Abstract: A controlled environment gassing system is provided for removing the existing environment from containers. The existing environment may be purged by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, and the manifold may have a width less than the width of the container and/or screen openings sized to provide a laminarized flow, for supplying a controlled environment gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. As the containers pass along the manifold, the controlled environment flushing gas creates an optimal flow pattern which consistently and steadily removes the existing environment from the containers while preventing the flushing gas from drawing in air. Return gas chambers are provided to retrieve the gasses exiting the container as they are purged.

Abstract: A system for fueling an automotive vehicle includes a transmitter mounted on the vehicle for identifying the type of fuel required by the vehicle and a fuel control and communication subsystem providing fuel which is blended to achieve the characteristics called for by the vehicle mounted transmitter.

Abstract: A tire inflating method and apparatus, allowing inflation of different sized tires without changing over a tire inflation device. The tire inflation device has two chambers, an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is within the outer chamber and extends downwardly when a smaller sized rim is being used. The tire inflation device has a linear transducer, with a magnetic ring, that determines the height of the tire inflation head and knows when to shut off inflation. A method of inflating tires without changing over an inflation device is also provided. The method includes the steps of photo switches detecting the size of the rim being used, an inflation head adjusting to a corresponding size of the tire rim, and the inflation head inflating the tire and rim to a specified pressure.

Abstract: This invention concerns a shipping and containment cart, comprising: a base having three sides and one or more doors attached thereto, wheels attached to the base, a top attached to the sides having a tank hole, wherein the base, sides, and doors have been attached to provide a sealed compartment. This invention also concerns a chemical delivery cabinet, comprising: a base, three sides, and one or more doors attached to one or more sides, a valve manifold affixed to an inner wall of the cabinet, process control instrumentation which connects to and controls the valve manifold, wherein at least one of the doors has a touch control pad mounted thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat

Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system is provided for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks. A fuel delivery conduit delivers a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. The conduit includes at least two flow channels, one for conveying a first grade of fuel and another for conveying a second grade of fuel. A nozzle connected to the conduit includes a blend valve for each flow channel. The nozzle can deliver the first grade of fuel, the second grade of fuel or a third grade of fuel comprising a blend of the first and second grades of fuel. An ultrasonic flow meter is mounted in the nozzle to measure the flow of fuel.

Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.

Abstract: An injector employs a method for introducing an exact amount of liquid additive into operating vapor-compression systems and the like. The injector has a chamber and a piston-cap which have a loose fitting threaded connection to define a leakage path for removing excess liquid additive and undesirable non-condensable gas. After filling the chamber with the liquid additive and screwing the piston-cap back onto the chamber, each end of the injector is connected via Schraeder valves to the high and low sides of an operating vapor-compression system through refrigeration hoses with valve depressors.

Abstract: Gas cylinders are filled with mixtures of gases comprising a minor component, which is to be present in the mixture at a concentration of 10% or less of the total volume of the cylinder, and a major component, which is to be present at a concentration greater than about 10% of the total volume, by charging the lighter component into a chamber of given volume to a pressure and at a temperature such that the volume provides the desired fraction of minor component in the gas mixture, and then flushing the minor component into the cylinder using major component gas as the flushing agent. The pressure at which the minor component volume is to be measured is preferably at or near the final pressure of the filled gas cylinder.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle refueling system is designed for refueling fleets of vehicles with identical fuel tanks. The amount of CNG dispensed into the tanks may be closely approximated without the use of a flow meter. An initial standardized volume is calculated based upon the ambient temperature, the initial pressure level and an approximate compressibility of the gas. Gas is dispensed into the fuel tank to a desired pressure which is confirmed with a pressure gage. A final standardized volume of gas contained within the fuel tank is calculated based upon the final pressure level and assuming no change in the compressibility of the gas. The initial standardized volume of gas is subtracted from the final standardized volume of gas to yield an actual volume of gas dispensed from the storage vessel. Empirically derived temperature correction factors may be used to generate an even more accurate approximation of CNG dispensed.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for cleaning a liquid dispensing nozzle that is utilized in semiconductor process machines by providing a cleaning solvent reservoir tank capable of receiving a dispensing nozzle and then flowing a cleaning solvent through the nozzle under pressure, and then purging through the dispensing nozzle with a processing fluid to later be utilized such that any residual cleaning solvent is purged out of the dispensing nozzle to prevent the possible back-flow or syphoning of the cleaning solvent into a processing fluid supply and the dilution of such processing fluid. The present invention apparatus is further equipped with a cleaning solvent buffer tank for holding and feeding a cleaning solvent to the reservoir tank such that the pressure in the reservoir tank can be suitably controlled.

