Abstract: A method of and apparatus for dispensing photosensitive solution substantially reduces the amount of air bubbles in the photosensitive solution during the dispensing operation. The photosensitive solution dispensing apparatus includes at least one supply vessel that contains the solution, a respective buffer tank that buffers the solution supplied from each supply vessel, a filter unit for filtering the solution, a pump for pumping the solution pumped from the buffer tank to the filter unit, a dispensing nozzle connected to the filter unit, and a dedicated bubble removal filter that is interposed between the buffer tank and the pump. The bubble removal filter is configured to remove air bubbles from the solution before the solution flows into the pump and is dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A double walled riser sump has an annular space between the two walls. The provision of the annular space provides for monitoring the integrity of the two walls of the sump. The two walls of the sump are preferably separated by a thin film or a distance fabric that allows the passage of fluids, and preferably liquids. The annular space may be in fluid communication with a reservoir holding a monitoring fluid and positioned near the top of the sump to be easily accessible. In some embodiments, a top of the riser sump is also double walled and the top annular space is in fluid communication with the annular space between the vertical walls. If a leak develops in either wall of the sump, a corresponding drop in the fluid level of the reservoir will occur.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of use for storing and communicating information such as beverage preparation parameters including but not limited to beverage recipes, advertisements or operator information. The present disclosure provides a system which stores the information, communicates the information, and when appropriate, displays the information. The present disclosure also includes a method of using the described system. This disclosure provides a storage device which provides beverage brewing parameters used in beverage preparation.

Abstract: A methodology and apparatus comprises integral material reservoir cylinders which contain separate material bags in which reside a component required for a formulation, or alternate material reservoir containers, typically drums, with a component required for a formulation in each drum, or a combination of both, that provides a volume of material through a supply tube into a valve that directs the material to either: 1) a dispense tube and through a dispense valve, into a receiving container that sits upon a scale, or 2) into a dispense cylinder in which resides a piston that, through the use of a piston drive plate actuator and the piston drive plate actuators' piston drive plate, directs the material through a valve and through a dispenser tube and through a dispense valve and into a receiving container that sits upon a scale.

Abstract: A process of filling containers includes a passivating the filling equipment immediately prior to filling the containers with an oxidizing composition. Adjacent containers filled with different compositions are oriented relative to each other by marking the containers with a visible indicia representative of a pick up point of a dip tube within the container, rotating the containers relative to each other until the pick up point of each dip tube is positioned is a predetermined relationship to each other and thereafter adhering the containers are to each other in the predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for automatically proportioning-out or measuring-out a predetermined quantities of a variety of selected products and feeding the predetermined quantities of product into the individual chambers of a multiple-chamber dispensing container. The multiple-chamber dispensing containers are fed by a conveyor that is driven by a stepper-motor, to the filling location. The filling cycle begins when an empty container is recognized by a sensing mechanism. The machine and method causes the measured products to be deposited simultaneously into all of the individual chamber of the multiple-chamber dispensing container. The cycle is completed at a predetermined time period after the container was recognized. When a cycle has been completed the conveyor is energized. The next cycle begins when the next container is recognized.

Abstract: A method for detecting the undesirable entry of oxygen into a transfer system that transfers liquid hydrogen from a liquid hydrogen source into a container. A nozzle for use in the transfer system for dispensing liquid hydrogen comprises a housing and an oxygen sensor positioned inside the nozzle for detecting the concentration of oxygen in the nozzle when the liquid hydrogen is not flowing. The sensor emits a signal indicative of the concentration of oxygen in the transfer system before the liquid hydrogen begins transferring. The signal is received by a controller and prevents transfer of liquid hydrogen until the oxygen is removed from the transfer system.

