Abstract: A system and method for providing mass transit is disclosed. The system is able to dispatch a vehicle to a person in response to their contacting a central controller. The system can adjust their route depending on the needs of the person and/or persons who are using the system. The system can place a track in an urban area without adding to the congestion that already exists within the area.

Abstract: An aboveground fueling facility includes one or more vertical fuel supply tanks, each of which is positioned on a reinforced mounting pad on a fueling island that also includes one or more fuel dispensers. Fuel is supplied from the vertical fuel supply tanks to the dispensers via piping that is secondarily contained within the reinforced mounting pad. Each of the vertical fuel supply tanks may have more than one compartment so as to permit different grades of fuel to be dispensed by the dispensers, including mixtures. Fueling lanes are defined between the vertical fuel supply tanks for permitting vehicular access to the fuel dispensers. A canopy for sheltering the fueling lanes is structurally supported by the vertical fuel supply tanks, and informational signage is provided on the canopy for providing information such as fuel pricing to the consumer.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly that has particular utility for petroleum products has a threaded cylindrical projection that allows quick installation onto a storage tank. The gauge assembly operates by measuring the displacement of a float member through a filament that extends through a restrictive opening in the outer housing of the gauge assembly. An adapter is connected to the free end of the filament outside the outer housing. The opening is sized so that the adapter is prevented from passing therethrough, thus preventing the filament from retracting completely into the housing. The gauge assembly also includes an electronic level or volume monitoring system.

Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of testing an aboveground-type fuel storage tank includes steps of positioning at a test location an aboveground-type fuel storage tank that has been configured as it is intended to be in commercial use and at least partially filling the aboveground-type fuel storage tank with a fuel that is intended to be stored in the storage tank during commercial use. The exterior of the aboveground-type fuel storage tank is then subjected to a petroleum-fed fire for a period of time that is preferably at least one hour at a temperature of about 2000 degrees F. The integrity of the aboveground-type fuel storage tank is then checked to determine the effect of the fire on the aboveground-type fuel storage tank.

Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising the entire body, but in particular the muscles of the legs and the buttocks includes a frame, a lower leg support that has a rearward facing surface for supporting a lower leg area of a user, and a yoke member. The yoke member has a rearward portion that is constructed and arranged to be gripped for lifting by a user, and a forward portion that is pivotally mounted to the frame at a location that is positioned forward of said rearward facing surface of the lower leg support. The apparatus also includes resistance structure for imparting resistance against lifting the rearward portion of said yoke member by the user. This apparatus is particularly suited for doing "lunge" exercises in a way that is both more efficient in the working of targeted muscle groups and is less stressful on the user's knee joints than conventional free weight based lunge exercises are.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a fill pipe and connection cap structure for communicating an outside end of the fill pipe with a source of fuel. Advantageously, the connection cap includes a screen for removing particulate matter from fuel that is introduced into the storage tank during refueling. A second aspect involves a compartment that is defined about an outer second portion of a pipe such as a fill pipe for collecting and containing any fuel that might spill during use.

Abstract: A modular, portable, environmentally friendly aboveground fueling assembly includes at least one pad member that is supported on the ground, and that is fabricated from a material that is heat resistant and that is resistant to exposure to petroleum products. A portable aboveground fuel tank is supported on the pad member, and at least one pumping station is included for dispensing fuel from the tank to a customer. A freestanding structure is secured to the fuel tank and the pad, and the structure is designed to give an aesthetic effect of a more substantial, permanent facility than would be given by the aboveground fuel tank standing alone. The components of the assembly are generally designed so as to be conveniently portable and so as to be simple to assemble and disassemble in the field. The assembly serves a need for inexpensive and environmentally friendly service stations, particularly in rural areas and underdeveloped countries.

