Abstract: A method for using a fuel distribution network. The method including receiving a fuel reservation request (FRR) from a fuel network user interface module (FNUIM), obtaining a physical location of the FNUIM, determining a user associated with the FRR, and obtaining a list of fuel stations using the physical location and information associated with the user. The method further includes sending, to FNUIM, a list of fuel stations, receiving, from the FNUIM, a selection request specifying a fuel station from the list of fuel stations and a fuel reservation amount specifying an amount of fuel, sending a backend service provider (BSP) reservation request to the fuel station, where the BSP reservation request comprises the fuel reservation amount, and sending a confirmation message comprising a reservation expiration time to the FNUIM.

Abstract: A convenience service unit for providing convenience services to vehicles parked in a parking lot includes a base located outside a peripheral boundary of the parking lot, and a boom coupled to the base and extending over the parking lot. The apparatus further includes a service module located outside the parking lot and configured to provide at least one convenience service to a vehicle. A conduit supported on the boom has a first end coupled to the service module, and a second end extending into the parking lot for connection to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dosing device comprising a powder hopper and a plate with a surface, wherein said plate is provided with at least one cavity adapted for receiving a particulate material, and filling means being movable along said surface for moving particulate material into said at least one cavity, wherein said filling means is adapted to exert a compressing force on said particulate material in a direction towards said surface so that said particulate material is forced into said at least one cavity. The present disclosure also relates to a method for filling a cavity provided in a plate of a dosing device with a quantity of particulate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling at least one receptacle (12) of gel card type initially sealed by a cap. The invention is characterized by the fact that the filling device comprises a piercing member (110) for perforating the cap, means (120) for eliminating the electrostatic charges capable of being borne by the receptacle, and filling means (130) for filling the receptacle after perforation of the cap and elimination of the electrostatic charges.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dye solution monitoring device and a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell, more particularly, to a dye solution monitoring device for a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a light-absorption device for measuring absorbance of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell, and a pH measuring device for measuring pH of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell; and, a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell further comprising a dye supply device supplying dye of high concentration, and an acid or base supply device for pH control, in addition to the monitoring device. According to the present invention, a dye adsorption process may be optimized in real time to manufacture a solar cell of high quality with high productivity, maximize utilization of expensive dye, and minimize the waste, thereby reducing production cost.

Abstract: A medication and identification information transfer system is provided that includes a primary medication container, a secondary medication container, a secondary container label and a medication information transfer apparatus. The medication information transfer apparatus, when coupled to the primary medication container, can transfer information indicative of the contents of the primary medication container to a medication delivery device such as an intelligent injection site. The medication information transfer apparatus has a shape and size enabling it to be connected to an adapter for removal of medication from the primary medication container which enables transfer of the medication to a secondary container while simultaneously transferring information about the medication in the primary medication container to the injection site. In some implementations, the medication injection site can be placed on a fluid delivery line for infusion into a patient.

Abstract: An inflation system includes a bladder incorporated into an article of outdoor gear or apparel. The bladder is incorporated into the article of outdoor gear and apparel so as to provide insulation to a user. The inflation system includes a gas canister that includes a reservoir of dry gas. A valve mechanism allows the dry gas to be used to selectively inflate and deflate the bladder to provide a desired amount of insulation.

Abstract: A motorcycle fork oil changer and associated method for changing fork oil in a motorcycle fork of the type defining a drain hole allowing access to an interior of the motorcycle fork is disclosed. The motorcycle fork oil changer includes a nozzle defining a through opening and having a gasket configured to surround the drain hole to establish an at least liquid tight seal between the drain hole and the through opening. A valve is provided in at least liquid tight fluid communication with the through opening. The valve is at least openable and closable to regulate fluid flow through the through opening. The valve is capable of being placed in at least liquid tight fluid communication with a fluid reservoir to regulate movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the motorcycle fork interior through the drain hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vessel (100) adapted to be used as a moveable bottling plant for bottling liquid products, where means (112a-112d) for hosting liquid products and means for hosting empty receptacles (128) or ingredients adapted for producing such receptacles is provided. A communication means (102) is provided for receiving external orders (107-109) from external liquid buyer (104-106) for bottling the liquid into the receptacles. A liquid bottling line (122) is provided for bottling the liquid on board of the vessel in accordance to the received external orders.

