Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to stably supply an ambient gas having a given composition to a production apparatus or storage apparatus for a compound necessitating strict ambient gas regulation during the production, storage, or handling thereof, such as (meth)acrylic acid or an ester thereof which are easily polymerizable and form an explosive composition at ordinary temperature, in a manner not influenced by fluctuations in the amount of the gas used. In the invention, the pressure of the gas-phase part in a tank (1) or mixing vessel (2) is detected with a manometer (P-1) or (P-2), and a dry air/nitrogen mixed gas is supplied to the tank (1) or mixing vessel (2) in an amount compensating for the gas consumption. The pressure in a mixed-gas supply piping (5) is detected with a manometer (P-5), and a dry air/nitrogen mixed gas is supplied to the piping (5) in an amount compensating for the gas consumption.

Abstract: A hopper apparatus for applying joint compound to corner beads has a hopper for holding a quantity of joint compound and a feeder apparatus secured across the lower end of the hopper. The feeder apparatus has a channel and a series of elongate feeder inserts for selectively securing in the channel. A first set of outside feeder inserts each have a generally V-shaped indented groove extending along their length for guiding an outside corner bead through the feeder apparatus, while a second set of inside feeder inserts each have a generally V-shaped ridge extending along their length for guiding an inside corner bead through the feeder. The feeder inserts in each set have grooves and ridges of different angles and corner shapes matching those of a plurality of different inside and outside corner beads, and are releasably secured in the channel.

Abstract: A device and method of operation for filling medicine capsules, in which a fixed quantity of open capsules to be filled are supported in a circular array by a holder plate beneath the periphery of a rotatable distribution drum. In use, a measured supply of filling medication, in dry granular form, is dispensed into the center of the rotating drum where it is distributed evenly by centrifugal force along the periphery of the drum. As the drum stops rotating, the medication flows by gravity into the capsules, which are then inspected, closed and packaged. The distribution of filler material is more even than if the capsules were filled by hand, and the average quantity (both by volume and by weight) of the filling material per capsule in the batch is variable to suit an individual patient's needs, and very accurately known. In addition, two or more compatible filler medications may be mixed in the same capsules to suit the specialized needs of a particular user.

Abstract: A pneumatic particulate dispensing system having a hopper for storing particulate material, such as animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides and the like. The hopper is connected to a T-fitting which encloses a velocity tube. An air blowing unit is connected to the T-fitting and the velocity tube through an interchangeable adaptor allowing for a variety of air blowing units to be installed. An adjustable rotary valve extends into the interior of the hopper from the T-fitting allowing for a user to adjust the amount of particulate material to be dispensed adjacent the velocity tube. A discharge tube is connected to the T-fitting downstream of the velocity tube, wherein the discharge tube has a rotating elbow for allowing the user to adjust the dispensing direction. A variety of nozzles can be attached to the end of the discharge tube. A support frame having a hitch insert and cradles is used to support and transport the particulate dispensing system to remote locations.

Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertical conduit that is arranged to dispense particles to one or more containers that are disposed on an included movable conveyor belt. The conduit includes a conduit hollow, a conduit top and a conduit bottom that defines an outlet. Particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to fill the containers. The conduit is filled with particles. The particles include a particle spacing air. The particle spacing air is reduced by means of a porous tube that is fixed in the conduit hollow and coupled to a vacuum source. After reducing the particle spacing air, the particles flow through the outlet to be received in the containers.

Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.

Abstract: For avoiding the evaporation of volatile components of a fill oil and for avoiding contamination of the fill oil with ambient air, a method for the filling of hydraulic pressure measurement mechanisms by means of a readied filling chamber. The method includes the following steps: (I) Evacuating the filling chamber by means of a vacuum pump over a first path of a first conductivity, extending between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump; (II) ending the evacuation of the filling chamber over the first path; (III) continued evacuating of the filling chamber by means of the pump over a second path of a second conductivity, extending between the filling chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the second conductivity is smaller than the first conductivity; (IV) feeding the fill oil into the evacuated fill chamber and (V) filling the measurement mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for filling a muffler shell with a fibrous material includes providing an outer muffler shell, applying a temporary form to the outer shell to define a muffler chamber within the outer muffler shell, and wetting the fibrous material by forcing moisturized compressed air into contact with the fibrous material. The wetted fibrous material is inserted into the muffler chamber, and the temporary form is removed from the outer muffler shell.

