Abstract:
There is disclosed a high pressure dispensing nozzle for providing cryogenic fuel such as liquid natural gas (LNG) from a source to a filling receptacle, such as on a vehicle. The nozzle has a gun-style nozzle construction and a plurality of jaw members provided near a distal end for locking engagement with the filling receptacle. The nozzle further has a movable internal poppet to establish a fuel passageway through the nozzle for delivery of fuel therethrough. Two different triggers enable separate steps of locking of the nozzle onto the filling receptacle and initiating gas flow for ease of use. The two steps may also me combined and actuated by a single trigger. One nozzle disclosed includes a safety button for dispersing residual gas in the nozzle prior to disengagement to help avoid injury to the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/148,056, filed Apr. 15, 2015. 
     
    
     NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Field 
         [0004]    This disclosure relates to a high pressure filling nozzle for dispensing cryogenic gaseous fluids from a source to a filling receptacle, and, in particular, to a gun-style pressure-locking nozzle that separates the steps of connecting the source to the filling receptacle and initiating gas flow thereto, and a nozzle with a safety feature. 
         [0005]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Recent years have experienced a growing desire for natural gas-powered vehicles (NGV) and advances in the design and provision of such types of vehicles. Effective use of such types of vehicles, however, requires means to safely and reliably fuel and refill fuel tanks of such vehicles with compressed natural gas (CNG) such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). LNG is the primary fuel source for NGVs, and is stored and delivered at high pressures and cryogenic temperatures (below −150° C., −238° F. or 123 K), typically around −260° F. and at 250 psi. 
         [0007]    Various standards for safely and reliably fueling and refilling fuel tanks include the standards for Type 2 and 3 nozzles as set forth in ANSI/CSA NGV1-2006 Standard for Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Fueling Connection Devices. That standard addresses design profiles for such fueling connection devices, as well as the standardized forces associated with connection (or coupling) and disconnection (or uncoupling) of a nozzle from a receptacle at the low and high pressures encountered during fueling processes. Nozzles are available in the industry from Parker Hannifin Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio (http://www.parker.com), Macro Technologies (based out of RegO/Cryoflow Products) in Burlington, N.C. (http://macrotechnologies.com/LNG_Nozzle.htm), JC Carter LLC, of Costa Mesa, Calif. (http://www.jccarternozzles.com/images/pdf/NOZZLE_50_GPM.pdf), and ACD LLC of Santa Ana, Calif. (http://www.acdcom.com/engineered-solutions.html). 
         [0008]    Despite more interest in NGVs and consequent advances in refilling nozzles therefor, there remains a need for an easier and more controllable refilling nozzle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In one embodiment, the present application discloses a high pressure filling nozzle for one-handed dispensing of cryogenic gaseous fluids into a filling receptacle having a tubular extension and a spring-biased plug therein. The nozzle comprises a gun-style housing having a proximal handle through which passes a gas conduit terminating in a connector for a pressurized gas supply and a distal barrel portion angled with respect to the handle and aligned in a proximal-distal direction, the distal barrel portion terminating in an outlet end sized to receive the tubular extension of the filling receptacle. A valve assembly fixed with respect to the proximal handle is adapted to slide within and along the barrel portion, the valve assembly having a proximal end open to the gas conduit and an internal poppet at a distal end that is biased into a closed position by an internal spring. A locking trigger mounts to a pivot point so as to enable pivoting toward and away from the handle and is connected to the valve assembly and barrel portion in a manner such that squeezing the locking trigger displaces the valve assembly in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end. The locking trigger is adapted to be actuated by one hand by a person squeezing the trigger and the handle. A distal latch housing forms a part of the barrel portion and surrounds the valve assembly, the latch housing having a plurality of clamping jaws that engage and lock to the tubular extension of the filling receptacle when the valve assembly is displaced in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end. The valve assembly also contacts and displaces the spring-biased plug in the filling receptacle at the same time that the clamping jaws engage. A flow control trigger is adapted to displace the poppet in the valve assembly in a proximal direction against the force of the internal spring to enable a flow of cryogenic gas through the filling receptacle. 
         [0010]    The locking trigger pivot point is desirably fixed with respect to the valve assembly such that the locking trigger moves with the valve assembly, and also may have an upper finger engaged with a cam slot fixed with respect to the barrel portion. The latch housing preferably includes a mechanism for each clamping jaw that coordinates movement of the valve assembly with movement of the clamping jaws. The mechanism features a pivoting latch member that extends inward to interfere with two shoulders on an exterior of the valve assembly that contact and displace the latch member in proximal and distal directions, wherein an outer end of the latch member rotatably connects to a link arm which is also rotatably journaled to an associated clamping jaw. There are preferably three clamping jaws and associated mechanisms within the latch housing. 
         [0011]    The nozzle further may have a safety member on the handle that is actuated to hold the locking trigger pivoted toward the handle. The nozzle also may have a locking tab on the flow control trigger that is rotated into a position to lock the flow control trigger in a position that holds the poppet in the valve assembly in a proximal direction. Preferably, the flow control trigger pivots about a point fixed with respect to the handle and is smaller and located closer to the handle than the locking trigger. 
         [0012]    The latch housing desirably defines the outlet end of the nozzle housing and is fixed with respect to a generally tubular cam housing that fits within an inner bore of the latch housing to together define the barrel portion of the gun-style housing. A throughbore of the cam housing preferably receives a tubular horizontal portion of the valve assembly that houses the poppet, the nozzle further including a tubular downwardly-angled gas conduit that extends through the handle and terminates in the connector. Finally, a tubular horizontal portion of the valve assembly preferably terminates in a distal nose that contacts and displaces the spring-biased plug in the filling receptacle when the valve assembly is displaced in a distal direction, the poppet being displaced with respect to the distal nose. 
