Abstract: A urological instrument for use with an endoscope and an endoscope sheath to facilitate the insertion of one or more catheters or flexible instruments from the bladder into the ureter. The instrument includes an elongated sleeve for receiving the stem of the endoscope, a deflecting element pivotally mounted at the distal end of that sleeve, and a mechanism at the proximal end of the sleeve for operating the deflecting element. The mechanism is spring-loaded so that the deflecting element normally assumes a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of the sleeve. Such mechanism also includes a finger lever for selectively controlling the angular position of the deflecting element. A finger brace projects outwardly from the sleeve on the opposite side from the lever.

Abstract: The pressure relief support structure comprises a sheet-like flexible cover and a mechanical apparatus under the cover. The mechanical apparatus consists essentially of a frame, an endless belt assembly of tapered rollers, a pair of spaced track members for support of an upper stretch of the belt assembly, and means for moving the belt assembly to cause its tapered rollers to move in sequence along the upper stretch. Preferably, the tapered rollers are segmented into frusto-conical sections independently rotatable with respect to each other; and in addition, the track members are preferably contoured to allow a depression of at least a part of the upper stretch of the belt assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic belt which is peculiarly adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the body is disclosed. The belt appliance includes one or more inflatable cell structures integrally formed with the belt body as an extrusion. The inflatable structures are divided into air cell pockets by means of die cutting and heat sealing operations, and the pockets are fluidically connected to an air source by an air duct which is also integrally formed with the belt body and the inflatable cells. The pockets have different configurations and vary in size, and the extrusion is fabricated from a plastic vinyl material which exhibits a low coefficient of stretchability. The inflated configuration of the cell structure is also memorized into the material whereby substantially the same inflated configuration is always obtained. Precisely defined and located contact areas, developing predetermined amounts of counterpressure, are thus present within the appliance for application to the body portions for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A therapeutic corset which is peculiarly adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the body is disclosed. The corset appliance includes one or more inflatable cell structures which are detachable from the corset and positionally adjustable therein. Different cells have differently sized and configured air pockets, and, as a result of the interchangeability of the cells as facilitated by their ready detachment from the corset, different therapeutic results may be achieved, depending upon the particular cell chosen. The cells are fabricated from a plastic vinyl material which exhibits a low coefficient of stretchability, and, in addition, the inflated configuration of the cell is memorized into the cell structure. Consequently, upon inflation of the cell, the same always assumes substantially the same configuration whereby precisely located counterpressure may be applied to particular areas of the lumbar region of the body.

Abstract: An elongated tubular protective cover for a cast enclosed body limb portion is provided and at least one end of the protective cover is open and includes an elongated flexible seal band of water impervious material carried by one end of the cover and for wrapping about that end and the adjacent limb portion disposed outwardly of the cover in an edge overlapping spiral manner in order to form a fluid tight seal between the cover and the adjacent limb portion. The cover includes inner and outer telescopingly engaged tubular member constructed of flexible fluid impervious material and the inner tubular member includes features rendering it pervious to air flow therethrough. Also, at least one moisture absorptive spacing member is disposed between the outer and inner surfaces of the inner and outer tubular members.

Abstract: An adjustable post-surgical shoe having two sole portions which are slidably connected by a pin and tube means and which has a separate means for securing the sole portions in adjusted positions.

Abstract: A restraint device is positioned in a generally upright manner transversely to a child's waist to prevent a child's hands from reaching the lower half of the body which may have casts thereon or be in traction. The restraint device is a generally flat plate having a contoured bottom wall which overlies the child's waist, and is secured to the side rails of a bed by straps.

Abstract: The intravenous feeding pump actuator of the present invention is driven by a small, very slow speed motor and a gear train, such as one rotating the output shaft at a speed of one revolution per minue (1 r.p.m.). The single motor drives a readily replaceable cam which is slipped into position on the drive shaft and needs no other means for attaching it thereto. Each of the cams normally supplied with the actuator is designed to give a predetermined number of rocking movements per minute to a cam follower which directly operates the associated intravenous pump, and simultaneously controls the limit of travel of the cam follower and thus the length of the stroke of the pump operator. It will be understood that each of the cams will provide for a different flow rate for the associated pump by controlling the number of strokes per minute and the length of each stroke and is readily changeable so that one can be quickly and easily removed and another placed in its stead when determined by operating conditions.