Abstract: A refrigerant material transfer device for transferring refrigerant from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for mixing and injecting a foam core within an extruded shell preferably of plastic downstream from an extrusion die to produce a uniform building product. The preferred apparatus includes a mixing head injector for mixing a binary system foam. The mixing head injector incorporates pressurized gas injection for homogenization of the foam core. A preferred method employs the mixing head injector and a novel calibrator thereby allowing injection of a foam core within the shell as it passes through a calibrator to reliably produce a uniform building product. An alternative method employs a second extruder. Alternative methods employ a mounting fixture downstream of a first calibrator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device (12) for a reactor formed by a plurality of vertically extending tubes (50). Said device is formed by loading elements (10) each of which comprises a circular plate (30) having two noses (16) formed thereon being positioned diametrically opposed to each other, and an opening (24) and a filling tube (26) the end side of which is formed around said opening (24) of said plate (30). The outer contours of said individual plates (30) are adapted to the reactor in such a manner that in case of a plurality of loading elements (10) being arranged side by side a parquet-like closed surface is formable when said filling tubes (26) extend through filling openings (25) into said tubes (50) of the reactor.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A device for the sacking of bulk material having a product container for receiving bulk material, a filling funnel, and a dust filter. A separator, which is connected to the filling funnel via a connection line, is arranged upstream to the dust filter. Furthermore, the separator for the extracted bulk material is connected to the product container for returning extracted bulk material thereto.

Abstract: A Dustless Stacker hood for suppressing dust generated during the stockpiling of materials such as coal. The Dustless Stacker hood receives coal from overhead chute; the received coal falls through Dustless Stacker hood to the top of a stockpile, and the Dustless Stacker hood confines dust inside Dustless Stacker hood. The dust-laden air swirls within the Dustless Stacker hood through a recirculation pipe and back to the overhead chute to enhance an agglomeration process which causes the dust particles stick together and fall to the top of stockpile.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus dispenses liquid crystal onto a substrate. The liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a table, at least one liquid crystal discharge device, and a liquid crystal amount inspecting portion. The table is installed on the frame to have the substrate to be mounted thereon. The liquid crystal discharge device adjustably discharges an amount of liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal amount inspecting portion inspects a liquid crystal dispensing amount by comparing an actual amount of liquid crystal discharged from the liquid crystal discharge device with a preset liquid crystal amount. The liquid crystal discharge device includes a piston to perform ascending motions to draw in the liquid crystal and descending motions to discharge the liquid crystal with an angle of at least a portion of the liquid crystal discharge device determining a magnitude of the ascending/descending motion to control an amount of liquid crystal discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, said apparatus comprising a feed nozzle which may be placed over the feed orifice of the container, the feed nozzle being so constructed that the solids may be introduced under pressure and the container being surrounded by a cage, as well as a process for filling containers, in particular with finely divided solids having a high air content by arranging an air-permeable large container in an apparatus according to the invention, air-tight connection of the large container to the feed nozzle, filling of the container under pressure, removal of the filled container and container with air-permeable plies.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus includes a first container configured to contain a powder. A weighing tank is configured to receive the powder from the first container and discharge a predetermined amount of the powder to a second container, which includes an opening configured to discharge the powder into the second container and a regulator configured to open and close the opening to discharge the predetermined amount of the powder into the second container. A connector is configured to feed the powder from the first container into the weighing tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing an additive material (131) in the form of a liquid or granulated solid into a liquid (40) stored in a first container (150). The additive component (131) is stored separately from the liquid (40) in a dip tube or conduit (130). The dip tube (130) is a resilient hollow tubular member and has a valve (300) at one end, adapted to open when the dip tube (130) is subject to internal pressure to allow the passage of said additive material (131) therethrough. The valve prevents the additive material (131) from leaking or dripping into the liquid (40) in the first container (150) when the dip tube and first container are at the same pressure, but which allows the passage of liquid or pourable solid additive from the dip tube (130) into the liquid (40) in the first container (150) when the dip tube is pressurised by introduction of propellant fluid (116, 516).

