Abstract:
A valve assembly disposed in a nozzle of a fuel-dispensing pump that, when in an open, operative position, freely allows fuel to flow therethrough. In a closed position, fuel is prevented from dripping from the end of the fuel-dispensing nozzle. A first embodiment provides a spherical or flat, spring-loaded one-way sealing element or check valve that is forced away from the dispensing end of the nozzle to allow fuel to flow therefrom. When fuel dispensing is complete, the check valve seals the nozzle. In a second embodiment, apertures in a cap are rotated between an open and a closed orientation to allow or block fuel passage depending upon their angular position. The valve assembly is press fitted into a conventional fuel-dispensing nozzle.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/307,576 filed Dec. 2, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,870. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to valves for preventing fluid loss and, more particularly, to valves used to prevent gasoline loss from nozzles of gasoline dispensing pumps. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the United States, well over 100 million automobiles and 50 million trucks are in use. Moreover, millions of motorboats are used at least seasonally every year. The result is a large number of vehicles that must be filled with liquid fuel, such as gasoline, oil, or a mixture of both. In the process of filling these vehicles, a small amount of gasoline is inevitably released even after the pump has been shut off. The result is a small degree of spillage of the gasoline on the ground, in the water, or onto the exterior of the vehicle. Multiply this small amount of gasoline loss for each car and truck and boat by the total number of individuals experiencing this spillage and we have an unbelievably large amount of gasoline being lost. This gasoline spillage is damaging to the environment. Both the liquid and the gasoline fumes are potentially hazardous to the environment. Moreover, such spillage of fuel is wasteful of our natural resources. 
   Although there exist several varieties of one-way valves for liquids, none of these specifically addresses the need to prevent gasoline leakage from common, everyday gasoline pumps. 
   None of the previously produced one-way valves addresses the specific problem of leakage from a conventional gasoline-dispensing pump. These previously produced one-way valves do not have dimensions that allow them to be used, without equipment modification, with a standard gasoline pump and automobile filling pipes. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a one-way gas valve that allows gasoline to pass through it only when the gasoline pump is in operation. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide easy adaptation within conventional gasoline dispensing pump nozzle assemblies. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a valve assembly for preventing dripping from the nozzle of a fuel-dispensing pump upon completion of the filling operation. A check or one-way valve is actuated by the pressure of the fuel in the fuel dispensing nozzle and open to allow fuel passage therethrough. Upon completion of the fueling, the check valve again closes. The valve assembly is typically press fit or otherwise retained within the nozzle of a conventional fuel-dispensing nozzle so may be readily provided as an add-on attachment. In alternate embodiments, the valve assembly may optionally be provided with external threads configured to mate with internal threads within the dispensing nozzle. The mechanisms of the various embodiments of the inventive valve assembly may also be integrally incorporated into the fuel-dispensing nozzle itself. Four different embodiments of the novel valve assembly are described. A first utilizes a spherical structure to seal the end of the nozzle. A second embodiment uses a flat end cap that is extended forward of the discharge end of the nozzle by fuel pressure. Third and fourth embodiments utilize a valve end cap having orifices that are aligned with matching orifices in the valve body by rotation of the valve cap in a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the valve assembly. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional gas dispensing pump nozzle assembly of the prior art; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a GASaver™ device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the GASaver device of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a GASaver device showing the valve ball in its closed position; 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a GASaver device with the ball valve shown in its open position; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a gas dispensing pump nozzle assembly having the GASaver device of  FIG. 1  installed therein; 
       FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are exploded, perspective and side, cross-sectional views, respectively, of a first, alternate embodiment of a GASaver device; 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are exploded, perspective and side, cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second, alternate embodiment of a GASaver device; 
       FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are exploded, perspective and side, cross-sectional views, respectively, of a third, alternate embodiment of a GASaver device; and 
       FIG. 9   c  is a rear, elevational view of an impeller portion of the GASaver device of  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b.    
