US4708015A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Storage tanks with secondary containment means and non-visual leak detection means
Assignee: Modern Welding Co Inc
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Filing: 1985-10-25
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Granted: 1987-11-24
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Expires: 2005-10-25
Abstract
Abstract A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline comprises a rigid inner tank encased by a flexible outer jacket to form a closed space, detecting liquid in the closed space and non-visual leak detection means associated with the closed space. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or a sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake. The system is monitored for leakage in a reliable yet economical fashion.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce R. Sharp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; G01M3/32; B; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/48; B65D90/50; B65D90/501; B65D90/51; B65D90/511; G01M3/04; G01M3/20; G01M3/22; G01M3/226
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An underground storage tank system for liquids having secondary containment capability and leakage detection capability, comprising: (a) a rigid inner tank for storing the liquid, having fill pipe and dispensing line; (b) a flexible jacket capable of withstanding sudden stresses without breaking and having sufficient strength to contain any liquid leaked from the rigid inner tank, said flexible jacket encasing the inner tank so as to form a closed space between the tank and the jacket; (c) detecting liquid which at least partially fills the closed space; and (d) non-visual leak detection means associated with the closed space for detecting any change in level of detecting liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An underground storage tank system for liquids having secondary containment capability and leakage detection capability, comprising: (a) a rigid inner tank for storing the liquid, having fill pipe and dispensing line; (b) a flexible jacket capable of withstanding sudden stresses without breaking and having sufficient strength to contain any liquid leaked from the rigid inner tank, said flexible jacket encasing the inner tank so as to form a closed space between the tank and the jacket; (c) detecting liquid which at least partially fills the closed space; and (d) non-visual leak detection means associated with the closed space for detecting any change in level of detecting liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the leak detection means is capable of detecting a change in level of detecting liquid significantly large enough to have been caused by a leak in the inner storage tank or the flexible jacket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storage tank system of claim 2 wherein the leak detection means is a pressure change sensor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storage tank system of claim 3 wherein the leak detection means is a pressure transducer which is set to detect a change in pressure of detecting liquid caused by the significant change in level of detecting liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storage tank system of claim 2 wherein the leak detection means is a liquid level change detector comprising a float mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storage tank system of claim 2 wherein the leak detection means is a probe which is capable of sensing the presence of selected liquids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage tank system of claim 6 wherein the probe is capable of sensing the presence of liquid stored in the inner tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storage tank system of claim 7 wherein the probe is capable of sensing the presence of gasoline.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storage tank system of claim 2 wherein the leak detection means is a set of conductive points whereby a drop in level of detecting liquid causes an electrically conductive path between the conductive points to be interrupted.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage tank system of claim 2 wherein the leak detection means is an optic device which senses the absence of detecting liquid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the detecting liquid is water.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storage tank system of claim 11 wherein the flexible jacket is made of a gasoline impervious material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the flexible jacket is made of a synthetic polymeric material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storage tank system of claim 13 wherein the flexible jacket is made of elastomeric material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the leak detection means is connected with an alarm system whereby a significant change in level of detecting liquid will be sensed by the leak detection means and the alarm system actvated.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the leak detection means is positioned within the closed space.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the leak detection means is positioned in a location which is in communication with the closed space.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storage tank system of claim 1 wherein the detecting liquid at least fills about one-half of the closed space.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storage tank system of claim 18 wherein the detecting liquid completely fills the closed space.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-23 | 1991-05-25 | 1991-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-23 | 1995-05-25 | 1995-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-23 | 1999-05-25 | 1999-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |