Abstract: A valve device for an internal combustion engine is provided with two flange portions, each of which is arranged at the outer periphery of a valve and has a larger outer diameter than a shaft. Annular valve-side end surfaces of the flange portions obstruct water flowing toward bearings and the inner surface of a cylindrical portion of a house along the surface of the shaft. Thus, water can be restricted from flowing into annular gaps between the shaft and the housing and annular gaps between the shaft and bearing members. Accordingly, water is not frozen in the annular gaps, thus restricting the shaft and the valve from freezing/sticking.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is disclosed for determining crankshaft position and engine phase of an internal combustion engine through monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations. The opening of the intake valve is mechanically linked to the crankshaft position of an engine. When the intake valve opens it creates air pressure fluctuations in the air induction system of the engine. The control apparatus is configured to determine intake air pressure fluctuations indicative of an intake air event and thus a particular crankshaft position, and their corresponding period of the engine cycle. The controller then uses this information to determine crankshaft speed and position for the purpose of fuel injection and ignition timing of the internal combustion engine. Engine phase is also determined on four-stroke engines. The engine may also include a crankshaft position sensor in combination with monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations to increase resolution in determination of crankshaft position.

Abstract: Immediately before fuel pressure is increased by a pressure-increase mechanism, a pressure-increase control valve of each cylinder is opened in timing that does not overlap the timing of opening of an injection control valve, and the period of time for which the pressure-increase control valves is opened is gradually increased. As a result, it is possible to prevent the quantity of fuel consumed by the pressure-increase mechanism from rapidly increasing when the increase of fuel pressure is started.

Abstract: A small engine fuel system has a tank with an integrally formed filler tube having the lower end located at a level below the upper portion of the tank wall which is formed of vapor impermeable material which may include HDPE interspersed with EVOH or polyamide. In one exemplary embodiment the filler neck is disposed in a depression in the upper portion of the tank wall; and in another exemplary embodiment the filler tube has an insert which extends into the tank to a position below the upper portion of the tank wall to form a vapor space. The tank includes a fill limiting vapor vent/tipping valve with its outlet connected to a storage canister which outputs to the engine and which has an atmospheric air vent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing hydrocarbon emissions from an air induction system of an automotive vehicle during diurnal periods opens the fuel line to ambient fuel tank pressure when fuel pressure in the fuel line decreases due to cooling of the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel system comprises a fuel tank having an outlet. The system further includes a reservoir having a housing defining a cavity. The reservoir is located remotely from the tank and is configured to receive and store fuel. The system still further includes a fuel pump having an inlet and outlet. The system yet still further includes a valve having a fuel tank inlet port, a reservoir inlet port and an outlet port. The fuel tank inlet port is in fluid communication with the fuel tank, the reservoir inlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the outlet port is configured to be connected to and in fluid communication with the fuel pump. The valve is configured to couple the outlet port with the reservoir inlet port when predetermined conditions occur indicative of fuel vapor air in the fuel tank inlet port.

Abstract: A device combines a fuel control valve in a hollow can and a carbon canister, which can be further combined with a fuel tank. The device has a first chamber for preventing draining fuel and a second chamber containing active carbon. The first chamber is formed with a gas tube which is connected to the fuel tank and a gas channel connected to the second chamber. The second chamber is formed with a gas return tube. As such, the device combining the fuel control valve and the carbon canister is constructed. The hollow can is assembled to a lateral wall of the fuel tank and the gas tube can be connect with the fuel tank to form an integral structure.

