Abstract: A medical liquid filling system and associated methods are provided, the system comprising a disposable and a drive system. The disposable includes a tubular member and a piston slidably disposed within the tubular member for retraction and advancement within at least a first portion of the tubular member. The disposable may include a seal member for sealing the first portion of the tubular member and may be interconnected to the piston for co-movement therewith. The drive system may include a piston drive member selectively interconnectable to the piston for driven advancement and retraction of the piston within the tubular member. The drive system may be interconnected to a controller, which may be operable to automate or semi-automate various filling operations. A user interface may be interconnected to the controller for providing input of various system operation parameters, which may be communicated to the controller to facilitate automated or semi-automated operation of the filling system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to providing audio and/or visual feedback to users during the dispensing of a selected beverage. Audio and video files are stored electronically within the dispenser. In response to the selection of a beverage, audio and video files corresponding to the beverage are selected and presented to a user during the dispensing of the beverage. The sound file may correspond to the type of beverage being dispensed and the video may show a fill state of a beverage container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.

Abstract: The invention discloses a powder filling device and method which is capable of making stable powder flow rate, preventing powder from being leaked or dispersed during filling operation, and filling the powder in a short time in a new powder filling system filling the powder from a measuring tank to a powder filling container. The powder filling device comprises a measuring tank having a powder discharge port and a filling amount control unit disposed near the powder discharge port, and an auxiliary container having an opening disposed on the underside of the powder discharge port of the measuring tank which faces downward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a natural gas compression system, comprising a gas inlet component for the entrance of natural gas into the system, a booster component for increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a drying component for drying the natural gas, a compressor component including a reciprocating compressor for further increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a valve control panel and storage component, and a dispensing component.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present system invention, the operator enters the customer name into the color management system and the computer screen displays the customer's history. If this is a new customer, a history file is created. The operator selects desired color from the color pallet, enters the required amount of finished dye and finally the activator strength is selected. The operator is instructed to place an empty batch container on the scale. The system prompts the operator for the first dye color, and an LED adjacent to the corresponding drawer is illuminated. The operator manually adds the amount indicated on the display panel, while the scale monitors exactly how much has been added and provides feedback to the operator leading to an extremely accurate dispense. After returning the bottle or tube to the designated storage bin, the operator presses “next”, and the next LED is illuminated along with the required amount of the next ingredient.

Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for container filling machines, particularly for glass bottle fillers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve unit (1), particularly for container filling machines (8), comprising a hollow body (2) in which there is slidably housed a plug (3), wherein said plug (3) is hollow and comprises an outer duct (23) and an inner duct (24) coaxial to said outer duct (23), a probe (28) having a smaller diameter than the opening of said inner duct (24) being coaxially housed within said inner duct (24), characterized in that said inner duct (24) is made of electrically isolating material.

Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal. The receiving device includes a series of photoelectric receivers and at least one variable which is a displacement of a light incident signal measured by the receivers. The visual marking, emitter and receiver are displaceable en masse so as to make it possible to modify the marking of the level of fill in the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for loss-free filling of continuously mixed media in containers may include a mixing tank, a filler valve, and a connecting line. The mixing tank serves to receive and mix at least two different media, of which at least one medium is a fluid, and has a closing device for closing an outlet from the mixing tank. The filler valve serves for filling the mixed media from the mixing tank in the containers. The connecting line is arranged between the outlet from the mixing tank and the filler valve. Here the closing device has a ventilation line that can be connected with the connecting line to ventilate the connecting line to the filler valve. Also a plant may include such a device and a transport device for transporting the containers to the filler valve of the device.

Abstract: Reduction of fuel tank heating during the refueling process is effected by a coolant exchange between the station and the vehicle whereby an on board heat exchanger internal to the tank is interconnected through a heat exchanger external to the tank with a station side cooler that cools the refill gas to an ambient temperature. As a result of station provided ambient temperature cooling, the vehicle does not need to have particularly complicated on-board cooling devices, nor does the station need to be encumbered with complex and expensive pre cooling devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing overfilling of a plurality of fuel tanks (8) at a gasoline station, in the event that fuel tanks are filled simultaneously by multi-chamber tank vehicles (7). The fuel tanks (8) are equipped with filling level threshold indicators (3) linked to a transmitter (1) for wireless transmission of a signal. A receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7) is provided to control one or several tank valves. In order to ensure safe closure of the tank valves, the filling level threshold indicators (3) of the fuel tanks (8) at the gasoline station are connected each to a signal line (5) leading to a common interface (4). Only one transmitter (1) along with an interrogation control device is provided for connecting to said interface (4) and cooperates with the receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7).

