Patents by Inventor Donald P. Kenney

Donald P. Kenney 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: 9945712
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Publication number: 20140366627
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Patent number: 8878682
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Patent number: 8418531
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120067109
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Patent number: 8069705
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Publication number: 20110090088
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Publication number: 20100013646
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Patent number: 7578169
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Publication number: 20090136286
    Abstract: An entry boot that provides a fluid-tight seal between a pipe and a sump wall, wherein some of the components of the entry boot are detachable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Jesse Spankowski, Kevin Otte
  • Publication number: 20080195354
    Abstract: A control system for a fuel delivery system provides enhanced functionality and diagnostic capabilities relative to known systems. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, enhanced functionality and diagnostic capability is provided by integrating the pump controller and the tank gauge by way of a control or integration unit. The control unit includes a microprocessor and communication hardware for communicating with the tank gauge and the pump controllers. In accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention, a control unit is included which provides additional functionality, such as automatic logging of controller faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Edward Watzke, Donald P. Kenney
  • Patent number: 7334456
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Patent number: 7118354
    Abstract: A submersible pump-motor assembly for use in dispensing petroleum from petroleum storage tanks. The pump-motor assembly of the present invention enhances the performance characteristics of the pump-motor assembly by providing greater flow area around the motor stator while maintaining the alignment of the assembly's critical pump components. Such enhanced pump performance characteristics provide the petroleum dispensing station manager using such pump-motor assemblies with greater flow rates per dispenser or, when maximum flow rates are capped, potentially greater dispensing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Fe Petro, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Donald A. Gibson, Randy E. Craig
  • Patent number: 7051579
    Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit arranged to sealingly encompass the primary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, Walt Simmons
  • Publication number: 20030113219
    Abstract: A submersible pump-motor assembly for use in dispensing petroleum from petroleum storage tanks. The pump-motor assembly of the present invention enhances the performance characteristics of the pump-motor assembly by providing greater flow area around the motor stator while maintaining the alignment of the assembly's critical pump components. Such enhanced pump performance characteristics provide the petroleum dispensing station manager using such pump-motor assemblies with greater flow rates per dispenser or, when maximum flow rates are capped, potentially greater dispensing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Donald A. Gibson, Randy E. Craig, Donald P. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6070760
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: FE Petro Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David M. Triezenberg
  • Patent number: 5934508
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: FE Petro Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David M. Triezenberg
  • Patent number: 5769134
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fe Petro Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David M. Triezenberg
  • Patent number: 5673732
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: FE Petro Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David M. Triezenberg
  • Patent number: 5577895
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a variable length pipe assembly for connection between a pump-motor unit and a manifold. The assembly is particularly useful in a gasoline dispensing system of a service or filling station. The assembly comprises an inner pair of pipes and an outer pair of pipes. The pipes of the inner pair have telescoped portions and outer ends that are connectable to the pump-motor unit and the manifold. The pipes of the outer pair also have telescoped portions and outer ends that are connectable to the pump-motor unit and the manifold. The inner pair is mounted within the outer pair, a first passage being formed within the inner pair and a second passage being formed by the annular space between the inner pair and the outer pair. A seal is provided between the telescoped portions of the inner pair and another seal is provided between the telescoped portions of the outer pair, and a clamp is provided for securing together the telescoped portions of the outer pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: FE Petro Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Franklin, Donald P. Kenney, Brian C. Green