Abstract: A driver interactive system to indirectly monitor hydrogen fuel cell vehicle electrical charge potential through vehicle to ground resistance measurements, and to permit refueling only when vehicle to ground resistance does not exceed a predetermined safe level thereby reducing the possibility of a static discharge during the refill of high pressure storage tanks in hydrogen powered vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products to prevent a delivery vehicle from making an unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank at a retail store facility. A retail system and/or a centralized inventory management system can monitor one or more tanks at the retail facility for liquid product delivery from the carrier. The retail system and/or the centralized inventory management system can automatically interrupt delivery of liquid product when the delivery vehicle begins to delivery the liquid product to an unauthorized tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing temperature standardization of the volume of a liquid product from a distributor to a consumer. Using a volume measurement device and a temperature measurement device located at a rack, a storage tank, and a dispenser, a gross volume and temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser can be measured. Volume data indicative of the gross volume and temperature data indicative of the temperature can be generated. A time-stamp system at each of the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser allocates a time-stamp to each of the volume data and the temperature data so that a reconciliation process can use each of the time-stamps, the temperature data, and the volume data to reconcile gross to net volumes at a single point in time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus, and methods for dispensing hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus comprises a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet comprises a first valve, a first hydrogen gas output port, a first nozzle, a first display panel in operable communication with the first hydrogen gas output port, and a first hose forming fluid communication between the first hydrogen output port and the first nozzle. The apparatus further comprises: an electrochemical cell disposed in fluid communication with the first outlet, and a mobile platform, wherein the first outlet and the electrochemical cell are mechanically connected to the mobile platform.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system including automated syringe preparation that involves reconstitution of the medication is provided. The system includes: an automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe by delivering the medication through the uncapped barrel. One exemplary automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe is in the form of an automated device having a fluid delivery device that is movable in at least one direction. The fluid delivery device is adapted to perform the following operations: (1) receiving and discharging diluent from a diluent supply in a prescribed amount to reconstitute the medication in a drug vial; and (2) aspirating and later discharging reconstituted medication from the drug vial into the syringe. The system further includes a sensor for detecting any foreign matter (e.g., undissolved drug, pieces of septum, etc.

Abstract: A device for verifying the amount of gasoline dispended by a gasoline pump is disclosed. The device comprises a housing containing a flow meter with said housing adapted to receive a gas pump nozzle and having an exit nozzle which is received by an intake gasoline channel of an automotive vehicle. In this manner, the housing and corresponding flow meter is integrated between the gas pump nozzle and gasoline-receiving channel of the vehicle. A display on the flow meter housing records the amount of gasoline dispensed therethrough. A user is then able to compare the recorded amount on the flow meter display with the amount recorded on a gas pump display. In an alternative version, a flow meter is incorporated within the gasoline-receiving channel of a vehicle. An automotive display then displays the volume of gasoline pumped into the vehicle for comparison with the volume displayed on the gas pump display.

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

Abstract: A system is disclosed allowing non-invasive, continuous local and remote sensing of the internal environmental characteristics of transportable containers. The system utilizes a variety of sensors inside the container to sense internal environmental conditions.

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

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

Abstract: An inerting system (10) for an aircraft (12) includes one or more fuel tank circuits (15) associated with fuel tanks (16). An air source (17) supplies pressurized air. A heat exchanger (56) cools the pressurized air. An air separation module (46) is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger (56) and separates inerting gas from the pressurized air. A controller (40) controls flow of the inerting gas from the air separation module (46) to the fuel tanks (16).

Abstract: A fluid control and gas delivery assembly and method for containing, receiving and storing hazardous fluids and for dispensing gas comprising a container, a fluid fill path, a gas dispensing path, a first shut-off valve, a pressure reducer, a fluid flow restrictor, a second shut-off valve and a fluid outlet connector. The first shut-off valve is positioned in said gas dispensing path upstream of a pressure reducer. A fluid flow restrictor downstream of the pressure reducer has a fluid flow restriction path configured to restrict the flow of the fluid delivered to the fluid flow restrictor at the delivery pressure to a maximum mass flow rate that is equal to or less than the allowable mass flow rate standard for the hazardous fluid. The second shut-off valve is positioned in said gas dispensing path downstream of said pressure reducer.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A smart water filling device comprising: a vessel, having an outlet and a space extended outwardly from one side of the vessel; a tube, one side coupled to the outlet; a float device, having a housing and a float, wherein the float is disposed inside the housing and the housing has at least one opening and one side of the housing is connected to the other side of the tube; a control device, having a housing and a control circuit, wherein the housing is positioned beside the housing of the float device and the control circuit is disposed therein; and a warning device, disposed inside the space and coupled to the control circuit; whereby while the water being filled into the vessel, the control circuit can detect the position of the float and determine the water level inside the float device, and alarm to the user by way of using the warning device.

Abstract: A method for creating a ready-to-use product from a concentrated form comprises providing a source of locally supplied diluent to a dispenser having a fill station, providing a container of first concentrate at a remote site, providing a first product container, identifying the container by the dispenser, placing indicia with the fill date on the first product container and filling the container with the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: Devices for filling portable gas containers and, more specifically, devices to facilitate usage of portable gas cylinders in accordance with the safety criteria for a wide range of gases and commercial applications. The present invention provides a gas supply device to fill a portable container with an electronic label attached. The gas supply device includes a read device, and a control unit. When the portable container is connected to the device and to a gas source, the read device reads the electronic label, thus allowing a control unit to then control the supply of gas to the portable container based on the information encoded by radio frequency induction in the electronic label.

