Abstract: A system controller such as a microprocessor receives voltage signals produced from a resistor identifying the functional or nonfunctional operating state of a power switch which controls the amount of power provided to a load in an electrical system. The resistor is also used to provide voltage signals representing the temperature of a heating element of the type used in heating pads and heating blankets. The functional or nonfunctional operating state of a safety switch in a safety circuit capable of blowing a fuse and cutting power to the load is periodically tested to ensure the safety of the electrical system.

Abstract: The response of a switch supplying electrical power to a load is periodically tested to ensure proper operation and control over the switch. In the event the switch does not respond to commands from a controller during a test cycle to turn off and open a circuit supplying power to the load, a short circuit is created by a test switch. In this event, a fuse is automatically blown preventing uncontrolled power from reaching the load. In one example, the load can take the form of a resistive heating element in an electric heating blanket or electric heating pad.

Abstract: A compact portable path illuminating light can be coupled to mobility assisting devices such as walking sticks, canes and wheelchairs. A night beacon can automatically illuminate at timed intervals to assist a user in locating the light in the dark. This night beacon can be selectively enabled and disabled by a user. The status of various operating modes of the light are visually confirmed through illumination of several different colored lights.

Abstract: A compact portable path illuminating light can be coupled to mobility assisting devices such as walking sticks, canes and wheelchairs. A night beacon can automatically illuminate at timed intervals to assist a user in locating the light in the dark. This night beacon can be selectively enabled and disabled by a user. The status of various operating modes of the light are visually confirmed through illumination of several different colored lights.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a safety circuit for use in textile heating devices, such as heating pads, heating blankets, and the like. The safety circuit provides a system for checking/verifying the integrity of the controller, which can shut off power to the textile heating device if the controller has lost integrity.

Abstract: A collar mounted bark control device which is positionable about the neck of a dog. The bark control device includes a collar with a housing mounted thereto. The housing contains a power source such as a battery or the like. Microphones are positioned on the housing for detecting the sound produced by the dog while barking. A processing unit (CPU) is provided for receiving the signals from the microphones for making a bark determination. A corrective stimulus is applied to the dog when the CPU makes a positive bark determination. The corrective stimulus can be provided by a pair of electrodes for applying an electroshock to the neck of the dog. Alternatively, the corrective stimulus can be provided by a high frequency emitter, a vibration., a spray, an audible deterrent, or an irritant to the dog.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a safety circuit for use in textile heating devices, such as heating pads, heating blankets, and the like. The safety circuit provides a system for checking/verifying the integrity of the controller, which can shut off power to the textile heating device if the controller has lost integrity.

Abstract: A replaceable system for use with a hair cutting device, such as a hair clipper or trimmer, having a rotary electric motor and a bladeset is provided. The replaceable system includes a drive member removably positionable between the rotary electric motor and the bladeset of the hair cutting device. The drive member includes a first end operably engaged to a moveable blade of the bladeset and a second end operably engaged to the rotary electric motor. The drive member translating the rotary motion of the rotary electric motor to a reciprocating linear motion. An extraction tool is further provided, where the extraction tool is removable attachable to the drive member and is usable to remove and insert the drive member between the rotary motor and the bladeset.

Abstract: A therapeutic low wattage heating pad safe for use in a bed and to sleep with while in operation includes a pair of opposed multi-layer constructions housing a resistive heating wire. The heating pad is operable in a plurality of consistent heating modes at various temperature levels, as well as a cycling mode that offers a varying range of temperatures over a period of time.

Abstract: A humidifier has a first sealable reservoir feeding water to a second reservoir communicating with ambient atmosphere. A blower is adapted to blow a stream of air through the humidifier to ambient atmosphere, such that the stream of air picks up water vapor from any water that may be in the second reservoir. A feeder valve feeds a quickly-evaporable quantity of water from the first reservoir into the second reservoir. The quickly-evaporable quantity of water in the second reservoir is substantially smaller than the water capacity of the first reservoir. A dry-out mechanism shuts off the feeder valve upon a user command and continues to run the blower at least until the quickly-evaporable quantity of water has evaporated to an extent effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the microorganism-vulnerable reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warming blanket system having a fabric comprising a heating element, a data temperature mechanism configured to provide ambient air temperature data, a user input configured to provide user heat output preference data for a given normal ambient temperature, and a control system configured to input said air temperature and user heat output preference data and adjust heat output to said heating element based upon a deviation of a measured ambient temperature from said normal ambient temperature.

