Abstract: In a distribution device intended in particular for concrete distribution, a scissor-like assembly of conveying-conduit elements is provided to ensure lengthwise adjustment of the concrete-conveying conduit to a telescopic distribution-boom section which supports the concrete-conveying conduit. The scissor assembly is designed such that the articulation points of the conveying-conduit elements move past each other while the telescope is being extended or retracted from one end position to the other, and alternately assume transposed positions when the telescope is fully retracted or fully extended. The conveying-conduit elements will always assume an extended position, either against the direction of concrete conveyance or in the direction of concrete conveyance, when the telescope is either fully retracted or fully extended.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing fluid communication between an offshore hydrocarbon production and/or storage facility and an offshore loading system such as a CALM buoy is disclosed. A pipeline from a FPSO or production platform runs to a submerged flowline termination buoy which is positioned beneath and separated a short distance from a CALM buoy. The flowline termination buoy is separately anchored to the sea bed from the CALM buoy, and is at a depth below the turbulent zone of the sea. The end of the pipeline is suspended from the flowline termination buoy, and a marine hose fluidly connects the end of the pipeline to a stationary part of a fluid swivel on the CALM buoy. The arrangement isolates the end of the pipeline from fatigue inducing motions of the CALM buoy.

Abstract: The invention proposes an articulated arm for transferring fluid products comprising two tubular sections (7, 8+2) connected to each other by a rotating joint (3) with a horizontal axis, and one of which, mobile in rotation, has an angular reference configuration in which it is balanced despite the effect of gravity. A balancing device (4, 10) compensates for variations in the effect of gravity on this mobile tubular section as a function of the orientation of this vis-a-vis the vertical, it is mounted between a fixed reference portion and a linkage portion of the mobile tubular section which is at a distance other than zero from the axis of rotation; it includes a spring (10) which tends to return the mobile section to its angular reference configuration (it is then idle) and applying to the mobile tubular section a force which is approximately proportional to the distance between this linkage portion and the location of this linkage portion in the angular reference configuration.

Abstract: Draining of the waste tank of a recreational vehicle is improved by using a motor to operate the waste hose. The motor causes the proximal end of the hose to be extended from its housing in the RV while the distal end remains attached to the waste tan. The extended proximal end can then be inserted into the access pipe of a sewer system for draining the waste tank. The motor will retract the hose when the waste tank has been emptied. The motor is operable either by throwing a switch on the motor or pressing a button on a remote control unit.

Abstract: The transfer system includes two generally vertically oriented duct sections which are placed at an angle with the vertical. These two sections are connected to a substantially horizontal third member, for instance a third duct section. Near the connection points of the vertically oriented duct sections and the horizontal member, a tensioning weight is provided such that a tensioning force in the horizontal duct section is created. Hereby bending/kinking and/or buckling due to currents or floating systems dynamics is reduced. A relatively long horizontal duct section can be used which is preferably made of hard pipe, having a reduced swing.

Abstract: A bulk unloading station is formed by two elongated modules stacked one on top of the other. Each module has a frame with pillars and when the upper module is stacked on the lower module the pillars on the upper module align with the pillars on the lower module. The modules are sized for shipment by truck or railroad car to the bulk unloading site. The lower module contains fluid transfer equipment. Unloading arms, with fluid conduits connectable to a fluid containing vehicle at one lateral side of the station, are mounted on the upper module. Conduits extending between the lower module and the upper module include removable segments at the juncture of the modules.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe conveyance of fuel from the shore to a floating watercraft refueling dock. A cable is stretched between a floating dock to a cable support structure on the shore which contains a reel for adjusting the length of the cable in response to changes in floating dock position, as in response to changing water levels. A fuel hose is suspended underneath the cable by removable lanyards. The fuel hose is connected on the shore to a hose reel which allows the length of hose to be adjusted in accordance with the cable length. Fuel is supplied through the hose on the hose reel along the suspended span of fuel hose to fuel dispensers on the floating fuel dock. The suspended fueling system retains the fuel hose off the terrain and is capable of being retracted or extended to accommodate the rise and fall of the floating dock in response to the water rising and falling.

Abstract: A preconditioned air adapter chute for attachment to a ring connector of an aircraft has a body adapted at a first end to attach a hose for transmitting the preconditioned air. The body is provided at a second end with a flange connecting to the ring connector. A compressive gasket is affixed to a surface of the flange which faces the ring connector. At least one clamp assembly, affixed to the body, has a handle and a clamp pivotably mounted in a housing. The handle and clamp are pivoted about separate pivot points, so that a cam action is obtained as the handle is moved from an open to a closed position. The clamp of each clamp assembly passes through a slot-like opening in the flange to allow engagement of the clamp in the connector.

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: An air and gas vessel (1) having a downward opening is mounted within a tank (10, 20) for transport of liquid, e.g., oil. From the top side of the vessel runs a conduit (2) toward the inlet of the bridging hose (5) to the next tank. The conduit (2) may be closed by means of a cock (3). When the tank is filled with liquid from level A with the cock (3) closed, a volume will be stored in the vessel (1) when the tank is filled to level B. In order to drain the bridging hose (5), the cock (3) is opened. The confined air/gas volume will use up into the bridging hose (5) and the liquid volume will run back into the tank. The tanks may then be closed by means of the cocks (4) prior to starting the transport.

Abstract: A crane-mounted concrete pumper has been provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. A concrete conduit is positioned in the interior of the boom assembly and has its intake end operatively connected to a concrete pump mounted on the truck by means of a flexible concrete hose. An extension boom is pivotally mounted on the boom assembly and may be pivoted from a folded, inoperative position to an extended position. A concrete conduit is provided in the interior of the extension boom and is placed into communication with the concrete conduit in the boom assembly when the extension boom is in its extended position. The crane may be either used to pump concrete or used in a conventional fashion. An aerial platform is provided on the boom assembly to enable an operator to pump or spray concrete.

Abstract: A crane-mounted concrete pumper has been provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. A concrete conduit is positioned in the interior of the boom assembly and has its intake end operatively connected to a concrete pump mounted on the truck by means of a flexible concrete hose which is wound upon a rotatable hose reel mounted on the pedestal of the boom assembly for movement therewith. An extension boom is pivotally mounted on the boom assembly and may be pivoted from a folded, inoperative position to an extended position. A concrete conduit is provided in the interior of the extension boom and is placed into communication with the concrete conduit in the boom assembly when the extension boom is in its extended position. The crane may be either used to pump concrete or used in a conventional fashion. An aerial platform is provided on the boom assembly to enable an operator to pump or spray concrete.

Abstract: An aircraft refuelling cart includes a chassis (10) having ground-engaging wheels (11, 12) and a refuelling platform (20) upon which an aircraft refuelling operator can stand. The platform (20) is mounted to the chassis (10) by a scissor-action mechanism (22) which is typically activated by hydraulic means. An extendable hydrant hose (14) has a coupler (15) for connection to an airport fuel hydrant. A fuel conveying boom (24) conveys fuel from the hydrant hose to one or more fuel hoses (26) at the platform (20). The fuel hoses (26) convey fuel to the aircraft. The fuel cart can remain on the apron at a particular aircraft bay and is readily movable from one side of the aircraft to the other and is capable of servicing the full range of aircraft which may use the bay at which it is stationed. This is achieved by way of the variable height adjustability of the platform (20).

Abstract: In the case of a filling pipe for a fuel tank a branching element is arranged in a section of the filling pipe. The flow of the inflowing fuel preferably runs along an outer wall of the filling pipe, so that a subflow is in each case conducted directly to the antisurge tower through a lower cross-sectional area. Larger volume flows, which completely fill the cross section, pass for the most part directly into the fuel tank. By this means, a sufficient basic supply of the antisurge tower is ensured irrespective of the volume flow produced during filling.

Abstract: A combination of a nozzle and a fuel tank fitting for delivering liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a dispenser to a fuel tank. The fuel tank fitting comprises first and second valve assemblies coupled to the fuel tank in close proximity to each other. Each valve assembly has a flow passage extending therethrough in communication with the interior of the tank. The nozzle comprises a housing forming a handle portion and a nozzle portion for mating with the valve assemblies of the fuel tank fitting to form a liquid-tight seal therebetween. First and second flow passages extend through the nozzle and provide respectively a fuel supply line and a vent return line. First and second valve assemblies are disposed in the first and second flow passages in the nozzle. A releasable cooperative clamp is carried by the fuel tank fitting and the nozzle for securing the nozzle to the tank fitting when the nozzle has been mated to the fuel tank fitting.

Abstract: A refuelling system for use with an aircraft, and a related a hand-held control apparatus for use in an aircraft refuelling system. The hand-held control apparatus for use in the aircraft refuelling system is intended for use in refuelling systems in which fuel is delivered to an aircraft from a location remote from the aircraft via a refuelling nozzle at an end of a hose, which is wound upon a hose reel at the remote location. The hand-held control apparatus, includes a control trigger for transmitting of an activation signal for activating a refuelling process, so that fuel is delivered from the refuelling nozzle at the end of the hose to the aircraft, along with a device for transmitting a fault signal for shutting down fuel delivery. Additionally, included is device for changing the control trigger from transmitting the activation signal to a hose reel re-wind mode, so that activating the control trigger causes a signal to be transmitted for effecting a re-wind of the hose reel.

Abstract: A crane-mounted concrete pumper has been provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. A concrete conduit is positioned in the interior of the boom assembly and has its intake end operatively connected to a concrete pump mounted on the truck by means of a flexible concrete hose. An extension boom is pivotally mounted on the boom assembly and may be pivoted from a folded, inoperative position to an extended position. A concrete conduit is provided in the interior of the extension boom and is placed into communication with the concrete conduit in the boom assembly when the extension boom is in its extended position. The crane may be either used to pump concrete or used in a conventional fashion. An aerial platform is provided on the boom assembly to enable an operator to pump or spray concrete.

Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter chute to connect an aircraft to a pre-conditioned air unit on the ground. The adapter is a type which can be attached to the aircraft by pushing up on the adapter's handles to cause the safety latches to engage the aircraft, and can be removed from the aircraft by pulling down on the handles.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect fluid coupling is provided that includes a spout assembly comprising a spout fitment having a first fluid opening and a spout valve member having a second fluid opening and capable of rotating from a first position to a second position to form a spout fluid path between the first and second fluid openings. The fluid coupling also includes a service-line connector comprising a line fitment member including a third fluid opening, and a connector valve member having a fourth fluid opening and capable of rotating from a third position to a fourth position to form a connector fluid path between the third and fourth fluid openings, whereby a spout-connector fluid path is formed between the second and fourth fluid openings upon attachment of the service-line connector to the spout assembly.

Abstract: The present invention allows a person to collect water from a pond or slue without having to physically place the hose into the water. The present invention has a boom which extends from the side of a truck or any type of vehicle which allows the person to reach the water hole and stay relatively dry and clean. The boom has a hose which extends along the length of the boom and the hose slightly hangs over the end of the boom so that the hose can reach the top of the water. A common problem with putting a hose in the water hole is that the hose tends to collect debris from the bottom, the present invention is arranged so that the hose is placed on the top of the water only allowing water not debris into the hose for collection. The boom is adjustable vertically and horizontally so that the person can control the invention to maximize water collection. The boom is adjusted vertically by a pulley system which is arranged to lift the front end of the boom.

Abstract: A device for connection or suspension between a detachable flexible or semi-flexible riser pipe (4) and a pipe system (14) on a fixed or floating platform or ship (15) has a rotary connection which is designed in such a way that the connection between the riser pipe (4) and the pipe system (14) is moment-free or mainly moment-free. The rotary connection may appropriately have a swivel housing (3) which, on one side, is fitted with a first tubular shaft (1) which is connected to the pipe system (14) on the platform or ship and, on the other side, is fitted with a second tubular shaft (2) which is arranged in a swivel housing at an angle of 90.degree. to the first tubular shaft (1) and which is connected to the riser pipe (4). The two shafts (1, 2) communicate with each other via a cavity in the swivel housing (3), but are closed to the surroundings at their ends.

Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter for attaching an air access port of an aircraft to a pre-conditioned air unit made of an integral one-piece plastic body, a clamp connected to the body, a hook connected to the clamp, a strengthening ring member secured to a top end of the adapter body, and a gasket secured to the ring member. The ring member may be metal and may be bolted to the top end of the adapter. Further, the hook may have a tip that is angled toward central longitudinal axis of the adapter body.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a fuel hose and deployed rearwardly of a tanker craft, the apparatus for inflight refueling of an aircraft and includes a fuel valve for controlling the flow of fuel through the valve, a coupler attached to the fuel valve for receiving and locking onto the probe of a receiving aircraft and for conveying fuel through the coupler and to the probe of the receiving aircraft, and a plurality of struts attached to the coupler, the struts configured and arranged to compress inwardly when acted upon by sufficient compressive forces and to expand outwardly against aerodynamic forces when located in the airstream, the struts forming a bell shaped target for guiding the probe of the receiving aircraft into the coupler.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for the collection and transfer of a liquid, which is preferably waste oil. The apparatus includes a tank having a top opening with a hollow tube projecting from the top opening into the interior of the tank. A hollow stem is slidably received within the hollow tube. A funnel, which initially receives the liquid, is attached to the top end of the stem which is located outside of the tank. An opening is provided in the wall of the stem near the lower end which is located inside the tank. A cover plate is received about the bottom of the stem.

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 10 fluidly connects a bulkhead B to a portable transport using a flexible fill line or liquid hose LH. The system includes a coupling 12 for separating the liquid hose LH from the bulkhead B during an inadvertent pull-away. An arm 24 is pivotally supported by the bulkhead B, and a support plate 36 is supported at the upper end of the arm 24. A release disk 50 is normally supported by the plate 36, and in turn supports a saddle 42 for supporting the liquid hose LH. Three circumferentially spaced pins 38 function as retaining members to support a release disk 50 on the plate 36. The components thus function to prevent the discharge end of the hose from dropping onto the ground. During a pull-away, at least one of the coil springs 64 associated with each release pin is compressed, thereby releasing the disk 50 and allowing both the saddle 42 and the liquid hose LH to become disconnected from the arm 24.

Abstract: A large manipulator, especially for self-propelled concrete pumps includes a rotary head that rotates about a vertical axis on a mast stand, and a jointed or articulated mast composed of at least three mast arms. The mast arms of the jointed mast can be swivelled to a limited extent about horizontal, mutually parallel axes relative to the adjoining rotary head or mast arm using a corresponding drive unit in each case. The jointed mast is operated by a remote control device which has a signal transmitter situated at the mast top and a control unit. The signal transmitter drives a computerized coordinate field device actuating the drive units according to a displacement path relative to the momentary position of the mast top as directly indicated by means of the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently metering and transferring a cryogenic liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a storage vessel to, for example, a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus incorporates a programmable controller, a motor-driven pump and a network of conduits with motor-operated valves and liquid sensors for effecting a priming of the pump with liquid free of vapor and a cool-down of the flow passages prior to a transfer operation for ensuring that a vapor-free liquid is delivered. A pair of flow meters, one for liquid and the other for returned vapor, allows a reliable determination of the amount of liquid delivered to--and remaining in--a receiving vessel. The apparatus employs a delivery nozzle with quick-disconnect valved fittings and a delivery nozzle incorporating features which allow it to be handled by an operator without the use of heavy gloves.

Abstract: An overhead dual arm tubular structure for supplying fresh and/or pneumatic air power to an operator and/or his air tool in a work area of varying shape. A structure whose main arm is freely revolvable about its vertical axis has a second arm of similar length swinging radially from its free end. Self returning hoses carrying air down from the second arm's outward end, enable an operator to work high or low anywhere within the periphery of the dual arm radius. A belt clip hanging at the end of the self returning hoses incorporates a quick release mechanism and hose swivels to allow the operator to easily engage and disengage from his fresh air supply and revolve freely about the attached fresh and/or compressed air hoses without risk of entanglement.

Abstract: An improved mooring system for a vessel (10) having a mooring turret (19) which is rotatably coupled to a well (14) of the vessel (10) such that the vessel (10) is free to weathervane about the mooring turret is disclosed. An anchor leg support base (18) is fixed with the mooring turret (19) with anchor lines (20) secured thereto and anchored to the sea floor (24). A riser turret (25) is rotatably coupled to the mooring turret (19) and is fixed to the well (14) of the vessel. A riser support base (100) is pivotally coupled to a riser support device (30) for mounting the upper ends of a plurality of flexible risers (48) extending from the sea floor. The riser mounting device (30) is arranged and designed to pivot about two axes (34, 40) at right angles to each other relative to the riser support base (100).

Abstract: A fixed installation is placed close to at least one aircraft parking area. The installation includes a pipe connected to the system. Said pipe is routed into a fixed base erected on the ground and then into an articulated structure. Its extremity for connection to the aircraft is mounted on a pod vertically mobile at the extremity of the articulated structure. The chassis rests on the ground by means of orientable driving wheels whose drive controls the deployment and folding of the structure. When deployed, this structure forms a bridge permitting the passage of vehicles.

Abstract: A method for dispensing and handling chemical solutions by using a dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a cabinet having a fill compartment and at least one concentrate bottle compartment. The cabinet's top wall has a funnel for supporting a dilution gun. The gun is in fluid communication with a water source and has a removable insert containing an aspirator. The insert's outlet tube fits within the cabinet's funnel. A pickup tube extends from the concentrated chemical solution to the gun. A use container such as a spray bottle is sized and configured to fit within the fill compartment. In the preferred embodiment, the concentrate container has a plurality of grooves which are sized and configured to correspond with a plurality of ribs within the concentrate compartments. Additionally, the concentrate compartment's lower portion forms a track to accommodate a bottom portion of the concentrate container.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooperative arrangement with a vacuum vehicle and a source of vacuum-transportable matter is provided for collecting vacuum-transportable matter within a matter collection chamber of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a vacuum hose connected at one end to the matter collection chamber and a hollow probe having an outlet connected at an opposite end. A pivoting structure is connected between the vehicle and the probe and is hydraulically and electrically controllable from the within the cab of the vehicle to thereby guide the probe. An extraction funnel is fluidly connected to the source of vacuum-transportable matter and is configured to be sealingly engageable with the probe outlet. The probe is guided from the cab of the vehicle into sealing engagement with the extraction funnel so that vacuum-transportable matter may flow from the source of vacuum-transportable matter into the matter collection chamber under the presence of vacuum generated therein.

Abstract: An oil drain assembly for an engine oil pan to replace the plug of the oil pan drain opening comprising a valve housing having an upper oil inlet port mounted to and in communication with the drain opening of the engine oil pan; a lower oil outlet port; a means for controlling oil flow through the valve housing; a detachable drain line at the oil outlet port; and a detachable disposable oil collection bag mounted to the drain line.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring liquid from a first tank to a second tank having supply line coupled to the first tank, a fill line connected to the second tank, a return line leading to the first tank or a sump, a pump for causing liquid to flow from the supply line to the fill line when the apparatus is in a fill mode, from the fill line to the return line when the apparatus is in a purge mode, and a programmable control for placing the apparatus in a purge mode in response to any one of the following signals, a signal indicating that the fill line is not properly attached to the second tank, a signal indicating that the liquid in the second tank has reached a given level, and a signal that the volume of liquid delivered by the pump is that which will fill the second tank to the given level. The programmable control detects leaks and checks whether the rate at which the pump delivers liquid is within a given range.

Abstract: A retractable, concealable peripheric gas station for refuelling in particular military vehicles, which is connected to a main station supplying it both with fuel and hydraulic fluid and has an outer metal tank (10) closed by an upper cover (11) hinged thereto, a metal frame (14) hinged under the cover so as to pivot between a lowered rest position and a raised operating position, a take-up reel (15) for a hose supplying fuel, and a hydraulic assembly (24) operating between the frame and the tank under control of the oleodynamic main station which causes the frame to pivot between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: In order to transfer fluid products such as powders between a storage container (10) and a mobile container (18) an interface device comprising a tight chamber (24) is proposed. This tight chamber contains mechanisms making it possible either to seal an access opening (30) to the mobile container (18), or place a transfer tube (36) between the containers (27, 30). The transfer tube is formed by at least two sections (38, 40) having an internal cross-section which is substantially uniform and identical, so that a product can be transferred in any random orientation, without any risk of product being retained. The two sections (38, 40) can in particular be installed on the same tilting arm (42).

Abstract: A device for automatic filling of a mobile container (4) with a material stream (13) from a harvester (1) moving alongside a discharge knee/discharge pipe which is controllably pivotable around a vertical and/or horizontal axis, with a pivotable discharge flap (5) at the end from the harvester (1) to the container (4). At least one optical and/or acoustic range finder (6) for measuring the container (4) and measuring fill levels is disposed on the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3). The range finder (6), either together with the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3) or independently thereof, can be pivoted horizontally and/or vertically.

Abstract: A dispenser refilling system includes a bulk container for refilling a cartridge of a dispenser, so that the cartridge need not be disposed of after a single use. The system preferably includes one or more fill tubes that are movable by lever operation for extension into the chamber of the cartridge when desired. Each fill tube couples to a piston in the cartridge and directs the component to be replenished in the cartridge chamber through a port in the piston. In certain embodiments, the system includes two bulk containers and a dual chamber dispensing cartridge, and structure is provided to prevent inadvertently reversing the position of the cartridge and for insuring placement of the containers in proper receptacles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a five-arm concrete-distribution rig (20) mounted on a vehicle. Arms (1, 2 and 3) can be folded together by pivoting in opposite directions about hinged joints (B and C), which are capable of pivoting through approximately 180.degree., to form a "Z". In order to make it possible to supply concrete through several hoses in parallel, to upper stories and over obstacles, the invention proposes that arms (3, 4 and 5) can be folded together by pivoting in the same direction about joints (D and E), which are capable of pivoting through approximately 270.degree., to bring them up against arms (2 and 3) in the vicinity of hinged joint (C).

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a detachable ink cartridge for storage of the ink to be supplied to a recording head. A joint of an ink supply line in the ink jet recording apparatus to be coupled with an ink outlet portion of the ink cartridge for delivering the ink is loosely fitted to be slidable in a direction crosswise to an axis of the supply line toward a coupling position with the ink outlet portion.

