Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. The controller maintains a high set level and a low set level for banks or compressed gas reservoirs, and the controller automatically cycles a compressor to fill the banks when one of the banks falls below the respective low set pressure. Additionally, when the compressor is running to fill one of the banks, all of the banks are topped off to the high set pressure in order to minimize compressor cycling. The controller automatically directs compressed air to a booster pump when available bank pressure is insufficient to complete a filling operation. In this way filling operations are completed when a compressor is not available, or when it would be undesirable to cycle a compressor.

Abstract: A variable-volume compressed natural gas ("CNG") storage vessel connected to a line supplying pressurized natural gas is described. The vessel connects to a dispensing station having a connection head--a fitting that allows a vehicle tank quickly and easily to be interconnected with and disconnected from the dispensing station. When a vehicle tank is being filled, or alternatively when a storage vessel is being replenished from the gas supply line, a controller responds to the pressure within the storage vessel to vary the volume of that vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the essentially automatic filling with pressurized ambient air of non-elastic inflatable objects to predetermined overpressures; and operate through the creation and sensing of a fluidic effect in the inflatable object attendant the filling of the same, the discontinuation of that fluidic effect when the inflatable object has been filled to the predetermined overpressure, the sensing of the discontinuation of the fluidic effect and the discontinuation of the supply of pressurized air to the inflatable object in response thereto. Provisions are made for adjustment in the predetermined overpressure to which the inflatable object is filled, and for reversing the operation of the apparatus and method to deflate inflated objects for re-use.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. Compressed gas flow is controlled with on/off valves that are driven open by a motor/gearbox/clutch combination to reduce thermal and physical shocks associated with opening of the valve. Whenever power is removed from the clutch, a spring automatically drives the valves closed quickly to provide fail-safe operation.

Abstract: Method for filling a pressure capsule for spray cans, in particular for fing a pressure capsule (5) consisting of a reservoir (7) with a discharge opening (8) and a pressure regulator (9) with a valve (10) which works in conjunction with the above-mentioned discharge opening (8), characterized in that the pressure capsule (5) is filled by creating an external pressure difference at the pressure regulator (9), such that the discharge opening (8) is cleared and the reservoir (7) is filled via this opening (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the pneumatic pressure of a tire according to the invention calculates the pressure difference between the specified pneumatic pressure entered therein through an input section and the actual pneumatic pressure of a tire measured by a pressure sensor and operates its air charging or discharging valve by specifying an extent of openness of the valve and a time for keeping the valve open as a function of the obtained pressure difference. Thereafter, it calculates the rate of change in the pneumatic pressure of the tire from the actual pneumatic pressure of the tire measured for the second time during the valve is kept open and, at the same time, the pressure difference between the specified pneumatic pressure value and the actual pneumatic pressure of the tire measured for the second time.

Abstract: A method of refueling a road transportation vehicle or the like comprising receiving and storing liquid natural gas in a relatively large supply tank at relatively low temperature and moderate pressure, dispensing the liquid natural gas from the supply tank generally exclusively on demand when a vehicle is present for refueling, delivering the dispensed gas to a high-pressure fuel tank on the vehicle while simultaneously converting it to compressed natural gas at relatively high pressure and moderate temperature through the addition of energy to the gas primarily in thermal form. In one embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is elevated by a mechanical pump while in another embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is raised primarily by the addition of heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed gas from n storage vessels containing compressed gas. Gas is sequentially dispensed from each of the storage vessels until predetermined delivery conditions are reached for each storage vessel. After the predetermined delivery conditions are reached in storage vessel n, storage vessel n is backfilled using the remaining compressed gas from the other storage vessels. The backfilling provides greater extraction of stored gas in the storage vessels and consistently fast fill times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting volatile organic compound vapors from a liquid storage vessel which includes the steps of introducing a purge medium to a liquid storage vessel containing volatile organic compound vapors and establishing an uniform and continuous stratified interface between the purge medium and the volatile organic compound vapors. The introduction of the purge medium is continued causing the continuous stratified interface to move within the vessel purging the undiluted volatile organic compound vapors from the vessel and into a vapor recovery line which delivers the volatile organic compound vapors to a vapor handling device. Preferably, the purge medium comprises carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A system and method for refueling vehicle storage tanks with compressed natural gas (CNG) are provided that utilize a single stage compressor operable at suction pressures ranging from about 330 to about 3600 psig and discharge pressures ranging from about 330 to about 4500 psig in combination with a temporary storage tank for CNG at an intermediate storage pressure of from about 330 to about 4500 psig, preferably from about 1700 to about 2700 psig, selectively filling vehicle storage tanks with CNG from an inlet source, from the compressor discharge and from the intermediate storage tanks, and selectively supplying CNG to the compressor inlet at either the available line pressure or the intermediate storage pressure.

Abstract: An unmanned conveying device for a clean room is capable of restraining a spontaneous oxide film from growing in case that an unmanned carriage is obliged to stop for a long time due to its own cause of a cause at a destination spot while it conveys a semiconductor wafer from one spot to the destination spot. It is a first aspect of the invention to provide the unmanned conveying device which is self-propelled for conveying an object from a ground facility to a destination spot while loading an object to be conveyed thereon, characterized in that the object is accommodated in a container and the container is connected to an inert gas reservoir through a gas supply passage so that the atmosphere in the container can be replaced by a nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved pneumatically operated circuit for automatically shutting off the flow of high pressure air being introduced into an object to be inflated, such as a tire, when the pressure in the object reaches a preselected maximum pressure significantly below that of the high pressure supply. The air at high pressure is introduced into the object and into a control duct also connected to the object, until pressure in the control duct overcomes the bias of a control valve, at which time the control valve closes to interrupt the flow of high pressure air and allow pressure in the object and the control duct to equilibrate; if the equilibrated pressure does not continue to overcome the bias of a control valve, the control valve again opens to admit additional high pressure air to the object and control duct until the bias of the control valve again is overcome and the control valve closed as previously, repeating the closing cycle.

Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus which includes a vehicle fitted with multiple compressed gas cylinders, each provided with a free piston, along with a separate liquid reservoir cylinder, for sequentially displacing the gas located on one side of the free piston in each of the gas cylinders with liquid from the reservoir introduced on the opposite side of the free piston and relocating the free piston disposed in each gas cylinder by residual gas pressure.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage delivery system having at least two syrup storage tanks. Each storage tank is provided with a valve that allows air to vent from the tank during delivery, acts as a nozzle to deliver cleaning solution during clean-up operations and, most significantly, meters the amount of fluid delivered to the tank and prevents inadvertent overfill. The tanks are also provided with a syrup feed pipe and drain pipe for filling and discharging the tank, respectively. The drain pipe can be connected to a mixing valve that also receives carbon dioxide and water from separate sources. These components are mixed at the mixing valve to create the desired carbonated beverage which is then delivered to a beverage dispenser. The feed pipe can be connected to a delivery truck supply tank such that its supply of syrup can be replenished. The volume of syrup carried by the truck supply tank is less than the total volume of all the storage tanks to be filled from the supply tank.

Abstract: By means of the invention, the pressure in a cavity can be measured, without ever reducing the gas flow to zero. This is achieved by bleeding an intermediate vessel slightly with its inlet valve closed and its outlet valve open and then being able to extrapolate from the pressure decrease whether the desired pressure has been reached. If the result of the extrapolation indicates that the desired pressure has not been reached, then pumping is repeated, measuring is repeated and so on and so forth until the extrapolation indicates that the desired pressure has been reached. Thus extrapolations are made instead of allowing the intermediate vessel to empty completely.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatically operated circuit for automatically shutting off the flow of high pressure air being introduced into an object such as a tire, when the pressure in the object reaches a preselected maximum pressure significantly below the high pressure supply. The air is introduced automatically in timed, high pressure bursts and between the time bursts a safety mechanism gauges the pressure that has built up in the object and interrupts further timed bursts when the latter pressure exceeds the preselected maximum.

Abstract: The device comprises at least two metering chambers which are so counter weighed as to be in a balanced condition on corresponding yoke members, each chamber bearing on a measuring cell, the two chambers operating, alternatively, with a loading step from the gas storage tank and a fueling step for filling the motor vehicle gas cylinders, under the control of a programmed computer or processor designed for driving a plurality of solenoid valves included in the gas supply circuit.

Abstract: A control system and method for sensing and reacting conditions indicative of unacceptable slow CTIS response to selected pressure setting changes.

Abstract: A central tire inflation and deflation system which quickly inflates or deflates tires to any one of a plurality of pressures selected by the vehicle operator. Inflation pressure is greater than the pressure to which the tires are to be inflated. The system uses a tire valve which deflates the tires when a pressure less than the instantaneous tire pressure but greater than a minimum value is applied to the valve. Pressure on rotary seals which connect the tires to the system is relieved when the system is not operating.

Abstract: A fixed fluid control system for loading fluids into sealed tanks includes pressure sensing conduits in a mobile vehicle and fixed fluid controls. In the vehicle are first and second pressure sensing conduits having portions within the sealed tank positioned at the top and bottom of the tank. The pressure sensing conduits have exterior portions to which are detachably coupled additional pressure sense lines. The additional pressure sensing conduits are coupled to a differential pressure to current converter within the fixed fluid control system. The converter produces a current signal proportional to the pressure difference between the two sense lines. When this current reaches a predetermined high level, the supply of fluid to the sealed tank is discontinued.

Abstract: A central tire inflation and deflation system which quickly inflates or deflates tires to any one of a plurality of pressures selected by the vehicle operator. Inflation pressure is greater than the pressure to which the tires are to be inflated. The system uses a tire valve which deflates the tires when a pressure less than the instantaneous tire pressure but greater than a minimum value is applied to the valve. Pressure on rotary seals which connect the tires to the system is relieved when the system is not operating.

Abstract: An improved ball inflation apparatus is provided wherein inflation pressure is injected through a coaxial needle where sensed pressure is also passed to a dual diaphragm pressure sensing device which generates a control signal to terminate the inflation pressure flow at the proper inflation level.

Abstract: A method of accurately measuring volume of gas flowing through a conduit as a result of differential pressure of the gas within the conduit is disclosed. The method comprises determining flow of the gas through the conduit, and terminating flow of the gas through the conduit when the differential pressure is a preselected value. The gas flow and the resulting determination of gas volume are preferably referenced to standard temperature and pressure. Also disclosed is an apparatus for effecting the method.

Abstract: Inflation apparatus for hollow flexible wall objects, such as playballs, in which the source of inflation gas or air is normally inoperative until the object to be inflated is moved into engagement with a gas injection needle for energizing the source of inflation gas, and the source of inflation gas is returned to its normally inoperative state upon the object reaching its desired inflated size. Upon the removal of the inflated object the apparatus is returned to a condition where a subsequent object to be inflated can be supplied with the inflation gas.

Abstract: A device for evacuating air from a receptacle containing deteriorative material and charging the receptacle with an inert gas. The device has a nozzle by which the receptacle may be charged. The nozzle is connected to a gas supply source having means for sensing air and gas contents and pressures. The device is operated to reduce the oxygen in the receptacle and discharge an inert gas into the receptacle while monitoring the oxygen content therein.

Abstract: A pressure controlled vanadium hydride gas generator to provide deuterium-tritium gas in a series of pressure increments. A high pressure chamber filled with vanadium-deuterium-tritium hydride is surrounded by a heater which controls the hydride temperature. The heater is actuated by a power controller which responds to the difference signal between the actual pressure signal and a programmed pressure signal.

Abstract: Pneumatically operated, coin actuated apparatus for inflating tires for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A unit for inflating a vehicle tire is provided which functions to transmit air only if the tire contains at least a predetermined pressure. A signal is also provided which will function either to notify the user that air is being transmitted, or in the alternative, that air is not transmitted because a predetermined pressure was not present in the tire.

Abstract: An automatic detachable charging head for use with a check valve in operative communication with the charging head to allow gases therefrom to flow into the tank and a pressure safety release mechanism to prevent over pressurization. The detachable charging head fits onto the pressure storage container and includes a cartridge containing gas producing material. In the automatic embodiment of the invention, the detachable charging head includes a belt for feeding the cartridges into a firing breech contained therein and a pressure sensing switch in the pressure tank for causing the belt to stop feeding and the cartridges to stop firing when the tank pressure reaches a predetermined desired value.

Abstract: A combination tire inflator and pressure gauge, having a valving member and a body member having ports and passages with which the valving member co-operates to provide flow or non-flow and selective communication of the pressure source, the gauge, and the tire, depending upon the relative location or setting of the valving member with respect to the body member. In three relative positions of the valving member, respectively, it (1) interconnects the gauge and tire passages, the pressure-source passage being blocked, thus showing tire pressure; (2) vents the tire and gauge passages, the pressure-source passage likewise being blocked, thus venting air from the tire; and (3) causes or permits communication of the pressure-source and the tire passage, the gauge passage being blocked, thus inflating the tire.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring gas from a first container to a second container of higher pressure comprising a free-piston compressor having a driving piston and cylinder, a smaller diameter driven piston and cylinder, and a rod member connecting the driving and driven pistons for mutual reciprocation in their respective cylinders. A conduit may be provided for supplying gas to the driven cylinder from the first container. Also provided is control apparatus for intermittently introducing gas to the driving piston, from the first container, to compress gas by the driven piston for transfer to the second higher pressure container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling motor vehicle gas bags. The inflating gas flows to a manifold, about which a motor vehicle gas bag or bags are disposed, whereby the filling of gas bag (or bags) is delayed, it being filled first with gas filling a part of the manifold, and then with a greater quantity of gas filling the entire manifold upon the rupture of burst disc means.