Abstract:
Provided herein are complementary couplers useful in providing a coupling through which liquids may be transferred from a first storage reservoir or tank to a second storage reservoir or tank, which can be an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle&#39;s fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere. Through use of the present disclosure, spills of fuel are essentially eliminated, and the escape of vapors from the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank are prevented, thus preventing atmospheric hydrocarbon pollution.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/806,903 filed Aug. 24, 2010 which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/287,508 filed Oct. 9, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,184, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/702,414 filed Feb. 6, 2007, now abandoned, which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/727,279 filed Dec. 3, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,098, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/432,162 filed Dec. 10, 2002, the entire contents of all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to fluid control and more particularly to couplings used in transferring a liquid substance from one reservoir in which a liquid is stored to a second reservoir. In some embodiments the invention relates to couplings useful in transferring a liquid hydrocarbon fuel from a storage vessel to a fuel tank on-board a motorized vehicle, such as an automobile. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    By the very nature of the utilization of liquid substances including, inter alia, noxious chemicals and liquid hydrocarbon fuels, it is frequently necessary to transfer a liquid fuel from a first storage vessel in which it is contained to a second storage vessel. One particular instance in which it is necessary to so transfer a liquid fuel is in the case of re-fueling an automobile during a racing event. Other instances include inter-plant transfers of liquids and gases in chemical plants, loading and off-loading tanker trucks and rail tankers, the re-fueling of aircraft, etc. 
         [0004]    One particular class of automobile racing requires competing vehicles to travel an extended period of time to cover the pre-determined distance of the race. Such automobile races have been known for decades, and current NASCAR and other events include such races as the Indianapolis 500, the California 500, the Virginia 500, and the New England 300. Such automobile races typically require drivers and their cars to travel hundreds of miles from start to finish. Quite often, such races are carried out on a track, which may be circular, oval, or which may trace out a serpentine course. 
         [0005]    Since the fuel-carrying capacity of a race car is limited by the rules of racing and the capacity of such tanks is not sufficient to enable the racer to complete an entire race on a single tank load of fuel, it is a general requirement that drivers must take pit stops periodically for re-fueling. The nature of racing is such that the first racer to cross the finish line is usually declared the winner, and the amount of time used by a racer for combined maintenance operations including re-fueling can be a significant factor in determining the outcome of a given race. Hence, it is highly desirable from the standpoint of a racing team that time expended in re-fueling and other pit-stop operations is kept to an absolute minimum. 
         [0006]    Current state-of-the-art for re-fueling a racing vehicle in a circle-track application is for the racer to pull their car into a “pit-stop” for servicing. As is customary, the on-board fuel tank of a racing vehicle includes an inlet conduit through which fuel is admitted to the tank during re-fueling. There is also a cap or other means of sealing the inlet conduit from the surrounding environment after a re-fueling of the vehicle is complete. A headspace volume exists above the liquid level of the fuel in the tank. Initially, when the tank is full, the headspace volume is at its minimum. As fuel is consumed, the headspace volume increases, and reaches its maximum when all of the liquid fuel formerly contained in the tank has been consumed. During a re-fueling, members of the pit crew tote a large funnel-shaped recharging tank or “dump can” which contains a desired amount of a motor fuel, sometimes about 11.5 gallons in the case of some racing events. The recharging tank includes a fitting on its lower extremity which is complementary to that on the end of the inlet conduit on the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank. Once the vehicle comes to a stop, the pit crew removes the cap from the fuel tank inlet. Then, the fitting on the recharging tank is mated to the fitting on the tank inlet to form a sealed conduit through which fuel may pass from the recharging tank to the vehicle&#39;s on-board fuel tank. A valve disposed on the recharging tank is opened, and fuel contained within the recharging tank is drawn by gravity into the on-board fuel tank of the vehicle. 
         [0007]    The re-fueling of a racing vehicle is undertaken as expediently as possible while minimizing fuel loss during the operation. However, one disadvantage of current re-fueling methods is that large volumes of liquid fuel are spilled onto the pavement and portions of the vehicle being re-fueled. A volume of fuel lost by spillage in re-fueling operations during the course of a race can be several gallons, such losses occurring primarily when the recharging tank is removed from the inlet conduit on the receiving vessel. While pit crews are well-equipped to deal with inadvertent fires that may occasionally occur, there are immediate health risks to pit crew personnel other than the fire hazard. For example, modern racing engines are typically designed to have an effective compression ratio in excess of 10:1, and these high compression ratio engines require fuels having high octane ratings. Volatile anti-knock compounds such as tetraethyl lead and the like are sometimes formulated into racing fuels as octane boosters. These lead compounds are volatile and since they are known health hazards, the issue of inhalation of tetraethyl lead and related compounds as a health hazard to pit crews is a serious matter. In addition, any un-necessary release of raw hydrocarbon fuels into the atmosphere is a public health concern. 
