Patents by Inventor Michael C. Webb
Michael C. Webb 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).
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Patent number: 7104727Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space there between. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition tube assembly for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 7097433Abstract: The fuel transfer pump is a combination suction and pressure pump in a manifold above the fuel storage tank. The fuel transfer pump is contained within a manifold. The pump is liquid cooled (more specifically, fuel cooled) and is located in a manifold above the fuel storage tank and not submerged inside the tank. The fuel transfer pump draws (using suction) the fuel up from the bottom of the tank though the pipe column into the manifold and then under pressure pumps it to one or more fueling dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 7073976Abstract: A type of under-dispenser containment system that is easier to install, inspect and repair primary and secondary piping connections located underneath an above ground dispensing unit. This shallow type containment chamber has angled sidewalls that permit underground pipeline connections to be made directly to specially designed shear valves without the need for a riser pipe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 7021345Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20040182473Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20040079762Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 6648175Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20030210991Abstract: The fuel transfer pump is a combination suction and pressure pump in a manifold above the fuel storage tank. The fuel transfer pump is contained within a manifold. The pump is liquid cooled (more specifically, fuel cooled) and is located in a manifold above the fuel storage tank and not submerged inside the tank. The fuel transfer pump draws (using suction) the fuel up from the bottom of the tank though the pipe column into the manifold and then under pressure pumps it to one or more fueling dispensers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 6575206Abstract: A fuel dispenser for service stations which comprises an integrated catastrophic protection system. The dispenser comprises a leak detector, an impact (or displacement) sensor, and a heat sensor for detecting dangerous conditions in or around the dispenser. The sensors may be connected to a processor within the dispenser or may send signals to a remote processor. Upon detection of any of the dangerous conditions, a system controller can take appropriate action to shut down part or all of the fuel system in the facility to avoid a fuel catastrophe.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20030080145Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20030079801Abstract: A fuel dispenser for service stations which comprises an integrated catastrophic protection system. The dispenser comprises a leak detector, an impact (or displacement) sensor, and a heat sensor for detecting dangerous conditions in or around the dispenser. The sensors may be connected to a processor within the dispenser or may send signals to a remote processor. Upon detection of any of the dangerous conditions, a system controller can take appropriate action to shut down part or all of the fuel system in the facility to avoid a fuel catastrophe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20030075600Abstract: Provided is a computer-implemented, interface method by which a customer may execute transactions at a fuel dispenser having a large display and acting as a thin client in communication with at least one server. The interface is guided in that the dispenser display presents to the customer a predetermined sequence of screens, which are predetermined arrangements of objects representative of transaction opportunities. Both the arrangement of objects into screens and the sequence of screen display are reconfigurable by a fuel or retail marketer either locally or remotely from at least one host server. Also provided is a fuel dispenser having a large display and acting as a thin client in communication with at least one host server, which comprises and uses the present interface method to effect customer transactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Publication number: 20020163186Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly for double-wall pipe having an interstice between an inner pipe and an outer pipe, which joins the terminal ends of adjacent sections of the double-wall pipe to a fitting element, as a tee or elbow fitting, as well as to a connector tube bypass assembly. The coupling assembly provides fluid communication between the interstices of the adjacent sections of the double-wall pipe and the connector tube bypass assembly but does not permit fluid from the interstices of the pipes to pass through the pipe fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Webb, Kevin D. Struthers
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Patent number: 6029505Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5984377Abstract: A plastic pipe joint between two dissimilar plastics, one being a non-glueable olefin or rubber and the other a glueable or solvent-weldable plastic. The joint consists of a glueable, plastic ferrule compression fitted over the end of an olefinic or other non-glueable pipe by means of an internally expanded metal insert inside the olefinic pipe. A method for employing the instrumentalities of the invention in a pipe joint is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Interon CorporationInventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5927762Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space therebetween. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition fitting for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5911155Abstract: A monitoring device for use with a coaxial pipe or double wall pipe device which provides access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially defines the interstitial region, each pipe having two terminal ends. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe, and a small end snugly fitting onto the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1996Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5831149Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space therebetween. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition fitting for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5746454Abstract: A pipe coupling assembling for use with a pipe having an inner wall, an outer wall and an interstitial space between the walls, with the pipe terminating in a coupling end defining an axial direction. The assembly includes a ferrule attached to the outer wall. The ferrule has an outer annular ring and an interstitial channel aligned with the interstitial space in the pipe for presenting an interstitial chamber. An insert is attached to the inner wall. The insert also has an inner annular ring. An externally threaded transition fitting is removed for attachment to the ferrule. The fitting includes an interstitial channel aligned with the interstitial chamber, an outer seal channel for sealing engagement with the outer annular ring, and an inner seal channel for sealing engagement with the inner annular ring. Finally, a coupling is keyed to the ferrule including internal threads for engagement with the fitting to provide coupling engagement between both the ferrule and the insert with the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 5713607Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly for use with at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe having an inner tubular member for transferring fluid, an outer tubular member, and an interstitial space therebetween. The pipe coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe to provide a first path for the transfer fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the transfer pipe's interstitial space, and a transition fitting for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate access to the transfer fluid and the transfer pipe's interstitial space.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Webb