Abstract: An automatic liquid shut-off system for a vessel and having a valve in a liquid passageway to control the level of liquid in the vessel so as to prevent an overflow of the liquid. The shut-off system comprises a conduit extending exterior from one wall of the vessel and in liquid communication therewith. A float is disposed in the conduit, and a stem extends from the float co-axially with the conduit, and is affixed to the valve to actuate the valve to a closed position. When the liquid level in the vessel rises to an undesired level, and the liquid in the vessel therefore reaches a level approximately the level of the float, the liquid acting upon the float will actuate the valve to a closed position, thereby shutting off the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and delivering hazardous gases at sub-atmospheric pressure from a pressurized container is provided which includes a valve body in sealed communication with an outlet orifice of the pressurized container. The outlet orifice of the pressurized container is open to an interior chamber of the pressurized container. A fluid discharge path is located in the valve body, between the outlet orifice of the pressurized container and an outlet orifice of the valve body. A pressure regulator having a pressure sensing means capable of responding to sub-atomospheric pressure, is integral to the valve body, in-line in the fluid discharge path with the pressure regulator pre-set to a pressure below atmospheric pressure to allow the gas to be delivered through the regulator from the interior chamber only when the pressure regulator senses a downstream pressure at or below the pre-set pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressure tank valve socket are disclosed which may be used to safely remove the valve from a propane or other pressure tank without damaging the valve. The pressure tank valve socket applies force only to the sturdiest part of the valve and, thus, prevents injury to the more delicate parts of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing and delivering a low vapor pressure process chemical to a process tool for semiconductor fabrication, comprising: a) a bulk container for storing the process chemical; b) a process container for delivering the process chemical to the process tool; c) a first manifold for delivering process chemical from the bulk container to the process container; d) a solvent container containing a quantity of solvent, and; e) a second manifold for delivering the process chemical from the process container to a process tool. A process for using the apparatus is also contemplated.

Abstract: A gas-circulating processing apparatus which comprises a processing chamber, a gas feeding piping, a gas supply piping, a first exhaust mechanism discharging a gas from the processing chamber, a second exhaust mechanism discharging a portion of a gas discharged from the first exhaust mechanism, a back pressure adjusting mechanism interposed between the first exhaust mechanism and the second exhaust mechanism to adjust a back pressure of the first exhaust mechanism, and a gas circulating piping which is configured to combine another portion of the gas that has been discharged from the first exhaust mechanism with a processing gas supplied from the gas supply piping, wherein the gas feeding piping has a larger inner diameter than that of the gas supply, or the processing gas is introduced into the first exhaust mechanism, or a first heater is provided to heat at least part of the circulating route.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting distending medium or other fluids discharged during surgical procedures is shown. Also shown is a method for reducing the risk of hyponatremia. The apparatus makes it practical to determine the amount of distending medium retained by a patient during hysteroscopic or other surgical procedures, particularly procedures using non-isotonic distending medium during monopolar electrosurgery. The apparatus and methods are also useful during a variety of laparoscopic, obstetric, cardiovascular, liposuction, plastic, orthopedic, restorative, and other procedures.

Abstract: A fire hydrant protective cover and visibility marker comprising a hollow body having an interior space, a cap portion, middle portion and bottom portion, the bottom portion having an opening for accessing the interior space.

Abstract: A fluid level control apparatus for selectively controlling the movement of liquid flowing out of a flotation cell is described. The fluid level control apparatus is significantly reduced in size in comparison with the flotation cell or cells to which it is connected which enables less expensive construction and reduced operating costs in terms of both the equipment and the plant as a whole. The fluid level control apparatus comprises a vessel having a valve positioned therein which includes a valve body structured with a curved surface which provides selective and finite control of fluid flowing through the vessel of the control apparatus. In one embodiment at least one of the inlet and outlet of the control apparatus exhibit a cross-sectional area taken transverse to the intended fluid flow therethrough having a substantially horizontal dimension which is greater than a substantially vertical dimension.

Abstract: A hydraulic spool lock with a hydraulic spool housing, first and second hydraulic spools mounted within the hydraulic spool housing for independent selective movement with respect to the hydraulic spool housing, and a lock plunger movable mounted to the hydraulic spool housing. The present invention allows independent movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in the unlocked position. The present inventions prevents movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in a locked position.