         [0008]    Another issue for automobiles is the concept of vapor lock. Vapor lock is a condition manifest by the pressure in the headspace above the fuel in an on-board fuel tank being lower than normal atmospheric pressure. Such a condition is caused to exist by virtue of the fuel pump removing fuel from the fuel tank, without the same volume of air being admitted into the tank to compensate for the lost volume of fuel owing to the fuel tank being sealed off from the atmosphere. Eventually, the fuel pump is required to pump fuel from an area of reduced pressure, and, not being designed for such use, a less-than-desired amount of fuel is delivered to the engine, which can result in decreased engine performance. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Provided are couplers useful for facilitating transfer of a liquid from a first vessel to a second vessel with countercurrent transfer of vapor from the second vessel to the first vessel. In some embodiments a coupler as provided comprises a spring-biased quasi-cylindrical sleeve that is slidably disposed within a cover. The sleeve is hollow, has an interior and an exterior wall, and the exterior wall is configured sufficiently to cause upon application of force against the pressure of the spring, the opening of a first passage through which liquid is able to pass, and the opening of a second passage that is separate and distinct from said first passage through which vapor is able to pass within the coupler. The first passage is disposed through the interior of the sleeve and the second passage is disposed exterior to the wall of the sleeve, with the exterior wall of the sleeve comprising at least a portion of the boundary of the second passage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In the annexed drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a coupler base according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows an overhead view of a coupler base according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a cover component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of a cover component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom perspective view of a cover component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a sleeve component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of a sleeve component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a poppet guide component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of a poppet guide component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  shows an underside view of a poppet guide component of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  shows a top perspective view of poppet and shaft components according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  shows an underside perspective view of poppet and shaft components according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of poppet and shaft components according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  shows a bottom view of poppet and shaft components according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  shows an overhead perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  shows an underside perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  shows an underside view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  shows an exploded perspective view of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  shows a side view of a base of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  shows an overhead view of a base of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of a base of a coupling of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  shows a side view of a billet body component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  shows an overhead view of a billet body component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of a billet body component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of a cover component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  shows a bottom view of a cover component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of an inner sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  shows a top view of an inner sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  shows a side view of an inner sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  shows a bottom view of an inner sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  shows a perspective view of an outer sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  shows a top view of an outer sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  shows a side view of an outer sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 37  shows a bottom view of an outer sleeve component of a coupling according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 38  shows an overhead perspective view of a poppet according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 39  shows a top view of a poppet according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 40  shows a side view of a poppet according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 41  shows a bottom view of a poppet according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 42  shows a perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 43  shows a bottom view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 44  shows an overhead perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 45  shows an overhead perspective view of an assembled coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 46  shows a side cutaway view of a coupler according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 47  shows a side cutaway view of a coupler that is complementary to the coupler depicted in  FIG. 47  according to some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 48  shows a side cutaway view of the couplers depicted in  FIGS. 46 ,  47  complementarily connected to one another; 
           [0059]      FIG. 49  shows a side view of a remote fuel reservoir having a coupler provided hereby attached thereto; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 50  shows a side view of a fuel storage tank having a coupler provided hereby attached thereto. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]    A fuel transfer coupling according to some embodiments of present inventions comprises a first portion at a first location selected by the user that is in fluid communication with a receiving vessel which can include without limitation a reservoir or tank being on-board of motorized vehicles such as trucks, automobiles, aircraft, sea-going vessels, or stationary such as in a chemical plant, food-processing facility or any other operation involving transfer and storage of chemicals. There is also a remote portion of the coupling disposed at a second location selected by the user, the remote portion being in fluid communication with a source of liquid hydrocarbon, chemical, fuel, etc. that is to be transferred, delivered or provided, etc. to the receiving vessel to which the first portion is in fluid communication. In some embodiments, the on-board portion may be referred to as the male coupler and the remote portion of the coupling may be referred to as the female coupler for convenience; however, the first portion in fluid communication with the receiving vessel including a fuel tank aboard a motorized vehicle can be selected to have a female configuration, and the second portion in fluid communication with the vessel containing the liquid to be transferred can be selected to have a male configuration. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments a coupling as provided herein is used in transferring a fluid to a receiving vessel that is not on board of a motorized vehicle, such as transfers of any chemical including hydrocarbons from one storage vessel to another storage vessel, for example in a chemical plant wherein the first portion of a coupling as provided herein is attached to a first end of a segment or line of conduit including hoses and pipes, and the second portion of a coupling as provided herein is attached to the second end of that same conduit line or segment. Other embodiments include a standing tank containing a liquid substance having a hose attached to its outlet to which either a male or female coupling portion provided herein is attached. In some embodiments the fluid that is to be transferred is caused to be under an applied pressure that is greater than ambient pressure by any selected amount to hasten liquid flow, such as by employment of a fluid pump. 
