Abstract: A filling system for an electronic cigarette (10) is disclosed in which a nozzle (38) of a liquid dispenser (80) contains a plunger (62) which is biased by a spring (60) into a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing through the nozzle (38). In use the nozzle (38) is inserted into an open end (42) of a liquid reservoir (34) for an electronic cigarette containing an air tube (32). The plunger (62) engages with the end of the air tube (32) blocking the air tube (32) and opening the liquid flow path through the nozzle (38). The arrangement of the plunger (62) and nozzle (38) is such that operation of the plunger (62) only occurs when the nozzle (38) engaged within a liquid reservoir (32). A membrane (96) can be provided to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir (34) when the nozzle (38) is disengaged.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for use in association with a filler device including: a vent tube; a valve housing; a valve sleeve; and a quick start seal member, wherein: (1) the vent tube is positioned at least partially within the valve housing and the valve sleeve, (2) the valve housing is in communication with the filler device, (3) the valve sleeve is positioned at least partially within the valve housing, (4) the quick start seal member is positioned within the valve housing; and (5) the fill valve assembly is configured for precluding filling start lag during normal operation of the filler device.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and assembly, including a connection or coupling device, a valve, a housing, a user interface, a filling device, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The connection or coupling device may include a magnetic ring crimped to the bottom of a container, and methods of manufacture are described. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: An outlet valve (700) adapted for use with a pressurized fluid container includes an outlet valve chamber (701) including an upper groove (722) and a lower groove (725), an outlet valve member (760) configured to move between substantially open and substantially closed positions in the outlet valve chamber (701), and a non-return member (780) configured to be retained in one of the upper groove (722) or the lower groove (725) in a snap-fit arrangement. When the non-return member (780) is retained in the upper groove (722) the non-return member (780) does not contact the outlet valve member (760). When the non-return member (780) is retained in the lower groove (725) the non-return member (780) blocks the outlet valve member (760) in the substantially open position.

Abstract: A spout for filling containers with a liquid is provided. The spout has a body defining a liquid feed duct and has a bottom terminal portion in which there extends firstly a plurality of dispenser channels in communication with the feed duct and secondly an exhaust channel in communication with a vent of the filler spout. The dispenser channels have a flow section that is smaller than the flow section of the feed duct.

Abstract: Provided herein are couplings useful in the transfer of liquid fuels from a remote storage reservoir to an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a body defining a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage each having a control valve operated by a hand actuated lever pivotally connected to an axially movable tubular member retained by a diaphragm actuated clutch. A fuel spout extends from the body and is surrounded by an annular plastic socket assembly to define therebetween a vapor return passage. The socket assembly includes a first socket member supporting an annular vapor seal for engaging a fuel tank fill tube. The first socket member is supported for universal free tilting movement by a second socket member supported by the body for axial movement. The second socket member supports a pin connected to a crank arm for blocking operation of the clutch, and an annular flexible cover surrounds the socket assembly to protect the socket members which provide unrestricted flow of fuel vapors.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly is provided for a fuel tank filler neck. The closure assembly is configured to receive a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle and to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank filler neck to the surroundings.

Abstract: A filling tube for dispensing a liquid into a container, wherein the tube (10) includes an orifice (36, 40) for dispensing the liquid which conditions a cone-shaped jet, and wherein the tube includes an axial cannula provided with a gas discharge conduit (24) emerging inside the space defined by the cone-shaped jet. The cannula includes a gas intake pipe (28) which emerges inside the space defined by the cone-shaped jet and which sprays a gas stream which flows substantially parallel to the liquid cone-shaped jet, on the inner side thereof.

Abstract: A sanitary nozzle mount for use with a filling apparatus for flowing food product includes elongated, hollow, slidably engageable inner and outer filling tubes and a spacer coupling adapted to secure the inner and outer tubes in axially spaced relation with one another. The tubes are adapted to secure therebetween a removable filling nozzle having a mounting portion having a generally circular cross-section and including an inwardly extending, circumferential mounting ring. The inner and outer filling tubes each include a mounting element extending outwardly therefrom, configured for engagement with the spacer coupling. The inner filling tube has a length dimension greater than the length dimension of the outer filling tube. The inner tube includes a nozzle receiving end which has a circumferential locking element and a guide element which are adapted to engage the nozzle mounting ring therebetween.

