Abstract: A quick, field installed sump cover system for below ground sumps includes a support ring, a seal between the ring and sump upper lip, preferably two compression brackets each having two spaced regions extending under riser parts, at least one elongated member coupled between the support ring and compression brackets for selectively applying tension forces therebetween causing the bracket regions to engage the riser parts and the support ring to compresses the sealing member to form liquid-tight seal with the sump lip. The sump top can be closed by a dome-cover removably coupled to the support ring. The elongated members can include chain-like members with tensioning devices that, in field installations, can accommodate various sump sizes.

Abstract: A displaying bumper guard for fuel dispensers that includes a sign-holding frame assembly mounted on an inverted U-shaped bumper guard member with the bumper guard legs imbedded in the ground level concrete or concrete ledge. The device includes a frame for supporting a sign and a mounting assembly for securing the frame to the bumper guard member. The visual square footage of the frame, viewed normally thereto, is much larger than that of the bumper guard member thus providing a good visual barrier for the dispensers. In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket assembly is releasably secured to the center leg of the guard member and includes at least one and preferably two displaced mounting surface located a short distance from the side profile of the bumper guard member. The frame includes at least one and preferably two spaced elongated reinforcement frame rails or bars secured to the frame sides to strengthen the frame and to cooperate with the mounting surface by being releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A manhole assembly for below ground liquid storage tanks, such as fuel storage tanks, that includes securing the upper region of the below-grade manhole to the at-grade manhole so that lowering of the below-grade manhole bottom due to tank settling or stepping on the hatch cover will not lower the below-grade rim relative to the at-grade ring. Riser pipe extenders can be added without interfering with hatch cover closure and sealing of the below-grade manhole. One embodiment includes adjustable length bolts tying the at-grade ring to the below-grade ring. The assembly can be factory assembled, delivered to the site, and installed on the riser pipe then height adjusted before pea gravel, backfill, and concrete are poured. Bellows and bucket manholes can be used.

Abstract: A U-shaped bumper guard system for gas stations, parking and other vehicular areas and the like that enables easy removal of a damaged bumper guard and re-installation of a replacement guard without the need to cut or dig the concrete around the damaged guard legs that are secured in the foundation concrete. Features include securing tubular base members positioned upright in the concrete foundation layer, applying a liner within each base member, positioning one leg of the U-shaped guard into each base, and pouring concrete or the like into the liner and in contact with the leg outer surface. The liner prevents adherence between the concrete and the inner surface of the base member so that if damaged, the unit and base member concrete can be easily raised free from the base member and replaced with a new bumper guard, liner, and securing concrete since neither the foundation layer nor the base members are damaged or moved.

Abstract: A fuel tanker truck for and a method of transporting liquid fuel, in a tanker truck having a fuel storage compartment and a delivery pipe having a compartment end controllably communicating with the interior of the tanker storage compartment and a distal end having an adaptor. The method includes substantially filling the delivery pipe with liquid fuel, transporting the fuel in the delivery pipe, and during or after the transporting step, trapping and sealing the liquid fuel within the delivery pipe in response to the storage compartment end of the delivery pipe separating from controllable communication with the interior of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A vent valve assembly with roll over shut-off capability includes a housing, a vent valve that opens to allow vapor to escape from the tank in response to tank vapor pressure greater than a predetermined positive pressure and that opens to allow air or vapor entrance to the tank in response to tank vapor pressure below a predetermined negative pressure. A roll over valve is provided to open and close the fluid flow path between the vent valve and the tank interior, and a rocker arm assembly is rotatably mounted to the housing for positioning the roll over valve in the open position when the tanker is upright and for moving the roll over valve to the closed position when the tanker rolls more than a predetermined angle relative to the upright position. Stored liquid rising above the shut-off valve applies a further force closing the shut-off valve in relation to the head pressure.

Abstract: A fuel storage tank with reduced vapor generation capability having a drop tube with a pressure activated valve in the wall of the drop tube to permit communication between the inside upper region of the tank and the inside of the drop tube. The valve is normally closed to prevent vapors in the tank from being sucked into and entering the drop tube. A buildup of vapor pressure in the upper drop tube region causes the valve to open and the air/vapor to flow from the upper drop tube region into the upper storage tank region. No special pipes, lines, floats or other apparatus are needed for this vapor reduction arrangement and method and any air or vapor originally entering the riser or initially in the drop tube that flows into the tank upper region is handled in the conventional manner as all other vapor originally in that region, i.e. it is recycled and recovered in the top of the tanker delivery truck.

Abstract: A manhole embodiment that includes a metal top ring, metal removable cover, and a flexible sheet steel skirt welded to the top ring. The skirt has a stiffening and footing flange rolled laterally inwardly or outwardly from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the very bottom of the manhole.

Abstract: A manhole embodiment that includes a skirt made of flexible material, such as rolled sheet steel, having a stiffening flange extending laterally from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the manhole and an outwardly extending lip at the skirt upper rim. The manhole top ring connects directly to the top of the lip. This eliminates the need for a separate piece such as the lower L-shaped ring piece included in conventional manholes. An optional extension skirt can telescope into the bottom of the upper skirt that can be held to the upper skirt by fasteners. The telescoping extension skirt can be height adjusted in the field so that the over-all height of the manhole can be adjusted to any desired height, say between 8 and 16 inches.