Abstract: An automated marine refueling facility for effecting marine fueling transactions includes a buoyant platform that is adapted to float above a water level in a body of water such as a lake and a storage tank that is mounted to said platform for storing a quantity of fuel. A pumping system is provided for permitting a customer to refuel a boat from fuel that is extracted from said storage tank. The pumping system is grounded so as to avoid electrical discharges. This facility is advantageous in that it permits a fueling transaction to be performed without an excess of unprotected piping between the storage tank and the boat, thereby reducing the potential for accidents and marine pollution.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a number of saddle members for supporting the outer tank on a flat horizontal surface, and a pump for dispensing fuel. In one embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing combustion that might otherwise occur within the storage tank. To minimize heat transfer from outside the facility into the storage tank, fire-retardant insulation material may be positioned between the storage tank and the outer tank. The system also includes an environmentally controlled compartment for housing an electronic control system.

Abstract: A modular overfill alarm assembly is constructed and arranged to be installed in-line with a vent pipe in a vented storage tank for liquids such as waste oil or gasoline. The alarm assembly includes a vent tube having an open lower end that is threaded to be mounted to a vent opening in a vented storage tank, and an open upper end that is threaded to have a vent pipe mounted thereto, so that the vent pipe may be communicated with the vent opening as it would if it were threaded directly into the opening. The assembly further includes a support bracket mounted to the vent pipe and vent tube for supporting a commercially available alarm for actuating the alarm.

Abstract: An improved fire-resistant above-ground storage tank for flammable and combustible materials is fabricated from steel plates of at least 10 gauge, the sheets being made from a ferrous alloy having a maximum of approximately 0.15% carbon and a maximum of approximately 0.8% manganese and the steel plates welded in a specific way resulting in a tank that can withstand a 2000.degree. F. environment for a minimum of two hours.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a number of saddle members for supporting the outer tank on a flat horizontal surface, and a pump for dispensing fuel. In one embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing combustion that might otherwise occur within the storage tank. To minimize heat transfer from outside the facility into the storage tank, fire-retardant insulation material is positioned between the storage tank and the outer tank. In addition, a heat sink may be positioned between the two tanks to intercept heat that would otherwise flow to the storage tank.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tanks, a number of saddle members for supporting the outer tank on a flat horizontal surface and a pump for dispensing fuel. A deck compartment may be provided beneath the pumps for providing secondary containment about the supply pipes which are used to supply the pumps and the refueling tubes which are used to refuel the storage tanks. The entire facility is portable, so that it may be redeployed at different locations or airports as needed. Fire retardant material may also be provided between the storage tank and the outer tank to prevent flames from reaching the storage tank during an emergency.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly which has particular utility for petroleum products has a threaded cylindrical projection which allows quick installation onto a storage tank. The gauge assembly operates by measuring the displacement of a float member through a filament which extends through a restrictive opening in the outer housing of the gauge assembly. An adapter is connected to the free end of the filament outside the outer housing. The opening is sized so that the adapter is prevented from passing therethrough, thus preventing the filament from retracting completely into the housing. The gauge assembly also includes a transparent cover member which can be removed prior to installation of the gauge assembly to permit quick manual calibration of the indicator hands on the analog display of the gauge assembly.

Abstract: A system for storing waste fluids such as engine oil in bulk, which can be situated at a service station or other centralized waste storage facility. The system is charactrized by a relatively large tank having an access opening which is surrounded by a receptacle. A removable grate is provided within the receptacle over the access opening, so that articles such as oil filters may be placed in the receptacle for draining. The tank is supported relative to the ground or other flat surface by a pedestal. The system is an integral unit which may be deployed by a crane or other lifting mechanism to a desired location.

Abstract: An improved fire-resistant above-ground storage tank for flammable and combustible materials is fabricated from steel plates of at least 10 gauge, the sheets being made from a ferrous alloy having a maximum of approximately 0.15% carbon and a maximum of approximately 0.8% manganese and the steel plates welded in a specific way resulting in a tank that can withstand a 2000° F. environment for a minimum of two hours.