Abstract: A device combining a two-way valve and a carbon canister includes a hollow can, which can be further combined with a fuel tank. The device has a first chamber for regulating inner pressure of the fuel tank and a second chamber containing active carbon. The first chamber is installed with a gas tube which is connected to the fuel tank and a gas channel connected to the second chamber. The second chamber is installed with a gas return tube so as to form the device combining the two-way valve and the carbon canister. The hollow can is assembled to a lateral wall of the fuel tank and the gas tube can be embedded into the fuel tank to form an integral structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an engine controller, which can determine a deterioration mode (gain deterioration or response deterioration) of an air/fuel (A/F) ratio sensor, can detect a degree of the deterioration with high accuracy, and can optimize A/F ratio feedback control in accordance with the diagnosis result. The controller includes a unit for computing frequency response characteristics in a range from an A/F ratio adjusting unit to the A/F ratio sensor, and it diagnoses the A/F ratio sensor based on a gain characteristic and a response characteristic given by the computed frequency response characteristics. In accordance with the diagnosis result, parameters (P- and I-component gains) used in A/F ratio feedback control (PI control) are optimized.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder group engine system operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode a first and second cylinder group combust air and fuel with a lean air-fuel ratio, and where in the second mode at least one of the first and second cylinder groups combusts air and fuel and the other one of the first and second cylinder groups pumps air without injected fuel, the engine system comprising of a fuel injection activity sensor coupled to each cylinder in the first and second cylinder groups; a exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage to measure air fuel exhausted from the engine; and a controller configured to transition out of the first mode responsive to detection of exhaust gas sensor degradation and to transition out of the second mode responsive to detection of fuel injection sensor degradation. In one example, the transition out of the second mode may be slower than the transition out of the first mode in response to the respective degradation.

Abstract: A moisture resistant handbill is rolled to form a coil that is retained within a collapsible cup as it is ejected from an elongated tube and delivered to its destination. The collapsible cup has a cylindrical wall and a bottom member at one end that does not contribute to the structural strength of the cup. The elongated tube is connected to a controllable source of pressurized fluid that is used to eject the handbill assembly from the tube. The handbill assembly and delivery system avoids the problems of prior assemblies and systems that projected cone-shaped paper flyers through the air. Moisture resistance is provided by a plastic sheet, which may be larger than the coiled handbill, that wraps the handbill along its length prior to insertion.

Abstract: A pavement cutting and vacuum system is provided that includes a transport vehicle having a holding tank carried thereby; a pavement surface cutting machine having a blade for cutting a pavement surface during a cutting operation; and a vacuum system including a vacuum head connected to the cutting machine and a vacuum hose connecting the vacuum head to the holding tank, such that cuttings created during the cutting operation are transported from the vacuum head to the holding tank by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A simple, highly reliable automatic motor driven oven door latch for an oven self-cleaning operation. To ensure that the motor has operated correctly and has not stopped in a null position, the motor is provided with a start pulse and the location of the latch or locking member of the latching mechanism is monitored to guarantee that the locking member has moved to the correct position. If the locking member has not moved to the correct position, then the motor is provided with another start pulse and the location of the latch or locking member of the latching mechanism again is monitored to again ensure that the locking member has moved to the correct position. This sequence can be repeated on opening and closing of the latching mechanism a desired number of times to guarantee that the locking member has moved to the correct position when locking or releasing the oven door.

Abstract: A drug dispenser 1 has a hollow body 2 with a housing 6 for a pressurised can 7 containing a drug and its propellant arranged on top of the body. The can has an outlet stem 8 received in a socket 9 in an internal spigot 10. This has a junction with a flexible tube 11, leading to a kink valve pair 12,14. The tube continues on to a second internal spigot 15, having a spray nozzle 16 just within a breathing opening 5. The kink valve pair 12, 14 is formed as a moulding of the tube, with side wings 17. Towards the ends of the wings, they have thinner portions 17.1 at which there are apertures 18 immediately adjacent the tube. The arrangement defines positions at which the tube kinks to close its through bore 19. The thinner portions are provided in two positions, which provide the two kink valves. An intermediate section 20 of the tube, with a predetermined volume is provided between the kink valves.

Abstract: A protective device to be emplaced over the head of a user comprises a sack-like member fabricated from a flexible film material and having an opening to enable a user to place the sack-like member over the user's head. The sack-like member has an interior containing a predetermined amount of an oxygen producing material, wherein the material produces oxygen by reacting with the exhalation products of the user.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. The present invention includes embodiments comprising an insulated receptacle connected to a body to hold a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle and connected to the housing. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems comprise jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.

Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.

