for projecting light into a first end of said waveguide, and detector means disposed at a second end of said waveguide for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide; and control means for terminating the dispensation of fuel based on detection of leak by the sensing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A system for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels comprising: dispensing means for dispensing a hydrocarbon fuel from a storage tank; sensor means for sensing a leak of hydrocarbon fuel in an environment proximal to the dispensing means, the sensor means comprising an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, the waveguide being disposed in said environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide; irradiation means for projecting light into a first end of said waveguide, and detector means disposed at a second end of said waveguide for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide; and control means for terminating the dispensation of fuel based on detection of leak by the sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the sensor means further comprises an assembly in which the irradiation means is aligned with the waveguide such that the light incident on the waveguide enters said first end at an angle relative to the central axis, and propagates by internal reflection within the waveguide rather than direct transmittance, such that optimal propagation occurs in the absence of said fluid, and the presence of a fluid in contact with the waveguide causes detectable losses in light propagation due to degradation of said internal reflectance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the sensor means is located in a pan beneath the dispensing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the sensor means is located in a sump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the control means is electrical connected to the sensor means and to a power supply for the dispensing means, and the control means further comprises means for shuting off said power supply when an electrical signal is received from the sensor means indicating that fuel is detected in the environment by the sensing means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels comprising: disposing a sensor for sensing a leak of hydrocarbon fuel in an environment proximal to the dispensing means, the sensor comprising an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, the waveguide being disposed in said environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide; irradiation means for projecting light into a first end of said waveguide, and detector means disposed at a second end of said waveguide for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide; and activating a control means for terminating the dispensation of fuel based on detection of leak by the sensor.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels comprising: disposing a sensor for sensing a leak of hydrocarbon fuel in an environment proximal to the dispensing means, the sensor comprising an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, the waveguide being disposed in said environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide; irradiation means for projecting light into a first end of said waveguide, and detector means disposed at a second end of said waveguide for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide; and activating a control means for terminating the dispensation of fuel based on detection of leak by the sensor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises aligning the irradiation means with the waveguide such that the light incident on the waveguide enters said first end at an angle relative to the central axis, and propagates by internal reflection within the waveguide rather than direct transmittance, such that optimal propagation occurs in the absence of said fluid, and the presence of a fluid in contact with the waveguide causes detectable losses in light propagation due to degradation of said internal reflectance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |