Abstract: A check valve supplies fluid to a system and includes a fluid barrier protects the sealing elements and surfaces of the check valve preventing degradation from any backflow of gas and debris from the system to which fluid is supplied.

Abstract: A check valve includes an internal liquid trap that prevents the backflow of gas and debris from degrading the valve. The internal liquid trap can be formed by internal passages within a valve housing. One embodiment includes three internal passages, an inlet passage, an intermediate passage, and an outlet passage, with connecting passages between each of the inlet passage and outlet package, and the intermediate package. In some embodiments, an internal trap is provided between the intermediate passage and the inlet passage.

Abstract: A check valve includes an internal liquid trap that prevents the backflow of gas and debris from degrading the valve. The internal liquid trap can be formed by internal passages within a valve housing. One embodiment includes a plurality of concentric fluid passages, connected by a set of radial conduits.

Abstract: The invention is a divider block assembly suitable for use at high fluid pressures. Applicant has found that a sufficiently deep counterbored hole allows a mounting bolt to apply the sealing pressure well below the divider block surface, which can reduce or eliminate the compressive force on the metal around the piston bore, thereby reducing or eliminating distortion of the piston bore of the divider block and providing.

Abstract: A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point.

Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of an incorrect liquid into a tank, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first embodiment, the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered vehicle is configured with a sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation is attempted, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered vehicle, at least one but fewer than all of displaceable mechanical elements are displaced, and the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling.

Abstract: A compressor lubrication system including a positive displacement pump, a pressure relief valve assembly, and a divider block. The pressure relief valve assembly includes a housing that has an opening to the fluid distribution system and a relief passage. A conduit is connected from the relief passage to a fluid reservoir. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve that has an open position in which fluid from the fluid distribution system can enter the relief passage, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the relief passage. A biasing element maintains a biasing force on the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is maintained in the closed position when the biasing force exceeds the fluid force on the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief valve moves into the open position when the fluid force exceeds the biasing force.

Abstract: The invention is a distribution block assembly that contains replaceable sleeves and pistons that are suitable for use at high fluid pressures. The conventional distribution block assembly can be altered to include end plugs and these replaceable sleeves having designated precise quantity of lubricant distribution so that the user can alter the distribution levels by changing the replaceable piston/sleeves and allowing for users to fix excessively worn pistons without having to dissemble the entire distribution block. The use of these piston/sleeve assemblies transforming conventional distribution blocks making them more versatile and reducing the costly expense of manually replacing of the entire distribution block.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a divider block assembly made from one piece of material. Traditional divider blocks require modular sections so that piston alignment can be calibrated precisely. The current invention uses replaceable pistons and sleeves that are suitable for use at high fluid pressures. The use of these pistons also allows for a single, bodied, one-piece, metal divider body, rather than the conventional multiple block divider blocks, which allows for a more efficient manufacturing method and stronger, more reliable, and more efficient lubricant dispensing system. The use of any of these aspects separately can improve performance, and not all are required in every embodiment.

Abstract: A compressor lubrication system including a positive displacement pump, a pressure relief valve assembly, and a divider block. The pressure relief valve assembly includes a housing that has an opening to the fluid distribution system and a relief passage. A conduit is connected from the relief passage to a fluid reservoir. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve that has an open position in which fluid from the fluid distribution system can enter the relief passage, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the relief passage. A biasing element maintains a biasing force on the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is maintained in the closed position when the biasing force exceeds the fluid force on the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief valve moves into the open position when the fluid force exceeds the biasing force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and enumerating individuals is disclosed. A machine-readable tag is issued to a responsible individual, such as a law enforcement officer, parole officer, or soldier, depending on the specific application of the invention. The information in this tag is then uploaded to a database. When appropriate, the tag is attached to an individual by the person and then scanned by a device having geographic information, such as from GPS. An image of the individual along with the tagging location and possibly other information on the individual's identity and physical condition (deceased or extent of injuries) is uploaded, such as through a cell phone communications system, a satellite communication system, or other communications system, into a database. The database can be queried by family members and loved ones, as well as other authorities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reporting dead wildlife, such as animals killed by hunters, in accidents, or dying from natural causes is disclosed. A machine-readable tag is issued to a hunter or other individual. The hunter or other individual is issued a unique identifier linked to that person. The information in the animal tag and the unique identifier of the person or class of persons that possesses the tag is then uploaded to a database. When an animal is killed, or a dead animal is found, the tag is attached to the dead animal and then scanned by a device having geographic information, such as from GPS. An image of the dead animal along with the location information is uploaded, such as through a cell phone communications system, a satellite communication system, or other communications system, into a database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reporting victims of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.) or man-made disasters (explosions, fires, mass shootings, aircraft or train accidents, etc.), is disclosed. A machine-readable tag is issued to a rescue worker, first-responder, etc. The information in this tag is then uploaded to a database. During disaster relief operations, when a victim of a disaster is found, the tag is attached to the victim and then scanned by a device having geographic information, such as from GPS. An image of the victim along with the location information and possibly other information on the victim's identity and physical condition (deceased or extent of injuries) is uploaded, such as through a cell phone communications system, a satellite communication system, or other communications system, into a database. The database can be queried by family members and loved ones, as well as disaster relief personnel.

Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of an incorrect liquid into a tank, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first embodiment, the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered vehicle is configured with a sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation is attempted, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered vehicle, at least one but fewer than all of displaceable mechanical elements are displaced, and the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling.

Abstract: The invention is a divider block assembly suitable for use at high fluid pressures. Applicant has found that a sufficiently deep counterbored hole allows a mounting bolt to apply the sealing pressure well below the divider block surface, which can reduce or eliminate the compressive force on the metal around the piston bore, thereby reducing or eliminating distortion of the piston bore of the divider block and providing.

Abstract: A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point.

Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first preferred embodiment, a gasoline fuel nozzle is configured with a magnet, such as magnetic strips, and the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered is configured with a magnetic field sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of the diesel-powered vehicle, is attempted the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling. In alternative embodiments, sensing of an attempted incorrect fueling operation may require only the sensor ring.

Abstract: A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point.

Abstract: A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring system including one or more fluid flow dispensing valves each including a piston. Fluid flow sensors are associated with the fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring fluid flow. The fluid flow sensors include a housing with a magnet positioned therein and a piston follower is coupled to the magnet. The piston follower includes a shoulder portion positioned within the housing. A spring is operative to bias the magnet and piston follower towards the piston during operation so that piston movement is transmitted to the magnet. The housing includes a retainer portion disposed on the housing that confronts the shoulder portion of the piston follower whereby the magnet, piston follower, and spring are retained within the housing. The system also includes a fluid flow monitor that includes a microprocessor programmed to convert cycle signals from the sensors to fluid flow information.