Abstract: An insulated container that is open on top and contains phase change material travels along a conveyor. The container initially stops under an infrared sensor whereat its initial interior temperature is determined. A microprocessor uses the temperature data to determine the amount of cryogenic liquid that must be added to the container so that its phase change material will be frozen to a predetermined temperature. A cryogenic liquid dispenser charges the container with an amount of cryogenic liquid determined by the microprocessor. The cryogenic liquid dispenser includes a phase separator which depressurizes cryogenic fluid received from a bulk storage tank. Once the container is charged, it may be loaded with perishables, examples of which include food, blood or chemicals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly deflating a chamber. The apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber of determined inflation volume with an inflation fluid comprises an inflation device for inflating said inflatable chamber with an inflation fluid to a predetermined inflation pressure, and further comprises a rapid deflation device for rapidly deflating said chamber by sucking out said inflation fluid at a high flow rate, the rapid deflation device being used on deactivating said chamber, in particular so as to transport it with its volume being reduced to as small as possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber. The apparatus comprises inflation means 50 for inflating an inflatable chamber 14 defined by a support device 12 for supporting a patient P. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one first inflation means 52 for performing inflation at a high flow rate and at a low pressure so as to fill the volume of said chamber 14 substantially fully at a low pressure, and a second inflation means 54 for inflating at a low flow rate but at a high pressure to obtain said predetermined inflation pressure in said chamber 14. The invention makes it possible to inflate the chamber 14 rapidly, which is particularly important in medical applications.

Abstract: A gas filling facility and method which maintains the purity of a gas to be filled. A connection of a gas supply pipe and a gas filling pipe attached on gas containers is performed in a first clean room while the storage of the gas filling pipe occurs in a second clean room. When the gas filling pipe is stored, ultra-high purity nitrogen gas is caused to flow through the inside thereof, so that the inside of the gas filling pipe remains under an extremely clean state.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for filling packed cylinders with acetylene. The apparatus includes a variable speed compressor which delivers the gas to a manifold. The compressor is operated continuously to maintain a continuous flow of acetylene to the manifold and maintain either a substantially constant manifold pressure or a gradually increasing manifold pressure. The method and apparatus of the invention fills a large number of packed cylinders in less than half the time required by operation of conventional two-speed compressors. Furthermore, the method and apparatus of the invention simplifies the production and bottling of acetylene and enables complete automation of the bottling process after the packed cylinders are connected to the manifold.

Abstract: A process for automatic filling with products, particularly of gas into gas cylinders, utilizes electronic comparison of the data stored in a data carrier located on the tank with the actually measured weight of the tank makes it possible to determine the degree of residual filling in the tank as well as to ascertain whether the tank weight is too low which, under certain circumstances, can give rise to safety risks and, in response, to either remove the tank from the filling process or else to fill it.The process and the device function fully automatically, so that it is possible to save personnel costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inflating a tire comprising the steps of:providing a tire mounted on a rim, said tire comprising a tire valve to allow selective inflation or deflation of said tire, said tire being filled with a certain amount of air;deflating said tire to reach a pressure which is less than or equal to a predetermined low pressure, said predetermined low pressure being lower than atmospheric pressure;inflating said tire with a source of inert gas to reach a pressure at least equal to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, to obtain inside said tire a gas mixture comprising between 5% O.sub.2 by volume and 0.5% O2 by volume.It also relates to a tire evacuation apparatus specially adapted thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a hydrodynamics bearing with fluid. The apparatus includes a fill tube having first and second openings and a fluid reservoir having a reservoir opening. The first opening of the fill tube is aligned relative to a bearing channel opening for filling bearing channels. The second opening of the fill tube is selectively aligned relative to the fluid reservoir for filling bearing channels with fluid from the fluid reservoir via relative movement of the fill tube and fluid reservoir between a retracted position and a filling position. In the retracted position, the second opening of the fill tube is spaced from the reservoir and in the filling position, the second opening of the fill tube is immersed in the fluid reservoir to fill the bearing channels with fluid from the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed natural gas and for maximizing the mass of compressed gas dispensed into a gas storage cylinder is disclosed. Pressure and temperature transducers are provided as a part of the apparatus to emit data signals to a control processor of the pressure and temperature of a supply of compressed gas delivered to a gas dispenser, as well as the ambient temperature at the dispenser and the pressure of the compressed gas within the cylinder, respectively. A mass flow meter is also provided for emitting a data signal to the control processor of the mass of compressed gas injected into the storage cylinder.

