Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a tube insert is at least partially disposed within the end portion of a tube. An alignment fixture can be used to assist in forming an aperture through the wall of the tube at a predetermined location that is aligned with at least one cavity in the outer surface of a tube insert.

Abstract: A drop tube segment is adapted for use with a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment includes a conduit with an end portion and a sidewall including a sidewall portion at least partially defining an interior housing area. The drop tube segment further includes a valve assembly comprising a valve member attached to the end portion of the conduit, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected to the valve member and adapted for communication with the float. The valve assembly further includes a driver member at least partially disposed in the interior housing area and adapted to selectively engage the linkage device. The driver member is in communication with the float such that movement of the float causes rotation of the driver member. An adjustment of the float in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir may rotate the driver member to engage the linkage device to facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the end portion of the conduit.

Abstract: Drop tube segments are provided. Each drop tube segment may be attached to another drop tube segment of a drop tube assembly. The drop tube segments include a wall with a fastener receiving structure that is devoid of any opening extending between inner and outer surfaces of the wall. Methods of making a drop tube assembly are also provided. The methods include the step of inserting a second end portion of a first conduit over a first end portion of a second conduit while edges of an aperture extend radially outwardly away from an outer surface of a first wall of the first conduit.

Abstract: A drop tube segment includes a conduit with a first end portion and a second end portion. The drop tube segment further comprises a valve assembly with a valve member associated with the first end portion, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment further includes a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment. The fastening section comprises a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment.

Abstract: Drop tube inserts and apparatus adapted for use with a riser pipe of a liquid reservoir are provided. Apparatus include a drop tube insert at least partially disposed within an end portion of a drop tube. The drop tube insert includes a wall with inner and outer surfaces wherein the wall of the drop tube insert is devoid of any opening extending between its inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fluid level includes a housing with a level indicator adapted to display a measured fluid level. A float is associated with the level indicator and an elongated flexible member is provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the float. The apparatus further includes a spool adapted to store at least a portion of the elongated flexible member, wherein the second end of the elongated flexible member is attached to the spool. A biasing member is adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible member as the float travels towards the housing and adapted to allow the elongated flexible member to unwind from the spool as the float travels away from the housing. Additional apparatus include a housing with a level indicator having first and second level indicating gears and a first indexing device adapted to prevent its movement away from one of the indexing gears.

Abstract: A container such as a sump having a bottom, at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a flange connected to the at least one wall and projecting therefrom. The flange preferably has apertures extending partially into the interior portion of the flange from its exterior surface. The flange provides structural rigidity to the container and prevents irregularities from being formed in the walls during manufacture. Preferably, the container is a sump having four lower walls, four upper walls integrally connected to the lower walls by the flange, and four entrance walls integrally connected to the upper walls and defining a mouth for receiving fluids. The flange preferably has an upper surface having upper apertures and a lower surface having lower apertures that are axially aligned with the upper apertures. Pins may utilized during manufacture of the sump by rotational molding to form apertures within the flange and aid in preventing irregularities from being formed.

Abstract: An adjustable length storage tank sump for attachment to an underground storage tank is provided. The storage tank sump is formed from a body having a polygonal lower portion with a chamber, an interconnecting conical middle portion, and an upper portion having a plurality of formations and an opening disposed thereon. The formations are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the body so that a predetermined number of the formations can be selectively removed during installation, thereby reducing the length of the storage tank sump. A sealing surface is provided on each formation so that a single seal can be installed on the formation closest the opening. An attachment structure, which is interchangeable among the formations, removably engages the formation closest to the opening. A removable lid for covering the opening is provided, the lid engaging the attachment structure such that the lid sealingly contacts the seal.

Abstract: A dispenser sump which includes a deflection surface and a distribution channel for distributing liquids about the interior periphery of the sump to allow insertion of fluid removal apparatus along any wall of the sump. The sump also provides increased structural rigidity to support backfill surrounding the sump and to maintain shape integrity.