Patents by Inventor Eric Riffle

Eric Riffle 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: 8167003
    Abstract: A refueling system including a nozzle configured to dispense fuel through a fuel path thereof into a vehicle tank. The nozzle includes a vapor path configured such that vapor recovered from the vehicle tank during refueling is passable therethrough. The system further includes a sensing valve disposed in the vapor path, wherein the sensing valve is configured to generally block the associated part of the vapor path when a sufficient vacuum from the vehicle tank is applied to the sensing valve during refueling. The system also includes a regulator valve disposed in the vapor path and arranged in series with the sensing valve, the regulator valve being configured to regulate the level of vacuum applied by a vapor pump to the sensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan William Clever, B. Eric Riffle
  • Patent number: 6941978
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Riffle
  • Patent number: 6923221
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Riffle
  • Publication number: 20050121101
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Riffle
  • Publication number: 20050121100
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when an ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Riffle
  • Patent number: 6113039
    Abstract: A suspension device for effecting a connection between a support structure and a flexible elongated element. Element has an annular collar that is configured to securely retain a segment of the flexible elongated element. A housing having upper and lower ends, includes a cylindrical interior portion that captively encircles the collar and its associated element in a manner permitting radial movement of the collar. The uppermost end of the housing is pivotally attached via a cable to the support structure. The lower portion of the housing includes a pulley-like configuration for limiting longitudinal bending of the flexible elongated element to a radius of curvature greater than the crimp radius of the element, and a pair of opposing radially directed lip-like wall members extending from the sides of a groove of the pulley for restricting lateral bending of the flexible elongated element against side of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Brannon Eric Riffle