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The present invention is a gas saving device hereinafter referred to as the trademark GASaver. The GASaver device of the present invention is adapted and configured for cooperative use with a conventional gas dispensing pump nozzle assembly (i.e., handle)  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Several embodiments of GASaver devices are described hereinbelow. While each embodiment is presented as an add-on assembly for an existing gas dispensing pump nozzle, it will be recognized that each embodiment of the GASaver mechanism may be incorporated as an integral part of a gas dispensing pump nozzle. Consequently, the invention covers each GASaver mechanism, whether provided as an add-on attachment or integrally incorporated in a gas pump nozzle. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional gas dispensing pump nozzle assembly  10  of the prior art. A hose  12  is connected to the assembly  10  in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The body  14  of nozzle assembly  10  has a spout or nozzle  16  extending away therefrom. The nozzle  16  is adapted to be inserted into the filler tube, not shown, of a gas tank of a motor vehicle, not shown, or other such fuel-receiving orifice. Liquid fuel, not shown, is caused to flow from hose  12  through body  14  and through nozzle  16  by means of a flow operating lever  18 , which opens a valve, not shown, in the handle of gas dispensing pump nozzle  16  assembly. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 6 , there are shown side elevational, partial rear perspective, bottom view showing the valve ball in its closed position, bottom view with the ball valve in an open position, and in-situ views, respectively of a first embodiment of GASaver device  20  in accordance with the invention. Outer tube  22  is formed from metal, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material, typically having a relative high durometer. A connector portion  24  is disposed proximate a distal end of outer tube  22 . 
   A valve ball  26 , discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, is disposed at a proximal end of outer tubing  22 . The connector  24  is adapted to be press fit into the distal end of dispensing pump nozzle assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ). In alternate embodiments, optional external threads on GASaver may be provided for threaded interaction with mating threads on an inner wall within nozzle  16 . The inner diameter of nozzle  16  is approximately 9/16 inches. While this specific dimension describes conventional gas dispensing nozzles commonly in use within the United States, it will be recognized that other standard dimensions may exist and the invention is not limited to the specific example chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
   Connector  24  is attached to, or may be part of, outer tubing  22  by welding, mechanically fastening, adhesive bonding, or any other suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. The outside diameter of outer tubing  22  is approximately equal to the inside diameter of gas dispensing pump nozzle  16  assembly to permit the GASaver device  20  to be fit into the automobile gasoline tank filler tube, not shown. 
   At the proximal end of GASaver device  20 , valve ball  26  is attached to a proximal end of metal coil spring  30  by welding or mechanically fastening in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. It should be understood, however, that spring  30  need not be a coil spring  30 , but must provide resiliency to valve ball  26 . Moreover, spring  30  need not be metallic. The spring  30  is also attached to a crossbar  28  ( FIG. 3 ) by welding or mechanically fastening in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The spring  30  is of a tension that allows valve ball  26  to from the opening of nozzle  16  when pressure of the fuel is applied thereto. 
   Permanently connected to the distal end of outer tubing  22  is crossbar  28  ( FIG. 3 ), as mentioned hereinabove. The spring  30  is seated relative to GASaver device  20  by means of anchoring to crossbar  28 . The crossbar  28  is preferably fabricated from metal or other suitable material. With a tension spring  30  ( FIG. 3 ) cross bar  28  is required but using a compression spring  112  ( FIG. 7   a ) no crossbar is needed. A compression spring may also be used in a fashion similar to that shown in  FIG. 7   a  if valve cap  120  functions as valve ball  26  ( FIG. 2 ). However, in the event compression spring  112  is used, shoulder screw  110 , threads  118  and central opening  108 , as hereinbelow described, would be required. 
     FIG. 3  is an enlarged, top perspective view of the GASaver device  20 . A crossbar  28  is affixed to the sides of tube  22  and has openings on either side to allow free fuel flow therearound and through outer tubing  22 . A proximal end of spring  30  is attached to crossbar  28 . 