Abstract: A humidifier having a lighted water tank. A lamp illuminates the tank so that the water level of the tank is visible from across the room. The lamp may extend into a lens, which in one embodiment is faceted to aid in dispersing light into the tank. The illuminated tank may also serve as a night light.

Abstract: A warming fabric having temperature compensation controls that vary the heat output of the warming fabric to adjust for changes in ambient temperature. A thermistor or another mechanism that is configured to generate information about the temperature of the location of the blanket is used to generate temperature data. A microcomputer uses the temperature data to determine how the heat output of the warming fabric should be modified due to ambient temperature. To do so, a look up table or an algorithm may be used to calculate the appropriate heat output.

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure oxygen cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve also may be used for other purposes. The surge prevention valve may have a housing with an inlet and an outlet. A seal unit may be used to close the main flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and a bleed passageway may be provided in the seal unit to bypass the main flow path. The valve may have an actuator for opening the bleed passageway and for moving the seal unit to open the main flow path. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manual push-then-turn operation is used to open the valve. The actuator may be used to threadedly move the seal unit toward and away from the valve seat to close and open the main flow path. In addition, a valve rod may be provided for closing the bleed passageway.

Abstract: A humidifier having a lighted water tank. A lamp illuminates the tank so that the water level of the tank is visible from across the room. The lamp may extend into a lens, which in one embodiment is faceted to aid in dispersing light into the tank. The illuminated tank may also serve as a night light.

Abstract: A pressure regulator utilizing a gauge having rugged internal components. In one embodiment, the gauge has a low profile and is mounted to the regulator body. In another embodiment, the gauge is integral with the regulator body. In one preferred embodiment, the gauge includes a pressure pin and a bias, such as a spring. One side of the pressure pin communicates directly with the source pressure and is urged by the source pressure to move the pressure pin in a first direction, while the other side of the pressure pin is at a known pressure, such as ambient or atmospheric pressure, and is urged by the bias to move the pressure pin in a second direction opposed to the first direction. An indication of the position of the pressure pin is sensed by a user and is used to determine the source pressure or level. In one aspect, the indicator is a pointer or indicator mounted to move in response to movement of the pressure pin and mounted so that its position is visible (i.e., sensed by sight) to the user.

Abstract: A fluid outlet system is provided for selectively providing a plurality of fluids (e.g., oxygen, medical air and vacuum) at different locations. The fluids are provided by a multifluid distribution system, and the fluids are selected by positioning an active fascia assembly at a desired location along the length of the distribution system. Access to other sections of the distribution system is inhibited by blank fascia assemblies. The active and blank fascia assemblies can be repositioned as desired to change the types of fluids supplied to medical apparatuses and the like, and to change the locations at which such fluids are accessed.

Abstract: A fluid outlet system is provided for selectively providing a plurality of fluids (e.g., oxygen medical air and vacuum) at different locations. The fluids are provided by a multifluid distribution system, and the fluids are selected by positioning an active fascia assembly at a desired location along the length of the distribution system. Access to other sections of the distribution system is inhibited by blank fascia assemblies. The active and blank fascia assemblies can be repositioned as desired to change the types of fluids supplied to medical apparatuses and the like, and to change the locations at which such fluids are accessed.

Abstract: A fluid conduit coupler having a body means for providing a fluid flow passage between a first fluid flow conduit and a second fluid flow conduit, connection means for connecting the body means to the first and second conduits to establish fluid flow path from the first conduit through the passage to the second conduit and operating means for operating a valve controlling the flow of fluid through the first conduit in response to the connection of the body means to the first and second conduits.

Abstract: An electronic vacuum suction regulator for regulating the vacuum applied to a patient is disclosed in which the vacuum source generally present in patient rooms in a hospital is utilized to drive an air motor which is connected to an AC generator to produce an alternating current which is then converted to a regulated DC current and used to operate a microprocessor and associated circuitry. The programmed microprocessor operates an electrical valve which turns the suction vacuum to the patient on and off and also provides a display of desired parameters by means of a lighted LCD display. The microprocessor may be programmed by means of an on-board keyboard.