Abstract: A medical device, such as pressure support system, and a method of communicating with such a device using an information storage device. The information storage device, in one embodiment, is adapted to be provided in a slot in the medical device so that information for controlling the operating of the pressure support device can be read from the information storage device, information regarding the usage and/or operation of the pressure support device can be written to the information storage device, or both operations can be performed.

Abstract: An on-off valve mounted in a high pressurized gas container, which has a holding portion for holding a flow amount controlling member in a path formed in an upper stream side of the body of the valve, and in which a flow amount controlling member is movably held. In the flow amount controlling member, an orifice is formed. When the valve moves into an opening position, a high pressurized oxygen gas is flowed into a valve chamber by gas pressure, the flow amount controlling member moves and closes the path. At this time, the gas flow amount is restricted by the orifice, so that the pressurizing speed of the gas pressure at the down stream side of the orifice becomes slow and then heat generation due to the adiabatic compression is reduced.

Abstract: To this end, the present invention comprises a headgear apparatus comprising a sleeve, a first strap portion and a second strap portion. The sleeve comprises a chin portion and a top portion. The top portion is integrally connected to the chin portion. The first strap portion is connected to a first part of the sleeve near the top portion. The second strap portion is connected to a second part of the sleeve near the chin portion. A nosepiece may be fastened to the headgear apparatus via the first strap portion and the second strap portion.

Abstract: A neutralizer for electromagnetic radiation, particularly harmful radiation, caused by electro-magnetic fields from electric lines, installations, machines, appliances and apparatus includes a cylindrical body (1) with a semi-circular external groove (2) and two cylindrical chambers (4). A bar core (5) in the chambers (4) has solenoids (S) rotatably mounted thereon. Chambers (4) are hermetically closed by thread plugs (6). The difference in electrical potentials between the body (1) and the solenoid (S) causes a weak electric field of high frequency that annuls the effect of technical radiation in its environment.

Abstract: Multiple rib fractures in trauma patients are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed morbidity for patients with rib fractures is often a result of hypoventilation leading to atelectasis, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Pain management was first recognized as an important factor in preventing complications in these patients. Later, management of the respiratory system became more widely recognized as a major factor in, patients' care. It is now known that patients with multiple rib fractures benefit most from adequate pain control, rapid mobilization, and meticulous respiratory care to prevent complications. A rib fracture score and protocol based on a synthesis of the existing literature is developed. The protocol is directed to decisions about rapid mobilization, respiratory support, and pain management interventions to decrease the length of patients' stay in intensive care units.

Abstract: The nail polish remover kit is a kit that provides a clean, thorough, and efficient way of removing nail polish from both fingernails and toenails. The kit includes a jar filled with nail polish remover solution, a sponge-like filler inside the jar for absorbing a portion of the solution, and a removable lid with an attached wand having a dauber and a scraper. The solution-saturated filler has vertical slits that allow the user to remove polish from a fingernail, while the jar lid with integrated wand and attached dauber provides for removing polish from toenails and other harder to reach spots. The tip of the wand is provided with a sharpened edge for scraping off excess polish after the removal process has been completed.

Abstract: A self cleaning hair brush includes a handle (12), a bristle-holding head (14) having a plurality of spaced-apart bristles (16) projecting laterally therefrom, and a combing plate (18) having a plurality of bristle-receiving apertures (46). When the combing plate (18) is in a first position, the combing plate (18) closely overlies the side of the bristle-holding head (14) from which the bristles (16) project allowing the bristles (16) to project through the apertures (46). The bristle-holding head (14) further includes a rectangular tube (22) disposed on a central portion of the bristle-holding head (14). A reciprocally movable plunger (20) is mounted in the rectangular tube (22). The plunger (20) is used to displace the combing plate (18) to a second position where the combing plate (18) is disposed at a free end of the bristles (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile or stationary waste container cleaning system used for residential, commercial and industrial waste, garbage, trash, storage or operations containers or receptacles. Other applications include, but are not limited to cleaning of chemical drums, grease dumpsters (e.g. behind restaurants), rain barrels and non-uniform residential, commercial or industrial dumpsters or waste containers. The container cleaning system can alternatively be used for rural areas, farms or ranches.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus includes a receptacle having a reservoir adapted to receive the a shaving head and a pump to transfer a cleaning fluid from the reservoir and into the receptacle. A controllable drain disposed between a lower region of the receptacle and the reservoir redirects cleaning fluid away from the reservoir until needed thereby prolonging the time for which the cleaning fluid is in contact with the shaving head to be cleaned.

