Granted Patent B2

US 12,286,341 · App. 18/221,739 · Granted Apr 29, 2025

Inventors: Richard Guzik (Manchester, CT); Diane Sinosky (Enfield, CT); James Bevins (South Windsor, CT)

Assignee: Veeder-Root Company

B67D7/766B67D7/221B67D7/36

Abstract

Claims (9)

1. A method used in conjunction with a fuel storage tank, said method comprising steps of:

(a) providing a water intake device having an elongate flow structure including at least one flexible flow tube and an elongate substrate adjacent to said flow tube, wherein said substrate provides a semi-rigid characteristic that allows the elongate flow structure to be guided;

(b) providing a guide tube having a substantially straight first portion and a distal second portion, the second portion defining an outlet directed away from an axis of the first portion;

(c) installing the guide tube generally vertically into a fuel storage tank with the second portion directed toward a desired guidance direction;

(d) moving the elongate flow structure of the water intake device through said guide tube into a deployed position.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the distal second portion of the guide tube has an arcuate shape.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the water intake device is initially coiled.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the water intake device is uncoiled as it is inserted into the guide tube.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein step (d) involves pushing a tip portion of the guide tube along a bottom of the fuel storage tank.

Assignments (1)

Continuity (4)

References Cited (83)