Abstract: A transportable container for high purity, high cost, liquid chemicals capable of maximizing dispensing of the liquid chemical content of the container at deviations from an upright position, comprising; a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, the bottom wall having an internal surface contacting liquid chemical with a concave upward contour having a lowest most point axially central to the container, an inlet, an outlet comprising a diptube through which the liquid chemical can be dispensed from said container with an outlet end adjacent the top surface and an inlet terminal end adjacent the lowest most point, a level sensor assembly having an output end adjacent the top surface and a terminal end adjacent the lowest most point; the diptube and the level sensor assembly being more proximate to one another at their terminal ends than their ends adjacent the top surface.

Abstract: A device for measuring the filling level of a fuel tank, in particular for motor vehicles, having two openings for installation of a filling connection and a pump unit, and a film sensor provided with an electric connecting cable which can be connected to a display device through the pump unit. The film sensor is embedded in a protective tube which is provided with inlet openings for the fuel. The protective tube is mounted on the filling connection at the side and can be inserted jointly with it into the respective opening in the fuel tank.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated means for storing, dispensing and orienting injectable drug vials for a robotic application is provided and includes a plurality of automated syringe preparation stations is provided. The drug vial stores the medication that is either is either in solid form and thus needs to be reconstituted into the injectable drug or the vial can contain medication that was already been previously reconstituted and is ready for delivery to the syringe. The automated means includes a robotic vial gripper device for holding and transferring one vial from one station to a next station of the robotic application; and a detector that determines whether the vial is in a correct orientation throughout one or more stations of the robotic application.

Abstract: A mixed liquid manufacturing apparatus comprises: an information input unit, in which information of an object, to which a mixed liquid is offered, is input; a material storage system that stores a plurality of materials for a mixed liquid; a product information system that selects kinds and quantities of the stored materials on the basis of the input information of the object, to which a mixed liquid is offered; a liquid transfer unit, by which the selected materials are taken out from the material storage system; a mixing unit, in which the materials supplied from the liquid transfer unit are mixed; an injection unit, by which the mixed liquid is injected into a mixed liquid container; an input unit, by which matters being declared on a label of the mixed liquid container are input; and a label formation unit, in which the input matters are printed on the label and the label is stuck on the mixed liquid container, and wherein the label formation unit begins printing before the injection unit completes injec

Abstract: The portable fuel delivery apparatus for temporarily providing fuel to disabled machines, such as motor vehicles. The apparatus comprises a container for housing the fuel, a hose for discharging the fuel from said container, an electric pump inside said container for pumping the fuel from the container through said hose, and a pair of wires to connect said electric pump to a power source.

Abstract: An unattended gas station is disclosed having lockable pumps usable by a control group of purchasers who are provided with unlocking keys or cards, said pumps having flame and heat detectors and fire suppressants associated therewith and being monitored from a remote location by a security company through cameras and the detectors who can activate said fire suppressants and contact necessary fire, medical, and law enforcement personnel if needed.

Abstract: Techniques for the delivery of metered amounts of liquid material include the use of a pin, such as an optical fiber. A sample of the liquid material may be placed on the tip of the pin for delivery to a target area, such as a specific location on a microarray, in a contactless manner. Light transmitted through the pin may be detected to facilitate accurate measuring of the pin's position.

Abstract: A hydraulic flushing system includes an indicia reader adapted to read indicia on a hydraulic fluid container and a data processor coupled to the indicia reader to determine if the indicia has been utilized before in the hydraulic flushing system. The hydraulic flushing system may include a pump to pump hydraulic fluid from the container. The data processor may prevent operation of the pump if the indicia has been utilized before in the hydraulic flushing system or if the indicia does not indicate a proper grade of hydraulic fluid for a type of vehicle being serviced.

Abstract: A system for allocating fuel stations to movable bodies includes an onboard unit, a station unit and a server. The onboard unit stores and updates information about a movable body. The station unit disposed at a fuel station which supplies fuel to the movable body stores and updates information about the fuel station. The server, which is connected to the onboard unit and the station unit through networks, allocates certain fuel stations to the movable body which requires fueling, based on the information about the movable body and the fuel station. When a difference of distance resulting from a subtraction, a movable distance minus a station distance, is smaller than a certain threshold, the server determines a necessity of supplying fuel to the movable body, allocating a fuel station which keeps an amount of stored fuel necessary for fuelling the movable body.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel filler warning indicator for warning or reminding a user about to add fuel to a tank that only a particular type of fuel is to be used. It includes a flap portion or panel, which may include indicia, that is normally biased or disposed into a position that requires it to be manually displaced before the fuel filler cap can be removed or a fuel nozzle inserted.