Abstract: A fluid exchange machine for removing used transmission fluid from a vehicle's cooling system and replacing the used fluid with fresh fluid includes a fresh fluid tank, a used fluid tank, a pump for forcing fresh fluid from the fresh fluid tank to a vehicle's cooling system, a processor for controlling a fluid exchange operation, and a display coupled to said processor for graphically representing a status of the fluid exchange operation. The display can be an LCD display or other display capable of graphical representation of the conditions and status of the fluid exchange operation.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. Also a pressure regulator sleeve moves out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure.

Abstract: A substrate container has a container main body to contain a substrate and a check valve which has a cylindrical housing and a valve disc installed in the housing and controls gas flowing from and to the interior and the exterior of the container main body, and is formed by inserting the housing into a through-hole of the container main body. When an end of the valve located inside the container main body is defined as a front end, a check valve has a fixing ring that is mounted on the rear end side in the manner of being rotatable relative to the housing and fixes the housing to the container main body from rearward, and the housing has a first housing installed on the front end side and a second housing inserted into the first housing at the front end and attached to the first housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multipart valve assembly. The assembly can be used in selectively coupling two vehicles. The assembly includes inter-fitting male and female components and associated control valves. Coupling the male and female components establishes media (fluid or gas), communications, and electrical paths between space vehicles. This permits the passage of media from one vehicle to the other and likewise enables one vehicle to operate the control valve of the other vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices usefully applied to coupling fittings that pass fuel and fuel tank headspace vapor simultaneously in a countercurrent fashion. In one end use, such a coupling fitting has its vapor tube and fuel conduit attached to a fuel reservoir, and wherein the vapor tube includes a sightglass. Affixing a device as herein provided to a coupling fitting so attached to such a reservoir provides fluid communication between the fuel conduit and vapor tube, thus enabling a person who is adding fuel to the reservoir to obtain an accurate reading via the sightglass on the vapor tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler device (1) for filling a tank equally well by gravity or under pressure, the device being provided with a gravity filler spout (10) comprising a hollow tube (11). Furthermore, the device includes a pressure filler spout (20) inserted in the gravity filler spout (10) and reversibly fastened thereto.

Abstract: A filling valve (1) for hot filling plastic bottles, which allows to meet all the requirements determined by the typical particularities of hot filling applications in the most effective manner possible, while allowing to maintain the same basic configuration also for cold processing plain liquids without needing recirculation, e.g. plain water. The filing valve (1) comprises:—a valve body (2) defining therein a space for the passage of a filing liquid and provided with a hole for introducing said liquid in one of said containers,—a first shutter (4) of said hole, sliding within the valve body (2), a siphon (5) between said space and said hole, and a liquid deflection element (6) accommodated in said hole, configured so as to confer a rotational component to the liquid which crosses it, which permits the liquid itself to adhere to the walls of the container during the step of filing, said deflection element (6) being integrally fixed to and directly in contact with said first end of the first shutter (4).