Abstract: A liquid crystal material filling apparatus which includes, in a vacuum chamber, a liquid crystal pot having a liquid crystal reservoir for storing a liquid crystal material. A groove part is coupled with the liquid crystal reservoir at a certain angle and contains a medium for holding the liquid crystal material. A filling jig cassette is provided to accommodate a plurality of liquid crystal panels having injection ports faced downwardly, and an elevation device is provided for moving the liquid crystal pot up and down. Also, a posture control mechanism is provided for switching a posture of the liquid crystal pot in accordance with the up/down movement of the liquid crystal pot thereby to cause the liquid crystal material to flow from the liquid crystal reservoir to the groove part at a raised position and bring the medium in touch with lower faces of the injection ports of the liquid crystal panels.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a flow metering unit is provided for measuring the flow of a mixture of air and gasoline vapor from a vehicle tank and for determining the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture. A value is provided for varying the flow of the mixture from the tank, and a control unit is operatively connected to the flow metering unit and to the valve for adjusting the position of the valve, and therefore the flow of the mixture from the tank, in response to the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture and the gasoline flow.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container of the present invention is a double-walled container in an integral body in which an inner casing is arranged in an outer casing so as to maintain a space therebetween, wherein the space is charged with a gas having a low thermal conductivity, and an opening having a diameter of 0.1 to 3 mm for charging gas in a wall of either of the inner casing and the outer casing is sealed.

Abstract: A refillable bottle constructed to be capable of holding fluids above atmospheric pressure has a threaded cap. The top of the threaded cap has at least one valve having a single resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the container. The valve is capable of being opened by a probe which engages the valve and pushes into the cap, the valve being closed when not acted upon by the probe. A plurality of vent holes are positioned in the top so as to be adjacent the mouth of the bottle when the cap is placed thereon. A releasable sealing ring is sized and positioned between the mouth and the cap so as to close the vent holes when the cap is fully threaded onto the neck and allow gas within the container to escape through the vent holes when the cap is loose.

Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed natural gas and for maximizing the mass of compressed gas dispensed into a gas storage cylinder is disclosed. Pressure and temperature transducers are provided as a part of the apparatus to emit data signals to a control processor of the pressure and temperature of a supply of compressed gas delivered to a gas dispenser, as well as the ambient temperature at the dispenser and the pressure of the compressed gas within the cylinder, respectively. A mass flow meter is also provided for emitting a data signal to the control processor of the mass of compressed gas injected into the storage cylinder.

Abstract: A reusable dunnage bag is provided for placement between or among boxes or packages of diverse products packed or stored for shipment in trailers or containers so as to cushion and protect the products from damage in being transported from one location to another. The bag includes a self closing valve operable to open so as to permit entry of pressurized medium into the bag, but automatically closes when fully inflated. A gun-like device having dual nozzles is provided for opening the self closing valve for rapid admission of gaseous medium into the bag and for opening the valve to quickly expel the medium therefrom. A discernible difference in noise frequency signals an operator to remove the connection between the gun and the self closing valve when inflation of the bag is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the pressure in a fuel tank ullage includes a conduit adapted to be connected to the fuel tank ullage and equipped with a controllable valve. A pressure sensor is adapted for mounting to detect the pressure in the fuel tank ullage, and a catalyst module has an inlet connected to the conduit, a catalyst in the module, an outlet separated from the inlet by the catalyst, a heater disposed to heat the catalyst, and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: An internal space of a container is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a partition member. The first chamber is provided as chamber for reserving a liquid crystal and connected to an object through a first port of the container. The second chamber receives a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source through a second port of the closed container. The liquid crystal within the first chamber is pressurized through the partition member by a pressurized fluid which is introduced into the second chamber and the liquid crystal is delivered to the object.

