Abstract: A filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product under counter pressure has a plurality of filling elements. Each filling element has a liquid valve for the controlled dispensing of the product as well as a plurality of gas ducts realized in a housing, by means of which ducts at least three separate and individually controlled control valves for each filling element can be controlled so that a wide variety of processes can be conducted for the bottling of the product, and namely merely by varying the actuation of the control valves or by varying a corresponding program for a microprocessor-assisted or computer-assisted control device.

Abstract: In order to further accelerate a pourable product (4) falling into a fill pipe (2) or in order to compress the particle cluster of the product (4), it is suggested to blow air in timed intervals into the fill pipe (2). An air flap (13) is operated for this purpose in a pipe (11) between a blower (10) and the fill pipe (2) by means of a drive 14. A control device (15) controls the drive (14) dependent on a packaging parameter, for example, at a point in time when the product (4) is in a position of the free fall, which position is recognized by a sensor (16).

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for venting a fuel tank including a canister containing an absorbent for fuel fumes, a sensor for detecting the filling of the fuel tank and emitting a signal based thereon, a first connection line for connecting the canister with the fuel tank and having a sufficient size to permit the free flow of gases from the fuel tank during filling of the fuel tank, the first connection line including a first valve operable between an open position and a closed position, the first valve normally being in the closed position and being actuatable into the open position by the signal thereby permitting the free flow of gas from the fuel tank through the first connection line during filling, a second connection line for connecting the canister with the fuel tank and connected to the first connection line between the first valve and the canister, the second connection line including a second valve including at least one restrictor for substantially limiting the flow of gases therethrough as compared t

Abstract: A system for recovering fuel vapor during delivery of fuel by a mobile fueler includes a storage tank covered with a layer of insulation, a supply pump connected to the storage tank for delivering fuel therefrom, and a fuel dispensing assembly, preferably a coaxial hose and nozzle, including a supply outlet for delivering fuel to a vehicle being fueled, and a vapor recovery inlet proximate the supply outlet. A diverter valve diverts a portion of the fuel in the supply line, and a vacuum jet pump is connected to the storage tank and, by a vapor line, to the vapor recovery inlet, which is driven by the diverted fuel to create a vacuum in the vapor line to draw vapor into the vapor recovery inlet, through the vapor line, and into the storage tank. A vapor pot is provided in the vapor line for separating liquid fuel from vapor in the vapor line and for returning separated liquid fuel back into the supply line.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided having a fuel tank formed to include an interior region, a fuel vapor discharge apparatus coupled to the fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the interior region of the fuel tank, a fuel delivery apparatus formed to include an interior region and coupled to the fuel tank to deliver fuel to the interior region of the fuel tank, and a fuel vapor recirculation apparatus in fluid communication with the interior region of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system includes an anemometer positioned in the vapor return line to calculate the volume of returning vapor in the vapor return line. The anemometer is connected to a control system which compares the volume of returning vapor to the volume of fuel being dispensed and adjusts the speed at which vapor is recovered so that the two volumes approximately equal one another. The anemometer may be a Wheatstone bridge arrangement or a pair of thermometers.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is disclosed that utilizes a crystal oscillator for sensing the presence of hydrocarbon in the vapor emissions emanating from a fuel tank during refueling. The crystal oscillator is coated with a layer of material having a sensitivity for hydrocarbon. In response to any interaction between the coating layer and hydrocarbon, the crystal oscillator experiences a shift in its oscillation frequency relative to the fundamental resonance frequency. The frequency shift is representative of the hydrocarbon concentration in the vapor emissions. A control signal based on the frequency shift is generated and then used to adjust the operating speed of the vapor pump.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum assist vapor recovery system used in conjunction with the fueling of ORVR and non-ORVR equipped vehicles including establishing an expected number of ORVR fueling operations for a fuel dispenser during a defined interval; counting the actual number of ORVR fueling operations during said defined interval; comparing the actual number of fueling operations to the expected number of fueling operations; and permitting fueling operations to continue if the actual number is substantially equal to the expected number.

Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.

Abstract: A method of verifying an encapsulation of quick-setting adhesive in a small hermetically sealed reservoir cup from which the adhesive is dispensed on depression of a reservoir piston sealing the mouth of the reservoir cup. The method includes feeding a group of small reservoir cups to a filling station, determining an alignment of the group of small reservoir cups within the filling station, and flooding the interior of each cup at the station with cure preventing gas, if the group of small reservoir cups is determined to be aligned. The method further includes depositing a predetermined amount of quick-setting adhesive into each of the reservoir cups, immediately after flooding, and inserting a piston into each of the reservoir cups on top of the adhesive while flooding. The method involves the use of an apparatus for encapsulating the adhesive in the reservoir cups with the piston. The method ensures that the apparatus will properly encapsulate the quick-setting adhesive in each reservoir cup as designed.