Abstract: A capsule preparation system includes a syringe holder for retaining a syringe, the syringe holder configured for operating a plunger of the syringe, a supply vial for storing a volume of radiopharmaceutical, and a capsule holder for capturing a capsule wherein the capsule holder is configured for selectively releasing the capsule from the capsule holder. At least a portion of the syringe holder is movable along a first direction and a second direction to position the syringe relative to the supply vial and the capsule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production installation for filling bottles or similar containers with products in the form of a liquid filling material, said installation comprising a device for providing a product, a filling machine connected to said device by means of at least one product line, for filling the container with the product, and at least one buffer store connected to the product line and forming a storage space for the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a selected beverage into a flexible pouch 8, sealingly closing the pouch 8 and dispensing the closed pouch 8. The apparatus comprises a housing 4 adapted to, in use, accept a plurality of reservoirs 10 of beverage concentrate. Each reservoir 10 has a concentrate pump 12 provided with a diluent inlet and a mixer for mixing pumped concentrate with diluent to produce a mixed beverage. Leading from each pump 12 is flexible conduit 14 terminating in a nozzle 68 for dispensing the mixed beverage.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to monitor a tanker truck. The system includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors configured to detect an event. The system also includes a monitoring unit electrically coupled with the plurality of sensors to detect the event. The monitoring unit includes a processing unit, a time module, and a memory, and is operable to time stamp data about the sensed event with information from the time module and store the detected and time stamped event in the memory. The system further includes a handheld data terminal configured to communicate with the monitoring unit. The handheld data terminal is operable to retrieve and display the stored event, and includes a processing unit, a memory, a user interface, a time module, and a display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for capturing and containing SF6 gas leakage from a gas enclosure. The apparatus includes a portage flexible gas storage container of material which is substantially impermeable to SF6 gas. The container includes a gas inlet which is adapted to be coupled in a sealable manner to a surface surrounding a leakage source thereby capturing the SF6 gas in the container. The container inflates under pressure from the captured gas in order to accommodate up to a predetermined capacity of SF6 gas. The apparatus can be adapted to act as a container for transporting SF6 gas from a gas source to an enclosure.

Abstract: A balloon sealing system includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and two sides; a fill nozzle extending substantially through the housing, the fill nozzle including a fill nozzle inlet extending through the top of the housing, and a fill nozzle outlet extending through the bottom of the housing; a sealer, including a first sealing arm extending from a first side of the two sides, and a second sealing arm extending from a second side of the two sides, one of the first sealing arm and second sealing arm including a heating element that emits heat when activated; and an on/off control for activating the heating element. Furthermore, upon being activated by the on/off control, the heating element emits a sufficient quantity of heat to heat seal a balloon attached to the fill nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A balloon tying article is provided with a first wall, a second wall and a cavity therebetween whereby a balloon is tied using each of the walls to knot the balloon neck

Abstract: A receiving container is filled with a predetermined target mass mz of a free-flowing substance from a reservoir with the help of a dosage-dispensing device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The device has a valve for variably setting the mass flow {dot over (m)} from the reservoir into the receiving container. The device is also able to determine the time t that has elapsed since the beginning of the fill cycle, the mass m of the substance present in the receiving container, and a unit for controlling the valve. The controller unit includes estimating and correction modules. At least once during the fill cycle, the estimating module performs an estimate of the mass {tilde over (m)}(t, t2) that is expected to be present in the receiving container at the end of the fill cycle at the time t2. This estimate is based on the assumptions that from the time t onward the valve is being closed according to a predefined closing-down profile and the fill cycle is completed at the time t2.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for determining a location of a container into which at least one of a liquid and ice is dispensed from a refrigerator. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the container, without contacting the container, and to send a first signal indicating the sensed position. A microprocessor is configured to receive the first signal and to send a second signal based on the first signal. An indicator is configured to receive the second signal and to indicate the position of the container.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle.

Abstract: A method of controlling a bottling plant, including detecting an operating state of the bottling plant, determining whether for the detected operating state the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer of the bottling plant can be reduced, and if it is determined that the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer can be reduced, reducing the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of the at least one consumer.

Abstract: A coating material supply device is disclosed, such as for a paint facility. An exemplary coating material supply device may include a coating material reservoir and a coating material meter. During application of coating material, the coating material reservoir may be at ground potential and may be located upstream from the coating material meter, which may be at a high-voltage potential. The reservoir may be connected via an insulating path to the coating material meter. The coating material meter may be at ground potential when the coating material reservoir supplies coating material to the coating material meter. Before the coating material meter is returned to a high-voltage potential for continued application of coating material, the insulating path may be emptied to insulate the coating material meter from the coating material reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is a quartz bubbler container with cross purge capability. This cross purge allows the user to easily purge air and chemical from the valve inlet and outlet by simply flowing inert gas, and avoids the requirement for a more complicated vacuum purging apparatus. The design incorporates two small footprint 3-way valves mounted on the bubbler container inlet and outlet connectors. The 3rd port of each valve is piped together between the valves with a crosspurge line. The valves are corrosion resistant, leak free, maintenance free, non-leaching of impurities, and can accommodate an optional breakseal crusher that will perforate quartz break seals (on the inlet and outlet of ampoule). Liquid out containers of various materials of construction are also contemplated.

