Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method for reducing the likelihood that a fuel tank of equipment at a well site during fracturing of a well will run out of fuel. A fuel source has plural fuel outlets, a hose on each fuel outlet of the plural fuel outlets, each hose being connected to a fuel cap on a respective one of the fuel tanks for delivery of fuel to the fuel tank. At least a manually controlled valve at each fuel outlet controls fluid flow through the hose at the respective fuel outlet.

Abstract: A carriage-on-base system for use in winched movement of a load, the carriage shaped to support a load to be winched along the base, the carriage having a plurality of depending housings, a plurality of slider of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fixed in respective housings, the base having rails engaged by the sliders with lower surface profiles of the sliders matched to upper surface profile of the rails which they engage, the profiles of the rails and the sliders at their interengagement preventing any movement of the carriage relative to the rails other than sliding movement of the carriage along the rails.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for filling multi-chamber containers with different loose bulk materials. The apparatus and method may be particularly well-suited to packaging at least one bulk material, which is susceptible to water, chemicals, or other contaminants, with at least one other bulk material. The apparatus is a machine that includes separate hoppers for handling the separate bulk materials, and directs the separate bulk materials into different chambers of a multi-chamber container, which is then transported away from the machine for storage or use. The machine may include one or more movable hoppers supported on tracks, for moving the bulk materials to the hoppers that direct the bulk materials into different chambers of the multi-chamber container. A controller and data logger may be provided to control the apparatus and record the quantity and/or weight of the contents of each multi-chamber container.

Abstract: A hopper valve for transferring particles from a supply container to a hopper, the hopper valve comprising a valve body coupled to the supply container, a fill tube moveably coupled to the valve body, and a foot member moveably coupled to the fill tube and configured to engage the hopper.

Abstract: An automatic radiopharmaceuticals filling machine mainly comprises a main unit with an activation mechanism to perform three-dimensional reciprocal movement. The activation mechanism has a lateral slider that can be activated to move reciprocally along lateral X-axis. On the lateral slider, there is a vertical slider that can extend perpendicularly and move reciprocally along lateral Y-axis. An injection needle is located on the vertical slider and can be activated to move reciprocally along Z-axis perpendicular to the lateral slider. A syringe rack is located in the moving range of the injection needle to accommodate a plural number of syringes, on each of which there is an injection hole. A drug pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a high-dose radiopharmaceuticals drug bottle. The outlet connects to the injection needle.

Abstract: A device for positioning a component thereof along x- and y-axes of the device is provided. The device includes first and second motors, a carriage containing the component to be positioned, a lead screw to position the carriage along a first axis of the device, and a keyed shaft to position component to be positioned along a second axis of the device. The first motor drives the lead screw and the second motor drives the flatted shaft. In some embodiments described herein, the flatted shaft turns a first pulley, which is connected to a second pulley by a belt. The component to be positioned is attached to the belt and moves along a second axis of the device as the belt moves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel.

Abstract: A linear guideway with quick release oil tanks comprises: a rail, a slide block disposed on the rail, connectors and an oil tank disposed at an ends of the slide block. The oil tanks is “II”-shaped and includes a base portion and two extension portions, a distance between the two extension portions is larger than a maximum width of the rail, and a maximum width of the base portion of the oil tanks is shorter than a distance between an upper surface of the rail and a top surface of the slide block. The connectors each have a connecting portion and an engaging portion, and is axially defined with a through hole, and the oil tanks are defined with an oil outlet for engaging with the engaging portion of the connectors.

Abstract: A fueling system to be provided in a gas station is disclosed, which comprises at least one fueling machine, and a data input/output unit, the data input/output unit being movable in a required direction, and a fueling data being input from the data input/output unit and being output to the fueling machines.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system for utilizing catalyst from a bulk supply located adjacent but not on the upper tube sheet of a catalytic reactor and for mechanized measuring of multiple identical quantities of catalyst and for mechanized loading of catalyst pellets into the reaction tubes of the reactor to achieve even drop rate, compaction and outage of the reaction tubes. From the bulk supply, multi-compartment catalyst charging hoppers are individually filled in rapid and accurately measured fashion by mechanized filling equipment having a predetermined sequence of operation that ensures accuracy of volumetric catalyst measurement. The charging hoppers are used for delivery of measured volumes of catalyst of a reactor tube loading mechanism which may take the form of a mobile cart framework being selectively positionable relative to the upper tube sheet and reaction tubes of a catalytic reactor to be charged with catalyst pellets.