Abstract: Water spraying systems for a dishwasher including water spraying devices for mounting on the ceiling, dish rack and a rotating spray arm of a dishwasher for effectively spraying water throughout the dishwasher cabinet. The device includes a housing on which a spinner is mounted that has an open trough and angled end for effectively spraying water and causing rotation of the spinner without clogging. The small size of the device allows placement in strategic locations for effective water spraying distribution and yet does not obstruct or reduce the placement of dishes, glasses, cups, utensils, pots, pans, etc. in the dish racks.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus and process for an improved substrate mounting and processing technique for various substrate treatments comprising cleaning, dicing, sawing, polishing, and planarization, among others.

Abstract: A processing chamber having an improved sealing means is disclosed. The processing chamber comprises a lower element, an upper element, and a seal energizer. The seal energizer is configured to maintain the upper element against the lower element to maintain a processing volume. The seal energizer is further configured to generate a sealing pressure in a seal-energizing cavity that varies non-linearly with a processing pressure generated within the processing volume. In one embodiment, the seal energizer is configured to minimize a non-negative net force against one of the upper element and the lower element above a threshold value. The net force follows the equation P2*A2?P1*A1, where P2 equals the sealing pressure, P1 equals the processing pressure, A2 equals a cross-sectional area of the seal-energizing cavity, and A1 equals a cross-sectional area of the processing volume.

Abstract: An umbrella structure according to the invention includes a cover, a shaft, a notch, a runner, main ribs and stretchers. The notch is downwardly extended to form an extension section, which is accommodated with the runner and extruded to form an integral elastic protrusion. The protrusion is devised as a fastening button with one end thereof joined with the extension section, and a projecting top portion forming a supporting plane for butting against the runner. When the umbrella is stretched, the supporting plane of the protrusion section is butted against a lower section of the runner to stretch the umbrella.

Abstract: Collapsible structure are provided having a first base panel and a second panel, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The second panel is flexed so that the first and second panels define an interior space, with the second panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the outer periphery of the first panel. The second panel can have two or more supporting frame members to allow the collapsible structures to be provided in different configurations and sizes. In addition, the first base panel can be replaced by a fabric or similar piece of material that is coupled to the first and second end edges of the second panel. The second panels can be coupled within, or outside, the outer periphery of the first base panel or fabric.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible portable enclosure which is provided with 3-dimensional elements around portions of its perimeter. Various patterns, including but not limited to, pattern simulating leaves of various types of foliage are cut into a strip of fabric which is secured to the perimeter of the structure. The 3-dimensional elements protrude from the perimeter of the enclosure, move with the prevailing winds, and simulate the appearance and movement of leaves or foliage in the same environment. The enclosure further includes elastic strips to facilitate attachment of actual foliage to the exterior of the enclosure to improve its camouflage characteristics.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container bounding a chamber and having a floor. A well is mounted on the floor of the container. The well bounds a compartment that extends below the floor of the container and communicates with the chamber of the container. An anchor has a side wall with a first port opening formed at a first end and a second port opening formed on the side wall or at a second end of the anchor. A fluid passageway extends between the first port opening and the second port opening. At least a portion of the anchor is secured within the compartment of the well such that at least a portion of the second port opening is disposed within the compartment. A dip tube is fluid coupled with the first port opening of the anchor.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a valve, a valve seal, and a piece of epoxy. The valve comprises a valve gate, a housing, and a plurality of screws. The housing comprises a fluid passageway and a groove that extends into the housing from the fluid passageway. Each of the screws extends into the groove of the housing. The valve gate is movable relative to the housing between an opened and closed position. The valve seal is positioned at least partially within the groove. The piece of epoxy surrounds at least a portion of each of the screws and has a geometry that is interlocked with the valve seal and with each of the screws in a manner securing the valve seal to each of the screws and in a manner such that the valve seal is positioned to compress against the valve gate when the valve gate is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple fuel vent assembly for use in inboard and outboard fuel tanks for marine vessels. The vent assembly includes upper and lower portions defining an L shaped interior passageway. The lower portion includes upper and lower valve seats positioned within this passageway. Spaced vent openings extend through the lower portion above and below the valve seat. A spherical float is positioned within the passageway between the upper and lower valve seats. As fuel is added to the tank, pressure can escape through the fuel vent. The flow valve is within the passageway as the level of liquid fuel in the tank rises during the fuel refilling process. When the tank is at its desired fill level the float engages the upper valve seat and forms a seal preventing liquid fuel from traveling past the upper seat and through the passageway into the atmosphere outside the tank. The second vent opening remained open to vent pressure from the space between the top of the tank and the fuel level.