Abstract: A production process for a prefilled, sterile syringe comprising providing a sterilized syringe barrel having sealable proximal and sealable distal ends. The proximal end being opened and the distal end being closed and adapted for coupling with a syringe outlet piece. In accordance with the process, the distal end of the barrel is closed and the barrel is then filled through the proximal end while the proximal end is opened with a fluid medium in the form of a liquid, a solution, a suspension or an emulsion wherein the barrel contains the fluid medium in a portion of the barrel and contains a gaseous medium in another portion of the barrel. After the barrel has been filled, a sterile plug is inserted through the proximal end of the barrel to close the proximal end. After pressing the plug into the barrel, the barrel is vented through a tube extending past the plug so that only the liquid medium is within the barrel.

Abstract: A device for filling a high-pressure CO.sub.2 cylinder with liquid CO.sub.2 while venting gaseous CO.sub.2 comprises a two-compartment chamber that is installed in the top opening of the cylinder. A first dip tube connected to one compartment extends to the bottom portion of the cylinder and a second dip tube connected to the other compartment extends to the upper portion of the cylinder. Each compartment has a port for flow into or out of the compartment. Liquid CO.sub.2 introduced into the compartment with the first dip tube will flow into the cylinder and cause gaseous CO.sub.2 to exit through the second dip tube and the other compartment. When liquid CO.sub.2 appears in the exiting stream, the introduction of liquid CO.sub.2 is stopped. In a common embodiment, a conventional CO.sub.2 valve has the first dip tube connected to the bottom thereof. A street tee with one end connected to the second dip tube is screwed into the top opening of the cylinder. The CO.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pouring spout of the type of ones which are detachably connected to a filling container for transferring liquid in a receiving container. These kind of pouring spout include an inlet tube for receiving liquid from the filling container, and an outlet tube telescopically mounted to slide onto the inlet tube for guiding liquid therefrom into the receiving container. The spout also comprises a liquid valve which opens and closes automatically upon sliding of the outlet tube. The current invention further comprises an air passage and an air valve for regulating an air flow inside the spout from the receiving container into the receiving container, such that the flow of liquid inside the spout stops automatically when the receiving container is full, thereby avoiding spillage of liquid. The pouring spout of the invention also resolve the problem of emanations related to the transfer of dangerous volatile and highly inflammable liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a filling and venting system for a fuel tank which includes a canister having a fill section and a vent section defined therein. The fill section including a fuel inlet portion for the introduction of fuel thereinto and a fuel outlet portion configured to be attached to a fuel tank for directing fuel thereinto. The vent section includes a vapor outlet port configured to be attached to a vent and a vapor inlet port configured to be attached to the fuel tank to permit vapor to pass from the fuel tank, through the canister and to the vent. The vapor inlet port is configured to project into the fuel tank to a level below a level at which the fuel outlet port enters the fuel tank. A partition assembly includes a wall separating the fill section and the vent section. The wall includes an opening defined therein which permits fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method for testing for the recovery of vapor in a system in which a fluid is dispensed into a tank through a nozzle, according to which a vacuum is created to induce the flow of the vapor into the nozzle. The vacuum is measured and a display is provided that indicates whether or not the vacuum attains a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: In a filling system for moving a supply of liquid through an automatic nozzle, a filling adaptor affixed to a fill pipe of the container for receiving the automatic nozzle has a safety closure at a discharge end thereof to reduce spillage of liquid from the container upon tipping of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently metering and transferring a cryogenic liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a storage vessel to, for example, a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus incorporates a programmable controller, a motor-driven pump and a network of conduits with motor-operated valves and liquid sensors for effecting a priming of the pump with liquid free of vapor and a cool-down of the flow passages prior to a transfer operation for ensuring that a vapor-free liquid is delivered. A pair of flow meters, one for liquid and the other for returned vapor, allows a reliable determination of the amount of liquid delivered to--and remaining in--a receiving vessel. The apparatus employs a delivery nozzle with quick-disconnect valved fittings and a delivery nozzle incorporating features which allow it to be handled by an operator without the use of heavy gloves.