     FIG. 4  is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of GASaver device  20  with spring  30  compressed and valve ball  26  in the closed, seated position, as also shown in  FIG. 2 . This is the quiescent condition, when fuel is not allowed to flow through nozzle  16 , due to flow operating lever  18  being deactivated. In this position, valve ball  26  forms a substantially tight seal with the proximal end of outer tubing  22 , thus preventing fuel from leaking therefrom. 
     FIG. 5  is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of GASaver device  20 , with spring  30  expanded and valve ball  26  in the open position. This is the active condition, when fuel is permitted to flow through nozzle  16 , due to flow operating lever  18  being activated (i.e., retracted). In this position, valve ball  26  is forced to move in the direction of the fuel flow, arrow  60 , stretching spring  30  and moving away from the proximal end of outer tubing  22 , thus allowing fuel to flow freely into the filler tube of the vehicle. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , there are shown perspective exploded and side, cross-sectional views, respectively, of a first alternate embodiment of a GASaver device  100  of the present invention. A valve body  102  has a proximal end  104  having a plurality of orifices  106  therethrough. The number and configuration of orifices  106  is unimportant as long as sufficient fuel is allowed to flow therethrough during normal operation. A central opening  108  is also provided in proximal end  104  to slidably accommodate the shaft of shoulder screw  110 . A coil spring  112  is disposed inside valve body  102  with a proximal end resting against an inner surface  114  of proximal end  104  of valve body  102 . A distal end of coil spring  112  is retained by an inner surface of head  116  of shoulder screw  110  at a distal end thereof. 
   The proximal end of shoulder screw  110  is typically equipped with external threads  118 . A valve cap  120  has an inner surface  122  adapted and configured to seat against proximal end  104  of valve body  102 . Valve cap  120  has a tapped, central opening adapted to receive threads  118  of fastener or shoulder screw  110 . It will be recognized that alternate methods of fastening shoulder screw to valve cap  120  exist. For example, shoulder screw  110  may be swedged, cemented, or otherwise attached to valve cap  120 . The invention, therefore, covers any and all possible methods and mechanisms for attaching shoulder screw  110  to valve cap  120 . 
   Sealing between valve cap  120  and proximal end  104  may be accomplished in at least two ways. First, the inside surface of valve cap  120  and proximal end  104  of valve body may be precision finished so that a liquid light seal is formed between them when they are in a close, mated position. One possible way to accomplishing the required degree of precision finishing is to hard anodize the two surfaces (assuming that valve body  102  and valve cap  120  are formed from aluminum) and then precision grinding both surfaces to the required finish. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art than many other materials and methods of providing the necessary degree of finish are available. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the method chosen for purposes of disclosure but covers any suitable material and/or finishing method. 
   Sealing may also be accomplished by placing a compliant perimeter seal  128  between proximal end  104  and the inside surface of valve cover  120 . The seal  128  may take the form of an O-ring formed from a suitable fuel-resisting material inset into a groove in proximal end  104 . In alternate embodiments, compliant seal  128  could be attached to the inside surface of valve cover  120 . Seal cross-sections other than circular (i.e., an O-ring) may also be used. Compliant seal  128  could be attached to either or both proximal end  104  and the inside surface of valve cover  120 . Compliant seal  128  could also be adhesively bonded to one or both of the aforementioned surfaces. 
   Valve body  102  is typically press fitted or bonded such as by epoxy, into the distal end of nozzle  16 . Alternately, valve body  102  may have external threads  126 , formed along a portion thereof proximate its distal end. Threads  126  can be adapted and configured for engaging interaction with internal threads, not shown, in the nozzle  16  ( FIG. 1 ) of dispensing pump nozzle handle assembly  10 . 
