Patents by Inventor Ray Hutchinson

Ray Hutchinson 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).

  • Publication number: 20200270958
    Abstract: A system includes a measuring device configured to receive a returned mud mixture from a riser and to direct the returned mud mixture to a mud processing system. The measuring device includes a duct, a first load cell coupled to the duct, and a mud level sensor. The duct has a first end disposed at a first level and a second end disposed at a second level lower than the first level. The first load cell is configured to determine a mass of a quantity of the returned mud mixture within the duct during a drilling operation. The mud level sensor is configured to determine a height of the returned mud mixture in the duct. The mass of the quantity of the returned mud mixture may be used to determine a density of the quantity of the returned mud mixture and a cleaning efficiency ratio of the drilling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Ala Eddine Omrani, Steve Brady, Michael Ray Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10752490
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus and method for delivering fuel from a fuel source is disclosed. The fuel dispensing apparatus also includes an electronic control system in communication with a particle detector. The electronic control system is configured to determine, based on raw particle counts of the particle detector, a particle ratio and whether the particle ratio exceeds a particle threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John Joseph Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20190322519
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus and method for delivering fuel from a fuel source, including, without limitation, delivering aircraft fuel from a fuel tank to an aircraft is disclosed. The fuel dispensing apparatus also includes an electronic control system in communication with a particle detector and configured to receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic in real time. The electronic control system is configured to determine, based on the received fuel quality sensor information, a particle ratio defined as an approximate ratio of a measurement of total water and particulate per unit volume of fuel, and a first water characteristic indicative of a presence or absence of a threshold amount of water per unit volume of fuel. Based on the first water characteristic and on the particle ratio, the electronic control system is configured to determine whether to initiate at least one corrective action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John Joseph Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10364139
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus and method for delivering fuel from a fuel source, including, without limitation, delivering aircraft fuel from a fuel tank to an aircraft is disclosed. The fuel dispensing apparatus also includes an electronic control system in communication with a particle detector and configured to receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic in real time. The electronic control system is configured to determine, based on the received fuel quality sensor information, a particle ratio defined as an approximate ratio of a measurement of total water and particulate per unit volume of fuel, and a first water characteristic indicative of a presence or absence of a threshold amount of water per unit volume of fuel. Based on the first water characteristic and on the particle ratio, the electronic control system is configured to determine whether to initiate at least one corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John Joseph Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9530290
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, and related components, systems, and methods. As fuel is delivered from the fuel source, fuel quality is monitored using one or more fuel quality sensor devices, which detect one or more corresponding fuel quality characteristics. In response to the detected fuel quality characteristics, a visual indication of fuel quality is provided at a visual indication device. The visual indication includes a unique combination of a color component and a frequency component, thereby allowing a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus to quickly determine fuel quality status as the fuel is delivered from the fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Fuel Guard Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ray Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20160221817
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus and method for delivering fuel from a fuel source, including, without limitation, delivering aircraft fuel from a fuel tank to an aircraft is disclosed. The fuel dispensing apparatus also includes an electronic control system in communication with a particle detector and configured to receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic in real time. The electronic control system is configured to determine, based on the received fuel quality sensor information, a particle ratio defined as an approximate ratio of a measurement of total water and particulate per unit volume of fuel, and a first water characteristic indicative of a presence or absence of a threshold amount of water per unit volume of fuel. Based on the first water characteristic and on the particle ratio, the electronic control system is configured to determine whether to initiate at least one corrective action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John Joseph Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20140202580
