Abstract: A rotating heat regenerator is used to recover heat from the syngas at it exits the reactor vessel of a waste or biomass gasifier. In some embodiments, three or more streams are passed through the heat exchanger. One stream is the dirty syngas, which heats the rotating material. A second stream is a cold stream that is heated as it passes through the material. A third stream is a cleaning stream, which serves to remove particulates that are collected on the rotating material as the dirty syngas passes through it. This apparatus can also be used as an auto-heat exchanger, or it can exchange heat between separate flows in the gasifier process. The apparatus can also be used to reduce the heating requirement for the thermal residence chamber (TRC) used downstream from the gasification system.

Abstract: Fuel supplies including multiple valve components and fuel cell systems having increased operational resistance to the insertion and/or removal of fuel supplies are disclosed. The increased operational resistance is provided by increased insertion or removal forces, multiple relative motions for insertion and/or removal, latches, actuators, ON/OFF switches, cognitive ability of the user, visual alignment, audio feedback, size of the user's hand, inter alia.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle waste hose coupling assembly includes a coupler including a sleeve that has a first end wall, a second end wall, an inner wall and an outer wall. An inflation space is defined between the inner and outer walls. A tube has a receiving end and an insertion end and the tube is fixedly positioned within the sleeve. An air pump is fluidly coupled to an air line. The air pump is actuated to inflate the sleeve to frictionally engage the outer wall with an inner surface of a sewer pipe. A feed pipe has an inflow end, an outflow end and a bend between the inflow and outflow ends. The inflow end is removably positionable within a recreational vehicle waste hose. The outflow end is removably positionable within the receiving end.

Abstract: A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel.

Abstract: A nurse vehicle carries a supply of liquid chemicals or fertilizer for being applied by a sprayer vehicle. A fluid transfer conduit of the nurse vehicle has an end defined by a receptacle that is selectively connected to a complementary dimensioned insert defining an end of a fluid intake conduit of the sprayer vehicle. The receptacle and insert define a coupler assembly that includes an inflatable seal that surrounds the insert and locks the insert and receptacle together when inflated. Flow through the coupler assembly is controlled by first and second poppet valves, which are normally closed preventing flow through valve bodies of the receptacle and insert. Selective inflation of the seal and opening and closing of the poppet valves is automatically controlled in accordance with sequencing logic of an electronic controller so the seal is inflated before the valves are opened and remains inflated until the valves are closed.

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 filling valve is provided for filling containers such as beverage cans. The valve includes a tipless nozzle having ports oriented for directing flow. The nozzle includes a valve seat having a planar sealing surface. A spring actuated vent seal is provided for closing the vent tube. The valve stem may have protrusions for centering the stem in the valve body. The filling valve may have a bell forming a cavity between the bell and the valve body, and an aperture for directing cleaning fluid from within the bell to the cavity. The valve body may have a duct for directing cleaning fluid from the cavity to an outlet.

Abstract: A filling valve is provided for filling containers such as beverage cans. The valve includes a tipless nozzle having ports oriented for directing flow. The nozzle includes a removable valve seat having a planar sealing surface. A spring actuated vent seal is provided for closing the vent tube. The valve stem has protrusions for centering the stem in the valve body. The filling valve has a bell forming a cavity between the bell and the valve body, and an aperture for directing cleaning fluid from within the bell to the cavity. The valve body has a duct for directing cleaning fluid from the cavity to an outlet.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes a fill nozzle for directing a liquid product into a container and an adaptor including a nozzle interface to engage the fill nozzle for a cleaning operation. An expandable member is configured to expand into a gap between the adaptor and the fill nozzle to form a seal between the nozzle interface and the fill nozzle.

Abstract: An automobile gas tank adaptor includes a fill tube insertable into an automobile fuel tank filler neck along with a nozzle receptacle which is slidably disposable over the fill tube for receiving a nozzle. An expandable collar is disposed around the fill tube for expanding and locking the fill tube within the fuel tank filler neck as the nozzle receptacle is slid over the fill tube.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: A pressure regulator which includes a body. The body has inner walls defining an inlet port. Slidably moving within the inlet port is a hollow stem of a valve and piston assembly. The hollow stem is in slidable gas sealing contact with the inlet port. The valve and piston assembly includes a piston having a piston head with a valved opening therethrough. In the opening in the piston head is the arm of a plug. A body of the plug lies within the sliding piston held in place by a keeper spring, the keeper spring for maintaining a removed end of the plug arm against inner walls of the body. With such a structure, movement of the piston and valve assembly will be capable of unseating the plug from the valved opening in the piston allowing gas to flow from the hollow stem at the inlet port through an inner volume of the piston, through the valved opening of the piston head and into a regulated gas chamber defined in part by the inner walls of the body and an outer surface of the piston head.

Abstract: A septum for chemical containers comprises a body, a first port through the body having a first interior diameter sufficient to permit a flow of a fluid through the first port, and a second bore through the body having a second interior diameter less than the first interior diameter. The second interior diameter is sufficiently small as to restrict passage of vapors evaporated from within the container. In this configuration, vapors are safely exhausted outside a work facility, and a chemical container that would be classified as Use-Open under applicable fire codes is converted to Use-Closed, enabling the work facility to increase the volume of chemicals that may be contained or used in the facility under the code, without upgrade to Hazardous Occupancy standards, or building new facilities that qualify as Hazardous Occupancy and that can use Use-Open chemical containers.

Abstract: Fuel is dispensed into a fuel tank fill tube by a hand-held tool assembly having a body with an outlet tube connected to a fuel supply passage through an air actuated control valve. Spring biased arcuate jaws surround the outlet tube and expand outwardly into engagement with an inner surface of the fill tube by an air actuated annular clamping piston surrounding the outlet tube. An air actuated annular sealing piston surrounds the clamping piston and is effective to seal the outer end of the fill tube after the fill tube is clamped. The position of the fill tube is sensed by a pin which actuates a proximity switch, and a handle and fluid line connectors projecting from the body at right angles to the outlet tube. Thumb operated control switches are located adjacent the handle.

Abstract: In a retractable air supply connection system for air supply lines extending between a blower supply plenum and hot zone components of a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly, each such hot zone component is provided with a socket for receiving a retractable connector. Each connector has first and second concentric expandable bellows connected between the plenum and a nipple element having a central passage and nipple for mating with the socket. The inner bellows is coaxial with the socket element and is connected to an individual supply port in the plenum for the particular hot zone component. The outer bellows is connected to the main blower output. A return spring between the hot zone component and the nipple element urges the nipple element from the socket to disconnect the supply line from the hot zone by collapsing the outer bellows to break the conductive heat path when the blower is inoperative.

Abstract: A transfer port apparatus (10) is provided to enable a worker to transfer one or more objects through a sealed passageway provided in the apparatus (10) from one sealed chamber into another sealed chamber. Transfer port apparatus (10) is adapted to be coupled to a movable canister (12) and a stationary isolator (16). Expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are deflated, doors (30, 40) are removed and an object (20) is transferred into the airtight clean working environment established in the isolator (16) through the sealed passageway established in transfer port apparatus (10) following coupling of canister (12) to isolator (16) using transfer port apparatus (10). After the object (20) is moved, doors (30, 40) are replaced and expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are inflated creating a substantially airtight seal. Movable canister (12) can be uncoupled from the transfer port apparatus (10).

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: Out-feed support apparatus for use with frame-mounted work-piece cutting equipment having a height-adjustable work-piece support is described. The apparatus comprises a frame-mounted pulley, an elongate generally planar work-piece out-feed support mechanism extending distally from the support. The proximal end of the support mechanism is attached to the support. Additionally, the apparatus has an articulating mechanism extending between the floor and the support mechanism. The articulating mechanism is articulable to extend the effective height of the articulating mechanism by pivotal movement between the upper and lower arms thereof. The articulating mechanism further includes a first pivotal mount for attachment to the first mounting bracket and a second pivotal mount for pivotally connecting the upper and lower arms. The apparatus also has a cable having a proximal end fixedly attached to and extending from the support.