Abstract: A self injector having a spring powered gun assembly including a plunger rod driven forwardly by a compressed spring which is releasable by a retainer member to fire the plunger rod, and a cartridge assembly connected to said gun assembly, the cartridge assembly comprising a cylindrical shield connected to the gun assembly, a cartridge slidably positioned within the shield and including a cartridge tube with a slidable plunger closing off one end and a flexible diaphragm closing off the other to form a medicament chamber therebetween. A nose piece is affixed to the diaphragm end of the cartridge tube and mounts a cannula on its outside portion in fluid communication with the area on the cannula side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A dosing device for germ-free measuring and filling of liquid material into containers. The dosing device has a dosing pump situated between a material supply chamber and a material filling chamber. In particular the pump has an extended chamber which permits freeing of the pump piston during sterilization. The supply chamber, the extended chamber and the filling chamber are interconnected by rigidly arranged channels, and the upper part of the supply chamber is connected through a further chamber of the pump to the filling chamber for placing these chambers in contact with a sterile atmosphere.

Abstract: A combination cap and needle unit permits a syringe tube to be capped for storage or prepared for use with the needle in operative position to inject fluid. The cap structure fits removably on the syringe tube and carries a rubber seal element that initially seals the tube outlet. The needle is connected integrally with the cap by a frangible heat seal which may be broken to release the needle so that it may be pierced through the rubber seal element.

Abstract: A portable bidet comprising an electrically driven pump housed on the interior of a split container made in two telescopic halves, the pump including an inlet valve conformed for insertion into the interior of a spring loaded drain opening in one half of the housing. The two halves of the housing are rectangular in shape, the upper half being conformed for telescopic engagement of the lower half to form a cover therefor, the upper half including the above drain opening. When in use the upper half is inverted to form a liquid container supported on the lower half, the spring loaded opening thereof being aligned to engage the input fitting to the pump to be thus opened thereby.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for performing medical procedures such as curettage, or the like, employing the use of an evacuated vessel, a cannula or similar form of medical implement and a valve arrangement for selectively applying the vacuum to the cannula. An improved vacuum indicator is included within the vessel for providing a positive visual indication as to the presence or absence of an acceptable vacuum level therein. In addition the disclosed embodiment includes a vial or the like for the collection of tissue samples within the vessel, a cover structure for the vessel including a shoulder for engaging the inner periphery of the vial and one or more resilient fingers in concentric arrangement with the shoulder for positively engaging a complementary flange or shoulder formed about the outer periphery of the vial.

Abstract: A diaper tab stock of only two substrates provides diaper tabs that are linerless, that are refastenable, and that are of the relatively strong Y-configuration type. When tabs made from the stock are closed and reopened in the normal manner of use, part of one adhesive layer is "extractively transferred" from between the two substrate layers to another part of the diaper to thereby present a "fresh" adhesive face for subsequent refastening, such transfer occurring in the absence of any transfer of a substrate. The two-substrate construction may be formed by folding an appropriately coated originally single layer of substrate material.

Abstract: A urine meter and collection assembly is described having a rigid, compartmentalized measuring container attached to a flexible wall of the collection bag. The fluid inlet and transfer ports are telescopically aligned to accept the fluid drainage tube and the flexible bag wall is utilized as a hinge during emptying of the measuring container. The telescopic arrangement provides for a compact assembly and minimizes disturbances of the patient drainage line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for disintegrating urniary concretions by subjecting the urinary concretions to ultrasonic forces and electro-hydraulic impacts. For this purpose the apparatus comprises a milling cutter and a discharge arrester alternately inserted into the ureter through a catheter and provided with stops adapted to restrict the axial movement of the milling cutter and the discharge arrester inside the catheter. The method for disintegration of urinary concretions by means of said apparatus includes ultrasonic and electro-hydraulic actions carried out alternatively without withdrawing the catheter from the ureter to completely disintegrate the concretion during one session of treatment.

Abstract: In the collection of eggs (ova) from animals such as cows, a flexible catheter is introduced through a rigid external introducer, the catheter being provided with an inflatable cuff to seal off a uterine horn and with channel means for a flushing fluid.

