Abstract: A method for converting methane to acetylene is disclosed wherein a hydrocarbon fuel is compressed, an oxygen-containing gas is introduced into a portion of the compressed hydrocarbon fuel and ignited to produce heat which causes the remaining portion of the hydrocarbon fuel to react to form a product gas containing acetylene.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting methane to acetylene wherein a mixture of oxygen-containing gas and hydrocarbons is compressed and ignited to react the mixture to form a product gas containing acetylene, ethylene and C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, and the reacted mixture is rapidly expanded and cooled. The mixture contains a mole ratio of hydrocarbons to oxygen-containing gas ranging from about 0.75:1 to about 1.65:1.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in detecting changes in distance comprises: a signal emitter capable of emitting a substantially constant signal; a signal reflector capable of reflecting at least a portion of the substantially constant signal and being moveable in a substantially straight line direction toward or away from the emitter; and a signal receiver capable of receiving the reflected signal, whereby a change in the received signal is indicative of a change in the distance between the emitter and reflector. This apparatus is particularly useful in detecting changes in the amount of liquid in a liquid storage tank.

Abstract: An improved, hybrid liquid dispensing, vapor recovery system is disclosed. As preferred, a turbine thereof is mounted in a liquid dispensing line, and an impeller thereof is mounted in a vapor recovery line and magnetically coupled with the turbine. The apparatus responds to the rate at which liquid is dispensed, and thereby controls vapor leaks in liquid receivers.

Abstract: An improvement in a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system is disclosed. The improvement senses and responds to the presence of liquid flowing in the vapor passageway of the system and, as preferred, to the existence of an abnormal pressure in a liquid receiver with which the system is utilized.

Abstract: An improvement in a liquid dispensing, vapor controlling system is disclosed. The improvement senses and responds to the presence of fuel flowing in the vapor passageways of the system and to the existence of a safe maximum pressure in a vehicle fuel tank with which the system is utilized. The improvement draws power from the movement of liquid fuel in the liquid fuel dispensing passageway of the system through the action of an aspirator.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector (such as a flexible bellows) surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the spout; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material such as foamed plastic associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector (such as a flexible bellows) surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the spout; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material such as foamed plastic associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber. The compressible cellular plastic material is made from a fluorine containing elastomer.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector (such as a flexible bellows) surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the nozzle spout and/or housing; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material such as foamed plastic associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector (such as a flexible bellows) surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the spout; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material such as foamed plastic associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber. The compressible cellular plastic material is made from an acrylonitrile elastomer.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector (such as a flexible bellows) surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the spout; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material such as foamed plastic associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber. The compressible cellular plastic material is made from an epoxy elastomer.

Abstract: An improved liquid-dispensing nozzle and more specifically, an improved vapor recovery means for a nozzle comprising a vapor collector surrounding a portion of the discharge spout in spaced relation thereto, one end of which is sealed to the upper portion of the nozzle housing or in proximity thereto; and at the other end of the vapor collector, a compressible cellular plastic material overlay on an equalizer means associated therewith. When the discharge spout is inserted into, e.g., an automobile fillpipe, the compressible cellular plastic material forms a vapor seal with the upper end of the fillpipe whereby the vapors escaping from the fillpipe are directed into the interior chamber formed between the exterior of the discharge spout and the inside of the vapor collector thereby minimizing the escape of vapors to the atmosphere. The vapors are then removed from this chamber.

Abstract: A sealing device for use with a liquid dispensing nozzle assembly having a nozzle housing with an elongated discharge spout, a flexible vapor collector surrounding the spout with one free end and the other end attached to the nozzle housing or in proximity thereto, and provided with a means to recover vapor during delivery of liquid from the spout to a liquid receiver inlet which includes a mounting means affixed to the free end of the vapor collector, a flexible member with an interior chamber affixed to the mounting means so that it will contact the receiver inlet when the spout is inserted in the receiver inlet, and a fluid material substantially filling the interior chamber of the flexible member and which will allow the flexible member to conform to a geometry of the receiver inlet.