Abstract: A mooring apparatus for ships wherein the mooring cable is fed from a large diameter sheave, said sheave being mounted coaxially with a pinion gear, which in turn meshes with a gear rack. Said gear rack is opposed by a plurality of elastic lines which are anchored to the remote end of a jib. The elastic lines are pretensioned to allow the amount of mooring cable unrolled to vary with such factors as the ship steady drift force, horizontal tower oscillations, etc.

Abstract: A control system for hydrofoil craft is one in which control surfaces are moved automatically in response to signals derived from the motion of the craft to stabilize and control the craft. In such systems, a potentially dangerous condition can occur in case of a failure or malfunction in the roll control system. In order to prevent such conditions, two redundant roll sensing devices are provided which normally generate identical signals to actuate the control surfaces to stabilize the rolling motion. In case of a failure or malfunction, the signals provided by the two sensing devices become different. When this occurs, all normal control signals to the control surfaces are terminated; and secondary feedback loops act to position all control surfaces to smoothly land the craft.

Abstract: A member in the form of a ring connected by radial fins to central hub includes a heater at least for its lower surfaces so that in operation it melts the ice of the iceberg (starting from the top surface thereof) and sinks therethrough with the ice re-freezing above it. The member also includes a central tube removeably attached to the central hub. The tube is fed after the sinking member to provide a vertical shaft through the iceberg. The ring serves to remove a slab of larger diameter than the tube from the lower surface of the iceberg in order to receive a propulsion unit.

Abstract: A marine stern drive includes an inboard engine having an exhaust passageway connected to an outboard drive unit having an exhaust passageway. A transom bracket assembly positioned between the engine and the drive unit permits vertical pivoting of the drive unit for steering and horizontal pivoting of the drive unit for steering and horizontal pivoting of the drive unit for trimming. The improvement includes a first exhaust pipe connected to the inboard engine and a second exhaust pipe connecting to the drive unit. The first exhaust pipe extends outward through the transom of the boat and has an open end position centered on and adjacent the vertical pivot axis and below the vertical pivot axis. The second exhaust pipe extends towards and ends in alignment with the end position of the first exhaust pipe to form an interface which includes an opening between the pipe ends.

Abstract: A plastic information and signalling device having a cross-sectional triangular configuration which is adapted to hang over a partially opened vehicle window to communicate to observers the desired information or signal. The device has pockets into which information and signalling signs may be inserted to visibly display the message on these signs. The device is collapsable into a rectangular shape for convenient storage.

Abstract: A method of rejoining seals at joints in underground pipelines comprises moving a carriage inside a pipeline beyond a joint to be reformed and rapidly spraying a synthetic polymerizable material to cover the joint from a spraying head mounted on the carriage and displaced relatively slowly with respect thereto. The carriage has means for propelling it on rolling members, for anchoring it in the pipeline, and for moving an arm on which the spraying head is mounted.

Abstract: A portion of a melting or fusing adhesive in the form of a cartridge is melted in a melting chamber and supplied under pressure to an adhesive applying device. The latter includes a melting chamber with a heated facing wall having exit holes therein through which the molten adhesive may be pressed out by a piston movable in the melting chamber by way of a power drive.

Abstract: An improved arrangement of electrode plates, semiconductor materials, electrode supports, and electrical power supplying circuitry is useful for plasma treatment of semiconductor materials in a reaction tube in the presence of a reaction gas.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel method for the implantation of fish eggs usually salmonidae eggs in a stream or lake bed and the accompanying apparatus. In practicing this invention the stream or lake bed substrate is subjected to high pressure hydraulic flushing to loosen the gravel and remove undesirable sediment. Once the substrate has been properly prepared fertilized eggs are injected by means of hydraulic pressure into the substrate. The egg planting device of this invention comprises a receptacle for the fertilized eggs which has a valved orifice at its base through which the eggs pass into a central chamber and which central chamber has a lateral orifice to permit the entry of water; the flow of the water being governed by a control valve and the base of the central chamber being provided with a rigid hollow tubing adapted for insertion into the substrate.

Abstract: An animal collar includes a flexible belt with a transparent face or window running along a substantial portion of the belt. A pouch is formed therein for containing a display strip having various identifying and ornamental indicia along one side which are displayed through the transparent face. A transverse slot is provided near one end of the pouch for inserting and removing the strip so that the indicia can be readily changed. A number of indicia-bearing tabs are provided having an adhesive backing for removable attachment to the side of the display strip.

Abstract: A furnace comprising a fire tube and a final combustion chamber located axially downstream thereof is provided with a restricted passage between the fire tube and the final combustion chamber. The passage is located in a partition wall defining the inward end of the fire tube, and a number of grooves, being open towards the fire tube and directed tangentially with respect to an imaginary circle, inscribed within said passage, are formed in the sloping surface of said wall.

Abstract: A vapor generating system in which a vapor generating section and a superheating section are connected in a series flow relationship with a fluid separating section extending between the vapor generating section and the superheating section. The vapor generating section includes an upright furnace section formed by a plurality of tubes, a portion of which extend at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane for passing fluid through the length of the furnace section to convert a portion of the fluid to vapor or to heat the fluid.

Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided for engines which are adapted to operate on gaseous hydrogen fuel and which utilize a fuel tank containing a metal hydride for the storage of hydrogen. The system provides for high pressure operation when the hydride in the fuel tank is fully charged with hydrogen, as well as for operation at low pressures to allow maximum utilization of the hydrogen stored in the hydride. A supply conduit, which can supply the hydrogen needed during normal operation of the engine with minimal pressure drop, connects the storage tank to the fuel intake of the engine. A bypass conduit is provided having one end thereof connected to the supply conduit and its other end reconnected to the supply conduit downstream of the first connection. Valve means are adapted to direct the flow of hydrogen either directly through the supply conduit or to divert the flow of hydrogen from the supply conduit through the bypass conduit and back to the supply conduit downstream from the valve means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the reference or set-point value which is used in a closed-loop fuel control system for comparison with the actual value signal from an exhaust gas analyzer or sensor. The frequency of amplitude alternations of the sensor signal is a measure of engine speed and gas throughput rate. Accordingly, the invention provides generation of a quasi-D.C. signal whose amplitude is related to the frequency of sensor signal alternations. This signal is then used to change the supply voltage for a voltage-dividing circuit that supplies the reference voltage to the comparator circuit. The invention describes continuous and discrete adjustments of the reference signal.

Abstract: A closed-loop air-to-fuel ratio control system having an oxygen responsive sensor and a feedback circuit. The sensor is disposed in an exhaust passage to produce a voltage indicative of the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. This voltage is integrated in the feedback circuit with the integration constant predetermined to vary with respect to the time. Air-to-fuel ratio of the mixture to be supplied to the engine is corrected to the predetermined air-to-fuel ratio in response to the integrated voltage. With the integration constant decreasing with respect to the time, the air-to-fuel ratio is speedily returned to the predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A rotary piston/cylinder engine comprises a rotor assembly which is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation and comprises a double-headed piston member and a double-headed cylinder member defining two cylinders in which two pistons of the piston members reciprocate respectively. One of the members is mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly, while the other member is mounted to rotate about a crank axis which is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly. Thus, the pistons reciprocate relative to the cylinders as the rotor assembly rotates.

Abstract: Two stroke engines of the crankchamber precompression type are described which include an intake port leading from the intake passage and cyclically opened to the crankchamber by means of the piston. Auxiliary intake passages extend between the intake passage and the scavenging passages and include reed type check valves so that the intake mixture is introduced into the crankchamber as soon as the piston upward movement starts. Additional mixture can also be supplied through the auxiliary passages in the scavenging stroke of the engine operation.

Abstract: An intake gas distributor extending from one carburetor to a pair of two-cycle internal combustion cylinders. The cylinders are horizontal and arranged one above the other. The distributor is bifurcated, and its branches are proportioned and arranged so that air/fuel mixture in substantially equal quantity and density flows to both cylinders, despite the inherent tendency of fuel to settle out of the mixture, especially at low load conditions.