         [0013]    A second nozzle embodiment includes a high pressure filling nozzle for one-handed dispensing of cryogenic gaseous fluids into a filling receptacle having a tubular extension and a spring-biased plug therein. The nozzle exhibits a gun-style housing having a proximal handle through which passes a gas conduit terminating in a connector for a pressurized cryogenic gas supply angled with respect to a distal barrel portion aligned in a proximal-distal direction. The distal barrel portion terminates in an outlet end sized to receive the tubular extension of the filling receptacle and the handle and gas conduit being movable in the proximal-distal direction with respect to the barrel portion. A valve assembly is fixed with respect to the handle and is adapted to slide within and along the barrel portion. The valve assembly has a proximal end open to the gas conduit and an internal poppet at a distal end that is biased into a closed position by an internal spring. A locking trigger mounts to a pivot point so as to enable pivoting toward and away from the handle and is connected to the valve assembly and barrel portion in a manner such that squeezing the locking trigger displaces the valve assembly in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end. The locking trigger is adapted to be actuated by one hand by a person squeezing the trigger and the handle. Finally, a distal latch housing forming a part of the barrel portion and surrounding the valve assembly has a plurality of clamping jaws that engage and lock to the tubular extension of the filling receptacle when the valve assembly is displaced in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end. In use, displacement of the valve assembly in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end also opens both the spring-biased plug in the filling receptacle and the poppet in the valve assembly against the force of the internal spring to enable a flow of cryogenic gas through the filling receptacle. 
         [0014]    The second nozzle locking trigger pivot point may be fixed with respect to the valve assembly such that the locking trigger moves with the valve assembly. Further, the locking trigger may have an upper finger pivotally connected to a linkage arm fixed with respect to the barrel portion. 
         [0015]    The second nozzle latch housing desirably includes a mechanism for each clamping jaw that coordinates movement of the valve assembly with movement of the clamping jaws. The mechanism features a pivoting latch member that extends inward to interfere with a shoulder on an exterior of the valve assembly that contacts and displaces the latch member in a proximal direction to cause disengagement of an associated clamping jaw, wherein an outer end of the latch member rotatably connects to a link arm which is also rotatably journaled to an associated clamping jaw. There are preferably three clamping jaws and associated mechanisms within the latch housing, and the clamping jaws may each be spring biased into a position where they engage and lock to the tubular extension. Also, a second shoulder on the exterior of the valve assembly may contact and displace the latch members in a distal direction to cause engagement of the clamping jaws. 
         [0016]    The second nozzle poppet extends to a distal end of a tubular horizontal portion of the valve assembly and terminates in a distal nose that extends distally from the valve assembly to directly contact the spring-biased plug in the filling receptacle when the valve assembly is displaced in a distal direction. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a frontal perspective view of an exemplary gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of the present application; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view and  FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a vertical sectional view through the gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  shown with an outlet end engaged with a filling receptacle, and  FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the outlet end and filling receptacle engagement; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a vertical sectional view through the gas nozzle showing actuation of a first trigger for locking the nozzle to the filling receptacle, and  FIG. 6A  is a corresponding view of the outlet end and filling receptacle engagement; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a vertical sectional view through the gas nozzle showing actuation of a second trigger for initiating gas flow to the filling receptacle, and  FIG. 7A  is a corresponding view of the outlet end and filling receptacle engagement; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of components of the exemplary gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of the present application; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  a side elevational view of an exemplary gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of the present application; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10A-10C  are vertical sectional views through the gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle of  FIG. 9  during filling and retracted states; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective views showing two perspective views of an alternative two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle of the present application in unlocked positions; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle in a locked position; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 13A-13B  are longitudinal sectional views through the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle in various stages of operation; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13C  is a longitudinal sectional view through the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle showing actuation of a safety button; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13D  is a longitudinal sectional view through the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle showing the nozzle in a removal position; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of components of the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Throughout this description, elements appearing in figures are assigned three-digit reference designators, where the most significant digit is the figure number where the element is introduced and the two least significant digits are specific to the element. An element that is not described in conjunction with a figure may be presumed to have the same characteristics and function as a previously-described element having the same reference designator. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The present application discloses an improved compressed natural gas nozzle for transferring pressurized cryogenic natural gas from a source to a filling receptacle. It may be an underground or aboveground stationery storage tank, or a storage tank mounted on a vehicle, for example. Likewise, the filling receptacle may be a variety of machines and vehicles, and the present application should not be considered limited to a particular source or recipient of the gas. In one particular embodiment, the source is a stationery storage tank for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) at a centralized filling terminal, and the recipient is a fleet vehicle such as a commuter bus that utilizes LNG for propulsion. 
