Abstract: A casing which provides a fluid and electrical interface between components of a fuel dispensing system. A column pipe which receives fuel pumped from an underground tank connects with a power head mounted in the casing. A check valve controls flow from the power head to a dispensing pipe leading to a fuel dispenser. A hand operated quick connect coupling connects the power head with the check valve housing to facilitate extraction of the power head, column pipe and pump. The check valve element can be removed along with a cover to the check valve housing. Leaking fuel and excessive fuel vapor are returned to the tank by valves. Fuel from the check valve housing used to operate a siphon system is returned to the tank along with fuel needed to relieve excessive pressure in the check valve housing. A junction box in the casing houses electrical wiring and is equipped with a safety barrier plug that accommodates a signal wire from a pressure transducer used to control the fuel flow to the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a port of a distribution head in a fuel dispensing system. A plug has a head, flange and threaded shank. The flange extends radially beneath the head and includes a seal engagement surface. A sealing member is positioned upon the seal engagement surface. The port has NPT threads formed therein for engaging with the threads of the plug. When the plug is fully engaged with respect to the port, so as to be bottomed out, a seal is formed between the plug and port while the threads of the plug and port do not achieve an interference fit, to allow for easy removal of the plug.

Abstract: A submersible electric motor driven pump includes a motor assembly having an elongated tubular motor housing, an electric motor disposed in the motor housing, and a rotary motor shaft having an output end which extends from the electric motor; and a pump assembly including an elongated tubular pump housing, a driven pump shaft having external spline teeth at an end thereof, and at least one centrifugal impeller disposed on the pump shaft. A drive coupling is fixed to the output end of the motor shaft and has internal spline teeth which are slidably engaged with the external spline teeth of the pump shaft. The drive coupling transmits rotational power from the electric motor to the pump shaft, with the end of the pump shaft being operative to float axially within the drive coupling. A flanged interface surrounds the drive coupling and rigidly joins the motor assembly and the pump assembly together coaxially end to end in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a housing unit which has a check valve assembly and a pressure relief valve assembly formed in one integral unit. When the check valve is in a closed position, the dispensing line is sealed off from the pumping assembly. In addition, the check valve also seals off the pressure relief outlet in the same movement, by the use of two O-rings placed on a lockdown member. Line maintenance tests may be performed accurately, as well as testing of the pumping assembly, when the check valve and pressure relief valve are closed. This structure provides an improved assembly since the check valve and pressure relief valve are formed in one integral unit so as to be adjacent one another so that both valves can be conveniently closed off at the same time during a maintenance check.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.

Abstract: A leak detection system which operates at relatively high pressures and senses relatively large pressure drops to monitor for leakage in fuel product lines such as those used for dispensing of fuel at gasoline service stations. Leakage tests of various degrees of precision are carried out, and the possible effects of thermally induced expansion and contraction are taken into account. The system also checks for faulty pressure sensors and dry tank conditions. Leak indications are confirmed by a time delay and retesting before a leak alarm is given.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: A strainer attachment for the inlet fitting of a submersible pump. A threaded rod carries two retainer elements, one of which is rigidly mounted on one end of the rod and the other of which is threaded onto the rod. With the rod held in a skewed position, the stationary retainer element can be passed through the inlet passage formed in the inlet fitting. When the rod is then oriented in alignment with the pump axis, the retainer elements span the inlet opening. When the movable retainer element is threaded toward the stationary element and against the inlet plate of the inlet fitting, the two retainer elements grip the inlet plate between them to secure the rod in place. A strainer body having mesh openings for straining the liquid that is being pumped can be threaded onto the rod.