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, and related components, systems, and methods. As fuel is delivered from the fuel source, fuel quality is monitored using one or more fuel quality sensor devices, which detect one or more corresponding fuel quality characteristics. In response to the detected fuel quality characteristics, a visual indication of fuel quality is provided at a visual indication device. The visual indication includes a unique combination of a color component and a frequency component, thereby allowing a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus to quickly determine fuel quality status as the fuel is delivered from the fuel source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Fuel Guard Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ray Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7575015
    Abstract: An in-dispenser leak pan provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any fuel that leaks from fuel-handling components located inside the fuel dispenser above the pan. The pan is secondarily contained by an outer pan or container such that an interstitial space is formed therebetween. If a breach exists in the top part of the pan, the captured leaked fuel will be contained in by the outer pan in the interstitial space. The interstitial space of the pan is drawn under a vacuum level using a vacuum-generating source to monitor for leaks. If a leak is detected, a control system may generate an alarm and/or cause the submersible turbine pump to stop supplying fuel, or cause the dispenser product line shear valves to close, thereby only stopping fuel flow to the individual fuel dispenser containing the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Reid, Ray Hutchinson, John S. McSpadden, Jeremy R. Baillargeon, David J. Bolt
  • Publication number: 20060260681
    Abstract: An in-dispenser leak pan provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any fuel that leaks from fuel-handling components located inside the fuel dispenser above the pan. The pan is secondarily contained by an outer pan or container such that an interstitial space is formed therebetween. If a breach exists in the top part of the pan, the captured leaked fuel will be contained in by the outer pan in the interstitial space. The interstitial space of the pan is drawn under a vacuum level using a vacuum-generating source to monitor for leaks. If a leak is detected, a control system may generate an alarm and/or cause the submersible turbine pump to stop supplying fuel, or cause the dispenser product line shear valves to close, thereby only stopping fuel flow to the individual fuel dispenser containing the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Reid, Ray Hutchinson, John McSpadden, Jeremy Baillargeon, David Bolt
  • Publication number: 20060260680
    Abstract: A vacuum-actuated shear valve coupled between piping from a storage tank and piping internal to a fuel dispenser that automatically opens and closes in response to a vacuum level. A vacuum actuator is provided to control a fuel flow valve inside the shear valve. When a sufficient vacuum level is generated to the vacuum actuator, the actuator keeps the flow path valve inside the shear valve open. When the vacuum is lost, the vacuum actuator releases the flow path valve inside the shear valve, which closes it. The vacuum actuator is coupled to a secondary containment space of a fuel-handling component that is drawn under a vacuum level by a vacuum-generating source to monitor for leaks. Thus, if a leak occurs in the monitored secondarily contained space, the shear valve is automatically closed to prevent the flow of fuel from continuing to be supplied to the source of the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: VEEDER-ROOT COMPANY
    Inventors: Kent Reid, Ray Hutchinson, Richard Fricke, David Bolt
  • Publication number: 20060190129
    Abstract: A system and method of preventing theft of the use of goods or services, particularly fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser, comprised of providing a security system including a controller, a card reader and/or fingerprint reader that is operable to read data stored within an identification card and/or fingerprint and to report the identification data and/or fingerprint data to the controller. A locking mechanism adapted to restrict access to the goods or services, wherein the locking mechanism is operable by the controller. The locking mechanism is engaged to restrict access to the goods or services until either payment is made, an identification card and/or fingerprint entered into the card reader and/or fingerprint reader, or both, by a user desiring access to the goods or services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan DeLine, Ray Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20060090547
    Abstract: A submersible turbine pump includes a power head enclosed in a casing. A vacuum source associated with the submersible turbine pump draws a vacuum in the interior space of the casing. A pressure sensor may be used to monitor the vacuum in the interior space to detect a leak in the power head or the casing. If a leak is detected, an alarm may be generated and the submersible turbine pump may be deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Donald Halla, Richard Dolson, Robert Hart, Richard Lucas, Kent Reid
  • Publication number: 20050262027
    Abstract: A system and method of preventing theft of the use of goods or services, particularly fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser, comprised of providing a security system including a controller, a card reader that is operable to read data stored within an identification card and to report the identification data to the controller. A locking mechanism adapted to restrict access to the goods or services, wherein the locking mechanism is operable by the controller. The locking mechanism is engaged to restrict access to the goods or services until either payment is made, an identification card entered into the card reader, or both, by a user desiring access to the goods or services. The identification data on the card is verified in format and/or authenticity, and if verified, the locking mechanism is unlocked to allow access to the goods or services, such as fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Joseph Daniel, Joseph Snyder
