Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle easily and readily convertible between two modes which meet the regulations and operational requirements of the United States and European countries, the nozzle including a body member having a fuel passageway therethrough, a main valve in the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel through the passageway, the main valve being removably mounted in the fuel passageway and reversible when the nozzle is to be converted into a different mode, and a valve actuating mechanism for opening the main valve in one direction when the main valve is in one attitude and in the opposite direction when the valve is in its reversed attitude.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapling instrument is provided for applying surgical staples to human tissue. The instrument has an articulated stapling head assembly mounted by a rotatable and flexible support shaft on an actuator handle assembly with an improved actuator mechanism for closing and firing the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly comprises a fixed jaw with a staple cartridge and a movable jaw with an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The actuator mechanism comprises a jaw closure lever for closing the jaws and a staple firing lever for actuating a staple driver to drive the staples from the staple cartridge into the tissue and against the anvil. The actuator mechanism also includes a cam pulley mounted for rotation by the staple firing lever and secured to a firing cable for actuating the staple driver.

Abstract: A below grade, spill containment device for connection with the riser pipe of an underground fuel storage tank. The containment device is disposed within and isolated from a manhole, which is mounted in a concrete apron. The containment device comprises a compositely formed container, rigidly mounted on the riser pipe. The container formed of structural synthetic resin material elements held in assembled relation by snap fitted lugs and notches. A lid, for closing the upper, access opening, is mounted on a pivotable arm. A lever pivoted on the arm selectively engage latch means to lock the lid in a closed position. A projection on the lever prevents the manhole cover from seating if the lever is not in its lock position. A valve for draining fuel from the container to the riser pipe is closed when the lid is open and opened when the lid is closed. The manhole and the containment device are packaged in a shipping carton in spaced relation be corrugated paper sheets.

Abstract: A float chamber located in generally parallel, laterally spaced relationship to the main liquid flow passageway contains superimposed floats that move along a substantially linear path of travel. The floats cooperate with other control components to effect closure of a main valve assembly when the liquid level adjacent the mechanism reaches a preselected first elevation, and to close a bleed valve assembly when the liquid level reaches a second, higher elevation. The main valve assembly includes a movable plate valve that is spring biased toward an open position and that is biased toward a closed position by the force of liquid adjacent thereto and upstream therefrom. A latch and associated catch prevent movement of the valve plate to its closed position until such time as the liquid level reaches the first elevation.

Abstract: A containment manhole is formed of an upper rim and a bottom sump portion connected by an expansion joint permitting radial and axial movement of the sump portion relative to the rim. The sump portion has an integrally formed drain for the drainage of spilled product in the manhole directly into the riser. The rim also has an upstanding flange and the lid of the manhole extends over the flange with a wide, downwardly sloped skirt directing water off the lid to the outer perimeter.

Abstract: An automatic overfill prevention system for gravity filling of an underground liquid storage tank from a tank truck fill line provides a venturi in the fill line creating a partial vacuum which is vented from the liquid storage tank through a vent line until the liquid in the storage tank rises to a predetermined level to submerge one end of the vent line and trigger a latching means to close the fill line. The assembly also includes a containment manhole to hold any inadvertent spillage occurring during the filling process.

Abstract: A containment manhole is formed of an upper rim and a bottom sump portion connected by an expansion joint permitting radial and axial movement of the sump portion relative to the rim. The sump portion has an integrally formed drain for the drainage of spilled product in the manhole directly into the riser. The rim also has an upstanding flange and the lid of the manhole extends over the flange with a wide, downwardly sloped skirt directing water off the lid to the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle is disclosed in which the main body of the nozzle has the vapor passage located above the fluid passage, so that the fluid valve is separated from the top of the nozzle by the vapor passage. Thus the valve may only be removed through the bottom of the nozzle by removing the trigger mechanism and removing the vacuum tripping mechanism which is also connected to the trigger mechanism. Removal of the tripping mechanism is also made easily determinable by the use of a soft aluminum seal over the top opening of the trigger mechanism. The tripping mechanism is responsive to displacement of the vapor recovery shroud to prevent dispensing fuel unless the nozzle is in the fill tank. Other improvements to prior art vapor recovery nozzles include an improved trigger mechanism having a camming surface to engage the stem of the main valve.