Abstract: An air transfer valve is disclosed comprising a housing (8) having an inlet (21) and an outlet (22), the outlet being controlled by a first non-return, valve (28) which is biased to its closed position and the outlet being controlled by a second valve (30) which is normally in its open position, the first valve being caused to open by an increase in air pressure within the valve but closing in response to reduced pressure. The valve is intended to be fitted into a fill pipe (1) of a fuel storage tank so that the outlet communicate with the tank ullage through an aligned hole in the wall of the fill pipe. In this situation, the valve transfers air from the fill pipe into the ullage and reduces turbulence which would otherwise cause excessive generation of vapor during tank filling (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An improved filling valve specially configured for attachment onto a conventional, high speed liquid filling machine that is typically utilized in food product container packaging lines to quickly fill large numbers of containers, such as bottle or cans. A filler valve has several improvements that result in greater reliability in operation, increased operational speed, and easier adjustment in operational parameters. The filler valve including a manifold that receives a manifold insert and a spring nut that abuts to a slider. The slider is the only moving part of the filler valve. A filler stem is received through the slider and attaches to the manifold. For filling, the top opening of a bottle is placed against a spanner nut and the manifold lowered, thereby compressing the slider into the manifold to insert the stem into the container. A liquid is then injected into the container, while displaced air is exhausted into the co-axial annular space between the stem and the slider.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow needle axially mobile so as to pierce a container stopper. Said needle comprises a pointed end with a cutting edge tangent to the needle cylindrical body generatrix, an oblique shape linking the edge to said cylindrical body and a side outlet orifice of the channel centred on said generatrix and a site spaced from the edge, said orifice being centred perpendicular to the needle longitudinal axis. This invention is applicable to automatic and semiautomatic analytical equipment.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly for filling a container (11) with a fluid material and comprising a valve body (16) having an outer wall (18) defining an inner chamber (20). A vent tube (30) extends upwardly through the chamber (20) for ventilating the container (11) when the container (11) is filled with the fluid material and defining at least one fluid passageway (38) disposed between the outer wall (18) and the vent tube (30) for allowing the fluid material to discharge from the chamber (20) and into the container (11). A first screen (62) is disposed across said fluid passageway (38) and the assembly is characterized by a second screen (64) disposed across the passageway (38) in spaced relationship to and below the first screen (62) whereby the capillary action of both screens (62) and (64) accumulate to more precisely fill successive containers (11) to equal volumes.

Abstract: An automated fueling nozzle for transferring fuel from a fuel storage tank to a vehicle fuel storage tank has a vacuum sensing arrangement disposed outboard of a discharge end of an outlet spout of the nozzle to interrupt the flow of fuel when the tank is substantially full to prevent reflux of fuel from the vehicle tank through the inlet conduit of the vehicle tank.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system for use in a fuel dispenser. The system has a vapor recovery line for collecting fuel vapor. A Fleisch tube is mounted in the recovery line and connected to a differential pressure transducer for monitoring the volumetric flow rate of fuel vapor through the recovery line. The Fleisch tube provides highly accurate flow rate measurements which are used to set the appropriate vapor recovery rate.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a fluid from a first tank into a second tank, in which one of the tanks is attached to a vehicle. The system comprises a flexible, stretchable, resilient delivery hose, a first end of the delivery hose being connected to the first tank and a second end of the delivery hose being attached to a nozzle adapted to dispense the fluid into the second tank. A flexible tension element is provided between first and second fittings on the hose, the fittings being separated by at least six feet (two meters), the tension element substantially eliminating stretching of the delivery hose between the fittings. The tension element substantially reduces damage to the hose and to surrounding persons and objects when the hose is pulled and released as in a drive-away from a gasoline dispenser.