Abstract: A vacuum loader truck that includes a storage tank that can be loaded and unloaded with debris. The vacuum loader truck includes a debris level sensor that generates a sensing beam to detect the level of debris within the storage tank. The level of debris within the storage tank is determined by a control module and displayed. The debris level sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor that generates a sensing beam that is reflected off of the top surface of the debris within the storage tank. The control module determines the height of the debris within the storage tank based upon the time delay between the generation of the sensing signal and the reflected signal. The control system further includes a particle sensor to determine whether particles are entrained in the airflow from the storage tank. A pair of pressure sensors are located on opposite sides of an air filter to sense the differential pressure across the air filter.

Abstract: A hydrogen dispenser comprises a programmable controller and a user interface operably connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller has a plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms. The user interface offers the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms and is used for setting a user-selected dispensing rate algorithm from among the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms.

Abstract: A method for packing a media bed in a column (3) from a slurry being a dispersion of said media particles and a liquid, said method comprising the steps of: a) estimating a slurry concentration; b) filling the column (3) with a certain volume of the slurry from a slurry tank (13) connected to the column; c) packing a test media bed from the slurry; d) detecting where the test media bed is consolidated; e) use the information about the consolidated test media bed height for providing to the column an amount of slurry that after further packing will give a user target bed height; f) packing a media bed from the slurry.

Abstract: A fuel device for a mobile body comprises a fuel tank, a power consuming device, a fuel filling connector for receiving a fuel supply, and a power supplying connector for receiving a power supply. A fuel filling system comprises a vehicle having a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and a fuel filling device for filling the vehicle with fuel, wherein the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling or started by power supply from the outside of the vehicle when the fuel tank is filled with fuel based on tank information. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling. The fuel filling device has a filling nozzle which is connected with the fuel filling connector and provided with a feeding side connector for supplying power.

Abstract: A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a lower passage and an upper passage. An upper end of the lower passage receives a portion of fuel flow from the nozzle, and a lower end is in communication with the tank. The upper passage has a lower end in communication with an interior of the lower passage and an upper end in communication with a hole in the nozzle. A valve connects to the lower passage and has a fill position and a stop position. When a level of liquid in the tank is below a predetermined level, the valve is in the fill position and fuel is permitted to flow out the lower end of the lower passage. When the level of liquid in the tank is at or above the predetermined level, the valve is in the stop position and blocks the flow of fuel out of the lower end of the lower passage.

Abstract: A reservoir for an anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein. The reservoir includes an open interior and a high-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The high-pressure channel is configured to transfer an anesthetic agent from a storage container into the open interior when a pressure level within the storage container exceeds a pressure level within the open interior. The reservoir also includes a low-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The low-pressure channel is configured to transfer the anesthetic agent from the storage container into the open interior when the pressure level within the storage container is less than or approximately equal to the pressure level within the open interior. The low-pressure channel and the high-pressure channel are configured to prevent the open interior from being overfilled with the anesthetic agent under conditions wherein the pressure level within the storage container exceeds the pressure level within the open interior.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for fuelling an aircraft, in particular during performing a tank leakage test on the aircraft, comprises a fuel supply line (14) for supplying fuel to an aircraft tank system (12), at least one pressure sensor (26) for sensing a pressure within the aircraft tank system (12) and for providing a signal indicative of the pressure within the aircraft tank system (12), an electronic control unit (ECU) for processing the signal of the pressure sensor (26) and for generating an emergency shut-off signal, if the pressure within the aircraft tank system (12) exceeds a first predetermined level, and an emergency shut-off device (24) which is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and which is adapted to interrupt the supply of fuel to the aircraft tank system (12) in response to the emergency shut-off signal from the electronic control unit (ECU).

Abstract: The vacuum storage system comprises: a vacuum pump, a vacuum bus, a control system to monitor and maintain a selected vacuum level in the vacuum bus. The control system provides system shutdown and alerts or warnings when the selected vacuum level cannot be maintained within the vacuum bus. The vacuum storage system further comprises one or more canister ports wherein each of the canister ports comprises a check valve to assure that no loss of vacuum occurs in occupied canister ports when one or more of the canister ports are unoccupied and open to ambient pressure, a manual valve, and a fitment for removably attaching a canister.

Abstract: A hydrogen tank filling station includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, a hydrogen supply nozzle for filling a hydrogen tank mounted on a vehicle with hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, a hydrogen supply pipe, a holder stand for holding the hydrogen supply nozzle, a limit switch for detecting whether the hydrogen supply nozzle is held on the holder stand or not, a cooling system for cooling the hydrogen tank, and a valve controller for controlling a cooling operation performed by the cooling system on the hydrogen tank.

Abstract: A refueling facility (200) according to the present invention comprises a refueling source (210) for refueling a fuel cell vehicle with fuel, a power supply source (220) for supplying power to the fuel cell vehicle, and a controller (230) for controlling refueling and power supply from the refueling facility (200) to the fuel cell vehicle. The forward end of a refueling path (211) and that of a power supply path (221) are integrated into a supply connector (240). The refueling and the power supply are achieved by connecting the supply connector (240) to a fuel receptacle (110) of the fuel cell vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrogen filling apparatus fills a hydrogen tank, for example, mounted on a fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage tank. After the hydrogen tank has started to be filled with hydrogen in a hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen filling process is stopped for a predetermined time, and a temperature and a pressure in the hydrogen tank are detected while the hydrogen filling process is being stopped. Thereafter, a time needed to fill the hydrogen tank with a predetermined amount of hydrogen is calculated based on detected values of the temperature and the pressure, and the calculated time is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: An automated filling system to conduct a filling operation in which a bulk liquid transport vehicle is filled with a bulk liquid and quality assurance tests are performed by a gas analyzer. A programmable logic controller, employed to control the filling operation, is responsive to pressure within a fill line connected to the vehicle and is programmed to determine that there exists sufficient pressure within the vehicle to conduct an initial quality assurance test and that the fill line is properly connected to the fill line, without breaks in its flow integrity. The programmable logic controller also initiates and controls a pressurization process if there is not sufficient pressure to conduct the initial quality assurance test.

Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by a vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.

Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal. The receiving device includes a series of photoelectric receivers and at least one variable which is a displacement of a light incident signal measured by the receivers. The visual marking, emitter and receiver are displaceable en masse so as to make it possible to modify the marking of the level of fill in the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and system for inflating an object includes providing a portable, programmable inflation system having a logic processor, a memory, a visual display, manual inputs, a compressor with an attached inflation hose, a pressure sensor, and an actuator attached to a valve for releasing pressure from the object. The portable programmable inflation system is moved near the object and the inflation hose is attached. Then, a desired air pressure setting is received from a manual input and stored in memory. Then, the current air pressure in the object is sensed with the pressure sensor, and it is determined whether the air pressure in the object is above or below the desired air pressure setting. Under control of the logic processor, the object is inflated if the air pressure is below the desired air pressure setting or deflated if the air pressure is above the desired air pressure setting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention includes a material dispenser that further includes a container containing material, a press plate or puck for exerting pressure on the material, a sensor for detecting the material discharged from the container, and a scale for detecting the amount of material discharged from the container. The sensor and scale provide feedback to a computer which controls the amount of pressure exerted on the material. The computer controls the pulsing of additional material from the container until a targeted amount of material has been discharged from the container. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal. The receiving device includes a series of photoelectric receivers and at least one variable which is a displacement of a light incident signal measured by the receivers.

Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank positioned in an engine driven welder. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel level monitor and a grommet. The filler tube has a bottom portion and a top portion. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level sensor position in the fuel tank and/or filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level indicator positioned on the housing to enable an operator to view the fuel level indicator and the opening used to direct fuel into the filler tube during the filling of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Air is removed from a bottle by placing the apparatus over the bottle in a manner similar to that of a cork. A switch is activated by placement of the apparatus over the bottle and causes a pump to evacuate air from an interior of the bottle. A pressure sensor senses reduced pressure and shuts off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. An indicator also visually indicates that a vacuum state exists within the bottle. A temperature probe is provided, coupled to a display for visual readout of temperature of liquid within the bottle. A tilt sensor is provided to shut off the pump if the apparatus is tilted excessively. A button is provided which can be depressed to cause air to return into space in the bottle to return the bottle interior back to atmospheric pressure for removal of the apparatus.

Abstract: A touchless dispensing system includes a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and at least one liquid. A detection device is positioned with respect to the dispenser. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser without contacting the container. The detection device is further configured to generate a signal confirming a position of the container with respect to the dispenser. The dispenser is activated to dispense an amount of ice and/or an amount of the at least one liquid into the container in response to the signal generated by the detection device.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for removing waste cooking oil is herein disclosed. A method for removing waste cooking oil from an associated cooking oil reservoir includes providing a pumping mechanism, wherein the pumping mechanism has tubing operatively connected to the pumping mechanism and a suction apparatus operatively connected to the tubing, providing a waste oil storage unit, turning on a pump, inserting the suction apparatus into the associated reservoir, the suction apparatus being located remotely from the waste oil storage unit, and depressing a trigger to activate the suction apparatus to remove the waste cooking oil from the associated reservoir.