Abstract: A sandbox filler crook comprising a feed pipe in which a granular material is transported by compressed air, which pipe presents successively an upstream portion for holding by an operator, a curved intermediate portion, and a downstream portion for insertion into a feed orifice of the sandbox, the upstream and downstream portions being rectilinear and substantially vertical during filling, wherein said downstream portion of the pipe includes at least one side orifice for air exhaust.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering predetermined amounts of material, the apparatus including a vertical drop chute, a filling chamber, a rotating wheel with pockets, a central stationary drum with at least one vacuum chamber and an air jet, and a vacuum rail for transporting an article underneath the rotating wheel and transferring the particles from pockets in the wheel to cavities in the article. The particles can be carbon or charcoal granules and the article can be a cigarette filter rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-duct fluid dispenser for withdrawing liquid (14) from a plurality of cavities (12) formed in a reservoir platter (10) and spraying it onto a receiving platter (16).

Abstract: An inflation valve assembly, for a dunnage or cargo air bag, comprises an annular flange member which is adapted to be heat-sealed to an interior surface portion of one of the plies of the inflatable bladder of the air bag, and an externally threaded nipple portion for fluidic connection to a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the bladder of the dunnage or cargo air bag. A flapper valve member, having a substantially circular configuration, has an end portion which is adapted to be fixedly secured upon an arcuate portion of the upper surface portion of the annular flange member by a fixation bar which extends along a chordal extent of the annular flange member. Opposite end portions of the fixation bar project radially inwardly toward each other so as to effectively define a pair of oppositely disposed detents for maintaining the flapper valve member in its OPENED state.

Abstract: A waste processing system is provided herein which entails the use of at least one fixed-position plasma arc generator for primary processing and at least one moveable plasma arc generator for secondary processing assistance and/or final conditioning of the slag prior to exit from the reactor vessel. This optimum processing environment is provided by control of reactor vessel configuration and real time control of processing characteristics to ensure maximum processing efficiency.

Abstract: An improved product filling device for filling containers has a zero clearance rotor valve engaging the interior of a rotor valve housing. The rotor has a tapered conical sealing surface engaged with a complimentary conical seating surface in the housing. The position of the rotor allows product to enter a cylinder and be discharged from the cylinder into a container via movement of a piston inside the cylinder. Alternative structures and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprising a hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An icing dispenser having an expandable elastic reservoir on the handle proximal end which when loaded expands a reservoir bladder under an elastic bias that tends to return the bladder to its unexpanded condition, therein uniformly impressing constant pressure on the icing within the reservoir. A reservoir neck extends from the bladder through a handle passageway to a decorator icing tip. A butterfly valve within the reservoir neck modulates an amount of icing flowing through the tip with butterfly ends angled parallel to the passageway and urged into the pliable neck at a preferred angle, slightly deforming the neck to effect a valve seal. The handle is adapted for operation in an operator's fingers as a writing instrument with icing extrusion modulated by a lever on the handle being adjusted relative to the handle by the fingers.

Abstract: A handheld air injector apparatus that is to be used in conjunction with an airtight closeable container where the injector apparatus is to connect with a container and supply air within the container to a preselected level.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a pressurized fluid from a container into an automobile air conditioning system. A moveable plunger in an interior of a housing may engage an automobile air conditioning system valve and pressurized container valve to allow refrigerant and lubricant to flow from the pressurized container into the automobile air conditioning system. A quick-connect coupling may be used to couple the housing to the automobile air conditioning system after the housing has been snapped onto the pressurized container. In addition, the moveable plunger may be biased toward the automobile air conditioning system valve by a spring to ensure the automobile air conditioning system valve is opened when the housing is coupled to the automobile air conditioning system.