Abstract: A catheter comprising, an elongated shaft of elastic material having an annular sleeve overlying a surface of the shaft, with one end of the sleeve being of one-piece construction with the shaft, and with a circumferential portion of the sleeve spaced from the one sleeve end being bonded to the shaft to define a cavity between the sleeve and the shaft surface. The inflation lumen communicates with the cavity in order to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled pressure relief valve and various systems incorporating a pneumatically controlled pressure relief valve. The valve has a flexible valve closure member which is expandable to close a through passage of the valve and includes a pressure chamber disposed externally of the valve passage and isolated from the through passage by the flexible valve closure member so that the valve may open and close in response to the differential between the pressure in the pressure chamber and the pressure in the through passage of the valve. An input passage opens into the pressure chamber for admitting air and a manually operable valve is provided for opening and closing the input passage to regulate the admission of air. The systems incorporating the valve include an inflatable cuff system for a tracheal or endotracheal tube, a positive end expiratory pressure system and a suction system incorporating a suction catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating the degree of inflation of an inflatable cuff surrounding a catheter which is adapted to be inserted into a body passageway. The apparatus comprises a hollow-walled tubular member formed with a plurality of ridges and valleys and is selectively inflatable into a balloon-like shape in response to the pressure of air applied to the cuff by means of a passageway extending into the tubular member. The member is collapsible without occluding the fluid passageway extending into the indicator apparatus and thus without preventing the deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled pressure relief valve and various systems incorporating a pneumatically controlled pressure relief valve. The valve has a flexible valve closure member which is expandable to close a through passage of the valve and includes a pressure chamber disposed externally of the valve passage and isolated from the through passage by the flexible valve closure member so that the valve may open and close in response to the differential between the pressure in the pressure chamber and the pressure in the through passage of the valve. An input passage opens into the pressure chamber for admitting air and a manually operable valve is provided for opening and closing the input passage to regulate the admission of air. The systems incorporating the valve include an inflatable cuff system for a tracheal or endotracheal tube, a positive end expiratory pressure system and a suction system incorporating a suction catheter.

Abstract: Improved method for taking blood or other fluid samples, particularly arterial samples for blood gas testing or the like, which comprises using a disposable syringe having a syringe body, a piston or plunger having a compressible end piece which forms a seal with the inner surface of the syringe body, and a means for preventing compression or deformation of the compressible end piece against the end wall of the syringe body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving, separating, distributing, and conveying mixture of materials, such as a mixture of grain, straw and chaff, in a manner that separates small particles of one kind, such as grain, from the rest of the mixture. Inner and outer co-axially aligned cylinders are mounted about a central longitudinally extending drive shaft. The inner cylinder has a generally solid wall and the outer cylinder is foraminous with a plurality of spiral guides mounted on its interior and exterior surfaces. A plurality of discs are mounted at spaced intervals along the shaft within the inner cylinder with the plane of each disc oriented at a non-right angle with respect to the axis of the shaft. A ring is mounted on the periphery of each disc and is adapted for rotation relative thereto.

Abstract: Material control elements carried by the rotor of an axial flow rotary combine separator include inclined blades as well as conventional rasp bars. The inclined blades take various forms but common features include their downstream inclination, (that is in the direction of the axial movement of crop material in the separator) and having a frontal working edge athwart the direction of rotation to engage crop material and deflect or urge it downstream. The orientation and configuration of the blades results in their working edges being their dominating material control feature while the inclined surfaces have a subordinate role in material control, the actual effect of the surfaces depending on the orientation of their line of slope with respect to the rotor axis.

Abstract: Grain and other small particles are separated from the stalks in a transverse cage and cylinder of an axial flow combine and pass through the concave and small radial openings in the cage. Distribution augers below the cage convey the threshed material to a pair of accelerator rolls, by way of a feeder slot, which accelerate the threshed material downwardly across a layer of rearwardly directed air. The grain is separated from the chaff in the cleaning section where clean grain auger delivers the clean grain to an appropriate elevator which in turn delivers the grain to a grain bin. The heavy material or tailings which does not pass through the sieves, such as grain or seed not completely removed from the hulls or pods, moves to a tailings auger which connects to a tailings elevator. The tailings elevator moves the tailings upwardly to one end of one of the distribution augers.