         [0063]    Referring to the drawings, and initially to  FIG. 1  there is shown an exploded view of a coupler  700  according to some embodiments with its various components, including vapor tube  20 , male coupler base  4 , conical poppet guide  6 , spring  8 , poppet bushing  10 , poppet shaft  9 , poppet  100 , vent spring  12 , vent seat  14 , retainer ring  16 , sleeve  18 , male coupler cover  2 , and fasteners  22 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 2  is shown a perspective view of male coupler base  4 , which includes a central bore  34  through which a liquid substance such as a normally-liquid hydrocarbon fuel or other selected material is intended to flow. Central bore  34  has a first end  39  ( FIG. 16 ) which may be connected to the inlet pipe of a fuel tank, and a second end portion which extends into the coupler base and terminates at a point within the male coupler base as shown. Disposed about the central bore  34  is a shrouding enclosure  36  which forms a chamber disposed co-axially about central bore  34  for the purpose of providing a pathway for a vaporous substance such as hydrocarbon or chemical vapors or air vapor to pass through the various holes  33  disposed through surface  40  of the male coupler base as shown, the holes  33  being in fluid communication with the outlet portion  35  of the vapor tube  20  via enclosure  36 . In some embodiments holes  33  are shaped as slots or oblong, ovoid, and in other embodiments holes  33  are circular or rectangular, and in some embodiments surface  40  is planar. This structure can be likened to a condenser as used in the chemical arts, which consists of a tube having a water jacket about it, with an inlet and outlet for the cooling water, and a tube disposed therethrough which the vapor to be condensed is caused to pass. The functional outlet of shrouding enclosure  36  comprises various holes  33  and its inlet is vapor tube  20  when this coupler is attached to a liquid-receiving vessel. Flange  42  is disposed at one end of the base having a plurality of holes  44  disposed therethrough along its periphery for the purpose of receiving fasteners for affixing coupler base  4  to other components of coupler  700  including cover  2 . In some embodiments, holes  33  are present through surface  40 , which surface  40  is disposed on a plane substantially parallel to but different from and beneath that of the planar surface of flange  42 . Thus, in some embodiments the plane of the flange portion  42  is above (more distal from the first end of central bore  34  than surface  40 ) than of the surface  40 . At the intersection of these two features there is a ledge which can be beveled or feature a distinct edge, and featuring a wall W, which in some embodiments is cylindrical. In some embodiments an annular lip is present at elevation  38 , upon which an o-ring seal  46  is mounted (not shown) in the finished assembly. A circumferential ledge  37  is present adjacent to wall W into which skirt portion of sleeve  18 , including an o-ring present in circumferential groove  511  ( FIG. 7 ), is moveably disposed, the travel of sleeve  18  within base  4  during coupling or uncoupling of the couplings herein being limited by the location of ledge  37 , which ledge acts as a stop for sleeve  18 . Slots  17  are provided for receiving contact features  62  slidably inserted therein ( FIGS. 9-11 ) during assembly of the unit. In some embodiments, the opening of central bore at bottom of taper  13  is smaller in diameter than the bore at the innermost diameter of circumferential ledge  37 , thus providing a taper to a segment of the central bore  34 . When the degree of the taper is matched to adjacent and other components that are contoured to themselves also be tapered or have smooth curves and other features as herein collectively shown or described, a great improvement is achieved over the rate of flow of a liquid through the joined couplings hereof compared to like couplings of prior art. In some embodiments when sleeve  18  is depressed so that it is in an open position such as depicted in  FIG. 48 , the bottom of skirt  55  of sleeve  18  resides against ledge  37 . In some embodiments base  4  includes a smooth transition in diameter between a segment along central bore  34  downstream and adjacent to the opening at bottom of taper  13  and the interior wall of sleeve  18 , when sleeve  18  is in such open position, the transition comprising a tapered segment corresponding to the wall of central bore  34  disposed between the opening at bottom of taper  13  and the innermost edge of or adjacent to ledge  37 . In some embodiments, the degree of taper is sufficient to provide a smooth transition in diameter between the inner wall of sleeve  18  and the diameter of central bore  34  that is downstream of bottom of taper  13  with respect to liquid flow. 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 3  is shown an overhead view of male coupler base  4 , including central bore  34 , flange  42 , holes  44 , vapor tube  20 , holes  33 , circumferential ledge  37 , bottom of taper  13 , and slots  17 . An o-ring seal  46  is present at the elevation  38  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the male coupler cover  2 , having an outer wall  24 , top surface  3 , and flange  26  which includes a plurality of holes  28  disposed about its periphery for connection to the male coupler base  4  once all components of coupler  700  have been assembled and installed within base  4 , using conventional fasteners in some embodiments including screws. In  FIG. 5  is shown a side view of male coupler cover  2 , including outer wall  24  and flange  26 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of the male coupler cover  2 , including flange  26 , plurality of holes  28 , annular groove  19  which extends about the hollow interior  1  adjacent to the flange  26  and receives the o-ring seal  46  (not shown) in a sealing relationship in the completed assembly. There is a circumferential beveled edge  30  within the interior of cover  2  that is configured to sealingly engage o-ring  50  present at the exterior of sleeve  18 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  depicts sleeve  18 , which in some embodiments is configured as a quasi-cylindrical hollow shell or sleeve having features shown and described herein. Sleeve  18  is hollow in its interior, as shown in cross-section in  FIGS. 46 ,  48  and has an open top T and an open bottom B. A hollow interior space is thus present within the confines of the wall and top and bottom of sleeve  18 . In some embodiments top surface  48  is flat, and there is a sloping circumferential shoulder portion  49  featuring a ring land in which resides an o-ring seal  50  in the assembled device. O-ring seal  50  is disposed to seal between the sloping shoulder  49  and beveled edge  30  from  FIG. 6  previous when the couplers  700 ,  701  are not coupled to one another. In the assembled coupler  700  there is also an o-ring seal disposed in a circumferential groove  511  present on the skirt of sleeve  18  adjacent to the bottom portion B, for sealing the skirt portion of sleeve  18  against the wall portion W of the bore in  FIG. 2  in the assembled device. Thus, the skirt portion of sleeve  18  is slidably disposed within a bore defined by circumferential wall W adjacent to the circumferential ledge  37 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  shows a side elevation view of a sleeve  18  according to some embodiments and depicts the locations of the top surface  48 , sloping shoulder  49 , location of o-ring seal  50 , groove  511  for holding an o-ring seal. 