Abstract: The apparatus for filling a motor vehicle cooling system includes a communication body, a valve, a flexible connecting hose, a pressure gauge, a relief valve and a hanging portion, in which the valve, the connecting hose, the pressure gauge, the relief valve and the hanging portion are all disposed on predetermined positions of the communication body, while the connecting hose is extended out of the communication body for a distance and it connects to a top opening of the cooling system tightly by a metallic cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, kits and methods to aid the home owner in the transport of salt to their cellar-based water softening system. The device of the present invention uses rectangular piping because of the greater ease of supporting the piping and greater stability during use.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tank filler neck which comprises a housing, in which at least one flow aid and a head part are arranged. The flow aid and the head part, which may be designed with a screw thread, are connected to form an insert, which by insertion in the housing can be connected thereto, a flap comprising a grounding lug being connectable to the head part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a container (16) with a preparation consisting of a number of components, stored in a number of sub containers (1, 23), placed inside a housing (29). A robot, accommodated inside the housing (29), composes the preparation based upon a supplied prescription and places the sub containers (1,23) containing the components mentioned in the prescription one by one above the container (16) and makes flow out an amount of the respective component as specified by the prescription.

Abstract: A build chamber for use in a three-dimensional printer and adapted for receiving powder for producing three-dimensional objects. The build chamber includes a build surface for receiving the powder, 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.

Abstract: An intake to exit security system for high-volume pharmacies provides maximum security from tampering and assures accuracy. The system immediately assigns bar codes to shipments upon arrival and then tracks them through warehousing, bulk distribution, prescription dispensing and shipping to patients, hospitals and drugstores. Bar-coded lock neck devices secure bulk drug canisters to bar-coded dispensing machines at specified dispensing stations where the machines dispense drugs into pre-labeled prescription bottles according to prescription indicia on the labels. Bottles then undergo content analysis and certification before packaged and shipped to customers. A Ramon laser spectral analysis contrasts the bottle contents to a library of known spectral signatures of drugs, and the pharmacist is alerted to any detected difference. A simultaneously captured visual image of the pills enables the pharmacist visually to compare the contents to a library of known visual appearances of the drugs.

Abstract: A beverage vending machine having a pickup compartment accessible from the outside and having a beverage mixing station; a beverage dispensing device having at least one outlet located at the mixing station in a fixed position facing the pickup compartment; a first member for feeding a cup into position beneath the outlet; and a second member which is movable, past the outlet and with respect to the first member, to and from a position separating the outlet from the pickup compartment.

Abstract: A facility for the generation of electrical power and products for the refueling of vehicles including but not limited to, fuel cell vehicles (FCV's) and marine craft and for use by the facility and/or general market. A host of electrical power generation devices including solar panels, solar collectors, wave action generators, mega capacitors reverse osmosis water purification apparatus, high density capacitor electrolizers, hydrogen/oxygen purifiers and compressors, storage units, fuel cells, AC/DC motors and generators and the various connectors, gauges and networks used for interconnecting and dispensing the products of a combined source system are used jointly and severally in a land/marine readily available site. The idealized site for this combined system is a bridge or other elevated structure such as buildings. The siting structure is most desirably located adjacent a water source, be it a river, bay, tidal estuary or the like.

Abstract: A device for preparing an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, particularly for use as a surface deicer, comprising a containment tank which defines a body for containing the water in which the calcium chloride in solid form is to be dissolved and at least one fill opening for the calcium chloride in solid form, elements for mixing the water with the calcium chloride in solid form in order to obtain a solution of water and calcium chloride; the mixing elements comprise means for the forced circulation of the fluid contained in the containment body within the containment tank. It is also disclosed a device for distributing an aqueous solution for use as a surface deicer comprising a plurality of straight jet nozzles designed to direct, toward the surface onto which said aqueous solution is to be spread, a respective jet designed to strike a substantially point-like region of the ground.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the sealing of a container are disclosed. The devices and methods include stoppers that allow for removal of air from the container with a vacuum source. Various embodiments comprise a high-volume valve allowing for expeditious evacuation of the air. The stopper may also comprise a low vacuum indicator to indicate to the user whether the vacuum internal to the container is at or above a desired amount. The stopper may also comprise other indicators, such as a day of the week or month indicator. A rotating bezel may be used to identify temporal or other types of events, such as when the container was first opened.