Abstract: A cigarette, small cigar or the like includes an individual lighting device which is applied to the fore end of the tube or tubular cover of the cigarette. The lighting device includes an essentially annular outer component which is adjacent to the fore end of the device and which is made of a first compound that can be set aflame by rubbing and that allows for a quick spreading of the flame, and an essentially tubular inner component which has an axial dimension greater than that of the outer component and which is made of a second compound that can be easily set aflame and that can be charred and temporarily converted into embers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moistening relatively dry tobacco by precisely controlling air dry bulb temperature and relative humidity in which the dry bulb temperature is sensed so that variations therefrom produced by cooling of the air in a spray water curtain are used to control the spray water curtain heat exchange area. Additionally, the dew point temperature is sensed and used for controlling the temperature of the spray water and hence the relative humidity in the air at a desired dry bulb temperature. The relatively dry tobacco is one which has been subjected to a tobacco expansion process.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved tensioning mechanism for use in a dental flossing apparatus. The dental flossing apparatus is used in conjunction with a dental floss container, which has an inner lip and which contains a spool of dental floss. The tensioning mechanism includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member, each of which has a first end and a second end and each of which has a raised tip-portion at its second end which has a hole disposed perpendicularly thereto and adapted to receive the dental floss therethrough. The second elongated member is formed so that it is pivotally coupled to the first elongated member in a scissor-like manner the raised tip-portions of the first and second elongated members will separate from each other when their first ends are brought together. The tensioning mechanism also includes a dispensing mechanism for controlling the dispensing of dental floss from the dental floss container.

Abstract: A treadleplate for use in an automatic carwash system for regulating the length of time a cleaning solution is sprayed on the tires of a passing vehicle in direct relationship to the size of the vehicle tire. A horizontal base plate is mounted on the carwash floor in the path of one of the vehicle tires. A contact plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate and is movable from a normal inclined, at-rest position to a horizontal depressed position when rolled over by the vehicle tire. The contact plate is formed with a stepped outer swinging edge which provides a series of transversely spaced contact zones of varying tire contact length. These zones are adapted to be selectively engaged by one of the tires of a vehicle moving through the carwash which depresses the contact plate and actuates a cleaning solution control valve. The particular zone which is engaged by the tire is in direct relationship to the transverse spacing or track of the particular vehicle moving through the carwash.

Abstract: A plurality of freely rotating wear rings are disposed along a flexible whip hose of the type used for cleaning swimming pools. The rotating wear rings prevent the flexible whip hose from being abraded by the inner surfaces of a swimming pool. The rotating wear rings have long lives, as their rotation precludes significant abrasion upon the inner surfaces of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A low pour point residual fuel oil composition is prepared from a major amount of a high pour point, low sulfur, waxy, residual fuel and a minor amount of a low wax, low pour, residual fuel oil by adding thereto from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of an oil soluble terpolymer such as vinyl acetate-ethylene-propylene or butylene or a graft copolymer in which propylene or butylene is grafted onto an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer backbone or basic chain, having preferably, a number average molecular weight of about 12,000 to about 60,000. In another aspect, this invention relates to a process for the pipeline transportation of the low pour residual fuel oil compositions previously described.

Abstract: A crude oil composition having a low pour point is prepared by incorporating into a waxy crude oil an effective pour depressant amount of an oil-soluble polymer, such as vinyl acetate-ethylene-propylene or butylene terpolymer or a graft copolymer in which propylene or butylene is grafted onto an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer backbone or basic chain. The terpolymer may be added with mixing directly to the heated crude or in hydrocarbon solution such as a solution of the terpolymer in a middle distillate or kerosene. In another aspect, this invention relates to a process for the pipeline transportation of the crude oil compositions previously described.

