Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling station which does not vent natural gas vapors. Three cryogenic storage vessels alternately serve as dispensing, conditioning, and receiving vessels. A natural gas compressor transfers vapor between the vessels and evacuates vapors vented from tanker trucks and vehicles. Heat absorbed by the LNG is utilized to warm the fuel for use in vehicles by bubbling the vapors through the LNG in the conditioning vessel.

Abstract: A method of winterizing a seasonal dwelling. The method involves replacement of water in a piping system within the dwelling with a winterizing fluid. The water inlet of the piping system of the dwelling is connected to a fluid outlet valve of a portable fluid tank. The portable fluid tank has the fluid outlet valve at a first end and a gas inlet located at a second end opposed to the first end. The portable fluid tank has the gas inlet connected to a valved source of air under pressure. Water outlets are opened within the dwelling and air is passed through the piping system. Subsequently, winterizing fluid is added to the fluid tank and then forced into the piping system. The method permits winterizing of a dwelling in a simple, rapid manner.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid. The invention is applicable to cases where the liquid is handled in contact with its own vapor only, or where the liquid must be maintained at all times under a specified gas pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks or containers with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, or with liquids such as carbonated beverages. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an apparatus for filling an LCD cell comprises a capillary wick coupled to reservoir of liquid crystal material by capillary action. The cell is filled by disposing the plates containing an unsealed region in contact with the wick, minimizing contact between the cell and the material in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid, where at the temperature of operation the vapor pressure of the liquid is at or above atmospheric pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas or any other liquid with high vapor pressure at the temperature of operation. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition. One of the methods currently in use requires a mechanical valve which senses liquid level in the tank and is supposed to close so as to stop flow to the tank when the liquid has reached the maximum allowable level.

Abstract: A liquid crystal introduction connector includes a connector body. The connector body has a guide groove formed in its front surface and a receiving space formed backwardly of the guide groove. A resilient seal member is received in the receiving space. A nozzle member is allowed to extend through the seal member such that the nozzle member can move forwardly and backwardly. The nozzle member is biased forwardly by a spring. When a side edge of a cell having an introduction port is inserted through the guide groove, the seal member is resiliently deformed to receive the side edge. Under the effect of the spring, the nozzle member is brought into abutment with the side edge of the cell. The liquid crystal passes through a liquid crystal supply passageway and reaches the introduction port of the cell via nozzle ports of the nozzle member.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers are converted to provide vaccum assisted recovery of vapors. Where previously provided with, or "plumbed" for, a pressure balance type of recovery system, the prior hose means is disconnected to permit mounting of a fuel driven, vacuum pump in communication with preexisting fuel and vapor conduit means. Where there has been no prior provision for vapor recovery, conduit means are installed to provide communication between the dispenser pedestal and a remote receiver for fuel vapors. One end of a coaxial hose, preferably of the inverted type, is mounted on the pump and the opposite end of the coaxial hose is connected to a vacuum assist nozzle.

Abstract: Pressurized containers are sorted into a certain repeated alignment and pushed in series through a controlled pressure chamber which is maintained at pressure lower than the pressure within the containers and is sealed against pressure leakage to the exterior as the containers are introduced and moved therethrough. Within the sealed chamber the containers are pierced and heated so that fluids in the pressurized containers exit into the sealed chamber for removal and recovery from the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided eliminating the need for capping the motor after filling, i.e. sealing an end of the motor after the fluid has been added.A septum or rubber plug is inserted in the bottom of the motor shaft in a counter bore which leads to a fluid reservoir for the bearing. The air-tight seal is also achieved by a temporary O-ring around the sides of the shoulder at the end of the shaft closing off the end of the bearing normally open to the surrounding environment.A needle is then inserted into the shaft via the septum, and the other end of the needle is placed in the oil that will be drawn into the motor. The motor, needle and container for the oil are placed in a vacuum chamber which is evacuated; the resulting pressure differential causes the air within the motor to exit through the needle and up through the oil.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent sub-function via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, or applying fluid lubricant to hydrodynamic bearing. Clearance spaces of the bearing which are to be filled with the fluid lubricant are evacuated. The fluid lubricant is then applied to the clearance spaces. Once the fluid lubricant has been applied to the clearance spaces, or concurrent therewith, the clearance spaces are returned to ambient pressure levels. Any pockets of air, or other gas, trapped within the bearing are collapsed as the clearance spaces are returned to the ambient pressure levels. The method is amenable to a high volume, assembly line-like process wherein large numbers of bearings may be filled with the fluid lubricant in a short period of time. A conveyor conveys the bearings into a pool of fluid lubricant in a vacuum tank having a pressure level adjustable between an ambient pressure level and an evacuated pressure level, through the pool of fluid lubricant, beyond the pool, and out of the vacuum tank.

