Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A dispensing bottle includes a hollow main body; a neck having an opening in open communication with an interior of the main body and an inner facing surface provided with a lip; a red paraffin wax plug made of a wax material that melts at a predetermined temperature and has an outwardly facing peripheral surface with a groove; a retaining plug within the neck for holding the wax plug within the neck of the bottle, the retaining plug formed by an annular member having an outer facing peripheral surface formed with a groove for mating with the lip in the neck, and an inner facing peripheral surface defining a center opening in which the wax plug is held and having an inwardly extending lip that engages within the groove in the wax plug; and a removable closure cap in covering relation to the opening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.

Abstract: A system for deployment of traction enhancing agents uses an infrared detecting sensor to receive ambient IR from a roadway, whereby the road surface temperature is determined. The determined temperature is supplied to a traction enhancing agent deployment controller, so that the amount and selection of particular agents can be governed based on the particular road surface temperature. Variations are thereby accommodated, so the most appropriate agent or agents in an appropriate combination and density can be applied.

Abstract: A dispenser heats and dispenses a melted material through an orifice. A pusher is slidably received within an interior of a cylindrical body of the dispenser and is movable relative to the forward end of the cylindrical body. The pusher is made up of an internally threaded cylinder that receives a driver screw and engages a stick of meltable material. The pusher is used to advance the meltable material toward the forward end of the body. The pusher retracts when the meltable material is exhausted. An induction heated system has a susceptor plate with apertures that lead to the nozzle. In use, the motor automatically retracts the pusher a slight increment when the motor is turned off, which relieves static pressure on the elastic zone of the stick. A PC board has a control circuit to control the advancing and retracting of the pusher and for controlling the temperature of the inductor by regulating the flow of power to the inductor.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a railroad locomotive applies a lubricant with great accuracy in computer-controlled, precise quantities behind the last axle of the last locomotive such that the lubricant is consumed by the time the entire train has passed under all track, speed, temperature and train size conditions. Hydraulic pulse-width modulation (PWM or %PWM) controls the quantity of lubricant delivered. Time is divided into a series of windows each consisting of a few seconds. Lubricant delivered from a pressurized tank through long hoses to a solenoid controlled valve is then metered by the duration within this time window for which the computer computes and opens the valve. Compensation is provided for train tonnage and lubricant temperature as well as track curvature and train speed.

Abstract: A device for filling a pharmaceutical fluid into vials has a product container, which is connected to a distributor by way of a first line. Filling lines branch from the distributor and have filling valves for the individual vials. In order to improve the filling precision, particularly with fluids that have a very temperature-dependent flow behavior, the invention discloses cooling the distributor via a coolant so that during the filling procedures, the fluid has a substantially constant temperature. That substantially constant temperature then forms the basis underlying the calculation of the triggering time of the filling valves by a control unit with greater precision than is shown in the prior art.

Abstract: A pipe or hose (10) intended primarily for fire protection purposes and capable of withstanding high heat flux densities. The pipe or the hose has an internal, tubular rubber layer (11) and a casing (12) provided with holes which casing embraces the tubular rubber layer (11) in close contact therewith. The holes in the casing (12) are situated close together and have a limited cross-sectional area such that liquid transported in the pipe or hose (10) at a current liquid pressure above atmospheric pressure and through the medium of a nozzle effect in direct contact with the casing (12) and, subsequent to release from said casing contact, is able to form a free-standing liquid jet. When used in sprinkler systems or like fire extinguishing systems, the pipe or the hose will be imparted herewith self-sealing and self-protecting properties, and will withstand a heat flux density caused by a jet fire of up to about 500 kW/m.sup.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a soft-serve product comprises a freezer barrel (12), a mix hopper (14) for containing soft-serve mix (16) and being in flow communication with the freezer barrel so that soft-serve mix can flow from the mix hopper into the freezer barrel, a flow passage (42, 42.1) leading from the freezer barrel to a draw spout (64), and a beater assembly (20) for expelling frozen product from the freezer barrel via the flow passage to the draw spout. A solids hopper (52) for containing a flowable solid topping is further provided, and an archimedes screw (56) for feeding the solid topping from the solids hopper into the flow stream of soft-serve product as it passes through the flow passage. A vaned rotor (44) and a rotation sensor (80) meter the flow of soft-serve product through the flow passage and control the speed of a topping motor (60) driving the archimedes screw.

Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method of introducing a biological substance into living target cells, the method comprising dispersing a liquid containing the biological substance into microdroplets and propelling the microdroplets toward to the target cells.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a railroad locomotive applies a lubricant with great accuracy in computer-controlled, precise quantities behind the last axle of the last locomotive such that the lubricant is consumed by the time the entire train has passed under all track, speed, temperature and train size conditions. Hydraulic pulse-width modulation (PWM or % PWM) controls the quantity of lubricant delivered. Time is divided into a series of windows each consisting of a few seconds. Lubricant delivered from a pressurized tank through long hoses to a solenoid controlled valve is then metered by the duration within this time window for which the computer computes and opens the valve. Compensation is provided for train tonnage and lubricant temperature as well as track curvature and train speed.

Abstract: An emergency closure for use in grain storage facilities, the emergency closure utilizes a fail-safe closure mechanism such that upon the termination of motive force to the gate the gate is forced into a closed position to terminate the flow of grain or other flowable substance out of it container.

Abstract: System for inflating a vehicular gas bag (10) with gas from a bottle of compressed gas (12) against an occupant (13) in an emergency include a gas pressure sensor (39) having a sensor input (20) coupled to compressed gas in the bottle prior to an emergency, and having a sensed pressure output (21). A variable gas inlet passage (15) for the gas bag has a gas inlet passage variator (22) coupled to the sensed pressure output (21), and a variable gas venting passage (16) positioned in circumvention of the gas inlet passage and inverse to the variable gas inlet passage (see 37 vs. 34), and having a gas venting passage variator (23) coupled to the sensed pressure output. A compressed gas release (25) having a compressed gas outlet (26) on the bottle is connected to the gas inlet passage (15) and to the variable gas venting passage (16). The gas pressure sensor (21) may be temperature-compensated (46-48).

Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser includes a housing adapted to accommodate an aerosol container. A spray mechanism communicates with the aerosol container and is actuable to dispense an aerosol spray of material from the aerosol container. A controller actuates the spray mechanism to effect dispensing of the aerosol material. A remote unit is provided to establish a wireless communication link with the controller.

Abstract: Hazard suppression apparatus (10) is provided with a container (12) of suppression fluid and a non-explosive, pressurized gas-operated actuator assembly (16). The assembly (16) includes an actuator body (32) and first and second spaced apart rupture discs (36, 38) defining a zone (43) therebetween; the first disc (36) is preferably of bulged, scored configuration, whereas the second disc (38) is flat and has a series of vent openings (52) therethrough. A perforate, bar-type support (34) is positioned adjacent the second disc (38) and remote from the zone (43). A container (18) of high pressure actuating fluid is operatively coupled to the body (32) via a coupling unit (56) having an elongated, tubular nipple (58) equipped with a third rupture disc (62). A valve (70), adapted for connection with a hazard sensor is interposed between the container (18) and the coupling unit (56).

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a fill pipe and connection cap structure for communicating an outside end of the fill pipe with a source of fuel. Advantageously, the connection cap includes a screen for removing particulate matter from fuel that is introduced into the storage tank during refueling. A second aspect involves a compartment that is defined about an outer second portion of a pipe such as a fill pipe for collecting and containing any fuel that might spill during use.

Abstract: A system (10) controls the dispensing of valuable commodities, such as beers. The system (10) includes a controller (36), sensors (26, 34), and solenoid-activated valves (24). The dispensing of a commodity begins when an operator identifies himself or herself to the controller (36) after selecting a commodity and quantity. A record of this transaction is recorded in a memory (40) of the controller (36). The controller (36) continues dispensing the selected commodity, determines when the selected quantity has been dispensed, then automatically ceases dispensing the commodity. Reports (178) are generated summarizing dispensing transactions. A variety of operational parameters may be established by a manager. Parameters relevant to the preservation and flow of the commodity, such as temperature and pressure, are monitored, and warnings annunciated (164, 170) if out-of-range conditions are detected.