Abstract: A wafer container includes a container body, a door, and a purging valve, wherein the purging valve is disposed in the through hole of the container body. The purging valve includes a fixed sleeve body, a purging head, an elastic component, and a valve lid. The fixed sleeve body comprises a base, and a lower opening is formed at the center of the base for the purging head to be disposed therein. The purging head comprises a bottom portion and a hollow sleeve portion protruding upward from the bottom portion, wherein the hollow sleeve portion is surroundingly disposed with elastic component and with vent disposed on its circumference wall. The valve lid is disposed on top of the hollow sleeve portion so that the purging head can move from the first position to the second position inside the fixed sleeve body when being propped up by an upward force.

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: A processing solution pressurized at a constant pressure is supplied to improve processing accuracy. A controller receives a pressure signal indicating a measured pressure exerted on a processing solution from a pressure sensor, and controls an electropneumatic regulator on the basis of the pressure signal so that pressure on the discharge side of the electropneumatic regulator is constant. The controller decides whether the processing solution contained in a processing solution tank has been depleted on the basis of a difference between a desired pressure and the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and switches pressurizing shut-off valves accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing a pressure of compressed natural gas and for delivering natural gas are disclosed. A regulator comprising a vortex tube may be used to reduce the pressure of compressed natural gas while a temperature thereof is also reduced. The temperature reduction associated with a pressure drop in the compressed natural gas is achieved by throttling the gas at constant enthalpy from 3,000 PSIG to 150 PSIG through the regulator. At least one heat exchanger may be utilized to increase the temperature of the compressed natural gas to a temperature suitable for injection delivery. A pressure-reducing regulator may be used to further reduce a pressure of the gas to about 45 PSIG for delivery to an end-user.

Abstract: Securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes a kit assembly having at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this assembly is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing.

Abstract: A water cooler caddy device for use in conjunction with a water cooler or other beverage dispenser. The water cooler caddy has an arcuate inner surface as an interface with the water bottle and is sized such that it may be placed over the water bottle and slid down so that it either rests on an upper surface of the water cooler, or is supported by the side of the water bottle. The water cooler caddy may have a gap in the circumference so that the radius of the inner surface may be temporarily increased to facilitate installation. Partitions are used to form compartments to contain service items.

Abstract: A robot system includes a supply station. The system further includes: a robot, a robot tank adapted to store a liquid and disposed at the robot; and a supply station configured to supply additional liquid to the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlet for a tank which is intended for a liquid food product. The inlet is placed in the side wall of the tank and at the upper end of the tank. The inlet is further designed so that the inflowing product is distributed in fan-shape along the inside of the tank. The application also includes a method of supplying liquid food product to a tank.

Abstract: A device for bottling liquids into containers with at least one filling member (2), which fills the liquids into the containers, and with a covering device (4), which covers the filling member (2) at least temporarily in order to prevent the egress of liquid from the filling member (2), this covering device (4) being both pivotable about a pre-set pivot axis (X) and displaceable about a pre-set displacement direction (S), and with at least one driving device (10) for producing the movements of the covering device (4). According to the invention the driving device (10) serves to produce both the pivoting movement and the displacement movement of the covering device (4), and the driving device (10) is designed in such a way that the pivoting movement and the displacement movement take place in an at least partially staggered manner time-wise with respect to each other.

Abstract: The spill resistant bubble machine is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, prevents spillage of liquid when filled to the fill line or below, and oriented in any position. At the same time the invention is capable of automatic and continuous bubble generation. It is principally intended for use by young children in the hands free automatic generation of bubbles, especially while riding a bicycle, without spilling its liquid contents.