Abstract: A dosing device for powder has an inlet and an outlet for powder. A dosing disc rotatable from inlet to outlet has a dosing area of sintered material, which is provided with cavities for the volumetric dosing of the powder. A dosing body having open dosing cavities is provided which is movable from the inlet and outlet. By changing the speed of rotation of the dosing disc the quantity of powder to be discharged can be set in a wide range.

Abstract: A suction nozzle, which is configured to be interlocked with a gas filler nozzle used to supply a gas to a gas consuming device, comprises a suction port configured to suck moisture inside the gas filler nozzle when the suction nozzle is interlocked with the gas filler nozzle.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously edge sealing and gas filling an insulated glass unit, the insulated glass unit including a supporting structure that supports the insulated glass unit in a working position and a gas filling module including a gas fill injection structure and a displaced air extraction structure and a gas metering unit. The device also includes an edge sealing module having a sealant metering device, an edge sealing dispensing head, and an edge sealing dispensing nozzle. The device also includes a control device programmed with an algorithm to initiate gas filling substantially simultaneously with initiating edge sealing of the insulated glass unit and to complete the gas filling of the insulated glass unit prior to completion of the edge sealing.

Abstract: A multi axis robot is mounted in a fuel transfer housing. A programmable controller is connected to the robot. A control console receives instructions, from a vehicle operator who remains in an operator's station, and transmits instructions to the controller. Cameras locate the vehicle fueling port. A tube is extended from the transfer housing toward the fueling port. The port is opened by robot arm and tools extending through the tube. The cap is stored. A fuel discharge is connected to the port. A fuel pump is activated and then deactivated. The fuel discharge is removed from the port. The robot retrieves the fuel cap, closes the port and closes other port covers. The tube is retracted into the transfer housing. During fueling air and fuel vapors are sucked into the housing. Filters separate air. Captured fuel is returned to storage. The operator and vehicle separate from the fuel housing.

Abstract: To generate a gas-curtain for a load-port-apparatus and to supply a purge-gas into a pod by a single gas source, provided is a gas purge device including: purge nozzles extending along an outer side of side edges of the opening portion; a curtain nozzle arranged above an upper edge of the opening portion; a gas supply pipe arranged in parallel to each purge nozzle, for supplying an inert gas to the purge nozzle and the curtain nozzle, the gas being supplied from the gas supply pipe to the purge nozzle in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the gas supply pipe; and a conductance adjusting unit arranged at an end portion of the gas supply pipe, for generating a pressure loss in a gas flow in a configuration in which the gas is supplied to the curtain nozzle at the end portion of the gas supply pipe.

Abstract: A curtain nozzle is located above an opening portion (10) in a FIMS. A gas curtain formed of inert gas for closing the opening portion is formed. A cover is so provided as to cover a part of the curtain nozzle so as to prevent peripheral gas around an opening of the curtain nozzle from being involved in the gas curtain of the inert gas emitted from the curtain nozzle.

Abstract: One provides (101) a plurality of one-way degassing valves (202) that are to be installed on corresponding containers and places (102) a viscous liquid (such as silicon oil) (205) in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves (208). These teachings then provide for automatically and non-destructively determining (103), prior to installation of these valves on the corresponding containers, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed. By one approach, this can comprise using a captured image (210) of at least a portion of each such one-way degassing valve to make this determination.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting capsules comprising a sheet component having a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a sliding sheet adapted to move between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet includes slots for accommodating capsules, and the bottom sheet includes notches adapted to orient the capsules into a filling position. In a first position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the slots in the top sheet. In a second position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the notches in the bottom sheet. The assembly also includes a base component for guiding the oriented capsules therethrough. The base component can have an antistatic sheet fastened to the bottom surface. The sheet component can be loose fitted to the base component. An assembly for filling capsules is also provided.

Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in bagged form. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. A motor rotates the drum such that a fin therein causes ice to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum. A bagging system uses a hopper that receives ice from the drum such that a blower to blow open a bag and thereafter a trap door drops allowing ice to drop from the hopper into the bag. Thereafter, the bagged ice drops to a floor panel which raises the bagged ice into a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is empty or full and control operation of the ice maker.

