Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for interim volume verification. A system may include a first fluid container defining a first cavity, a second fluid container defining a second cavity, and a third fluid container defining a third cavity. Systems may include a pneumatic valve, where the pneumatic valve may be in pneumatic communication with the second cavity of the second fluid container. A controller may be configured to control the pneumatic valve. Systems may include a display configured to present a volume measurement to a user. A target volume of fluid may be caused by the controller to be drawn from the first cavity of the first fluid container into the second cavity of the second fluid container in response to the first cavity of the first fluid container being in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second container and the pneumatic valve causing a vacuum to be applied to the second cavity of the second fluid container.

Abstract: A container filling device is provided for filling a container with desired headspace. The container filling device includes a siphon and a funnel having a bottom region configured to engage a container. The siphon extends through an opening in the bottom region and a sidewall such that a first end of the siphon has a first elevation and a second end of the siphon has a lower elevation than the first elevation. The bottom region is provided with an opening for the outflow of liquid from the receiving area into the container. Excess liquid flowing into the container beyond a desired headspace escapes from the container through the siphon. A liquid filler system can be provided with a frame, a plumbing system, and an alignment system for engaging and disengaging the container filling device with the container.

Abstract: What is provided is a portable air hose device for transferring air between tires of a vehicle. It has a locking end for attaching to a tire into which air is to be added, a coiled hose, and an end for attaching to the valve of another tire, from which air is to be transferred away. The attaching end may be locking or non-locking. The hose may be a coiled hose or in some examples it may be a straight air hose. The volume of air transferred may be regulated by the user, and some examples may have a pressure gauge to measure air flow transfer. A user may attach the device between two tires to transfer air tire to tire. The device may be used to add air to flat tires and/or low tires, and/or to equalize air pressure in the tires of a vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and blending technique is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover assembly unit including a mounting rack with a plurality of level indicators, a measuring vessel, for storing a liquid for dispensing, including an opening at top to be covered with the cover assembly unit, and an overflow port on a sidewall to drain an excess amount of the liquid so that a liquid surface in the measuring vessel is defined; and a dip tube attached to the mounting rack having an intake opening to remove a specific amount of the liquid from the measuring vessel, an exit end to lead the amount of the liquid to a mixing container, wherein the specific amount of the liquid is determined from the level indicators.

Abstract: A watering can includes a pump and a snorkel which can be used to draw water out of a vessel and into the watering can. The snorkel device is put into a vessel from which water is to be evacuated and the pump is cranked in order to start the flow of water from the vessel and into the reservoir of the watering can. In some embodiments, the pump is a peristaltic pump which includes a mode where the pump is fully disengaged and fluid may flow freely from the snorkel, through the pump, and into the reservoir of the watering can. This allows the operator to use the pump to start a siphoning process which evacuates the remainder of the water from the vessel without further pumping. When not being used to draw water out of a vessel, the watering can may be used in the ordinary manner.

Abstract: A fuel-recovery system for removing fuel from a fuel tank having a filler neck and a rollover valve is disclosed. A fuel-recovery line has one or more holes in its outside wall and a tapered plug in its inlet end. The fuel-recovery line also has a bend in its inlet end to facilitate its passage past the rollover valve. The fuel-recovery line passes through a pressure cap that is sealed to the filler neck of the fuel tank. A source of gas is connected to a gas line that connects to the pressure cap for pressurizing the fuel tank.

Abstract: An improved dispensing device for liquids held in enclosed containers. The dispensing device attaches to the container opening normally used for pouring the liquid. Once attached, the dispensing device first acts like a siphon, then can be switched to operate like a standard pouring spout in order to completely empty the container of all liquid without removing the dispensing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved siphoning device having an elongated hollow body member having a first open tip end with a fluid flow opening and a second open end. A two-way liquid valve is positioned within the first open tip end, and air pump member is removably attached to the second end of the body member. The seal member is movably positioned within the first open tip end. An air vent exhausts hot gases and is an air outlet for pumping air out of the body and creating suction within body. The air vent is preferably positioned proximate the elongated body second open end and has a cross-sectional area substantially less than the fluid flow opening cross-sectional area. The air vent preferably has a diameter in the range from at least one thirty second of an inch to three thirty seconds of and inch. Most preferably the diameter is greater than one thirty second is of an inch and less than three thirty seconds of and inch. Most preferably the diameter is about two thirty seconds of an inch.