  • Publication number: 20050247112
    Abstract: A submersible turbine pump includes a power head enclosed in a casing. A vacuum source associated with the submersible turbine pump draws a vacuum in the interior space of the casing. A pressure sensor may be used to monitor the vacuum in the interior space to detect a leak in the power head or the casing. If a leak is detected, an alarm may be generated and the submersible turbine pump may be deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Donald Halla, Richard Dolson, Robert Hart, Richard Lucas, Kent Reid
  • Publication number: 20050247111
    Abstract: A pump housing that contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank containing fuel to deliver to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled fuel pipe that carries the fuel from the pump to the fuel dispensers. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner annular space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner annular space. The outer annular space is maintained through the fuel piping from the pump to the fuel dispensers so that the outer annular space can be pressurized by a pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space or so that fuel leaked from the inner annular space can be captured by a leak containment chamber in the pump housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Donald Halla, Robert Hart, Richard Dolson, Richard Lucas, Kent Reid
  • Publication number: 20050236044
    Abstract: A leak collection chamber is provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any leaked fuel from fuel handling components inside the fuel dispenser so that the fuel does not leak to the environment. The leak collection chamber can be removed form the fuel dispenser for evacuation. The control system inside the fuel dispenser can determine the liquid level inside the leak containment chamber and generate signals and alarms if the liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level value and/or the rate of increase in liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level increase value. The control system can alert service personnel and/or other systems of the leak collection chamber liquid level. Further, the control system and/or other systems shut down the submersible turbine pump that services the fuel dispenser with fuel in response to catastrophic leak condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John McSpadden
  • Publication number: 20050236045
    Abstract: A leak collection chamber is provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any leaked fuel from fuel handling components inside the fuel dispenser so that the fuel does not leak to the environment. The leak collection chamber can be removed form the fuel dispenser for evacuation. The control system inside the fuel dispenser can determine the liquid level inside the leak containment chamber and generate signals and alarms if the liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level value and/or the rate of increase in liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level increase value. The control system can alert service personnel and/or other systems of the leak collection chamber liquid level. Further, the control system and/or other systems shut down the submersible turbine pump that services the fuel dispenser with fuel in response to catastrophic leak condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, John McSpadden
  • Publication number: 20050205157
    Abstract: A fueling environment that distributes fuel from a fuel supply to fuel dispensers in a daisy chain arrangement with a double walled piping system. Fuel leaks that occur within the double walled piping system are returned to the underground storage tank by the outer wall of the double walled piping. This preserves the fuel for later use and helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Leak detectors may also be positioned in fuel dispensers detect leaks and provide alarms for the operator and help pinpoint leak detection that has occurred in the piping system proximate to a particular fuel dispenser or in between two consecutive fuel dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventor: Ray Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20050145016
    Abstract: A pump housing that contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank containing fuel to deliver to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled fuel pipe that carries the fuel from the pump to the fuel dispensers. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner annular space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner annular space. The outer annular space is maintained through the fuel piping from the pump to the fuel dispensers so that the outer annular space can be pressurized by a pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space or so that fuel leaked from the inner annular space can be captured by a leak containment chamber in the pump housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Donald Halla, Robert Hart, Richard Dolson, Richard Lucas, Kent Reid
  • Publication number: 20050145015
    Abstract: A pump housing that contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank containing fuel to deliver to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled fuel pipe that carries the fuel from the pump to the fuel dispensers. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner annular space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner annular space. The outer annular space is maintained through the fuel piping from the pump to the fuel dispensers so that the outer annular space can be pressurized by a pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space or so that fuel leaked from the inner annular space can be captured by a leak containment chamber in the pump housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Applicant: GILBARCO INC.
    Inventors: Ray Hutchinson, Donald Halla, Robert Hart, Richard Dolson, Richard Lucas, Kent Reid