Abstract: A pressurized container (1) containing a fluid product to be dispensed and a propellant gas. The container includes a valve for dispensing the product that includes a heat-sensitive safety device (D) for opening the valve and causing the inside of the container to permanently communicate with the atmosphere when the temperature inside the container exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. The safety device (D) includes a stopper (106) made of a material that is thermodeformable at the threshold temperature. The stopper closes an orifice (105) in an actuating stem of the valve when the threshold temperature is not exceeded, and opens the orifice when the threshold temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an animal attractant scented liquid to a spot on the ground. The device is intended to be positioned on the ground. It employs a flexible walled container with an external gas filled balloon strapped to the container so positioned that expansion and contraction of the gas within the balloon, in response to temperature changes, causes the wall of the container to flex so as to discharge liquid from the container when the temperature rises, and cease discharging on a temperature drop.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a number of saddle members for supporting the outer tank on a flat horizontal surface, and a pump for dispensing fuel. In one embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing combustion that might otherwise occur within the storage tank. To minimize heat transfer from outside the facility into the storage tank, fire-retardant insulation material may be positioned between the storage tank and the outer tank. The system also includes an environmentally controlled compartment for housing an electronic control system.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of dispensing heated condiment from a condiment source. The condiment is flowed through a heater hose, and the temperature of the condiment is controlled within a predetermined range by sensing the temperature of the condiment in the hose and controlling the operation of the heater hose to maintain the temperature of the condiment within the predetermined range which results in the dispensing of condiment at a desired temperature.

Abstract: In a hot and cold water distribution system wherein the hot water is delivered from a water heater to a distant hot water tap adjacent a cold water tap, a hot water recirculation pump assembly purges the hot water line of any cooled-down water in order to assure instant hot water delivery when the hot water tap is opened. The volume of water drawn from the hot water line is flushed back through the hot water line by admission of an equal amount of water that was stored within a tank. That volume of water is pumped back into the tank, and automatically replaced by hot water drawn from the water heater.

Abstract: A dispenser to be fitted on the top of an aerosol can so as to atomize a very small quantity of the contents of the aerosol can at regular intervals automatically. An attachment having an electrically operated valve is secured to the aerosol can. Operation of the valve takes place via a controller which is supplied by power by a photovoltaic or solar panel. In this way, it is ensured that dispensing the desired material takes place only when there is sufficient light striking the solar panel.

Abstract: An adhesive dispenser for iteratively dispensing a controlled amount of an adhesive from a reservoir, by iteratively applying a pressure to the adhesive stored in the reservoir such that the controlled amount of adhesive is released from a nozzle connected to the reservoir via a supply passage and is applied to an object, the adhesive dispenser including at least one of an adhesive-temperature control device which controls a temperature of the adhesive present in the supply passage, by supplying a fluid to a first space at least partly surrounding at least a portion of the supply passage, and a pressure control device which is switchable to at least a pressing state thereof in which the pressure control device supplies a pressurized gas to a second space above the adhesive stored in the reservoir and a sucking state thereof in which the pressure control device sucks the gas from the second space.

Abstract: A beer vending machine of the invention includes a cylinder containing compressed carbon dioxide gas, a gas regulator for adjusting a secondary pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, a temperature sensor for monitoring a beer temperature, gas and leak valves, and a pressure controller. The gas valve is disposed in a gas pipe line between the beer barrel and the gas regulator to open or close the gas pipe line, and the leak valve is disposed in a branch pipe for depressurizing the beer barrel. Based on the beer temperature obtained by the temperature sensor, the pressure controller controls the gas regulator, the gas valve and the leak valve to set the secondary pressure at an equilibrium pressure corresponding to the obtained beer temperature. Therefore, the beer barrel is pressurized under the suitable equilibrium pressure.