         [0034]    Conventional nozzles for compressed natural gas typically include tubular connector that mates with a slightly smaller tubular filling receptacle having an outwardly projecting flange. The larger nozzle fits around the smaller filling receptacle. The user pivots a pair of opposed handles on the nozzle toward the filling receptacle which simultaneously locks the nozzle onto the flange of the filling receptacle and opens a channel for pressurized gas to flow from the source through the nozzle and filling receptacle to the tank of the vehicle being filled. When the tank is filled, the two handles are retracted to simultaneously shut off the flow of gas and release the nozzle from the filling receptacle. 
         [0035]    The present application discloses a compressed natural gas nozzle which incorporates separate levers or triggers for locking the nozzle to a filling receptacle and for initiating the flow of compressed gas. In this manner, the nozzle can be locked on to the filling receptacle without the possibility of gas escaping, and after a proper seal is established the flow of gas can be commenced. The gas flow can then be shut off without releasing the nozzle from the filling receptacle, and turned on again if necessary. By being able to first shut off the flow of gas, unlocking and removal of the nozzle from the filling receptacle is facilitated and there is little or no pressurized gas remaining between the two mating components that might cause an accident. 
         [0036]    In the detailed description, the terms proximal and distal refer to opposite directions along an axis defined as a horizontal axis of the compressed natural gas nozzles of the present application. Of course, the nozzles are not always oriented in a horizontal direction, the term being used in a relative sense with reference to the drawings. The horizontal axis may also be termed a longitudinal axis. Further, forward or front is synonymous with distal and backward or rear with proximal. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate several views of an exemplary gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle  120  of the present application. The nozzle  120  has a gun-style with a handle  122  angled down and rearward from the back end of a horizontal barrel portion  124  that terminates at a forward outlet end  126 . A connector  128  at the bottom of the handle  122  permits attachment of a compressed natural gas line or hose. In this regard, the gas flows up through the handle  122  and forward through the barrel portion  124  to the outlet end  126 . 
         [0038]    The gun-style nozzle  120  has a size that can easily be manipulated by an adult, and a pair of triggers  130 ,  132  that provide actuating levers for the nozzle. More particularly, a larger first lever or trigger  130  is mounted for pivoting movement under a mid-portion of the barrel portion  124  and enables locking of the nozzle  120  to a filling receptacle, as will be described. A smaller second lever or trigger  132  also pivots under the barrel portion  124  and controls the flow of gas through the nozzle. The first trigger  130  may be termed a locking trigger, while the second trigger  132  is alternately termed a flow control trigger. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a vertical sectional view through the nozzle  120  shown with the outlet end  126  just prior to engagement with a filling receptacle  140 , and  FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the outlet end and filling receptacle engagement. The filling receptacle  140  is representative of a number of different types of such receptacles, and typically includes a tubular extension  142  terminating in an annular flange  144 . The tubular extension  142  is sized to fit within an inner bore  145  ( FIG. 1 ) of the outlet end  126  of the nozzle  120  until a forwardmost extent  127  of the outlet end  126  abuts a large radial stop  146  marking the base of the tubular extension. At this point, a plurality of movable clamping jaws  150  (# 8  in  FIG. 8 ) on the nozzle  120  are positioned around an annular recess  152  in the tubular extension  142  adjacent to the flange  144 .  FIG. 1  shows three outward projections in a latch housing  154  (# 1  in  FIG. 8 ) surrounding the outlet end  126  at even 120° spacings, each of which encloses a mechanism for actuating the movable jaws  150 , as will be explained below. 
         [0040]    As seen in  FIG. 5 , the filling receptacle  140  further includes a generally tubular connector  156  leading to a passage, channel, or hose (not shown) through which the gas will flow toward the recipient vehicle. As best seen in  FIG. 5A , a shutoff valve resides within the filling receptacle  140  comprising a plug member  160  having a one or more  0 -ring seals (not numbered) that contact an internal narrowing  162  and prevent flow of compressed gas through the receptacle by virtue of compression provided by a coil spring  164 . 
         [0041]    With reference back to  FIG. 4 , and also  FIG. 8 , the nozzle  120  comprises a primarily tubular cam housing  170  (# 2  in  FIG. 8 ) having a rear collar  172  and a narrower forward extension  174  that fits within the an inner bore  145  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the outlet end  126 . The rear collar  172  is larger than the bore  145  and the cam housing  170  is fixed in position with respect to the outlet end  126  with bolts (# 38  in  FIG. 8 ). A throughbore  176  of the cam housing  170  (see  FIG. 8 ) receives a forward end of a valve assembly  180  (# 3  in  FIG. 8 ). The valve assembly  180  includes a tubular horizontal portion  182  that houses a valve stem or poppet  184  (# 5  in  FIG. 8 ) and attendant valve components, and a tubular downwardly-angled portion  186  that extends through the handle  122  and terminates in the connector  128 . A pistol housing  190  (# 12  in  FIG. 8 ) encloses and fastens around the valve assembly  180 . The combination of the valve assembly  180  and pistol housing  190  is free to move a distance across gap G (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) in a forward direction toward the assembly of the outlet end  126  and cam housing  170 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  shows the various components in section, and in particular the concentric assembly of the outlet end  126 , cam housing  170 , tubular horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180 , and pistol housing  190 . An upper end of the first lever or trigger  130  pivots about a fulcrum pin  192  (# 24  in  FIG. 8 ) fixed within a downwardly-depending barrel tab  194  (# 19  in  FIG. 8 ). The barrel tab  194 , in turn, is fixed to the underside of the horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180  via rivets or the like. The trigger  130  further includes a finger  196  near the upper end thereof and spaced toward the handle  122  through which is fixed a cam pin  198  (# 23  in  FIG. 8 ). The cam pin  198  slides up and down within a non-linear angled slot  200  defined by a downward bracket  202  on the cam housing  170 . The angled slot  200  is shown best in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0043]    Between  FIGS. 5 and 6  the first lever or trigger  130  is pulled back in the direction of movement arrow  204  causing it to pivot about fulcrum pin  192 . Since the angled slot  200  is formed in the cam housing  170  which is fixed with respect to the outlet end  126 , pivoting the lever  130  causes the cam pin  198  to travel upward in the slot and the leverage of the finger  196  thus displaces the fulcrum pin  192 , barrel tab  194 , and, ultimately, the valve assembly  180  forward (or to the left as shown by the movement arrows  205 ). Actuating the first lever or trigger  130  causes two reactions: the nozzle  120  is locked to the filling receptacle  140  and the shutoff valve of the receptacle is opened. 
