Abstract: A hollow tube attachable at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with an end cap in which is formed a fluid discharge opening through which to transfer fluid. The end cap includes a first portion inserted into the tube, while a second portion remains exterior thereto. A slide valve on the exterior of the tube is biased into a closed position, precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. An air vent passageway in the form of an air vent recess in the outer surface of the first portion of the end cap communicates between the interior of the container and the exterior of the fluid conduit. When the receiving vessel is filled, fluid in the receiving vessel closes entry to the air vent passageway, terminating air flow into the container and stopping fluid flow through the conduit. Capillary sections of reduced cross-sectional area relative that of the air vent passageway are located at either end of the air vent recess.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle with controlled vapor recovery including a fuel passageway, a main fuel valve in the fuel passageway, a vapor recovery passageway, a main vapor valve in the vapor recovery passageway, a manually operable trigger mechanism for controlling the main fuel valve to control the flow of fuel through the fuel passageway and for opening the main vapor valve, an auxiliary vapor valve in the vapor recovery passageway for controlling the rate of flow of vapor through the vapor recovery passageway when the main vapor valve is open, a fuel flow sensing permanent magnet in the fuel passageway and moveable responsive to the rate of fuel flow, and a follower magnet connected to the auxiliary vapor valve and magnetically coupled to the fuel flow sensing magnet for opening the auxiliary vapor valve an amount correlated to the rate of fuel flow to control the rate and thus the volume of vapor recovered in direct correlation to the rate and thus the volume of fuel dispensed.

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 fluent material dispensing apparatus having a hopper for receiving and holding fluent material, the hopper having an open rectangular mouth which converges into multiple individual discharge openings. Formed around each of the discharge openings are discharge chutes for dispensing the fluent material. A support frame for supporting the hopper includes base members and a plurality of vertical legs extending between the hopper and the base members. A swing gate is pivotally mounted to each discharge chute and is movable from an open to a closed position over the opening of the discharge chute for covering and uncovering the discharge chute to control the discharge of fluent material from the hopper. A swing arm is fixed to each swing gate. A linkage rod is connected to the free end of the swing arm and also to one end of a pivotally mounted lever arm connected to a pivot member on the support frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for storing selected quantities of granular materials, for programmable extraction in selected proportions and at selected rates, for delivery to a changeable location through a flexible auger-driven common delivery conduit. Individual containers containing specific granular products are mounted so that they are continually weighed by load cells communicating with a central control system including a microprocessor. Each of the containers is provided with an individual valve which is controllable by the microprocessor pursuant to a user-provided program, so that precisely determined and timed gravity-assisted extraction of the granular materials is effected. Auger mounted immediately below each container to positively transfer the extracted granular material along the delivery conduit. By the addition of a liquid carrier, either from one of the cooperating containers or after delivery of the granular material to the selected location, slurries, e.g.

Abstract: In order to prevent injury to the back, a lumbar supporting belt includes a relatively wide inner belt and a relatively narrow outer belt. The inner belt is adapted to extend about the waist of a person. It has a middle region adapted to be positioned in the lumbar region of the back and has opposing ends adapted to be placed in proximity to one another. The inner belt is formed of a soft, flexible material which can have its opposing ends releasably connected. The outer belt is also adapted to extend about the waist of a person. It overlies the inner belt and has opposing ends corresponding to the opposing ends of the inner belt which are adapted to be placed in proximity to one another. The outer belt is formed of a flexible, non-stretchable material which can have its opposing ends releasably connected. In addition, the lumbar supporting belt may have a tool pouch which is supported in position by at least the outer belt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is illustrated in one form as an inline electrical circuit breaker system for an electrical extension cable comprising an intermediate coupler having opposite end terminals adapted for electrically coupling a female terminal of a first electrical cable to a male terminal of a second electrical cable. A recess is formed in the coupler and has a pair of opposite end walls, the recess being adapted for receiving a circuit breaker. A first power bus segment extends from one of the opposite end terminals through an adjacent one of the opposite end walls and partially into the recess. A second power bus segment extends from another of the opposite end terminals through an adjacent one of the pair of opposite end walls and partially into the recess. The circuit breaker includes terminals for coupling the first and second power bus segments for establishing a current path through the coupler when the breaker is installed in the recess.

Abstract: A device for filling a converter with writing fluid, including a connector designed to be sealingly engaged with the orifice of a converter. The connector has an orifice in the shape of an orifice of a conventional ink cartridge. The device also includes a pipe-shaped conduit segment, connecting to the connector and extending into the interior of a reservoir containing writing fluid. The pipe-shaped conduit segment extends from the connector in an inclined fashion to a free end proximate to the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard in which the keys are operable in at least two different modes. Each key is provided with symbols or areas of color which denote the different modes. The symbols or areas are selectively illuminated depending upon which mode is selected. Thus, in one mode, one area of the keys will be illuminated, while in another mode, another area of the keys will be illuminated. Thus, only the symbols or areas of color on denoting a selected mode are differentially visibly distinguishable by the user, assisting the user to press the correct key, in any selected mode.