Abstract: A container lid assembly (2) that includes an integral pump (6P) so as to create pressure differential within a container. This pressure differential may be lower than atmospheric pressure so as to be at least a partial vacuum within the container. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be a state of higher than atmospheric pressure within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration (120) that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston (10) by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism (150) for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container, a vacuum indicator, and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved automatic suction structure of a vacuum container. The structure includes a pumping unit, a power supply, a vacuum releaser and a vacuum detector. The structure allows for automatic air suction, automatic detection, safety power disconnection and continuous vacuuming as well as easy operation. The present invention guarantees improved quality and convenient operation.

Abstract: An electric fueling system for a vehicle that requires a metered amount of fuel comprising: a control box comprising a plurality of switches, a battery, a controller circuit card assembly, and a plurality of light emitting diodes; a flow meter coupled to the control box and to a vehicle; a pump coupled to the flow meter, to the control box, and to a fuel canister; and a housing that contains the control box, flow meter, and pump. The controller circuit card assembly has control logic such that the controller circuit card assembly manages the functions of setting the fuel level, de-fueling the vehicle, fueling the vehicle, and changing the brightness of the light emitting diodes, wherein the control logic receives inputs from the plurality of switches, the flow meter, the battery, and the pump and provides outputs to the plurality of light emitting diodes and the pump.

Abstract: A volumetric displacement device, especially good for preserving and dispensing carbonated beverages has been constructed that is extremely light, small, safe, attractive, easy to use, energy efficient and inexpensive. It can use battery power, has an ovaloid shape, can be constructed of thin flexible plastics, and operates in various positions that eliminate the need for a pickup tube. The controls of the device have been linked both electronically and mechanically for ease of operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element through a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. The filling process is shortened in that the available volume of the bag is reduced during the filling process to maintain the pressure prevailing in the bag high, while at the end of the filling process the available volume of the bag is expanded to rapidly reduce the pressure prevailing in the bag.

Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.

Abstract: A fixed and/or stationary modular unit consists of a hydraulic fluid tank and a pressurization pump. A compressed gas transportation system consists of a set of cylinders. Each cylinder has a charging port and a dispensing port. A valve is connected at the dispensing port of each cylinder. Each of the valves at the dispensing ports of the cylinders are connected to one another. After an idle period of dispensing activity, the valves on the dispensing ports of the cylinders are opened and compressed gas is bled from one of the cylinders into at least one of the other cylinders in the set until the at least one of the other cylinders reaches a desired dispensing pressure. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from the tank into the cylinder being bled from to maintain a substantially constant pressure within the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recharging depleted tennis balls that uses compressed carbon dioxide. A recharge pressure vessel including a cylinder with a closed end and a spaced apart open end with a connecting wall forming a charging chamber. A pressure port proximate the open end permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber may be filled with any number of discharged tennis balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure heavy molecular weight gas such as carbon dioxide. The vessel is then agitated to jostle the inserted balls and within 4 to 5 days, the balls will become fully pressurized and the pressure may be released and the recharged balls remove from the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling element and a filling machine having such filling elements. The filling elements each have a movable probe which may be moved into a bottle or container to be filled in order to detect the level of liquid, such as a beverage, in the bottle or container.

Abstract: An overfill prevention device which includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston fitted within the first tubular member, a second tubular member having a cylindrical recess open, a plug arranged within the second tubular member, a float rod having a cam plate, a float connected with a lower end of the float rod, a valve body having a lower end engaged with the first tubular member, a pinion pivotally connected to the second tubular member by the pin, a toothed rack meshed with the pinion and engaged with the second tubular member, a control rod having an upper end extending into the valve body and a lower end secured to the toothed rack, a first magnet mounted at the upper end of the control rod, and a gauge mounted on the valve body and provided with a second permanent magnet and a needle operatively connected with the second magnet.

Abstract: A procedure for a reasonability check of the signal of a temperature sensor that is arranged in a reducing tank, in particular a HWL-tank, is thereby characterized, in that the tank level is detected by a tank level sensor that is arranged almost at the same filling level position as the temperature sensor, in that the tank level sensor signal is compared to the temperature sensor signal and then, if default tank level sensor signals correlate within default limits with default temperature sensor signal values, a functioning temperature sensor and/or a functioning tank level sensor are indicated.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.

Abstract: In a system including a gas source, a target cylinder for receiving gas, a conduit for carrying gas, and a valve for controlling the flow of gas, a method of dosing the target cylinder with gas is disclosed. The method comprises the step of calculating a mass flow rate for dosing the conduit and the target cylinder. The valve is biased to an open position to permit gas to flow through the conduit and into the target cylinder. The mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of gas flowing through the conduit are measured using a mass flow meter. The valve is biased to maintain the measured mass flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit substantially equivalent to the calculated mass flow rate. The valve is biased to a closed position once the measured cumulative mass of gas is substantially equivalent to the pre-determined mass of gas.