         [0070]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a poppet guide  6  according to some embodiments featuring a truncated cone configuration which contributes in providing favorable fluid dynamics for liquids passing through a coupling including couplers  700 ,  701  as taught herein, resulting in low resistance to fluid flow and increased fluid flow rates over prior art couplings. In some embodiments poppet guide  6  a singular construct of a machined metal, alloy, polymer, composite, etc. including a funnel-shaped cone element  58  having centrally disposed therein a poppet guide bore  54  having a a wall  56  with a wall thickness and a plurality of support arms  60 . In some embodiments support arms  60  include contact features  62  at the ends thereof configured to securely reside within slots  17  present in base  4  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) at and extending below circumferential ledge  37 . In some embodiments contact features  62  are shaped as truncated cylinders, but any suitable functionally-equivalent matching complementary arrangement between contact features  62  and slots  17  can be employed. Poppet guide  6  is rigidly maintained in a stationary position in an assembled coupler partly due to the contact features  62  residing in slots  17 . Poppet guide bore  54  extends all the way through poppet guide  6  and is dimensioned to receive poppet bushing  10  ( FIG. 1 ), which itself is dimensioned to slidably receive poppet shaft  9 . The diameter at D 1  of  FIG. 9  of the upper portion of cone element  58  is slightly less than that of the internal diameter of the bottom portion B of sleeve  18  shown in  FIG. 7 , which enables the skirt portion of sleeve  18  to be slipped over the cone at D 1  and reside within the bore defined by wall W and atop contact features  62  of poppet guide  6  after the poppet guide  6  has been placed in position on the circumferential ledge  37  of  FIG. 2  during assembly. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of poppet guide  6  showing the respective locations of cone element  58 , contact features  62 , top ring portion  51  at diameter D 1 , and support arms  60  according to some embodiments. 
         [0072]      FIG. 11  shows a bottom view of poppet guide  6  showing the respective locations of poppet guide bore  54 , support arms  60 , contact features  62 , and cone element  58 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a combination including poppet shaft  9  and poppet  100 , showing top surface  70  of poppet  100 , valve face  81 , and o-ring land  72  which is a circumferential groove ( FIG. 14 ). Poppet shaft  9  in some embodiments is cylindrical having either a point or being smooth at its tapered distal end  68  ( FIG. 19 ) which functions synergistically with the remaining components of coupler  700  to enhance flow rates of liquids passing through couplers  700 ,  701  when engaged. In some embodiments vent disc  14  is disposed in a recess within elevated portion  85  present upon flat top surface  70 , the vent disc being maintained in position by retainer ring  16 , itself being maintained in position by means of machine screws  78  threaded into holes present on elevated portion  85  of top surface  70 . Vent disc  14  in some embodiments includes a hole  15  that passes through the vent disc itself. In some embodiments a spring (not shown) mechanically biases vent disc  14  against retainer ring  16 . In some embodiments vent disc  14  is slidably disposed within a bore disposed through elevated portion  85 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 13  is a lower perspective view of the poppet  100 , showing valve face  81 , o-ring land  72 , and stem receiver boss  69  which is configured to receive the proximal end of poppet shaft  9 . Poppet  100  features valve face  81  having innermost diameter at D 2  and dimensioned sufficiently to complement the contour of poppet guide  6  at its diameter D 1  ( FIG. 9 ) in a smoothly-transitioning fashion, these components having streamlined exterior contours as shown herein which synergistically function with other features and components herein to provide decreased resistance to flow of liquid substances through central bore  34 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 14  shows a side elevation view of poppet  100  and stem  9  including top surface  70 , elevated portion  85 , valve face  81 , and ring land  72 .  FIG. 15  depicts a bottom perspective view of poppet  100  having a diameter at D 2 , stem receiver boss  69 , vent disc  14 , valve face  81 , poppet stem  9 , bottom surface  83 , and ends of machine screws  78 . In some embodiments D 2  and valve face  81  are dimensioned sufficiently to substantially match D 1  of poppet guide  6  at the top portion of cone  58  ( FIG. 10 ) so that valve face  81  is disposed at the top portion of the cone  58  with no irregular edges or other flow-inhibiting features or profile discontinuities present at the juncture of poppet guide  6  and poppet  100  past which a liquid substance flows, providing minimal turbulence with respect to liquid flow at such juncture. Poppet stem  9  is of such diameter as to provide a snug fit in by which poppet stem  9  is slidably disposed within poppet guide bore  54 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of male coupler  700  in assembled form, having its components shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein contained within the coupler cover  2  and coupler base  4 . To assemble male coupler  700 , one may begin by securing coupler base  4  in a stationary position. Next, poppet guide  6  is placed into position so that contact features  62  of poppet guide  6  reside in slots  17  with poppet spring seat  57  facing upwards, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  9 . Poppet  100 , poppet shaft  9  and poppet bushing  10 , spring  8 , spring  12 , vent disc  14 , and retaining ring  16  are assembled as shown and inserted into sleeve  18  from the bottom B ( FIG. 8 ) so that an o-ring seal disposed in land  72  contacts the inner wall of sleeve  18  at a location on the interior of the sloping shoulder  49 , which in some embodiments is a machined bevel that sealingly engages with o-ring seal in land  72  when coupler  700  is not coupled to coupler  701 . Poppet spring  8  is positioned at spring seat  57  ( FIG. 9 ), and sleeve  18  (with poppet  100  inside it) is then placed into position so that at least part of the skirt portion of sleeve  18  resides within a bore having a wall W of coupler base  4  such that spring  8  mechanically biases poppet  100  towards a closed position in which o-ring present in land  72  sealingly engages an interior wall portion of sleeve  18 . Male coupler cover  2  is placed over sleeve  18  and using fasteners is secured to coupler base  4 , to provide male coupler  700 .  FIG. 16  also depicts the vapor tube  20 , top surface  48 , and first end  39  of central bore  34 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of the assembled male coupler  700 , showing the respective locations of vent disc  14 , optional vent hole  15 , retaining ring  16 , vapor tube  20 , flange  26 , flat top surface  48  of sleeve  18 , elevated portion  85 , top surface  70  of poppet  100 , and top surface  3  of the male coupler cover  2 . 