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: Storage equipment simply and effectively maintains the cleanness of substrates stored therein. The substrates in the storage equipment are set in a pod. The storage equipment has removable covers, a unit for fitting the covers to pods, respectively, a unit for holding the pods with the covers, a gas supply unit for individually supplying gas into the pods through the covers, and an exhaust unit for individually discharging an atmosphere from the pods through the covers. Each pod is closed with the cover in the storage equipment, and the gas supply unit and exhaust unit periodically replace an atmosphere in each pod with inert gas or evacuate each pod, to control the storage conditions of each pod in the storage equipment.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for filling a volatile liquid into at least one tank (10) of a multi-tank installation having a vent-pipe (11A, 11B . . . 11F) associated with each tank, all of the vent-pipes being connected to a common vent manifold (13) through respective over-pressure valves (12A, 12B . . . 12F). A vapor extraction manifold (16) is also connected to each over-pressure valve (12A, 12B . . . 12F) and during a tank filling operation is coupled to a vapor extraction mechanism. Both the vent manifold (13) and the extraction manifold (16) are provided with pressure sensitive valves (15, 19) respectively to allow air to enter the manifolds from the ambient when the pressure within the respective manifold falls below atmospheric.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly (10) for filling a beverage container (12), such as a bottle or can, with a beverage such as carbonated drinks, juice or water. The filling machine (10) includes a support housing (14) for supplying the beverage to be discharged into the container (12). A valve housing (22) is mounted to the bottom of the support housing (14) for controlling the discharge of the beverage and a control device (24) is mounted to the top of the support housing (14). The control device (24) has outer walls (26) defining a working chamber (28) having a top and a bottom. A vent tube (30) has a first end disposed within the working chamber (28) of the control device (24) and a second end extending into the valve housing (22). A piston (38) is secured to the first end of the vent tube (30) within the working chamber (28) for moving the vent tube (30) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.

Abstract: A fuel tank has a void air space when the tank is filled through a filler tube that upstands from a reservoir. The reservoir has a baffle that depends from a top wall of the reservoir. Fuel entering the reservoir from the filler tube fills the reservoir up to the level of the lowermost edge of the baffle. Further filling of the tank causes the fuel level to rise in the filler tube. However, a void space is created because air and fuel vapor are trapped in the reservoir on the opposite side of the baffle as the filler tube, which prevents overfilling by an operator. A vent system connects the void space with the top end of the filler tube. Hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fuel on the air and fuel vapor in the void space expels the air and fuel vapor through the vent system to the filler tube, causing the fuel level to rise in the void space and simultaneously to lower in the filler tube. Eventually all the air and fuel vapor are expelled, and the fuel level in the filler tube is then at a minimum level.

Abstract: An insert is bolted to the inlet of a wood chip digester to provide air exhaust during chip loading, and over pressure relief during chip processing. The insert has an upper flange which connects to an overhead chip valve, and a lower flange which mates with the top of the digester inlet. The insert has an outer cylindrical section extending between the upper flange and the lower flange and a lower conical section which extends downwardly into the digester. An inner cylindrical sleeve is positioned coaxially with, and joined to, the outer wall by a conical ring at the top, and is joined to the conical section at the bottom. The outer wall, the conical section, and the inner cylindrical sleeve form a sealed volume, which maybe partitioned into two parts. The first part has a sector between the outer wall and the inner cylindrical sleeve which is connected to a pressure relief fitting, a portion of the sector being porous for allowing pressure relief through the fitting.

Abstract: A method of recovering vapors emitted while dispensing liquids into an installation. A characteristic value descriptive of the recovery operation is taken from a calibration table set up during the previous dispensing operation. During the dispensing operation, the liquid flow rate and the vapor flow rate are measured at a predetermined time interval. A new characteristic value is determined on the basis of the calibration table from the previous dispensing operation. The liquid flow rate and new characteristic value are applied to the recovery operation. A coefficient is calculated based on the differences between the measured values of the liquid flow rate and the vapor flow rate. A new calibration table is set up with values calculated using the new characteristic value, the measured flow rates, and the coefficient, in readiness for the next dispensing operation.

Abstract: Valve mechanism for controlling the fluid flows when refueling a fuel tank provided with a filler neck, having: a housing in which there are constructed a first opening, a second opening and a third opening; a valve member which is mounted movably in the housing between a first and a second position and has at least one sealing surface; a valve seat which in the housing is arranged between the openings and cooperates with the sealing surface(s) of the valve member in order, in the first position, to set up a first fluid connection between the first opening and the second opening, and a second fluid connection between the second opening and the third opening, and, in the second position, to interrupt the first and the second fluid connections; and a third fluid connection which is constructed in the housing between the second opening and the third opening and has a higher flow resistance than the second fluid connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the hydrocarbon concentration of the return vapor flow of a fuel dispenser equipped with a vapor recovery system. The apparatus includes a sensing housing positioned adjacent the vapor return passage so as to provide fluid communication with the return vapor flow and to discourage entry of liquid into the sensing housing and a vapor inlet positioned in the vapor return passage for admitting hydrocarbon vapor into the sensor chamber. Desirably, the sensing housing is angled to the vapor flow within the vapor return passage.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for delivering fuel into a fuel tank by way of a fill pipe accommodates onboard refueling vapor recovery equipped vehicles by provision of vacuum and pressure relief for the vapor recovery conduit disposed in communication with the vapor conduit through an external surface of the fuel dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A method for injecting a liquid crystal material into a liquid crystal panel which is provided with a liquid crystal injection port and an evacuation port is provided. The method includes the steps of: evacuating the liquid crystal panel; and after the evacuation step, injecting the liquid crystal material into the liquid crystal panel through the liquid crystal injection port with the liquid crystal material being pressurized while evacuating the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A two-stage venting on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve for controlling fuel tank venting to a storage canister during tank filling. A float actuated poppet has a small second stage venting hole therethrough. The poppet is mounted for relative movement with respect to a second stage vent valve member disposed on the float. During tank filling, venting is through a first stage relatively large flow area passage until rising fuel level causes the poppet to close the first stage vent flow area. Venting during continued filling is through the second stage venting hole in the poppet. After first stage valve closure relative movement or lost motion occurs between the first and second stage valve members.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.