Abstract: A process for in-drum drying of liquid radioactive waste includes sealing a shielded container by placing a plug in a central opening formed in a lid of the container. The plug is removed from the opening and a filling adapter having an outside diameter that fits the opening is inserted into the opening. Liquid radioactive waste is poured into the sealed container and vapors are vented from the container, through the filling adapter. The liquid radioactive waste is heated in the container with a heater. A filling adapter for in-drum drying of liquid radioactive waste includes a rectilinear, preferably cylindrical steel casing with end regions, an outer periphery, a flange protruding past the outer periphery at one of the end regions, at least two connection points at another of the end regions, and a filling line extending from one of the connection points through the steel casing.

Abstract: A liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal reservoir is applied to an injection port of a blank liquid crystal panel in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is restored to the atmospheric pressure to inject the applied liquid crystal into the liquid crystal panel through the injection port. Herein, the liquid crystal, particularly a ferroelectric liquid crystal having a high viscosity, is effectively used for filling the liquid crystal panel with a minimum loss by using a transfer member moving between the liquid crystal reservoir and the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid from a closed, liquid-containing blood collection tube is described. The apparatus includes a dual conduit providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from a closed blood collection tube and a gas conduit providing a passage way for gas to be introduced into the blood collection tube. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for inserting the dual conduit into the blood collection tube, turning the tube away from a vertical and upright orientation, connecting and disconnecting the gas supply to the gas passageway, and providing control over the operation of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent subfunction via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling and draining coolant from a battery cooling system (10). A coolant delivery system (94) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system (10) for providing new coolant to the battery cooling system (10) when filling and for purging coolant from the battery cooling system (10) when draining. A pressurization system (96) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system 10) for pressurizing the battery cooling system (10) after providing coolant when filling and for purging coolant when draining. A vacuum system (98) is fluidly connected to the coolant delivery system for creating a vacuum after draining to evacuate the battery cooling system (10) prior to filling. And, a controller (189) is electrically connected to the battery cooling system (10) to cycle a condenser fan (32) and coolant pump (26) coupled to the battery cooling system on and off according to a predetermined timing sequence.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, of applying fluid lubricant to a hydrodynamic bearing. Clearance spaces of the bearing which are to be filled with the fluid lubricant are evacuated. The fluid lubricant is then applied to the clearance spaces. Once the fluid lubricant has been applied to the clearance spaces, or concurrent therewith, the clearance spaces are returned to ambient pressure levels. Any pockets of air, or other gas, trapped within the bearing are collapsed as the clearance spaces are returned to the ambient pressure levels. The method is amenable to a high volume, assembly line-like process wherein large numbers of bearings may be filled with the fluid lubricant in a short period of time.

Abstract: Methods and dispensers which are used for filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The methods use a liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: In an automotive cooling system made up of a radiator, overflow bottle, engine and heater core members, a method of removing spent antifreeze therefrom involves applying air pressure at the highest vertical point of the cooling system members, and draining the antifreeze via the lowest vertical point thereof. A method of refill via the radiator or pressurized overflow bottle involves utilization of a refill element with vacuum and coolant prongs. Simultaneous vacuum and refill of coolant is achieved with the refill element.