Abstract: A fuel tank filler pipe neck assembly, a fuel tank system and a method for refueling a fuel tank each employ a chamber having formed therein a liquid fuel dispensing nozzle entry port and a liquid fuel exit port. There is also disposed within the chamber a liquid fuel dispensing nozzle seat, where the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle seat is sized to accept and seal a rim of a liquid fuel dispensing nozzle introduced into the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle entry port while allowing flow of a liquid fuel from the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle through the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle seat. Finally, there is also disposed within the chamber a means for resiliently and flexibly biasing the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle seat against the rim of the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle while resiliently and flexibly sealing the liquid fuel dispensing nozzle seat to the liquid fuel exit port.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for off-loading incoherent material from a container towards a user unit positioned inferiorly to the container itself, wherein the phases are implemented of connecting an outlet of the container to a superior extremity of a conduit connected with its other extremity to the user unit, to the outlet being associated a valve element and to the conduit being associated a plurality of shut-off elements mutually distanced along the conduit itself and each able to vary the amplitude of the passage existing inside the conduit itself between a condition of closure of the passage and a condition of maximum opening; placing all shut-off elements in the closure condition; causing the opening of the valve element; and of causing the progressive disposition of the shut-off elements, starting from the highest one and proceeding downward, from the closure condition to the maximum opening condition.

Abstract: A loader for filling tank-shaped containers (1) with bulk material, which includes at least one loading nozzle (2), at least one loading bellows (3), in one piece or several pieces, connecting to the said loading nozzle (2) and at least one adjustment element (4) whose purpose is to adjust the said loading nozzle (2) vertically, horizontally or transversally, whereby the contact area of the said loading nozzle (2) that can be brought to connect with the loading opening takes the form substantially of a pneumatically or hydraulically inflatable seal collar (9) and the said loading bellows (3) is connected directly or indirectly to a device (5) whose purpose is to stretch the walls of the said loading bellows (3) and whereby the said loader includes or does not include a filter unit (12) whose purpose is to filter the gaseous medium forced out of the said tank-shaped container (1) through the bulk material and includes or does not include an outgoing air recirculation system (16) for recirculating the gaseous m

Abstract: A piston for dispensing material from a commodity container includes a nose section connected to a piston shaft. A recessed channel is located between the nose section and piston shaft. In the channel, there is a seal lifter over which a solid wiping seal is placed. Upon inflation, the seal lifter forcers the wiping seal to extend beyond the periphery of the piston to come into sealing contact with the interior wall of the container.

Abstract: In a sealing device for a filling opening, especially for sealing it against the escape of fuel fumes when filling stationary or mobile supply tanks, a seal is located in the vicinity of the filling opening and abuts in a sealing fashion an object such as a filling device that is inserted into the filling opening. The seal automatically controlled by means of a control unit between an inactive resting position and an active sealing position of the seal. As a result, the seal is protected especially well against damage during insertion or withdrawal of the filling device, and reliable sealing can be expected in the long term.

Abstract: A container filling machine having a frame and a fill station on the frame. The fill station has hooks to engage stirrups on the top of the bag. The fill station also has a platform to support a first open topped container. The fill station also has hooks to support a first open top container. A filling member is supported on the hooks for supporting an open top container. A dispensing means is supported on the frame of the open top container to fill the top container and to fill a container resting on the platform. Means is provided to automatically release the hooks and means is provided to shake the bag to settle the material in it and to move the bags towards the front of the machine. Hooks are used to facilitate removing the bag.

Abstract: A filling installation for hazardous pourable or fluid substances. The substances to be packaged at the output of a production plant are divided into portions and packaged in a glove box of a sacking plant in clean room conditions. The sacking plant may be shut off from the glove box by a sealing swivelling cover. The glove box is held under an overpressure and a laminar flow of pure air is continuously present in the glove box and flows around at least one filling head arranged at the output of the production plant.

