Abstract: A splint for use with retaining straps to immobilize part of a limb comprising an elongated rigid sheet and a rigid collar. The sheet is formed into a shape to conform to the surface of one side of the part of the limb to be immobilized. The collar, which is attached to one end of the sheet, extends circumferentially more than halfway around the limb, grips the limb, and holds it in a fixed position relative to the sheet. Retaining straps are used at other positions along the sheet to hold the limb against the splint. In one embodiment, the splint is made of stainless steel, the sheet is formed of intersecting strips of stainless steel that are spotwelded together at intersection points to form a perforated sheet having large holes distributed throughout its area for ventilation and removal of water from the surface of the limb.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which has sealant and preferably also adhesive properties and which is suitable for use as a protective dressing for application to the skin. The composition comprises a chemically cross-linked hydrophilic polymer and a support matrix such as a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer is a water-swellable polymer which absorbs or adsorbs water but which is water-insoluble. The composition preferably includes a tackifyer which may be provided by a low molecular weight fraction of a hydrophobic matrix or by a distinct adhesive component such as a gum or a low molecular weight polymer. The composition is particularly suitable for use as a sealing ring in conjunction with a post-surgical drainage appliance wherein the hydrophilic polymer is incorporated in a form such as to provide a transmission system for liquid.

Abstract: A device for performing an osteotomy comprises an arcuately shaped saw blade (14), which in particular has a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of an arc of a circle, non-rotatably connected via a carrier body (12) with a spacer member (9) driven by an oscillating drive device (6) so that the saw blade (14) performs a reciprocating circular movement. A retractable guide bushing (21) is loaded by a spring (22) and slidably supported within the spacer member (9) so that it is resiliently urged in the feed direction (27) of the saw blade (14), the guide bushing (21) having a guide passage (26) accommodating a guide pin, for example a boring wire, anchored within the bone.

Abstract: A calculus crushing apparatus includes a flexible sheath for insertion into a body cavity and an operation wire slidably inserted in the sheath. A basket for holding a calculus is fixed to the distal end of the operation wire. The basket is formed of a plurality of elastic wires. A connecting rod is connected to the proximal end of the operation wire. By moving the connecting rod by an operation mechanism, the operation wire slides in the sheath, so that the basket is projected from or retracted in the sheath. The connecting rod has a disconnecting portion which is weaker than the elastic wires and operation wire against tension.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a pneumatic system for driving pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of percutaneous insertion catheters that are used for placing a coil spring stent into a vessel of a living body for the purposes of enhancing luminal dilation, preventing arterial restenosis and preventing vessel blockage resulting from intimal dissection following balloon and other methods of angioplasty. The stent can also be used for the maintaining patency of many different ducts or vessels within a living body.

Abstract: A cutter for the in-situ cutting of valves within a vein. The cutter comprises a catheter having cutter fingers extending from its open distal end in an annular pattern. A sheath is selectively extensible over the fingers to shield them from inadvertent contact with the vein being treated. A fiberoptic viewer extends through the catheter to view through its open distal end.

Abstract: A surgical knife, particularly for use in radial keratotomy, comprises a blade, such as a diamond, which is movable for adjustment of the depth of cut by an invariant coupling to a micrometer mechanism, without provision for full retraction of the blade, and a removable protective end cap adapted to encompass the blade when the knife is not in use. The invariant coupling of the blade to the micrometer mechanism is via a mechanical linkage which incorporates a rotatable spindle having two axially separate screw-thread connections. The end cap is provided with holes for the passage of sterilizing fluid to and around the blade.