         [0078]    In some embodiments during coupling of couplers  700 ,  701  as provided herein, as flat top surface  70  of poppet  100  is depressed slightly at first, against the pressure of spring  8 , both poppet  100  and sleeve  18  move into the assembly as a whole, until skirt  55  of sleeve  18  has bottomed out against circumferential ledge  37  of base  4 . The movement of sleeve  18  to its bottomed-out position creates an annular opening at gap  637  ( FIG. 18 ) between the inner wall of male coupler cover  2  and outer wall of sleeve  18  by releasing the contact between the o-ring seal  50  and beveled edge  30 . This slight depressing of the flat top surface  48  of sleeve  18  causes a fluid connection to exist between vapor tube  20  and space at gap  637  at the top portion of the assembly where o-ring seal  50  has separated from beveled edge  30 , through the plurality of holes  33  in male coupler base  4 . 
         [0079]    Further depressing surface  70  of poppet  100  such as by poppet  154  in couplers  700 ,  701  when engaged creates an opening  189  between the outer periphery of the top surface  70  of the poppet  100  and the internal wall of sleeve  18 , enabling a liquid fuel to pass through the inner volume of sleeve  18 , through central bore  34  and to the inlet pipe on a vehicle&#39;s fuel tank or other receiving vessel. Vapor tube  20  is in some embodiments connected to a hose which is in fluid communication with the headspace vapor within the fuel tank or other receiving vessel. Thus, by depressing flat top surface  70  of poppet  100 , a fluid communication between the headspace vapor in the fuel tank and the gap at  637  is created, and depression of poppet  100  creates a second passage to the receiving vessel, fuel tank, etc. for a liquid such as a motor fuel to flow through central bore  34 . Spring  8  biases poppet  100  upwards. Poppet  100  is located centrally with respect to the opening at the top of sleeve  18 , and the head of poppet  100  is of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the circular opening in sleeve  18  adjacent to top surface  48 , the contact of poppet  100  with sleeve  18  accordingly causing sleeve  18  to be effectively spring-biased by spring  8  as well. Sleeve  18  is held in position within cover  2  partly by the diameter and contour of the exterior wall of sleeve  18  at shoulder  49  being sufficient to engage with and be held by beveled edge  30  in the interior of coupler cover  2 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 19  shows the underside view of the coupler  700  when the poppet  100  is not depressed, including end  68  of poppet shaft  9 , and  FIG. 20  shows the same underside view. 
         [0081]    A liquid transfer coupling according to some embodiments of the invention comprises a remote coupler  701  which is in fluid communication with a source of liquid substance including chemicals, liquid fuel, etc. that is to be delivered to a tank aboard a motorized vehicle. Such remote coupler  701  may in some embodiments have a female character owing to its ability to receive or sheathe a male cover  2  of the coupler  700 . Referring now to  FIG. 21  there is shown an exploded view of a coupler  701  according to some embodiments including features such as coupler base  164 , billet body  168 , inner sleeve spring  186 , outer sleeve spring  286 , outer sleeve  316 , inner sleeve  116 , poppet retainer  354 , poppet  154 , and cover  144 , described further below. 
         [0082]      FIG. 22  shows a side elevation view of a coupler base  164  according to some embodiments, including central conduit  166 , raised surface  171 , shrouding enclosure  170  and outlet  187  of vapor tube  172 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 23  shows a top view of the coupler base  164 , including the central conduit  166 , raised surface  171 , holes  174 , vapor tube  172 , flange  180 , and holes  182 . Coupler base  164  includes a central conduit  166  through which a liquid substance is intended to flow. Disposed about central conduit  166  is enclosure  170  ( FIG. 24 ) which envelopes central conduit  166 , enabling headspace or other vapors, gasses, etc. to pass out of coupler  700  and through at least one and in some embodiments a plurality of holes  174  disposed through surface  171  into the confines of enclosure  170  and to the end of vapor tube  172 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of the upper portion of coupler base  164  for some embodiments, including raised surface  171 , shrouding enclosure  170 , holes  174 , vapor tube  172 , and outer annular flange  180  having a plurality of holes  182  disposed thereon. 
