Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated adjacent the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the containers.

Abstract: A potable water distribution system for use in aircraft, as well as potable water systems of boats, recreational vehicles/caravans, residential homes, dental offices, laboratories, vending machines, and the like, provides for sanitizing of the system without opening filter and/or purification units and removing filtering and/or purifying cartridges from the filter and/or purification units during the sanitizing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has a valve head and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable thereon. Connecting the canister to the valve head automatically opens a check valve in the valve head to permit water to flow from the valve head into and through the canister, and then back to and through the valve head to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the valve head automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. A bypass valve is provided in the valve head to permit a sanitizing solution to flow through the valve head and along the lines of the water distribution system to sanitize the system, while bypassing the canister. The outlet port may be directly connected to an appliance that uses water, to eliminate possible contamination that may occur when water is brought indirectly from the outlet port to the appliance instead.

Abstract: A flow rate and volume sensor for determining the rate and volume of fluid flowing through an apparatus, such as an apparatus for filtering and/or conditioning and/or purifying fluid, such as water, and for indicating when a predetermined volume of fluid has flowed through the apparatus to, for example, signal when a cartridge filter housed in an apparatus for filtering and/or conditioning and/or purifying fluid should be replaced.

Abstract: A combination of an electronically controlled vehicle and a hydraulic system and method of operating same for monitoring and controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having at least one hydraulic actuator is provided. An electronic control system (ECS) processes system parameters and information and allocates engine power and controls pump output while maintaining optimum engine performance. The combination of an electronically controlled vehicle and a hydraulic system prevents hydraulic overloads, avoids increased engine RPM, and reduces unnecessary wear and tear on system components while significantly reducing fuel consumption and the emissions of pollutants and noise during operation.

Abstract: A pressure vessel comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, a side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and a chamber formed by said walls, an inlet port extending through one of the walls for introducing fluid to the pressure vessel, an outlet port extending through one of the walls for removing fluid from the pressure vessel, a pressure gradient member located within the chamber of the pressure vessel through which fluid passing through the pressure vessel flows as the fluid passes through the pressure vessel, the pressure gradient member including an outlet port, and a flexible resilient tube attached to and extending between the outlet port of the pressure gradient member and the outlet port of the pressure vessel for mounting the pressure gradient member within the chamber formed by the walls of the pressure vessel and for connecting the outlet port of the pressure gradient member to the outlet port of the pressure vessel and for providing substantially uniform support of a load on the pre

Abstract: A purifier for filtering and purifying a fluid, such as water, comprises a pressure vessel for holding a purifying element for filtering and purifying the fluid, the pressure vessel having inlet and outlet members for introducing the fluid into the pressure vessel and for removing the fluid from the pressure vessel. A first end cap closes a first opening in the housing of the pressure vessel, and a sealing member located between the first end cap and the housing of the pressure vessel seals between the first end cap and the housing. A first removable retaining yoke extends between the housing and the first end cap for securing the first end cap to the housing. Level compensating support members are provided for supporting the pressure vessel above a surface on which the purifier rests in a secure, non-wobbling manner. Optionally, a by-pass channel and a by-pass valve are provided to cause the fluid to by-pass the purifying element, when filtered/purified fluid is not desired.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle is disclosed for loading refuse from a front loading container having a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, first and second side walls and first and second channels along the first and second side walls, and also from a rear loader container having a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, first and second side walls and at least one trunnion having first and second trunnion end portions extending beyond the first and second side walls, respectively. The collection vehicles includes a chassis, a storage body supported by the chassis and having an interior with a roof above the interior providing an opening into the interior and first and second lift arms pivotably coupled to the chassis. The refuse collection vehicle further includes a loader adapter coupled to the first and second lift arms. The loader adapter includes first and second forks, first and second trunnion encircling mechanisms, at least one support arm and at least one container stop.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a front end loading waste vehicle allows conventional rear end loading waste containers to be picked-up and emptied. The adapter allows a single waste vehicle to empty both front end loading and rear end loading waste containers one after the other in a common area during a single pick-up route.

Abstract: A waste container having a hingedly mounted lid that can be moved between a closed position for covering the container to an open position for providing access to the container. The lid is provided with a groove spaced from the hinge so that when the lid is rotated from the closed position to the open position, any moisture on the lid will flow into the groove where it is directed off of the lid instead of onto the hinge or into the waste container.

Abstract: A multiple compartment storage body for a refuse collection vehicle includes a floor, a roof, a plurality of walls extending between the floor and the roof, a partition and a bulkhead latch. The partition has a first opposing end portion pivotally coupled intermediate the floor and the roof between the walls to allow a second opposing end portion to pivot between the floor and the roof. The partition is supported at a plurality of distances between the floor and the roof. The bulkhead latch is pivotally supported adjacent the roof and extends from the roof proximate the second opposing end portion. The bulkhead latch includes a plurality of sections removably coupled to one another. Sections above the lower most section may be removed to adjust a vertical length of the bulkhead.