Abstract: A low-resistance, liquid-tight seal for use in a valve having a nozzle that telescopes into an axial fluid passage in a valve body. The nozzle has a peripheral portion of reduced diameter near one end thereof for supporting a flat annular seal. The inner edge of the annular seal grips the nozzle while the outer portion of the seal undergoes a flip-flop action against the inner wall of the valve body as the nozzle moves in an out of the valve body. A closure can be provided for the nozzle which is opened by movement of the nozzle into the valve body and closed by the return motion of the nozzle.An improved valve and bottle-filling machine is provided for containers with low-crush resistance. The annular flip-flop seal provides a low resistance to movement when a container is used to push the nozzle into the valve body opening the fluid passage for filling the container.

Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap for a hydraulic fluid reservoir for a brake circuit of a vehicle. According to the invention, it has a filling aperture (24) intended to be closed by a valve member (38) through the action of a spring (36) mounted in the cap (10) in order to allow the reservoir to be filled on the assembly line without removing the cap. The valve member (38) is axially movable against the spring (36) which returns it in a closed position. The valve member (38) preferably has a seal.

Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment is compact in design and provides an easy to use system, without sacrificing its inherent benefits. In addition, a flow diverging structure is mounted in the liquid flow path to assure complete removal of all of the air from the chamber being filled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for filling bottles with liquid to a predetermined fill height. A suction pipe is positioned relative to the bottle so that the pipe extends through the mouth of the bottle and the lower edge of the pipe is disposed at a fixed distance from the upper edge of the bottle and at a level slightly above the level of the predetermined fill height. Liquid is delivered by gravity into the bottle until the liquid level reaches the lower edge of the slightly elevated suction pipe. Then the suction pipe is lowered to the predetermined fill height and the supply of liquid is interrupted. The space above the liquid level in the bottle is connected with the outer atmosphere and excess liquid is drawn off by suction through the suction pipe until the liquid level in the bottle has dropped to the lower edge of the suction pipe.

Abstract: Container filling apparatus having a novel, multi-purpose nozzle including a valve designed to control injection of a liquid or semi-liquid product into the container and a further means for evacuating any froth or foam from the container while simultaneously sensing when the level of product within the container reaches the predetermined full level. The valve comprises a hollow cylindrical body defining a chamber for receiving froth and foam and discharging same through a drain port. Passing longitudinally through this body member is a tubular piston having a product tube portion extending therefrom and dimensioned to fit through the neck of the container to be filled. The product tube has an exit port near its distal end and surrounding the product tube is a combination venting and level sensing tube. The space between the outside of the product tube and the inside of the venting/level sensing tube communicates with the froth/foam receiving chamber in the valve body.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for infusing a liquid from a liquid reservoir into a vessel or bottle located lower than the reservoir. The nozzle apparatus comprising an outer cylindrical wall member having the interior communicated with the reservoir and filled with a liquid to be infused, an inner cylindrical wall member coaxially arranged in the interior of the outer cylindrical wall member for axial movement therein, a valve member adapted to close communication between the interiors of the outer and the inner cylindrical wall members, and an air-relief conduit member supported on the outer wall member and extending through the outer and the inner wall members and the valve member to terminate as a distal end which is adapted to be inserted in a vessel to be infused with a liquid. When the vessel is elevated by suitable means toward the nozzle apparatus, the vessel pushes the inner wall member upwards to a position allowing the valve to open for infusion of a liquid.

Abstract: A dispensing and metering device which can be attached to the neck of a bottle has a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The chamber can be filled through the inlet with liquid from a bottle secured to the device by an attachment element and can be drained through the outlet. A valve arrangement which includes an outlet nozzle extending generally away from the outlet, is movable from a first condition in which it closes the inlet and opens the outlet, through a second condition in which it closes both the inlet and the outlet, to a third condition in which it closes the outlet and opens the inlet. A flow path is defined at least partly within the valve arrangement for introducing air into the chamber via the nozzle and the outlet. The air replaces liquid flowing from the outlet when the outlet is open. The valve arrangement is resiliently biassed to the third condition to keep the outlet closed until the valve arrangement is operated.