   GASaver  100  is adapted for insertion into a fuel-dispensing nozzle  10  ( FIG. 6 ) in a manner identical to that of the embodiment of the GASaver device described hereinabove. An optional O-ring  124  may be placed around valve body  102 . O-ring  124 , when used, helps provide sealing between GASaver  100  and the distal end of nozzle  16  ( FIG. 6 ) 
   In operation, GASaver  100  is in a quiescent state with valve cap  120  seated against proximal end  104  of valve body  102  to provide a liquid seal thereat. Valve cap  120  is held seated against proximal end  104  by coil spring  112  exerting pressure against head  116  of shoulder screw  110 . When fuel flows through nozzle  10 , pressure is exerted against the inside surface of valve cap  120  thereby compressing coil spring  112  and moving valve cap  120  with attached shoulder screw  110  outwardly away from distal end  104  of valve body  102  allowing fuel to flow through the plurality of orifices  106  and around the end of valve cap  120 . When fuel stops flowing, coil spring  112  again elongates to its original position thereby providing a restorative force that pulls valve cap  120  tightly against proximal end  104  of valve body  102  thus preventing dripping of excess fuel therefrom. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , there are shown exploded perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a GASaver device, generally at reference number  200 . A valve body  202  has a proximal end  204  having a plurality of orifices  206  therethrough. Orifices  206  are disposed in a pattern adapted to interact with a similar but offset pattern of orifices  230  disposed in valve front plate  220  as is described in detail hereinbelow. Orifices  206  and  230  are sized and configured to allow sufficient fuel flow when in an aligned angular relationship to one another. 
   A central opening  208  is also provided in proximal end  204  of valve body  202  to slidably accommodate the shaft of shoulder screw  210 . A coil spring  212  is disposed inside valve body  202  with a proximal end resting against an inner surface  214  of proximal end  204  of valve body  202 . A distal end of coil spring  212  is retained by an inner surface of an intermediate head  216  of shoulder screw  210 . 
   The proximal end of shoulder screw  210  is typically equipped with external threads  218 . An extended portion  225  of shoulder screw  210  has a substantially spiral groove  228  formed therein. Groove  228  is adapted to receive the distal end of a pin  231  disposed in valve body  202  and extending substantially perpendicularly to valve body  202 . 
   A valve cap  220  has an inner surface  222  adapted and configured to rotatively interact with proximal end  204  of valve body  202 . Valve cap  220  has a central opening, not shown, disposed on an inner surface thereof, and adapted to receive the end of fastener or optional threads  218  of shoulder screw  210 . It will be recognized that alternate methods of fastening shoulder screw  210  to valve cap  220  exist. For example, shoulder screw  210  may be swedged, cemented, or otherwise attached to valve cap  220 . The invention, therefore, covers any and all possible methods and mechanisms for attaching shoulder screw  210  to valve cap  220 . 
   As discussed hereinabove, sealing between proximal surface  204  of valve body  202  and valve cap  220  may be provided by either controlling the degree of finish on the mating surfaces or by providing a compliant seal  233  therebetween. In an alternate embodiment, individual circumferential seals, not shown, could be placed around each orifice  230 . 
   Valve body  202  is press fitted or bonded within nozzle  16  ( FIG. 1 ) of dispensing pump nozzle handle assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Threads  226  may also be provided. 
   GASaver  200  is adapted for insertion into fuel-dispensing nozzle  10  ( FIG. 6 ) in a manner identical to that of the embodiment of the GASaver device described hereinabove. An optional O-ring  224  may be placed around valve body  202 . O-ring  224 , when used, helps provide sealing between GASaver  200  and the distal end of nozzle  16  ( FIG. 6 ) 
   In operation, GASaver  200  is in a quiescent state with valve cap  220  seated against and in an angular relationship proximal end  204  of valve body  202  such that orifices  206  and  230  are completely misaligned to provide a liquid seal thereat. In other words, no fuel may flow from an interior region of body  202  through orifices  206  and  230 . The end of fuel nozzle  16  ( FIG. 6 ) is sealed by GASaver  200 . 