Abstract: A valve assembly for insertion in a pipe containing fluid under pressure includes a valve body adapted to be assembled over the pipe and a valve-stopping mechanism that mounts on the valve body. The hollow valve body interior and an access opening in the valve body are sufficiently large to receive a hole saw element no smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe as installers advance the hole saw element radially through the access opening to form a gap in the pipe. The valve-stopping mechanism includes a gate with a cross sectional area greater than the pipe that mates with the valve body interior so that the gate can be advanced radially through the gap in the pipe into direct fluid-tight contact of the valve body in order to thereby stop the flow of fluid through the pipe.

Abstract: A decorative faucet assembly comprising a cold water handle and a hot water handle, each handle having a valve body; a longitudinal bore through said body, a first open end for flow of water therein and a second open end longitudinally opposite said first end. A plastic escutcheon is adapted to be secured onto said opposite end of said valve body and a plastic figurine in the form of a recognizable toy is operatively associated with said escutcheon for rotatably manipulating said valve into open and closed position.

Abstract: A first expression of a flow-control valve assembly includes a valve body and a resilient flow control positioned in the valve body. The valve body has a valve seat including a radially-inner valve seat portion, a radially-outer valve seat portion and a bypass-flow-channel exit located between the two seat portions. The flow control has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a through passage. The bottom surface is spaced apart from the radially-inner valve seat portion under a lower fluid pressure against the top surface exposing the bypass-flow-channel exit. The bottom surface seats against the radially-inner valve seat portion under a higher fluid pressure blocking the bypass-flow-channel exit. A second expression of a flow-control valve assembly includes a valve body having a bypass-flow-channel exit and includes a resilient flow control which has a substantially-constant-diameter outer cylindrical surface and which has a bottom surface devoid of any protrusion.

Abstract: A fluid control valve having a spring biased shuttle plunger member which opens or closes fluid flow through a plurality of radially spaced apart fluid passageways disposed between an upstream chamber and downstream chamber in the valve body responsive to a fluid pressure greater than the spring force and any differential pressure between the upstream and downstream chambers to prevent fluid from being supplied at a pressure higher than a desired operating pressure and prevent high dynamic differential pressures, such as a “water hammer” or explosive pressure. Alternatively, in a normally closed embodiment, pilot fluid at a pressure greater than the spring force and any differential pressure in the upstream chamber is utilized to open the valve, which is then closed by the spring force.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve that may be used as both a check valve and a relief valve. The valve includes a moveable valve member having a surface capable of forming two or more valve seal areas with two or more valve seat surfaces on a valve seat member. The valve seat surfaces may be formed by coining a portion of valve seat surfaces on fingers of the valve seat member. One of the valve seat fingers in inclined from the outlet toward the inlet. The valve seat member is metal, forming a metal to metal valve seat arrangement with the valve seat member.

Abstract: A multi-valve manifold is provided, including a valve body having a periphery about which are placed a series of valves. At least one of the series of valves fits within a depression in the valve body.

Abstract: A fluid connector with adjustable flow control includes an adapter having a first threaded portion, a sealing surface and an orifice. The fluid connector also includes a valve body having a second threaded portion for engagement with the first threaded portion and a central body passage connected to at least one port. Upon rotation of the valve body relative to the adapter, the port is displaced axially relative to the sealing surface thereby effecting a change in fluid flow through the fluid connector and into or out of the orifice.