Abstract: An automated precision liquid metering apparatus using injectors as metering devices is provided. The apparatus mainly includes a plurality of storage containers uniformly spaced on a plane in multiple rows. Each storage container is sealed with a cap and has a loadstone disposed therein. A stirring means is located below the storage containers to cause the loadstones rotate and thereby evenly stir liquid in the storage containers. The cap of each storage container has at least one injector extended therethrough. A liquid sucking-releasing means mounted on a traveling means could be shifted to locate above a selected storage container under control of a control means. When the liquid sucking-releasing means is descended, it grabs the injector on the selected storage container, and when the same means is ascended, it causes the injector to suck in an amount of liquid from the selected storage container while extracting the same injector from the selected storage container.

Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is also adapted to detect the position of the orifice of the fuel-tank filler pipe relative to the position of the robot head. A computer receives position signals from the sensor and guides a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap to open the flap, and to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle within the fuel-tank filler pipe orifice.

Abstract: A system for automatically fuelling vehicles, primarily automobiles, that includes a sensor to detect the presence of a person in proximity to the fuelling system. A fuelling robot includes a robot head that can be moved relative to the robot to enable the robot head to be brought by a positioning system from a rest position to a predetermined position in relation to the fuel-tank pipe of the vehicle. The robot head is provided with electrically conductive sheet-metal elements that are connected to an oscillating electric circuit. A sensing circuit senses a change in the frequency of the oscillating circuit that results from a change in the capacitance between the sheet-metal elements, such as when a person is near the fuelling robot. The sensing circuit activates an alarm in response to a predetermined frequency change, to warn a person who is too near the fuelling robot.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system for utilizing catalyst from a bulk supply located adjacent but not on the upper tube sheet of a catalytic reactor and for mechanized measuring of multiple identical quantities of catalyst and for mechanized loading of catalyst pellets into the reaction tubes of the reactor to achieve even drop rate, compaction and outage of the reaction tubes. A pair of electronic vibrators are mounted to the cart framework and provide for support and vibratory movement of a vibratory tray having a catalyst feed hopper adapted to feed catalyst pellets to a plurality of generally parallel catalyst transfer troughs along which catalyst pellets are moved by vibration of the vibratory tray to a plurality of drop tubes. A compartmented hopper is fixed to the vibratory tray and controllably feeds catalyst pellets into respective catalyst transfer troughs.

Abstract: A vehicle fueling system which uses a tank vehicle similar to or the same as those used for jets to rapidly and efficiently refuel trucks and other land motor vehicles. The truck driver parks his truck in a designated vehicle fueling station, gives the station attendant the station identifier, and arranges for payment. The station attendant then radios a tank vehicle operator. The tank vehicle operator takes a tank vehicle to the corresponding station and refuels the truck. The amount of time required to refuel the truck is dramatically reduced from one hour to approximately ten minutes. The driver has the option of returning to the road immediately or enjoying the amenities of a driver respite area. The driver can eat, sleep, or shower. The driver may also have his vehicle washed or repaired. When the driver is ready to leave, he is given a metered record detailing the amount of fuel delivered.

Abstract: A syringe loading jig that includes structures for gripping and holding a medicant vial in concentric alignment with a syringe and includes a horizontal fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a horizontal surface and a vertical fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a vertical surface. The syringe loading jig includes a resilient molded jig structure forming a vial holding assembly and a syringe holding assembly. The vial holding assembly includes a lockable vial securing clip and a resilient vial body receiving cavity, a vial neck receiving channel and a vial cap receiving cavity. The resilient vial body receiving cavity, the vial neck receiving channel and the vial cap receiving cavity are concentrically aligned.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system for utilizing catalyst from a bulk supply located adjacent but not on the upper tube sheet of a catalytic reactor and for mechanized measuring of multiple identical quantities of catalyst and for mechanized loading of catalyst pellets into the reaction tubes of the reactor to achieve even drop rate, compaction and outage of the reaction tubes. From the bulk supply, multi-compartment catalyst charging hoppers are individually filled in rapid and accurately measured fashion by mechanized filling equipment having a predetermined sequence of operation that ensures accuracy of volumetric catalyst measurement. The charging hoppers are used for delivery of measured volumes of catalyst of a reactor tube loading mechanism which may take the form of a mobile cart framework being selectively positionable relative to the upper tube sheet and reaction tubes of a catalytic reactor to be charged with catalyst pellets.

