The History of John J. Tokheim (cont'd)
Between 1911 and 1916, Mr.
Tokheim invented the first known gasoline curb service for automobiles in
combination with a street light post (the Triune Electric Gasoline Pump
with metered discharge registers, 1911-1913); the first known electric
operated gasoline pump using a flow meter and a wet hose discharge nozzle
built in the form of a curb gasoline sign post (the Triune Electric
Filtered Gasoline Pump, 1913-1916); the triune three cylinder piston pump
used in dry cleaning plants and farm implement factories for handling
naphtha, varnishes, paints and oils; and a new process for reclaiming
gasoline or naphtha in dry cleaning plants called the Vac gasoline
renovator. Mr. Tokheim continued to invent new equipment to fill the needs
of the market such as public and private garage gasoline pumps, agitator
tanks, and other new equipment to promote safety in the handling of
petroleum products.
During World War I, and up until April 1919, Mr. Tokheim was engaged in
government work, designing and making jigs, tools and dies for the war
effort on a sub-contract basis. This effort continued until 1920 when Mr.
Tokheim again assumed his old business in the petroleum equipment handling
field.
From 1920 to 1924, Mr. Tokheim invented and manufactured several different
visible gasoline pumps, and in 1924 he was granted a U.S. patent on
various improvements to the visible pump. At this time other pump
manufacturers were lowering prices to get volume business and thus cutting
profit margins. Mr. Tokheim then decided to direct his efforts towards
more profitable products.
Between 1925 and 1940, Mr. Tokheim concentrated on new inventions such as
a vacuum system to remove unwanted water from automobile gasoline tanks
called the Vac extractor. During this time period, he also invented a bulk
gasoline tank breather valve, a vapor condenser, a vapor-tight measuring
gauge, a vapor control with flame arrester, a tank temperature test unit
as well as the Vac vinegar and cider measuring equipment.
Over the years, the employees of The Tokheim Company have had full time
employment and a great deal of overtime. There has been perfect harmony
and satisfaction to all. Many employees represented second and third
generations of Tokheim's. All products manufactured by Mr. Tokheim are his
own inventions. All of the goods of The Tokheim Company are recognized for
their quality and durability.
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