Abstract: A pacifier is provided for infants. The pacifier includes a nipple, a flexible bulb handle which extends away from the nipple and a shield located between the nipple and the flexible bulb. A whistle is securely mounted to the pacifier by the shield and is located within the flexible bulb handle. When the handle is squeezed, air passes through the whistle to provide a whistle or squeeking sound.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer is described which includes a pulse generator for providing pacing pulses and an electrical lead for bilateral (or bidirectional) (i.e., sense and pace) connection to a chamber of the heart. A fixed gain, tuned sensing amplifier senses selected activity of the heart chamber. The output of the sensing amplifier is connected to a pair of voltage comparators. One of the voltage comparators has a slightly lower threshold and thus a slightly higher sensitivity level than the other voltage comparator. Under closed loop control, the thresholds of the respective voltage comparators are automatically adjusted so that one of the voltage comparators will sense the selected activity of the heart chamber and the other voltage comparator will not sense the selected activity.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverting system wherein a cardioverting or defibrillating voltage is automatically applied across implantable electrodes associated with the heart of a patient. The cardioverting voltage is an exponentially-decaying voltage pulse that is chopped, or broken, at high frequencies to provide a voltage wave packet formed of a plurality of high-frequency cardioverting pulses. The voltage is provided by an internal storage capacitor coupled across implantable electrode leads that is charged to a predetermined voltage level. Upon discharge, an electronic switch is clocked at frequencies preferably in excess of 1 KHz to open and close the circuit formed of the storage capacitor and electrodes.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring and processing light whereby laser light is irradiated onto positions of an organism which has been injected with a fluorescent substance having a strong affinity for tumors, the fluorescence and the reflected light produced by this irradiation are detected, and the detected intensity of the fluorescence is calculated and analyzed by means of the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: A medical electrode comprises a sensor element formed of an electrically conductive material and having a substantially flat, electrically conductive surface portion for engagement with the skin of a patient, and an elecrically conductive coating applied to a selected portion of the flat surface portion. The coating is applied such that the area of the flat surface portion other than the coated selected portion is substantially free of the conductive coating. This defines a predetermined pattern on the flat surface portion of the sensor element, consisting of the portion having the conductive coating applied thereto and the portion substantially free of the conductive coating. A backing member has a substantially flat, adhesively coated surface and is affixed to the sensor element such that the adhesively coated surface is exposed about a substantial portion of the periphery of the sensor element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic blood flow imaging forming apparatus in which ultrasonic beams are transmitted into and reflected by a living body to color-display the distribution of velocity in a moving member and the properties of the living body's tissue on a CRT screen in the two-dimensional manner.The ultrasonic blood flow imaging apparatus includes a color processing section for forming an image in accordance with vector signals, the color processing section including a color processor responsive to vector angles in the vector signals to change the hue, and a brightness processor responsive to amplitude of the vector signals to change the brightness of the hue. The apparatus also includes a complementary color mixing processor responsive to the third data of the living body obtained from the ultrasonic received signals to mix the hue which is outputted from the color processor with its complementary color.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for determining the nature (e.g., physiological and compositional state) of internal tissue or other such biological material within a human organ or extremity, or other such individual examination subject, by use of selected light energy spectra. The selected light energy is applied to infuse the light throughout the interior of the area to be examined and the relative intensities of the infused light spectra are detected after having traversed the interior of the examination area. The detected intensities are computer-analyzed in a manner which conditions the raw magnitudes initially detected on the basis of the internal distance traversed by the infused light energy and also on the basis of broad averages of such conditioned wavelength-specific detection data representative of a number of comparable examination subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing hairs to skin sections, particularly for improving or reconsituting a hair garnishing of the scalp, wherein at least an attachment end of donor's hair is contacted with said skin section or the base of residual hair and is subsequently fused therewith by means of a laser beam.The apparatus for performing the method comprises an applicator head including a laser beam source and donor's hair guide means permitting the centered advance and positioning of the attachment end of the donor's hair on the attachment point defined by the point of impingement of an emitted laser beam on a skin section or on an existing residual hair adjacent the skin section whereat the donor's hair is to be attached. The attachment process itself is prepared with the aid of optical means for positional correlation between the laser beam and the donor's hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control system and apparatus for the cuff of an automatic blood pressure meter. Pressure reduction is adapted to be effected by using at least two constrictions (3) having a constant constriction, the selection and combination of such constrictions being performed by digitally controlled magnetic valves (4). Such magnetic valves are controlled by a microprocessor (6) depending on a measuring value provided by a sensor (7) for measuring the cuff pressure transition rate so as to obtain a desired, approximately linear rate of pressure reduction. The constrictors (3) comprise thin flexible tubes. The system is capable of compensating automatically for the changes caused in the desired volume air flow by the cuff size and tightness, variations in the circumference of a person's arm, the heartbeat density and pressure range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood pressure measurement apparatus in which a waveform discrimination method is used in the recognition of Korotkoff sounds in the measurement of blood pressure by auscultation. In processing executed by the apparatus, the minimum point or maximum point (C3) of a signal waveform indicative of the sound of vibration produced by a blood vessel is detected, and a maximum value or minimum value point (C2) is detected within a predetermined time region (t.sub.1) the final instant of which is the point (C3). If a level difference between the point (C2) and the point (C3) is within a predetermined range, there is detected a minimum value or maximum value point (C1) within a predetermined time region (t.sub.2) the final instant of which is (C2). If a level difference between the point (C1) and the point (C2) is within a predetermined range, there is detected a maximum value or minimum value point (C4) within a predetermined time region (t.sub.3) the starting instant of which is the point (C3).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring peak expiratory flow of a human patient and an incentive spirometer has a housing having a passageway and a mouthpiece connected to the passageway. An elongated slender rod extends through the passageway and has a sliding member a predetermined size slideably mounted thereon adapted to slide on the rod when a patient exhales into the mouthpiece through the passageway. A magnet is attached to the slideable member for sliding therewith to hold the slideable member in position at the maximum position the slideable is raised on the slender rod. The passageway may be tapered in a reverse cone shape making the sliding member more difficult to raise as it moves up the passageway so that patients can lift the slideable member, while most patients cannot lift the member all the way to the top of the passageway.