Abstract: A centering and loading apparatus for locating the center of a fill opening of a vehicle and loading bulk material into the vehicle through the opening is provided which includes a movable loading spout assembly and a locator assembly which locates the fill opening of the vehicle and is adapted to move the loading spout assembly for centering over the fill opening of the vehicle. The loading spout assembly is supported on a first support and is adapted to move along the longitudinal and lateral horizontal axes of the first support for aligning the loading spout assembly over the fill opening of the vehicle. The locator assembly includes a pair of scanning devices, for example, charge coupled devices, radio frequency sensors, and laser and infrared devices, that detect and scan the fill opening to locate the center of the opening.

Abstract: A system for charging a metallic canister having a filler opening therein with a gas under pressure and then sealing the opening to provide a closed, pressurized canister generally consisting of means for retaining the canister in a predetermined orientation, a sealing member having a guide passageway therein displaceable between an extended position in sealing engagement with a canister disposed in the predetermined orientation, with the guide passageway therein communicating with the filler opening of the canister, and a retracted position out of sealing engagement with the canister, a first means for applying a gas under pressure to a first side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into into its retracted position, second means for supplying a gas under pressure to an opposite side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into its extended position in sealing engagement with the canister, third means for supplying a gas under a third pressure to the guide passageway of the sealing membe

Abstract: A cavity is charged with particulate material by positioning a predetermined quantity of the material in a box (140). The box has substantially the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the cavity and is closed at the bottom by at least one door (78) on which the material rests. In order to level the material, the box (140) is moved to and fro horizontally a plurality of times with the energy imparted to the material being progressively reduced during the movements. The door (78) is then opened sufficiently rapidly that the particulate material falls out of the box (140) into the cavity substantially as a unit.

Abstract: A refuelling system is provided, the system comprising: a plurality of vertically telescoping elements, the telescoping elements containing a constant length of flexible conduit for transfer of fuel; at least one vertically movable pulley to maintain a constant length of flexible hose within the telescoping elements; an overhead gantry capable of moving the vertically telescoping elements in two horizontal essentially perpendicular axes; and a rotating lower portion of the telescoping elements capable of rotating about an essentially vertical axis and supporting a fuel nozzle. The refuelling system of the present invention does not result in significant segments of unsupported lengths of conduits for fuel, compressed air, vapor recovery, electrical power or control or sensor signals. It is relatively simple and utilizes readily available components and parts, and does not required significant machining of components. This results in an installation that is economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A structure found of several structural segments with superposed rooms is used for chemical plants which permit a very flexible method of production with rapid product changes. The plant components together with associated connections are housed on mobile frames in the rooms so that the plant components can be simply and rapidly replaced.

Abstract: A light weight apparatus for introducing a gas or liquid from a supply source into an open-topped liquid treatment tank includes an elongated support rail mounted in the tank, and a fluid delivery pipe assembly having at least one nozzle at the bottom end thereof, and a union at the top end thereof for connecting the pipe assembly with the fluid supply source. The pipe assembly is supported on the rail by spacers when the assembly is in a lowered position in which the at least one nozzle is disposed within the tank and the top end of the pipe assembly is aligned with the union. The spacers allow the pipe assembly to be axially translated along the rail, when the pipe assembly is disconnected from the supply source, between the lowered position and a raised position in which the at least one nozzle is removed from the tank for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: The apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle includes a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly. A gross mechanical actuation mechanism provides gross positioning of the platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet. A micro-positioning mechanism provides micro-positioning of the fuel line assembly relative to the fuel tank inlet. A floating plate assembly securely connects the fuel line assembly to the fuel tank inlet. Leak detector detects any leaks in the connection between the fuel line assembly and the fuel tank. The present invention augments existing space program hardware thereby removing human involvement and increasing vehicle/environment safety.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and associated controls are provided in a system for loading bulk material into a flexible, collapsed container from an overhead storage bin. The container can be positioned on a scale in the loading station. A discharge conduit from the bin is connected to a discharge spout which is movable into communication with the container. An exhaust conduit from a dust collection system is connected to an exhaust spout which is also movable into communication with the container. The discharge and exhaust spouts are mounted on a carriage movable on a platform toward and away from the container. The platform is movable transversely of the container between a loading position behind the container and a retracted position which accommodates movement of the container therepast. A line is provided for supplying inert gas to the discharge spout. Valves are provided on the exhaust conduit, discharge conduit, and inert gas line for controlling the flows through the conduits.