         [0044]    As will be clear to one of skill in the art, the interaction between the first trigger  130 , fulcrum pin  192 , barrel tab  194 , cam pin  198 , and angled slot  200  is just one example of a system for displacing the valve assembly  180  with respect to the filling receptacle  140 , and may be replaced by various mechanical levers or even electric devices. Preferably, one end of the trigger  130  is mounted to a pivot point fixed with respect to the valve assembly  180  while another part is connected to the barrel portion  124  fixed with respect to the outlet end  126 , or vice versa, in a manner such that squeezing the locking trigger displaces the valve assembly in a distal direction within the barrel portion and toward the outlet end. Further, the locking trigger  130  is adapted to be actuated by one hand by a person squeezing the trigger and the handle  122 . Indeed, the pivoting spring-loaded toggle member  384  is shown in an exemplary embodiment, but could also be replaced with a radially movable member, a gear mechanism, a solenoid, etc., and the term “toggle member” refers to these alternatives and others within the skill in the art. 
         [0045]    As seen in  FIGS. 6, 6A and 8 , the forward end of the horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180  includes a cylindrical recess  206  between two shoulders  208   a,    208   b.  A pivoting latch member  210  (# 10  in  FIG. 8 ) mounted to rotate about a radial axis pin  211  within each of the three segments of the latch housing  154  includes a lower end that extends into the recess  206  such that the two shoulders  208   a,    208   b  may contact and displace it. An upper end of the latch member  210  rotatably connects to a link arm  212  (# 9  in  FIG. 8 ) which arm is also rotatably journaled to a pin  214  fixed to the associated clamping jaw  150 . As seen in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , forward movement of the valve assembly  180  causes the rear shoulder  208   a  to contact and rotate the latch member  210  in a clockwise (CW) direction, which in turn causes the clamping jaw  150  to also rotate clockwise such that a pawl end enters the annular recess  152  in the tubular extension  142  and interferes with the annular flange  144 . The three jaws  150  thus prevent separation of the nozzle  120  and filling receptacle  140 , at least as long as the first lever or trigger  130  remains pivoted toward the handle  122 .  FIG. 6  also shows a safety hook  216  (# 14  in  FIG. 8 ) on the handle  122  that may be rotated into an aperture  218  in the trigger  130  to hold it in place. 
         [0046]    Actuating the first lever or trigger  130  also opens the shutoff valve of the filling receptacle  140 . As seen best in  FIG. 6A , a forward nose  220  of the horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180  eventually contacts and displaces the plug member  160  against the spring  164  from its sealed contact with the inside of the filling receptacle  140 . The nose  220  is a static member fixed in the horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180 . Given the relatively high spring constant of the spring  164 , the first lever or trigger  130  is relatively large and employs a significant mechanical advantage via the cam action of the fulcrum pin  192  and cam pin  198 . As mentioned above, although a large lever  130  and associated cams and linkages are shown, alternative locking actuators are contemplated, such as ones which utilizes a screw-type mechanical advantage as well as ones which include motorized or otherwise power-assisted technology. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7 and 7A  show actuation of the second lever or trigger  132  for initiating gas flow to the filling receptacle  140 . Specifically, the trigger  132  displaces from its position in  FIG. 6  to that of  FIG. 7 , and in the process retracts the valve stem or poppet  184  in a rearward direction, as seen by the movement arrows. The poppet  184  moves with respect to the forward nose  220  of the valve assembly  180  which holds open the plug member  160  of the filling receptacle  140 , and although not shown, flow apertures between the poppet and nose or through the nose are provided. A forward end of the poppet  184  includes an annular seal  222  (# 20  in  FIG. 8 ) that contacts an internal shoulder of the horizontal portion  182  of the valve assembly  180  and prevents gas flow under compression of a spring  224  (see  FIG. 7 , # 52  in  FIG. 8 ). The poppet  184  is thus biased closed and will only open upon actuation of the trigger  132 . Much like a standard gasoline refueling nozzle, the nozzle  120  also includes a locking tab  226  on the trigger  132  that can be rotated into a position braced against the downward bracket  202  on the cam housing  170 , thus freeing the operator to monitor displays and such conveying real time refilling information. 
         [0048]    The reverse operations enable shutoff of the compressed natural gas flow and detachment of the nozzle from the filling receptacle  140 . Namely, the second lever or trigger  132  is first de-actuated by flipping the locking tab  226  down and permitting the spring  224  to return the poppet  184  to its sealed position. Then the safety hook  216  is released from the trigger  130 , and the spring  164  within the filling receptacle  140  pushes its shutoff valve closed and in turn pushes the valve assembly  180  rearward. In the process, the front shoulder  208   b  contacts and rotate the latch members  210  in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction which disengages the clamping jaws  150  from the annular recess  152  and out of the way of the flange  144 . The nozzle  120  can then be removed from the filling receptacle  140 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  a side elevational view of another exemplary gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle  250  of the present application. While the first embodiment of nozzle  120  included two triggers  130 ,  132 —one for locking the nozzle to a filling receptacle, and a second trigger to control the flow of gas through the nozzle—the embodiment of  FIG. 9  includes only one trigger  252  for locking nozzle to a filling receptacle  254 . There is no control or metering of the gas flow, it is either ON or OFF. 
