Abstract: An air pump assembly is disposed within an inflatable article, and includes a movable member. When the movable member is moved relative to a base to an inflating position, an outflow outlet in the base is closed, and an inflow valve is activated to open an inflow outlet in the base so as to permit air to be sucked into the inflatable article through an inflow inlet and the inflow outlet in the base by an air pump. When the movable member is moved to a deflating position, the inflow inlet is closed, and an outflow valve is activated to open an outflow inlet in the base so as to permit air to be forced out of the inflatable article through the outflow inlet and the outflow outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupied to the first opening of the lower member.

Abstract: A dual service system and method for selectively compressing and dispensing methane, hydrogen, and variable mixtures of methane and hydrogen for use as a gaseous fuel. The use of an in-line gas density meter, hydraulic intensifier, pressurized gas cooler, optional intermediate storage and multiple dispensers are disclosed. An inline gas density meter is used in combination with a programmable logic controller and a control valve on the hydrogen supply line to create a closed feedback loop for selectively controlling the hydrogen content of the resultant pressurized fuel gas.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of estimating composition of fuel in the fuel tank of a vehicle. A refuel event is detected. Fuel consumption is monitored during a plurality of stages after the refuel event. A plurality of fuel trim shift values are determined relative to the stages. The fuel trim shift values are used to estimate a fuel composition change. This method eliminates a need for a hardware fuel composition sensor and also provides dynamic filtering of fuel trim values.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controllably delivering liquid, preferably foam producing liquid, from a remote supply tank to a holding tank for replenishment of liquid in the holding tank. The apparatus utilizes a pressurized air source of a vehicle to supply the energy to move the liquid. A liquid level sensing, signaling element is adapted to automatically control the filling of the holding tank and terminating operation when the holding tank is no longer being replenished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed gas to a receiving tank is provided where the initial density in the tank is determined, and the quantity of compressed gas to be transferred is calculated and delivered based on the initial density and a desired final density.

Abstract: A drop tube segment includes a conduit with a first end portion and a second end portion. The drop tube segment further comprises a valve assembly with a valve member associated with the first end portion, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment further includes a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment. The fastening section comprises a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment.

Abstract: A receiving pit has a grid covering an uppermost opening through which grain or other material is deposited into the pit. The grid including a series of generally parallel and spaced bars and a dust control device according to this invention includes a number of flights each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid. The dust control device includes a number of generally vertically extending bulkheads each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid and juxtaposed to a free end of one of the flights to thereby inhibit the escape of dust from the receiving pit. Each flight includes a series of blades capable of independently deflecting in response to an amount of material deposited through the grid and onto the blade. The dust control device also includes a release mechanism coupled to each of the flights to manually deflect at least selected blades and allow material remaining atop the blade to fall into the receiving pit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a body with a spout, which together define a passageway for flow of fuel from a hose connected to a fuel dispenser, through the spout, and into a vehicle fuel tank fill pipe. A boot surrounding the spout defines an outer rim that engages a surface surrounding the fill pipe. A valve within the nozzle body starts and stops flow of fuel through the passageway. An anti-spitting lockout assembly resists opening of the valve, but a linkage mechanism triggers release of the lockout assembly when the boot rim engages the surface surrounding the fill pipe, signaling insertion of the spout into the fill pipe, to permit actuation of valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a liquid level within a receptacle such as a Christmas-tree stand water basin or a pet's water dish includes: a) a liquid reservoir adapted to be positioned above a height of a liquid holding basin of the receptacle, where the reservoir includes an open upper end and a lower end, where the open upper end includes a threaded, cylindrical outer surface and the lower end includes a reservoir outlet orifice; b) a cap including a cylindrical wall having an enclosed top end and an open bottom end, where the cylindrical wall includes a threaded inner surface from gauging with a threaded outer surface of the liquid reservoir; c) a valve assembly provided approximate the reservoir outlet orifice of the reservoir and operatively coupled to the cap to open the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded downwardly on the reservoir to a valve-open height below an actuating height an operative to close the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded upwardly to a valve-closed heigh

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: A method for supplying a specified quantity Q of processing gas while dividing at a desired flow rate ratio Q1/Q2 accurately and quickly from a gas supply facility equipped with a flow controller into a chamber. When a specified quantity Q of gas is supplied while being divided at a desired flow rate ratio Q1/Q2 from a gas supply facility equipped with a flow controller into a reduced pressure chamber C through a plurality of branch supply lines and shower plates fixed to the ends thereof, pressure type division quantity controllers FV1 and FV2 are provided in the plurality of branch supply lines GL1 and GL2.