Abstract: There is disclosed a filling device for powdered material. The filling device is to be employed between a stationary fill tube and a vehicle positioned vertically therebelow. The filling device includes a funnel that is mounted on a double carriage whereby one carriage moves in one direction and the other carriage is movable transverse to the movement of the first. Sealing means is provided to inhibit the escape of the powdered material to the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle-servicing trailer is attachable to a pulling vehicle for transporation to the intended servicing site, the trailer having a hydraulically controlled lift apparatus, ramps on opposite sides of the trailer for advancement of a vehicle to be serviced onto the trailer, and outriggers are stationed at the four corners of the trailer to cooperate in supporting a vehicle on the trailer. When the vehicle is loaded on the trailer via the ramps, the lift is activated to raise the track members and vehicle to be serviced so that the underside of the vehicle is accessible, and outboard extensions on the track members enable a service man or operator to gain access to the engine compartment and interior of the vehicle. A movable dolly is positioned centrally of the trailer to permit the operator to slide beneath the vehicle and to perform necessary servicing operations, such as, oil changes and lubrication jobs.

Abstract: An apportioning apparatus for depositing a selected amount of a particulate product onto a series of moving receptacles is provided. At least one bucket is mounted in a reciprocating carriage for receiving a selected amount of the product. The bucket includes a closure for the outlet end that selectively opens to deposite a selected amount of the product onto a moving receptacle, with the speed of movement of the carriage and bucket substantially matched to the speed of movement of the receptacle during the filling operation.

Abstract: A working arrangement for performing multiple operations with a robot comprises a plurality of working stations at each of which a predetermined operation with a tool is performed to an unfinished work, a shifting unit provided in connection with each working station for holding the tool so as to be movable between a predetermined reference position and an operating position in each working station and for shifting the tool to the reference position from the operating position, and a robot provided to be movable in relation to the working stations for causing the tool to move from the reference position to the operating position in each working station.

Abstract: A novel ball valve type purging device for a tank train ball valve purging device wherein a one-way valve is connected in an upper portion of a long vertical interconnecting pipe between adjacent cars of a string of tank cars so as to let gas pass from the long vent pipe into the top of the tank car and eliminates or minimizes the necessity to blow gas or air through the car commodity during purging of the interconnects and greatly reduces the pressure and quantities of purge gas required. The structure of the invention effectively eliminates the limitation on the length of a string of cars due to the purging requirements and the reduction of the quantity of purge gas substantially reduces the cost of purging particularly wherein inert or bottled gas such as nitrogen is utilized.

Abstract: A feeding device for introducing molten steel into a twin-belt caster having mold walls which move exclusively in the casting direction. The feeding device comprises: a casting unit including a pouring pipe having a mouthpiece at one end which can extend between and form a sealing gap with the mold walls of a twin-belt caster, a first carriage moveable toward and away from a twin-belt caster and having the pouring pipe mounted thereon so that the pouring pipe is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis and is laterally adjustable transversely to its longitudinal extent; a tundish mounted on a second carriage, which is disposed upstream of the first carriage and is independently moveable toward and away from the first carriage, so that the tundish is adjustable in height; and a compensating pipe for connecting the outlet of the tundish to the other end of the pouring pipe to permit molten steel to flow from the tundish through the pouring pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is presented for filling containers with liquids whereby one operator can quickly fill a number of containers uniformly in a fast and efficient manner. An adjustable electronic counter in communication with a programmable controller determines the amount of liquid which is directed into each container by receiving pulses from a pulse generator and a boom carriage and main support frame allow the filling assembly to be positioned over various nearby containers without the necessity of moving the containers for filling once they are placed in close proximity to the apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated mobile tank- servicing system for filling, transferring, etc. a flowable medium from one or more tanks; said system having a mobile frame with an adjustable duct(s) for placement in the orifice of a tank and an adjustable walkway associated with the mobile frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bins with bulk material and, in particular, for filling a cooling bin with hot coke include engaging the material containing vessel with hoisting apparatus, lifting the hoisting apparatus upwardly in a vertical fixed guide and at the end of the upward movement introducing the hoisting apparatus into a vertical guide assembly, moving the vertical guide assembly and hoisting apparatus in a transverse direction over rails until the hoisting apparatus and the vessel are located vertically over the inlet opening of the bin. The hoisting apparatus and vessel are lowered until the latter is mounted on a stationary support so that upon the vessel discharge opening being opened, the contents of the vessel will be transferred to the bin.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for under chassis servicing of vehicles for oil change and lubrication which involves a central cashier's booth with a plurality of service stalls radially disposed. Special self-adjusting ramp track pairs are provided at each service stall to accommodate vehicles with different track widths. The ramp tracks are responsive to the front wheel tires and parallelling mechanism maintains the parallel relationship of the tracks.

