Patent ID: 6401767
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: B67D,F17C

Abstract:
A safety system for grounding an operator at a fueling station prior to removing a fuel fill nozzle from a fuel tank upon completion of a fuel filling operation, said fuel fill nozzle connected to a fuel source by a fuel conduit, said safety system comprising:a) a fuel tank port in communication with said fuel tank for receiving and retaining said fuel fill nozzle during the fuel filling operation; b) a grounding device adjacent said fuel tank port, said grounding device including a grounding switch having a contact member adapted to receive physical contact by the operator, wherein physical contact of said contact member activates said grounding switch; and c) a releasable interlock providing a lock position wherein said nozzle is locked into said port upon insertion of said nozzle into said port and a release position wherein said nozzle is releasable from said fuel tank port upon completion of the fuel filling operation and after physical contact of said contact member is accomplished; whereby accidental ignition of fuel due to static discharge is prevented.