         [0085]      FIG. 25  depicts a side elevation view of billet body  168 , including its base  368 , o-ring land  184 , and central hub  370 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 26  shows an overhead view of billet body  168 , including base  368  and hub  370 . Hub  370  is centrally-located in some embodiments and is maintained in position by a plurality of radially-extending spoke or any other-shaped supports  314  present adjacent to holes through which vapors etc. are intended to pass exterior to the wall of hub  370 , whilst liquid flows through the interior of hub  370  and through central conduit  166 . In the interior of hub  370  is boss  318  having a bore  320  configured to receive poppet retainer  354  which in some embodiments is rod-shaped, boss  318  being maintained in position by a plurality of supports  311 . In some embodiments, billet body  168  comprises a single piece of a machined, cast, investment cast, forged, or otherwise worked metal, polymer, composite material, or metallic alloy. Holes adjacent to supports  314  are analogous to holes  33 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of billet body  168 , including its base  368 , central hub  370 , spoke supports  314 , boss  318  and supports  311 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of coupler cover  144 , shaped in the form of a hollow cylindrical shell, reminiscent in some sense of a cylinder sleeve. Coupler cover  144  includes a smooth bore  196  on its interior wall, excepting a raised band  194  near the top surface  146  that extends about the inner circumference of bore  196 , band  194  creating a ring having a slightly smaller inner diameter than smooth bore  196 . An o-ring seal  148  is disposed in an annular slot or ring land just below surface  146  at the upper end of coupler cover  144 , which o-ring provides a seal around the outer surface of male coupler cover  2  when male coupler cover  2  is engaged with coupler cover  144 . Also present is bottom  150 , which is flared in some embodiments. 
         [0089]      FIG. 29  shows a bottom view of coupler cover  144 , including bottom  150  and a plurality of holes  152  which in some embodiments are threaded, disposed circumferentially about bottom  150 , holes  152  being configured to receive a fastener that also passes through the holes  182  in coupler base  164 , which are in the same configuration and spacing on both the coupler cover  144  and coupler base  164 . Diameter D 3  of the inner bore  196  of the coupler cover  144  is just slightly larger than the diameter of the raised surface  171 , sufficient to enable coupler cover  144  to be securely fit over the coupler base  164 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of inner sleeve  116  according to some embodiments, inner sleeve  116  being shaped as a quasi-cylindrical shell or sleeve having a hollow interior  405  and open top and bottom portions, a top  401  at its upper portion adjacent to which is annular groove  403 . Inner sleeve  116  also features ring  407  co-extensively disposed about its outer wall, ring  407  being configured to receive inner spring  186  in a fashion that mechanically biases inner sleeve  116  outwardly from base  164  in a final assembled coupler  701 . Annular seat  399  is configured and disposed to sealingly engage with o-ring  162  ( FIG. 38 ) of poppet  154  in a coupler  701 .  FIG. 31  is an overhead view of inner sleeve  116 , showing the respective locations of hollow interior  405 , top  401  which is flat in some embodiments, and annular groove  403 . A side perspective view of inner sleeve  116  is shown in  FIG. 32 , illustrating its outer wall, top  401 , ring  407 , and annular seat  437  which is configured to sealingly engage with annular seat  435  ( FIG. 34 ) at the opening at the top of outer sleeve  316  in an assembled coupler  701 .  FIG. 33  is a bottom perspective view of an inner sleeve  116  according to some embodiments, showing the respective locations of top  401 , ring  407 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of outer sleeve  316 , shaped as a quasi-cylindrical shell or sleeve having a hollow interior and open top and bottom portions. The respective locations of top portion  413 , skirt  421  and annular groove  415  that is configured to house an o-ring are depicted. Also shown is annular seat  435  that is configured to contain an o-ring that sealingly engages with annular seat  437  ( FIG. 32 ) in a coupler  701  in some embodiments. Groove  439  is configured to receive an o-ring which makes a seal with the smooth inner bore  196  of coupler cover  144 .  FIG. 35  shows an overhead view of outer sleeve  316 , including annular groove  415 . In  FIG. 36  is shown a side perspective view of outer sleeve  316 , illustrating the respective locations of top  413 , annular lip  419 , annular groove  417 , and skirt  421 . In some embodiments the portion of outer sleeve  316  disposed above annular lip  419  and top portion  413  is angled or tapered.  FIG. 37  is a bottom perspective view of outer sleeve  316  showing the respective locations of bottom  423  and surface  425 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 38  shows a perspective view of poppet  154  having a depressed region  158  interior to top surface  156 , stem  427 , and o-ring  162 . Depressed region  158  is contoured to receive elevated portion  85  of poppet  100 , enabling a somewhat interlocking and good contact surface area between poppet  154  and poppet  100  during coupling and uncoupling of couplers  700 ,  701 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 39  is an overhead view of poppet  154 , showing top surface  156 , and depressed region  158 .  FIG. 40  is a side perspective view of poppet  154  illustrating annular o-ring land  185  in which o-ring  162  ( FIG. 38 ) is disposed, as well as stem  427  and its end  433 , which includes a bore  429  for receiving poppet retainer  354 , which in some embodiments is a short shaft. The location of bore  429  is also shown in the bottom perspective view of poppet  154  in  FIG. 41 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 42  shows a perspective view of coupler  701  in its assembled form, when components of  FIG. 21  are contained within coupler cover  144  and coupler base  164 . To assemble coupler  701 , one orients coupler base  164  so that the bottom of the central conduit  166  and vapor tube  172  are facing downwards. Next, billet body  168  is placed onto coupler base  164  and springs  186  and  286  are placed over hub  370 . The bottom portion of inner sleeve  116  is placed through the opening at the top  413  of outer sleeve  316 , and inner and outer sleeves  116 ,  316  are then placed over springs  186 ,  286  and maintained by hand-applied bias against springs  186 ,  286 , after which stationary poppet  154  and poppet retainer  354  are positioned and secured in place so the angled lower portion or seat  437  at top  401  engages with an o-ring present at annular seat  435  ( FIG. 34 ). Poppet  154  is maintained in position in some embodiments by being its attached to poppet retainer  354  such as by complementary threads present inside poppet retainer bore  429  and on the exterior of poppet retainer  354 . The remaining end of poppet retainer  354  is similarly secured to bore  320  of billet body  168  ( FIG. 26 ). Coupler cover  144  is then secured in place using fasteners  160  ( FIG. 21 ) which pass through holes  182  ( FIG. 23 ) and into the threaded holes  152  ( FIG. 29 ), securing the construct as a unit. 