Abstract: A containment enclosure system at least a portion of which is double-walled. An exemplary system of the invention provides enhanced leak protection by monitoring the space within the double-walled portion of the containment enclosure system. The system is capable of providing continuous monitoring of the enclosure, collar, penetrations, and/or joints for potential leaks. Containment enclosures of the invention may be used as, used with, or attached to tanks, piping, dispensers, or any other type of storage container including vessels, boxes, sphere or containers of any shape. These containment enclosures may be underground, partially underground, or aboveground. In addition, these containment enclosures may be completely enclosed or enclosed on the bottom and sides with an open or covered top. Where these containment enclosures are attached to a storage tank or other storage container, embodiments also include the associated apparatus for affixing the enclosures to the storage tank or other storage container.

Abstract: A resealable cap (110, 210) for a medicament vial (114, 214) has a base portion (112, 212) formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion (126, 226) overlying the base portion. The resealable portion (126, 226) is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member (140, 282) for dispensing medicament into the vial (114, 214). Prior to filling, the cap (110, 210) is assembled to the vial (114, 214) and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle (140, 282) is inserted through the cap (110, 210) and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle (140, 282), the penetrated region of the cap (248) is fused by laser (276) or direct heat sealing (264) to hermetically seal the needle hole (294) in the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are used to perform the verification of a pharmaceutical prescription after it is filled but prior to shipment. Due to the high volume of mail/internet orders, the analysis is to be performed on the whole prescription, not on each individual pill of the prescription. The apparatus automatically gathers information about the pills contained in a pill bottle, including image and weight information, and incorporates a decision-making engine to decide whether the content of the pill bottle matches the prescription order.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the concentration of hydrogen gas being transferred through a nozzle from a source container to a destination container and for providing an alert and/or taking action where hydrogen gas leaks may create an unsafe condition. The invention can accurately and reproducibly respond to and measure the absolute hydrogen gas concentration within the nozzle housing using hydrogen gas sensors that are selective only to hydrogen, which do not require the presence of oxygen to operate and which do not saturate when hydrogen safety levels are reached. These sensors are positioned inside the nozzle housing to allow for the direct and immediate knowledge of the presence of hydrogen gas that cannot be safely determined by other means. An apparatus and process for detecting leaks of liquid hydrogen through a nozzle during transfer of liquid hydrogen from a source container to a destination container are also discussed.

Abstract: A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated syringe preparation mechanism for an automated medication preparation system is provided and the mechanism includes (1) a first automated gripping mechanism having a pair of adjustable gripper arms for removing a tip cap from a barrel of one syringe and placing the removed tip cap at a first location and (2) a second automated gripping mechanism having a pair of adjustable gripper arms for replacing the removed tip cap on the syringe barrel after the medication is injected therein.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation is provided and typically involves the preparation and dispensing of drug products, whether they are in a bag, a syringe or via some other type of administration vehicle. The system includes: an automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to a drug product container from a drug container. A label containing medication information (medication identifying indicia) is disposed about an outer surface, e.g., a circumference, of the drug container.

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

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

Abstract: A spontaneous full fuel tank indicator is disclosed that allows an operator stationed at the fuel fill aperture of a motor vehicle to know when the fuel tank is completely filled. The indicator may be a visual display or an audible alert. The indicator may also be the CPU operation of a vehicle member such as the honking of the horn, flashing of the lights, or operation of the vehicle sound system. Alternatively, the indicator may be a visual, audible or vibratory alert at a key fob. The full fuel tank indicator operates in real-time without requiring a key in the ignition switch. A converter kit is also disclosed by which an existing vehicle may be equipped with a spontaneous full fuel tank indicator.

Abstract: There are practical difficulties in dosing a component of a composition into its container, such as a personal care product into a hand-holdable dispenser on a filling line, due in part to the short time that is available for the operation. The difficulties can be ameliorated or overcome by employing dosing apparatus in which a metering pump feeds a flowable material such a liquid through a dosing nozzle positioned above a container intended to receive a charge, the nozzle having a plurality of individual spouts spaced apart from each other so as to prevent their individual streams coalescing and the spouts extending sufficiently below its support to prevent droplets from adjacent spouts coalescing.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

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

Abstract: A vacuum generator that is coupled to a double-walled fuel supply piping internal to a fuel dispenser that carries the fuel from the underground storage tank to the hose and nozzle of the fuel dispenser. The double-walled fuel supply piping contains an inner piping that carries the fuel. An interstitial space is formed by the space between the inner piping and an outer piping that surrounds the inner piping to capture any leaked fuel from the inner piping. The interstitial space is coupled to a vacuum created by the vacuum generator to determine if a leak exists in the interstitial space. The vacuum generator may be a standalone unit or may be a submersible turbine pump that also pumps fuel from the underground storage tank to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is a container lid assembly that includes an integral vacuum pump so as to create at least a partial vacuum within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container; a selectively activated lid-removal mechanism (child proof mechanism); a vacuum indicator; and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.