Abstract: An improvement in a sucker rod having an elongated metal body with opposed ends and threaded couplings positioned at each of the opposed ends comprises a thread form on the threaded couplings defining at least two concurrent helixes. Each of the at least two helixes has a different starting position on a circumference of the threaded coupling.

Abstract: An improvement in a sucker rod having an elongated metal body with opposed ends and threaded couplings positioned at each of the opposed ends comprises a thread form on the threaded couplings defining at least two concurrent helixes. Each of the at least two helixes has a different starting position on a circumference of the threaded coupling.

Abstract: Dispensing nozzles having a spout for dispensing a fluid are provided. The spout comprises a first tube for engaging the dispensing nozzle and having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a first passage interconnecting the proximal and distal ends. A second tube is disposed within the first passage of the first tube and communicates with a first opening on the outer surface of the first tube, the first opening being located adjacent the distal end. A valve seat is disposed at least partially within the first passage at the proximal end of the first tube and has a second passage disposed therein. A plug is disposed within the first passage between the valve seat and the distal end and has a third passage extending therethrough. A valve is disposed between the plug and the valve seat for sealingly engaging the valve seat, the valve being biased into engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: A spring tension assembly, which includes a support member for attaching an adjustment assembly to the loading arm. The adjustment assembly can be mounted adjacent the first end of the support member and preferably is configured for engaging the first end of the spring. The adjustment assembly preferably comprises at least two rotatable gears having an interlocked meshed arrangement. An arm assembly can be mounted adjacent the second end of the support member, and configured for engaging the second or other end of the spring. A link arm can have one end attached to the arm assembly and a second end attached to the loading arm.

Abstract: An valve assembly for automatically shutting off the flow of a pressurized liquid to a storage tank includes a cam that is rotated in response to the level of a liquid in the storage tank. A follower moves a poppet valve axially with a housing as a nonlinear function of rate of cam rotation. The poppet valve is moved to a closed position to terminate flow of a liquid to the storage tank whenever the liquid level within the storage tank reaches a predetermined level.

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 low profile locking mechanism for securing a lever arm of a coupler in a locked position interlocks with the side surface of the lever arm. The locking mechanism is formed from low cost resiliently deformable material that is protected against impact by the lever arm.

Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle includes a spout construction comprising an outer aluminum tube and an inner nylon tube. The distal ends of the tubes are joined so that the inner tube defines an central fuel passage and, in combination with the outer tube, defines a generally annular vapor return passage. a distal end portion of the outer tube has a reduced wall thickness and its inner end is expanded to mount a locator ring thereon. The spout assembly is telescoped into an adapter that connects the fuel and vapor passages to corresponding passages in the nozzle body. A spout nut threads into the nozzle body and engages the locating ring to mount the spout on the nozzle. The outer spout tube is formed by lathe operations which include turning a fracture groove adjacent its inner end, and, thereafter bending the tube to angle the distal end portion of the tube downwardly from its inner end. A second embodiment teaches the use of structural, synthetic resins in forming the outer spout tube.

Abstract: A vapor recovery valve that includes two mechanisms for opening the valve is disclosed. The first mechanism opens the valve when fuel is being dispensed by a fuel delivery system. The second mechanism selectively opens the valve independent of whether the fuel delivery system is dispensing fuel. A method for dry testing a vapor recovery system is also disclosed. The method involves disabling the fuel dispensing capability of the fuel delivery system, and then operating the vapor recovery system at a rate that corresponds to a predetermined imaginary fuel dispensing rate. Next, the vapor recovery path is opened, and its operation is measured and determined if it is sufficient for the imaginary fuel delivery rate.

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: A coupling for connecting fluid conduits comprises a coupler and an adapter. The coupler has a frusto-conical seat at its distal end. Fixed and pivotal jaws project beyond the frusto-conical seat and are engageable with a clamping surface on the adapter. A lever operated, cam member swings the pivotal jaw to a position in which the coupler is locked in sealed relation on the adapter. An interlock rod prevents rotation of the lever from this rest position unless the coupler is positioned to be locked on the adapter. The coupler and adapter each comprise normally closed poppet valves. When the operating lever is swung from its rest position to a ready position, the pivotal jaw is swung to its locking position. When the operating letter is swung to a further angular extent, to a full flow position, the coupler poppet is displaced outwardly by a crank/link mechanism.

Abstract: A system that sterilizes and compacts medical waste. The system includes a vessel which has a door that provides access to an inner chamber. The inner chamber is coupled to a compressor and a source of heating fluid. The vessel also has a jacket that surrounds the inner chamber. The jacket is coupled to the source of heating fluid and a source of cooling fluid. The operation of the system is controlled by a controller. To sterilize and compact medical waste, the door is initially opened and the waste is placed inside the inner chamber. The door is closed to seal the vessel. A vacuum is pulled within the inner chamber to remove any moisture contained therein. Simultaneous with the creation of the vacuum is the introduction of heating fluid to the jacket to heat the vessel. Heating fluid is then introduced to the inner chamber to sterilize the waste. After the waste is sterilized, a vacuum is pulled to remove the heating fluid from the inner chamber. The waste is then compacted by a piston.

Abstract: A swivel adapter for an inlet conduit to an underground storage includes two relatively rotatable components. The relative rotation between the components prevents sealing loss between the adapter and the inlet conduit when the adapter is subjected to torque.

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: An apparatus and method for sealing and accessing the end of a fill pipe connected to a pressurized fuel reservoir. The cap has a body, a sealing member for sealing between the cap and the adapter ring, a fastening system for fastening the cap body to the end of the pipe, and a valve system for venting the pressurized gaseous media in fuel reservoir. The valve system has an inlet exposed to the pressurized gaseous media contained in the fuel reservoir, an outlet exposed to a volume external to the reservoir. A flow path extends through the cap body between the inlet and the outlet, and a valving member movably disposed in the flow path that is adapted for manual activation to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet.

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.