         [0095]      FIG. 43  is a bottom view of assembled coupler  701  showing the respective locations of flange  180 , fasteners  160 , supports  311 , poppet  154 , enclosure  170 , flange  180 , vapor tube  172 , hub  441 , and vapor tube outlet  187 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a coupler  701  when the inner sleeve  116  and outer sleeve  316  have been pushed against springs  186 ,  286 , showing the respective locations of poppet  154 , supports  311 , inner sleeve  116 , outer sleeve  316 , enclosure  170  and vapor tube  172 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a coupler  701  in a closed position, showing the respective locations of poppet  154 , inner sleeve  116 , outer sleeve  316 , enclosure  170  and vapor tube  172 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 46  is a side cutaway perspective view of an assembled coupler  700 , showing the respective locations of vapor tube  20 , coupler base  4 , support arm  60 , poppet guide  6 , poppet shaft  9 , spring  8 , coupler cover  2 , poppet  100 , sleeve  18 , poppet bushing  10 , and central bore  34 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 47  is a side cutaway perspective view of an assembled coupler  701 , showing the respective locations of vapor tube  172 , central conduit  166 , enclosure  170 , hub  441 , outer sleeve  316 , poppet  154 , inner sleeve  116 , cover  144 , outer spring  286 , inner spring  186 , poppet retainer  354 , flange  180 , and billet body  168 . 
         [0100]    Operation of a coupler  701  includes the following features. A force is applied to the surface  413  of outer sleeve  316  by top surface  3  of cover  2  of coupler  700 , against the pressure of the spring  286  and substantially simultaneously, top surface  48  of sleeve  18  pushes against the top  401  of inner sleeve  116  against the pressure of spring  186 . Each of outer sleeve  316  and inner sleeve  116  are forced against their respective spring pressure until they each bottom out by contacting base  368  of billet body  168 . Outer sleeve  316  and inner sleeve  116  are configured so this action causes opening of a passage between outer sleeve  316  and inner sleeve  116  which constitutes a vapor passage  629  ( FIG. 44 ) also shown in  FIG. 48 . In its contact with top  401  of inner sleeve  116 , sleeve  18  makes a seal with an o-ring present in groove  403 . The motion of inner sleeve  116  also opens a liquid passage  627  ( FIG. 44 ) between poppet  154  and inner sleeve  116  that is separate and distinct from vapor passage  629 , by virtue of annular seat  399  of inner sleeve  116  having been moved away from the o-ring seal  162  of the poppet  154 . This enables liquid to pass through the interior of sleeve  18  and vapor being able to pass in a countercurrent direction to the travel of liquid along the exterior of sleeve  18 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 48  is a side cutaway perspective view of couplers  700 ,  701  when connected to one another, illustrating the path of vapor flow  409  and the path of liquid flow  411  during an operation in which a liquid is transferred from one vessel to another. 
         [0102]      FIG. 49  shows a side view of a fuel containment vessel  617  comprising a fuel outlet conduit  625 , vessel  617  containing a liquid fuel  621 , and having a headspace  619  above the liquid fuel, and further comprising coupler  701  whose vapor tube  172  is in effective fluid communication with the headspace  619  above the fuel  621  in said fuel containment vessel  617  by means of a tubing  623 , when vessel  617  is inverted to be upside-down of  FIG. 49  such as during a vehicle re-fueling operation, said central conduit portion being in effective fluid communication with said outlet conduit  625 . In some embodiments vessel  617  is a remote vessel meaning it holds only a few gallons of liquid and can be carried by one or two men, such as when it is desired to re-fuel a motorized vehicle using a coupling comprising the couplers  700 ,  701  such as a race car. 