Abstract: A tire repair device is provided. A receptacle/port is in communication with the air flow path; the receptacle/port is adapted to sealingly receive a container of tire sealant. When the air compressor is activated and a container of tire sealant is received in or secured to the receptacle or port, air from the air compressor is forced into the container and pushes tire sealant out of the container, into and out of the receptacle, into the air flow path, and into a tire. Preferably, the receptacle includes a piercing projection disposed in the receptacle adapted to pierce a seal on a container of tire sealant secured in the receptacle. Preferably, the intake and the exhaust are configured in the receptacle so that both the intake and the exhaust are opposite substantially the same opening of a container of tire sealant received in or secured to in the receptacle.

Abstract: A process for increasing the bulk density of an aerated powder is provided. The powder is placed in a container. The container is then closed and the gas pressure within the container is increased to a level above atmospheric pressure and at a rate sufficient to cause the powder to compact before a substantial portion of said pressurization gas diffuses into said powder. In one embodiment, the process is utilized to increase the bulk density of an aerated, free-flowing titanium dioxide pigment. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.

Abstract: A gas distribution system according to an embodiment includes flowing a first gas stream from a first dispensing cylinder to a receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the first dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the first gas stream, and flowing a second gas stream from a second dispensing cylinder to the receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the second dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the second gas stream, increasing the pressure of a third gas stream from the first dispensing cylinder to a pressure greater than the second dispensing cylinder pressure, and flowing the third gas stream into the second dispensing cylinder until the pressure in the second cylinder has increased to a selected value. In other embodiments, an intensifier is used to increase the pressure of a gas stream.

Abstract: An improved system for changing the fluid of vehicular automatic transmissions and the like, which has the capability to provide a complete fluid exchange faster and with less usage of fresh fluid in a manner that is easier to operate. This is accomplished by the system's unique capability to extract used fluid and replace it with fresh fluid at a faster, balanced rate than before possible in prior art. This is accomplished by decreasing or removing restriction from the exhausting of the used fluid and introducing fresh fluid at more than one locus. The unique, novel capability of the invention to use a dual use pan access tube to combine a static change with a dynamic change, and to introduce fresh fluid into the transmission from two different loci instead of one as in all prior art, allows the fluid exchange to be completed in a shorter time with less use of fluid.

Abstract: A material collecting apparatus includes a frame with an upper supporting panel, weighing device sets hung on the panel, barrels hung on a respective weighing device set, dust collectors above a respective barrel, drawing devices connected with a respective one of the dust collectors for providing sucking force, feeding conduits connected with a respective one of the barrels, a material tank having separate compartments for containing different materials therein, and control valves each having a conduit; the feeding conduits are connected with first ends of respective plural ones of the control valve conduits while the control valve conduits are connected with a respective compartment at second ends; thus, different dry materials can be conveyed from the compartments into the barrels, and collected according to respective intended weights of the materials when the apparatus is in operation; the dust collectors prevent the materials from passing out of the barrels.

Abstract: Encapsulated oral dosage pharmaceutical products are produced utilizing a system including a hopper and a dosator, where the hopper receives particles having irregular geometries and sizes greater than about 100 &mgr;m for delivery to the dosator. A gaseous fluid is directed into the hopper to fluidize particles within the hopper so as to minimize or eliminate the formation of voids within the bed of particles disposed within the hopper. The fluidization of the particles within the hopper maintains a substantially continuous and uniform flow of particles from the hopper to the dosator, which results in the formation of encapsulated products with desirable weights and particle size distributions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing inflatable objects, especially tires, comprising a container (10) with sealing agent and a gas inlet (25), which can be connected to a gas pressure source, and an outlet (28) that can be coupled to an object that is to be sealed. The gas inlet and the outlet are linked to each other via the interior of the container. The gas inlet and the outlet are embodied in a discharge unit (20) that is detachably connected to the container (10).