Abstract: A fluid overfill and identification system uses a pulsed signal to both detect an overfill condition and identify a fluid product contained in a compartment. The pulsed signal is converted into an optical pulsed signal which is used with a retroreflective prism to detect when a fluid in the compartment has reached a desired capacity. Encoded in the pulse width of the same pulsed signal is the specific fluid product located in the compartment. Furthermore, different pulse frequencies are provided depending on whether the tanker truck is at a service station or at a loading terminal, thus allowing the system to distinguish between the two. At a marketing terminal, a new code is loaded into the system as a new fluid product is loaded into a compartment. A residue sensor may detect residual fluid in the compartment, and prevent the loading of a new fluid product and a new ID code.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling bottles with liquid, the liquid supply tank has several bottle filling adapters mounted to its body and providing a valve seat for liquid to flow from the tank to a bottle. The seat is proximate to a vertically movable valve body which has an integral tubular stem extending upwardly from it and a gas tube extending downwardly from it so gas can be conducted downwardly into a bottle and upwardly for being exhausted or returned to the tank. In the bore of the tubular combination gas conducting tube and valve stem there is a wire constituting a filling level probe. The tip of the wire is exposed in the gas tube to liquid in the bottle and the body of the wire is insulated and runs upwardly through the bore of the tubular stem where it is terminated in a cylindrical conductive element that enters an electrical connector. The connector provides a lead to a microprocessor based controller.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted vapor recovery system and method using a processing unit to process excess vapors collected during vehicle refueling with a bellowless nozzle. The system and method can be divided into two sequences of operation. The first sequence is the collection of vapors from the automobile during refueling. The second sequence is the return of vapors to a product storage tank with the processing of any excess vapors that would otherwise increase the pressure inside the storage tank. A single collection unit is used to collect the vapors as well as to send them to the storage tank and the processing unit. An improvement provides a recirculation loop in the collection unit to also control vapor growth in the underground storage tank. Pressure sensitive switches maintain a pressure level in the storage tank by activating the system if the pressure in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of completely filling an the interior cavity of a bourdon tube in a pressure gauge with a gelatinous substance ,comprising the steps of:a) evacuating the interior cavity of the bourdon tube to a vacuum level not greater than 50 millitorr;b) depositing a predetermined amount of a gelatinous substance in the interior cavity; andc) venting the interior cavity to remove the vacuum level, whereby increasing air pressure forces the deposited gelatinous substance to completely fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: A large-sized liquid crystal panel uniformly filled with a liquid crystal material may be produced through a process including the steps of: fixing a pair of substrates with a sealing member disposed therebetween to form a blank panel having an injection port, reducing a pressure within the panel, applying a liquid crystal material onto the injection port, heating the liquid crystal material to its isotropic temperature, injecting the liquid crystal material into the panel under a pressure, and filling the panel with the liquid crystal material under heating and pressurization from the injection port toward the panel inside. The pressure within the panel before the injection is reduced at a rate not exceeding 25 torr/min. The pressure for injection is increased at varying rates, e.g., with an intermediate constant pressure period.

Abstract: A liquid crystal injecting method, wherein the area of a portion of a liquid crystal cell, which is dipped in a liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal vessel, is reduced to a minimum, thereby preventing the liquid crystal in the vessel from being contaminated with foreign matter and reducing the amount of the liquid crystal which unnecessarily adheres to the outer surface of the cell. The liquid level of the liquid crystal in the vessel is detected by a sensor. Liquid crystal is supplied to the vessel on the basis of the detected liquid level to maintain the liquid level at a predetermined height. A portion of the liquid crystal is raised. A liquid crystal injecting port of the cell is dipped into the raised portion of the liquid crystal after an inner space of the cell is evacuated. Thus, the liquid crystal is injected into the cell.

Abstract: A device for preventing a "gas-lock" comprising a hollow casing defining a reservoir of given capacity and having a lower portion and a set of three openings, that is a first and a third openings substantially positioned at the lower portion of the casing and a second opening positioned near a bottom of the reservoir; a second connection for connecting a corresponding end of the second channel with the second opening; a third channel having opposite ends, one end being positioned near a portion of the first container that is opposite to the aperture of the first container; a third connection for connecting the opposite end of the third channel with the first opening; a check valve; a fourth connection for connecting the check valve with respect to the third opening and for selectively, enabling the liquid contained in the first container to pass through the third opening; the capacity of the reservoir being sufficient to collect when the first container is turned upside-down to have its third channel above th

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling of a dispensing container with a product to be dispensed, particularly useful for highly viscous products, in which the container has a vented dip tube structure which is inserted into the container before it is filled. Filling is accomplished by inserting a filling nozzle into the container so that it cooperates with the top of the dip tube. Filling of the container therefore occurs through the dip tube. The vent in the dip tube structure allows the air in the container to be vented as the container is filled. Because the container is filled through the dip tube, the product completely fills the dip tube at the time when the pump structure is inserted into the container. The vent structure can be used as a vent for the container during a dispensing operation as well.

Abstract: A method of recovering fuel vapors using a fuel dispenser having first and second sets of associated liquid flow lines, vapor flow lines, nozzles and nozzle rests includes removing the first nozzle from the first nozzle rest, inserting the first nozzle into a fill pipe of a receptacle, moving the first nozzle rest, thereby transmitting motion through a mechanical linkage from the first nozzle rest to a first normally-closed valve in the first vapor flow line to open the first normally-closed valve and turning on a first pump in the first liquid fuel line, pumping liquid fuel from a first tank through the dispenser out the first nozzle into the receptacle, and pumping fuel vapor from the first nozzle through the first vapor flow line to a manifold which has a connection to the second vapor flow line and communicates with the tanks, the second vapor flow line being closed by its normally-closed vapor valve.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system includes a main vapor recovery path and a vapor pump to provide a vacuum along the path. Dispensers for dispensing fuel from a storage tank each have a branch conduit having one end adapted to be coupled to a receiving tank, and another end opening into the main vapor path, to provide a branch vapor recovery path. A sensor provides a first electrical signal indicative of the flow of the fuel being delivered, and a vapor flow sensor in the branch conduit supplies a signal indicative of the actual vapor flow. An adjustable valve in the branch conduit has an opening that is adjustable responsive to the magnitude of a control signal to vary the impedance of the vapor recovery path.

Abstract: A smectic liquid crystal is injected into a liquid crystal panel according to the vacuum injection scheme. The liquid crystal is applied over an injection port of a blank panel while maintaining the panel at a temperature below a temperature at which the liquid crystal shows a fluidity and controlling the liquid crystal at a viscosity of 0.0005-0.005 kg/ms. As a result, an appropriate amount of the liquid crystal can be applied, thereby providing a liquid crystal panel free from inversion of bubbles and good and uniform alignment free from alignment failure.

Abstract: This invention presents methods and dispensers which are used for a new way of filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The invented methods use the invented liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: A method of injecting liquid crystal for producing a liquid crystal display panel, in which the liquid crystal is injected into a cell of an LCD panel after the liquid crystal is purified by adding ionic material captures for capturing ionic material which increases the contamination degree of the liquid crystal, into the liquid crystal contained in a liquid crystal tray having a contact coil formed at the upper part thereof. According to the method of the present invention, the specific resistivity of the liquid crystal is prevented being lowered down and the number of times of injecting the liquid crystal into a cell of an LCD panel is decreased because the contamination of the liquid crystal contained in the liquid crystal tray by ionic material in producing the LCD panel is restrained.

Abstract: A method for recovering propellant from used aerosol cans which includes the steps of piercing the can; removing the mixture of residual propellant and fluid product from the can; collecting the mixture and then separating the propellant from the residual fluid product.

Abstract: A core-material container constituted of a container main body whose opening is covered with a sheet-like lid member made of an air-permeable material. In order to charge powder core material through a core-material charging inlet uniformly as well as densely, the charging operation of the core material is carried out in the following manner: housing the core material container in a housing space formed by a positioning guide and a plate member; releasing air from a suction outlet, thereby making the core-material charging inlet adhere around a nozzle; releasing air located inside a sealed space enclosed by an upper frame and a lower frame through an air outlet; and charging the core material through the nozzle while evacuating the core material container. Thus, the core material is uniformly charged by air flows caused by the air release, and the charge is densely carried out since air contained in the core material is removed.

Abstract: A plug for a threaded opening in an oil pan or other fluid container. The plug has a cylindrical midportion and upper and lower threaded portions at each end of the midportion. The midportion has a side orifice that is connected to another orifice at the end of the upper threaded portion. The end of the lower threaded portion has a grip for turning the plug. The plug may be installed by screwing the upper threaded portion into the threaded opening, sliding the plug further into the container, and screwing the lower threaded portion into the container. Fluid may be drained or vented by unscrewing the lower threaded portion and sliding the plug out of the container until the side orifice is exposed. Once unscrewed, the plug may be rotated to orient the flow of fluid from the side orifice in any direction. Fluid flow may be stopped by sliding the plug into the container until the upper edge of the lower threads contact the container wall.

Abstract: An aerosol can compacting apparatus which evacuates the can for recovery of any residual propellant and product, therefrom and then compacts the can discharges the slug now compacted for collection. The apparatus can be operated in an automated fashion and preferably by compressed air.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for filling a cryotank with liquid hydrogen, in which thermal energy is introduced into the liquid hydrogen by the transfer of the liquid hydrogen to the cryotank, such that the amount of gas which results during filling of a cryotank and is carried away via the gas return line is reduced to as great an extent as possible, preferably to zero, it is suggested that for filling hydrogen be used at a pressure and a temperature corresponding to an undercooled state of the liquid hydrogen.

Abstract: An internal gas removal system for a fuel tank is comprised of a venting system and a breathing system, both of which are placed substantially completely inside the fuel tank. The breathing system removes gases from the fuel tank while fuel is introduced into the fuel tank, while the venting system removes gases from the fuel tank while the vehicle is operated and the fuel is not introduced into the fuel tank. Both, the venting and the breathing systems are connected to their respective exit lines which exit the fuel tank through a single dedicated opening or through a filler pipe. A method of making the internal gas removal system comprises introducing the breathing and the venting systems into a blow mold and subsequently blow-molding the fuel tank around these systems.

