Abstract: The invention overcomes the problem of a cocking valve in a pressure control unit for use in a vehicle braking system. The valve is provided with a body assembly defining an external cylindrical surface slidably engaging the internal surface of a valve chamber, the engaged cylindrical surfaces having sufficient axial extent as to positively prevent said valve from cocking or moving laterally out of a co-axial position with a movable valve seat.

Abstract: An engine of the reciprocating piston type is provided in which the motive power for power generating pistons is compressed air stored in compartments forming part of the engine which are replenished with compressed air by a piston operating in a cylinder which receives exhaust air from the power cylinders, supplemented by air provided by an externally powered compressor. There are two power pistons operating in unison between top and bottom dead center, but with their power and exhaust strokes alternating. Spent air is exhausted through timing valves to the replenishing cylinder and compressed with the supplemental air into a first chamber from which the compressed air flows through check valves to the compartments. Engine speed is controlled by a throttle valve regulating the flow of air from the first chamber to atmosphere.

Abstract: A heating system of the portable, installed or other type in which the heat source is an apparatus in which a body of liquid is heated by friction produced in the liquid by a rotating body immersed in the liquid and the heated liquid is supplied to a heat exchanger, the heating system being made efficient and successful by relations between its parts and by reduction of the time spent in the heater exchanger by the heated liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel bis-dioxopiperazine derivatives and non-toxic salts thereof, process for their preparation, antitumor agents comprising them and compositions containing them.

Abstract: A suction generating device comprises a barrel 10 within which may slide a plunger 26. A chamber 30 within the plunger is so sealed at each end that it increases in volume as the plunger is manually displaced inwardly of the barrel. An inlet 16 of the device is connected to the chamber 30 by a stem 18 so that inward movement of the plunger generates suction at the inlet 16. The device is particularly suited for single handed utilization as a blood sampling syringe or as a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: A casing (10) has an inlet (20) and a valve chamber (40) connected to the same as well as an outlet (60). In the valve chamber (40) a valve seat (54) is arranged at the entrance of a passage (52) leading to the outlet (60) and furthermore a valve member (42) is arranged for brake fluid to flow around it. The valve member is movable in response to deceleration from an inoperative position against the valve seat (54). A barrier member (26) is arranged between the inlet (20) and the valve member (42) for flow of brake fluid around or through the same. The barrier member is movable from an inoperative position remote from the valve member (42) until it hits the valve member (42), at least approximately in the direction of movement thereof.

Abstract: A self-retracting brake pad assembly has a pair of lateral faces each of which having at least a portion supportable at a carrying brake member e.g. a brake carrier. A recess is located close to the middle of each of the two lateral faces. A return spring assembly comprises a pair of guide members each received in one of the recesses and spring arms protrude laterally from one end of each guide member. The spring arms are supportable in the carrying brake member, and elastically deformable into a final position by an extent determining the brake clearance. The guide members are clamped in the respective recess and displaceable in the same only when overcoming frictional resistance greater than the return force of the spring arms in the final position thereof.

Abstract: A platform for a small boat or the like is pivoted to the free end of a pair of arms which are pivoted at their opposite ends to a larger boat such as a yacht. The arms are controlled by an hydraulic jack and a second hydraulic jack is arranged to drive or be driven by the first jack to control the platform so that it is always horizontal for any position of the arms. The arms can position the platform below the water line for launching or receiving the small boat or well above the water line.

Abstract: A cover sheet is provided with pairs of back-to-back Velcro strips, one being of the male variety and the other being of a female variety. The pairs are provided symmetrically about the sheet and extend from positions adjacent the periphery thereof towards the center of the sheet. The strips on one side are preferably all of the same type, female say, and the strips on the other are of the opposite type. The strips facilitate securing the sheets about objects or to each other to form enlarged sheets.

Abstract: A unitary instrument for protection and retraction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity during oral and maxillofacial surgery has a central handle part and active blade parts extending from the ends of the handle parts at different curvatures, with oppositely and differently curved blade extremities for adaptation to the relatively inaccessible areas of the maxillofacial region.

Abstract: An instrument for retracting soft tissue during oral and maxillofacial surgery has a handle, a palm engaging lesser blade at one end of the handle and a greater active blade which extends at an adjustable angle from the other end of the handle.

Abstract: In a valve assembly for a pressurized fluid dispensing container, such as those commonly known as aerosol cans, the filling with propellant gas at the very high speed and pressure needed to meet current production rates presents problems. The invention involves crimping the center boss of the sheet metal mounting cup in such a way, and at a point below the enlarged head portion of the valve housing, that the part of the boss above the crimp and around the valve housing bows outwards to provide clearance for "gassing". There are notches in the lower part of the outside of the head portion but these stop short of the upper face of the head. The valve stem may also have external axial grooves placed to increase the effective cross-sectional area during gassing.

Abstract: The invention overcomes the problem of a cocking valve in a pressure control unit for use in a vehicle braking system. The valve is provided with a body assembly defining an external cylindrical surface slidably engaging the internal surface of a valve chamber, the engaged cylindrical surfaces having sufficient axial extent as to positively prevent said valve from cocking or moving laterally out of a co-axial position with a movable valve seat.

Abstract: In the ultrasonic testing of a casting for defects an ultrasonic probe is mounted in a tank of water and scans across a surface of the casting which faces downwards just below the surface of the water. A pantograph linkage interconnects the probe with a pointer that is movable by an operator over a facsimile of the surface scanned by the probe. The interconnection is such that each position of the probe is represented by a corresponding position of the pointer and as the pointer is moved over the facsimile of the surface the probe scans the surface of the casting. The water ensures that there is good acoustic coupling between the probe and casting and the pantograph linkage reduces the skill and concentration required by the operator. Conveniently, only anomalous signals arising from defects are passed on from the probe to the operator.

Abstract: A process for sugar-coating a solid preparation such as tablet, pill, granule or grain with a sugar-coating liquid comprising pullulan and/or a water-soluble derivative thereof dissolved in an aqueous solution of sucrose. The solid preparation sugar-coated by the above-mentioned process exhibits an enhanced impact strength and shelf life.

Abstract: A radio transmitting and receiving system for operating the doors of an automobile to locked or unlocked condition and unlocking the automobile trunk or hood. The unlocking code may also activate the electric power to the engine starter motor, hood and manual switches of the power door operating motor.

Abstract: A foundry binder of the water-soluble alkali metal polyacrylate type having additives that include lime is cured by the use of the vapour of a low-boiling point organic ester having not more than three carbon atoms, primarily methyl formate, entrained in a carrier gas, e.g. carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A spot type disc brake comprises a floating caliper supported for displacement on a carrier by a pair of guide pins and corresponding guide bores. The caliper straddles a pair of brake pads one of which is adapted to be pressed into contact with a brake disc directly by a brake actuator and the other one by displacement of the caliper caused by the brake actuator. The brake further comprises sealing members sealing the sliding surfaces of each guide pin and the corresponding guide bore. Each guide pin includes a collar in the area of that end which extends from the guide bore toward the brake disc, and the respective sealing member is arranged to be protected behind the collar.