Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for filtering. An exemplary apparatus includes an air flow generator having a fluid intake fluidly connected to a fluid outlet, and a removable filter operably maintained within the air flow generator to filter a flow of fluid between the fluid intake and the fluid outlet, wherein the removable filter includes an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter. The apparatus further includes an air delivery tube fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, an air delivery element fluidly connected to the air delivery tube, and a processor operable to communicate with the electronic tag to receive the identifying information of the removable filter.

Abstract: A “one-step”, single-handed device for obtaining small, precise volumes of fluid from animals is able to quickly and easily draw a fluid sample. The device comprises an extraction component and a collection component that are coupled together and disposed along a grip handle. The user manipulates the device so as to initiate the extraction of the fluid, and then collect the fluid in a component that can quickly and easily be removed from the grip handle—allowing the handle to be re-loaded and used again and again. The extraction component may comprise a hypodermic needle and the collection component may comprise a pre-calibrated pipette, where the pipette is positioned directly behind the needle and will thus draw the extracted fluid into a pre-sized chamber within the pipette.

Abstract: A tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning a CPAP hose or other hose including a trough for receiving a tube therein, the trough curving downwardly from an apex to an engagement mechanism associated with each opposite end portion of the trough for hanging the hose therefrom, the opposite end portion of the hose being engageable with the engagement mechanism for allowing the hose to soak with a cleaning solution therein, and the hose being receivable within the trough with its opposite end portions extending downwardly from the apex for drying purposes.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a safety block may include an actuator bracket pivotally engaged with a pivot arm. The actuator bracket may be configured to engage a master actuator having a first end moveable with respect to a second end. A secondary actuator may have a first end engaged with the actuator bracket and a second end engaged with the pivot arm such the secondary actuator may cause the pivot arm to move between a first position, in which first position the pivot arm prevents the master actuator from retracting, and a second position, in which second position the pivot arm allows the master actuator to retract.

Abstract: A tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning a CPAP hose or other hose including a trough for receiving a tube therein, the trough curving downwardly from an apex to an engagement mechanism associated with each opposite end portion of the trough for hanging the hose therefrom, the opposite end portion of the hose being engageable with the engagement mechanism for allowing the hose to soak with a cleaning solution therein, and the hose being receivable within the trough with its opposite end portions extending downwardly from the apex for drying purposes.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) mask is provided. The CPAP mask includes a mask support that includes a cavity provided within the mask support. The CPAP mask further includes a mask cushion that is received within the cavity. The mask cushion and the mask support each include an opening. Air can pass from an air delivery tube through the openings and into the mask cushion. The mask cushion can be placed around a patient's breathing orifice to deliver the air to the patient. The CPAP mask further includes a forehead support that is spaced apart form the mask support. A neck portion attaches the forehead support to the mask support. The neck portion is flexible and is molded to both the mask support and the forehead support. The flexible neck portion allows the mask support to move with respect to the forehead support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter having multiple layers including an odor suppressing layer for use with a plurality of different types of air flow inducing devices. One filter layer acts as a standard air filter to filter contaminants out of an air flow. Another filter layer serves as an odor suppressing layer to reduce odors in the air flow. An optional additional layer adds structural integrity to the filter while also supplying additional filtration of particulate.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) mask is provided. The CPAP mask includes a mask support that includes a cavity provided within the mask support. The CPAP mask further includes a mask cushion that is received within the cavity. The mask cushion and the mask support each include an opening. Air can pass from an air delivery tube through the openings and into the mask cushion. The mask cushion can be placed around a patient's breathing orifice to deliver the air to the patient. The CPAP mask further includes a forehead support that is spaced apart form the mask support. A neck portion attaches the forehead support to the mask support. The neck portion is flexible and is molded to both the mask support and the forehead support. The flexible neck portion allows the mask support to move with respect to the forehead support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter assembly which includes a compartmented housing structure having a plurality of inlets and an outlet. A first inlet is positioned in flow communication with a first chamber portion and a first filter member. A second inlet is positioned in flow communication with a second chamber portion and a second filter member. A third chamber portion is located between the first and second filter members and is in flow communication with the outlet such that ambient air entering the housing through the first and second inlets will flow through the first and second filter members into the third chamber portion and through the outlet.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with compressor assemblies such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other breathing apparatus including a compartmented housing member having at least one inlet opening, an outlet opening, a filter member, and an adjustment member associated with the at least one outlet opening for varying the size of the at least one outlet opening for adjusting the amount of ambient air entering the filter assembly.

Abstract: A swivel filter assembly for use with a wide variety of different types of sleep apnea equipment and other respiratory, pressure and/or breathing devices including oxygen concentrators and ventilators, one end portion of the overall assembly being adaptable for coupling to a source for providing air or other gas to the filter assembly and the other end portion being engageable with tubing adaptable for conveying air or other gas away from the filter assembly. The end portion of the filter assembly engageable with associated tubing is freely rotatable relative to the rest of the assembly thereby enabling the tubing engaged therewith to freely swivel and rotate to prevent binding and crimping of the tubing during use by a patient.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly including a substantially frusto-conical shaped housing member having an open end portion and a substantially closed dome shaped portion, the housing member being adaptable for receiving a filter member therewithin and having at least one opening extending through the dome shaped portion for allowing air to enter therewithin. A first end cap member adaptable for engaging one end portion of a filter member is receivable within the housing member, and a second end cap member adaptable for engaging the opposite end portion of a filter member is engageable with the housing member. The second end cap member includes an opening for allowing air to exit the housing member. The housing member includes a centering mechanism engageable with the first end cap member for facilitating centering of the filter member within the housing member when the first end cap member is positioned within the housing member.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly including a substantially frusto-conical shaped housing member having an open end portion and a substantially closed dome shaped portion, the housing member being adaptable for receiving a filter member therewithin and having at least one opening extending through the dome shaped portion for allowing air to enter therewithin. A first end cap member adaptable for engaging one end portion of a filter member is receivable within the housing member, and a second end cap member adaptable for engaging the opposite end portion of a filter member is engageable with the housing member. The second end cap member includes an opening for allowing air to exit the housing member. The housing member includes a centering mechanism engageable with the first end cap member for facilitating centering of the filter member within the housing member when the first end cap member is positioned within the housing member.

Abstract: An improved process of operating a continuous casting mold of the type that includes at least one mold surface and at least one coolant passage that is in thermal communication with the mold surface includes determining based on at least one factor whether it would be most advantageous to direct coolant through the coolant passage in a first direction or in a second, opposite direction. For example, if the mold liner is beneath a predetermined thickness it may be advantageous to circulate the coolant so that it enters the water jacket and the coolant slots that are defined in the mold liner at the bottom and exiting from the top so that there is some prewarming of the coolant before it reaches the meniscus region. Conversely, if the mold liner is thicker it may be desirable to introduce the coolant at the top of the water jacket, thus enhancing the cooling effect in the meniscus region.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pouring tube such as a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a continuous casting machine includes steps of preheating at least one portion of the pouring tube by exposing the pouring tube to intensive radiative heat transfer; and installing the preheated pouring tube into a continuous casting machine. In the preferred embodiment the source of intensive radiative heat transfer is a high intensity infrared heat source that is capable of preheating the pouring tube to a temperature of up to 2000 degrees F. within seven to ten minutes. This compares with conventional gas preheating techniques that typically take over thirty minutes and thus require many steel producers to keep an SEN on constant preheat. By eliminating this necessity, the pouring tube may be prepared for use more quickly and in an environmentally sounder manner than through conventional preheating processes.

Abstract: A side loading transport apparatus for swathers and the like is disclosed comprising a transport vehicle such as a truck or a trailer with one or more load bearing ramps hingably attached along a loading edge thereof, at positions corresponding to the wheel paths of the equipment to be loaded. Each load-bearing ramp has an outboard section that is at least as long as the wheelbase of the wheeled vehicle to be loaded. The swather or equipment can then be driven up onto the load bearing ramp or ramps, and the weight of the equipment will level the load-bearing surface back down onto the transport vehicle—the ramps can be folded up or retracted and the load locked down. No hydraulic or other powered mechanical drive mechanism is needed to raise or lower the load-bearing surface during loading or unloading.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting system and process involves the removal of mold flux from the outer surfaces of the cast strand after it is withdrawn from the continuous casting mold. This will increase the quality of the cast product, as well as reduce the production of corrosive steams and liquids that typically form as a byproduct of the mold flux downstream of the mold. It will also reduce costs that are associated with water treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the mold flux is loosened from the strand by the application of pressurized fluid, and the flux and excess fluid are then removed by suction. The removed flux is preferably dried and then stored in a collection space. Multiple collection spaces may be provided for storing different type of recovered flux. Also disclosed is a system and process of removing flux from the collection space and then premixing it in predetermined proportions with virgin mold flux for reintroduction to the mold.

Abstract: An improved mold assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a mold liner assembly having an inner surface defining a casting space in which molten metal is shaped and cooled, an immersion nozzle, terminating within the casting space, for introducing molten metal into the casting space, and selective cooling structure for selectively cooling the mold liner assembly in such a manner that cooling is directed in varying intensities to different portions of the inner surface of the mold liner assembly according to predetermined circulation patterns in the molten metal, whereby heat transfer inequality as a result of convection is accommodated over the entire inner surface of the mold liner assembly.

Abstract: An improved guide segment assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a support frame and a guide segment that includes a bottom segment portion having a number of support rolls for engaging a bottom surface of a continuously cast strand, and a top segment having a number of guide rolls thereon for engaging a top surface of the strand. A force applicator is provided for urging the top and bottom segment portions toward one another against mechanical stops in order to provide support for the strand that is sufficient to counter ferrostatic pressure within the strand. A resilient mechanism is positioned between the support frame and the guide segment for permitting limited movement between the support frame and the guide segment during abnormal casting conditions. As a result of the resilient mechanism, both the support rolls and the guide rolls will be amply protected against overload conditions during abnormal conditions such as cold withdrawals.