Abstract: A pressure algometer apparatus (20,50). The pressure algometer apparatus (20) provides an all mechanical pressure algometer including a balloon-like bladder member (22) for positioning at an end of a user's finger. An air tight interior (44) of the balloon-like member (22) is interconnected by tubing (42) to a pressure gauge (40). The algometer apparatus (50) includes a handheld pressure transducer (52) electrically interconnected (53) to an amplifier meter arrangement (54).

Abstract: An improved device for use in exercising vaginal muscles, embodying a cuffed rod for insertion into the vagina, the cuff being normally yieldingly inflated for affording a yielding resistive force, while being collapsible to the diameter of the rod.

Abstract: An improved hydrogel adhesive, particularly adapted for adhesion and contact to tissue. It is especially useful in attaching electrical leads to tissue, for example in attaching pacemaker leads to the heart, interiorly or exteriorly.

Abstract: Device for immobilizing a bone element, especially for orthopedic use, comprising pins or needles, passing through the element, mounted in supports themselves borne by two metallic rigid hoops surrounding the bone element and separated from one another by spacing braces having an adjustable length, each hoop having in straight cross-section an external outline presenting two flattened parallel portions 14, 15 respectively connected by two convex portions 16, 17 the supports of the pins or needles 3 borne by the hoop being constituted by laterally open parts having two wings comprising plane surfaces adapted to cooperate through plane sliding with the flattened portions of the hoop, these wings being joined by a concave portion matching the outline of one of the convex portions of the external outline of the hoop.

Abstract: A stone ejection door mechanism for harvesting equipment comprising a stone sensing mechanism which will sense the presence of stones being ingested into the combine. A trap door mechanism including front and rear doors which are opened when stones are detected in the entering crop. The front door is moved to the open position when the presence of stones is sensed, and this opening movement acts through a chain and sprocket to rapidly open the rear door. After the stones have been ejected, the front door is closed followed by the rear door.

Abstract: Tobacco smoke filters are disclosed which are useful for manufacturing filter cigarettes and which are formed from a continuous multifilament filter tow that is treated with a smoke-modifying agent during the filter manufacturing process to give a discrete elongated zone of filaments treated with the smoke-modifying agent.

Abstract: Co-extruded smokable material in sheet-like form has a multi-layered structure. The layers are generally parallel to the major surface of the material. The material is provided by subjecting at least two filler materials to high shear agitation and co-extruding the materials while in a semi-soft state. The multi-layered material can be sized by roll treatment in order to provide a sheet-like material having a thickness of less than about 0.008 inch. In particular, the co-extruded multi-layered smokable material is subjected to compressive treatment applied perpendicularly to the major surface of the co-extruded marterial to provide a co-extruded smokable material of reduced thickness. The material so provided can be cut into small sheets (e.g., about 4 inches by 4 inches square) or into strands and employed as cut filler in the manufacture of cigarettes.

