Telescoping column pipe assembly for fuel dispensing pumping systems

An apparatus adjustably connecting a submersible electric pump to a distribution head which receives flammable fuel pumped by the pump, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second pipes connected to telescopically extend and retract, said first pipe being connected with the distribution head and said second pipe being connected with the pump to establish a flow path for the fuel through the pipes from the pump to the discharge head;
• first and second electrical conduits connected telescopically and extending inside of said first and second pipes, said first conduit being connected with the distribution head and said second conduit being connected with the pump;
• electrical wiring extending in said first and second electrical conduits from the distribution head to the pump to supply electrical power for operation of the pump;
• means for sealing said first and second conduits together to isolate said wiring from the fuel in said flow path, said sealing means allowing the conduits to extend and retract telescopically;
• an adapter bushing having a base threaded onto an end portion of one of said pipes and a sleeve extending from said base to substantially encircle an other of said pipes;
• a fitting having a base portion threaded onto said sleeve of the bushing and a sleeve portion extending from said base portion to substantially encircle said other pipe;
• a plurality of fingers extending from said sleeve portion of the fitting;
• and
• a nut threaded onto said sleeve portion of the fitting and having a tapered surface contacting said fingers to progressively force said fingers inwardly against said other pipe by wedging action as the nut is progressively threaded onto said sleeve portion, thereby releaseably locking said pipes together.

In a fuel dispensing installation having a submersible electric pump which pumps flammable fuel to a distribution head from which the gasoline is dispensed, the improvement comprising:

• first and second pipes connected to telescopically extend and retract, said first pipe being connected with the distribution head and said second pipe being connected with the pump to establish a flow path for the fuel through the pipes from the pump to the discharge head;
• first and second electrical conduits connected telescopically and extending inside of said first and second pipes, said first conduit being connected with the distribution head and said second conduit being connected with the pump;
• electrical wiring extending in said first and second electrical conduits from the distribution head to the pump to supply electrical power for operation of the pump;
• means for sealing said first and second conduits together to isolate said wiring from the fuel in said flow path, said sealing means allowing the conduits to extend and retract telescopically;
• an adapter bushing secured to an end of one of said pipes and having a projecting sleeve terminating in an end surface located adjacent to an other of said pipes;
• a fitting threaded onto said sleeve and having a shoulder facing said end surface, said fitting having a plurality of fingers located adjacent to said other pipe;
• a seal ring extending around said other pipe between said end surface and shoulder, said seal ring being compressed to effect a seal against said other pipe upon progressive threading of said fitting onto the sleeve of said adapter bushing;
• and
• a nut threaded onto said fitting and having a tapered surface forcing said fingers inwardly against said other pipe by wedging action as said nut is progressively threaded onto said fitting, thereby locking said pipes together.