Abstract: Method for destroying aerosol cans providing for their complete emptying, recovery, separation of various elements contained without losses, and the devices, automatic or not, for implementing the destruction method as well as the automatic piercing machine. The invention is related to the industrial sector of recovery and valorisation of waste products, the innovation of the method according to the invention allowing to pierce the aerosol can by means of a hollow needle (2) allowing to transfer the contents into a low pressure separation vat (8) making both housings, the aerosol can and the vat (8) to communicate, the invention using the resulting expansion in order to seperate the gases from the liquids, said gases thus expanded being sucked, compressed means of a compressor (13), liquified by an air-condenser (15) from where they are transferred into storage vats for treatment or reuse, the recovered liquids at the bottom of the vat (8) being transferred for reconditioning, treatment or destruction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring a metered charge of granular material from a bulk source to an individual receptacle at high speed. The apparatus comprises a nozzle having suction and positive ports, a screen disposed within the nozzle, and suction and positive pressure sources that selectively communicate with the suction and pressure ports to sequentially engage a charge of granular material from a bulk source and then expel the charge of granular material into a receptacle. The apparatus includes a controller for selectively actuating valves connecting the suction and positive pressure ports to the suction and positive pressure sources. Methods of transferring a discrete charge of the granular material from a bulk reservoir to an individual receptacle are also provided.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A method of withdrawing the fuel from the fuel tank of a liquid-fuel powered vehicle and discharging the fuel into bulk storage tanks includes providing a pump that is selectively actuatable for pumping liquid fuel and having an inlet that is connected with a hose having a portion of sufficient length and flexibility to be inserted into the fuel tank of a vehicle. The pump has a liquid discharge conduit for connection to a fuel storage tank. The hose is extended through the vehicle's filler pipe to the bottom of the tank. The fuel being withdrawn is metered to measuring the quantity of liquid being discharged by the pump into the discharge conduit. The hose may include a shutoff valve, which may be an automatic shutoff valve of the type used at gasoline stations.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing thermally conductive paste into the blind holes of a cold plate, and the insertion of pistons into those blind holes and in engagement with and to be coated by the thermal paste is described. The thermal paste is extruded from a carrier plate into the blind holes by the pistons to form the finished assembly of the cold plate under conditions of a vacuum to eliminate entrapped air or gases, which either would expand when the cold plate assembly was positioned within a vacuum chamber of a thermally conductive module or would impede heat transfer between the piston and the cold plate.

Abstract: A system for recovering propellant from aerosol cans and other sources having a gaseous propellant therein, which system constitutes a separation tank in which the propellant is separated from the product it was to deliver, a compressor to both compress the propellant and introduce it into a heat exchanger which cools the propellant into a liquid which liquid can be collected in a collection chamber in communication therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating the apparatus is disclosed for transferring reclaimed refrigerant from multiple recovery cylinders to a larger shipping cylinder using a vapor compressor and four-way valve to first transfer liquid refrigerant and then vapor to the shipping cylinder. This system includes flexible hoses for liquid and vapor transfer and employs valves near the couplings for connections of the hoses to the cylinders. Operating methods then permit transfer from successive cylinders to the shipping cylinders and change-outs in the shipping cylinders without loss of significant refrigerant to the atmosphere, and without inclusion of air into the refrigerant in the shipping cylinder.

Abstract: Aerosol spray cans are positioned one at a time at a workstation by inserting the bottom wall of each can through an appropriately sized centering ring to center the bottom wall relative to an annular seal that engages peripheral portions of the bottom wall to support the can at the workstation. The bottom wall is clamped into sealing engagement with the annular seal by using a lever operated clamping mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate all known standard sizes of aerosol spray cans. The bottom wall is punctured by using a lever operated, rack and pinion driven piercing mechanism that extends a piercing pin through the center opening of the annular seal. Contents that discharge from a pierced can are ducted into a receiving container, a lower portion of which is used to collect liquid contents for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: A system for recovering vapor and liquid emerging from a tank as it is being filled, in which the volumetric flow of a recovery pump that withdraws the vapor through a recovery tube is made equal to the volumetric flow of a fuel delivery pump with a microprocessor. The microprocessor can also modify the volumetric flow of the recovery pump in response to variations in the hydraulic pressure at the inlet side of the recovery pump.