Patents by Inventor Sergio M. Bravo

Sergio M. Bravo 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: 8714397
    Abstract: A frame assembly for anchoring a containment box with a top opening in a surrounding driveway surface and for removably attaching one of a plurality of different product dispensers to the containment box. The frame assembly includes an anchor frame attached to the top opening of the containment box wherein the anchor frame is configured to be removably attached to any one of a plurality of different dispenser frames and a dispenser frame removably attached to the anchor frame, the dispenser frame including a plurality of frame walls having a frame area larger than an area of the top opening of the containment box such that the frame walls define an offset opening adjacent to the top opening of the containment box, wherein the dispenser frame is adapted to be mounted to one of the plurality of different product dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20090212057
    Abstract: A frame assembly for anchoring a containment box with a top opening in a surrounding driveway surface and for removably attaching one of a plurality of different product dispensers to the containment box. The frame assembly includes an anchor frame attached to the top opening of the containment box wherein the anchor frame is configured to be removably attached to any one of a plurality of different dispenser frames and a dispenser frame removably attached to the anchor frame, the dispenser frame including a plurality of frame walls having a frame area larger than an area of the top opening of the containment box such that the frame walls define an offset opening adjacent to the top opening of the containment box, wherein the dispenser frame is adapted to be mounted to one of the plurality of different product dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20080246276
    Abstract: A penetration fitting is provided for forming a sealed penetration through an aperture of a sump wall. The penetration fitting includes a flanged coupling comprising a generally rigid coupler and an integral first flange extending around a portion of the coupler. The first flange is adapted to abut and be sealed against a first side of the sump wall around the aperture. The ends of the coupler further define first and second fittings, the second fitting adapted to extend through the aperture. A ring flange is provided that is adapted to be adhered to an outer circumferential portion of the coupler and to abut and be adhered to a second side of the sump wall around the aperture. Once sealed to the sump wall, the associated piping connections can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20080023075
    Abstract: A spill containment device for a fluid storage tank filling system including a threaded riser pipe extending from a storage tank and a drop tube including a flange at one end with a conduit extending from the flange, through the riser pipe and into the storage tank. The spill containment device includes a tubular base having an inwardly protruding shoulder adapted to receive the flange of the drop tube, lower threads below the shoulder adapted to mate with the threaded riser pipe; and upper threads above the shoulder. A receptacle is attached to the tubular base, the receptacle having an open upper end. A threaded compression ring is provided, the threaded compression ring adapted to mate with the upper threads of the tubular base and attach the drop tube to the tubular base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Patent number: 6823886
    Abstract: A sump for inhibiting leakage of liquid includes a double wall for at least part of the sump, and an interstitial space between the double wall. An indicator liquid is located in the space, and a sensor is in fluid communication with the space such that a change in the pressure or liquid level in the interstitial space causes the sensor to indicate leakage into or from the interstitial space. The double wall includes a base, a wall directed upwardly from the base of the sump, and the upwardly directed wall includes an angular portion being directed at an angle from the base greater than 90 degrees relative to the base. A remote location of that portion is connected with a substantially upright wall portion for the sump. An aperture for an electrical conduit is located in the angular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20030047212
    Abstract: A sump for inhibiting leakage of liquid includes a double wall for at least part of the sump, and an interstitial space between the double wall. An indicator liquid is located in the space, and a sensor is in fluid communication with the space such that a change in the pressure or liquid level in the interstitial space causes the sensor to indicate leakage into or from the interstitial space. The double wall includes a base, a wall directed upwardly from the base of the sump, and the upwardly directed wall includes an angular portion being directed at an angle from the base greater than 90 degrees relative to the base. A remote location of that portion is connected with a substantially upright wall portion for the sump. An aperture for an electrical conduit is located in the angular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20030047211
    Abstract: A sump for inhibiting leakage of liquid includes a double wall for at least part of the sump, and an interstitial space between the double wall. An indicator liquid is located in the space, and a sensor is in fluid communication with the space such that a change in the pressure or liquid level in the interstitial space causes the sensor to indicate leakage into or from the interstitial space. The double wall includes a base, a wall directed upwardly from the base of the sump, and the upwardly directed wall includes an angular portion being directed at an angle from the base greater than 90 degrees relative to the base. A remote location of that portion is connected with a substantially upright wall portion for the sump. An aperture for an electrical conduit is located in the angular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Patent number: 6230735