Abstract: An inertial trip valve actuated by vibration to close gas lines and the like in the event of earthquake for safety. Said valve is provided with an external reset. Said reset cannot be used to defeat the operation of the device by tying the reset handle because the reset action momentarily closes the valve. The valve comprises an inlet flapper valve and an outlet shear valve. Said flapper valve is closed under a spring load when an inertial trigger is tripped. Said flapper valve may be reset by an external handle which closes a shear valve during the reset operation thus preventing the defeat of the trigger operation.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve includes a valve body having inlet, outlet and bypass ports in it. A diaphragm assembly includes a flexible diaphragm and a valve stem. The valve stem has a main valve member attached to it which is movable with the diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm is flexibly responsive to negative pressure which regulates main valve member operation. The valve includes a fail safe feature which shuts the main valve passage upon loss of negative pressure. The diaphragm assembly and main valve function to regulate air output from the valve. A second pressure relief valve member is carried by, but operates independently of the valve stem. Means for limiting air output of the main valve during high air input conditions is carried on the pressure relief side of the valve and operates whenever the pressure relief valve is activated so as to aid in the closure of the main valve passage.

Abstract: A new and improved automatic diaphragm valve having an inlet and two separate outlets for use in a fluid distribution system. The valve cycle automatically opens both outlets when fluid stops flowing into the inlet. Each time the fluid starts flowing through the inlet the valve automatically and alternately opens one valve outlet and closes the other valve outlet. The valve cycling mechanism is alternately cocked into a positive first and second cocked position in order to open the previously closed valve outlet and to close the previously opened valve outlet during the next half cycle. When this valve is connected at each branching point in a fluid distribution system, the valve will cause cyclic distribution of fluid from the terminal branches of the system in a serial manner.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank has indentations on the bottom wall which form an internal pocket between oppositely facing surfaces of the indentations. A reserve tank is mounted in the pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the reserve tank is clamped by the surfaces using an elastic member with radial prolongations, at least some of which, in the assembled condition, are oriented in opposition to the direction of removal of the reserve tank.

Abstract: A self-draining sill cock assembly is disclosed comprising a fluid outlet for location on an exterior wall, a fluid flow inlet adapted for location adjacent an interior wall and remote from the fluid outlet, a first conduit connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet with the conduit inclined downwardly from the outlet to the inlet, a selectively operable valve located adjacent the fluid flow inlet for alternatively opening and closing the fluid flow inlet, a second conduit operatively connected to said valve adjacent the fluid flow inlet and connected to a drain discharge adapted for location on the exterior wall with the valve alternatively opening and closing the second conduit, the second conduit being inclined downwardly from the valve to the drain discharge, and a manually operated valve control means adapted for location on the exterior wall and extending through the second conduit to the valve.

Abstract: A dishwasher fill system providing a combination fill control system and timer fill sequence that assures a predetermined minimum quantity of water is present in the dishwashing chamber regardless of the water fill flow rate and the household waterline pressure. The system provides two assured fill levels with a predetermined minimum water level fill cycle portion for a rinse fill and an increased minimum level fill cycle portion for a wash fill. If the rinse fill water level is below its minimum quantity after a predetermined run time, first switch means will energize the timer motor and the fill valve will remain open until said rinse fill minimum level is reached. A fill sensor switch at this point will turn off the water valve and energize the timer motor.

Abstract: A non-return device for welding installations, of the kind comprising a movable valve arranged so as to free the passage of gas for the normal supply of the torch from a welding gas generator and, by contrast, to block said passage in the case of a back-pressure resulting from an explosion in the region of the torch burner, the said valve including for this purpose closure means co-operating with a seat under the effect of resilient return means, the valve including second closure means operating inversely to the first in such a manner that the displacement of said valve, under the effect of a sudden fall in pressure downstream of the device and against return means conveniently calibrated to this effect, ensures the automatic cut-off of the flow of gas through the assembly.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder motion dampening device having spiral groove metering, an orificed two-way pressure relief valve, a screw-on spring and an over-extension seal retainer.

Abstract: Pressure responsive piston valve with spring controlled detent balls; a detent pressure spring extends longitudinally through the piston and urges a biasing ball against detent balls which are longitudinally offset from the biasing ball; the detent balls are driven into a detent groove in the cylinder for the piston; pressure on the piston forces the detent balls out of the detent groove; calibrating means for the spring.