Abstract: A system for controlling a networked array of dispensing devices for dispensing particulate matter may include local controllers connected to a parent controller. The parent controller may control an array of local controllers configured according to a network architecture. Each local controller may control one or more local dry chemical dispensing machines. In this way, the parent controller may control multiple dry chemical dispensing units over a network from a central location. In addition, the parent controller may directly control conventional liquid dispensers over the network. The parent and local controllers may be implemented using, for example, programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A fueling station is provided with apparatus for preventing accidental fires including communication with the person performing the fueling operation and preventing fuel delivery unless the person performing the fueling operation is safely purged of static electricity. Also a vehicle is provided with static discharge pad apparatus for safely discharging static electricity of a person leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for automatically purifying solvents has a solvent holding portion having at least one solvent stored therein, a filter holding portion having at least one filter tube located therein, a peripheral device, and a computer. The computer has a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: receiving an electronic selection of a solvent to be automatically purified; automatically causing the flow of the electronically selected solvent from the solvent holding portion to the at least one filter tube; and automatically filling a collection vessel with the purified solvent.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: Method and device for metering granular materials which comprises a least one dispensing element, driving means arranged to control the dispensing element, sensing means designed to detect the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element, and a program control unit designed to control the control means and disable it as soon as the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes at least one source container that contains a substance and a reading mechanism capable of reading data from a data indicator on a receiving container wherein the data indicator identifies data about the receiving container. The apparatus also includes a controller that is connected to the reading mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine when a dispensing condition is satisfied. The apparatus also has a dispenser for discharging the substance into the receiving container in response to a signal from the controller. The dispensing condition can be a match between data from the data indicator and the data stored for access by the controller. The source container can also have a data indicator. The dispensing condition is then satisfied when the data from the source container data indicator matches the data from the receiving container data indicator.

Abstract: An automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device having a disposable and replaceable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container such as a water bottle, and is adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutoff device includes a monitoring and disabling with plunger components moveable between dispensing and disabling locations, and a rotating indexing mechanism. At the disabling location, a plunger component is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. The shutoff device can distinguish between water bottles having different volumetric capacities, and terminate dispensing accordingly. Preferable, a replaceable filter cartridge is provided which, when removed, causes the indexing mechanism to be reset.

Abstract: An inkjet cartridge refurbishing apparatus includes a pump assembly with a fluid intake line that can be inserted into a bottle or other reservoir of ink or flushing/cleaning material. Connected to the output of the pump assembly is a fill gun having a fill needle mounted on a handle. The fill gun is operated by inserting the fill needle into an inkjet cartridge and actuating a fill trigger switch on the fill gun. Actuating the fill trigger switch activates the pump assembly to pump ink into the cartridge. An auto-cutoff device may control the volume of fluid pumped into the cartridge.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing volatile liquids such as hydrocarbon fuel for vehicles into a tank having a filler neck also collects the vapors to reduce atmospheric pollution. A fuel delivery hose includes a hand-held fuel valve and nozzle for insertion in the opening of the tank. A means delivers fuel under pressure to the fuel delivery hose, and another means provides electrical pulses corresponding to the volumetric flow of liquid through the fuel delivery hose when the fuel valve is open. A vapor recovery hose includes a vapor intake connected to the hand-held nozzle for insertion in the opening of the tank without sealing with the tank, and a motor driven vapor pump produces a volumetric flow through the vapor recovery hose corresponding to a signal applied to the motor. A processing means produces the signal applied to the motor in response to the electrical pulses to produce a volumetric flow of vapor slightly greater than the volumetric flow of fuel to the tank.

Abstract: A function liquid filling device includes: a feed unit for feeding a function liquid in a function liquid tank toward head caps coupled to function liquid droplet ejection heads through the function liquid droplet ejection heads; a detection unit for detecting that the fed function liquid reaches the head caps; and a control unit for stopping the drive of the feed unit based on a result of detection by the detection unit. The detection unit includes: a crystal oscillator disposed in the head cap and/or a waste liquid passage; and a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the function liquid based on a change in a resonance frequency of the crystal oscillator.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for exchanging fluid between a serviceable automobile component and new and used fluid tanks and including a manifold with a fluid circuit defining a plurality of pathways connecting a plurality of ports whereby fluid is directed through the fluid circuit and ports by selectively operating first and second valves and circulated using a common pump to exchange fluid, recirculate fluid, and drain both the used and new fluid tanks as desired.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A turbine flow meter used as a vapor flow meter in a vapor recovery-equipped fuel dispenser. The turbine flow meter measures the vapor recovered by the fuel dispenser during a fueling operation that is returned back to the underground storage tank. The turbine flow meter measurements may be ignored when fuel is no longer flowing through the fuel dispenser since the turbine rotors in the turbine flow meter may continue to rotate even after vapor is no longer being recovered.

Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.

Abstract: A computerized oil/fuel customer/supplier storage and inventory control system programmed to generate work orders and purchase orders for the customer, the supplier respectively depending upon predetermined/preprogrammed levels of oil/fuel at the customer and supplier's locations respectively.

