Abstract: A drain conduit is disposed contiguous with and sealed to a footer which supports a foundation wall. The conduit is an upwardly open, impervious trough having an openwork cover. Any water leaking through the foundation wall or between the wall and the footer is captured by the drain conduit so that it does not enter the subsoil and weaken the support for the footer. Where the foundation wall has a crack opening onto its inner surface, it is enlarged and then covered by a moisture barrier film strip and a fiberglass panel, both of which are secured to the wall. Leakage water, through the crack, is thus channelized and directed towards the juncture between the inner surface of the wall and the upper surface of the footer for flow into the drain conduit. The panel terminates above the footer and film strip is extended across the footer and overlies the drain conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted, vapor recovery fuel nozzle comprising a nozzle body and a spout mounted thereon. The spout comprises an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and passage means in the body provide a fuel passage. The inner and outer tubes define a vapor return passage in the spout. The inner end of the outer tube is provided with a radial flange, which is clamped, by a breakaway nut, on the nozzle body to mount the spout thereon. The nozzle is provided with an automatic shut off mechanism, which includes a venturi valve for generating a negative pressure. In the absence of an overfill condition, this negative pressure is vented to atmosphere through a vent tube disposed in the vapor return passage. A normally closed vapor return valve, mounted on the nozzle body, is opened in response to the nozzle's flow control valve, so that vapors will be drawn into the entrance of the vapor return passage at the outer end of the spout.

Abstract: A fuel hose breakaway unit comprising couplers that are held in assembled relation by longitudinally extending fingers that are mounted on the outlet coupler and engage abutment lugs on the inlet coupler. When a predetermined longitudinal separation force is applied to the couplers, the fingers flex outwardly to a release position, permitting the couplers to separate. The fingers are provided by finger sets, each of which is provided with three fingers. A locking collar locks the bases of the finger sets onto the outer surface of the housing for the outlet coupler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a metered volume of air into a continuously generated and flowing slurry composed of metered dry cementitious material, metered water and metered air entraining (or foaming) agent and for homogenizing this air into bubbles or cells of relatively small size to produce a uniform cellular product. The apparatus comprises a positive displacement progressive cavity slurry pump driven by a variable speed motor. By driving the pump at a speed in excess of the speed required to accommodate the volume of slurry being generated, the pump will draw air proportionately to this excess of speed. Further elements of the apparatus comprise a closed conduit system for the slurry discharging from the pump, this system communicating with a cylindrical homogenizing apparatus wherein rotating elements homogenize the metered air and slurry with the cooperation of the air entraining agent into a foamed material having relatively small air cells of uniform size.

Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle, employed in minimizing atmospheric pollution by fuel vapors is described. The nozzle comprises a bellows which is compressed against the fill pipe of a vehicle fuel tank during discharge of fuel therein. The bellows surrounds a nozzle spout to define a vapor return flow path which extends through a nozzle body. The body of the nozzle is compositely formed by a body member and a vapor path cap which compositely define the vapor return flow passage. Flow of fuel is controlled by a control valve which may be opened, or maintained opened, by an operating lever only when a trip mechanism stem is latched in an operative position. A mechanical interlock prevents latching of the trip mechanism stem unless the bellows is compressed in sealing engagement with a fill pipe. When the bellows is so compressed, the trip stem is latched. If the level of fuel in the fill pipe covers the end of the spout, vacuum actuated means unlatch the trip mechanism stem.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle has a modular construction wherein valve, venturi and spout modules are mounted in a bore formed in a nozzle body. The main fuel valve is controlled, independently of fuel pressurization, in response to a mechanical signal input, acting through a servo valve. The mechanical signal input is provide by a finger displaced trigger, acting through a pivotal lever arm and latching means that form part of the automatic shut off means for preventing overfill of a fuel tank. The venturi module has a venturi passage for generating a vacuum employed in the automatic shut off mechanism. The venturi module includes a bypass passage that enables sufficient vacuum force to be generated at both high and low flow rates. The spout module comprise an extruded spout (including a venturi vent passage) and a pair of mechanical adapter shells that are mechanical locked onto the spout and mechanically locked to the nozzle body, to secure the several modules in assembled relation.

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: A vacuum assisted, vapor recovery fuel nozzle comprising a nozzle body and a spout mounted thereon. The spout comprises an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and a passage in the body provide a fuel passage. The inner and outer tubes define a vapor return passage in the spout. The inner end of the outer tube is provided with a radial flange, which is clamped, by a breakaway nut, on the nozzle body to mount the spout thereon. The nozzle is provided with an automatic shut off mechanism, which includes a venturi valve for generating a negative pressure. In the absence of an overfill condition, this negative pressure is vented to atmosphere through a vent tube disposed in the vapor return passage. A normally closed vapor return valve, mounted on the nozzle body, is opened in response to the nozzle's flow control valve, so that vapors will be drawn into the entrance of the vapor return passage at the outer end of the spout.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted, vapor recovery fuel nozzle comprising a nozzle body and a spout mounted thereon. The spout comprises an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and a passage in the body provide a fuel passage. The inner and outer tubes define a vapor return passage in the spout. The inner end of the outer tube is provided with a radial flange, which is clamped, by a breakaway nut, on the nozzle body to mount the spout thereon. The nozzle is provided with an automatic shut off mechanism, which includes a venturi valve for generating a negative pressure. In the absence of an overfill condition, this negative pressure is vented to atmosphere through a vent tube disposed in the vapor return passage. A normally closed vapor return valve, mounted on the nozzle body, is opened in response to the nozzle's flow control valve, so that vapors will be drawn into the entrance of the vapor return passage at the outer end of the spout.