Abstract: A valve and connector assembly for interconnection with and rinsing of sewage hoses including sewage discharge hoses and connectors for Recreational Vehicles. The assembly comprises a connector for interconnection with a sewage hose having connectors compatible with a RV sewage discharge valve. The assembly has a garden hose connector to receive a garden hose hookup to direct water into the contaminated sewage hose for rinsing prior to storage of the sewage hose. A diffuser within the connector causes the water stream to spray thereby rinsing the sewage hose.

Abstract: A gas panel comprising a first gas stick, a second gas stick, and a first manifold. The first gas stick has a first flow path that includes a first plurality of ports formed in a common plane, and the second gas stick has a second flow path that includes a second plurality of ports formed in the common plane. The first manifold has first and second ports formed in the common plane, the first port being fluidly connected to one port of the first plurality of ports of the first gas stick, and the second port being fluidly connected to one port of the second plurality of ports of the second gas stick. A thermally and vibrationally insulating mounting assembly may be used to mount the first and second gas sticks to a mounting plate.

Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith. The pipe plug is preferably configurable from a non-sealing configuration wherein radially expandable seals are relaxed by application of pressure from a compressed fluid, to a spring biased sealing configuration automatically upon release of the pressure. A positive seal is automatically formed and maintained by spring biased axial compression.

Abstract: An integrated casing spacer and joint restraint unit is attached to each of a pair of pipe sections adjacent to an end-to-end connection of the pipe sections by means of first and second spacer/retainer ring members. Disposed on the outer periphery of each ring member in a spaced manner are plural risers each having a respective runner disposed on its outer end for engaging an inner surface of an outer casing and maintaining fixed spacing between the inner pipe sections and the outer casing. Plural paired risers, with one riser disposed on each ring member, are aligned with one another along the axis of the connected pipe sections and are each adapted for secure connection to a respective connecting rod for securely coupling the two ring members together and restraining relative movement between the two pipe sections.

Abstract: A loom simultaneously forms a plain weave (16) and a gauze weave (15) in a textile (9) in one weaving cycle. To form the plain weave (16), the adjacent warp threads (1L,2L) that are used to form the upper shed and lower shed are alternately lifted from the lower shed position into the upper shed position and lowered from the upper shed position into the lower shed position by the same drop wire/needle shank (4). To form the gauze weave (15), only the warp threads (2D) that form the upper shed are raised by the drop wire/needle shank (4) from the lower shed position into the upper shed position and lowered from the upper shed position into the lower shed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement for a fill valve (22) for an aerosol container (10, 30) to provide better sealing capability. The fill valve is made using a flashless injection molding process in which both the mold cavity and molding material are heated to elevated temperatures to significantly improve cross-linking which occurs during the molding process. A backside (22a) of the fill valve now has a recessed portion (56) to facilitate ejection of the valve from a mold so leak paths are not created due to the forces applied to the valve during its extraction from the mold. The recessed portion reduces the amount of material required to make the fill valve and makes the fill valve flexible to aid in providing a good seal against leakage of a propellant from the container after filling.

Abstract: This drop tube loading arm assembly is adaptable for loading asphalt into tank trailers at marketing terminals. The telescoping drop tube employs guides made of steel rollers of polymers such as fluorocarbon polymers and aluminum. The guides are located in the annular space between the tubes in combination with increased radial clearance between the tubes or sleeves and in combination with protection for the overfill probe. With the addition of vapor control systems and overfill protection probes, the telescoping drop loading spouts are less susceptible to cold weather sticking problems.

Abstract: A collapsible container for retaining and disposing liquids is described. The container includes an expandable liquid retaining portion and an inflatable top ring. As liquid, such as used motor oil, pours into the expandable liquid retaining portion the inflated top ring floats on top of the liquid as the liquid retaining portion expands. A top cover, which may be formed by flexible flaps with zip lock closures, may be included to seal the container for transport. A drain hole may be provided through a bottom portion of the container to drain the liquid out of the container. A handle may be provided to facilitate carrying the container filled with oil.