Abstract: A single-cylinder two-stroke engine having a carburetor, an intake tube leading into the crankcase, and an intake valve between the intake tube and the crankcase has its carburetor flow axis essentially parallel to the crankshaft axis and has the intake valve and the downstream part of the intake tube arranged so that their axis forms an acute angle with the planes perpendicular to the crankcase axis.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a combustion chamber which communicates via an injection port with an injection chamber whose volume is 0.5 cc.about.1.5 cc. During the intake stroke, air-fuel mixture is introduced from an intake port into the combustion chamber, and at the same time, under the influence of high vacuum produced in the combustion chamber, a jet stream of exhaust gas, air or air-fuel mixture is violently injected from the injection port into the combustion chamber via an auxiliary intake passage communicates with the injection chamber through an auxiliary intake valve, so that the jet stream enhances the ignitability by scavenging burned gases from around a spark gap and also generates strong swirl and turbulence of air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Deceleration control apparatus for a vehicle engine minimizes increase in exhaust pollutants during sudden deceleration while at the same time maintaining effective braking action of the engine to reduce the speed of the vehicle. In addition to a dash pot mechanism subjected to vacuum pressures both upstream and downstream from the engine throttle valve for regulating closing movement of the throttle valve, an air passage communicates with the engine intake passage downstream from the throttle valve. A control valve is operatively interposed in the air passage to admit atmospheric air into the engine intake passage upon sudden deceleration in engine speed. The control valve closes slowly during continued deceleration and closes off the air supply when deceleration ceases.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine based on dynamic engine stability (roughness) compares actual running data with an rpm-dependent but smooth reference signal to obtain a measure of the torque fluctuations of the engine. This measure is fed to a final control element which adjusts the ignition timing angle of the engine alone or in addition to the adjustment of other engine parameters, such as the fuel-air ratio and/or the exhaust gas recycle rate.

Abstract: In an ignition system having a magneto, the ignition timing is advanced when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed, by abruptly changing the voltage applied to the base of a transistor having an emitter-collector circuit connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil. The change in base voltage is such that the primary current flowing before the ignition time is decreased, increasing the primary voltage and thereby advancing the ignition time when the speed of the engine reaches the predetermined speed. The abrupt change is generated by opening or closing a switch which connects a resistor in series or parallel, respectively, with a resistor connected to the base of the transistor. The speed dependent switch may be a transistor whose conductive or non-conductive state is determined by the charge and discharge of a capacitor which, in turn, varies as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ignition control apparatus for controlling the ignition timing of spark plugs mounted in an internal combustion engine. The ignition control apparatus includes a C-MOS type electrical circuit for generating a control signal of the spark plugs based on a fixed spark-advance angle. At the time when the engine is started, the control signal provided from the C-MOS type electrical circuit is used for controlling the ignition timing of the spark plugs.

Abstract: Inside the fuel tank of a small engine liquid fuel system is a buffer chamber that has its interior communicated with the rest of the tank interior only through a small upper air vent and a restricted bottom fuel port. During fueling, fuel enters the buffer chamber slowly and continues to enter it after the tank is apparently full, lowering the fuel level sufficiently to prevent seepage through the tank cap. The engine crankcase is vented to the carburetor air induction passage through a breather check valve in the carburetor body. A first valve, responsive to pressure differences between the atmosphere and the tank interior, vents overpressures in the tank to the crankcase. A second valve, responsive to the difference between tank pressure and subatmospheric cranckcase pressure, admits air to the tank when the engine is running.

Abstract: A fluid motor or vacuum break device for use with the carburetor of an internal combustion engine in which an output plunger of the motor moves in two stages in succession with a period of delay therebetween in response to variable pressure in the form of vacuum from the intake manifold of an engine. Upon admission of vacuum pressure to a variable pressure chamber a diaphragm assembly moves in a first stage after which there is a period of delay and the diaphragm assembly and plunger moves in a second stage together with a movable wall.

Abstract: Controlled exhaust gas recycling can be accomplished by a pneumatically actuated valve which restricts the flow of exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine to the intake manifold. Exhaust gas may be removed from the manifold and enters a pressure chamber through a reduction means, such as an aperture in a plate. The effective cross-sectional area of hydrodynamic flow of the reduction means is chosen to be greater than the effective cross-sectional area of hydrodynamic flow of the valve. The valve is actuated by a diaphragm control means which is coupled to the intake and exhaust manifold. The diaphragm control means controls the amount of partial pressure applied to the pneumatically actuated valve according to the exhaust pressure from the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: Both a system for and method of feeding gasoline fuel into a gasoline burning internal combustion engine are disclosed herein. In accordance with this system and method, gasoline fuel in a liquid state is first supplied to a vaporization chamber where it is vaporized. The gasoline in this state is then directed to the engine. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of vaporized gasoline directed into the engine is automatically varied, depending upon the power developed by the engine.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve for intake air temperature compensation for an internal combustion engine includes a housing formed with first, second, and third openings leading, respectively, to the atmosphere, a negative pressure motor, and the intake manifold of the engine. To this housing is secured a temperature sensor including a piston rod to be actuated by a thermally expandable element whose volume increases or decreases with a change in temperature. A valve element to be moved into and out of contact with a valve seat by the piston rod of the temperature sensor is accommodated in a casing. Inside the casing a holed partition member is disposed between the first and third openings and between the second and third openings, and a check valve designed to open in one direction only is located between the partition member and the third opening.

Abstract: A piston comprising hydrodynamic skirts and crowns, pressure-actuated sealing rings of fixed excursion or balanced by hydrodynamic reactions, or no rings at all, stringent temperature control, ample oil on the cylinder wall even near top-dead-center, characterized by absence of abrasion between piston and cylinder and much lower friction, resulting thereby in higher fuel-economy and longer engine-life.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprising a generally cylindrical stator member having two pairs of sockets located in the interior peripheral wall thereof, and a rotor member mounted to rotate within the stator member. Two pairs of opposing wedges are pivotally mounted at their vertices on the interior peripheral wall of the stator member to pivot in and out of respective ones of the sockets as the rotor member is caused to rotate within the stator member. The rotor member has an outermost periphery which, in cooperation with the peripheral wall of the stator member and the two pairs of pivotal wedges, define at selected paint in time and for brief a combustion cavity and a compression cavity therebetween. The instantaneous combustion cavity and compression cavity are disposed on opposite sides of the stator member adjacent the peripheral wall thereof.

Abstract: Effective supervision of the road speed of a diesel truck requires termination of the operation of the engine when the truck is operated at an excessive speed. Utilizing to advantage what is already available, namely an engine shut-down control when the engine lubricating oil pressure is below a specified pressure, the device hereof provides the referred to road speed supervision in an effective manner and with minimum expense and complication. Specifically, the within road speed control contemplates creating an "artificial" loss of lubricating oil pressure, i.e. one that is not due to an actual defect or malfunction of the lubricating oil circulating system, but rather one that is responsive to the operation of the truck at an excessive speed. Said "artificial" loss of lubricating oil pressure is, of course, just as effective as an actual pressure loss in causing engine shut-off or slow-down, thereby providing effective road speed supervision for the diesel truck.

Abstract: A rotor mounted in a housing forms a first compression chamber and a second expansion chamber with the housing. A third collection chamber formed in the housing between the first and second chambers collects compressed fluid or gas from the first chamber and feeds it to the second chamber for ignition. The rotor has three equi-angularly spaced wiper arms mounted on the circumference for engaging with the inner surface of the housing, and forces the gas into the collection chamber, and receives the impact of the force released by the ignition of the gas or fluid to thereby drive the rotor and a mainshaft attached to the rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal combustion engine having no intake throttle valve and comprising a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber which are interconnected with each other via a connecting passage. An annular raised portion is formed on the inner wall of the auxiliary chamber, and the auxiliary chamber is divided into a first auxiliary chamber and a second auxiliary chamber by the annular raised portion. The connecting passage is tangentially connected to the inner wall of the second auxiliary chamber. The nozzle of a fuel injector is disposed in the auxiliary chamber and is directed to the recess which is formed in the second auxiliary chamber beneath the annular raised portion at a position located opposite to the inner wall to which the connecting passage is tangentially connected with respect to the axis of the auxiliary chamber. The spark gap of a spark plug is located in the recess of the second auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: A bow frame is formed with a straight central portion and a pair of end limbs, with the latter extending either parallel to or toward the axis of draw. The bow string is about as long as the said central portion and is drawn toward the latter. The limbs are integral with the straight central portion, or may be pivotally mounted to the limb ends and biased outwardly by springs.

