Abstract: Mobile fluid delivery systems and methods are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are particularly useful for spraying herbicides on a roadside shoulder. The systems include nozzles mounted upon a movable arm extending from a vehicle. A sensor mounted upon the vehicle detects objects which the extended arm is approaching, such as telephone or other utility poles on the side of the road. The sensor signals a control unit, which directs retraction of the movable arm to avoid collision with the object, and extension of the arm after passing the object. In targeted fluid delivery, the control unit can direct forward fluid spray to the backside of the object as the extended arm approaches, lateral fluid spray as the arm passes the object, and rearward fluid spray to the front side of the object as the arm is extended after passing the object. The system can thus effectively douse the ground surrounding a utility pole, for example, with herbicide and reduce fire hazard.

Abstract: A mobile system for delivering a fluid to a fluid application area includes a vehicle, an arm carried by the vehicle and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a fluid delivery system carried by the vehicle and including at least one fluid delivery device coupled too the arm, a mechanism for maneuvering the arm between the retracted position and the extended position, a sensor mounted on the vehicle for sensing the approach of an obstacle in the path of the arm, and a control circuit responsive to the sensor for causing the arm maneuvering mechanism to retract the arm towards the retracted position when the sensor detects an approaching potentially interfering obstacle and for extending the arm towards the extended position when the relative positions of the arm and the obstacle are no longer potentially interfering. A safety breakaway mechanism is incorporated into the system for enabling the arm to deflect when struck by an undetected obstacle.

Abstract: A toilet bowl has a discharge opening for flowing waste material into a gas-tight hopper. A waste valve is disposed between the discharge opening and the hopper for controlling the flow of waste material into the hopper. A first air valve selectively allows air to flow into the hopper for pressurizing the hopper and communicating the waste material from the hopper to the inlet of a grinder. The outlet of the grinder is coupled to a one-inch waste conduit which leads to a waste tank which may be disposed in any convenient location. A second air valve selectively allows air to flow into the waste conduit for pressurizing the waste conduit and forcing the waste at high velocity to the waste tank.

Abstract: An electrically operated toilet wherein a toilet bowl is coupled to an electrically operated water valve which selectively flows water into the toilet bowl. An electrically operated waste valve is coupled to the discharge opening of the toilet bowl for selectively allowing waste material to pass out of the toilet bowl. A control unit is coupled to the water valve and to the waste valve for operating the water valve and the waste valve is a synchronous manner so that water is allowed to flow into the toilet and subsequently out of the discharge opening, while ensuring that the waste valve closes off the discharge opening after the flush cycle is completed.

Abstract: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.

Abstract: A large primary engine is maintained in readiness to start under low ambient temperature conditions by a small auxiliary engine having a liquid cooling system in parallel with the cooling system of the primary engine. Exhaust from the auxiliary engine heats the coolant circulating through the two engines in a heat exchanger. The lubricating oil from the primary engine is also heated by the auxiliary engine exhaust in the same heat exchanger. A generator driven by the auxiliary engine charges the batteries used to start the primary engine.

Abstract: The temperature controlled valve mechanism herein comprises a valve housing, a valve inlet in the housing for connection with a fluid source, a valve outlet in the housing for draining fluid from the housing and a valve closure member supported for movement toward and away from the valve outlet between closed and opened positions. The valve closure member blocks and closes the valve outlet when it is in the closed position. A biasing spring is provided for urging the valve closure member away from the closed position. An expansion chamber is formed within the housing. Apparatus for introducing a pressure into the expansion chamber is provided for moving the closure member to a closed position against the force of the biasing spring upon entry of a pressurized medium into the expansion chamber. A temperature-activated venting mechanism for venting and depressurizing the expansion chamber upon occurrence of a predetermined temperature drop is provided.