Abstract: An injector for moving an insulating gas into the sealed air space of a multi-sheet insulating unit includes a tube e.g. inner tube mounted within an outer tube and spaced from the inner walls of the outer tube to provide an exhaust passage. The outer tube is mounted on the middle leg by a C-clamp. Insulating air is moved through the inner tube into the sealed air space to displace the gas therein which displaced gas moves through the exhaust passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing natural gas into the natural gas vehicle cylinder of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The natural gas dispensing system includes a pressure transducer and a temperature transducer for measuring the pressure and temperature, respectively, of the supply gas as it is passed toward a dispenser, a second pressure transducer for measuring the pressure within the natural gas vehicle cylinder, an ambient air temperature transducer for measuring ambient air temperatures at the dispensing site, and a mass flow meter for measuring the gas mass injected into the vehicle cylinder. Each transducer and the mass flow meter emits a data signal to a control processor which automatically dispenses compressed gas to the vehicle cylinder, as well as maximizing the amount of gas mass injected into the cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, withdrawing liquefied cryogenic fuel stored in a primary insulated storage tank at a relatively low pressure and temperature; increasing the pressure of the withdrawn liquefied cryogenic fuel through a heat exchanger to warm the liquefied cryogenic fuel to a subcooled or near saturated liquid condition; and feeding the warmed and pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel to an insulated tank on a vehicle at a refueling facility, said vehicle using liquefied cryogenic fuel as its fuel and the insulated vehicle fuel tank being adapted to safely contain and store the liquefied cryogenic fuel in liquid form, at an approximate saturated condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing natural gas into the natural gas vehicle cylinder of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The natural gas dispensing system includes a pressure transducer and a temperature transducer for measuring the pressure and temperature, respectively, of the supply gas as it is passed toward a dispenser, a second pressure transducer for measuring the pressure within the natural gas vehicle cylinder, an ambient air temperature transducer for measuring ambient air temperatures at the dispensing site, and a mass flow meter for measuring the gas mass injected into the vehicle cylinder. Each transducer and the mass flow meter emits a data signal to a control processor which automatically dispenses compressed gas to the vehicle cylinder, as well as maximizing the amount of gas mass injected into the cylinder.

Abstract: A process for the filling of the pumping chamber of a gas pressure driven medicine pump. A pillow filled with the propellant is formed which consists of a material permeable to the propellant. The pillow filled with the propellant is inserted into the propellant chamber which is evacuated. Then, the propellant chamber is sealed gas tight. Subsequently, the propellant diffuses through the wall of the pillow into the propellant chamber. The process according to the invention offers the possibility of filling the pumping chamber in a simple manner without allowing the penetration of foreign gases.

Abstract: A cryogenic gas transportation and delivery system for transporting the gas in a liquefied state and delivering it to a storage vessel in a vaporized or gaseous state. The system includes a mobile chassis, a vacuum-jacketed delivery vessel for storing the gas in the liquefied state, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquefied gas into a vaporized state, and a compressor or pump to transfer the gas through the system so that it is delivered to the storage vessel as a compressed gas. When a compressor is used, the compressor is disposed between the vaporizer and the storage vessel. When a liquid pump is used, the pump is installed between the delivery vessel and the vaporizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing natural gas into the natural gas vehicle cylinder of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The natural gas dispensing system includes a pressure transducer and a temperature transducer for measuring the pressure and temperature, respectively, of the supply gas as it is passed toward a dispenser, a second pressure transducer for measuring the pressure within the natural gas vehicle cylinder, an ambient air temperature transducer for measuring ambient air temperatures at the dispensing site, and a mass flow meter for measuring the gas mass injected into the vehicle cylinder. Each transducer and the mass flow meter emits a data signal to a control processor which automatically dispenses compressed gas to the vehicle cylinder, as well as maximizing the amount of gas mass injected into the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of loading propellant into a spacecraft that comprises storing and transferring propellant in a portable propellant loading tank, temperature conditioning and helium saturating the propellant in the propellant loading tank, transferring the loading tank to a launch site, coupling the loading tank to the propellant storage tank, and pressurizing the portable propellant loading tank to transfer the propellant to the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The method may further comprise weighing the propellant loading tank during propellant transfer, venting the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft to a receiver tank, and weighing the receiver tank during propellant transfer. The amount of propellant transferred to the propellant storage tank is equal to the difference between the measured weights of the respective loading and storage tanks.

Abstract: An automatic method and device for filling, with gases other than air, insulating glazing units. The method entailing a step for injecting the gas and expelling the air so as to produce a laminar flow through a manifold constituted by the hollow region of the profile that forms the spacer frame. The method and the device allow a considerable saving in costs, reducing the amount of gas required for filling to an amount very close to the volume of the inner space provided in the insulating glazing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removing halocarbon compositions from containers for recycling and reuse. The apparatus comprises a base, a support column pivotally attached to the base, a support plate capable of receiving and supporting the container, a clamping device slidably attached to the support column, a piercing device capable of forming an opening in the container, a tilting device capable of tilting the support column and the support plate, and a controller for controlling the clamping device, the piercing device and the tilting device. The method comprises the steps of positioning the container on the support plate, clamping the container and forming an opening in the container while the container is being clamped. The halocarbon compositions are removed through the opening formed in the container and are captured for recycling.