Abstract: A fluidizing method transports particulates by gravity flow but passes the particulates through a fluidizer which is partitioned by a porous distributor plate to form first and second chambers and wherein the particulate materials pass through said first chamber which is in gaseous communication with said second chamber via the porous distributor plate. Gas is delivered to the second chamber at a pressure sufficient to generate a gas bearing between the porous distributor plate and the particulate material. The gas is permitted to migrate through the particulate material, but it is then vented to the surrounding atomosphere without causing substantial turbulence in the particulate material and to reduce tendencies for dusting and separation of the particulates into sizes.

Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.

Abstract: A machine (1) for filling bottles (2) fed in succession with intermittent motion along a preset path (3) with powdered material comprises a filling station (4) with at least one pair of power dosing disks (5), located above the bottle (2) path (3), rotating intermittently in one direction about their geometric axes (10), and having radial cavities (7) and pistons (8) which together form spaces for receiving, transferring and unloading dosed quantities of powders into the bottles (2). The pistons (8) move axially in the cavities (7) to vary the powder dosing spaces. The machine (1) also comprises drive means (6, 9) for the dosing disks (5), adjustment means (20, 11, 12) for the relative dosing spaces and a remote control mechanism (13, 14) for the adjustment means (20, 11, 12), located together with the drive means (6, 9) on the same side of the pair of dosing disks (5).

Abstract: A spent transmission fluid is drained from a transmission and replaced with new fluid. The transmission's converter forces the spent fluid into a spent fluid container, while air displaced by the entering spent fluid is forced into a second container holding a new replacement fluid. The second container is thereby pressurized and the new fluid is thus forced through an interconnecting conduit line into the dipstick tube so as to replace the spent fluid flowing out. The spent fluid leaving the transmission causes suction to appear at the dipstick tube which sucks the new fluid into the transmission. To assure that this suction is maintained, the dipstick tube is sealed so that the system is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of damping pressure pulsations and attenuating noise transmission in a fuel supply system. The apparatus includes a first end in fluid communication with a fuel supply line, a second end in fluid communication with a manifold, and a body that couples in fluid communication the first and second ends. The first end is adapted to receive fuel from a pump. The second end is adapted to supply the fuel to a plurality of nozzles in individual fluid communication with the manifold. And the body includes a tube that is arranged in a helix around a central axis.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A discharge conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the discharge conduit is also connected to a dust collection container. Vacuum created in the dust collection container facilitates entrapment of dust particles generated during transfer of the solid material through the discharge container and carrying of the dust particles away from the discharge opening of the discharge nozzle into the dust collection container.

Abstract: An air spring arrangement of the motor vehicle is equipped with a tire-fill device which includes the fill unit (20) and a tire-fill connection unit (4). A filling of a reserve tire is ensured even when there is an electric fault in the level control system. The tire-fill connection unit (4) includes an air supply connection (6), a proximity switch (8), an electric sensor connection (10) and a pneumatic connection (12) for rapid coupling and valve connection. The proximity switch (8) includes a reed contact (28) which includes three terminals (32a, 32b, 32c) which are connected to a control apparatus (34). A component (14) has a pneumatic valve connection (16) and a permanent magnet (18) and is connected to the pneumatic connection (12). The permanent magnet (18) excites the reed contact (28) to switch when the component (14) is connected to the tire-fill connection unit (4).

Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for cleanly cutting off filling of a container with toner without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member having a discharging end; (b) a conveyor device for moving the toner from the hopper towards the container; and (c) a nozzle device including a positive and negative air pressure applying device, and a nozzle member for directing the toner to the container. The nozzle member has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container. The nozzle member includes a post-cutoff controllable vibrator assembly connected to a controller for selectively enabling clean cutoff of powder flowing into the container without post-cutoff dribbling.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring compressed gas from a supply point to a delivery point including an ejector, high and low pressure headers, and a plurality of containers that hold compressed gas and are selectively connected to the high and low pressure headers. The ejector uses energy created from the high pressure compressed gas to draw residual pressure gas out of the containers. The system and method also both preferably include a control system for controlling compressed gas flow through the system.