Abstract: The creation of a substantial volume of foam on the surface of an aqueous medium can reduce the apparent thermal IR emission substantially when compared to that of the aqueous medium free of foam. This difference in temperature (infrared emission) can be used to control a defoaming process or the addition of a defoaming agent to control foam in the aqueous medium. The apparent thermal infrared emission of foam is less than that of the aqueous medium. As the thermal IR emissions drop as foam develops, the difference between the apparent temperature of the foam and the temperature of aqueous medium increases. Such a difference in temperature can be used to control use of a defoaming process or agent. As the foam volume is reduced, the addition of a defoaming composition is substantially reduced or stopped. During the control method, a predetermined limit is established at which the defoaming process or composition is introduced into the aqueous medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging gas from a bottle of compressed gas include a compressed gas release having on that bottle a compressed gas outlet having a closed position and an alternative open position. A shuttle has a first position spaced from that compressed gas outlet before and after opening of such compressed gas outlet and has a second position at such compressed gas outlet. The shuttle includes a temporary compressed gas flow restriction at the compressed gas outlet in the alternative open position of such compressed gas outlet. A system for discharging gas from a bottle of compressed gas closes such bottle with a burst diaphragm, subsequently penetrates such burst diaphragm, momentarily reduces flow of compressed gas from the bottle at the penetrated burst diaphragm, and thereafter removes the reduction of flow of compressed gas from the bottle at the penetrated burst diaphragm.

Abstract: An an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatic operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatic operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in supplying thermoplastic material such as hot melt adhesive from containers includes an apparatus for detecting and indicating when thermoplastic material or adhesive has moved out the container such that the container may be removed from the apparatus. Both force responsive and temperature responsive indicators are disclosed, along with various signalling devices, to inform an operator when the container may be removed leaving the material within the apparatus.

Abstract: A thermally activated relief valve is used with a compressed gas storage cylinder. A valve body has a passage for communication with the interior of the cylinder. A metal disc sealing the passage has a first side exposed to the interior of the cylinder and a second side opposite the first side. A cutting end of a movable hollow bayonet is positioned in the passage of the valve body adjacent to the second side of the metal disc. A spring biases the bayonet toward the metal disc. A thermal trigger is operably coupled to the bayonet for holding the bayonet in spaced relation to the metal disc until the thermal trigger reaches a predetermined temperature threshold. Upon reaching the predetermined temperature threshold, the thermal trigger releases the bayonet thereby allowing the cutting end of the hollow bayonet to move toward the metal disc under force exerted by the spring to pierce the metal disc and thereby expose a flow path through the hollow bayonet.

Abstract: A gas pressurized liquid delivery system. In particular but not solely for the dispensing of beverages such as beer, cider or stout. A logic circuit whether hard wired or computer or PLC controlled and whether centralized or distributed provides for the operation of the system. The run-out of an individual container in a series of containers is detected by way of a flow indicating device within a fluid pathway. The logic circuit then switches in another container in the series. The switching can be in order of connection to the circuit or an inputed manufactured date. Various cycles are provided by the logic circuit, for example, a cleaning cycle, sterilizing cycle and a purge cycle. These cycles are able to be enacted substantially automatically. A container eg. keg connector is also provided. In at least a preferred form of the invention the container connector contains a microprocessor forming or containing part of the above mentioned logic circuit.

Abstract: A single cup disposable coffee brewing device foldable from a generally flat position to an unfolded position. The device has a coffee filter on the interior and a cardboard main body portion on the exterior and can be placed on top of a cup or mug. Coffee grounds are disposed in the filter and hot or cold water is poured into the unfolded device. The main body portion has a hole at bottom normally closed by a sealing element which dissolves after a predetermined period of time and allows brewed coffee to drip out into the mug or cup.

