Fluid handling – With casing – support – protector or static constructional... – With hose storage or retrieval means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-11
2001-03-13
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With casing, support, protector or static constructional...
With hose storage or retrieval means
C137S355230, C137S355240, C137S355250, C212S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199579
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This disclosure relates to a hose handling system and method and, more particularly, to such a system and method utilizing power assistance to aid in handling a hose.
There are several applications in which relatively heavy hoses must be moved. For example, in self service gasoline service stations employing a number of gasoline pumps, or dispensing units, hoses are provided that connect the dispensing unit to a dispensing nozzle. Many of these installations utilize a simple “high hose” connection in which one end of the dispensing hose is mounted to the housing of the dispenser unit at a relative high elevation that exceeds the length of the hose. As a result, this type of connection eliminates hose drag, takes a good part of the weight of the hose, and allows customers good reach.
However, in these types of systems the hanging exposed hoses are somewhat unsightly and can obscure displays and pump controls. Also, they require a safety breakaway to prevent a fuel shower if the hose breaks away at the top. Further, in installations that require refueling on the far side of a vehicle, the length of the hose has to exceed the height at which it is mounted to the dispenser unit housing. Thus, the hose either drags on the ground, or some type of retractor system has to be used to keep the excess hose off the ground.
Other gasoline dispensing installations use a low hose connection in which one end of the dispensing hoses is mounted to the housing of the dispenser unit at a relative low elevation that is less that the length of the hose. Therefore these installations incorporate devices, such as retracts, spring arms, pulleys, weights, or the like, in the housing of the dispenser unit to enable a portion of the hose to be retracted into the housing during non-use.
However, in these low hose connections the customer usually has to provide the power to extend the hose during use. Since the hoses are relatively heavy, it is often difficult for a customer to extend, handle and retract the hose during the gasoline dispensing operation.
Therefore, what is needed is a hose handling and guide system according to which the hose can easily be extended, handled, guided, and retracted back into the dispenser unit.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a hose handling system and method according to which the hose is clamped to a clamp and the clamp is moved between a first position in which the hose is retracted and a second position in which the hose is extended. Manual movement of the hose from its retracted position is sensed and the clamp is driven to its second position, and manual movement of the hose from its extended position is sensed and the clamp is driven to its first position.
Several advantages result from the above. For example, the hose can be easily extended from the dispensing unit, handled, guided, and retracted back into the dispenser unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 955342 (1910-04-01), Maxwell
patent: 2117928 (1938-05-01), Wardell
patent: 4131218 (1978-12-01), Tatsuno
patent: 4380244 (1983-04-01), Caudill et al.
patent: 5018549 (1991-05-01), Lucas
patent: 5450874 (1995-09-01), Hamula
patent: 5727765 (1998-03-01), Alvern
patent: 5775354 (1998-07-01), Upton
Fleming, Jr. Orville N.
Taylor Ken W.
Chambers A. Michael
Dresser Equipment Group, Inc.
Haynes and Boone LLP
McShane Thomas L.
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