Abstract: A concrete placing boom device includes a rail-mounted base, extensible outriggers and a jointed two-section cantilevered arm structure that supports a jointed two-section pipeline. Preferably, the inner arm section is pivotally mounted on the base for rotation about a vertical axis and the outer arm section is pivotally mounted on the inner arm section for rotation and angular elevation. The device is joined with pins for assembly and disassembly for easy transport.

Abstract: In an automatic tank filling installation, the duct for insertion in the filling orifice of the tank, e.g. mounted on a railway truck or road vehicle, is mounted for movement in the longitudinal direction of movement of the truck or vehicle, for movement in a direction transverse thereto and for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction to allow the axis of the pipe to be aligned with the axis of an off center filling orifice, means being provided for causing the pipe to pivot simultaneously with, and as a function of, movement of the pipe in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus has means for containing a level of flowable hardenable material therein, and means is selectively operable for carrying a predetermined amount of the hardenable material from the level thereof in the containing means to a preselected position beyond the level of the remaining hardenable material in the containing means. Means is associated with the carrying means in its preselected position for extracting therefrom another amount of the hardenable material predeterminately less than the predetermined amount.A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A volumetric feeder is supported for movement between an operative position and an maintenance position. The feeder includes a housing having a rotatable blade means adjacent its lower end for feeding granular material from the housing. The blade means is driven by a motor disposed within the housing and enclosed within a shell. Conduit means is provided for supplying cooling air to the motor within said shell.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for handling a flowable product when transferring same from one bulk container, such as a railroad tank car, to a second bulk container of smaller capacity, such as a tank truck. A fitting is removably mounted on a valved product discharge port provided on the one container. The fitting includes an inlet for a compressed fluid. A removable duct section connects the fitting to a valved product inlet port provided on the second container. The interior of the first container is charged to a predetermined pressure by the compressed fluid while the valved discharge port is closed. The product is transferred from the charged one container to the other container through the duct section when the valved ports of both containers are opened.

Abstract: A mobile drum filling assembly that may be drawn along side a railroad tank car or other liquid containing tank to draw liquid therefrom, and sequentially fill a number of drums with predetermined weights of the liquid. The assembly is preferably of such design that two drums may be filled and weighed concurrently, with the weighed drums thereafter moving by gravity on conveyors to a platform where they are sequentially removed preferably by lift truck to an adjacent holding area, into adjacent warehouse facilities, or onto a truck bed or other vehicle for transportation to a desired destination. Fumes that may arise during the filling operation are together with air drawn upwardly by vacuum means to a wash tower, with the fumes being removed before the air with which they were mixed, is discharged to the ambient atmosphere. The liquid may be withdrawn from the tank car either by gravity flow, an electrically driven pump, or by pressurizing the interior of the tank car with air.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing the skins from shelled nuts. Nuts such as peanuts are fed into a hopper mounted to a carriage adjustably positioned above a horizontally moving conveyor belt. A plurality of spaced parallel baffles extends diagonally across and slightly above the upper reach of the conveyor with the working faces of the baffles being of an abrasive character. The nuts are fed from the hopper in individual streams between baffles and onto the conveyor where the combined action of the longitudinally moving belt and the diagonally extending fixed baffles will rotate the nuts and move them lengthwise along the baffle to one side of the conveyor, removing the nut skins in the process. The carriage is mounted on a first pair of tracks extending parallel to the baffles with a lead screw and crank provided for moving the carriage diagonally with respect to the belt in order to dispense the peanuts at different spaced points along the baffles.

Abstract: A ground-based aircraft refueling system uses existing air-to-air refueling technology. A fixed facility design attaches a moveable air-to-air type refueling boom and probe to an overhead track mounted on the ceiling of a TAB VEE aircraft shelter. Movement of the boom and probe is controlled from a remote control room protected from hazardous chemical and biological environments. In a second embodiment, a moveable facility design mounts on the top of a tank truck a first boom attached at a right angle to an air-to-air type refueling second boom and probe. The booms and probe are remotely controlled from the truck cab, which is protected from hostile chemical and biological environments. A third embodiment adds to the moveable facility design a second tank and nozzle outlet for spraying decontaminate.