Abstract: A hose assembly is provided for transmitting liquid fuel between the fuel tank of a highway truck and the fuel tank of an airport refueler. The assembly comprises inner and outer hoses. The inner hose transmits liquid fuel. A sealed passage is formed between the inner and outer hoses. Each end of the hose assembly is connected to a respective port for transferring the fuel between the highway truck fuel tank and airport refueler tank. The assembly includes at least one sensor port for connecting the passage to sensing means to detect leakage from the inner hose to the passage. A leakage sensing system is coupled to the sensor port for detecting leakage of fuel from the inner hose to the passage and for generating sensor signals. The leakage sensing system includes: (1) a pressure sensor for detecting a change in pressure within the passage, and (2) a liquid sensor for detecting the presence of liquid within the passage.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly (10) for filling a beverage container (12), such as a bottle or can, with a beverage, such as a carbonated drink, juice or water. The filling machine (10) includes a support housing (14) having an inner fluid chamber (20) for supplying the beverage to be discharged into the container (12). A valve housing (22) is mounted to the bottom of the support housing (14) for controlling the discharge of the beverage and a control device (24) is mounted to the top of the support housing (14). A vent tube (26) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (24) and extends into the valve housing (22). A support tube (34) extends between the control device (24) and the valve housing (22) and has a bore (36) surrounding the vent tube (26). An actuation device (42) moves the vent tube (26) within the bore (36) relative to the support tube (34) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.

Abstract: An adhesive fastener for securement to a substrate which has a reservoir comprising a reservoir cup and a piston located therein blocking entry of atmospheric water vapor and preventing unintentional leakage of adhesive from the reservoir and a wall portion of the reservoir may be displaced to prevent hydraulic lock as the piston is pushed into the reservoir during assembly of the fastener and also when the fastener is being deployed against the substrate. Apparatus and a method of filling the reservoir cups and inserting pistons therein while excluding atmospheric water vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an ORVR-equipped vehicle having a fuel tank filler pipe including an annular vapor block mounted in the fuel tank filler pipe. The vapor block has sufficient length to substantially block vapor flow through a plurality of vapor return openings in a vacuum assist nozzle spout and further includes an internal diameter complementary with the outside diameter of the nozzle so as to prevent the creation of a vapor tight seal.

Abstract: A refueling fuel level responsive control valve with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff cue to the filler nozzle operator, and a subsequent final shutoff after a limited amount of "roundoff" filling to a maximum fuel level. The control valve includes two float-operated valve elements which close serially in response to initial shutoff and final shutoff refueling fuel levels. The initial shutoff partially closes the control valve to create a temporary shutoff-inducing increase in fuel tank pressure. Final shutoff occurs after allowing a few round-off "clicks" of the filler nozzle to fully close venting through the control valve.

Abstract: A method of supplying liquid into a liquid container, which includes a first chamber, provided with a liquid supply portion for supplying liquid out, to a liquid ejection head and an air vent for fluid communication with ambient air, for accommodating therein a negative pressure producing member; a second chamber forming a substantially sealed space except for a communication part with the first chamber, wherein the liquid supply portion is disposed at a bottom side; and a gas-liquid exchange promoting structure, provided in the first chamber, for introducing the ambient air into the second chamber to permit discharging of the liquid, the method includes a pressure reducing step of reducing a pressure of an entirety of the container, while the liquid container is hermetically sealed; first liquid supplying step of supplying the liquid into the second chamber, and completing the liquid supply before a portion adjacent to the gas-liquid exchange promoting structure of the negative pressure producing member in t

Abstract: The apparatus includes a battery support for supporting a battery at a fill position, a head assembly with a plurality of heads each with an opening formed therethrough, an acid tank, a circulating conduit with a pump for circulating acid, and a valve for stopping the circulation of acid. The head assembly is moved from an upper position to a lower position for engaging the head openings with the upper cell openings of the battery. A plurality of fill conduits extend from the circulating conduit between the pump and the valve to the heads for injecting acid into the battery openings by way of the head openings. A plurality of leveling tubes extend through the head openings and beyond the lower ends of the heads for with removing excess acid by way of a plurality of leveling chambers operated together with a piston.

Abstract: This invention concerns a manifold for use in refill of canister containing chemicals. The manifold may comprise a vacuum supply valve; a vacuum generator; a pressure vent valve; a gas inlet valve; a bypass valve; an isolation valve; a control valve; a canister inlet valve; a canister outlet valve; a canister inlet coupler, and a canister outlet coupler. In the manifold the vacuum supply valve may be connected to the vacuum generator; the vacuum generator may be connected to the pressure vent valve and the control valve; the gas inlet valve may be connected to pressure vent valve and bypass valve; the bypass valve may be further connected to the isolation valve and the canister inlet valve; the isolation valve may also be connected to the canister outlet valve. In addition, the canister inlet valve may be connected to control valve, the canister inlet coupler, and the canister outlet valve; and the canister outlet valve may be further connected to the canister inlet coupler and the canister outlet coupler.

Abstract: A method of recovering vapor emitted in a liquid dispensing installation comprising: liquid dispensing means (P.sub.L) adapted to cause said liquid to flow with a liquid flowrate Q.sub.L ; vapor recovery means (P.sub.V) adapted to cause said vapor to flow with a vapor flowrate Q.sub.V along a pipe (120), said vapor flowrate Q.sub.V being controlled by a parameter G. According to the invention, the method includes the following steps: establishing an equation G=F (Q.sub.V, {p.sub.i }) relating the parameter G to the vapor flowrate Q.sub.V and to parameters p.sub.i characteristic of the recovery means and said pipe (120); determining an initial value {p.sub.i }.sub.o of the parameters p.sub.i ; on each dispensing k of liquid: measuring the liquid flowrate Q.sub.Lk and determining a value G.sub.k of the parameter G from the equation:G.sub.k =F (Q.sub.Lk, {p.sub.i }.sub.k-1);determining a new value {p.sub.i }.sub.k of the parameters p.sub.i to be used for the next dispensing k+1 of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a washer fluid reservoir of a rear wiper system includes a fill cup assembly having main body and a cover. The main body defines an opening for receiving washer fluid. A first conduit provides fluid communication between the opening and the washer fluid reservoir for the transfer of washer fluid. A second conduit allows for venting of the washer fluid reservoir back to the opening and provides complete exterior venting of fumes. A vent passage defined in part by the second conduit is blocked when the cover is rotated to a closed position. A designed-in interference normally retains the cover in its opened position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of a vehicle equipped with an onboard refueling vapor recovery system. The apparatus has a body that is equipped with an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port that is in fluid communication with the inlet fluid port. The body also has an inlet vapor port that is in fluid communication with the outlet fluid port. The apparatus further includes a vacuum chamber that is located within the body, and that is in fluid communication with the vapor port and the outlet port. The apparatus has a vaccum activated detecting switch coupled to the body that is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber. A vacuum-generating nozzle is coupled within the body between the inlet port and the vacuum chamber. Fuel may be provided to the inlet port and routed through the nozzle to create a vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: Filling device and method for use in manufacturing of gel filled prostheses which provides fast and accurate filling of prosthesis shells without deterioration of the gel or induction of air into the prosthesis. The filling method utilizes a dual port cannula for penetrating a preslit fill port on a prosthesis shell, the cannula having one port coupled through a flexible tube to a peristaltic pump supplied with gel under pressure, and a second port coupled through a flexible tube to a vacuum system. The cannula and prosthesis shell being filled are supported on a scale, with the flexible tubes being disposed so that pressure variations in the tubes do not effect the scale readings.

Abstract: A fail-safe service machine for the power steering system of automotive vehicles includes a pair of pumps each driven by electrical power from a vehicle under service, and a suction/delivery probe extending into the power steering system reservoir of the vehicle, both to remove old power steering fluid, and to simultaneously deliver new power steering fluid.