         [0050]    The gun-style nozzle  250  is similar in many respects to the earlier-described gun-style nozzle  120 , and includes a distal outlet end  260  that engages and locks the nozzle to the filling receptacle  254 , which can be the same as the filling receptacle  140  shown above. The nozzle  250  has a gun-style with a handle  262  angled down and rearward from the back end of a horizontal barrel portion  264  that terminates at the outlet end  260 . A connector  266  at the bottom of the handle  262  permits attachment of a compressed natural gas line or hose. In this regard, the gas flows up through the handle  262  and forward through the barrel portion  264  to the outlet end  260 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 10A-10C  are vertical sectional views through the gun-style compressed natural gas nozzle  250  of  FIG. 9  during filling and retracted states. More specifically,  FIG. 10A  shows the nozzle  250  during an engaged and filling state,  FIG. 10B  shows the nozzle after a gas filling step but prior to disengagement of the nozzle from the filling receptacle  254 , and  FIG. 10C  shows the nozzle disengaged from the filling receptacle. 
         [0052]    With specific reference to  FIG. 10A , the trigger  252  is actuated by squeezing it toward the handle  262 , and the outlet end  260  of the nozzle  250  is shown abutted against an outward flange  270  of the filling receptacle  254 . An upper end of the trigger  252  pivots about a fulcrum pin  272  fixed within a downwardly-depending barrel tab  274 . The barrel tab  274 , in turn, is fixed to the underside of a generally tubular valve assembly  276  via rivets or the like. The valve assembly  276  opens at a proximal end to a tubular downwardly-angled conduit  278  that extends through the handle  262  and terminates in the connector  266 . As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10A , the valve assembly  276  as well as the horizontal barrel portion  264  in which it is held slide horizontally back and forth with respect to a tubular cam housing  280  which is in turn fixed to a forward latch housing  282  that terminates in the outlet end  260 . In  FIG. 10A  the valve assembly  276  and horizontal barrel portion  264  are displaced as far to the left relative to the tubular cam housing  280  as possible, which is caused by squeezing the trigger  252  as explained below. 
         [0053]    When the trigger  252  is squeezed, it pivots about the fulcrum pin  272  as indicated and an upper finger  284  moves upward and rotates a linkage arm  286  as indicated by arrow  288 . The linkage arm  286  pivotally rotates about a pin (not numbered) fixed with respect to the cam housing  280 , and the rotational path of the left end thereof displaces the upper finger  284  to the left. Since the upper finger  284  is generally horizontally aligned with the fulcrum pin  272 , the fulcrum pin  272  and the barrel tab  274  are also displaced to the left. This pulls the entire connected system of the horizontal barrel portion  264  and internal valve assembly  276  to the left, as indicated by the arrows  290 . 
         [0054]    The nozzle  250  automatically locks onto the filling receptacle  254  when the trigger  252  is squeezed. This occurs through inward pivotal movement of a plurality of clamping jaws  292  such that a pawl end of each enters an annular recess  294  in a tubular extension of the filling receptacle  254  and interferes with an annular flange  296 . There are preferably three such jaws  292  that prevent separation of the nozzle  250  and filling receptacle  254 . In a preferred embodiment, the three jaws  292  are all spring-biased to rotate into the locked condition via springs (not shown). 
         [0055]    Once locked into place, a plug member  298  having a one or more  0 -ring seals (not numbered) that contact an internal narrowing in the filling receptacle  254  is opened against the force of coil spring  300  to permit flow of compressed gas through the receptacle. At the same time, a poppet  302  in a tubular horizontal portion of the valve assembly  276  is displaced to the right by the plug member  298  after it bottoms out against a hard stop within the filling receptacle  254 . The poppet  302  is normally biased toward the left by a coil spring  304  such that its distal end seals the distal end of the valve assembly  276  and prevents the flow of gas. A distal nose of the poppet  302  extends distally from the valve assembly  276  to directly contact the plug member  298 . Consequently, nearly simultaneously both valves within the filling receptacle  254  and internal valve assembly  276  are opened and the nozzle  250  is locked to the receptacle when the trigger  252  is squeezed. The two valves open fully upon this action, and there is no control over the amount of gas flow, unlike in the first embodiment. 
         [0056]    Once the desired quantity of gas is delivered to the tank or whatever container is being filled, the user releases the trigger  252  as seen in  FIG. 10B . Through the connected fulcrum pin  272 , barrel tab  274  and linkage arm  286 , this pulls the entire connected system of the horizontal barrel portion  264  and internal valve assembly  276  to the right, as indicated by the arrows  306 . This permits both the plug member  298  in the filling receptacle  254  and the poppet  302  in the valve assembly  276  to shut under the force of respective springs  300 ,  304 . In the position shown in  FIG. 10B , the flow of gas is shut off for a moment prior to release of the nozzle  250  from engagement with the filling receptacle  254  to enable any built-up pressure in between to dissipate. More specifically, the clamping jaws  292  remain rotated into engagement with the annular flange  296  of the filling receptacle  254 . 
         [0057]    Finally,  FIG. 10C  shows movement of the horizontal barrel portion  264  and internal valve assembly  276  slightly more to the right away from the tubular cam housing  280  and forward latch housing  282 . This causes a shoulder  308  on the exterior of the valve assembly  276  to contact and displace to the right a small finger on the inner end of a plurality (preferably three) of toggle members  310  within the latch housing  282 . Each toggle member  310  rotates about a fixed pivot and has an outer end pivotally connected to a linkage arm  312  which is also pivotally connected to one of the clamping jaws  292 . As seen by the rotation arrows (not numbered), engagement of the shoulder  308  with the toggle members  310  releases the clamping jaws  292 , thus permitting removal of the nozzle  252  from the filling receptacle  254 . Further, another shoulder (not numbered) on the exterior of the tubular horizontal portion of the valve assembly  276  desirably contacts the small fingers on the inner ends of the toggle members  310  when the trigger  252  is pulled and the valve assembly  276  moves distally to cause the jaws  292  to engage, as seen in  FIG. 10A . This is in conjunction with a spring biasing the jaws  292  to their engaged positions. 
         [0058]    The following Table lists a number of elements shown and labeled with corresponding numbers in  FIG. 8 : 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PART NO. 
                 PART NAME 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 LATCH HOUSING, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 2 
                 CAM HOUSING, NOZZLE, LNG (1) 
               