Abstract: In order to insert a replacement toner dam in an assembled toner cartridge, the opposing sides of the toner cartridge are caused to move towards each other so as to deform the cartridge and cause openings to appear at opposing ends thereof. A pair of web spring carriers are inserted into and through the openings so they exit from one opening. A new toner dam is inserted between web spring carriers at the portion thereof that exits from the opening. The web spring carriers are then withdrawn until the replacement toner dam is in a proper position. The dam is then held in position and the web spring carriers are freely withdrawn. This method thereby enables replacement of the toner dam without injury to seals at either end of the toner cartridge. Various non-adhesive bearing toner dam structures are shown, each of which has a flexible portion that engages a toner bottle flange and thereby enables a toner seal to be achieved without use of adhesive.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid dispensing nozzle (110') such as for LPG is screw-threadedly engageable with a tank inlet (192) such as on a vehicle. A sealing sleeve (154) carrying a nose piece (140') is biassed into abutment with a gasket (194) on a seal face (196) of the tank inlet and is urged rearwardly by the abutment. The sealing sleeve (154) is slidably mounted on a sealing member (136') which is urged rearwardly with the sealing sleeve (154) into a valve actuating condition. A trigger (118') is actuated to open a valve assembly (120') by shifting the valve assembly forwardly to bring a valve body (126') into abutment with an actuator (132') on the sealing member (136) which lifts the valve body off a valve seat (128'). The pressurized fluid passes along a passage (146') through the sealing member (136') to be dispensed but part of it enters a chamber (150) through ports (134').

Abstract: A manhole sealing device enables the recovery of vapors displaced from a tank during the process of filling a tank with fuel, through the manhole. The sealing device comprises a sealing gasket, which has an inflation chamber defined by two tubular walls. When the chamber is inflated, the gasket is distended to toroidal configuration capable of sealing engaging manhole inner diameters of a wide dimensional range. The sealing gasket is mounted on a lock-down bar what is clamped against the upper end of the manhole, using bolts that are also used in clamping the hatch cover for the manhole. Preferable the gasket is first inflated to centralize it relative to the manhole and then clamped in fixed relation relative thereto.

Abstract: A filling plant for filling bags with hazardous bulk or fluid media is designed to ensure that the medium to be filled is proportioned and packaged under clean room conditions in a bag filling plant at the outlet of a production plant for the hazardous medium. The outlet opening of the production plant communicates with a hermetically sealable container into which the hazardous medium can pass and in which the filling plant and a bag to be filled are disposed.

Abstract: Dosing a flowable product is effected with an apparatus which has a rigid casing having a hollowed interior through which an elastic hose, which is connected to the casing, extends between casing inlet and outlet openings, and elastic rings are positioned to encircle the hose at positions adjacent each of the casing inlet and outlet openings, so that upon generation of sub- and then super-atmospheric pressure within the space between the hose and casing, the hose expands and contracts and the rings open and close the hose for product flow introduction into and ejection from the hose for dosing the product.

Abstract: A temporary sealing device for sealing a waste discharge conduit from an RV to an inlet receptacle of a waste receiving reservoir. The sealing device includes an inflatable bladder which is mounted so as to be positionable between the discharge conduit and the receptacle. A pump inflates the bladder to a size which seals the opening between the receptacle and the conduit to inhibit removal of the conduit and prevent the discharge of waste therearound. The sealing device is also provided with a valve which allows the bladder to be deflated after the transfer of waste and permits the conduit to be withdrawn from the receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a pressurized liquid into successive containers, such as cans or bottles, has a housing which stores a supply of pressurized liquid and carries one or more combined container sealing and centering units. Each such unit has a vertically reciprocable at least partially elastomeric tubular member movable between a lower end position and an upper end position. The external surface of the annular upper end portion of the tubular member sealingly engages a cylindrical internal surface which surrounds the outlet of the housing when the tubular member assumes its lower end position, and an end face of the annular lower end portion of the tubular member is then in sealing engagement with the open top of a container to be filled. The open lower end of a conduit for compressed gas is located at the upper end of the passage within the tubular member to ensure that the upper end portion of the tubular member can be expanded into sealing engagement with the internal surface.

