Patents by Inventor Seifollah S. Nanaji
Seifollah S. Nanaji 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: 20040163727Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Publication number: 20040163726Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6763974Abstract: A dual piston/poppet valve in a fuel dispenser works with a two-stage valve to help eliminate errors from an inferential flow meter. When the two-stage valve opens partially, a secondary fuel path is opened in the dual piston/poppet valve. A sensor detects the opening of the secondary fuel path and reports its opening to a control system. The two-stage valve opens fully and a primary fuel path is opened concurrently. During transaction completion, the two-stage valve partially closes, resulting in the closing of the primary fuel path. When the two-stage valve closes completely, the secondary fuel path closes. The sensor detects the closing of the secondary fuel path and reports the closing to the control system. Based on the outputs of the sensor, the control system accepts or declines input from a flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: William P. Shermer, Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6761190Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Publication number: 20040088122Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a flow meter prevents fraud in the form of flow meter replacement by storing a unique identifier in the memory associated with the flow meter. The unique identifier is stored in the memory of the fuel dispenser as well. Prior to each fueling transaction, the unique identifiers in the respective memories are compared. In the event that a match is not found, an alarm may be generated. A calibration factor may likewise be stored in both memories and compared concurrently with the unique identifiers. In an alternate embodiment, each element of the flow meter has a unique identifier which is compared prior to a fueling transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Seifollah S. Nanaji, Brent K. Price, David S. Shuttleworth
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Patent number: 6712101Abstract: A vapor recovery system in a fuel dispenser includes the ability to self diagnose the continued viability of a hydrocarbon sensor positioned within the vapor recovery system. A control system associated with the vapor recovery system performs a series of tests including passing pure air over the hydrocarbon sensor and passing a gas known to have hydrocarbons therein over the sensor and evaluating the output of the sensor to see if expected values are output. If the measured values are not within tolerable limits, an alarm is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Publication number: 20040035220Abstract: A lower cost turbine flow meter comprised of an inner housing constructed out of a high permeable material surrounded by an outer housing constructed out of a lower cost, lower permeable material. A port is placed in the outer housing that runs down to the surface of the inner housing to detect the rotation of turbine rotors that rotate inside the meter as fluid or gas flows through the meter. A pickoff coil is placed in the port to generate a magnetic signal to penetrate through the inner housing wherein the turbine rotor vanes superimpose a pulse signal on the magnetic signal. The lower cost turbine flow meter can be used for any application for measuring fluid or gas, and may be used in a service station environment for measuring fuel or vapor in vapor recovery applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Edward A. Payne, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Brent K. Price
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Publication number: 20030234060Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6644360Abstract: A fueling environment having a vent on an underground fuel storage tank may be improved by adding a mass flow meter in conjunction with a vapor recovery membrane in a tank vent. The mass flow meter measures an amount of vapor that passes through the vent and thus allows alarms to be generated if the vapors passing through the vent exceed a predetermined level or an efficiency of the membrane drops below a predetermined threshold. Measurements from the mass flow meter may be provided to a site controller or a remote location for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Richard R. Sobota, William P. Shermer, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Publication number: 20030205287Abstract: A fueling environment having a vent on an underground fuel storage tank may be improved by adding a mass flow meter in conjunction with a vapor recovery membrane in a tank vent. The mass flow meter measures an amount of vapor that passes through the vent and thus allows alarms to be generated if the vapors passing through the vent exceed a predetermined level or an efficiency of the membrane drops below a predetermined threshold. Measurements from the mass flow meter may be provided to a site controller or a remote location for further analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Richard R. Sobota, William P. Shermer, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Patent number: 6499516Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Pope, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Patent number: 6460579Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to calculate the vapor-to-liquid (V/L) ratio of the fuel dispenser. If the V/L ratio is not as desired, an adjustment is made to attempt a correction of the V/L ratio. If such correction attempt is unsuccessful, and error is reported.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6418983Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Gilbasco Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Payne, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Kenneth L. Pope
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Patent number: 6386246Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Pope, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Publication number: 20020043292Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Kenneth L. Pope, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Edward A. Payne
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Patent number: 6338369Abstract: A fuel dispenser system having a storage tank and a fuel delivery hose extending from the storage tank and terminating at a nozzle. A vapor recovery line extends between the nozzle and the storage tank. The vapor recovery line extends between the nozzle and the storage tank and has a section with a first larger diameter and a second section having a smaller diameter. A vapor pump is operatively connected to the vapor recovery line for moving vapor along said vapor recovery line. A chamber is positioned along the vapor recovery line and includes inlet and outlet ports, and a main sensor chamber. The inlet port connects to the vapor recovery line at a point having the larger diameter. The outlet port connects a point of the smaller diameter. Each of the ports connects to the main sensor chamber where a sensor is positioned for determining the vapor concentration.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventors: William P. Shermer, Edward A. Payne, Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6336479Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel dispenser having a valve positioned in the hanging hardware for testing for leaks along a vapor recovery line. Vapor valves placed along the vapor recovery line allow for isolating sections of the recovery line to determine the position of any leaks. A vapor pump positioned on the vapor recovery line provides for changing the pressure within the line and a vapor sensor positioned on the vapor recovery line determines the amount of pressure within the line. A control system controls the vapor pump and valves and receives signals from the pressure sensor for determining the position of leaks along the vapor recovery line.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6325112Abstract: A vapor system for a fuel dispenser having at least one vapor sensor placed along a vapor recovery line for determining the amount of captured vapor. The vapor amounts are determined by the sensor at a number of times during the fueling process. These are sent to a control system which compares the amounts and determines whether they are within a predetermined range. Consistent readings indicate that the vapor recovery system is operating correctly. Inconsistent results indicate either a leak within the vapor recovery line, or fuel is being drawn into the vapor recovery line. These problems within the vapor recovery system can be diagnosed and the necessary corrective steps may be implemented.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
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Patent number: 6302165Abstract: A service station vapor management system including a plurality of vapor handling subsystems and a controller in electronic communication with the vapor handling subsystems for monitoring subsystem operation, determining an overall service station V/L ratio and controlling subsystem operation to maintain the V/L ratio or total site hydrocarbon emissions within predetermined limits.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventors: Seifollah S. Nanaji, Hal C. Hartsell, Jr.
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Publication number: 20010020493Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to calculate the vapor-to-liquid (V/L) ratio of the fuel dispenser. If the V/L ratio is not as desired, an adjustment is made to attempt a correction of the V/L ratio. If such correction attempt is unsuccessful, and error is reported.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji