Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by a first conduit to a tank of pressurized inert gas and by a second conduit to the vacuum pump. A hose having a tire valve chuck connected to a distal end is connected at the opposite end from the chuck to the three way valve. The three way valve selectively and alternatively flow connects the hose to the tank of pressurized gas or the vacuum pump through the first or second conduits respectively. The hose is initially connected to the vacuum pump to evacuate the tire, and then to the tank of pressurized gas to inflate the tire. A heater on the first conduit heats the cooled gas exiting the tank to raise the temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the tire at least to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system nozzle capable of responding to the presence of an onboard vapor recovery system (ORVR) in an automobile. The invention includes a vapor recovery nozzle having a vapor passage in its nozzle spout and a vapor inlet in communication with the vapor passage. The spout includes a moveable seal mounted on the spout with the seal having a first position adjacent to the plurality of vapor inlets and a second position covering the vapor inlets so as to substantially block the passage of vapors through the vapor inlets. The seal may be biased in the second position.

Abstract: The invention is a device for sampling and/or injecting a fluid which evolves according to a reversible reaction, that enables the fluid to be restored to its initial state. The device inside a fluid sampling enclosure produces a counterpressure value necessary for restoring the fluid to its initial state without causing a change in its composition.

Abstract: An improved design for sealed air and coolant passthrough couplings which ensures maximum protection against contamination in a chemical warfare environment. The couplings include an air line bulkhead assembly, a liquid passthrough coupling, and an air inlet assembly all of which resist penetrating chemical warfare agents such as Sarin. The air line bulkhead assembly permits breathable air to be passed from outside to the inside of a chemical protective suit without compromising the chemical integrity of the suit. The liquid coolant passthrough permits liquid coolant to be supplied from an external source to the wearer of the chemical protective suit without breaching the integrity of the chemical protective barrier. The liquid coolant passthrough assembly enables a cold reservoir and pumping unit to be mounted on the exterior of chemical protective clothing to facilitate replenishment of the cold source (ice or phase change material), and this can result in longer mission stay times.

Abstract: A housing (10) has a cavity (18) to which fluid product can be fed, and which opens into a terminal neck (20) adapted to be inserted over a bag straw. A hollow bolt (28), having a bore at its tip, is slidable in the housing between a neck-shutting position and a position in which its tip is remote from the neck mouth. A needle (34) is axially slidable in the bolt and protrudes with an enlarged head (35) within the terminal neck through the terminal bore. The needle is biased by a spring (38) to a position where the enlarged head abuts against the tip of the bolt. A drive cylinder (44) is provided for moving the bolt and the needle away from the terminal neck, for connecting the bolt to the internal cavity of the housing, for subsequently bringing the bolt near the neck in order to break the connection and to push the needle so that its enlarged head moves away from the bolt.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire via a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a purified, dried gas under pressure, such as pressurized nitrogen, without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which attaches to the source of compressed dry gas, to the tire valve, and to the vacuum pump with a micron vacuum gauge provided for monitoring the state of vacuum within the evacuated tire.

Abstract: Concentric conduits are supplied for the purpose of minimizing heat transfer from within the inner conduit through the outer conduit. The air gap or annulus around the inner conduit is filled with a resin mixture which is mixed with vermiculite and mineral fiber to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped into an open end of the annulus to fill the annulus and enhance the heat insulation characteristics of the concentric conduits.

Abstract: Beverage fill valves, adapter nozzles for placement at the discharge end of beverage fill valves, novel counterpressure, and snift discharge valves including plungers, actuators or buttons, and unique counterpressure snift flow paths in novel combination with fill valves and/or fill valves with adapter nozzles, and related methods are disclosed, whereby automatic filling of a can having a smaller diametral opening at the top thereof is accommodated.

Abstract: A connector device is connected to a liquid crystal cell having an edge portion formed as a stepped portion. This connector device includes a connector unit. The connector unit includes a body, and an elastic seal member received in a receiving recess of the body. The seal member has a projection. This projection is formed as a stepped portion corresponding in configuration to the stepped portion of the edge portion of the cell. That is, the projection of the seal member includes a first abutment surface which intimately contacts a first receiving surface of the cell, a second abutment surface which intimately contacts a second receiving surface of the cell, and a third abutment surface which intimately contacts a third receiving surface of the cell. The first and second abutment surfaces are in parallel relation to each other, and the third abutment surface is orthogonal to the first and second abutment surfaces. An association recess is formed in the third abutment surface.

Abstract: An injection pen apparatus (30) for medicament injection including a medicament cartridge assembly (31) formed to receive and contain a medicament therein. A holding sleeve (34) is provided which is dimensioned to receive the medicament cartridge assembly (31) therein which mates with a solution transfer device (35) including an axially movable displacement rod (36). The injection pen apparatus (30) further includes a coupling mechanism (37) removably coupling the solution transfer device (35) to both a plunger (32) slidably movable in the cartridge (33) and to the holding sleeve (34). A sleeve mounting assembly (40) of the coupling mechanism (37) removably mounts the coupling mechanism to the holding sleeve (34).

Abstract: A system for control of automatic refueling of automotive vehicles parked alongside a fuel dispenser unit which allows for a customer to control a refueling procedure without having to exit the vehicle. The control system includes a processing unit, control operating units, operating units and a communications system which is located within the vehicle to be refueled. The communications system has the capability to start, monitor and finish the refueling procedure by transmitting and receiving data signals which concern the refueling procedure such as signals which start the refueling procedure and signals which interrupt the procedure. The data signals are received by the from the vehicle into the processing unit where the signals are processed. The processed data signals are directed to control operating units. The control operating units then direct operating units in carrying out operating functions which are necessary to automatically refuel the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for the remote filling of an oil tank, particularly an oil tank of an aircraft engine, is provided with a lock which interconnects the inlet nozzle of the oil filler and the outlet nozzle of excess oil remover so that the oil supply pipe cannot be connected to the inlet nozzle to supply oil to the tank until the removal pipe has been connected to the outlet nozzle of the excess oil remover. The lock includes a locking member which engages in a notch in a slide valve housed in the inlet nozzle to prevent the valve from moving to open the nozzle while a slide valve in the outlet nozzle is closed, but which moves clear of the notch when the outlet nozzle slide valve is opened by connection of the removal pipe to the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A lubricating system for the pump of the vapor recovery circuit of a nozzle for dispensing a hydrocarbon. The lubricating system comprises a capillary pipe which takes off a small flow of hydrocarbon from the main pump of the feedpipe and feeds it to the inlet of the vapor recovery pump.

Abstract: A water pistol which includes an elongated, flexible tube removably connectable to the grip of the pistol is disclosed. The tube receives water under pressure directed through the body of the pistol from an inlet port located at the rear or butt end of the pistol. It also serves to force the discharge of water through a front nozzle of the pistol when the user pulls a trigger.

Abstract: A delivery nozzle is connected to the outlet end of a fuel supply hose and includes an outlet pipe. A valve is operatively associated with the discharge end of the outlet pipe for opening and closing the latter and an operator is provided for closing the valve responsive to the operator being subject to sub-atmospheric pressure. Further, sub-atmospheric pressure generating structure is operatively associated with the valve operator and generates sub-atmospheric pressure responsive to fuel flow through the outlet pipe and the discharge end of the pipe being submerged within rising fuel in a tank or a tank fill neck into which fuel is being discharged from the outlet pipe.

Abstract: An interlock system acts in conjunction with an arrangement in which selected ones of first and second pluralities of equipment for conveying chemicals are interconnected in accordance with a chosen operation of a process or apparatus. A separate information carrier corresponds to each piece of equipment of the first plurality and a control unit corresponds to each piece of the second plurality. The interlock system establishes an appropriate set of operating parameters for the chosen operation when the information carrier which corresponds to the interconnected first piece of equipment engages the control unit corresponding to the interconnected second piece of equipment.

Abstract: A coupling device for use in coupling the discharge outlet pipe (19) of a container to a discharge pump (14). The coupling device comprises a housing (1) defining a discharge compartment (3) which is open at the bottom and closed at the top by a diaphragm (5) having a resiliently deformable aperture (6) therein. In use, the opening at the bottom of the discharge compartment is adapted to be connected to the inlet port of the discharge pump (14) and the resiliently deformable aperture (6) in the diaphragm (5) is adapted to receive the container discharge outlet pipe (19) therein.

Abstract: A fuel management system for use in the operation of a fleet of commercial vehicles, comprising a fuel supply means comprising a fuel pump connected to a fuel dispensing nozzle by way of a flexible fuel delivery hose. A fuel management system is coupled to the fuel pump for controlling the amount of fuel dispensed via the nozzle. One end of a fibre optic is carried by the pump nozzle for receiving information from a radiation transmitter on any of said commercial vehicles when the pump nozzle is inserted into the fuel entry port of that vehicle, the other end of the fibre optic being positioned to supply the information to the fuel management system. The fibre optic is run from the top of the nozzle, through a special fitting into the interior of the hose, the fibre optic then running the length of the delivery hose, surrounded by the fuel product, until it reaches the region of the fuel pump, where it emerges from the hose via a gland and runs on to the fuel management system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an automatic shut-off refueling nozzle particularly suitable for use with military vehicles employing a nozzle having a liquid level sensor operating a flow valve, the nozzle includes a lug plate attachable to the inlet of the tank receptacle being filled wherein once attached to the tank inlet the presence of an operator is not required during refueling. A diverger on the nozzle spout improves flow characteristics within the tank inlet to prevent premature release of the nozzle flow valve and the nozzle prevents contamination during refueling and prevents spillage of volatile fuels even though unattended. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a secondary control valve preventing fluid flow until the nozzle has been fully connected to the tank inlet.

Abstract: A combination breakaway and swivel coupling for vehicle fueling systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a body having a swivel connection at one end and a breakaway connection at the other end. The swivel is directly connected to a vehicle fueling nozzle and the breakaway coupling is connected to the supply hose of the fueling system. The swivel coupling is a ball-and-socket type coupling which permits the nozzle to be moved in all directions with respect to the supply hose for convenient positioning of the nozzle in the vehicle during fueling and hanging of the nozzle on the pump when the unit is not is use. The breakaway coupling automatically separates in the event that the vehicle drives away without removing the nozzle and prevents damage to the hose and the pump structure. Automatic shutoff valves close when the breakaway coupling releases to prevent pollution or hazardous spills of fuel. One embodiment utilizes a frangible connection which fractures and releases when breakaway occurs.

Abstract: A T-shaped manifold employs a single multiway control valve for purging and charging a cryogenic system of interest. The single multiway control valve is positioned at the intersection of a crossbar and perpendicular elongate member. One end of the crossbar is associated with a source of working gas. the opposite end of the crossbar provides a purge or check valve outlet. One end of the elongate member is connected to the multiway control valve and an opposite end is coupled by a VCO fitting to the cryogenic system of interest. At one setting, the single multiway control valve provides working gas to the system through the one end of the crossbar and elongate member. At a second setting, the multiway control valve allows gas to be vented from the system to ambient through the elongate member and the purge valve outlet. An in-line pressure gauge connected to the elongate member provides an indication of ingoing flow as well as outgoing flow of gas during respective charging and purging of the system.

Abstract: A method of transferring radioactive substance wherein a radioactivity shielding assembly, suitable for transferring a radioactive substance with a reduced risk of human exposure and environmental contamination, includes a protective shield casing having a reservoir disposed in the casing for receiving the radioactive substance. Associated with the casing is a coupling structure for coupling the reservoir and casing directly to a receiver into which the radioactive substance is to be transferred. The casing includes a side shielding structure in which the reservoir is retained and two end shield structures which are removably attached to the side shield structure. The two end shield structures are removed from the side shield structure at the location at which the radioactive substance is to be discharged, but such removal leaves the reservoir protectively received in the side structure to maintain continued protection against radioactive exposure or contamination.

Abstract: A radioactivity shielding assembly, suitable for transferring a radioactive substance with a reduced risk of human exposure and environmental contamination, includes a protective shield casing having a reservoir disposed in the casing for receiving the radioactive substance. Associated with the casing is a coupling structure for coupling the reservoir and casing directly to a receiver into which the radioactive substance is to be transferred. The casing includes a side shielding structure in which the reservoir is retained and two end shield structures which are removably attached to the side shield structure. The two end shield structures are removed from the side shield structure at the location at which the radioactive substance is to be discharged, but such removal leaves the reservoir protectively received in the side structure to maintain continued protection against radioactive exposure or contamination. A related method of transferring the radioactive substance is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system for selectively filling or emptying a tank by a filling or discharging device for the tank. In accordance with the invention, a passive responder and an aerial element of an electromagnetic detection system are respectively provided in the vicinity of the inlet or outlet of the tank and on the part of the filling or discharging device cooperating with the tank inlet or outlet. The aerial element forms part of a detection system for generating an electromagnetic interrogation field, which detection system generates a signal when detecting a responder. In one embodiment of the invention, the responder is a passive responder generating a uniquely coded signal by which the detection system identifies the responder.

Abstract: A system for preventing the accidental addition of automotive diesel fuel to the fuel tank of a gasoline fuelled vehicle at retail filling stations. The vapor pressure in the tank to be filled is measured by sensors and the difference in vapor pressure between gasoline and diesel fuels is used to give a safety cut-off system.

Abstract: A closed system for emptying liquid chemical containers comprising a first, container-mating device adapted to have a variable length probe coupled to its lower end; the first device having a two-way valve for filling and emptying the container, and providing a separate path for flushing the container; a second, extracting device, adapted to mate with the first device and to be utilized for actuating the valve so as to permit withdrawal of liquid from the container, and for enabling the intake of flushing liquid.

Abstract: A nozzle utilized to grout or fill cold joints and cracks formed in or occuring at structural corners. The nozzle includes a tip which is defined by converging planar surfaces about an axial opening. The nozzle tip defining surfaces include a relatively large area which is separated from the nozzle axial opening for wall contact to permit the nozzle to be secured by an adhesive or bonding agent to the corner walls before injection of the grouting material or sealant.

Abstract: A dump fitting on the discharge end of a sewer hose leading from the waste holding tank of a recreational vehicle prevents the hose from jumping out of a sewer drain under the influence of effluent being discharged through the hose. The fitting is in the form of an elbow with one limb received in the discharge end of the sewer hose and the other limb forming an outlet for receipt in the sewer drain. The fitting is of sufficient weight to resist the thrust of effluent flowing through the hose and tending to lift its discharge end. The fitting may be a one-part plastic molding or a two-part fit-together molding.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to funnels; more specifically it relates to funnels intended for use with fluids used in engine compartments, such as in transportation vehicles. Examples of such fluids are crankcase oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze or other coolant fluids, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. The invention is a liquid transfer system including a funnel with a dust cover that may be stored on a funnel support while the funnel is in use and that may include a piercing tool on its inner surface capable of puncturing the lids of containers used with the funnel. Also claimed is such a liquid transfer system including a support that holds the funnel in a vertical position during storage, a drip catcher, and an axially extendible and compressible spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a predetermined amount of material into a predetermined position on each of a series of moving trays while avoiding spillage of the product onto other portions of the trays. A conveyor lifts the material onto a shaker pan which delivers the material in an even flow on to a rotating turntable having a plurality of radially extending gutters thereon. The turntable directs the material to flow along the gutters and into a plurality of hoppers disposed at the periphery of the turntable. Once a hopper is full, any excess material falls onto a drip tray which returns the material back to a supply bin. The filled hoppers are sequentially rotated above the trays, which are moving on a conveyor, to release material onto a predetermined area of each successive tray. A funnel disposed between the hopper and the tray facilitates delivery of material onto the tray.

Abstract: A device for draining an engine sump of the type having a threaded drain plug comprises a cup-like container having a flexible flange surrounding the open end thereof. The flange is provided with a gasket for forming a fluid tight seal between the sump and the container and with magnet means for adhering the container to the sump. A shaft carrying a socket on one end extends into the container and is sealably movable with respect thereto. Once the container is placed in position over a drain plug, the plug can be engaged and removed by manually turning a handle provided on the other end of the shaft. After removal of the plug, oil from the sump drains from a tube at the bottom of the container whereby contact with the oil by the service person is completely avoided.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a fuel feeding gun in a fuel tank is provided, comprising a cylindrical retainer provided in a portion of the fuel tank in which a barrel portion of the fuel feeding gun is inserted, and a support member provided correspondingly to a base end upper portion of the retainer which projects into the fuel tank in parallel with the axial line of the retainer and supports the barrel portion of the fuel feeding gun when the barrel portion is in the inserted state in the retainer.

Abstract: The evacuating apparatus is used to evacuate a bottle which is fitted with a sealing cap which has a cap bore that accommodates a displaceable plug. The apparatus comprises a platform on which to stand the bottle, and a plunger directed towards the platform. An actuating arrangement operated by a manually operable lever serves firstly to extend the plunger together with an assembly in which the plunger is mounted, to push the displaceable cap plug from a first, sealing position within the cap to a second, non-sealing position. Continued movement of the actuating lever operates to apply suction through the plunger to evacuate the bottle via the cap bore. After the bottle is evacuated the plunger is further extended by displacement displacing relative to the assembly in which it is mounted, to push the displaceable plug into a third, sealing position within the cap.

Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle is disclosed in which the main body of the nozzle has the vapor passage located above the fluid passage, so that the fluid valve is separated from the top of the nozzle by the vapor passage. Thus the valve may only be removed through the bottom of the nozzle by removing the trigger mechanism and removing the vacuum tripping mechanism which is also connected to the trigger mechanism. Removal of the tripping mechanism is also made easily determinable by the use of a soft aluminum seal over the top opening of the trigger mechanism. The tripping mechanism is responsive to displacement of the vapor recovery shroud to prevent dispensing fuel unless the nozzle is in the fill tank. Other improvements to prior art vapor recovery nozzles include an improved trigger mechanism having a camming surface to engage the stem of the main valve.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an applicator for placing a sealant into a groove, and comprises a member having a lower side, the lower side being adapted to extend into the groove. The lower side has an arcuate shape and a sealant passage extends through the member and includes an outlet opening in the lower side. The arcuate lower side is adapted to extend partially into said groove and engage the upper corners of the groove during use. The applicator further includes a limiter attached to the member, the limiter extending laterally of the lower side and over the upper corners of the groove.

Abstract: The cup locator includes a straight rear wall about 1" long and a pair of spaced-apart, straight, angled side walls, one at each end of the rear wall, about 1" long and each at an obtuse angle of about 150.degree. to the rear wall. Differently sized beverage cups, placed against the rear wall of this cup locator, will be properly positioned below the nozzle of a beverage dispenser valve assembly.

Abstract: In a manually operated hot drink dispensing machine for use with a pre-manufactured throwaway container, in order to use containers of two different sizes, that is, pre-manufactured for percolated and other beverages; a dispensing unit including a cylinder forming a sleeve for the containers during use, an inner cylinder forming two chambers suitable for forming a housing for the corresponding containers, and a water supply head equipped with several ports for hot water and a separate port for cold water. The cover of the containers is provided with two raised annular elements, suitable for forming a chamber communicating with the port for the cold water when a container, inserted into the cylinder, is pressed against the head, so as to permit the introduction into the container of only hot water, and into the container of hot and cold water.

Abstract: A passive flow control valve assembly for controlling the flow of fuel through the fill pipe of an underground fuel storage system is disclosed comprising a valve housing mounted to the discharge end of the fill pipe, a valve assembly for controlling flow through the housing which is mounted for movement between a first open position permitting substantially unrestricted flow through the housing and at least a second position substantially restricting the flow through the housing, an actuator arm assembly for moving the valve between the first and second positions with the actuator arm being interconnected to the valve so as to progressively correspondingly move the valve from the first open position to the second closed position as the actuator arm moves from a first position to a second position, and a float assembly connected to the actuator arm for moving the arm responsive to the liquid level in the storage tank.

Abstract: A receiving arrangement is disclosed for filling an anaesthetic medium from a supply vessel into the charging chamber of an anaesthetic apparatus. The supply vessel is connectable to the arrangement by means of a coupling piece. The arrangement includes a receiving structure having an input opening for receiving the coupling piece therein and a connecting part disposed adjacent the receiving structure. The connecting part includes channels communicating with the charging chamber for conducting the anaesthetic medium to the latter. A closure piece is slidably mounted in the receiving structure to slide between a first position opposite the ports and a second position whereat the closure piece is displaced away from the ports. A resilient biasing spring biases the closure piece into the first position.

