Patents by Inventor Richard L. Fahl
Richard L. Fahl 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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Publication number: 20150107705Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a housing which has a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cut-outs in the housing. If the driver observes liquid in the valve assembly, the driver may drain the valve assembly to avoid spilling the liquid prior to opening the poppet valve assembly. When the poppet valve assembly is opened, vapor flows through a flow channel in the poppet valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: Dixon Valve and Coupling CompanyInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 7896027Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling CompanyInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Publication number: 20090229686Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: DIXON VALVE AND COUPLING COMPANYInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Publication number: 20080128034Abstract: A coupler assembly wherein the coupler of the assembly has a locking mechanism mounted thereon for preventing a rotatable handle lever of the coupler from being rotated from a first locked position in which a projection of the handle lever is engaged with a stop surface of the coupler body to a second locked position in which the projection of the handle lever is engaged with a second stop surface of the coupler body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: DIXON VALVE AND COUPLING COMPANYInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Publication number: 20040259415Abstract: A socket assembly is provided which is part of an overfill protection system for use on a bottom loading fuel tanker truck. The overfill protection system includes a plurality of sensors in the truck compartments which are electrically coupled via wires to the socket assembly. Due to wear, the outer socket of the socket assembly may need to be replaced. The present invention enables an operator to replace the worn socket without having to disconnect the wires from the socket assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Dixon Valve and Coupling CompanyInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 6824423Abstract: A socket assembly is provided which is part of an overfill protection system for use on a bottom loading fuel tanker truck. The overfill protection system includes a plurality of sensors in the truck compartments which are electrically coupled via wires to the socket assembly. Due to wear, the outer socket of the socket assembly may need to be replaced. The present invention enables an operator to replace the worn socket without having to disconnect the wires from the socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling CompanyInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 6679291Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. When a threshold flow rate through the valve assembly is reached, fluid flows inside a flow channel. The flow channel has a fluid indicator and a flow indicator therein mounted in a sight glass. When fluid is flowing in the flow channel both indicators rise. When fluid is present but not flowing in the flow channel only the fluid indicator rises. The fluid and flow indicators, being different colors, may be easily seen at a distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Exxon.Valve and Coupling CompanyInventors: Richard L. Fahl, John T. Hill
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Patent number: 6264249Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in a loading adapter of a gasoline tanker trailer. The coupling includes an aluminum coupling body and a wear resistant bronze sleeve. The wear resistant bronze sleeve provides a durable surface for receiving latches. The sleeve does not bond to the coupling body, but rather is constrained thereto by physical interference.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 6068044Abstract: A method of making a coupling assembly for use in a loading adapter of a gasoline tanker trailer. The coupling includes an aluminum coupling body and a wear resistant bronze sleeve. The wear resistant bronze sleeve provides a durable surface for receiving latches. The sleeve does not bond to the coupling body, but rather is constrained thereto by physical interference.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 6015168Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a cam arm of a coupling member in a locked position to prevent inadvertent rotation of the cam arm. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is pivotally connected to the cam arm and is adapted to selectively interface with a portion of a coupling member. The locking mechanism is easy to clean and maintain and allows for the unlocking of a cam arm in one continuous motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Dover Corp.Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5791694Abstract: A low profile locking mechanism for securing a lever arm of a coupler in a locked position interlocks with the side surface of the lever arm. The locking mechanism is formed from low cost resiliently deformable material that is protected against impact by the lever arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Dover CorporationInventors: Richard L. Fahl, Todd William Anderson, Christopher Robert Moses, Daniel Mason Allen
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Patent number: 5671777Abstract: A coupling for connecting fluid conduits comprises a coupler and an adapter. The coupler has a frusto-conical seat at its distal end. Fixed and pivotal jaws project beyond the frusto-conical seat and are engageable with a clamping surface on the adapter. A lever operated, cam member swings the pivotal jaw to a position in which the coupler is locked in sealed relation on the adapter. An interlock rod prevents rotation of the lever from this rest position unless the coupler is positioned to be locked on the adapter. The coupler and adapter each comprise normally closed poppet valves. When the operating lever is swung from its rest position to a ready position, the pivotal jaw is swung to its locking position. When the operating letter is swung to a further angular extent, to a full flow position, the coupler poppet is displaced outwardly by a crank/link mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Dover CorporationInventors: Daniel M. Allen, Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5535984Abstract: An elbow coupler includes a linkage for locking the coupler to an adapter. The linkage has a resilient, laterally deflectable link that limits the forces applied to the linkage thereby preventing the components of the linkage from being overstressed. A spring loaded, blocking sleeve prevents the coupler from normally remaining upright on an adapter, unless it is locked thereon through use of the locking linkage. A flapper valve is interconnected with the blocking sleeve to the end that the valve is normally closed and then opened when the coupler is locked onto an adapter.