Abstract: A system for blending fluids comprises a plurality of fluid sources to which utilization conduits are selectively connected. The blending operation for a predefined combination of fluids is controlled by a computer employing a software control program. An rf signal tag is mounted on each utilization conduit. When the utilization conduit is connected to a supply conduit for a given fluid source, a utilization signal input is provided to the computer and control program to provide assurance that the predefined fluids are connected for a given blending operation as well as the utilization conduit being properly locked on the supply conduit.

Abstract: A sand molding medium for the use in founding of iron. The medium includes wettable uintaite as a carbon source supplemental to sea coal. The wettable uintaite is included in a carbon additive that is combined with sea coal to formulate the carbon component of an a pre-mix. The pre-mix also includes a clay component. The pre-mix is combined with sand to formulate the sand molding medium.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with a view glass/fuel flow indicator that are disposed between the main fuel valve and a downstream check valve. The view glass/flow indicator means comprise a pair of horizontally aligned view glasses. A plurality of embodiments illustrate the use of different sub-assemblies in providing the view glass/flow indicator functions, as well as different provisions for obtaining a seal that prevents leakage of fuel at the view glass units.

Abstract: A continuous casting mold comprises a mold tube encased in a water jacket. A radioactive source on one side of the mold tube and scintillation crystal detector on the opposite side of the mold tube are employed to gauge the level of the molten metal in the tube. The amount of radioactive source material is maintained at an inherently safe level by disposing the source material in one or more recesses in the wall of the mold tube and by employment of a "gel" light tube connection between the scintillation crystal and a photomultiplier.

Abstract: An article accumulator is designed for use with a robotic hand. The accumulator comprises an open frame having an endless open conveyor for receiving and transporting individual aligned rows of generally flattened articles such as frozen burger patties. A receiving section of the accumulator initially receives the flattened articles in rectilinear rows. The rows of articles are then passed to a pick section of the accumulator. Operably associated with the pick section are a repositioning system and a lifting system. The repositioning system comprises an actuator, a set of plate members with vertically extending fingers, and a stop fence. The plate members are positioned below the open conveyor so that upon programmed activation, the plate members move upwardly a sufficient distance that their fingers encompass a number of articles. The fingers ensure that the articles are properly positioned. The lifting system is also positioned below the endless open conveyor holding the articles.

Abstract: An elbow coupler includes a linkage for locking the coupler to an adapter. The linkage has a resilient, laterally deflectable link that limits the forces applied to the linkage thereby preventing the components of the linkage from being overstressed. A spring loaded, blocking sleeve prevents the coupler from normally remaining upright on an adapter, unless it is locked thereon through use of the locking linkage. A flapper valve is interconnected with the blocking sleeve to the end that the valve is normally closed and then opened when the coupler is locked onto an adapter.

Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of fuel into a multi-compartmented transport tank interrupts loading of fuel when the level of fuel in any compartment is above a given upper level and prevents loading when the level of fuel is above a given lower level. Fail safe operation is provided by top and bottom liquid level sensors which generate a "dry" signal to indicate that the liquid level is below the upper and lower levels in each compartment. A "dry" signal from the bottom sensor is required to initiate loading of a compartment. Once initiated, a substitute signal permits continued loading of the compartment. The "dry" signal is a pulsing electrical signal which cooperates with a multivibrator to generate a signal for each compartment indicating that loading of fuel is appropriate. Indicia lights are provided for each compartment to indicate the level of fuel in each compartment. Diagnostic means enable these lights to identify the failure of a sensor or a faulty electrical connection therewith.

Abstract: An electrical service installation comprises a plurality of circuit breakers protecting against overcurrent hazards in branch load circuits. An acceleration, bypass circuit is provided for each circuit breaker. Current flow through each of the bypass circuits is controlled by a normally non-conductive SCR. Current flow to each branch circuit passes through a sensing resistor that is connected across the gate and cathode of the associated SCR. When the voltage drop across the sensing resistor reflects a current level indicative of an "arc short circuit", the SCR is triggered to a conductive state. Current then flows through the bypass circuit increasing current flow through the associated circuit breaker, to thereby provide a substantially increased current magnitude for magnetically tripping the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are thus tripped to provide protection against the hazards of "arc short circuit" currents that do not have a magnitude sufficient to initiate magnetic tripping.

Abstract: A "fish tape" for installing electrical conductors in conduits is provided with an anti-snagging device. The anti-snagging device comprises a spherical roller to forms the leading portion of the "fish tape" as it is fed into a conduit. The roller "rides over" discontinuities in the conduit that would otherwise interfere with the "fish tape" being fed through the conduit and then retracted therefrom.

Abstract: A woven fabric sheeting combines the comfort features of cotton fabrics with the durability advantages of polyester fabrics. The sheeting construction is characterized by the use of cotton warp yarns and continuous filament, texturized, polyester filling yarns.

Abstract: A sanitary pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensing chamber, downstream of an orifice, has its upper portion defined by a diaphragm. A valve stem, mounted on the diaphragm, extends downwardly through the orifice and has a plug disposed on the upstream side of the orifice. A valve spring, is disposed in a spring housing and acts through a lower spring retainer to yieldingly resist movement of the valve plug to a position which would restrict fluid flow. The spring housing, compression spring and lower retainer form a unit which can be mounted on and detached from a passage housing. The valve stem is mounted on the diaphragm by a nut which is threaded onto a portion of the stem which projects above the diaphragm. Provision is made to lock the valve stem in an open position to facilitate the use of high pressure fluid in cleaning the regulator. In an alternate embodiment, the valve stem is axially fixed relative to the lower spring retainer and a disc engages the lower surface of the diaphragm.