    Abstract: A valve jacket is provided to surround a valve and contain any liquid that may leak from the valve as a part of a secondary containment system of the type found a gasoline service stations. The valve jacket is provided as a hollow body with a pair of openings through which a pair of primary pipelines associated with the valve can extend. One of the two openings is sized large enough that the jacket can be slid over the valve. The two openings are sealed to a pair of secondary conduits associated with the primary pipelines. A reservoir can be provided in the jacket to collect any liquid and a sensor can be provided in the reservoir to detect the presence of liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, a removable and sealable cap is provided to allow access to the valve for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6217083
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is provided for use on a riser line associated with the underground storage tank of gasoline service stations. The swivel fitting includes an adapter sleeve that attaches to the riser line and a swivel sleeve with a quick release fitting for use in removably attaching a product transfer hose as is typically used to transfer product to the underground storage tank from a tanker truck. The adapter and swivel sleeves are rotatably coupled by a plurality of ball bearings to permit smooth rotation of the quick release fitting with respect to the riser line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6053539
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is provided for use on the riser line associated with the underground storage tank of gasoline service stations. The swivel fitting includes an adapter sleeve that attaches to the riser line by a standard threaded connection. A swivel sleeve includes a fill adapter fitting for use in removably attaching a product transfer hose as is typically used to transfer product to the underground storage tank from a tanker truck. The swivel sleeve is sleeved to the adapter sleeve to permit rotation of the fill adapter fitting with respect to the riser line. A pair of bearing surfaces and a bearing between the swivel sleeve and the adapter sleeve allow smooth rotation of the swivel sleeve with respect to the adapter sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6006773
    Abstract: A T-fitting such as for use inside a containment box for connecting a primary pipeline to a gasoline dispenser has two flanges which connect to the pipeline and a main T-element sealed to each flange by a sealing element such as a gasket. The flanges thread onto each end of the primary pipeline. The main T-element has a stem which is threaded to a pipe leading to a gasoline dispenser. The flanges of the T-element are bolted to the main body of the T-element with the rubber gasket in between to seal the primary pipeline to the T-element. A method for installing a secondary containment system using the T-fitting includes the steps of fastening the stem of the T to the pipe leading to the gasoline dispenser, fastening the flanges of the T-fitting to primary pipeline segments, and fastening the flanges to the main body of the T element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6003537
    Abstract: A T-fitting such as for use inside a containment box for connecting a primary pipeline to a gasoline dispenser has two flanges which connect to the pipeline and a main T-element sealed to each flange by a sealing element such as a gasket. The flanges thread onto each end of the primary pipeline. The main T-element has a stem which is threaded to a pipe leading to a gasoline dispenser. The flanges of the T-element are bolted to the main body of the T-element with the rubber gasket in between to seal the primary pipeline to the T-element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5988698
    Abstract: A flexible penetration fitting is provided for sealing the hole through which a pipeline penetrates a wall of an underground containment box. The penetration fitting includes a flexible boot with a sealing flange for providing a first seal against the inside wall of the box. The sealing flange is held against the wall by a backing ring placed against the outside wall of the box. The backing ring includes a plurality of studs extending through the wall and into the box. A compression ring with a plurality of holes is placed over the sealing flange with the studs of the backing ring extending though the holes. A plurality of nuts are threaded to the studs to hold the sealing flange firmly against the inside wall of the box. The flexible boot also includes a sleeve for providing a second seal against the outside surface of the pipeline. The sleeve is stepped with different sized openings so as to be able to receive different sizes of pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: Sergio M. Bravo, S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Patent number: 5955657
    Abstract: A pipe layout system for secondary containment includes alternating deep and shallow penetration holes in containment boxes installed below gasoline dispensers, and a double-walled pipeline inclined downward from each shallow box to an adjacent deep box. Each deep box has a fitting which closes the end of the secondary piping within the containment box. These fittings have apertures positioned to face downward and communicating with a conduit which leads to a sensor mechanism at the low point of the conduit. If there is leaking gasoline within the secondary pipes, it will flow to the deep box, through the hole, and down to the sensor. A small amount of gasoline is all that is necessary to trip the sensor and shut down the primary product pipeline. In the shallow boxes, the same fitting is used to close the ends of the secondary piping, and the aperture therein is preferably positioned upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5944361
