Patents by Inventor Alexander R. Podgers

Alexander R. Podgers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6708571
    Abstract: A temperature compensated fluid meter includes a temperature transducer with a bellows that expands and contracts. Movement of a rod attached to a movable end of the bellows is coupled to a transmission assembly which includes a cylinder and a cone that have a transfer ring mounted between them. The actuator rod is interconnected with the transfer ring to move it substantially linearly and continuously along the axis of the cylinder in response to changes in the temperature of the fluid being measured. This changes the speed of rotation of the cone with respect to the cylinder for a particular volume of fluid as the temperature of the fluid changes. A cone shaft in which the cone is mounted is interconnected with the compensated index within the register so as to substantially linearly and continuously cause the index to record a temperature compensated fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: American Meter Company
    Inventors: Helmut W. Hopfe, Alexander R. Podgers
  • Patent number: 4919305
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for refueling vehicles is disclosed. The nozzle provides a poppet valve for manually controlling the flow rate through the nozzle and an automatic flow control regulator for limiting the maximum flow rate through the nozzle to a predetermined maximum flow rate. The illustrated embodiment provides the automatic flow regulator in an existing passage within the nozzle body downstream from the poppet valve. Therefore, the regulator can be retrofitted into existing nozzles without separate fasteners or the like. The regulator includes a polymeric sleeve having lateral ports and a piston slidable in the sleeve providing an orifice around the operating rod of the poppet valve. A spring normally maintains the piston in its full open position. When flow rates approach the maximum desired predetermined flow rate, a pressure drop occurs through the orifice, producing a force overcoming the spring and causing the piston to move down and partially cover the ports in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Podgers
  • Patent number: 4899792
    Abstract: A combination breakaway and swivel coupling for vehicle fueling systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a body having a swivel connection at one end and a breakaway connection at the other end. The swivel is directly connected to a vehicle fueling nozzle and the breakaway coupling is connected to the supply hose of the fueling system. The swivel coupling is a ball-and-socket type coupling which permits the nozzle to be moved in all directions with respect to the supply hose for convenient positioning of the nozzle in the vehicle during fueling and hanging of the nozzle on the pump when the unit is not is use. The breakaway coupling automatically separates in the event that the vehicle drives away without removing the nozzle and prevents damage to the hose and the pump structure. Automatic shutoff valves close when the breakaway coupling releases to prevent pollution or hazardous spills of fuel. One embodiment utilizes a frangible connection which fractures and releases when breakaway occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Podgers
  • Patent number: 4896705
    Abstract: A containment manhole is formed of an upper rim and a bottom sump portion connected by an expansion joint permitting radial and axial movement of the sump portion relative to the rim. The sump portion has an integrally formed drain for the drainage of spilled product in the manhole directly into the riser. The rim also has an upstanding flange and the lid of the manhole extends over the flange with a wide, downwardly sloped skirt directing water off the lid to the outer perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Podgers, Eric J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 4770317
    Abstract: An automatic overfill prevention system for gravity filling of an underground liquid storage tank from a tank truck fill line provides a venturi in the fill line creating a partial vacuum which is vented from the liquid storage tank through a vent line until the liquid in the storage tank rises to a predetermined level to submerge one end of the vent line and trigger a latching means to close the fill line. The assembly also includes a containment manhole to hold any inadvertent spillage occurring during the filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Podgers, Eric J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 4763806
    Abstract: A containment manhole is formed of an upper rim and a bottom sump portion connected by an expansion joint permitting radial and axial movement of the sump portion relative to the rim. The sump portion has an integrally formed drain for the drainage of spilled product in the manhole directly into the riser. The rim also has an upstanding flange and the lid of the manhole extends over the flange with a wide, downwardly sloped skirt directing water off the lid to the outer perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Podgers, Eric J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: D488083
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: American Meter Company
    Inventors: Helmut W. Hopfe, Alexander R. Podgers
  • Patent number: D377597
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Reed Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alexander R. Podgers