Patents Assigned to Franklin Fueling Systems, LLC
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Patent number: 11885452Abstract: A termination fitting assembly for use with a conduit includes the conduit comprising a primary pipe positioned centrally within a secondary pipe along a longitudinal axis of the conduit and the conduit having an interstitial space defined between the primary pipe and secondary pipe. The termination fitting assembly includes an interior fitting having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall sized and shaped for insertion into and sealing with the primary pipe, and the outer wall extending circumferentially around the secondary pipe of the conduit. The termination fitting assembly includes an annular channel defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the interior fitting and in fluid communication with the interstitial space of the conduit and an exterior fitting positioned around the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Kiran Muggulla, James Novak, Todd Breuer, Justin F. Kuehn, Randall Boucher
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Patent number: 11858803Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Nicholas Schultz, James Novak, Bill Nelson, Randall Boucher, Martin Turnidge, George Risch, Todd Breuer
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Patent number: 11859731Abstract: An overfill valve associated with a drop tube segment fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir is described. The overfill valve includes a valve body positioned within the drop tube segment and a non-contact valve actuator positioned exterior to the drop tube segment and operable to actuate the valve body from an open position to a closed position without requiring any physical penetration through the wall of the drop tube segment. The non-contact valve actuator has a first position in which the non-contact valve actuator does not actuate the valve body from the open position to the closed position in a second position, achieved when the liquid reservoir reaches a predetermined level approaching the capacity of the liquid reservoir, the non-contact valve actuator actuating the valve body from the open position to the closed position when the non-contact valve actuator obtains the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Justin Kuehn, David Laundrie, Michael O'Flahrity, Erik Backhaus, Bill Nelson
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Patent number: 11846360Abstract: A P/V valve that can be positioned at a working height above grade (i.e., a height reachable by a service technician positioned at grade) while still providing appropriate resistance to fire and explosion by venting to atmosphere at an appropriate height above grade (e.g., 12 feet) is disclosed. In certain exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve features a diaphragm actuated two-way poppet valve actuatable by a valve piston. In alternative exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve is positioned intermediate grade and the distal end of a P/V valve riser pipe and is contained in a vault fluidly connected to the P/V valve riser pipe, the P/V valve locally venting in the vault, which is hermetically sealed to the P/V valve riser pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventor: Justin F. Kuehn
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Patent number: 11772956Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Nicholas Schultz, James Novak, Bill Nelson, Randall Boucher, Martin Turnidge, George Risch, Todd Breuer
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Patent number: 11761810Abstract: A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Lee B. Markham, John R. West, William S. Nelson, Paul Ridge
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Patent number: 11674886Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. One or more sensors may be employed to signal proper operation of the remediation system.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Todd Breuer, Leon Schuster
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Patent number: 11580811Abstract: A fuel station controller to dispense fuel and drinks, a fuel station including the fuel station controller, and a product management subsystem including sensors communicatively coupled with the fuel station controller. The controller includes a housing comprising product modules having connectors adapted to connect conductors from an ingestible product dispenser, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled with the product modules and comprises processing instructions operable to receive a value indicative of a quantity of an ingestible product in a box to be dispensed by the ingestible product dispenser and to generate an empty box alert if the value is below an empty box setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Martin L. Turnidge, Randall S. Boucher, Vitaliy Demin, Timothy Dyson, John J. Gillis, Adam Main, George A. Risch, John Francis Larkin
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Patent number: 11578813Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Justin F. Kuehn, Michael Christopherson
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Patent number: 11365826Abstract: An overfill valve associated with a drop tube segment fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir is described. The overfill valve includes a valve body positioned within the drop tube segment and a non-contact valve actuator positioned exterior to the drop tube segment and operable to actuate the valve body from an open position to a closed position without requiring any physical penetration through the wall of the drop tube segment. The non-contact valve actuator has a first position in which the non-contact valve actuator does not actuate the valve body from the open position to the closed position in a second position, achieved when the liquid reservoir reaches a predetermined level approaching the capacity of the liquid reservoir, the non-contact valve actuator actuating the valve body from the open position to the closed position when the non-contact valve actuator obtains the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Justin Kuehn, David Laundrie, Michael O'Flahrity, Erik Backhaus, Bill Nelson
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Patent number: 11365113Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Nicholas Schultz, James Novak, Bill Nelson, Randall Boucher, Martin Turnidge, George Risch, Todd Breuer
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Patent number: 11352248Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Nicholas Schultz, James Novak, Bill Nelson, Randall Boucher, Martin Turnidge, George Risch, Todd Breuer
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Publication number: 20220163369Abstract: A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Lee B. MARKHAM, John R. WEST, William S. NELSON, Paul RIDGE
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Patent number: 11208318Abstract: A tank collar has an adjustable mounting surface for a containment sump, such that the containment sump may be adjusted on the tank collar to be substantially plumb, even if the tank collar itself is not plumb. In particular, the containment sump wall is angularly adjustable with respect to the tank collar, which is fixed to an underground storage tank (UST). This angular adjustability facilitates a method of installation in which imperfect angular orientation of the tank collar and UST may be compensated for by angular adjustment of the containment sump wall. During and after such angular adjustment, a consistent seal between the containment sump wall and the tank collar is maintained, such as in the form of a continuous line of contact around the circumference of the interface between the tank collar and the containment sump wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Michael Christopherson, James Matthew Novak, Bill Nelson
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Patent number: 11203518Abstract: A containment sump has a primary container and a secondary container which extends only partway up the outer wall of the primary container. This “low-rise” secondary container, in certain embodiments, cooperates with the primary container to create a hermetically sealed interstitial space encompassing the bottom of the primary container, including the lower portion of the upright containment wall and the container bottom. In alternative embodiments, the secondary container is a subassembly forming an interstitial space and joined as a subassembly to the primary container. More particularly, the upper end of the interstitial space may be below pipe or other conduit penetrations through the sidewall of the primary container. At the same time, any leak which may develop over the service life of the containment sump would be contained and detected within the bottom of the primary and/or secondary containers.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Jay Jerard Walsh
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Patent number: 10883948Abstract: A monitoring system for an enclosure having an arc quenching gas includes at least one fluid characteristic sensor in fluid communication with an interior the enclosure, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the at least one fluid characteristic sensor. The electronic controller forecasts a maintenance event based on values received from the at least one fluid characteristic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: John Eastman, Steven Carl Shaver
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Patent number: 10801640Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Justin F. Kuehn, Michael Christopherson
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Patent number: 10703623Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle of a fuel dispensing system comprising a lockout mechanism that prevents the delivery of fuel when the fuel nozzle is not inserted into a fuel reservoir. The fuel dispensing nozzle includes a lookout plunger selectively restrained from movement by a rocker arm. The rocker arm maintains a freely moveable condition or a constrained turn movement condition based on the status of the fuel nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Adam Main, Jim Novak
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Publication number: 20190285194Abstract: An overfill valve associated with a drop tube segment fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir is described. The overfill valve includes a valve body positioned within the drop tube segment and a non-contact valve actuator positioned exterior to the drop tube segment and operable to actuate the valve body from an open position to a closed position without requiring any physical penetration through the wall of the drop tube segment. The non-contact valve actuator has a first position in which the non-contact valve actuator does not actuate the valve body from the open position to the closed position in a second position, achieved when the liquid reservoir reaches a predetermined level approaching the capacity of the liquid reservoir, the non-contact valve actuator actuating the valve body from the open position to the closed position when the non-contact valve actuator obtains the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Justin Kuehn, David Laundrie, Michael O'Flahrity, Erik Backhaus, Bill Nelson
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Patent number: 10371283Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLCInventors: Justin F. Kuehn, Michael Christopherson