Abstract: An automatic valving unit for a pressure vessel that holds a cartridge, loose media, and the like for conditioning and/or purifying a fluid, comprises a valve head having a first passageway extending through it and being adapted to be connected to a fluid transmission line, an outlet port formed at an outlet end portion of the first passageway in the valve head, a first valve member positioned in the first passageway of the valve head for blocking flow of fluid through the first passageway of the valve head when the pressure vessel is not connected to the valve head, a fluid inlet member formed on the pressure vessel for providing a passageway for fluid into the pressure vessel, said fluid inlet member including a first valve actuating member for opening the first valve member when the pressure vessel is connected to the valve head, and connecting/disconnecting members formed on the outlet port of the valve head and on the fluid inlet member of the pressure vessel for connecting the pressure vessel to the val

Abstract: A portable drinking water filtration apparatus for filtering and purifying water comprises a housing, a chamber formed inside the housing having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening, filtration media positioned inside the chamber between the chamber inlet opening and the chamber outlet openings, and a pump mounted on the housing for forcing water through the filtration media, the second chamber outlet opening being in contact with the first chamber outlet opening for venting air as water is forced through the filtration media and discharged from the first chamber outlet opening and for discharging water from the chamber when the first chamber outlet opening is plugged. A plurality of bottle connection members are formed on the housing adjacent to the first chamber outlet opening for connecting the housing to a variety of different sized bottles.

Abstract: A detachable connector apparatus to provide an outlet from a bag includes a hollow nipple having a stem extending through the bag, and a nipple clamp engaged with the nipple and a portion of the bag. The bag may be supported in a pouch and locked thereto by a locking ring, which engages the nipple clamp. An optional end cap is provided to stop the fluid flow and seal off the nipple.

Abstract: A saddle tee connector assembly for making a tee connection to a copper tube comprises a saddle tee connector with a bottom clamping portion, a top clamping portion with an outwardly extending boss which has a bore, an annular chamber in the bottom of the bore, a cutting pin positioned in the bore, and a drive nut which is rotated to move the cutting pin downwardly in the bore to cut a hole in the tube and is rotated in the opposite direction to retract the cutting pin from the hole in the tube. The drive nut and pin are removed to permit the attachment of a tube to the boss to form a tee connection. A method is provided for using the saddle tee connector assembly to make a tee connection to a tube.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a base, a spout having a first free end portion for emitting fluid and a second end portion for insertion into a hole of the base, and a sealing and locking device formed at the second end portion. The sealing and locking device includes a tapered portion at the second end portion of the spout, the tapered portion having a tapered outer diameter that decreases toward the second end portion of the spout. The sealing and locking device may further include a groove formed in the spout at the second end portion, and an O-ring adapted to be seated in the groove. Alternatively, the sealing and locking device includes a groove formed in a spout, the groove having a tapered portion with a tapered outer diameter that increases toward the second end portion of the spout, and an O-ring adapted to be seated in the groove. In the alternative embodiment, the exterior surface of the spout at its second end portion, except at the tapered groove, may be straight and untapered.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for holding a cartridge, loose media, and the like for conditioning and/or purifying fluid, comprises a cover having a top wall and a side wall extending downwardly therefrom, the side wall having an inner surface, a bowl positioned below the cover and having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom the side wall having an outer surface, sealing device between the cover and the bowl for sealing between the cover and the bowl, and securing device for securing the cover to the bowl, the securing device including a track comprising a first groove formed in the inner surface of the side wall of the cover and a second groove formed in the outer surface of the side wall of the bowl and being aligned with the first groove, an opening formed in the cover for providing an entrance to the track, and a flexible shear rod received in said track.

Abstract: A diverter valve has an IN port and first and second OUT ports which are positioned along an arcuate path. A rotor has an external control knob and a stem extending within the cavity of the valve body. Mounted on the stem, at right angles thereto, is a closure pin which extends into the bore of the hub of a mushroom-shaped closure element. The surface of the domed head of the closure element is in contact with an O-ring seal at one of the OUT ports. When the rotor is moved, the O-ring, in contact with the surface of the domed head, cams the closure element inwardly causing the element to slide on the closure pin and causing the closure pin to enter more deeply into a recess in the head of the closure element. When the closure element is in place to close-off one of the OUT ports, the other OUT port is opened and the pressure of the water flowing through the valve exerts a direct pressure on the flat annular undersurface of the head of the closure element.