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Dover CorporationInventors: Todd W. Anderson, Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5404903Abstract: A "smart vent" valve is mounted on a liquid storage tank employed in the transportation of liquid. The valve prevents overpressurization of the tank due to increases in vapor pressure and prevents discharge of liquid through the valve in response to pressure surges caused by accidental overturning of the tank. A valve member is provided for a vent opening. Sealing engagement is maintained between the valve member and the vent opening during a finite period of valve member travel caused by an increase in pressure within the tank. The rate of valve member travel is limited by hydraulic system in which hydraulic fluid is forced through orifices from one chamber to another. The high levels of pressure surges do not have sufficient duration to displace the valve member a distance sufficient to move it to a position in which the vent opening is unsealed and liquid could escape therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Dover CorporationInventors: Todd W. Anderson, Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5381997Abstract: A vent valve for a transport tank car is actuated by pressurized air from the tank cars brake system. The valve is opened by this pressurized air to permit flow of air, through a vent passageway, into or out of the tank. A bellows isolates the pressurized air system from the flow of air in the vent passage so that the braking air system will not be adversely affected by vapors from hazard products loaded in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Inventors: Todd W. Anderson, Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5127428Abstract: A poppet valve assembly and method of making same are provided and such assembly comprises a housing; a flow passage in the housing with the passage having a central axis and being adapted to flow a fluid in either direction therethrough; a poppet structure for controlling flow through the passage; a support structure for supporting the poppet structure during movement thereof along the axes; an actuator contact on the poppet structure between its head and stem to enable movement of the poppet structure along the axes; and apparatus for engaging the contact to provide the movement wherein the support structure comprises a cylindrical inside surface provided on the housing and having an axial length generally of the order of several times the particular diameter, and the support structure also comprises a cylindrical outside surface on the stem which slideably engages the inside surface, with the inside and outside surface cooperating and defining sole means confining the poppet structure against movements traType: GrantFiled: November 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Dover CorporationInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5005602Abstract: A poppet valve assembly and method of making same are provided and such assembly comprises a housing; a flow passage in the housing with the passage having a central axis and being adapted to flow a fluid in either direction therethrough; a poppet structure for controlling flow through the passage; a support structure for supporting the poppet structure during movement thereof along the axes; an actuator contact on the poppet structure between its head and stem to enable movement of the poppet structure along the axes; and apparatus for engaging the contact to provide the movement wherein the support structure comprises a cylindrical inside surface provided on the housing and having an axial length generally of the order of several times the particular diameter, and the support structure also comprises a cylindrical outside surface on the stem which slideably engages the inside surface, with the inside and outside surfaces cooperating and defining sole means confining the poppet structure against movements trType: GrantFiled: July 18, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: Dover CorporationInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 5005876Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect coupling comprises a coupler joined to a standardized adapter to provide for fluid flow between first and second conduits. Locking mechanism comprises a four bar linkage which minimizes the manual effort required to connect and disconnect the coupler from the adapter. An over the center relation of the four bar linkage locks the coupler in coupled relation to the adapter to minimize inadvertent decoupling.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: Dover CorporationInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 4948094Abstract: An outlet valve comprising a unitary housing is described. An inlet end of the housing has a flange for attachment of the valve to the discharge conduit of a tote tank, and an outlet end of the housing has a flange for attachment of a dry disconnect coupler for delivery of product from the tank. A bridge member provides a sliding journal for the stem of a poppet assembly which is held in a closed position by a spring acting against the bridge. The bridge and poppet assembly can be removed for cleaning by removal of a snap ring which holds the bridge member in place in a bore in the housing. Cleaning is further facilitated by the opening of the groove into the bore being relatively wide. Clearance for mounting the dry disconnect coupler to the outlet end of the housing is provided by angling the inlet end of the housing relative to the remainder of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: Dover CorporationInventor: Richard L. Fahl
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Patent number: 4813449Abstract: A poppet valve assembly and method of making same are provided and such assembly comprises a housing; a flow passage in the housing with the passage having a central axis and being adapted to flow a fluid in either direction therethrough; a poppet structure for controlling flow through the passage; a support structure for supporting the poppet structure during movement thereof along the axes; an actuator contact on the poppet structure between its head and stem to enable movement of the poppet structure along the axes; and apparatus for engaging the contact to provide the movement wherein the support structure comprises a cylindrical inside surface provided on the housing and having an axial length generally of the order of several times the particular diameter, and the support structure also comprises a cylindrical outside surface on the stem which slideably engages the inside surface, with the inside and outside surfaces cooperating and defining sole means confining the poppet structure against movements trType: GrantFiled: August 28, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: Dover CorporationInventor: Richard L. Fahl