Abstract: A liquid level measurement device and method for a wastewater tank or tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented by attaching a visual liquid level measuring module (such as a liquid level sight or a mechanical pressure gage) to the inlet of a gate valve that is configured for attachment to the outlet of a recreational vehicle wastewater dump system. The visual liquid level measuring module is configured to entirely fit inboard of the sidewalls of the recreational vehicle and underneath the floor of the recreational vehicle. The liquid level of the wastewater tank may be measured by (a) closing the gate valve, (b) opening a shutoff valve upstream of the gate valve but downstream of the wastewater tank, and (c) reading the level of the liquid indicated by the visual liquid level indicating device.

Abstract: A liquid level measurement device and method for a wastewater tank or tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented by attaching a visual liquid level measuring module (such as a liquid level sight or a mechanical pressure gage) to the inlet of a gate valve that is configured for attachment to the outlet of a recreational vehicle wastewater dump system. The visual liquid level measuring module is configured to entirely fit inboard of the sidewalls of the recreational vehicle and underneath the floor of the recreational vehicle. The liquid level of the wastewater tank may be measured by (a) closing the gate valve, (b) opening a shutoff valve upstream of the gate valve but downstream of the wastewater tank, and (c) reading the level of the liquid indicated by the visual liquid level indicating device.

Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method for wastewater tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds pressurized air, a manual piston pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a rotary valve that incorporates a selection disk with an axial passage that is rotationally coupled to a connection disk that has a plurality of pipes, each of which connect on their other end to the wastewater tanks to be gaged. A bourdon tube pressure gage displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure, which is an indirect reading of the height of the wastewater in the tank being gaged.

Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method are disclosed. The device and method may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds an indicating liquid and pressurized air, a pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a plurality of pipes each of which connect on one end to the tanks to be gaged and on their other ends to a valve for selectively and exclusively connecting to the pressurized air, and a manometer tube that displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure as a height reading of the indicating liquid.

Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method for wastewater tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds pressurized air, a manual piston pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a rotary valve that incorporates a selection disk with an axial passage that is rotationally coupled to a connection disk that has a plurality of pipes, each of which connect on their other end to the wastewater tanks to be gaged. A bourdon tube pressure gage displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure, which is an indirect reading of the height of the wastewater in the tank being gaged.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing vertical blinds from tangling is disclosed. The system and method comprise the location of apertures at the vertical centers of rotation of the vertical vanes used in the blinds. A long thin member, such as a flexible cord, a flexible ribbon, or a rigid rod, is then placed through the apertures in a horizontal orientation and fixed on both ends. This prevents the vanes from overlapping one another in a manner that would cause entanglement.

Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method are disclosed. The device and method may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds an indicating liquid and pressurized air, a pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a plurality of pipes each of which connect on one end to the tanks to be gaged and on their other ends to a valve for selectively and exclusively connecting to the pressurized air, and a manometer tube that displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure as a height reading of the indicating liquid.

Abstract: A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and/or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.

Abstract: A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and/or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.

Abstract: A tank level detection apparatus for indirect measurement of a liquid level in a tank is disclosed. The apparatus includes a second liquid at least partially stored in a reservoir and a one-way valve, which communicates between the reservoir and the tank. A sensor is used to determine a physical characteristic of second liquid from which the level of the liquid in the tank can be determined.

Abstract: According to the invention, a detachable extension mirror for mounting on the side-view mirror of the transportation device or vehicle is disclosed. The detachable extension mirror includes a reflective surface, a suction cup, a constraining element and an arm. The suction cup is configured to engage the side-view mirror of the transportation device. A target surface of the side-view mirror defines a first plane and a portion of the suction cup engages the target surface when properly installed. A lip is defined by the distal edge or edges of the portion. A constraining element that engages a back-side of the portion at a point proximate to the lip to force at least part of the lip toward the target surface.

Abstract: According to the invention, a detachable extension mirror for mounting on the side-view mirror of the transportation device or vehicle is disclosed. The detachable extension mirror includes a reflective surface, a suction cup, a constraining element and an arm. The suction cup is configured to engage the side-view mirror of the transportation device. A target surface of the side-view mirror defines a first plane and a portion of the suction cup engages the target surface when properly installed. A lip is defined by the distal edge or edges of the portion. A constraining element that engages a back-side of the portion at a point proximate to the lip to force at least part of the lip toward the target surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inertia pump characterized by a fluid-filled loop capable of being oscillated, an outlet connected to receive fluid pumped from the loop, an inlet connected into the loop for delivering fluid thereto, the inlet and loop cooperating with one another to define alternate flow paths to the outlet, flow restricting means located in each of the alternate flow paths responsive to the direction of fluid flow therein and automatically operative to inhibit reverse flow, and means connected to the loop for rapidly oscillating same back and forth substantially in the direction of fluid flow therethrough relative to the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a centrifugal pump characterized by a pair of novel self-aligning impeller hub seals located in the high pressure cavity and subjected to the influence thereof to maintain them in fluid-tight sealed contact with the adjacent cavity walls to which they are loosely fastened. The invention also encompasses a novel thrust-type hub seal subassembly that is continually biased into fluid-tight sealed contact with an annular abutment on the impeller hub, the latter element being the only surface in relatively movable frictional engagement with the seal with such engagement being face-to-face so that the thrust compensates for any wear therebetween. Another feature of the invention is the cooperative relationship between the self-aligning impeller hub seals, the thrust-type hub seal and pressure relief passages in the impeller hub whereby the thrust seal is isolated from the relatively higher fluid pressure in the high pressure cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unitized air line filter and lubricator that includes provision for a pressure regulator therebetween that can either be by-passed or rendered operative by simply opening certain preformed passages in the manifold that connect same in series with the previously-mentioned components. The manifold houses nearly all of the working parts of both the filter and lubricator and their arrangement is such that the manifold can be reversed end-for-end to accommodate opposite directions of air flow. The subassembly that includes the bowls for the filter and lubricator along with the regulator spring therebetween in the three-component version will accommodate the manifold in either of its two positions and is, therefore, reversible relative thereto. Special sets of mounting brackets permit use of a single combination unit with air line piping of various sizes.