Abstract: A compound bow having limb members adjustably pivotally mounted on opposite ends of a handle member by a limb adjustment assembly including an arcuate rib and groove connection and an adjustable bolt fixedly holding the limb members in various adjusted positions relative to the handle member; a cable adjustment assembly mounted on an inner end portion of each limb member having a rotatable shaft member upon which an end of a cable may be adjustably wound and unwound to change the effective length of the cable with a ratchet mechanism to hold the shaft member in an adjusted position; an idler pulley assembly mounted on each limb member adjacent the outer end thereof and being pivotally mounted for inward and outward movement along the limb members and being rotatably mounted for rotation about an axis inclined to the limb members; and an eccentric wheel assembly mounted on the tips of each limb member, there being interrelated cooperatively located markings associated with the limb adjustment wheel assembly to

Abstract: A stove shaped to fit flush with the top and sides of a standard kitchen counter, with the stove designed to burn solid fuel such as wood, coal or trash. The stove is formed of insulated rectangular side walls and an insulated rectangular rear wall, with an insulated rectangular floor mounted at the bottom of the stove sides. The interior is divided into an upper combustion space and a lower ash collection compartment, with a slidable drawer mounted in the lower ash collection compartment to enable ready removal of the burnt ashes. A front door enclosed the ash collection compartment, and a removable top plate provides access to the combustion space.

Abstract: A water heating and forced air heating system that provides potable hot water and that also provides heated air for heating enclosed spaces within buildings, including: a water heater including a water tank filled with water, a burner for heating the water in the tank, and an exhaust flue for removing hot gases generated by the burner; a gas-to-liquid heat exchange unit disposed within the flue; a forced air heater having a casing that defines a chamber, a liquid-to-gas heat exchange unit disposed within the chamber, a gas-to-gas heat exchange unit also disposed within the chamber, and a blower for pulling fresh air into the chamber and blowing it past the heat exchange units to absorb heat; a pump for pumping water through the gas-to-liquid heat exchange unit so that the water becomes heated by the hot gases within the flue; another pump for pumping heated water through the liquid-to-gas heat exchange unit to heat the air flowing within the chamber; and a conduit for connecting the terminal end of the flue t

Abstract: A novel forced air fireplace heating unit in which a plenum for delivering heated air to a room or other space overlies a double jacketed furnace and communicates with an air heating space between the furnace's jackets, whereby air introduced into the heating space by convection or by a blower flows through the heating space and then through the plenum for delivery to the area to be heated.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided comprising a cover assembly which employs a flexible polymeric cover sheet and means for stretching the cover sheet and maintaining it taut under various ambient temperature conditions, a simple and economical peripheral supporting structure, and support means for a solar heat exchanger of the solar collector which supports such heat exchanger in a high strength manner yet in thermally insulated relation.

Abstract: The invention involves solar energy collecting units and a system for mounting such units on a support surface. Each unit has a solar radiation collecting panel through which a heat transferring fluid such as water can pass. Each panel can be connected to the panel of adjacent units so that the heat transferring fluid can pass among a series of units as it is being heated. A tapered fluid inlet manifold is provided at one end of the solar collecting panel with a similar tapered fluid outlet manifold at the opposite end. An inlet tube is in communication with the inlet manifold and an outlet tube is in communication with the outlet manifold. Male-female couplings are provided about the respective inlet and outlet tubes so that adjacent solar collecting units can be easily and quickly connected. The tapered manifolds allow the fluid to drain quickly and completely out of whichever end of the collector panel is lower when the panel is not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting radiant solar energy to provide solar heating which may be used singly or in multiples as modular units. The apparatus is constructed as a self-contained unit having an insulated base, an energy receiving surface positioned adjacent the insulated base, and a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in contact with the energy receiving surface. The top or cover of the collector module is positioned in spaced relationship adjacent the energy receiving surface. The cover is transparent to solar energy and is provided with a plurality of spaced raised structures having surfaces angularly disposed to transmit radiant solar energy to the energy receiving surface. Side walls provide a self-contained unit and permit mounting of the unit on a surface.

Abstract: Solar heating system, wherein solar heating assemblies are adapted to form the roof of a structure. The solar heating assemblies may not occupy the entire surface area of a roof, but the upper sheathing elements of the solar heating assemblies may extend over the entire roof area so that no other provision for roofing of the structure is necessary.

Abstract: An improved solar collector system includes a moveable surface to receive solar radiation. The moveable collector surface is supported by at least one load bearing universal joint. The movement of the collector surface is accomplished by a hydraulic actuated tracking system to enable the collector surface to be oriented toward the sun to achieve maximum solar energy recovery. The hydraulic actuated tracking system includes at least two hydraulic cylinders and pistons whereby the primary piston and cylinder control the position of the secondary piston and cylinder which, in turn, control the orientation of the collector surface.

Abstract: In a solar thermal energy collection system comprising at least one unitary, coextruded solar collector panel, having an upper, heat insulating region, and a lower, heat absorbing region, each region having channels extending longitudinally therethrough, adapted to contain a fluid therein, and a pair of headers, connected to the collector panel along an interface abutting the ends of the channels of the heat insulating region and the heat absorbing region, and connecting the collector panel to the remainder of the collection system, an improved header is provided; having a wall, which extends outward, initially tangentially, from a point along the interface which is substantially closest to the axial center of the header, and then along the interior of the wall of the header, forming a transitional channel which communicates with the second channels and which uniformly directs a fluid between the second channels and the central cavity defined by the header; and having an inner and outer wall, separating the c

Abstract: A device for selectively opening and closing a tubular body organ comprises a sleeve adapted to encircle the body organ and formed with a pressurizable compartment between inner and outer walls. The sleeve is connected by a duct to a supply vessel which is compressible to express a pressure medium into the sleeve by manipulation externally of the body. The supply vessel, which is implanted below the skin of the patient, is provided with means for retaining it in a compressed state, thereby retaining the blocked state of the body organ and preventing passage of a body material, e.g. feces or urine, therethrough. The latter means can be released to permit expansion of the supply vessel and hence return a fluid from the sleeve into the vessel.

Abstract: The disclosed Diabetic Insulin Alarm System is designed to monitor certain physiological conditions of the wearer associated with insulin shock. The system includes means to sense such physiological conditions of the wearer and to produce an electrical output. This output actuates a pulse generator which in turn energizes an oscillator producing oscillations that are applied both to an enclosed speaker and to a tuned circuit. The tuned circuit, in turn, energizes an antenna which radiates electromagnetic energy at a frequency to which an electromagnetic receiver may be tuned. Thus, by tuning an electromagnetic receiver, such as a radio, to the frequency radiated by the antenna, a wearer can employ the receiver to alert him to the onset of insulin shock, the audible tone produced by the speaker even waking him when asleep.

Abstract: A method and system for the non-invasive detection of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in erythrocytes. Light at least partially within the fluorescence excitation spectrum of ZPP is directed onto the skin of a patient. The resultant incident light reflection and ZPP fluorescence from the region underlying the irradiated skin are detected. Signals representative of the detected light are generated and combined to provide a signal representative of the ZPP concentration in the erythrocytes within the sample region.

Abstract: A noninvasive blood pressure measuring and recording system includes an inflatable cuff for encircling a portion of the human body, a pump for inflating and deflating the cuff for selectively occluding an arterial vessel, a detector for detecting flow variation through the arterial vessel as cuff pressure is decreased, and a recorder for recording cuff pressure values corresponding to the detected flow variation. The pump is a reversible single stroke sleeve diaphragm pump pneumatically coupled to the cuff and provides a selected, repeatable linear rate of pressure change for accurate, repeatable measurements through an automatically controllable motor operating at a selected constant speed to actuate the pump. A speed control changes the linear rate of pressure change in response to detected flow variations to enhance accuracy of measurement of selected variations, such as those identified with the systolic and diastolic pressures.

Abstract: Respiratory gas flow data is synchronously provided along with continuous samples of the gases for analysis by a medical mass spectrometer. The gas flow data is determined by use of the differential pressure across a resistive core in a sampling flowmeter and the flow value at any instant is registered by proportionately admitting a non-toxic gas that is foreign to the normal respiratory gases into the sampling inlet in a quantity controlled by the differential pressure. The quantity of foreign gas therefore represents flow and is drawn through the inlet tube in exact synchronism with its corresponding respiratory gas sample for analysis by the spectrometer. The generated signal representing the amount of foreign gas, hence the flow, may then be used with the signals representing concentration of the various gases in the corresponding respiratory gas sample to calculate various medical parameters, such as oxygen uptake, where the exact synchronism of these signals is important.