Abstract: Device for emptying a bag containing a frozen blood-derived product, including: a cutting device; an extractor for the product, a hopper for receiving the product, a device for transporting the bag from a receiving area to the plasma extractor, this transporting device including a robotic arm with a gripper which, in turn, includes: two catching arms, each defining at least a distal end and a proximal end, and an actuator, in which the actuator controls a mechanism for modifying the distance separating the distal ends of the gripper arms to catch the bag by its lower surface

Abstract: Automotive service equipment for brake fluid exchange includes a central unit having a controller for operating the equipment and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of remote bleed modules to control bleeding brake fluid from respective brake bleeders of a vehicle connected to the modules. The brake fluid from the brake bleeders is stored in containers in the modules for later removal. When disconnected from the brake bleeders, the modules are moved to docking stations on the central unit for emptying brake fluid from the module containers and vacuum charging the containers for brake bleeding. The automotive service equipment and related method of performing brake fluid exchange in an automotive vehicle avoid the use of hoses for returning the waste fluid to the central unit thus reducing the problem of storage and handling of such hoses and spillage of residual fluid left in the hoses.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers with liquids and in particular with beverages, includes a reservoir for the liquid to be bottled and a connecting line for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to a filling device. The filling device has a first valve device for controlling a liquid flow into the container. The apparatus has a second valve device arranged in the connecting line in series with the first valve device, wherein the quantity of liquid flowing past the second valve device and the quantity of liquid reaching the filling device are essentially identical.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission service vent fitting with a hollow shaft insertable in a transmission housing, configured to allow a funnel nozzle to at least partially be inserted therein; and a release aperture formed in the shaft configured to enable exhaust from the transmission housing when the nozzle is at least partially inserted in the shaft and fluid passes through the nozzle.

Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.

Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a balloon with a fluid and tying a knot in the neck of the balloon, having a filling device body engaging a source of fluid under pressure. A balloon barb extends outwards from the body, and a fluid passageway in the body communicates with a control to allow the passage of fluid from the source to the balloon barb. A tying device extends from the body substantially parallel to the balloon barb, the tying device being detachable from and reattachable to a receptacle in the body of the filling device. A keyway is located either the tying device or an inner surface of the receptacle, and a key is located in the other of the tying device or the receptacle. The key corresponds in dimensions to fit in the keyway, where the key removably fits into the keyway when the tying device is inserted in the receptacle of the body of the filling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting bottles or similar containers between a transfer position and a discharge position, comprising a transport element that may be driven in a rotating manner about at least one vertical machine axis and several container receptacles provided on the transport element and having, for example, a gripper-like design for picking up and holding in each case one container during the transport thereof from the transfer position to the discharge position.

Abstract: A partial pressure of oxidizing gas in an opened state FOUP fixed in a FIMS system is reduced when the FOUP is closed. Purge gas supply nozzles are placed outside of two vertical sides of an opening portion (10) within the FIMS. A curtain nozzle is additionally installed which can form a gas curtain from purge gas above the top side of the opening portion (10). When a pod (2) is closed with a lid (4), a door opening/closing mechanism keeps the lid (4) at a given angle with respect to the flowing direction of curtain gas for a given period of time, and hence purge gas supplied to the gas curtain is additionally put into use for the purging of the interior of the pod by the lid 4.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing a substrate carrier including pressurizing a chamber that is of unitary construction with the carrier and/or a substrate cassette within the carrier and maintaining a pressure within the carrier by releasing gas from the chamber into the carrier.

Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle is provided. The gas filling apparatus is connected with an air feed source, which includes a base, a first inlet port and a set of air feed source route. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base, and the first inlet port which is disposed on the base corresponds with the second inlet port of the storage apparatus. The set of air feed source route includes an entrance part, a supply part and a branch part. The entrance part is connected with the air feed source, and the supply part is connected with the first inlet port. The branch part is a closed loop, which transmits the gas from the entrance part into the supply part.

Abstract: This invention is about a gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle. The gas filling apparatus comprises a base and a port. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base. The port comprises a receiving part, which is connected with an air entrance of the storage apparatus. The contact portions of both the top of the receiving part and the air entrance of the storage apparatus are cambered surfaces and these two portions contacts in a ring fashion which is formed by the cambered surfaces mated with each other. The port also comprises a hole for the gas to pass through, and a joint port to connect with the air source.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a selected blend of perfumes in response to the deposit of a pre-selected sum of money includes a plurality of containers and a plurality of distinctive scents with one of the scents disposed in each of the containers. A mechanism for selecting one or more of the scents and an amount of one or more of the scents is provided. Further, the vending machine includes a mechanism for blending the selected scents in the selected percentages and providing a sample to a perspective customer. Further, the mechanism includes a slot receiving payment for a quantity of the selected blend together with a delivery process for providing a bottle of the selected perfume to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing fuel to a vehicle includes a sensor generating a fuel identifier signal associated with the vehicle and a fuel dispenser having a fuel type a fuel type selector generating a fuel type selector signal. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and the fuel dispenser. The control module compares the fuel identifier with fuel type. When the fuel type corresponds to the fuel identifier, the control module enables a dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser. When the fuel type does not correspond to the fuel identifier, the control module prevents the dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a chamber in which a pressure gradient is formed when gas moves through the pressure chamber. While injecting material into a lumen within the stent strut, the pressure gradient inhibits material from leaking out of side holes to the lumen.

Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispense aperture, a hopper, an accumulator assembly, a weighing system, and a flap door. The hopper is positioned in the cabinet and configured to hold food articles. The accumulator assembly is positioned vertically below the first hopper and includes an accumulator bin and a door assembly. The accumulator door is positioned in the cabinet and arranged to receive food articles dispensed from the first hopper. The door assembly is configured to retain the food articles in the accumulator bin and is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. The weighing system is configured to determine an amount of food articles held in the accumulator bin. The flap door is positioned adjacent to the door assembly and is movable between a closed position substantially sealing closed the cabinet dispense aperture, and an open position. The flap door automatically closes upon actuation of the door assembly into the closed position.

Abstract: An aboveground fueling system for storing a fluid includes a storage tank constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid and an outer container to provide secondary containment for the tank and other components utilized in the aboveground fueling system. An interstitial space may be provided between the storage tank and the container. That interstitial space may at least partially include the other components of the system, including batteries, at least one integrated panel dispenser (IPD), storage for energy capturing and canopy systems during transportation of the fueling system, and a pumping and metering system. A pump of the pumping system is positioned above a meter of the metering system. Accurate meters and energy efficient and energy capturing systems accommodate for retail “off-grid” use of the system and dispensing station.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention monitor resistance to the movement of the ram and detect one or more injector operation conditions based on that resistance. Some embodiments automatically detect whether a syringe is present in each syringe chamber of an injector based on ram movement resistance so that subsequent steps in the inject process can be automatically initiated or delayed based on the presence or absence of the syringe(s). Other injector operation conditions that can be detected include the injector's syringe sleeve being misaligned for operation, the syringe's wiper being misaligned within the syringe barrel, an occlusion within the syringe, overpressure during injection, and so on. A common way to measure resistance of the ram's movement is how much current is required by the motor driving the ram.

Abstract: A purge apparatus is provided which can purge with clean gas even in a case where an in-use state is selected after a long period of a non-use state. The purge apparatus includes a nozzle which is connectable to a container and through which gas passes, a detection unit which detects a connection state between the container and the nozzle, and a flow rate adjustment unit which allows the gas to flow at a first flow rate when the container and the nozzle are in a connected state, and allows the gas to flow at a second flow rate, which is lower than the first flow rate, when the container and the nozzle are in a disconnected state.

Abstract: A closed container in which a reticle etc. is stored and kept is provided with a pressure sensor, transmission means for transmitting data on the pressure, a controller that controls the operation of them, and a battery serving as a power source of the above elements. The controller has a sleep mode in which it causes the transmission means to transmit the data on the pressure at regular intervals and an active mode in which it causes the transmission means to transmit the data on the pressure when necessary in response to an externally supplied command. By the above described configuration, the pressure in the interior of the container can be checked appropriately.

Abstract: A filter drain kit device is provided having a cylindrical storage container with a lid and handle that holds a flexible drain cup. The cup includes a puncture device and drain fitting. The kit also includes a clear plastic drain hose to fit the drain fitting, and a striking hammer. The items within the kit allow for a method of removing oil from an oil filter without the spillage that normally accompanies this process. The components of the kit are meant to be wiped clean after use and placed back into the storage container, thereby allowing for reusability and ease of storage while not in use.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer compartment is embedded into a fuel pump dispenser to provide a patron with the option to cleanse his hands after pumping fuel. The hand sanitizer compartment includes a hand sanitizer dispenser that includes a circuit configured to receive an activation signal from a computer system of the fuel pump dispenser when a patron request access to the hand sanitizer dispenser.

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: An aboveground fueling facility for storing and dispensing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a double-wall storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store the combustible fluid in a fire resistant tank and box. The double-wall storage tank may have a first head and a second head that act as ends of the box. The box may have paneling that is fire resistant and can withstand varying weather conditions. The double-wall storage tank may be fluidly connected to a pumping system. The aboveground fueling facility may include a collapsible canopy, among other features.

Abstract: Automotive service equipment for brake fluid exchange includes a central unit having a controller for operating the equipment and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of remote bleed modules to control bleeding brake fluid from respective brake bleeders of a vehicle connected to the modules. The brake fluid from the brake bleeders is stored in containers in the modules for later removal. When disconnected from the brake bleeders, the modules are moved to docking stations on the central unit for emptying brake fluid from the module containers and vacuum charging the containers for brake bleeding. The automotive service equipment and related method of performing brake fluid exchange in an automotive vehicle avoid the use of hoses for returning the waste fluid to the central unit thus reducing the problem of storage and handling of such hoses and spillage of residual fluid left in the hoses.

