Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced orthoses are described with respect to fiber orientation of layers making up the laminate and with respect to load to strength ratios, safety zones, loading zones and relationships between these zones. Orthoses involved are such as ankle-foot orthoses, which include the subset of knee ankle-foot orthoses.

Abstract: Laminate orthoses, preferably fiber-reinforced laminate orthoses, and preferably ankle-foot orthoses, are described. The shape, relative orientation, and positioning of layers comprising the orthoses may be configured and assembled in embodiments to manage the distribution of external static and dynamic loads through and within the orthosis. Peak stresses and strains developed in the orthosis from external static or dynamic loading may be managed such that they may be greater in certain areas and lesser in other areas. Layers of material comprising an orthosis may have unique and/or nonuniform shapes with cutouts, nonuniform or ply drop offs, and tapering. These irregular configurations may serve to focus, increase, decrease, or otherwise manage internal stresses developed from external static and dynamic loading at various target areas of an orthosis.

Abstract: Laminate orthoses, preferably fiber-reinforced laminate orthoses, and preferably ankle-foot orthoses, are described. The shape, relative orientation, and positioning of layers comprising the orthoses may be configured and assembled in embodiments to manage the distribution of external static and dynamic loads through and within the orthosis. Peak stresses and strains developed in the orthosis from external static or dynamic loading may be managed such that they may be greater in certain areas and lesser in other areas. Layers of material comprising an orthosis may have unique and/or nonuniform shapes with cutouts, nonuniform or ply drop offs, and tapering. These irregular configurations may serve to focus, increase, decrease, or otherwise manage internal stresses developed from external static and dynamic loading at various target areas of an orthosis.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced orthoses are described with respect to fiber orientation of layers making up the laminate and with respect to load to strength ratios, safety zones, loading zones and relationships between these zones. Orthoses involved are such as ankle-foot orthoses, which include the subset of knee ankle-foot orthoses.

Abstract: In a filling valve for a counterpressure filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, comprising a filling valve body including a filling channel, a centering tulip for positioning a container below the filling channel in sealed connection therewith, second channels in said valve body coacting with said filling channel for at least one of evacuating, pressurizing and relieving a container located within said second channels, wherein the improvement comprises each said auxiliary valve includes an axially elongated control bolt located in said filling valve body for opening one of said second channels, said control bolt having a first end located within said filling valve body and a second end located on the outside of said filling valve body, a cam plate located opposite the second end of said control bolt outside of said filling valve body and selectively engageable by the second end of said control bolt, and means associated with said centering tulip for cooperating with said c

Abstract: A liquid filling valve arranged on a rotating tank of liquid for filling bottles includes a spray line for directing a cleansing spray of the liquid against liquid carrying parts in the event of bottle breakage. A valve is provided in the body of the filling valve for communicating the liquid from a liquid feeder line to the spray line, the internal valve being arranged to be actuated upon breakage of a bottle.

Abstract: A device for use in filling bottles with liquid stored in a reservoir is disclosed. The device utilizes a short gas conduit for venting the bottle to be filled. When the level of liquid reaches the level of the conduit, the outflow of gas displaced during the filling process ceases and the filling process is greatly slowed. Liquid which is drawn into the conduit is blocked by a check valve which does not impede gas flow. After such blockage, the device is so constructed as to allow the liquid to drain back into the bottle. This single conduit is used for both the intake and exhausting of gas, as may be required during the filling process.

Abstract: The pipeless filling unit for counterpressure bottling machines includes a siphon closure consisting of a bell-shaped stopper projecting with its rim portion into an annular groove. The bell-shaped stopper is fixedly held in position in the liquid discharging channel and has a central boring for guiding an axially displaceable valve tube; the bell-shaped rim portion of the stopper is provided around the whole circumference with a plurality of vertically and radially directed slits for intercepting and rinsing away particles from the discharged liquid.

Abstract: In a counterpressure filling machine for filling a liquid in bottles or the like, the filling member is provided without a feed pipe. The filling member includes a valve housing with a centering bell mounted on its lower end. A gas pipe laterally enclosed by a filling sleeve is positioned within and extends downwardly through the housing and the centering bell. The gas pipe is a fixed member and the filling sleeve is axially displaceable relative to it between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the lower end of the filling sleeve bears against a sealing seat on a repelling shield located at the lower end of the gas pipe.