Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous fluid including waxy solids includes a mobile platform, a support member having a first end coupled to the platform and a second end, a pump unit coupled to the second end of the support member, wherein the pump unit can be raised and lowered with respect to the second end, wherein the pump unit includes a recirculation system selectively operable to break down waxy solids prior to transfer of the fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with a collection tank.

Abstract: A hydraulic supply system (10) for a tractor is provided comprising a hydraulic pump (P) and a support plate (13) mounted on the exterior of a tractor chassis (14). One or more fluid flow control valves (17a,17b, 17c,27,28,29,31) or other consumers are mounted on the support plate (13) which are fed with fluid from the pump (P) via passages (12a,12c) in the support plate. The separate support plate reduces the number of hydraulic pipes required thereby improving space availability and assembly costs.

Abstract: Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum pump for vehicles which reduces noise of exhaust air generated during operation of the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A valve tester assembly is disclosed that includes an articulated arm assembly having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the articulated arm assembly being movable away from and toward the first end such that when the first end of the articulated arm assembly is connected to a vehicle, the second end of the articulated arm assembly is movable away from and toward the vehicle. The assembly includes a rotation mechanism that is mounted on the articulated arm assembly toward the second end of the articulated arm for rotating a shaft for exercising a valve. The assembly further includes a moving mechanism that is mountable on a vehicle for moving the first end of the articulated arm assembly away from and towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety valve device has a safety valve body configured to include a valve mechanism opened at a temperature of or over a preset reference temperature. The safety valve device also includes a gas flow path arranged to make a flow of hydrogen flowing out of a hydrogen tank via the safety valve body in a valve open position of the valve mechanism, and a discharge pipe configured to have a hydrogen discharge opening and arranged to discharge the hydrogen flowing through the gas flow path to the outside. The hydrogen discharge opening of the discharge pipe is formed to discharge the hydrogen in an oblique direction relative to a direction of an axial center of the gas flow path. The discharge pipe also has a groove formed to apply an input rotational force to the discharge pipe and thereby rotate the discharge pipe around the axial center of the gas flow path.

Abstract: A deployable crafting machine may include a vehicle and a gantry system. The gantry system may be configured to be collapsed on the vehicle during which the gantry system is inoperable and to be expanded during which the gantry system is operable and supported at least in part by the vehicle. A deployable crafting process may include moving a vehicle to a first location while a gantry system is stored on the vehicle in a collapsed and inoperable state and expanding the gantry system into an operable state after the vehicle arrives at the first location during which the gantry system is supported at least in part by the vehicle.

Abstract: In combination with an external actuator for electrically operating a gate valve for use with a recreational vehicle, a gate valve within a housing, a flow passageway, a valve closure member moveable transversely of the flow passageway to cause the passageway to open and close. The valve closure member comprises a valve stem and a connected handle. Also provided is an electrical control unit with a motor, an electrical drive means and a drive shaft to engage the handle. A switch means electrically connected to the control unit has an on and off position. In the on position, the actuator lifts the handle to move the gate and open the flow passageway. In the off position, the actuator retracts the handle to move the gate linearly to close the flow passageway. Also provided is a releasable ring pin which confines the handle and which, when removed, enables the manual override of the external actuator.

Abstract: A device for moving a jet member on a carriage (6) between two selectable extreme positions along a guide (5) has means for detecting that the carriage has reached a selectable extreme position, said means comprising members (24, 25) adapted to form a mechanical resistance against continued movement of the carriage so as to influence the flow of hydraulic liquid in an hydraulic circuit (27) of a hydraulic drive arrangement for moving the carriage. Members (31) are arranged to sense a parameter of the hydraulic liquid, the magnitude of which is depending upon the flow of hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic circuit, and send information about the magnitude of this parameter to a control unit (14) adapted to control the turning of the carriage on the basis of this information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to winterize a recreational vehicle having plumbing lines. A hose may be attached to an air compressor and a recreational vehicle winterizer fitting may be attached between the hose and a freshwater inlet connection port of the recreational vehicle. The winterizer fitting may include a nib, a landing, a first transition, a second transition, and a body having a male connector and a fifth chamber. A pressure gage, a butterfly valve, and an antifreeze additive system may be attached to the body of the winterizer fitting.

