Abstract: A fuel selector valve (100) in communication with at least first and second fuel tanks and an engine is provided. The fuel selector valve (100) includes a drive system (106), and a fuel draw valve (102) coupled to the drive system (106). The fuel draw valve (102) includes a first fuel tank draw port (108) adapted to be coupled to the first fuel tank, a second fuel tank draw port (110) adapted to be coupled to the second fuel tank, and an engine draw port (112) adapted to be coupled to the engine. The fuel selector valve (100) further includes a first closure element (120) operably coupled to the drive system (106). The first closure element (120) is selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the first fuel tank draw port (108), and a second position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the second fuel tank draw port (110).

Abstract: A three-position push-pull switch assembly is disclosed that includes two magnetic reed switches mounted to a circuit board located within the switch housing. A magnet is mounted to an actuator that extends into the switch housing and is axially translatable from a center position to a pushed in position and a pulled out position. When in the center position, the two magnetic reed switches are in a first closed-open operational state. When force is applied to the actuator shaft to move it into the pushed-in position, the reed switches are in a second closed-open operational state. Similarly, when force is applied to move the actuator shaft to the pulled out position, the magnetic reed switches are in a third closed-open operational state.

Abstract: A relatively rugged and simple solenoid-actuated valve (100) is disclosed having a coil assembly (150), including a bobbin (152), a winding (160) for generating a magnetic field, and a flux path bracket (162). A fixed pole piece (110) extends into the axial volume defined by the bobbin. The coil assembly may be encased in a plastic outer body (101). An armature (120) is slidably disposed in the axial volume and a valve seat (130) closes the opposite end of the axial volume. A conical spring (140) biases the armature toward a first position against the valve seat. An inlet fitting (106) and an outlet fitting (104) fluidly connect to the axial volume. The armature is movable by the magnetic field generated by the winding from the first position to a second position away from the valve seat, such that the valve can be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for selectively controlling fluid flow through a pneumatic system of a vehicle is disclosed. The valve (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (28). The cavity includes an inlet (16) and an outlet (18). A flow controller (40) is disposed within the housing (12) for selectively controlling fluid flow through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable to an open position, where the inlet (16) is in fluid communication with the cavity (28) and the outlet (18) is in fluid communication with a pneumatically operated device. The flow controller (40) is also actuatable to a closed position, where the flow controller (40) substantially impedes fluid from flowing through the housing (12). The flow controller (40) is actuatable between the open and closed positions in response to a predetermined fluid pressure within the pneumatic system.

Abstract: A two-stage vent valve 10 is incorporated into a vehicle fuel distribution system. The vent valve 10 is mounted to the top of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle in a vertically orientated position, so that a fluid inlet is in communication with the interior open air volume of the fuel tank, and an outlet is in communication with the exterior of the tank. The vent valve 10 utilizes a two-stage valve mechanism to allow vapor to escape from the fuel tank, while preventing the leakage of liquid fuel during such operating conditions where the vehicle has tilted due to a small downgrade, sloshing of fuel in a full or near-full tank, or the event of a roll-over.

Abstract: A three-position push-pull switch assembly is disclosed that includes two magnetic reed switches mounted to a circuit board located within the switch housing. A magnet is mounted to an actuator that extends into the switch housing and is axially translatable from a center position to a pushed in position and a pulled out position. When in the center position, the two magnetic reed switches are in a first closed-open operational state. When force is applied to the actuator shaft to move it into the pushed-in position, the reed switches are in a second closed-open operational state. Similarly, when force is applied to move the actuator shaft to the pulled out position, the magnetic reed switches are in a third closed-open operational state.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for controlling structural deterioration of a vehicle parking structure by arresting deterioration caused by road salt erosion and corrosion of concrete floors and reinforcing steel in that structure. The invention includes spray washing the underside of vehicles prior to entry into the parking structure to remove road salt and thereby reduce road salt corrosive action within the facility. The invention further comprises arresting corrosion due to road salt which already has penetrated the concrete floors within the parking structure by the application of a chemical detergent which neutralizes the road salt that previously has penetrated the concrete. The chemical detergent may include a material having galvanic characteristics, such as metallic particles, which are believed to aid in inhibiting corrosion of the reinforcing steel.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for controlling structural deterioration of a vehicle parking structure by arresting deterioration caused by road salt erosion and corrosion of concrete floors and reinforcing steel in that structure. The invention includes spray washing the underside of vehicles prior to entry into the parking structure to remove road salt and thereby reduce road salt corrosive action within the facility. The invention further comprises arresting corrosion due to road salt which already has penetrated the concrete floors within the parking structure by the application of a chemical detergent which neutralizes the road salt that previously has penetrated the concrete.

Abstract: A solar still includes a pair of parallel dikes separated by a ditch, a first sheet overlying the ditch and pair of parallel dikes, the sheet having a pair of edges arranged substantially parallel to, and outside, the dikes, and a second sheet overlying the first sheet, the second sheet having a pair of edges bonded together with the edges of the first sheet to form a water vapor-impervious seal.A plurality of vertical columnar supports are periodically positioned in spaced relation between the first and second sheets in the center of the ditch to maintain the second sheet in spaced relation above the first sheet. The second sheet has a ridge coincident with the supports and filamentary members which connect the tops of the supports, and angularly slopes on either side thereof toward the outer edges of the dike.

Abstract: A structural member comprises a soil-retaining sheet having two antipodal edges, means for joining the two antipodal edges when proximately positioned to maintain the sheet in a tubular configuration, and a column of soil retained within the tubular configuration of the sheet. One or more of the structural members when positioned substantially upright can be used to form a pillar. A plurality of horizontally-adjacent pillars can be used to form a wall which together with other walls can be used to form a building particularly adapted to desert location.