               
                 3 
                 ASSEMBLY, VALVE, GUN NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 4 
                 LEVER, LATCHING HANDLE, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 5 
                 VALVE STEM, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 6 
                 SPACER, VALVE STEM, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 7 
                 SPACER, VALVE STEM, NOZZLE, LNG, .437 DIA. 
               
               
                 8 
                 JAW, CLAMPING, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 9 
                 LINK, ARM, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 10 
                 LEVER, NOZZLE, LNG 10 
               
               
                 11 
                 LEVER, TRIGGER, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 12 
                 PISTOL HOUSING, LNG (RIGHT HALF) 
               
               
                 13 
                 PISTOL HOUSING, LNG (LEFT HALF) 
               
               
                 14 
                 HOOK, SAFETY, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 15 
                 LEVER LOCK, FILL 
               
               
                 16 
                 YOKE, VALVE CONTROL 
               
               
                 17 
                 VALVE BODY PLUG, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 18 
                 NUT, RETAINER, ENERGIZED SEAL, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 19 
                 TAB, BARREL, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 20 
                 SEAL, PRIMARY, NOZZLE, (LNG) 
               
               
                 21 
                 COVER, DUST, NOZZLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 22 
                 PIN, LATCH 
               
               
                 23 
                 PIN, CAM 
               
               
                 24 
                 PIN, LEVER 
               
               
                 25 
                 BEARING, BUSHING, LEVER 
               
               
                 26 
                 BEARING, BUSHING, CAM 
               
               
                 27 
                 BEARING, BUSHING, LATCH 
               
               
                 28 
                 NUT, VALVE SEAL, BRONZE 
               
               
                 29 
                 RETAINING, RING, EXTERNAL, E TYPE, 0.343 FREE 
               
               
                   
                 O.D. - .4375 SHAFT 
               
               
                 30 
                 RETAINING RING, EXTERNAL, E TYPE, 0.303 FREE 
               
               
                   
                 O.D. - .375 SHAFT 
               
               
                 31 
                 SLEEVE, SPACER, VALVE STEM 
               
               
                 32 
                 BLOCK, TRIGGER LOCK 
               
               
                 33 
                 SCREW, TRIGGER SAFETY 
               
               
                 34 
                 SCREW, SHOULDER, SOCKET HD., .250 DIA × 1.125 
               
               
                   
                 L, 10-32, SS18-8 
               
               
                 35 
                 SCREW, PAN HD, TORX, 8-32 × .750 L, SS 18-8 
               
               
                 36 
                 SCREW, PAN HD, TORX, 8-32 × 1.000 L, SS 18-8 
               
               
                 37 
                 SCREW, SOCKET HD. CAP, LOW PROF., 10-32 UNF × 
               
               
                   
                 .25 L 
               
               
                 38 
                 SCREW, SOCKET HD. CAP, LOW PROF., 10-32 UNF × 
               
               
                   
                 .375 L 
               
               
                 39 
                 INSERT, 8-32 × .312 LONG, BRASS 
               
               
                 40 
                 RING, RETAINING EXT 0.147 FREE ID × 0.029, 
               
               
                   