Abstract: An inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is disclosed which controls of the delivery and mix of a liquid from its source with an ingredient. The dispenser comprises a mixer which mixes the liquid and the ingredient, the mixer being in electrical isolation from the source of the liquid. The liquid is delivered from the source to the mixer thereby providing electrical continuity between the source and the mixer. A sensor in electrical communication with a control board detects the electrical continuity between the source and the mixer. The ingredient is delivered to the mixer upon activation by the control board after the sensor detects the electrical continuity.

Abstract: An improved portable fueling facility for aircraft or ground vehicles includes, in the disclosed embodiments, at least one storage tank, an outer tank for providing secondary containment about the storage tank, a number of saddle members for supporting the outer tank on a flat horizontal surface, and a pump for dispensing fuel. In one embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing combustion that might otherwise occur within the storage tank. To minimize heat transfer from outside the facility into the storage tank, fire-retardant insulation material is positioned between the storage tank and the outer tank. In addition, a heat sink may be positioned between the two tanks to intercept heat that would otherwise flow to the storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus the dispensing a liquid fuel and measuring the amount dispensed according to a temperature-corrected volumetric measure includes a housing having a fuel-handling compartment and an electronics compartment and a barrier between the fuel handling compartment and the electronics compartment, a plurality of fuel passageways through the fuel-handling compartment, each passageway having a flow meter to measure the volume of fuel flowing through the passageway and a thermometric probe adapted to read the temperature of fuel flowing through the passageway, each of the meters being connected by a first electrical circuit to pass an electrical signal representative of the volumetric flow through its respective passageway onto the first circuit, each of the probes being connected by a second electric circuit to pass an electrical signal representative of the temperature of the probe onto the second circuit, the second circuit having one intrinsically safe passage through the barrier, and electronics in the

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a buffer container (1) for receiving the pasty substance of high viscosity, a feed line (11), through which the buffer container (1) can be refilled with the substance, a pressure generator (2 to 5), by which the substance in the buffer container (1) can be pressurizes, a nozzle (10), which is close to the buffer container (1), a pressure sensor (43) downstream of the pressure generator, and a controller (44). As a result, the metering rate can exactly be controlled close to the nozzle (10).

Abstract: In a commercial dishwashing machine the temperature of the final hot fresh rinsing water is sensed and sanitizer is injected into the rinsing water in a predetermined amount when the temperature of the hot rinsing water is sensed to be below a predetermined threshold minimum. The temperature sensing is accomplished with an electrical sensing device. The electrical temperature sensing device energizes the sanitizer for injection of sanitizer into the rinse water preferably within a predetermined temperature range of the hot rinsing water defined at a bottom limit by a threshold minimum and at an upper limit by a threshold maximum temperature.

Abstract: Two-part reactive polymeric paints are prepared and applied from an integral dispensing system. The reactive components are held in two separate containers and are maintained separate from one another by a fusible plug. To use the dispenser, heat is applied to the fusible plug to melt the plug and permit the container contents to mix together. Differential pressure between the containers causes the components to mix and begin to react; a net positive pressure with respect to the ambient atmosphere permits the mixed components to be applied as a spray. In an alternative embodiment, a flexible, external spray feed tube permits easier paint application than by conventional paint spray cans.

Abstract: An air bag system (10) includes an inflator (14) containing ignitable gas generating material (60) which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag (12). The system (10) further includes a collision sensor (96), a first actuator assembly (64) and a second actuator assembly (62). The collision sensor (96) senses a predetermined amount of vehicle deceleration which is indicative of a collision, and provides a collision signal upon sensing such deceleration. The first actuator assembly (64) ignites the gas generating material (60) in response to the collision signal. The second actuator assembly (62) ignites the gas generating material (60) when the ambient temperature of the inflator (14) reaches a predetermined elevated level. The second actuator assembly (62) includes a bi-metal disk (112) which deflects from a concave shape to a relatively convex shape when the ambient temperature increases to the predetermined elevated level.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous flow weighing of a flowable material includes a pair of sequential conveyors. A first, control conveyor moves material from an inlet to a discharge point. A second, weighing conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis at its inlet end. The pivot point is positioned below the discharge of the control conveyor. The outlet end of the weighing conveyor is suspended from and weighed by a load cell. Electronic control circuitry monitors the material transport rate of the weighing conveyor which, in combination with the output of the loadcell, is used to determine the weight flow rate of material being discharged from the weighing conveyor. The material transport rate of the weighing auger is adjusted to result in a preselected weight flow rate.