Abstract: Tapping fitting (1) suitable for application to a plastic pipe (P), comprising: a housing (5) including a hollow main section (6), the housing being attachable to a pipe (P); a cutter assembly (13) mountable within the hollow main section (6) and axially moveable therein into a cutting position wherein the cutting blade (14) engages the surface of a pipe (P) to which the fitting is attached; and a direct seal (23) between the housing (5) and the cutter assembly (13), wherein, in use, the seal (23) is maintained between the housing (5) and the cutter assembly (13) regardless of the axial position of the cutter assembly (13) within the housing (5).

Abstract: A removable flow restrictor 750 and a corresponding method for regulating flow through a fluid fertilizer distributor 700 are provided. A supply inlet port 712 is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlet ports 716. The flow restrictor 750 is removable positionable within the fluid distributor 700 between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716, for restricting flow between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716. A restrictor engagement member 752, which may be a thread, on the flow restrictor 750, engages with a tool engagement member 762 on a retrieval tool 760. With the restrictor engagement member 752 engaged with the tool engagement member 762, the retrieval tool can be used to both position the flow restrictor 750 within the fluid distributor 700, and to remove the flow restrictor 750 from the fluid distributor 700. After positioning within or removing from the fluid distributor 700, the flow restrictor 750 may be disengaged from the retrieval tool 760.

Abstract: A valve (19) primarily designed as a float valve to control the flow of water under pressure into a cistern has an upstream chamber (22) and a downstream chamber (23). The upstream chamber (22) communicates an inlet (21) for mains water supply with outlets (17, 17A) and the downstream chamber (23) has an outlet (24) which is closed by a valve (25) when a float rises a float rod (14). A primary valve member assembly comprises a piston (3) to the downstream end of which a diaphragm (5) is attached. When the secondary valve (25) is closed pressure on diaphragm (5) causes piston (3) to close the inlet (21). When the secondary valve (25) is opened by the rising float the piston (3) is expelled from the inlet (21) allowing water to flow into the cistern through the upstream chamber (22).

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression.

Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.

Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.

Abstract: A yard hydrant has an elongated wet pipe with a plunger that seals against the inside of a well casing. Lifting a pivoting handle at the top of the wet pipe lowers the wet pipe which opens a normally closed supply valve. Pressurized water can then flow up the wet pipe and out of a nozzle head mounted to the upper end of the wet pipe. Lowering the handle pulls the wet pipe upward, thereby clearing it from the supply valve which is spring biased to shut off the water supply. The handle has a cam that positively actuates a normally closed anti-siphon valve so that water left in the wet pipe can fall under gravity to a collection chamber within the well casing beneath the piston. Lifting the handle again lowers the wet pipe and forces the water in the collection chamber back up the wet pipe. At the same time, the anti-siphon valve will close and the wet pipe re-opens the supply valve.

Abstract: Safety shutoff apparatus can close a valve using a pressure operable device coupled to and acting upon the valve. The proximal end of a pressure line is coupled to the pressure operable device for applying fluid pressure thereto in order to operate the pressure operable device. A soluble plug at the distal end of the pressure line can seal it in order to maintain pressure at the pressure operable device. By placing the soluble plug next to an object that is subject to leaking, the soluble plug can dissolve when a leak occurs and release the pressure in the pressure line. The released pressure results in closure of the valve when mechanical movement is produced by the pressure operable device in response to the release of pressure.

Abstract: A single coil, two operator controller for simultaneously actuating two spaced apart magnetically responsive operators has a bar extending between the spaced apart operators, and a coil on the bar, between the operators for creating a magnetic field for moving the magnetically responsive operators. The single coil, two operated controller is particularly suited for operating a gas valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a filling station for filling a motor vehicle with gaseous fuel. The fuel is compressed, stored temporarily and expanded in the fuel tank of said vehicle. The fuel has a high water content. According to the invention, oil or an oil mixture is added in a dosed manner to said fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically shutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water collecting tray positionable beneath the heater, a valve mechanism attachable to the tray, a float mechanism, and an action arm interactive between the float mechanism and valve mechanism. When water collects in the tray, the float mechanism rises, causing the action arm to trigger the release of a spring-urged component of the valve mechanism to discontinue flow of water to the heater.