   Valve cap  220  is held seated against and in a desired, misaligned angular relationship to proximal end  204  by coil spring  212  exerting pressure against intermediate head  216  of shoulder screw  210 . When fuel flows through nozzle  10 , pressure is exerted against the inside surface of valve cap  220  thereby compressing coil spring  212 . Valve cap  220  is initially moved outwardly as fuel begins flowing through valve body  202 . However, as valve cap  220  moves outwardly, it also rotates as pin  231  traverses helical groove  228 . Rotation continues until pin  230  reaches an end, not shown, of helical groove  228 , which acts as a limit stop. Consequently, shoulder screw  210  is free to rotate only a predetermined angular distance, the predetermined angular distance being established to allow orifices  206  and  230  to move from fully aligned to fully misaligned relationships to one another. Valve cap  204  is rotated to a fully aligned angular relationship, such that orifices  206  and  230  are substantially aligned in a configuration allowing fuel to flow freely through orifices  230  therein. 
   When fuel stops flowing, coil spring  212  again extends to its original position thereby providing a restorative force that restores valve cap  220  to a non-aligned angular relationship with proximal end  204  of valve body  202  thereby preventing dripping of excess fuel therefrom. 
   For purposes of disclosure, a helical groove  228  is shown disposed in shoulder screw  210  while pin  231  is rigidly affixed to valve body  202 . It will be recognized that the locations of pin  231  and groove  228  may readily be interchanged, groove  228  being disposed along an inside surface of valve body  202  and pin  231  being affixed to shoulder screw  210  in an appropriate manner. In still other embodiments, it will be recognized that a pin and complementary groove arrangement, not shown, could be disposed in proximal surface  204  of valve body  202  and valve cap  220  to provide a similar angular motion-limiting arrangement. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the particular arrangement chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention covers any and all possible placements of a pin and groove that interactively provide the limit stop function of the disclosed embodiment. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   c , there are shown exploded perspective, side cross-sectional, and end elevational views, respectively of a fourth embodiment of a GASaver  300 . GASaver  300  operates in a manner similar to GASaver  200  described in detail hereinabove. That is, fuel flow through the valve is controlled by the selective alignment and non-alignment of orifices in the discharge portion of GASaver  300 . 
   A valve body  302  has a proximal end  304  having a plurality of orifices  306  therethrough. Orifices  306  are disposed in a pattern adapted to interact with a similar but offset pattern of orifices  330  disposed in valve front plate  320  as is described in detail hereinbelow. Orifices  306  and  330  are sized and configured to allow sufficient fuel flow when in an aligned angular relationship to one another. 
   A central opening  308  is also provided in proximal end  304  of valve body  302  to slidably accommodate shaft  310 . As in other GASaver embodiments  100  and  200  ( FIGS. 7   a  and  8   a , respectively), shaft  310  may have threads  318  disposed on a proximal end thereof. 
   Valve cap  320  has a cutaway portion  328  formed in the face thereof, the ends  340 ,  342  forming limit stops. A pin  334  disposed in the proximal end  304  of valve body  302  is adapted and configured to interact with cutaway portion  328 . As valve cap  320  rotates in the manner described hereinbelow, ends  340 ,  342  determine the extent of rotation thereof and allow the angular relationship of valve cover  320  and the proximal end  304  of valve body  302  to be precisely controlled between fully aligned and fully non-aligned angular relationships. It will be recognized that the locations of pin  334  and cutaway portion  328  could be reversed and the rotation limiting function would still be provided. In still other alternate embodiments, a pin and groove arranges similar to groove  228  and pin  231  ( FIG. 8   a ) could be used to provide rotation limits. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the rotation limiting arrangement chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
   An impeller assembly  316  is disposed at a proximal end of shaft  310  and is rigidly affixed thereto using any suitable fastening means.  FIG. 9   c  provides a rear elevational view of impeller  316 . Am impeller blade  332  is affixed to the distal end of shaft  310  within impeller housing  330 . Impeller assembly blade  332  may be attached to shaft  310  by threads, a swedged attachment, adhesive, or by any other suitable means known to persons of skill in the art. Impeller housing  330  is anchored to valve housing  302 , which prevents the rotation of impeller housing  330  relative thereto. The fastening of impeller housing  330  to valve housing  302  is not specifically shown and may be accomplished in any suitable manner known to those of skill in the art. 
