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).

  • Patent number: 7104727
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7097433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7073976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7021345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20040182473
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20040079762
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6648175
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030210991
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6575206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030080145
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030079801
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030075600
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Publication number: 20020163186
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Webb, Kevin D. Struthers
  • Patent number: 6029505
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5984377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Interon Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5927762
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5911155
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5831149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5746454
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5713607
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb