Abstract: A fire sprinkler has a flow passage for water or other extinguishing fluid closed by a frangible body, which may be a simple disc. A separate mechanism responsive to temperature-rise conditions shatters the frangible body, and the fluid then flows from the passage to impinge on a distributor (as in conventional sprinklers). The shattering mechanism is preferably actuated by a shape-memory alloy, preferably in sheet form, which can be located below the distributor for maximum exposure to radiant as well as convective heat; it can also be thermally insulated, contributing further to speed of response.

Abstract: A controlled apparatus for withdrawing fluids from a patient or for administering medication to a patient, or both, which controlled apparatus may be remotely and/or automatically controlled. The apparatus includes a manifold and cannula for connecting the manifold to a patient, one or more syringes connected to the manifold, a pump for pumping liquid into and out of the manifold and a controller for controlling the operation of the syringes and the pump. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.The controlled apparatus is especially useful for the programmed withdrawal of blood from a blood vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A syringe capable of remote and/or automatic control. The syringe comprises a housing defining a main chamber, a piston at one end of the chamber and biasing means for urging the piston toward the other end of the chamber, and an opening into the chamber for liquid to pass. The piston is prevented from moving by a fusible element seated on the piston and on a fuse stop for preventing the movement. A heater is provided near the fuse stop which, when energized, melts that end of the fusible element to reduce its length and thereby permit movement of the piston under the urging of the biasing means. In this way injection or aspiration is accomplished.The heater may be energized and deenergized at will and when deenergized the fusible element ceases to be melted and the movement of the piston stops.

Abstract: Temperature readings from a thermistor 16 can be recorded in a counter 20 by means of a self-balancing bridge 17 when gate 15 is open for the same four hours of each day. Clock 10 is set to initiate the four hour period at say 06.00 hrs. so that the body temperature measurement is taken after waking but before rising. Measurements for the first three days of the menstrual cycle are rejected (19) and for the next eight days are accummulated in a store 22. These measurements are subject to a diurnal correction 21 to reduce them to the temperature at the beginning of the 4 hour period. The mean of eight readings is determined (23) and subsequent readings compared (24) with the mean. A Cusum statistical test is then applied to determine the beginning of the infertile period signalled by a rise in body temperature and produce a corresponding display 27.