Abstract: A water jet ski or boat that prevents weeds or grass from entering or clogging the intake grate area, is simple in construction and installation, operates automatically without operator intervention, and allows the craft to be beached and refloated without damaging the anticlogging elements or the craft. The craft includes one or more, preferably two or four, flexible rods mounted at the forward end of the intake grating and depending downward and preferably rearward. Growing or floating weeds or grass encountered during forward movement of the craft will be forced by the rods downward, rearward, and, in one alternate embodiment, outward. The rods do not interfere with the laminar water flow from any direction into the intake and are flexible enabling the craft to be stored, trailered, beached and pulled back from the beach as desired and without damage.

Abstract: A remote spill containment apparatus that includes a horizontally oriented cylindrical housing, preferably formed of a single piece of rolled sheet steel closed front and back by welded spun plates. The upper, forward cylinder quadrant is cut away to form the access opening which is closed by an L-shaped lid hinged to rotate for storage beneath the housing to permit safe access to the housing interior. A single, infinitely adjustable post supports the rear of the housing for free access to the spill drain valve assembly located at the cylinder bottom. The round parts prevent snow and rain accumulation above the access opening and reduce manufacturing costs, weight and space of the unit. Spill liquid within the housing flows toward the bottom centerline lowest zone for selective removal through the spill valve assembly.

Abstract: A lifting and moving portable apparatus and method that includes a beam extending across the manhole cover supported at one end by a pivot member resting on the surface outside the manhole periphery and supported at the other end by a pair of wheels riding on the surface outside the manhole periphery. A lifting device is mounted on the center region of the beam for securing the cover and lifting the cover above the cover rim or surrounding surface. Once lifted, the operator can roll the beam and cover assembly through an arc about the pivot axis to expose the entire manhole. Means are provided to stabilize the cover in the horizontal and angular position relative to the beam so that the cover assumes the same angular position relative to the manhole when returned to the closed position.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank overfill prevention assembly that includes an outer housing, an insert that includes fill flow ports, a shut-off sleeve to slowly close off the flow ports and a float member for controlling the sleeve in response to the rise of the stored liquid level. As the product flows through the assembly it is diverted through flow ports in the insert to the inside of the outer body and through the fill pipe installed in the bottom of the valve. As the product level in the tank increases, the float rises and the shut-off sleeve relatively slowly covers or closes the flow ports in the insert. The shut-off is gradual and no hydraulic shock is felt through the valve. For further benefit, the shape of the shut-off sleeve diverts the liquid flow steam through the ports and is shaped to maintain substantial laminar liquid flow until the liquid exits the ports into the housing interior.

Abstract: A hose retractor for gas stations and the like having an arcuate or goose-neck head portion extending through preferably a 90 degree arc and laterally extending from the vertical axis of the vertical standard portion. A removeable pulley-assembly or cartridge arcuately shaped to be inserted through the free end of the head portion, is inserted therein and secured by external bolts or other removeable fasteners when in the operative position. The cartridge preferably includes at least two, axially aligned cartridge pulleys to guide the cord along the head curvature. Upon damage or other need for replacement, the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced by a new cartridge, without the need to replace any other part of the retractor. The retractor standard and head portion according to one aspect of the invention can be made in a single piece with fixed orientation to reduce the costs of manufacture.

Abstract: A drop tube for underground fuel storage tanks and the like has a flow restriction section that includes a plate or disc mounted for rotation and controlled by a float located outside the section. Unlike overfill shut-off valves that slam against a sealing valve seat and require springs and cams for their operation, the subject restrictor simply and slowly rotates the plate between a non-restricting position and one in which the plate closes off the delivery liquid flow. Since the plate and interior wall of the tube are not sealed, liquid above the restrictor can bleed past the plate into the storage tank after the delivery valve on the truck is closed. Overfill is unlikely because it would take several hours to overfill with the plate in the restricting position.

Abstract: A manhole includes a carriage mounted on the underside of the cover that cooperates with a supporting guide channel located across the mouth of the manhole. the guide channel can be rotated to an incline so that the carriage can easily roll onto and from the supporting guide member. The free end of the guide channel is raised and lowered by a standard ratchet wrench inserted through the cover so that the operator need not lift any part of the cover manually. Once raised to the ready position, the operator simply pulls laterally on the cover handle to roll the cover slightly upward and laterally from the manhole opening. Once the cover clears the manhole, the guide channel can be rotated up and outward to provide access to the entire manhole area , if desired. To replace the cover, the guide channel is rotated to again extend across the manhole, the cover/carriage assembly is rolled laterally on to the guide channel until the cover edge contacts the ring edge.

Abstract: A shut off valve, of the type having a normally open main valve that closes in response to a shear force of greater than a predetermined magnitude, and a normally closed secondary valve that opens in response to a predetermined fluid pressure, wherein the main valve is contained in a first sub-housing and the secondary valve is contained in a separate second sub-housing, downstream from the first sub-housing. A hollow, tubular shear fitting, having an annular shear groove, has an upstream end removably coupled to the downstream end of the first sub-housing, and a downstream end removably coupled to the upstream end of the second sub-housing, where by the first sub-housing, the shear fitting, and the second sub-housing are axially aligned so that they define a continuous internal flow passage from the upstream end of the first sub-housing to the downstream end of the second sub-housing.