Abstract: A sealing unit effects a connection between a loading boom and a manhole on a tank car. Liquids are delivered through the boom into the tank car. Vapors displaced from the tank are transmitted, through the sealing unit, to conduit means, which enable disposal of the vapors without contaminating the atmosphere. The unit comprises an upper plate which rests on the manhole. A sleeve is connected at its upper end to the upper plate and, at its lower end, to a lower plate. A pneumatic motor is actuated to draw the lower plate upwardly. When this occurs, the sleeve is bulged outwardly into sealing engagement with the manhole. Column springs are provided to assure that the central portion of the sleeve will bulge outwardly and provide sealing engagement with manholes of different diameters.

Abstract: A device for transport of material between chambers at different pressures, comprises a feed chamber, a main chamber having an upper housing with an inlet and a lower housing with an outlet. The feed chamber is coupled to the main chamber at the inlet, and a first slide valve opens and closes the inlet. A second slide valve for opening land closing the outlet may be provided. At least one hollow gasket with an essentially closed wall, preferably an inflatable gasket, is provided between the upper housing and the first slide valve for sealing the inlet; and, at least one gasket with an essentially closed wall, preferably an inflatable gasket, may be provided between the lower housing and the second slide valve for sealing the outlet. Alternatively, a first flap valve for opening and closing the inlet is provided which is pivotally coupled to the upper housing at one side.

Abstract: The filling valve in a counterpressure filling apparatus for admission of liquids into bottles or other types of containers having open upper ends is provided with a sleeve which can descend toward an empty container below the valve and carries a deformable internal annular sealing element which is movable into sealing engagement with the external surface of the open end to center the container. The sealing element is thereupon acted upon by a gaseous fluid to bear against the external surface and to establish a reliable seal during subsequent or simultaneous admission of a pressurized gaseous fluid which precedes the admission of a metered quantity of liquid whereby the liquid expels the gaseous fluid along the same path which serves for admission of pressurized gaseous fluid into the container.

Abstract: In a loading system for containers, tank vehicles, or other containers that can be flange-mounted to the discharge hopper of a silo, with a tube slide, the inner casing of a double-walled dump pipe that is secured to the discharge hopper is used as a guide for this tube slide. The loading system is arranged beneath this discharge hopper. Apart from the closed position and the dump position, the tube slide can also be locked in a flushing position by means of an operating system. The lower end of the tube slide is configured as an opener for a closing plate of the filler opening of the container or the like that can be closed by the action of a spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The apparatus also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A filling car for filling coal into oven chambers of a coke oven battery comprises an immovable filling connecting piece mountable on a coal container, a filling pipe closely surrounding the connecting piece and having a lower end lowerable to a filling opening frame of filling openings of a coke oven battery, the filling pipe also having an upper end, and a housing arranged on the upper end of the filling pipe and accommodating an elastic sealing ring, the sealing ring surrounding the connecting piece and being displaceable with the filling pipe and also pressed against the filling pipe during a filling process so as to provide a sealing between the filling pipe and the connecting piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: An intermediate bulk container (I.B.C.) system for handling a flowable material such as a pharmaceutical powder comprises, a discharge station, a transportable station for holding and transporting the powder, and a seal arrangement of the two stations, the seal arrangement being such that seals thereof cooperate one with the other and with the stations, whereby exposure of external surfaces of the system to the powder is obviated during discharge at the discharge station and during transport, so that no powder can escape from the interior to the exterior in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring powder from a bulk supply to a container comprising a first conduit extending from the bulk supply to the container, an inflatable annulus made preferably from natural rubber, secured towards the end of the conduit and adapted to enter into air-tight engagement with the wall of a container which can be a bag or sack having flexible walls or a drum or carton having rigid walls. The appartus is also provided with a second conduit having an opening in the container to allow air displaced by powder entering to escape. The second conduit communicates with an exhaust fan to assist the removal of displaced air. A third conduit is also provided having an opening within the container. This opening is placed in close proximity to the outlet situated within the container of the second conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling bulk bags employ a filling tube assembly comprising an inner tubular wall having an auger disposed therein for forcing powdered material into a bulk bag and packing it densely therein, and an air-permeable outer tubular wall disposed coaxially about the inner tubular wall to define an exhaust chamber so that air in the material may be drawn inwardly through the outer tubular wall when the filling tube assembly is immersed in the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling a valve bag eliminates sifting of product during the filling process. A filling nozzle is inserted into the valve of a bag to be filled. A flow of particulate material is provided through the filling nozzle and into the bag. When the bag is full, the flow of particulate material is terminated. A blast of high pressure air is then introduced into the nozzle in order to clear the nozzle of any residual particulate material therein. A low pressure blast of air is introduced between the nozzle and the filling valve to suspend any particles present in the filling valve after the nozzle has been cleared by the high pressure blast. A vacuum is introduced into the nozzle to suck any suspended particles out of the filling valve after the low pressure blast has been introduced. A boot can be inflated around the nozzle to seal the nozzle within the bag valve before filling the bag.