         [0103]      FIG. 50  shows a side perspective view of a fuel containment system comprising a fuel reservoir  609  having an inlet pipe  611  and containing a liquid fuel  621  and a headspace  613 , and further comprising the coupler  700  whose vapor tube  20  is in effective fluid communication with the headspace  613  above the liquid fuel  621  in said reservoir by means of a tube  615 , central bore  34  being in effective fluid communication with the inlet pipe  611 . 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, when male coupler  700  is engaged inside the female coupler cover and the two are pressed together by an applied force, a series of events occurs. Top surface  401  of inner sleeve  116  of coupler  701  contacts flat top surface  48  of sleeve  18 . The applied force causes sleeve  18  to be pressed into the bore defined by wall W of coupler  700 , thus making an opening at gap  637 , which creates a fluid communication path between the outlet portion  35  of the vapor tube  20  and the location of opening  637 . Continued applied force causes the inner sleeve  116  and outer sleeve  316  to be pushed by surfaces  48 ,  3  against pressure provided by springs  186 ,  286  into bore  196  of coupler cover  144 , thus creating an opening at  189  ( FIG. 18 ) through which a liquid or fuel, chemical, etc. may flow, also shown in  FIG. 48 . Continued application of force opens a space or passageway  627  ( FIG. 44 ) between the outer top portion of inner sleeve  116  and the inner top portion of outer sleeve  316  in and around their juncture by virtue of inner sleeve  116  and outer sleeve  316  having been pushed to the limit of their possible travel, thus providing a fluid communication path between outlet portion  187  of vapor tube  172  and passage  627 . Under such an arrangement, gap  637  of male coupler  700  and passage  629  of coupler  701  are in fluid communication, which also means that outlet portion  35  of vapor tube  20  and outlet portion  187  of vapor tube  172  are now in fluid communication with one another, and isolated from the passage through which liquid is to pass through the hollow interior of sleeve  18  and the interior of inner sleeve  116 . During the course of the applied force, and more or less simultaneously with the aforesaid events for all practical purposes, top  156  of poppet  154  pushes on flat top surface  70  of poppet  100  against pressure of spring  8 , thus creating opening  189  ( FIG. 18 ), enabling fluid communication between opening  189  on coupler  700  and the opening  627  ( FIG. 44 ) of coupler  701 . Establishment of a fluid connection between the opening of opening  189  and the opening  627  means that there is now fluid communication between the bottom of the central conduit  166  and the central bore  34  of male coupler base  4 . Thus, insertion of the male coupler cover  2  of the finished coupler  700  into the bore of the female coupler cover  144  of coupler  701  simultaneously causes a fluid communication to exist between the vapor tubes  20 ,  172  of each of the complementary couplers  700 ,  701  through a first passageway, and a fluid communication to exist between the central bore  34  of the male coupler base and the bottom of the central conduit  166  through a second passageway, which first and second passageways are separate from one another sufficiently to preclude the mixing of vapors present in vapor tubes  20 ,  172  and the liquid substance being transferred within couplers  700 ,  701 . 
         [0105]    In some embodiments, central bore  34  ( FIG. 2 ) of coupler  700  is connected by conventional means such as a hose, piping or any other selected conduit to the inlet pipe through which a receiving vessel such as a fuel tank is replenished with liquid, and the outlet portion  35  of the vapor tube  20  is connected by conventional means such as a hose to the headspace above the fuel in a fuel tank. 
         [0106]    In some embodiments, coupler  701  is fitted to the bottom of a portable fuel reservoir, or alternately to a pump outlet. The outlet portion  187  of the vapor tube  172  is connected by conventional means such as a hose to be in fluid communication with the headspace above the fuel in the fuel reservoir from where the fuel to be delivered to the vehicle is stored. In some embodiments, central conduit  166  is connected by conventional means such as a hose to the bottom of the portable reservoir and thus in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir. 
         [0107]    Using such provisions, when it is deemed desirable to transfer a fluid such as when filling gasoline to a vehicle, affixing the end of the coupler  701  onto the open end of the coupler  700  causes the above-described events to occur, and effectively simultaneously, i.e., within about less than 1 second, permits transfer of fluids from one location to another with no loss of vapor to the atmosphere. Also, since the volume of fuel delivered from the storage tank to the fuel tank on the vehicle is simultaneously compensated for by an equal exchange of headspace volume as between the two fuel storage vessels when using the provisions of this specification, inhibition of liquid flow is greatly reduced. Owing also to the nature of the coupling&#39;s internal geometry and configuration, losses of fuel due to spillage are kept to an absolute minimum, thus reducing health, fire, and environmental hazards associated with spills of chemical liquid substances including without limitation motor gasolines. 
         [0108]    In some embodiments, vent disc  14  on the coupler  700  is spring-loaded, whose purpose is to enable ambient air to enter the fuel tank after a quantity of fuel has been removed from the fuel tank by the action of the engine&#39;s fuel pump during normal operation. In some embodiments, once the vacuum inside the fuel tank reaches a sufficient level that spring  12  can no longer hold vent disc  14  in its seated position, the vent disc is drawn away from retainer ring  16 , and enables ambient air to enter the tank to compensate for the loss of fuel or other cause of vacuum in the tank, including decreases in ambient temperature. In addition, vent disc  14  includes hole  15  in its surface, which orifice enables excess pressure which may build up in the tank, owing to increases in temperature or other causes to be automatically vented to the ambient atmosphere. 
         [0109]    In some embodiments, a bore can be considered as being synonymous with a conduit with respect to the liquid passage through a coupler. In some embodiments, an element as taught herein can be effectively spring biased without directly contacting a spring itself, such as sleeve  18  is spring biased by virtue of its being in effective mechanical contact with poppet  100 , which itself is spring biased. The seal between sleeve  116  and the periphery of poppet  154  is a spring-biased seal. 
         [0110]    Consideration must be given to the fact that although various aspects of the invention have been described and disclosed in relation to certain embodiments, obvious equivalent modifications and alterations of components and their cooperative function as taught herein may become apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art after reading and understanding this specification and the claims appended hereto. Such modifications and alterations include substitution of different geometries of components described herein, such as for example the use of a rectangular, ovoid, or other-shaped sleeves  18 ,  116 ,  316  and bases and other components complementary thereto in terms of function. In some embodiments, central conduit  166  and central bore serve the same general function, as each comprise a portion of a conduit through which a liquid is intended to flow through couplers  700 ,  701 .