Abstract: A filtration device comprises a housing, a filtering apparatus, a first guide tube, a second guide tube, an impurities discharging tube and a valve. The filtering apparatus is provided therein with a swiveling spray tube pivoted thereto. The swiveling spray tube is provided in the wall thereof with bevel through holes. The housing is provided therein with a high pressure guide tube which has an inner end aligned with an axial hole of the swiveling spray tube and further has an outer end that is connected with a source of a high pressure washing fluid so as to allow the high pressure washing fluid to be injected into the swiveling spray tube for washing away impurities deposited on the inner wall surface of the filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A system for loading toner into a large capacity printer and copier machines includes a base adapter with a swiveling filler snout for receiving and latching onto a spout of a large toner container. The axis of filler snout is oriented at angle .PHI. with respect to its swivel axis which in turn is tilted at angle .PHI. with respect to the vertical. Accordingly, the filler swivels between a retracted stow position where the filler snout extends vertically over the base adapter and an extended position where the snout tilts at angle 2.PHI. from the vertical for receiving and latching onto the spout of the toner container. The spout of the toner container and the mouth of the filler snout have mating surfaces facilitating latching of the container spout within the snout.

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: An apparatus for introducing fluid having a volatile organic component from one container, for example, a fuel storage vessel to a receiving container such as an on-board fuel storage tank of an automotive vehicle with reduced discharge of organic vapors into the surrounding atmosphere, the apparatus including a filler cap having at least one positively sealing quick connect fitting through which fluid can be introduced which is releasable attachable with a mating fitting located on the filler nozzle of an external fluid delivery device.

Abstract: An improved technique for providing electrical power to a fuel dispensing nozzle is disclosed. A fuel dispensing hose is provided with a fluid pathway, a vapor pathway and conductive elements are provided in the vapor pathway for transmitting intrinsically safe electric signals from a fluid dispenser to the fuel dispensing nozzle. A plurality of conductive bands are installed around a portion of the hose, and a plurality of conductive plungers in the fuel dispensing nozzle make contact with the conductive bands. As the fuel dispensing hose is twisted with respect to the nozzle, the conductive bands rotate but nonetheless remain in contact with the conductive plungers, thereby providing uninterrupted electric signals to any desired electronics installed within the fuel dispensing nozzle. On the other end of the hose, a substrate having conductive elements disposed thereon engage an aperture in the input output port of the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter chute for attachment to an aircraft. The chute has a body which is cylindrical at the top and the bottom, handles on either side of the body, a clamp attached to each of the handles, and a hook attached to each of the clamps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently metering and transferring a cryogenic liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a storage vessel to, for example, a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus incorporates a programmable controller, a motor-driven pump and a network of conduits with motor-operated valves and liquid sensors for effecting a priming of the pump with liquid free of vapor and a cool-down of the flow passages prior to a transfer operation for ensuring that a vapor-free liquid is delivered. A pair of flow meters, one for liquid and the other for returned vapor, allows a reliable determination of the amount of liquid delivered to--and remaining in--a receiving vessel. The apparatus employs a delivery nozzle with quick-disconnect valved fittings and a delivery nozzle incorporating features which allow it to be handled by an operator without the use of heavy gloves.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing an aerosol can (11) in order to refill it with propellant gas (10) comprises a housing (12) containing an air compressor (14) which consists of a cylinder (15), a driving motor (16) and a plunger, a filling nozzle (18) for injecting pressurized air into the aerosol can, a mechanism for activating said compressor when a can is fitted to the filling nozzle, and a mechanism for deactivating said compressor when the air injected into the can reaches a predetermined pressure. A coupling member is provided for coupling the device and the aerosol can when the latter is positioned in a seating (17).

Abstract: A manhole sealing device enables the recovery of vapors displaced from a tank during the process of filling a tank with fuel, through the manhole. The sealing device comprises a sealing gasket, which has an inflation chamber defined by two tubular walls. When the chamber is inflated, the gasket is distended to toroidal configuration capable of sealing engaging manhole inner diameters of a wide dimensional range. The sealing gasket is mounted on a lock-down bar what is clamped against the upper end of the manhole, using bolts that are also used in clamping the hatch cover for the manhole. Preferable the gasket is first inflated to centralize it relative to the manhole and then clamped in fixed relation relative thereto.