Patents by Inventor Robert W. McDowell

Robert W. McDowell 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: 6174351
    Abstract: A vapor recovery and pressure management system for a vehicle refueling facility includes two rotary vane pumps and a hydrocarbon-stripping membrane between the pumps. One pump draws vapor from a storage tank as well as from refueling nozzles, while the other pump draws vapor from the membrane and discharges the vapor back into the tank. A controller controls both pumps to maintain a slight vacuum in the tank, thereby preventing leakage of hydrocarbons from the tank to the atmosphere. Clean air from the membrane is exhausted, preferably through a charcoal canister, and a hydrocarbon sensor monitors for the presence of undesirable hydrocarbons in the clean air exhaust. One or more liquid drop outs are provided for separating liquid from the hydrocarbon vapor and returning the liquid to the tank along with the vapor, preferably before the liquid is sent to the membrane, to thereby increase efficient fuel recovery and to protect the membrane from undesirable contact with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. McDowell, John M. Gray
  • Patent number: D376916
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: McDowell Bros
    Inventors: Philip R. McDowell, Robert W. McDowell, Matthew F. McDowell