Gasoline dispenser leak detectors and automatic shut-off systems
AssigneeBoston Advanced Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJ. Randall Collins, Ralph F. Cohn
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims7
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.