Abstract: A fluid swivel permitting a large number of revolutions, such as 20, and permitting a large number of fluid, power, and signal paths. The swivel is leak proof and capable of resisting large internal pressures in the conveyed fluid such as 70 MPa. The pipes of the swivel are spooled between two cones in such a manner that the pipe on one cone is spooled from the top down and on the other cone from the bottom up. This method of spooling ensures a constant distance between the unwinding point on one cone and the winding point on the other cone. By providing cones with the apex pointing up, the spooled flexible pipe on either cone is prevented from falling down. An alternative embodiment spools between two cylinders with a common axis. In this embodiment the pipe spooled on one cylinder is supported by a structure resting on the pipe spooled on the other cylinder, thereby preventing the pipe on either cylinder from falling down.

Abstract: A funnel device having an adjustable fill regulator mechanism of a flexible siphon tube extending thru the funnel wall and into the neck of the funnel and making lateral frictional contact with an inner wall portion of the neck, the suction end of the tube having a siphon inlet which can be positioned within the neck or completely therethrough by bowing the portion of the tube lying within the funnel, the frictional contact being sufficient to retain the inlet in a position as required for filling or emptying a tank to a desired level by siphoning action.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: A liquid spillage control apparatus is disclosed having a liquid holding chamber divided by a partition into a liquid transfer portion and a liquid retaining portion. A liquid spill transfer pipe connects the fuel holding chamber with a liquid tank. Overflow liquid passes through the liquid spill transfer pipe and the liquid transfer portion, over the partition and into the liquid retaining portion of the liquid holding chamber.

Abstract: A liquid spillage control apparatus contains liquid from overfilling of a liquid tank and allows venting of volatile vapors. A liquid spill transfer pipe allows passage of liquid overflow into the liquid holding chamber. A liquid drain pipe communicates with the liquid spill transfer pipe in the liquid holding chamber and drains liquid of a predetermined level or greater out of the liquid holding chamber through the liquid spill transfer pipe. A liquid-buoyant drain pipe sealing means closes the liquid drain pipe when the liquid level in the liquid drain pipe reaches the liquid drain pipe inlet. An orifice in the bottom of the liquid holding chamber allows draining of liquids and solids heavier than the liquid from the liquid holding chamber.

Abstract: A liquid and gas tank is provided for operation, in particular, in satellites subject to low acceleration, that utilizes a separation force produced by surface tension to collect liquid in a privileged zone of the tank without allowing gas to escape via the privileged zone. The tank includes an outer first shell element having a curvilinear shape, and having at one end a surface portion S of radius of curvature r which is concave on a side that contacts liquid. The tank also includes an inner second shell element fixed to the first element, being convex in shape on a side that contacts liquid, and curvilinear in shape and including a surface portion S' having a part which is slightly inclined relative to the surface portion S in the privileged zone forming a narrowest zone between the surface portions S and S', the surface portion S' having a radius of curvature r' which is less than the radius of curvature r, wherein liquid is urged into the narrowest zone due to a capillary effect.

Abstract: A fuel spillage control apparatus contains fuel from overfilling of a fuel tank and allows venting of volatile vapors. A fuel spill transfer pipe allows passage of fuel overflow into the fuel holding chamber. A fuel drain pipe communicates with the fuel spill transfer pipe in the fuel holding chamber and drains fluid of a predetermined level or greater out of the fuel holding chamber through the fuel spill transfer pipe. A fuel-buoyant drain pipe sealing means closes the fuel drain pipe when the fuel level in the fuel drain pipe reaches the fuel drain pipe inlet. An orifice in the bottom of the fuel holding chamber allows draining of liquids and solids heavier than fuel from the fuel holding chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the antifreeze in a vehicle requires only a garden hose and opening of the radiator cap. Water from the hose is utilized to prime a conduit for siphoning used coolant from a side tank radiator and for refilling the radiator. By operating the vehicle with fresh water in the radiator, coolant remaining in the system is mixed with the water, and repeated drainings decrease the remaining used antifreeze by about one-half each time. After removal of the desired amount of antifreeze, new antifreeze may be placed in the radiator.

Abstract: A constant level oiler is provided which is ventilated in such a manner so as to eliminate the need for a large surge chamber. Such an oiler has an advantage in that the problems associated with the fluid surge resulting when the lubricated machine is shut down are eliminated. Furthermore, since a large surge chamber is unnecessary in the present device, the attendant costs associated therewith are also eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.