Abstract: A precision haircutting tool primarily designed to facilitate the cutting of one's own hair or someone else's hair easily and uniformly. The thumb of the hand used to hold the hair for cutting is slipped through the thumb ring and the finger guide (or stem) is allowed to extend between the index and 2nd fingers of the same hand. The hair is then combed upwards with the opposite hand and the hair is grasped between the same index and 2nd fingers between which the finger guide is being held. With the thumb resting on the head, the fingers are then slid up the stem to the finger stop and the protruding hair is cut above the fingers. By following a systematic pattern, the hair can be easily cut to the same length all over the head. By using various sizes of the device, a variety of hair lengths or combinations of hair lengths can be attained.

Abstract: A cylindrical chamber is provided having a funnel-shaped opening for introduction of fluid to be applied. The opening functions as a port through which a brush fluid applicator, can be moved from the inside to the outside of the chamber. The fluid applicator is mounted on an advance mechanism which includes a spindle having a threaded portion adapted to engage a rotating casing which has inside threads. Movement is effected by rotating a handle associated with the casing. When the applicator is outside of the chamber, the chamber opening is sealed by a conically shaped end of the advance mechanism, which is engaged by the chamber opening. The conically shaped end has tiny channels thereon which allows a measured discharge of fluid when manual pressure is exerted on the upper chamber wall.

Abstract: A portable toilet case is disclosed that carries many common toilet items including razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. in retainer clips around a central pedestal. The retainer clips provide easy access to all of the toilet articles while providing a system to securely hold the items for storage. Three different embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The first is simply a carrier of the articles. The second, includes a removable storage unit that also has a mirror attached. The removable storage unit is sealed with a cap that can be used as a cup, and, in the case of a metal unit, can act as a cooking pot. The third embodiment also includes space for a small butane fueled camp stove. The device can be made of high strength plastic, or lightweight metals like aluminum.

Abstract: Portable device for dental care and grooming which includes an elongated member which has a passageway therein extending essentially the entire length thereof, the first end of the passageway is open and the second end is closed. A flashlight arrangement is positioned in the passageway. The light bulb of the flashlight is located in the open end of the passageway. A toothbrush or other utilitarian device is removably attached to the end of the elongated member opposite of the end thereof containing the light bulb. There is an elongated cover which has a passageway therein extending all or most of the entire length thereof. The cover fits over the toothbrush and detachably onto the end of the elongated member. The first end of the passageway is open and the second end is closed.

Abstract: A low profile carriage is mounted on widely spread wheels to roll along the underwater surfaces of a swimming pool. The carriage is propelled by a high velocity stream of water projecting from a rearwardly directed thrust nozzle. There is a venturi restriction just forward of the thrust nozzle, creating a low pressure zone that induces flow of water through the bottom of the carriage, drawing in leaves and other debris. The water so drawn in passes through a screen, trapping the debris in a removable pod or bin depending from the carriage. The top of the carriage is relatively flat and the depending debris pod is curved downward to form an inverted air foil, whereby the pressure differential between the top and bottom of the carriage biases the carriage against the swimming pool surface traversed thereby.

Abstract: A closed system paint or varnish stripping apparatus in which the surface finish of furniture and the like can be removed with very little operator contact or maintenance. The system recycles the stripping chemical with only a minimum of filtering being required. Nozzles having an unique design in which the diameter of the orifice is greater than one-half the inside diameter of the supply pipe facilitate spraying the recycled chemical with very little possibility of the nozzles plugging. Moreover, the use of these large orificed nozzles allows the chemical to be sprayed at a high flow rate providing for the drenching of a work piece in several seconds and eliminating much of the mist production and evaporation losses previously associated with paint and varnish stripping operations. In addition, this high flow rate is achieved with only low pressure loss so that low pressure pumps with small motors can be used.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning dishes, vegetables, fish, or like items, is disclosed comprising a base, or tray, and removable hood or cover supported thereon to form a cleaning chamber. An inlet opening is formed at the top of the hood through which a rigid hand-held feed conduit extends. A resilient seal at the inlet opening provides a liquid tight engagement between the feed conduit and hood while permitting manual axial and pivotal movement in any pivotal direction of the feed conduit. A nozzle is provided at the inner end of the feed conduit from which liquid is jetted for cleaning items contained in the cleaning chamber. A high pressure pump in communication with a source of liquid pumps the liquid to the nozzle through a flexible supply conduit connected to the feed conduit. At least a portion of the hood is formed of transparent material for viewing the nozzle and items to be cleaned by the jet stream issuing from the nozzle.

Abstract: A device for cooling rubber-coated large containers with liquid nitrogen to crack and remove the rubber coating includes at least one annular duct with sprayers for directing the liquid nitrogen against the inside of the container. At least one axially disposed duct is in the container extending from the bottom to the top with a ventilator causing rotation of the evaporated nitrogen from the bottom through the axial duct and to the upper part of the container.

Abstract: The Motorized Walker is a device containing a frame assembly which a person walking can hold onto for support and help prevent a fall which might otherwise occur. This device need not be picked up between steps since an electric switch mechanism will activate a motor which will move the device the distance required between steps. This motorized feature permits support to be available at all times and the person using the device to walk faster than might otherwise be possible. This device also permits a person to walk where picking up a non-motorized walker might result in a fall since support is removed while the unit is being moved or where picking up a non-motorized walker is a formidable task.

Abstract: The air hose to water hose adapter includes a water hose connector having a first cylindrical tube at the front thereof adapted to be rigidly connected to a hose line, and a rear, second larger cylindrical tube, internally threaded, rotatably connected to the first tube. A novel air hose connector is releasably received in the rear portion of the water hose connector and includes an externally threaded generally cylindrical fitting which can abut an internal shelf in the water hose connector and has a central passageway therein, and an elastomeric plug releasably secured in that fitting passageway. The plug has a rounded front end adapted to protrude into the first tube of the water hose connector and plug it tight. The plug front end has a rear flange or shelf which seats firmly in a recessed ring at the front of the air hose fitting, and the plug also has an elongated intermediate portion in the fitting passageway, with external sealing ring engageable with the fitting.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic coupler suitable for interconnecting subsea fluid lines is provided with a radial seal between the male and female body portions. A C-shaped metallic seal is housed within the female body of the coupler, so that the seal may be checked or replaced if necessary between successive mating and unmating operations. An elastomeric secondary seal is also provided on the female body, and sealingly engages the same diameter cylindrical surface of the male coupler which is engaged by the C-shaped seal. A wiper member also mounted on the female body cleans this cylindrical surface as the body portions are brought together, thereby enhancing the reliability of both the elastomeric seal and the metallic seal. A guide for the valve poppet is threadably connected to a respective coupling body to increase reliability. Coupler halves may typically be housed within either a latchable subsea control module mounting base or a junction plate conventionally used in surface petroleum recovery operations.

Abstract: A surface pipeline safety valve having a tubular member telescopically movable in the housing for controlling the movement of a valve closure member, a rod piston and cylinder assembly contacting and moving the tubular member in response to pressure in the bore of the housing in which the second side of the assembly is in communication with the atmosphere. High and low pressure responsive mechanisms for closing the valve. Seals in the assembly and high and low pressure responsive mechanisms are replaceable from the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A flow control valve comprising a housing formed with an intake passage, a drain passage and a discharge passage; a main spool and an auxiliary spool which are slideably housed within the housing; a first orifice disposed between the intake passage and the discharge passage; a second orifice disposed between the intake passage and the discharge passage and having an open area variable in response to displacement of the auxiliary spool; a drain orifice disposed between the first orifice and the drain passage and having an open area variable in response to displacement of the main spool; the main spool being movable in response to a first differential pressure; the auxiliary spool being movable in response to a second differential pressure; and a control ring secured within the housing and adapted to vary the open area of the first orifice in response to displacement of the auxiliary spool movable in response to the second differential pressure.

Abstract: A multiple tank flow system is provided in which a plurality of liquid storage tanks or reservoirs are connected with their outlets in parallel with the piping arranged so that the outlet from each tank shall have the same or similar pressure drop at a specific flow rate. A surface tension retaining device is mounted within each tank at the outlet opening to prevent the pressurization gas within the tank from entering the outlet while liquid is still flowing from one or more of the tanks within the system. The surface tension device can be of any suitable design such as a saucer-shaped arrangement having relatively thick, flat support members forming the structure with suitable screen-type material positioned across the entire outer surface of the support members. The size of the openings within the screen material is arranged to provide an adequate surface tension film to produce a required liquid/gaseous interface to prevent the pressurization gas from entering the tank outlet.