Abstract: A device which prevents spillage when a water bottle is inverted for installation onto a water dispenser. The device establishes the flow of water from the water bottle into the water dispenser after a predetermined time delay from when the bottle is inverted. The device is a membrane closure which initially provides a water tight seal on the mouth of the water bottle, but which opens up to allow water to flow from the bottle after a predictable time delay. Thus, the user can slowly and carefully invert the water bottle and place it in the correct position. Three embodiments are presented: 1) a membrane seal which is folded multiple times to create an initially water tight seal, which, when the water bottle is inverted, slowly unfolds due to the hydrostatic pressure, thereby opening the seal and allowing the water to flow; 2) a membrane seal of a moisture sensitive material which is coated with a water impermeable material and which is scored in a desired rupture pattern.

Abstract: A double sided primed circuit board is shown wherein one side is etched for receiving a plurality of surface mounted components constituting a control circuit. In one embodiment the control circuit provides for regulating the operation of a plurality to the beverage dispensing valves. An op-amp monitors the conductor for sensing the operation of the beverage dispensing valves as a function of a voltage drop there across. The conductor operates as a resistor, and any heating thereof that occurs as a result of the operation of the beverage dispensing valves is dissipated over the entire surface area of the circuit board. The control circuit also operates a dump valve for periodically dumping beverage if any of the valves have not been operated for a set period of time. The control circuit deactivates the operation of the dump valve during any sensed operation of one of the beverage dispense valves.

Abstract: An automated fueling facility allows untrained persons to safely dispense homogenous phase liquid methane from a cryogenic storage tank into a motor vehicle. The fueling facility automatically maintains pressure on the liquid methane within a predetermined safe operating range using methane gas trapped in the cryogenic storage tank. The pressure on the liquid methane is at least set equal to a set pressure equal to the sum of the saturation pressure of the liquid methane plus an additional amount to help to ensure that it remains in a fully saturated condition after absorbing any heat during pumping from the storage tank. A pump is cooled by placing it in the storage tank and circulating liquid methane through the pump and back into the storage tank. A dispenser, including nozzle for connecting to a motor vehicle, is cooled by circulating liquid through the nozzle and back to the storage tank through a receptacle on the dispenser to which the nozzle is connected.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispenser includes a chiller connected at an inlet to a water source and at an outlet to a cool water inlet of a mixing valve. The water source further supplies ambient temperature water to a warm water inlet of the mixing valve. The mixing valve receives the two water streams and mixes them to produce a constant temperature output water stream at an outlet. A carbonator receives the constant temperature output water stream to carbonate it. A dispensing unit including a cooling unit connects to a beverage syrup product source and the carbonator to cool the carbonated water and beverage syrup and dispense them into a suitable container, thereby forming a carbonated beverage drink. Additionally, an ice maker connects to the output of the mixing valve to receive the constant temperature output water stream to make the ice dispensed with the carbonated beverage drink.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing petroleum products leaked into an enclosed portion of a fuel transfer system such as a sump. The system comprises the use of a water insoluble container having a quantity of a petroleum product mitigation agent enclosed therein. A water insoluble barrier for releasing the quantity of mitigation agent upon contact with a petroleum product permits the mitigation agent to neutralize the petroleum product as soon as it is present and in contact with the barrier. The container may be formed from polystyrene and positioned in the sump to permit the release to the petroleum products regardless of the amount of water present in the sump. In one embodiment, the tube is vertically aligned and extends from the bottom to the top of the sump. Alternatively, the container comprises a petroleum product soluble packet and includes flotation aid for maintaining the packet floating on top of any water in the sump.