Abstract: A device for feeding one or more substances thixotroping a liquid to a container for storing said liquid, is characterized in that the device comprises a tank containing thixotroping substances, a feeding means for transportation of the thixotroping substances from the tank into the container which contains the liquid, and a pressure generating means for generating a pressure gradients in the thixotroping substances within the feeding means which is directed from the tank to the container. By means of the device according to the invention thixotroping substances can be fed into fluid within the container, in order to prevent discharging and leakage respectively under certain defined circumstances.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hold down device for holding down a discharge hose during draining consists of a container filled with a filling material, a handle, a filling hole, a plug, feet, and a hose recess. The use of a hold down device of the present invention prevents the dislodging of a discharge hose while draining a septic holding tank from a recreational vehicle thus preventing spillage of waste material by covering the discharge hose and a sewer fitting and holding the sewer fitting within a refuse hole of a dump receptacle. Additionally, a hold down device embodiment of the present invention is easy and convenient to use while maintaining the proper functionality of holding a discharge hose and sewer fitting down during draining of the holding tank.

Abstract: The system for suspending a valve exerciser from a support comprises a base element for mounting on the support, a first support element pivotally mounted on the base element, a second support element pivotally mounted on the first support element, a linking element pivotally mounted on the first support element, a first stabilizing element linking the base element and the linking element, a mounting element pivotally mounted on the second support element, a second stabilizing element linking the linking element and the mounting element, and a multiple stage assistance assembly for applying multiple degrees of assistance to movement of the first support element with respect to the base element.

Abstract: A connection structure for a fuel pump module flange and support rod may employ a flange having a top plate and a vertical wall that is perpendicular to the top plate. A vertical wall bottom edge may define a bottom edge slot. The flange may further define a recession in the vertical wall that merges with the bottom edge slot. The recession may house semi-circular first and second boss arms that protrude from a ceiling that bounds the recession. First and second semicircular clip arms may reside in the recession and define a gap with the first and second boss arms. A cylindrical rod may have a rod tip that slides between the boss arms and a rod shaft that clips into the clip arms by biasing apart the clip arms. Installation of the rod may be from the side of the flange and not the bottom of the flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid tank (20) comprising a base section (26) that is delimited by a tank base (22), an intermediate plane (24), which is situated at a distance above the tank base (22) and a domed section (28), which is situated above the intermediate plane (24) and communicates with the base section (26). In order to assemble the fluid tank even in an environment with a complex construction for example on the chassis of a mobile concrete pump, the inventive base section (26) and the domed section (28) are configured as separate hollow parts.

Abstract: A drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle may include first, second and third modular components. The first modular component may be adapted to coupling to the vehicle and may define a first male connection. The second modular component may include a waste transfer portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first female connection and the second end may define a second male connection. The third modular component may include an angled central portion, a first end and a second end. The first end may define a second female connection. The second end may define a waste discharge end. The drain system may further include a fourth modular component defining a first end having an opening for receiving the waste discharge end of the third modular component and a second end for interfacing with a tubular intake of the discharge location.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for construction equipment is provided, which can facilitate joint connection of return pipes having a large size to a hydraulic tank, in an environment where a working space of an upper frame is narrow such as in a small swing radius construction equipment, by a return pipe block for returning hydraulic fluid of a main control valve to the hydraulic tank without being interfered with a swing motor and so on.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for a zero tail swing excavator is provided, which can simplify an assembling process of hydraulic pipes and improve the workability by dividedly forming intermediate sides of the hydraulic pipes for supplying hydraulic fluid from a main control valve to hydraulic cylinders and jointly fixing the dividedly formed intermediate sides of the hydraulic pipes by a connection means in a narrow space between a boom and an upper swing structure due to the characteristic of the zero tail swing excavator.