Abstract: A piston (36) divides the valve interior into a main chamber (38) and a sensing chamber (40). A fixed valve seat (26) sealingly engages the piston (36) to close communication between the chambers (38, 40). The seat (26) is carried by an axial stem (20) which extends through an opening (42) in the piston (36). The valve inlet (14) extends through a passageway (22) in the stem (20) into the main chamber (38). An outlet (28) is formed in the main chamber (38). A valve element (62) closes the outlet (28). When pressure is higher in the main chamber (38) than in the sensing chamber (40), the piston moves toward the sensing chamber (40) to open communication between the chambers (38, 40). When there is a pressure drop in the main chamber (38), the piston (36) moves toward the main chamber (38) to open communication between the chambers ( 38, 40) and move the valve element (62) into an open position.

Abstract: A valve for a gas vessel has a gas-pressure line which leads to a valve chamber and which is closed by means of a closure valve disposed in the valve chamber. The valve for a gas vessel also includes a gas-takeoff line and is configured so that the valve chamber and the gas-takeoff line as well as other gas conducting spaces at the output end of the valve can be purged in the operational ready condition of the valve. The application and removal of the purging flow occurs over different paths and the purging takes place independently of the actuation of the closure valve. For this purpose, a purging line which is equipped with a purging valve is provided. The purging line opens in the valve chamber of the closure valve.

Abstract: A digital valve unit comprised of a plurality of valve orifice sections which have orifice sizes in a binary relationship. The orifice sections are detachable from the valve unit such that the unit may be modified to have different size orifices in different combinations. The unit also comprises a plurality of stackable air powered actuators. The valve actuators may each comprise a single or multiple stage, depending on the application required.

Abstract: An air conditioner assembly of the type including an air flow housing, an air flow valve rotatably mounted in the housing, and an actuator mounted on the housing. The actuator includes a rod extending therefrom. The rod and valve include first and second complementary connector parts, respectively. The second connector part is connectable with the first connector part by rotation of the actuator through approximately 90.degree. about the axis of the rod from a first orientation to a second orientation. The assembly includes a first bayonet coupling on the housing and a second bayonet coupling on the actuator for coupling the actuator to the housing.

Abstract: A hose winding cart including a handle, a base including wheels, a pair of identically shaped lateral arms, a reel, a first stud and a second stud. The pair of lateral elements are connected to the handle and the base at positions which are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The reel for winding a hose thereon includes a pair of identically shaped reel halves, each of the reel halves having snap connections thereon for interconnecting the reel halves to form the reel. The first stud is connected between one of the lateral elements and one of the reel halves for rotatably supporting one side of the reel, the first stud having connections thereon for supplying a fluid medium to a hose carried by the reel. The second stud is connected between the other one of the lateral elements and the other one of the reel halves for rotatably supporting the other side of the reel. The second stud includes a crank extending therefrom for rotating the reel.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pressure reducer wherein the outlet pressure thereof is regulated by means of a comparison of the desired value with the actual value such that the adjusting range is expanded. This expansion of the adjusting range is obtained in that the adjustment of the biasing force of the membrane effects a corresponding adaptation of the desired value applied to a control unit via a position-value transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retention valve for liquid-bearing conduits, comprising a containment body provided with threaded sleeves for connecting to conduits, and, in its interior, with valve means suitable for cutting off the flow of a liquid. The containment body is provided in two parts of pressed sheet metal; the valve is characterized by small dimensions and an increased passage cross-section with satisfactory mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: A manifold fitting for a compressed air tank having an elongate main body of hexagonal cross-section with first and second ends, the first end being of reduced circular cross-section, the body having an axial passage extending from the first end toward and terminating short of the second end. The first end is externally threaded for attachment of the fitting to a tank for communication with the tank via the passage. The body has a lateral opening extending inwardly from a one of its six faces to said passage and a pressure relief safety valve at the lateral opening in the body. A passage extends across the body and intersects the lateral opening.

Abstract: A coupling for pressurized fluid medium circuits such as hydraulic or air wherein the coupling parts may be easily manually interconnected even though the fluid systems communicating with the parts are under high pressure. The coupling parts include self-sealing valves axially displaceable between open and closed positions and the valves include faces exposed to the pressurized medium, the faces being of substantially equal area and disposed in opposite directions such that the axial forces imposed on the valves by the pressurized medium are substantially counterbalanced. Such pressurized faces including elastomeric seals and valve seat shoulders.