    Abstract: A secondary containment system is provided for use in preventing leakage to or from an underground storage tank at a joint where a riser line connects to the tank. The system includes a secondary riser tube for surrounding the riser line and a sealing ring for providing a seal between the outer wall of the storage tank and the secondary riser tube. The sealing ring has a sleeve for sealing against the outer wall of the secondary sealing tube and a flexible bell-shaped skirt for sealing against the outer wall of the storage tank. A support bracket clamps to the outer wall of the riser line and includes three arms extending radially outward. The three arms engage the secondary riser tube to hold it into engagement with the sealing ring and thereby hold the sealing ring in sealing engagement with the tank wall by maintaining a downward force on the secondary riser tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5882045
    Abstract: A secondary containment system is provided for use in preventing leakage to or from an underground storage tank at a joint where a riser line connects to the tank. The system includes a secondary riser tube for surrounding the riser line and a sealing ring for providing a seal between the outer wall of the storage tank and the secondary riser tube. The sealing ring has a sleeve for sealing against the outer wall of the secondary sealing tube and a flexible bell-shaped skirt for sealing against the outer wall of the storage tank. A support bracket clamps to the outer wall of the riser line and includes three threaded arms extending radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5826919
    Abstract: A flexible penetration fitting is provided for sealing the hole through which a pipeline penetrates a wall of an underground containment box. The penetration fitting includes a flexible boot with a sealing flange for providing a first seal against the inside wall of the box. The sealing flange is held against the wall by a backing ring placed against the outside wall of the box. The backing ring includes a plurality of studs extending through the wall and into the box. A compression ring with a plurality of holes is placed over the sealing flange with the studs of the backing ring extending though the holes. A plurality of nuts are threaded to the studs to hold the sealing flange firmly against the inside wall of the box. The flexible boot also includes a sleeve for providing a second seal against the outside surface of the pipeline. The sleeve is stepped with different sized openings so as to be able to receive different sizes of pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Patent number: 5800143
    Abstract: A containment box and anchor frame assembly is provided for anchoring a containment box at a gasoline service station to either a concrete island, or to the paved driveway of a gasoline service station. The anchor frame is fastened to the upper opening of the containment box and includes a plurality of outwardly extending anchoring brackets for securing the anchor frame to the surrounding concrete. The anchor frame helps to keep the containment box from being damaged if a product dispenser is hit by a vehicle. The assembly also includes a dispenser frame for mounting a product dispenser to the anchor frame. The anchor frame is of a universal design such that a particular size of containment box and anchor frame assembly can receive a number of different sizes of dispenser frames so that different sizes of dispensers can all be mounted to the same containment box and anchor frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5743673
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a manhole against entering liquid includes a support ring fixed to the manhole's skirt and a sealing member resting on the support ring. The sealing member has a base with a foam ring under it, and pressing members on top of it for pressing the base against the support ring with the foam in between. The sealing member also has a top which is flexibly connected to the base. The top is fixed to the manhole cover with a gasket between it and the cover. A relief valve is provided to prevent the enclosed space within the manhole formed by the sealing member from overpressuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5676183
    Abstract: A fire protective collar for plastic fittings used in flammable fluid handling equipment is formed in two pieces which fit together around the fitting. Each piece has a semicircular top with a cutout for fitting around a pipe, and semicircular walls for fitting around the fitting. At the ends of each wall is a flange with a hole so that the two pieces can be removably fixed together by bolts and wing nuts. The collar may be used in a system where a containment box for collecting leaking gasoline from gasoline handling equipment, such as a gasoline dispenser, is disposed below the dispenser. The box receives a gasoline supply pipe passing through an aperture, and a fitting is provided for sealing the aperture and adjustably fixing the supply pipe. The fitting includes a main body, a deformable element, a seating piece for seating the deformable element and threaded to the main body, and a clamping piece threadable onto the seating piece to cam the deformable element radially inward to contact the supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo