Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level in a fuel tank for sensing an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level according to the present invention senses a residual amount of fuel in a fuel tank by contacting a resistance substrate with a wiper, the apparatus including: a case that forms a sealable filling solution filling space and has a filling solution inlet formed on a top thereof; a stopper that blocks the filling solution inlet formed in the case to seal the filling solution filling space; and a filling solution that is filled in the filling solution filling space to perform an anti-rusting and lubricating function, wherein the resistance substrate and the wiper are disposed in the filling solution filling space.

Abstract: A plant for the forming of lead-acid battery cells includes plugs to be fitted to the openings of the cells, each plug including a first inlet duct, a second outlet duct to set up a circulation of electrolyte inside the cell and supply and balancing elements to dilute with air the inflammable gases formed in the cell and to favor the balancing of the pressure inside the cell with the external atmospheric pressure. The supply and balancing elements include a third supply and balancing duct connecting the upper part of the plug with a part of the supply tank at atmospheric pressure which introduces the electrolyte into the cell. The plant includes a fan which forms a vacuum in the suction header, drawing the electrolyte and the inflammable gases from the cells and, through the third duct, ventilating the cells without forming a vacuum inside them.

Abstract: Fuel load control device and control procedure. The presence of the control device in the loading inlet of the tank enables detection when there is fuel flow into said tank. The detector signals can be temporarily identified by the clock. There is control over the duration when there is fuel flow towards the tank of the vehicle. A GPS enables identification of the geographical location of the vehicle at the time of fuel loading. This information is controlled and stored in data storage. The data storage device may have a port for extracting the information. The procedure consists of a series of steps such as obtaining information previously generated by the detector means and which is stored in the data storing means; obtaining information from the fuel dispenser; comparing the obtained data, and generating information to distinguish consistency or inconsistency between the information from the device and the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus having a combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems. The refueling apparatus further having a fluid flow control valve module, a fluid level sensor module having a sensor, and a testing module.

Abstract: A device for preventing overfilling of containers, such as those intended to contain liquefied gases, includes a valve body in which a gas duct is defined and a closure. The closure is axially movable in the valve body away from and towards a valve seat in order to respectively open and shut off the gas duct. An actuator, capable of exerting a thrust, urges the closure away from the seat. The actuator includes a float, a cam mechanism and a lever mechanism. The cam mechanism exerts the thrust in an ascending phase of the float until a preimposed limit position corresponding to a maximum filling level is reached. The lever mechanism exerts the thrust in at least a first part of a descending phase of the float starting from the limit position.

Abstract: A valve device for filling containers, particularly containers intended to contain liquefied gases, includes a valve body in which a gas duct is defined at the inlet of the container, the gas duct extending predominantly in an axial direction. A closure is axially movable in the valve body away from and towards a valve seat in order, respectively, to open and shut off the gas duct. A float type actuator, capable of exerting a thrust on a second end of the closure, is provided. A deflector cover is disposed transversely to the gas pipe and is integral with the valve body. The deflector includes a guide cavity in which a first end of the closure is slidably engaged.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and a select fill sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes a touch sensor mounted in the dispenser well and configured to sense the selection of a desired product level. A feedback array indicates the product level selected and tracks the product level within a container during the dispensing operation. The control automatically initiates a product dispensing operation based on the selection of a product level and the presence of the container in the dispenser well, and automatically terminates the dispensing operation when the product level in the container reaches the selected product level. In this manner, a hands-free dispenser is provided that can be utilized regardless of the shape or size of container utilized.

Abstract: This asphalt loading arm is for dispensing fluids from a storage tank to a receiving tank. The loading arm includes an overfill probe to prevent overfilling during transfer from one tank in loading lanes at asphalt terminals. The overfill probe is a rapid temperature response probe. The rapid response temperature probe that has a very fast response time. Placing a transmitter on the probe uniquely allows a PLC to collect data from the probe.

Abstract: An electric fueling system for a vehicle that requires a metered amount of fuel comprising: a control box comprising a plurality of switches, a battery, a controller circuit card assembly, and a plurality of light emitting diodes; a flow meter coupled to the control box and to a vehicle; a pump coupled to the flow meter, to the control box, and to a fuel canister; and a housing that contains the control box, flow meter, and pump. The controller circuit card assembly has control logic such that the controller circuit card assembly manages the functions of setting the fuel level, de-fueling the vehicle, fueling the vehicle, and changing the brightness of the light emitting diodes, wherein the control logic receives inputs from the plurality of switches, the flow meter, the battery, and the pump and provides outputs to the plurality of light emitting diodes and the pump.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: A gas fuel tank with an internal emission fuel system includes a fill-and-vent valve system inside the fuel tank that controls fuel vapor through an exterior carbon canister and prevents spit back. This inventive system prevents exposure of the carbon canister to liquid or fuel. The fill valve assembly has a nylon wedge float that causes the fuel fill nozzle to shut off once the liquid level seals the valve opening. The vent valve assembly also has a nylon wedge float that shuts off vapor once the liquid level seals the valve opening.

Abstract: A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, capable of accurately discharging the material even if the material is sent under high pressure. A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, provided with: a discharge unit (400) having a discharge opening which discharges the high-viscosity material; a holding unit (300) having a holding area which holds the high-viscosity material, a receiving opening which supplies the high-viscosity material to the holding area, and a delivery opening which delivers the high-viscosity material to the discharge unit; and a high-pressure supply pump (100) for supplying to the holding unit under a first pressure the high-viscosity material having been filled into a container.

Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.

Abstract: A refueling system including a nozzle configured to dispense fuel through a fuel path thereof into a vehicle tank. The nozzle includes a vapor path configured such that vapor recovered from the vehicle tank during refueling is passable therethrough. The system further includes a sensing valve disposed in the vapor path, wherein the sensing valve is configured to generally block the associated part of the vapor path when a sufficient vacuum from the vehicle tank is applied to the sensing valve during refueling. The system also includes a regulator valve disposed in the vapor path and arranged in series with the sensing valve, the regulator valve being configured to regulate the level of vacuum applied by a vapor pump to the sensing valve.

Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser is disclosed wherein a liquid adjustor is disposed to prevent liquid from splashing outside of a receptacle, thereby saving the automatic liquid dispenser from being polluted with splashed liquid. A receptacle and level detector emits ultrasound to the receptacle and detects the ultrasound reflected from the receptacle to generate a signal. A controller receives the signal from the receptacle and level detector to control the liquid adjusting unit, and an identifying mark at the receptacle accommodator facilitates the correct arranging of the receptacle.

Abstract: An automated liquid dispensing system employs a mechanism which moves a container [1230] relative to a fill tube [1240] to fill the container [1230] with the proper amount of liquid [1131] with a designated amount of foam [1137]. The system [1000] also includes a container dispensing unit [1400] which pre-chills containers [1230] then flips them into a drop tube [1510] to be received by a lift [1550]. Lift [1550] raises the container [1230] to a pouring head [1570] and fills the container [1230] as it lowers container [1230] to properly fill the container [1230] and create a desired amount of foam [1137].

Abstract: A method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device for delivering liquids and in particular beverages, comprising a feed line, which is flow-connected to a dispensing chamber for the liquid and which delivers the liquid to the dispensing chamber, a first discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber, and a second discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber. A valve body is arranged in the dispensing chamber, the valve body comprising a magnetizable material and being moveable in relation to the dispensing chamber, and the valve body being suited to at least partially closing at least one discharge line, and a magnetic element for moving the valve body being provided outside the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a main valve for a fuel pump nozzle the main valve comprising a shut-off body for closing a fuel line and a displacement space that is configured to avoid undesirable pressure surges during closing of the main valve. The invention further relates to a fuel pump nozzle comprising a main valve according to the invention.

Abstract: An automated system for inflating balloons. A balloon inflator comprises an electronic control system that activates the pressurized gas source to inflate a balloon. The balloons are fed through the inflator on a belt and, at the appropriate time as governed by the electronic control system, pressurized gas is emitted into a balloon. Once the balloon bursts or is removed from the inflator, the belt is advanced and that the next balloon is inflated. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple inflators and the electronic control system is operated remotely using radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a dispenser that includes an outlet and that is configured to dispense content through the outlet and along an output flow path. The refrigerator also includes a detection unit configured to detect user activity that is indicative of a desire to fill a container with content using the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes an optical system that is configured to, in response to detecting the user activity, direct a beam of light along at least a portion of the output flow path of the dispenser to assist a user in positioning a container to receive content dispensed along the output flow path.

Abstract: A filling valve (12) including: a hollow housing (21); a moving valve assembly (24) slidingly mounted in the housing (21), the moving valve assembly (24) and the hollow housing (21) together defining a liquid chamber (30) and a gas chamber (32); a liquid inlet (46) for putting the liquid chamber (30) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (14); a gas inlet (47) for putting the gas chamber (32) into communication with a gas supply pipe (17); wherein the hollow housing (21) and the moving valve assembly (24) together define a medium chamber the (33) located between the liquid chamber (30) and the gas chamber (32), and wherein the filling valve (12) further comprises: a first diaphragm (35) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the liquid chamber (30) and the medium chamber (33), and a second diaphragm (36) linking the valve assembly (24) to the housing (21) between the gas chamber (32) and the medium chamber (33).

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a float valve apparatus including: a housing including: a partition wall dividing an internal space into lower and upper spaces and having an opening therein; a ventilation pipe communicating the upper space with an outside; a valve seat formed at the opening; and a communication hole communicating the lower space with the outside; a float that is valve vertically slidably movable in the lower space and that upwardly floats in accordance with liquid flowing thereinto to open and close the opening; an upward urging spring urging the float valve from the housing toward the opening; and a support spring disposed inside the upward urging spring to support the float valve to not contact with a bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a coffee beverage comprises an automatic coffee machine and a receptacle that can be docked with the beverage spigot of the machine in filling position, the receptacle having a mechanism that is detectable by a sensor mechanism in the machine when the receptacle attains the filling position, the sensor mechanism being in communication with the control unit of the coffee machine in such a way that, when it detects the detectable mechanism, it automatically sends the control unit a signal to switch the coffee machine to an operating mode that consecutively executes one or more operating cycles for filling of the receptacle.

Abstract: An overfill prevention device is provided for preventing overflow of a fluid storage tank. The overfill prevention device includes a filler cup designed to fit within the fill opening of the tank body and attach thereto. A seal that is adapted for receiving and sealing to a fill nozzle is placed between upper and lower regions of the filler cup. A breather piece, which defines a vapor path with first and second openings, is integrated with the filler cup. The first opening of the breather piece is fluidly coupled to the lower cup region, whereas the second opening is positioned above the first opening, located at or below the full level of the storage tank.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a mixture of water and one of a plurality of concentrated formulas is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a housing that includes an electronic controller, a water inlet connected to a pressurized water source, and a water inlet valve that is electrically controlled and connected to the controller. A mixture reservoir is in fluid communication with the water inlet valve and a mixture outlet through which the mixture of water and one of the concentrate formulas exits the dispenser. A plurality of concentrate reservoirs each adapted to receive the concentrated formulas are each in fluid communication with the mixture reservoir. Each concentrate reservoir has a valve connected to the controller and capable of delivering a metered volume of the concentrated formula into the mixture reservoir when signaled by the controller. A selector knob is electrically connected to the controller and has at least one manually selectable position representative of each concentrate reservoir.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for making paints from prepaints, along with a method related thereto.

Abstract: An overfill prevention device which includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston fitted within the first tubular member, a second tubular member having a cylindrical recess open, a plug arranged within the second tubular member, a float rod having a cam plate, a float connected with a lower end of the float rod, a valve body having a lower end engaged with the first tubular member, a pinion pivotally connected to the second tubular member by the pin, a toothed rack meshed with the pinion and engaged with the second tubular member, a control rod having an upper end extending into the valve body and a lower end secured to the toothed rack, a first magnet mounted at the upper end of the control rod, and a gauge mounted on the valve body and provided with a second permanent magnet and a needle operatively connected with the second magnet.

Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present system invention, the operator enters the customer name into the color management system and the computer screen displays the customer's history. If this is a new customer, a history file is created. The operator selects desired color from the color pallet, enters the required amount of finished dye and finally the activator strength is selected. The operator is instructed to place an empty batch container on the scale. The system prompts the operator for the first dye color, and an LED adjacent to the corresponding drawer is illuminated. The operator manually adds the amount indicated on the display panel, while the scale monitors exactly how much has been added and provides feedback to the operator leading to an extremely accurate dispense. After returning the bottle or tube to the designated storage bin, the operator presses “next”, and the next LED is illuminated along with the required amount of the next ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for container filling machines, particularly for glass bottle fillers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve unit (1), particularly for container filling machines (8), comprising a hollow body (2) in which there is slidably housed a plug (3), wherein said plug (3) is hollow and comprises an outer duct (23) and an inner duct (24) coaxial to said outer duct (23), a probe (28) having a smaller diameter than the opening of said inner duct (24) being coaxially housed within said inner duct (24), characterized in that said inner duct (24) is made of electrically isolating material.

Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal. The receiving device includes a series of photoelectric receivers and at least one variable which is a displacement of a light incident signal measured by the receivers. The visual marking, emitter and receiver are displaceable en masse so as to make it possible to modify the marking of the level of fill in the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing overfilling of a plurality of fuel tanks (8) at a gasoline station, in the event that fuel tanks are filled simultaneously by multi-chamber tank vehicles (7). The fuel tanks (8) are equipped with filling level threshold indicators (3) linked to a transmitter (1) for wireless transmission of a signal. A receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7) is provided to control one or several tank valves. In order to ensure safe closure of the tank valves, the filling level threshold indicators (3) of the fuel tanks (8) at the gasoline station are connected each to a signal line (5) leading to a common interface (4). Only one transmitter (1) along with an interrogation control device is provided for connecting to said interface (4) and cooperates with the receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7).

Abstract: A combination overfill protection device, fluid level gauge, includes a service valve having a body defining a set of wrench flats, an input port, and a tank port wherein the overfill protection device has a float that rotates a shaft in response to a change in fluid level, the shaft transitioning the overfill protection device between opened and closed configurations and rotating a magnet within the service valve body proximate the wrench flat and wherein a gauge dial has a dial magnet housing sized to fit proximate to the wrench flat such that rotation of the magnet within the service valve actuates a dial magnet housed substantially in the dial magnet housing.

Abstract: A combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: A robot system includes a supply station. The system further includes: a robot, a robot tank adapted to store a liquid and disposed at the robot; and a supply station configured to supply additional liquid to the tank.

Abstract: A reservoir for an anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein. The reservoir includes an open interior and a high-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The high-pressure channel is configured to transfer an anesthetic agent from a storage container into the open interior when a pressure level within the storage container exceeds a pressure level within the open interior. The reservoir also includes a low-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The low-pressure channel is configured to transfer the anesthetic agent from the storage container into the open interior when the pressure level within the storage container is less than or approximately equal to the pressure level within the open interior. The low-pressure channel and the high-pressure channel are configured to prevent the open interior from being overfilled with the anesthetic agent under conditions wherein the pressure level within the storage container exceeds the pressure level within the open interior.

Abstract: A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a lower passage and an upper passage. An upper end of the lower passage receives a portion of fuel flow from the nozzle, and a lower end is in communication with the tank. The upper passage has a lower end in communication with an interior of the lower passage and an upper end in communication with a hole in the nozzle. A valve connects to the lower passage and has a fill position and a stop position. When a level of liquid in the tank is below a predetermined level, the valve is in the fill position and fuel is permitted to flow out the lower end of the lower passage. When the level of liquid in the tank is at or above the predetermined level, the valve is in the stop position and blocks the flow of fuel out of the lower end of the lower passage.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is located in a closed containment enclosure surrounding a storage bin and comprises a closed tank (28) positioned on the storage bin containing a liquid (26) and having a fireproof shield enclosing the tank and a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in the tank with the tank (28) comprising at least one opening in communication with the closed container enclosure, and at least one internal chamber in direct communication with the storage bin via a flue pipe and at least one external chamber in direct communication with the containment enclosure via said at least one opening.

Abstract: An automatic water cooler replenishing system for a free standing water cooler, having an internal reservoir. The system includes a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port configured for collecting water from a supply bottle and dispensing water into the reservoir. The pump is selectively powered and automatically controlled. A relay is provided for automatically controlling the operation of the pump. The relay is configured to receive an electric signal and control the pump. A fill control assembly and a low water shut-off assembly are electrically connected to the relay. The fill control assembly is configured to detect at least one water level, in the reservoir and signal the relay to energize or de-energize the pump. The low water shut-off assembly is configured to detect a low water condition in the supply bottle and signal the relay to de-energize the pump.

Abstract: A vapor emission control system includes an electrically operated shutoff valve in the fuel vapor vent recirculation line to the filler tube. The electrically operated valve is controlled by an electronic controller responsive to signals from a fuel level indicator and a fuel cap sensor in the tank. In one embodiment, the valve closes when the fuel level indicator indicates a full tank condition and when the fuel cap sensor indicates that the fuel cap is off the filler neck. The present invention thus provides a positive shutoff of fuel vapor to the filler tube during refueling.

Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor element operable to generate a signal in response to moisture being present at a predetermined level within a sealed housing, and a valve element coupled to the housing and, in response to the signal, operable to enable at least a portion of the moisture to exit the housing.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method which enable powder to be densely filled in a short period of time is to be provided. This is a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper wherein the pressure hopper has a discharger for discharging powder and a gas inlet positioned above at least the surface of a powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper; the powder layer is so formed as to blockade the discharger in the pressure hopper; in the powder filling apparatus, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized by leading in gas through the gas inlet in a state in which the discharger is closed, and the powder layer so formed as to blockade the discharger is discharged by opening the discharger after the pressurization thereby to utilize that pressure to load the powder into the filling container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimally loading and conditioning materials for transport is provided. Specially, the invention, in a preferred embodiment, relates to loading ash-like materials which require treatment prior to loading onto a truck or vehicle to avoid slurry spillage, overload or airborne particulate during loading or transport. The system conditions the ash-like materials by liquid additions proportional to material flow rate, truck information, slump height and/or slump weight. The system further includes a slump height or weight indicator and a communication and integration system.