Abstract: A paint supplying system and apparatus for delivering paint to a container system from a supply of paint at a remote location by a paint delivery system to permit application of the paint delivered to the container by a separate coating implement is provided. The container system includes a vessel having a bottom and a peripheral side wall, the peripheral side wall and the bottom define an open interior space. A connector includes a body with opposed first and second ends, a first port on the first end, a second port on the second end, and a through passage connecting the first and second ports, the body being attached at the first end to the bottom such that the first port is in fluid communication with the open interior space, and connectable at the second end to the hand wand such that the second port is in fluid communication with the supply passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing and distributing a cleaning solution for use in a vehicle washing facility. The method includes receiving pre-measured raw chemical material at a distributor's facility, diluting the pre-measured raw chemical material using a mixing apparatus at the distributor's facility to form a cleaning solution, packaging at least a portion of the cleaning solution into containers at the distributor's facility, and delivering at least one of the containers from the distributor's facility directly to the vehicle washing facility.

Abstract: The present invention is a drain apparatus and method that is adapted to support a portable machine, the apparatus includes a housing with a base, and a surrounding sidewall extending from the base defining an interior. Further included is a margin platform that includes an inner and outer periphery, the outer periphery is adjacent to the surrounding sidewall, the margin platform is oppositely disposed from the base. Also included is a divider disposed adjacent to the inner periphery, the divider having a convex configuration facing the base, the margin platform and the divider separates the interior into a first region and a second region. The divider having an aperture for communication between the first and second regions, the housing having an opening between the second region and an exterior environment. The margin platform supports the portable machine that is suspended over the divider.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid filling assembly with improved assembly and serviceability features. The fluid filling assembly comprises one or more bosses, a fill neck, a retainer plate, at least one fastener, a fill cap and a gasket. The one or more bosses are present at a top surface of a fluid tank. The gasket and the fill neck are coaxial with an opening present at the top surface of the fluid tank. The retainer plate is present above the fill neck where the position of the fill neck is retained with the aid of the one or more fasteners and one or more washers. The fill cap is removably coupled to the fill neck. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to assemble the fluid filling assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.

Abstract: A nozzle display for use for holding advertising is integrated into the structure of the nozzle guard, is elevated therefrom, but secured by tabs integrally into the plastisol forming the guard, with an expansive transparent cover holding the advertising material or placard in place upon the display base, and firmly adhering the ad to the base by means of the expandable lip of the cover as it tightly embraces the edges of the display base.

Abstract: A gas filling system includes a vehicle having a gas tank, and a gas station that supplies the gas tank with gas. The vehicle includes a controller having a filling protocol that specifies a method of control on the gas station side that is used when the gas is filled into the gas tank. The gas station controls filling of the gas into the gas tank according to the filling protocol provided by the controller. A filling protocol specific to the vehicle is used and therefore, it is made possible to perform filling adapted to the gas tank of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of unbound powder in a build chamber. A build surface for receiving the powder is provided, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate. A vacuum source is provided below the build surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a purge apparatus that purges the gas in the interior of a FOUP with a high purging efficiency and an apparatus for opening/closing the lid of a FOUP for use in the purge apparatus. The purge apparatus has a cabinet having an opening portion through with the lid of the FOUP can pass, a door that can close the opening portion and hold the lid, and a gas supply nozzle provide in the cabinet. In this apparatus, a seal member is provided in such a way as to surround an element that is provided on the surface of the door and adapted to actuate a latch mechanism of the lid. The seal member spatially separates the element that is adapted to actuate the latch mechanism from the external space in a state in which the door is holding the lid.

Abstract: A device for opening medicinal ampules is an apparatus to protect oneself from injury and prevent possible waste when utilizing injection medication dispensed in ampules. The device has a box type assembly with approximate dimensions of four inches wide, two inches deep and two inches high. The interior of the box is capable of holding up to three ampules at one time. The ampules are simply placed in their holding holes, and the lid is lowered. A sharp smack, administered by the user's hand and cushioned by foam padding, is adequate to snap off the neck of the ampules. The invention then serves as a holder for the ampule body while removing the medication with a syringe and for safe disposal thereafter.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A system for fueling a rail system fuel tender which comprises a chassis and one or more fuel containers, with each fuel container adapted to contain a quantity of pressurized fuel, where the system comprises a fuel source storage facility located distant from the fuel tender, a fuel delivery means for conveying fuel from the fuel source storage facility to the fuel tender, and a fuel filling means for placing pressurized fuel into the fuel tender.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods of delivering sterile fluids aseptically to a sealed canister. In an embodiment, a includes a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet, a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, a bubbler in communication with the vent, and a fluid communicator from the drain outlet. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet; selectively providing reagents to the canister from a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, allowing excess gasses to leave the canister with a bubbler in communication with the vent, and selectively purging the reagents from the canister through the drain outlet. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.