Abstract: A container for sound carriers, such as compact cassettes, compact discs, and the like, which has a mounting base mountable in a motor vehicle; a container housing releasibly connected with the mounting base. The mounting base has two side faces provided with retaining rails. The container housing has guides in which the retaining rails of the mounting base engage. The mounting base has further guide surfaces. One of the guiding surfaces is formed as a bridge-like web provided with teeth, and resting against a rack of the container housing.

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with accessible interior space laterally of the inner tank; a barrier wall between that interior space and the inner wall; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the interior space to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A convertible packpack having a storage compartment for a raincoat in the front of the pack covered by a completely detachable totebag having handles and a plurality of storage compartments in the back of the pack, the raincoat being held fast in the storage compartment by fastening straps that can also be used to support the totebag at the bottom of the pack when the raincoat is worn or alternatively the tote bag can be held at the bottom of the pack in suspended condition.

Abstract: Self contained evacuation lid adapted for containers allowing the contents of the container (30) to be stored under a reduced pressure atmosphere after the container (30) has been opened. The evacuation lid forms a closure over the container (30) which incorporates a bellows pump (12) for removing air from container (30). The evacuation lid also includes a air intake valve (14) for venting the container (30) to facilitate the removal of the lid.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system (50) and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism (B) and a second blade mechanism (C). The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions (80a, 80b), and distribute tobacco into a charger (30a). The charger includes a vertical chute (32a)and an internal container (34a) which inserts into a tobacco container (22a) which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head (12a). First blade mechanism (B) includes a primary distributor blade (82) which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism (C) may include secondary distributor blades (94) and (96) which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade (82), provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container (22a).

Abstract: The storage tank consists of a main tank and ullage tank connected by a relatively small passage having a flow rate capacity up to 30% of the main fill line. To fill the tank, liquid cryogen is delivered to the main tank by either a top or bottom fill. Because the fill line is significantly larger than the passage, the main tank will become liquid full while the ullage tank remains substantially empty. When the tank becomes liquid full a dramatic drop in the flow rate will result that can be detected by a relatively insensitive, and inexpensive, flow monitoring device thereby to stop the filling operation. The ullage tank will retain trapped gas and gradually allow the liquid from the main tank to enter the ullage tank through the passage until the liquid level in the tanks are equal. Once the liquid levels in the tanks equalize, a vapor space is created above the liquid to accommodate vaporizing cryogen and provide long hold times.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a valve assembly to include a cap which is removably secured to a spout of a water bottle. The cap further includes an aperture for receiving a hollow shank having an opened top and an opened bottom. A shaft is received in the opened bottom of the shank for permitting the shaft to slide freely and vertically within the shank. The shaft further includes at least one hole encompassing the side wall of the top area and a stop extending outwardly from an enclosed top. This stop contacts the opened top of the shank to maintain for the assembly to be in a closed position, accordingly, providing the hole to be covered by the shank. Located at the bottom of the shank is a first flange and located at the bottom of the shaft is a second flange. A locking ring is releasably attached to the shaft for maintaining the valve assembly to be in a closed position. In order to activate the valve assembly, the cap is attached to the spout of a bottle.

Abstract: An vehicle fluids change and recycle apparatus includes a vessel body having an interior reservoir for containing oil drained from an engine. The body includes parallel and rear surfaces on opposite sides of the interior reservoir. The vessel body includes an inlet for enabling draining oil to enter the reservoir at the front surface of the vessel body. The lower end of the vessel body has a pedestal for enabling the vessel body to be supported in an upright position wherein the front and rear surfaces are generally vertical. An outlet member defines a drain for emptying the reservoir when the vessel is upright and a valve controls flow from the reservoir via the outlet. The valve is spaced above the pedestal when the vessel body is upright enabling a container to be placed under the valve when the vessel body is upright so that drained engine oil can be recycled into such container.

Abstract: A sealable drum funnel is attached onto a drum by threading the device into the larger bung opening of the drum. The sealable drum funnel includes a funnel body having an open top end and an outlet opening at a bottom end thereof. A sealing lid is coupled to the open top end of the funnel body. A drum coupling is attached to the bottom end of the funnel body. The drum coupling includes a threaded exterior on the lower portion thereof, a threaded interior on at least an upper portion thereof and a passage extending through the drum coupling from the outlet opening of the funnel body.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine is provided which has a chute for directing objects such as cooked french fries into the interior of a rotatable loading drum. The drum is rotated by a motor about a horizontal axis at a speed to cause the french fries to first be carried upwardly and then to fall through a predetermined path within the drum. A staging carousel is provided for carrying a supply of varying sized packaging containers such as cups. The carousel can be rotated to a dispensing position where a single selected size container will be dispensed to an index carousel. The index carousel will move the container to a position within the drum to intercept the falling french fries to fill the container. A detector is provided for sensing when the container has been filled. Once the container is filled it is moved via various transfer mechanisms to a deposit or storage area which can accommodate a plurality of containers and has a mechanism for clearing space to receive additional containers.

Abstract: An improved dental hygene center utilizing push button toothpaste dispenser and incorporating a cooperating floss dispenser, automatic paste dispersal on the brush, mouthwash access, counter for replacement of toothpaste and message center.