Abstract: A tank system of the invention with multiple tanks makes a joint flow of a fluid released from the multiple tanks and supplies the joint flow to a downstream device, which is located downstream of the multiple tanks. The tank system includes: primary pressure measurement modules that individually measure internal pressures of the multiple tanks as primary pressures; a secondary pressure measurement module that measures a pressure of the joint flow of the fluid as a secondary pressure; flow rate regulation modules that individually regulate release flow rates of the fluid to be released from the multiple tanks; and a pressure control module that estimates a supply flow rate to be supplied to the downstream device from the measured secondary pressure, and then sets an allocation of the supply flow rate of the fluid to be released from each of the multiple tanks corresponding to the measured primary pressure with regard to the tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to adapting an existing macerating pump to allow fluid arriving at the inlet side of the pump to travel to the discharge port of the pump without requiring the pump to be operating. In particular, a passageway is made from the inlet port to the discharge port which bypasses the impeller portion of the pump. In this way, fluids and slurries may pass through the pump even though the pump is turned off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine having a working oil tank and a switching valve to open/close the pilot line of the hydraulic pressure control system, the return oil from the switching valve being put back to the tank at the bottom through a return pipe, wherein a drain pipe is provided at a portion of the return pipe lower than the tank, while a plug for opening/closing the drain pipe at the outlet thereof, the oil in the working oil tank being discharged through the return pipe in a case where the outlet is opened by the plug. This allows the simplification of the configuration of drain passage as well as the improvement of the efficiency of draining works.

Abstract: A fuel pump housing includes a body that has a bottom portion. A fuel filter is located adjacent the bottom portion, and contacts the body so that electricity, such as static electricity, is conducted between the body and the fuel filter. A ground connection dissipates, or limits, electricity in both the body and the fuel filter.

Abstract: A sewage system for vehicles that includes a waste hose that is extendable and retractable.

Abstract: A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor, a water detector, and/or a particle monitor is employed inline the fuel flow path of a fuel dispenser, and in particular an aviation refueling truck, to monitor the quality of the fuel. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle equipped with at least one permanently attached exterior water outlet. That outlet may be fitted with a drinking fountain, hose connection or faucet. The purpose of the invention is to provide a convenient water supply on the exterior of the recreational vehicle separate from the city water inlet. That recreational vehicle may be any type of highly portable housing unit designed for use on land. Those types include, but are not limited to, conversion buses, motorhomes, travel trailers, pick-up campers and tent trailers.

Abstract: A storage mechanism for managing the hoses used within the service bay of recreational vehicles (RVs) is disclosed. The storage mechanism increases accessibility to various parts within the service bay area, and also reduces safety risk associated with emptying the wastewater compartments commonly found in RVs.

Abstract: A cryocooler is located on a spacecraft bus, such as a bus box, separate from the cryogenic propellant tanks disposed on a separable and distinct propellant cartridge system spacecraft docked to the spacecraft bus. In operation, propellant may be continuously pumped from the tanks through the cryocooler cold heat exchanger and then back to the tanks on the separable propellant cartridge system spacecraft through temporarily couplable lines. After the propellant tanks are depleted, the propellant cartridge system is then undocked from the bus and typically discarded. A new propellant cartridge system spacecraft comprising a full set of tanks may then be docked to the bus and the cryocooler supply/return lines coupled. The remote cryocooler may function as part of a larger space depot for spacecraft resupply, although it is not limited to such applications.

Abstract: A combination wet kit includes a single mounting bracket supporting an end dump/return manifold and a walking floor/side dump/low boy manifold, as well as a support bracket for the hydraulic fluid filter. A three-way valve is positioned between the end dump/return manifold and a walking floor/side dump/low boy manifold. The manifold unit attached to the tractor without requiring holes in the tractor frame. The manifolds and the preassembled nature of the manifold assembly greatly simplify and reduce costs for installation of the combination wet kit.

Abstract: A portable tank apparatus has a yoke pivotal on a transverse member between a service towing position and a raised position, and a pair of hingedly connected brace members at the rear of the apparatus and operable by an actuator to retract the wheels or lower the wheels to the ground.

Abstract: A cryocooler is located on a spacecraft bus, such as a bus box, separate from the cryogenic propellant tanks disposed on a separable and distinct propellant cartridge system spacecraft docked to the spacecraft bus. In operation, propellant may be continuously pumped from the tanks through the cryocooler cold heat exchanger and then back to the tanks on the separable propellant cartridge system spacecraft through temporarily couplable lines. After the propellant tanks are depleted, the propellant cartridge system is then undocked from the bus and typically discarded. A new propellant cartridge system spacecraft comprising a full set of tanks may then be docked to the bus and the cryocooler supply/return lines coupled. The remote cryocooler may function as part of a larger space depot for spacecraft resupply, although it is not limited to such applications.

Abstract: A receptacle configured to accept a container, a cart which can releasably accept a receptacle, and method for use of the receptacle and cart.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.

Abstract: A valve tester assembly is disclosed that includes an articulated arm assembly having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the articulated arm assembly being movable away from and toward the first end such that when the first end of the articulated arm assembly is connected to a vehicle, the second end of the articulated arm assembly is movable away from and toward the vehicle. The assembly includes a rotation mechanism that is mounted on the articulated arm assembly toward the second end of the articulated arm for rotating a shaft for exercising a valve. The assembly further includes a moving mechanism that is mountable on a vehicle for moving the first end of the articulated arm assembly away from and towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for increasing the overall efficiency of a hydrogen fueled vehicle and refilling station infrastructure wherein the process of (1) consuming pressurized hydrogen gas that is stored in on board tanks used to power hydrogen fueled motor vehicles and (2) refueling the vehicle tanks at a hydrogen refilling station after the available on board fuel supply in the tanks is consumed is controlled according to a predetermined sequence involving the utilization of the hydrogen in the on board tanks.

Abstract: A mechanism for managing the wastewater compartments of recreational vehicles (RVs) is disclosed. The mechanism reduces work and health risk associated with emptying wastewater compartments commonly found in RVs.

Abstract: A valve construction for use with a holding or waste removal tank of a vehicle is provided and includes a gate valve having a valve closure member, and at least one panel having an opening extending from an inside surface to an outside surface connected to the vehicle. Also provided is an axially moveable cable with a first end connected to the gate valve to impart movement to the valve closure member and a second end having a terminus, and a first and second means for securing the second end to the panel. The first means is radially contractible and expandable for penetrating the opening by contracting as it is moved to penetrate through the inside surface of the panel and expanding as it is moved to exit the opening through the outside surface of the panel whereupon it abuts the outside surface. The second means adapts to tightly abut the inside surface of the panel to cooperate with the first means to enable the secure mounting of the second end of the cable to the panel.

Abstract: A plumbing apparatus includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and defining an interior volume therebetween and an inlet fitting connected to the housing and connectable to a fluid source external to the housing. In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus may also include an outlet fitting connected to the housing, disposed on the exterior thereof and in fluid communication with the inlet fitting; and a hose assembly receivable in the housing for storage, with one end thereof connected to the inlet fitting, and the other end of the hose assembly connectable to the fluid source. The plumbing apparatus may further include a cover member to cover one of the ends of the housing. The cover member may be operable between a closed position preventing access to the interior volume and an open position allowing access to the interior volume. The hose assembly may include a female fitting on said end connectable to the fluid source.

Abstract: A module includes a reservoir having at least three chambers for storing compressed air for a vehicle air supply system, and a mounting assembly for supporting the reservoir on the vehicle. The chambers are separate from each other internally. The reservoir includes external connections, such as air lines or piping, for interconnecting the three chambers. The mounting assembly includes a bracket having a support surface. A bracket liner is received on the bracket between the support surface and the outer side surface of the reservoir. The reservoir may also include a purge chamber and an air dryer, as one unit, supported on the vehicle by the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A system for supplying fluid to a battery, a vacuum source, a vehicle, a combination, a method for supplying fluid to a battery and a method of charging a battery. The fluid supply system supplies fluid to a battery in a vehicle, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the battery cell. The system is defined as including a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to a tank. The hydraulic circuit is defined as including an inlet conduit connectable to tank, an outlet conduit connectable to the battery cell, and a vacuum source connectable to the battery cell and to the tank. The vacuum source is defined as including a pump having a pump inlet conduit connectable to the tank, and a pump outlet, and a venturi having a first inlet connectable to the pump outlet, a second inlet connectable to the battery cell, and a venturi outlet is connectable to the tank.

Abstract: The present recreational vehicle water warming and circulating system uses the heated water in the water heater to heat the on-board water supply when the outside air temperature drops below the freezing point of water. The system includes a holding tank for containing a majority of the on-board water supply, and heated and cold loops that supply heated and cold water to various fixtures in the recreational vehicle. When temperature sensors sense a potentially freezing condition, a control circuit opens one or more solenoid valves to open the one or both loops to return undispensed heated or cold water to the holding tank. The control circuit closes the solenoid valves when the potentially freezing condition is no longer detected by the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A pressurized delivery system for in-situ delivery of sub-soil remediation compounds to underground contaminated matter includes a liquid diaphragm pump connected to an inflow source of water, the pump being also in fluid communication with a plurality of bioslurry tanks connected in parallel, the bioslurry tanks each having a drain. Valve means are located between the liquid diaphragm pump and each of the bioslurry tanks for controlling either the alternate or simultaneous flow of fluid from the pump to each of the bioslurry tanks. A second liquid diaphragm pump having an inlet port for receiving the combined flow of the bioslurry tanks has an outlet in fluid communication with a system discharge port. The system further includes a source of compressed gas in fluid communication with the discharge port. A discharge rod is connected to the discharge port for delivery of remedial fluids to underground soils.

Abstract: A sewage draining system for a recreational vehicle. A flexible drainage hose extends from the distal end of sewage pipe on an RV, and a rigid sleeve carries the drainage hose in a first stowed position in which the hose is fully contained in the sleeve and in a second drainage position. The sleeve is pivotably connected at one end near the distal end of the sewer pipe so that it can swing outwardly from the vehicle.

Abstract: A one-piece body attachment guides and secures the distal end of a recreational vehicle sewage discharge hose relative to the inlet of a relatively stationary sewage receptacle. Two vertical, spaced apart, parallel sidewalls and a rigidly connected end wall form a partially enclosed space that receives a horizontal portion of the hose, an immediately downstream ninety degree bent portion of the hose and an immediately downstream vertical straight portion of the hose. Abutments are rigid to the sidewalls to interfere with relative movement of the hose and attachment by being located above the bottom edge a distance substantially greater and/or substantially less than one-half the distance between the inner faces of the sidewalls, which are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the hose.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the refrigerant pressure in an automobile air conditioning system and, if needed, charging the system with additional refrigerant, is provided. An actuator is coupled to a pressurized container that selectively opens the container valve. A hose is provided, the first end of which is connected to the actuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A T-connector with a check valve is disposed in the hose, and a pressure gauge is connected to the T-connector. When the second end of the hose is coupled to a service port and the actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to a service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant is released from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner.

Abstract: A portable drum dosing system includes an outer mast assembly extending generally horizontally from the main frame and includes a pair of legs disposed at an angle with respect to each other so that the legs may straddle and dispose the main frame near a drum. An upstanding post assembly extends upwardly from the main frame at the outer mast assembly. The post assembly includes a fixed guide post. An upper clamping mechanism is movably mounted to the fixed post for engaging the chime of a drum. A lifting mechanism controls the vertical movement of the upper clamping mechanism and of the stabilizing mechanism to permit a drum to be engaged by the transporter and then lifted and then conveyed from one location to another. An optional weight measuring device is movably mounted to the fixed post to permit the weight of the drum to be accurately determined.

Abstract: A drain pipe dispenses waste water from the vehicle. The drain pipe has a circumferential slot and a gate collar around the drain pipe over the slot. A gate valve is coupled to the gate collar. A gate reciprocable between a closed and open position is provided. A drive rod coupled to the gate with a free end is formed with a C-shaped hook. A pivot bolt is provided. The lever is rotatably supported on the pivot bolt. A handle has an intermediate extent. The intermediate extent is slidably received in the C-shaped hook whereby moving the handle toward the drain pipe closes the gate valve and moving the handle away from the drain pipe opens the gate valve.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system includes a carousel that is driven to extend and retract a hose that is connected on one end to a dumping station and at a second end to pipes connecting to the black and gray water tanks of an RV.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes elongated conduits connected at one end with couplings to a plurality of fluid reservoirs of a machine or engine and at the other end with a control valve for selective quick evacuation. Evacuation is powered by a pump operably connected to the control valve. Another embodiment includes a first pump for the evacuation of an engine oil reservoir and a second pump for the selective evacuation of transmission and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. The control valve and the pumps may be operated remotely through electrical switches on brackets or on a service panel. Associated methods of removing fluids and replacing fluids from a plurality of reservoirs includes coupling the fluid transfer system to the reservoirs.

Abstract: Fluid hoses associated with land vehicles, such as a truck, are supported on the vehicle by a spring-biased reel mounted beneath the truck. Desired tension is maintained on the hoses by the spring loading of the reel whereby the hoses are maintained in a desired location and position on the vehicle.