                 .188 DIA 
               
               
                 41 
                 C-RINGS B18.27.2 NA6-25 
               
               
                 42 
                 RIVET, SOLID, .156 DIA. × 1.00L, SS18-8 
               
               
                 43 
                 WASHER, FLAT, .375, SS18-8 
               
               
                 44 
                 PIN, DOWEL, .250 DIA. × 2.00 L, SS18-8 
               
               
                 45 
                 PIN, COILED SPRING, 0.163 DIA. × .500 L, SS420 
               
               
                 46 
                 BRASS SEAL RETAINER 
               
               
                 47 
                 RETAINING CLIP - POPPET 
               
               
                 48 
                 SEAL, 1.553″ OD HEAT TREATED ELGILOY 
               
               
                 49 
                 O RING 2.0625 INCH ID × 2.250 INCH OD BUNA N 
               
               
                 50 
                 SEAL, ENERGIZED, LNG 
               
               
                 51 
                 COMPRESSION SPRING - LATCH 
               
               
                 52 
                 SPRING, VALVE, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 53 
                 SPRING, MAIN RECOIL, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 54 
                 SPRING, TORSION, LOCKING LEVER 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0059]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are two perspective views of an alternative compressed natural gas nozzle for use with two-hands in unlocked positions, and  FIG. 12  shows the two-handed nozzle in a locked, fueling position. The nozzle  350  is similar in many respects to current two-handed nozzles, and includes two large handles  352  that engage and lock the nozzle to a filling receptacle  354 . The filling receptacle  354  is representative of a number of different types of such receptacles, and typically includes a tubular extension  356  (see  FIG. 13A ) to which the nozzle  350  couples and an annular flange  358  marking the base of the tubular extension  356 . 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 13A , the tubular extension  356  is sized to fit within an inner bore  360  (also see in  FIG. 13B ) of an outlet end  362  of the nozzle  350  until a forwardmost extent of the outlet end  362  abuts the annular flange  358 . Pivoting the handles  352  from their positions in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  to that in  FIG. 12  causes the nozzle  350  to lock onto the filling receptacle  354 . Of course, there are various locking configurations for high pressure gas nozzles, the illustrated embodiment including inward movement of a plurality of clamping jaws  364  to engage a circular shoulder  366  on the tubular extension  356  of the filling receptacle. More specifically, forward pivoting of the handles  352  displaces an outer tubular sleeve  368  in a distal direction around a latch housing  370  within which the clamping jaws  364  are pivotally mounted, camming a distal end of the jaws inward. This can be seen from inspection of the different positions of the sleeve  368  and jaws  364  in  FIGS. 11A and 12 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 13A-13B  are longitudinal sectional views through the two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle  350  in various stages of operation. First,  FIG. 13A  shows the nozzle  350  in a locked, fueling position with the jaws  364  pivoted inward to engage the shoulder  366  on the tubular extension  356 . As long as the handles  352  remain forward, the assembly is locked and gas flows to whatever container is being filled. More particularly, a generally tubular inner valve assembly  372  is displaced in a distal direction by the movement of the handles such that a distal poppet  374  contacts and displaces a plug  376  in the filling receptacle  354  against the bias of a spring  378 , thus opening the receptacle. At a certain displacement, the plug  376  bottoms out within the filling receptacle  354  and further movement of the valve assembly  372  cause the poppet  374  to move away from inner sealing surfaces of the valve assembly against the bias of a spring  380 . Displacing both the plug  376  and the poppet  374  away from their respective sealing surfaces initiates gas flow. 
         [0062]    The reader will notice in  FIG. 13A  the forward position of a circular shoulder  382  on the valve assembly  372  spaced a distance S from the distal end of a small toggle member  384  forming a part of a safety button  386 , which will be described further below. 
         [0063]      FIG. 13B  shows the nozzle  350  in a lockout position after filling of the receiving container so as to permit gas venting prior to nozzle removal. The handles  352  have been partially retracted until the tubular valve assembly  372  displaces in a proximal direction away from the filling receptacle  354 . This first permits the spring  378  in the filling receptacle  354  to close the plug  376 , and then the spring  380  within the valve assembly  372  to close the poppet  374 . This also moves the poppet  374  away from contact with the plug  376 . The clamping jaws  364  remain engaged with the tubular extension  356  of the filling receptacle  354  by virtue of the forward position of the outer sleeve  368 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 13B  shows an inward collar  388  on the sleeve  368  that is positioned just distal to an outward flange  390  on the proximal end of each locking jaw  364 . The jaws  364  each pivot on an axle  392  and are biased in a clockwise direction as shown in the figures by a spring  394 . That is, the jaws  364  are biased to their open positions. However, the continued presence of the surrounding sleeve  368  prevents the distal end of the jaws  364  from pivoting outward and disengaging from the tubular extension  356  of the filling receptacle  354 . A plurality of bolts  396  secured to the sleeve  368  extend radially inward into cooperation with the exterior of the tubular valve assembly  372  and hold the sleeve in this partially retracted position. The valve assembly  372  may have a groove  398  formed thereon, for example, into which inner ends of the bolts  396  extend. 
         [0065]    From the partially retracted position of  FIG. 13B , interaction between the circular shoulder  382  on the valve assembly  372  and the distal end of a small toggle member  384  of the safety button  386  prevents further proximal movement of the tubular valve assembly  372 . The toggle member  384  is biased by a spring (not shown) into this position such that it automatically prevents full retraction of the valve assembly  372 . In this configuration, with the two valves closed, any residual pressurized gas within the internal spaces in the nozzle dissipates quickly. This prevents the entire nozzle  350  from being propelled in a backward direction from the pressure of the residual gas as it is not entirely decoupled from the filling receptacle  354 . Prior two-handed nozzles disengage immediately when the handles are pulled back, thus creating a danger of the nozzle shooting back into the user from the residual pressurized gas. 
         [0066]      FIG. 13C  shows actuation of the safety button  386  by pushing it radially inward. This causes pivoting movement of the toggle member  384  such that its distal end swings out of the way of the circular shoulder  382  on the valve assembly  372 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 13D  shows the nozzle  350  in a removal position with the handles  352  fully retracted to pull back the valve assembly  372 , which also pulls back the sleeve  368  from around the latch housing  370  due to the intermediate bolts  396 . Consequently, the clamping jaws  364  are biased open to release the tubular extension  356  of the filling receptacle  354 . 
         [0068]    The button  386 , preferably red in color, on the top of the nozzle  350  provides a safety lockout release. When disengaging the nozzle  350  from the receptacle after filling, the two handles  352  are pulled towards the operator. The nozzle jaws  364  remain engaged while the nozzle de-pressurizes safely. To further retract the jaws  364  to remove the nozzle  350  from the fill receptacle  354  the red button  386  is pushed to release the lockout feature. The safety lockout button  386  prevents the nozzle from bursting off of the fill receptacle when disengaging or discontinuing filling. Of course, a button to displace the toggle member  384  out of the way may be replaced by a lever, a slider, even an electric switch, and the term “safety switch” shall be used to encompass these and other such actuators. Indeed, the pivoting spring-loaded toggle member  384  is shown in an exemplary embodiment, but could also be replaced with a radially movable member, a gear mechanism, a solenoid, etc., and the term “toggle member” refers to these alternatives and others within the skill in the art. 
         [0069]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of components of the exemplary two-handed compressed natural gas nozzle of  FIGS. 11-13 . 
         [0070]    The following Table lists a number of elements shown and labeled with corresponding numbers in  FIG. 14 : 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Part 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 BODY, MAIN, LNG NOZZLE 
               