Abstract: A sealing member capable of elastic deformations provides a seal from the atmosphere between the mouth of a fillpipe and a liquid dispensing nozzle having vapor recovery conduit means internal to the receptive fillpipe, typically for use with gasoline.

Abstract: A dust-tight hatch closure assembly for filling railway covered hopper cars having a filling means and a pneumatic seal in the form of an inflatable annulus.

Abstract: An expansible, resilient receptacle positionable about a standpipe installed for the relief of subsurface water pressure occasioned specifically by sewer backup. The receptacle surrounds the standpipe and communicates with the inner portion thereof through strategically located openings in the walls of the standpipe. The water introduced to the receptacle bulges its walls and urges a watertight engagement between the walls and floor about the base of the standpipe. The seal contains any water leaking upwardly around the base of the standpipe and prevents the floor from failing. In the event the excessive subsurface water pressure is encountered, the water is permitted to escape into the room to avoid possible rupture of the floor surface. The water is releaseable from the receptacle when the subsurface pressure diminishes.

Abstract: A tubular element of a connecting device is mounted for displacement between an extended position, where it seals against a mobile container around an opening therein for passage of conditioning air, and a retracted position where it is spaced from the container and where the connecting device is entirely retracted from said opening. A valve arrangement of the connecting device includes a body disposed coaxially of the tubular element and forming therewith a passage for the air flow which is opened when said element moves toward its extended position and which is closed when said element moves toward its retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling an open-mouth container with fluent material, such as powdered, granular or liquid material, and for removing dust or vapor from within the container during filling, the apparatus comprising a delivery head adapted to be substantially centered with respect to the container above the container for delivery of the fluent material and for removal of dust and vapor from within the container during filling, a closure carried by the delivery head expandable from a collapsed position in which it is drawn up around the delivery head and an expanded position in which it sealingly engages the inside of the container adjacent the mouth of the container to close off the mouth of the container thereby to prevent escape of dust or vapor during filling, and an actuator carried by the delivery means for expanding and collapsing said closure.Also disclosed is a method of de-aerating powdered material filling a container.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for impregnating a wall or the like with damp-proofing fluid. The apparatus comprises a conduit through which the fluid passes and carrying a sealing element designed to seal against the wall automatically under the pressure of the damp-proof fluid. Generally the sealing element comprises a grommet which is deformed into sealing contact with the wall, the deformation being effected either by the direct action of the damp-proofing fluid on the grommet or through an intermediate member such as a piston in a cylinder carried on the conduit.