Abstract: A developer replacing and supplying device for a small-size electrophotographic copier is disclosed which removes used developer from a developing unit and supplies a fresh developer instead. After the used developer which is a mixture of carrier and toner has been discharged, fresh carrier is introduced into the developing unit and, then, fresh toner to be mixed with the fresh carrier. The fresh carrier and the fresh toner are stored in physically independent cylindrical cartridges, which are selectively mounted in a cartridge casing. The cartridge casing is mounted in a hopper casing, which is provided integrally with the developing unit, and driven in a rotational motion together with the cartridge.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension or pressure load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed checkvalves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads.

Abstract: A tubular fluid transfer device is operative by itself to seal the end of a conduit. By coupling two of the devices together, a fluid path can be selectively established between two conduits by applying heat energy. The device includes a generally planar surface having a meltable region. The generally planar surface of one device is slidable against the generally planar surface of another one of the devices to bring the meltable regions into registration. The device includes a coupling mechanism which guides the meltable regions into the desired alignment as registration occurs. Furthermore, as the meltable regions register, the coupling mechanism generates forces which bias the meltable regions into intimate contact. The coupling mechanism thereafter releasably retains the devices in this snug interlocked relationship, so that the energy can be applied to jointly heat the meltable regions and melt open a fluid path between the two devices.

Abstract: A fluid injection device that effectively injects fluid into an external circumfluid unit, for example, a thin-film EL panel requiring injection of moisture-proof oil. There is disclosed an extremely convenient fluid injection device that can repeatedly perform fluid injections without replacing the fluid injection pipe merely by pressing the fluid injection pipe against the fluid receiver part using a clip. The preferred embodiment uses such a clip freely mountable and removable, which elastically sandwiches a joint pipe by a flange portion and the fluid receiver part so that the opening in the tip portion of the fluid injection pipe can be tightly pressed against the fluid receiver part.

Abstract: A toroidal pressure vessel comprises two annular, complementarily formed axial sections which are intersecured along a duality of annular joint lines that circumscribe and are mutually offset along the axis of the toroid. The axial sections are formed by machining a pair of end portions removed from a length of thick-walled metal tubing.

Abstract: A system for verifying that the proper ingredient-containing transport containers have been assembled at a particular soup-blending kettle, in which a hole-coded metal key is permanently affixed to each container and provided with an array of machine-readable holes corresponding to a number unique to each container. At the ingredient-dispensing station, a key-reader reads out the identifying number of the container and transmits it to that kettle station to which the container is to be delivered. The transport container is then delivered to the kettle station, where the key code is again machine read; the container number thus read out at the kettle station is compared with that previously transmitted from the ingredient-dispensing station, and if they both represent the same number then the proper container has been delivered to the kettle station and its contents are dumped into the kettle.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly, for a blow-molding machine having a parison seal and an expansible chamber for biasing the nozzle seal into engagement with the lip of the parison about the parison opening.

Abstract: Two different type toners are packaged in a cartridge having reversible parts. Reversal of the parts, as the two different toners are packaged, insures use of the correct toner in the correct one of two different electrophotographic reproduction devices.

Abstract: A typical embodiment of the invention provides a pair of flanges on the surface of a license plate holder that usually conceals the recess in which the fuel tank stand pipe and cap is mounted. The flanges guide the fuel pump hose nozzle into proper relationship with the stand pipe and keep the nozzle in the correct orientation as the tank is being filled with gasoline in order to protect the vehicle from being marred and to prevent gasoline spillage.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispensing nozzle assembly comprising a liquid-dispensing nozzle means; a flexible vapor collector means forming a chamber around the upper portion of the nozzle spout; a face means located adjacent to one end of the vapor collector for forming a seal with the outer surface of a liquid receiver inlet; and at least two spring members each of which act to extend the flexible vapor collector means, each of these spring members having one end attached to a different point of the face means so that the face means has substantially free rotational movement transverse to the axis of the nozzle spout.An improved method for dispensing liquid has also been discovered.

Abstract: A connection may be formed between sealed conduits in which each conduit carries an opaque, thermoplastic wall portion preferably having a melting range above essentially 200.degree. C., preferably with the opaque thermoplastic wall portions being carried on the conduit about their periphery by transparent wall portions of the conduit. The opaque wall portions of the conduits are brought together into facing contact, and then exposed to sufficient .Iadd.electromagnetic .Iaddend.radiant energy to cause the opaque wall portions to fuse together, and to open an aperture through the fused wall portions. This provides sealed communication between the interiors of the conduits.