Abstract: A method for filling a liquid crystal (LC) cell with liquid crystal comprises the step of placing the LC cell having a LC cavity therein and LC inlet openings in its top and bottom edges, in a vacuum chamber which encloses upper and lower LC supply members each having a LC-impregnated yarn exposed through a slot therein. The method includes the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber, moving the LC supply members to bring the yarns into contact with the top and bottom inlet openings of the cell, and returning the chamber to an atmospheric pressure to thereby cause liquid crystal to be sucked into the LC cavity through the inlet openings. Apparatus for filling a LC cell with liquid crystal is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus and method in which a valve unit having a plurality of inlets is respectively connected to multiple fluid sources and an outlet. A unit containing a flowmeter is also provided which cooperates with the valve unit in a manner so that, upon rotation of one of the units relative to the other, the flow of fluid is controlled from the selected fluid source to the valve unit outlet. The flowmeter is adapted to measure variations in the flow rate of the fluid, and the flow of the fluid is controlled in response to one or more related parameters.

Abstract: For metering of heavy gas which is intended for use in filling insulating glass panes with heavy gas or in the assembly of heavy gas-filled insulating glass panes, heavy gas is introduced into A space (5) of a cylinder (1) whose internal space is divided by a piston (2) into two spaces (5 and 6), piston (2) moving as other space (6) becomes smaller, so that heavy gas flows out of the latter. The displacement path of piston (2) is measured by displacement sensor (7) and electronic rule (4). Furthermore, the temperature and pressure of the heavy gas flowing out of space (6) via connection (20) are measured and the displacement of piston (2) is interrupted as soon as the amount of heavy gas determined on the basis of the displacement path and the values of temperature and pressure of the discharging heavy gas corresponds to the required amount of heavy gas.

Abstract: A hardened asbestos-free, porous, calcium silicate filler material for an acetylene storage vessel is made by mixing quicklime with water to form a first mixture. Then ground quartz silica is added to form a second mixture. A fibrous reinforcing material is blended in to form a third mixture. A precipitated silica (or synthetic silica) is added and homogenized to form a fourth mixture. The fourth mixture is transferred into a cylinder to be filled and is cured under saturated steam pressure. Thereafter, the cylinder is dried. A gas storage cylinder so formed has a monolithic dry mass filling a metal shell. The mass has a porosity of about 88 to 92%, a density in the range of 250 g/l to 350 g/l, and a crush strength of 250 to 550 psig.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, withdrawing liquefied cryogenic fuel stored in a primary insulated storage tank at a low pressure and at a temperature close to its boiling point; increasing the pressure of the withdrawn liquefied cryogenic fuel and then feeding the pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel through a heat exchanger to warm the liquefied cryogenic fuel to a subcooled or near saturated liquid condition; and feeding the said warmed and pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel to an insulated tank on a vehicle at a refueling facility, the vehicle using liquefied cryogenic fuel as its fuel and the insulated vehicle fuel tank being adapted to safely contain and store the said liquefied cryogenic fuel in liquid form, at an approximate saturated condition.

Abstract: To produce insulating glass panes (10) filled with heavy gas, an insulating glass pane (10) still open at least in the area of its lower edge is filled from underneath with heavy gas. To do this the two vertically oriented edges of the insulating glass pane (10) are sealed by seals (30, 31). The upper edge of the insulating glass pane is not sealed. At at least one site (156, 157) in the area of the lower edge, the heavy gas from a channel (122) which runs along a belt conveyor (9) which supports the insulating glass pane (10) is blown via openings which pass between side-by-side portions of the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor (9), into the insulating glass pane (10). To adjust the effective length of the channel (122) to the length of the insulating glass pane (10) to be filled with heavy gas, a piston (130) is contained in the channel. As soon as the space between the glass sheets (11, 13) of an insulating glass pane (10) is entirely filled with heavy gas, the insulating glass pane (10) is closed.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a mixture of air and gasoline vapor is passed from a vehicle tank to a storage tank during the dispensing of gasoline from the storage tank to the vehicle tank. A portion of the mixture of air and gasoline vapor is vented from the storage tank, the flow and/or the vapor concentration of the vented mixture from the storage tank are determined, and the mixture flow from the vehicle tank is varied accordingly.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid, where at the temperature of operation the vapor pressure of the liquid is at or above atmospheric pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas or any other liquid with high vapor pressure at the temperature of operation. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition. One of the methods currently in use requires a mechanical valve which senses liquid level in the tank and is supposed to close so as to stop flow to the tank when the liquid has reached the maximum allowable level.