               
                 3 
                 HANDLE, GRIP, LNG FUELING NOZZLE, 2G 
               
               
                 4 
                 LINK, ARM, LNG FUELING NOZZLE 
               
               
                 5 
                 BASE, LNG FUELING NOZZLE 
               
               
                 7 
                 BASE, LOCKOUT, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                 8 
                 NUT, LOCKOUT, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                 9 
                 STEM, LOCKOUT, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                 10 
                 SLEEVE, WEAR, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 11 
                 SLEEVE, BEARING, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 12 
                 ASSEMBLY, FILL TUBE, LNG NOZZLE 
               
               
                 13 
                 SLEEVE, LOCKING, LNG NOZZLE 
               
               
                 14 
                 LATCH 
               
               
                 15 
                 BASE, MOUNTING, FILL TUBE, LNG NOZZLE 
               
               
                 16 
                 BRONZE BEARING, LATCH 
               
               
                 17 
                 SHAFT, LATCH 
               
               
                 18 
                 PIN, NOZZLE HANDLE (LNG) 
               
               
                 19 
                 PIN, NOZZLE, LNG, 2.575 IN. LONG 
               
               
                 20 
                 PIN, NOZZLE, LNG, 3.515 IN. LONG 
               
               
                 21 
                 BUSHING, BRONZE, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 22 
                 WASHER, FLAT, ID. .316 × O.D. .625, BRASS 
               
               
                 23 
                 RING, SPRING SUPPORT 
               
               
                 24 
                 WASHER, RET. RING 
               
               
                 25 
                 RING, WEAR, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                 26 
                 BRACKET, MOUNT, NOZZLE, LNG 
               
               
                 27 
                 RING, RETAINING, EXT 1.675 FREE ID × .062 THK., FOR 
               
               
                   
                 1.708 DIA 
               
               
                 28 
                 RING, RETAINING, EXT 2.428 FREE ID × .078 THK., FOR 
               
               
                   
                 2.625 DIA 
               
               
                 29 
                 SCREW, BEARING, BRONZE, .250-28 UNF 2A 
               
               
                 30 
                 COLLAR, NOZZLE LNG lower half 
               
               
                 31 
                 BUTTON, LOCKOUT, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                 32 
                 RETAINING CLIP - LATCH 
               
               
                 33 
                 COMPRESSION SPRING - LATCH 
               
               
                 34 
                 SPRING HOUSING 
               
               
                 35 
                 SPRING, COMPRESSION, 0.600 O.D. × 2.00 L, ZINC STL. 
               
               
                 36 
                 SCREW, SHOULDER, .250-20 UNC, 0.3125 DIA, × .625 LONG 
               
               
                 37 
                 SPRING, TORSION, LOCKING LEVER 
               
               
                 38 
                 SCREW, SOCKET HD. CAP, LOW PROF., 10-32 UNF 
               
               
                 39 
                 COM SCREW SET 8-32 UNC-2AX0.3750 LONG ALLEN HD 
               
               
                   
                 CUP PT 
               
               
                 40 
                 SCREW, SET, SOCKET HD, .138-32x .125-HX-SST18-8 
               
               
                 41 
                 SCREW CAP 0.2500-20 UNC-2A 0.3750 LONG BUTTON 
               
               
                   
                 HEAD 
               
               
                 42 
                 WASHER, FLAT BRASS 
               
               
                 43 
                 RETAINING CLIP 
               
               
                 44 
                 SCREW, SOCKET HEAD CAP, 6-32 UNC 2A, .500 LONG, 
               
               
                   
                 SS18-8, 
               
               
                 45 
                 SPRING COMPRESSION, 2.077 O.D. × .156 WIRE DIA. 
               
               
                 46 
                 PIN DOWEL 0.1875 DIA × 0.7500 LONG SS18-8 
               
               
                 47 
                 LABEL, CAUTION 
               
               
                 48 
                 ARM, HANDLE, LNG FUELING NOZZLE (MACHINED) 
               
               
                 49 
                 LATCH, SAFETY, NOZZLE LNG 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0071]    Closing Comments 
         [0072]    Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments. 
         [0073]    As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.