Abstract: A liquid passage 4 for filling which communicates with a liquid supply piping 6 for filling is formed within a valve housing 2 and carries a filling nozzle 31 at its lower end. The liquid passage 4 is opened or closed by a liquid valve. A packing 38 which seals the mouth of a vessel B, a cylinder 42 which elevates the packing 38, a flow meter 33 which detects a filled content of the liquid which is filled into the vessel B, and an exhaust passage 44 formed in the valve housing 2 are provided. The exhaust passage 44 has an opening disposed toward the vessel which is disposed outside an opening of the filling nozzle 31, and the opening of the filling nozzle 31 is maintained above the elevation of the liquid level which is filled into the vessel B during the filling operation. The filling valve assures a sanitary excellence and is usable with vessels B of differing sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupled to the first opening of the lower member.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A gas distribution system according to an embodiment includes flowing a first gas stream from a first dispensing cylinder to a receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the first dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the first gas stream, and flowing a second gas stream from a second dispensing cylinder to the receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the second dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the second gas stream, increasing the pressure of a third gas stream from the first dispensing cylinder to a pressure greater than the second dispensing cylinder pressure, and flowing the third gas stream into the second dispensing cylinder until the pressure in the second cylinder has increased to a selected value. In other embodiments, an intensifier is used to increase the pressure of a gas stream.

Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus including a manifold body with a fluid transfer circuit defining a plurality of pathways between a number of ports including first and second pump ports opening into a pump cavity for receiving a pump body coupled to a motor for driving the pump body to circulate fluid in the cavity and through the fluid transfer circuit to exchange fluid between the new and used fluid tanks and a vehicle subsystem fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.

Abstract: A system that detects cellular telephone and other electronic use within an unauthorized locations. The location can be detected by GPS or triangulation, and once detected can automatically produce certain operations.

Abstract: A machine (1) for filling containers (2) with liquid or particulate material (6), wherein a carousel conveyor (12), rotating continuously| about an axis (9), supports a number of supporting and weighing heads (25), each independent of the other supporting and weight heads (25) and for supporting a respective container (2) beneath a respective feed device (20) for supplying the fill material (6); and wherein filling of the containers (2) is controlled by a control device (34) having a supervisor (35) connected to a number of control units (36), which are carried by the carousel conveyor (12), are connected to the supervisor (35) by a bus (38), and independently control a predetermined number of feed devices (20).

Abstract: A rotary and flow meter type liquid filling apparatus including a liquid reservoir tank that stores and supplies liquid to filling nozzles, and air supply paths for different amount of air supply and air discharge paths for different amount of air discharge being connected to the liquid reservoir tank. An air compressor is connected to the air supply paths, and the air discharge paths open into the atmosphere. A liquid pressure sensor disposed near the filling nozzles sense the increase or decrease of the liquid pressure inside a pipe that connects the liquid reservoir tank and liquid filling nozzles, and the electromagnetic valves provided on the air supply and air discharge paths are opened or closed, thus supplying air to and discharging air from the liquid reservoir tank so as to control the air pressure inside the liquid reservoir tank and the liquid pressure near the liquid filling nozzles.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for exchanging fluid between a serviceable automobile component and new and used fluid tanks and including a manifold with a fluid circuit defining a plurality of pathways connecting a plurality of ports whereby fluid is directed through the fluid circuit and ports by selectively operating first and second valves and circulated using a common pump to exchange fluid, recirculate fluid, and drain both the used and new fluid tanks as desired.

Abstract: A paintball cylinder refilling apparatus for installation and use at a paintball field or tournament includes a housing, a high-pressure and a low-pressure fluid source. The housing has a paintball cylinder refill circuit that includes a high-pressure circuit adapted to refill a paintball cylinder and a low-pressure circuit that operates to open and close the high-pressure circuit. The high and low-pressure circuits are also adapted to safely vent into the atmosphere any pressurized fluid that may be resident in either circuit following the termination of a cylinder refilling operation.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while supplying a dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough supplying device such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, supply device, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system. The present invention is also directed to methods of portioning and placing dough products on a tray or discrete object by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: A grommet adapted to be inserted in a fueling cavity of housing of an engine driven device. The grommet is design to at least partially seal the fueling cavity to inhibit fluids entering the interior of the housing. The grommet is a one piece structure that has a side section and a lower intermediate section. The lower intermediate section includes an opening to provide access to at least a portion of a filler tube that is used to fill a fuel tank of the engine driven device. The lower intermediate section also includes a lip that extends outwardly from the housing of the engine driven device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a paint canister filling operation includes a controller for determining a total volume of paint required for a painting operation, calculating a required piston position and actuating a motor to move a piston in the interior of the canister to the required position. The controller opens a supply valve connected between the canister interior and a paint supply to fill the canister and monitors the torque applied by the motor to maintain the piston at the required position. When the torque exceeds a set point representing the torque value required to maintain the piston at the required position when the total required paint is in the canister interior, the controller closes the supply valve.

Abstract: An air compressor for use with direct source current sources such as the typical cigarette lighter found in most motor vehicles. The device is made up of an electrically powered air compressor which is controllable by a removable programmable controller. This removable programmable controller is configured to be removable from the compressor to measure an amount of air pressure within an item, and to be programmed and placed upon the compressor to activate the compressor to deliver a desired amount of air to the item being inflated, and to deactivate the compressor when a desired amount of air pressure has been reached within the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying fluids for a medical treatment device with two balancing chambers, with the balancing chambers each consisting of two partial chambers. According to the invention, the filling time of the partial chambers is initially determined by means of an analysis device, and then the filling time of the respective first partial chambers and of the first and second balancing chambers, and/or of the second partial chambers of the first and second balancing chambers are compared to each other.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also disclosed.