Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use in fitness exercising and rehabilitation having a treadmill with a rearward end, a frame connected to the treadmill and positioned behind the rearward end of the treadmill, and a resistance apparatus affixed to the frame and having an end connectable to a human body. The resistance apparatus exerts a resistance force onto the human body from a back of the human body so that the human body carries out a forward motion on the treadmill. The frame includes a horizontal section connected to the treadmill and a vertical section extending upwardly from the horizontal section. The resistance apparatus is connected to the vertical section. The resistance apparatus includes a cord extending from the frame and having a mechanism attached to an end thereof so as to allow the cord to be connected to a human body.

Abstract: A visual aid system for attachment to a hitch of a motor vehicle to a trailer including a first pole cantably attached onto the hitch connector ball of the motor vehicle and a second pole articulated to the hitch mechanism of the trailer so as to move to a position directly above the socket of the hitch mechanism. The first pole includes a pole member and a receptacle affixed to a lower end of the pole member. The receptacle has a groove formed circumferentially around an interior thereof. An elastomeric band is located within the groove so as to be interposed between the ball and the receptacle. The second pole includes a pole member, an articulatable connector pivotally connected to an end of the pole member, and a base affixed to the hitch mechanism of the trailer. The articulatable connector is pivotally connected to the base. A phosphorescent cap is affixed to a top of the first pole so as to emit light outwardly from an upper portion of the first pole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, are disclosed. A manually operated air pump is positioned on the patient's chest. A mask is positioned on the patient's face. An air line connects the mask to the air pump. Vertically downward stokes are applied to the air pump. The downward strokes provide resuscitative chest compressions and charge an air holding tank. Periodically, the contents of the air holding tank are discharged through the air line and into the mask to provide resuscitative patient ventilations. In one embodiment, the compressions are provided in response to signals from a timing device and the ventilations are provided automatically.

Abstract: A fail-safe valve actuator includes a hydraulic piston (17) and cylinder (15) for driving the valve stem (9) and gate member (35) of a gate valve into a first flow control state responsive to sufficient pressure delivered by a fluid or gas supply line (92). Upon failure or other loss of sufficient control line pressure, a volute spring (7) drives the cylinder (15), and hence the stem (9) and gate member (35), axially outward resulting in the valve being moved into a second flow control state.

Abstract: A gate valve for cutting a wire line (20) and closing in a well has a gate assembly (24) formed of an upper gate (32) and a lower gate (34). The lower gate (34) closes first shearing the wire line. Upper gate (32) closes second and seals against upper valve seat (42).

Abstract: A normally non-rising stem valve with a stem backseat (67,70) normally maintained in unseated position by a eutectic element (62). A spring (76) urges the backseat into seating position and is placed inwardly of a replaceable stem packing (34) so that upon melting of the eutectic (62) and positive seating of the backseat (67,70), the packing (34) can be replaced.

Abstract: An actuator for moving the stem (9) of a gate valve or the like is provided with hydraulic means (15,17) for driving the stem (9) axially inward and a volute spring (7) for returning the stem axially outward upon loss or other removal of the control hydraulic pressure. A ball screw (49) and ball nut (54) assembly rotatable by a disengageable drive shaft (63) is operable to manually drive the stem (9) inward during periods of insufficient control pressure.

Abstract: A pair (20) of unidirection actuators are opposingly disposed coaxially about an elongated member (1) for controllably imparting a series of stepwise rotary movements thereto. An outer race (5) disposed within a housing (2) is rotationally reciprocated as a result of the axial reciprocation of a coaxial drive member (3) under the influence of reciprocation means (12, 15, 9). An overrunning clutch (6) converts the reciprocal rotary motion of the outer race (5) into a series of uniform unidirectional stepwise angular movements.

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (16) having heat transfer means (46) cooperatively associated therewith and that embodies a U-like sealing means (44). The fire resistant connection (16) with heat transfer means (46) is operative for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (22, 18). The heat transfer means (46) includes a first heat transfer element (58), and a second heat transfer element (60). The subject fire resistant connection (16) includes the aforementioned U-like sealing means (44) and the aforereference mating surfaces (22, 18).

Abstract: A metallic spring member 30 cooperates with grooves 32, 34 disposed in pressure containing members 10, 12. The spring member 30 has an E-shaped cross section and is compressed both horizontally and vertically when the members 10, 12 are fully engaged. The seal is self-energizing under normal operating conditions and able to accommodate small, but significant relative motion between the pressure containing members 10, 12 during conditions of abnormally high and unevenly distributed temperature.

Abstract: A seal assembly which includes a first seal ring having a geometric axis. The first seal ring has a unitary support member having a cross section which is generally T-shaped. The T-shaped cross section is defined by a hoop shaped section, having inner and outer faces, which is coaxial with the geometric axis and a section of a generally disc shaped section which is also coaxial with the geometric axis. A first annular elastomeric seal abuts one of the faces; and a second annular elastomeric seal abuts the other of the faces.

Abstract: A throttling valve which includes a stem having a shoulder thereon. The lower end of the valve stem extends into a valve seat. The stem includes a shoulder which forces the seat downwardly. The seat mechanism incorporates a seal which encircles the stem. The shoulder on the stem engages a wedge-shaped member driven into a softer member, causing radial expansion to tighten snugly about the stem. A fixed seat member is also incorporated. This enables throttling without erosion of the components when the flow is cut to a trickle, particularly in high pressure circumstances.

Abstract: A metallic spring member 30 cooperates with grooves 32, 34 disposed in pressure containing members 10, 12. The spring member 30 has an E-shaped cross section and is compressed both horizontally and vertically when the members 10, 12 are fully engaged. The seal is self-energizing under normal operating conditions and able to accommodate small, but significant relative motion between the pressure containing members 10, 12 during conditions of abnormally high and unevenly distributed temperature.