   A torsion spring  312  is disposed around shaft  310  adjacent impeller assembly  316 . A distal end  312 A of torsion spring  312  is affixed to impeller  316 . A proximal end  312 B of torsion spring  312  is affixed to valve body  302 . Torsion spring  312 , in addition to providing restorational torque, provides a reward force on impeller  316 , thereby keeping valve cap  320  secured against proximal end  304  of valve body  302 . 
   A valve cap  320  has an inner surface  322  adapted and configured to rotatively interact with proximal end  304  of valve body  302 . Valve cap  320  has a tapped, central opening, not shown, disposed on an inner surface thereof, and adapted to receive threads  318  of shaft  310 . It will be recognized that alternate methods of fastening shaft  310  to valve cap  320  exist. For example, shaft  310  may be swedged, cemented, or otherwise attached to valve cap  320 . The invention, therefore, covers any and all possible methods and mechanisms for attaching shaft  310  to valve cap  320 . 
   As discussed hereinabove, a liquid-tight seal is provided between proximal end  304  and an inside surface of valve cap  320 . 
   Valve body  302  is typically press fitted or bonded into a distal end of nozzle  16  ( FIG. 1 ). In alternate embodiments, external threads  326  formed along a portion of valve body  304  proximate the distal end thereof may be provided. Threads  326  are sized and configured for interactive engagement with internal threads, not shown, within nozzle  16  ( FIG. 1 ) of dispensing pump nozzle handle assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ). 
   GASaver  300  is adapted for insertion into a fuel-dispensing nozzle  10  ( FIG. 6 ) in a manner identical to that of the embodiment of the GASaver device described hereinabove. An optional O-ring  324  may be placed around valve body  302 . O-ring  324 , when used, helps provide sealing between GASaver  300  and the distal end of nozzle  16 . 
   In operation, GASaver  300  is in a quiescent state with valve cap  320  seated against and in an angular relationship to proximal end  304  of valve body  302  such that orifices  306  and  330  are completely misaligned to provide a liquid seal thereat. In other words, no fuel may flow from an inner region of body  302  through orifices  306  and  330 . The end of fuel nozzle  16  is sealed by GASaver  300 . 
   Valve cap  320  is held seated against and in a desired, misaligned angular relationship to proximal end  304  by torsion spring  312  providing torque to shaft  310 . When fuel flows through nozzle  10 , pressure is exerted against impeller blade  332 , which in turn rotates shaft  310 . Valve cap  320  rotates. As impeller blade  332  and shaft  310  rotate, cutaway portion of valve cap  320  passes pin  334  until a respective limit stop  340 ,  342  is reached. Consequently, shaft  310  is free to rotate only a predetermined angular distance, the predetermined angular distance being established to allow orifices  306  and  330  to move from fully aligned to fully misaligned relationship to one another. Valve cap  304  is rotated to a fully aligned angular relationship and fuel flows freely through orifices  330  therein. As shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , orifices  306  and  330  are substantially aligned in a configuration allowing fuel, not shown, to flown freely therethrough. 
   When fuel stops flowing, torsion spring  312  supplies restorative torque so that valve cap  320  is returned to a fully non-aligned angular relationship with proximal end  304  of valve body  302 , thereby preventing dripping of excess fuel therefrom. 
   Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
   Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.