Abstract: A lung-controlled valve for compressed gas respirators comprises a valve housing having a diaphragm chamber with a diaphragm extending across the chamber and being displaceable backwardly and forwardly in the chamber by pressure changes on respective sides thereof. A connecting piece for supplying breathing gas to a patient is connected into the chamber on one side of the diaphragm and the patient's breathing pressure controls the operation of the diaphragm. A valve member having a valve chamber with a pressure gas inlet has a valve seat in the chamber with a valve opening into one side of the diaphragm chamber. A valve body closing the valve seat and shutting off the pressure gas flow into the chamber has a tippling lever connected thereto and disposed in the one diaphragm chamber adjacent the diaphragm in a position to be contacted during movement thereof to open the valve.

Abstract: An open center type control valve for a hydraulic motor, wherein pressure fluid from a source is caused to flow from the valve inlet to a motor port at a substantially uniformly metered rate despite fluctuations in the load on the governed fluid motor, due to the operation of a flow control mechanism which regulates bypass of excess fluid through the open center passage to the valve outlet in accordance with variations in the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet end portions of the open center passage.

Abstract: A valve, for sequentially operating a plurality of main valves, including a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports for connection to a plurality of main valves, respectively, and a chamber for receiving high pressure fluid from the inlet ports. A pilot valve, which may be operated by a solenoid energized and deenergized periodically by an electric timer, relieves pressure in the chamber each time it opens and permits pressure to build up in the chamber each time it closes. A sequencing valve member permits only one inlet port to be in communication with the chamber each time the pilot valve is opened, so as to relieve pressure in only the main valve connected to that one inlet port. The sequencing valve member may be an apertured rotatable disk slidably engaging valve seats surrounding the inlet ports. An operator responds to successive closings of the pilot valve for indexing the sequencing valve member so that each inlet port in turn communicates with the chamber.

Abstract: A substantially leak-free arrangement for isolating at least two fluid streams from each other and for conducting each fluid stream into a mixing zone is characterized in a first embodiment by a casing having substantially parallel upstream and downstream partitions, each partition being provided, for each fluid stream, with an orifice of a predetermined cross-section. Defined within the casing between the partitions is a valve chamber in which a valve plate, having a flow passage corresponding to each orifice in the partitions, is moveable from a first, closed, to a second, open, position. The valve plate in the first, closed, position prevents fluid communication between each of the orifices in the first partition and the corresponding orifices in the second partition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulsation dampener device comprising a pressure vessel having a flow through conduit secured thereto adjacent the oil port, the device being characterized by a sleeve member shiftable axially of the pressure vessel, the sleeve having a bladder secured thereto and providing a guide controlling the movements of the bladder.

Abstract: A metallic body is formed to have a clearance fit up into a reamed and spot faced tube extended through, and welded to a tubesheet. The form of the body provides a lip which functions to limit the distance the body can be inserted into the tube and supply filler material at the weld zone between the body and the tube.

Abstract: A reusable plug for sealing the conductor pipe of offshore platforms comprising a cylindrical housing, central body member, pressure equalization means and retractable release means releasably securing the central body member to the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A process is provided for vulcanizing an elastomeric reinforced hose or a hose having its core tube reinforced with fibrous material. In accordance with the process a hose having an elastomeric sheath over its reinforcing material is preferably continuously passed through a tubular preheater which softens the surface of the sheath and the hose is then passed through a heated sizing die where only the surface is initially softened and then vulcanized before leaving the die. The die sizes the diameter of the hose and at the same time smooths out the surface of the sheath. The sized hose is passed immediately into a vulcanizer where it is heated to vulcanize completely. The vulcanized hose is then cooled.The apparatus provided for practicing the process has, a heated dye, a vulcanizing unit and a unit for cooling the vulcanized hose all connected in series. The apparatus may also have a tubular preheater. The preheater is steam jacketed and may be provided with a means for lubricating the surface of the hose.

Abstract: A system for controlling the stopping sequence of a plurality of weaving machines under emergency conditions and a method for the same are disclosed. The system includes a preference control circuit which upon receipt of high and low priority emergency signals from detectors activates a brake actuator to stop the associated weaving machine under the emergency condition of high priority which calls for immediate action, while introducing a delay to the corrective action to be taken in respect of the weaving machine under the emergency condition of low priority not requiring immediate action.