Abstract: The method for automatic dosing of drugs utilizes a microdelivery device which may be implanted in or otherwise administered to an animal or human. A microdelivery device is configured to have at least one compartment containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the microdelivery device selectively actuates a compartment to selectively release doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. One primary function of the present invention is to release two or more pesticides in such a pattern that parasites are effectively controlled while preventing the development of tolerance to the drugs within the parasites. Preferably, the microdelivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

Abstract: A fountain apparatus includes a nozzle and lights which are selectable and moveable in at least two degrees of freedom about axes that are approximately perpendicular. Nozzle movement is preferably controlled by preprogrammed electronics which control movement of the nozzle and selective activation of the lights. Such an automated control system also may control the spray stream velocity. The flow streams are controlled to create a dynamic display which may be synchronized to music or other light shows.

Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.

Abstract: The apparatus for automatic administration and dosing of one or more drugs comprises a microdelivery device which may be implanted in or otherwise administered to an animal or human. The microdelivery device is configured to have at least one compartment containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the microdelivery device selectively actuates a compartment to selectively release doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. The microdelivery device employs a microprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), preprogrammed with a desired dosing regimen and a timing circuit, such as a quartz oscillator, in order to administer the drug(s) according to the dosing regimen. Thus, the microdelivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient includes a first housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having a centrally-located aperture covers the open end, and a pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture to form a sphincter seal therebetween. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source (an IV bag) passes through the housing into the cavity near the open end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink (the patient) passes through the housing from the cavity near the closed end thereof. A drive shaft is attached to the pump shaft to drive it back and forth in reciprocating motion inwardly and outwardly of the cavity to produce, respectively, a positive pressure forcing fluid out of the outlet conduit to the fluid sink, and a negative pressure forcing fluid from the fluid source through the inlet conduit.

Abstract: The method for automatic dosing of drugs utilizes a delivery device which may be administered to an animal. The delivery device is configured to have one or more compartments or reservoirs, each containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the delivery device selectively releases doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. One primary function of the present invention is to release two or more pesticides in such a pattern that parasites are effectively controlled while preventing the development of tolerance to the drugs within the parasites. Preferably, the delivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having a centrally-located aperture covers the open end, and a pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture to form a sphincter seal therebetween. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source (an IV bag) passes through the housing into the cavity near the open end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink (the patient) passes through the housing from the cavity near the closed end thereof. The shaft is driven back and forth in reciprocating motion inwardly and outwardly of the cavity to produce, respectively, a positive pressure forcing fluid out of the outlet conduit to the fluid sink, and a negative pressure forcing fluid from the fluid source through the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A pressure powered pump has valve members 18, 20 operated by a float acting through an overcenter mechanism 24. The overcenter mechanism has a valve actuating lever 36, on which are provided actuating pins 46, 48 for engagement with the respective valve members 18, 20. When the valves are closed, there is a substantial clearance a between the actuating pins 46, 48 and the respective valve member or its stem 50. This causes the actuating pin 46, 48 to apply an impact to the-valve member 18, 20, so assisting its opening movement. Stops 58, 60 are provided to arrest the valve actuating member 36 at its stable end position, so avoiding high impacts being applied to the valve members 18, 20 when they close.

Abstract: An artificial finger assembly including articulating finger segments constructed of stacked and aligned plates. The finger segments are coupled to adjacent finger segment at common pivot points along a top edge of the assembly. The finger segments are caused to pivot around the common pivot points by a lever arm comprised of a series of articulated lever arm plates. The lever arm plates are coupled to the finger segments along an axis offset to one side of the common pivot points and parallel to the finger segments.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having a centrally-located aperture covers the open end, and a pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture to form a sphincter seal therebetween. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source (an IV bag) passes through the housing into the cavity near the open end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink (the patient) passes through the housing from the cavity near the closed end thereof. The shaft is driven back and forth in reciprocating motion inwardly and outwardly of the cavity to produce, respectively, a positive pressure forcing fluid out of the outlet conduit to the fluid sink, and a negative pressure forcing fluid from the fluid source through the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A gas powered pump tank is alternately filled with liquid such as water at low pressure, and then emptied by gas pressure such as from pressurized steam. An auxiliary exhaust assist valve opens at a threshold pressure after switching from the pumping phase to the filling phase to more quickly vent the pressure in the tank and minimize obstruction of the incoming flow of liquid. The pump tank has inlet and outlet check valves for the liquid, permitting flow only in a positive pumping direction. A gas inlet valve and a primary gas exhaust valve are controlled by an alternating mechanism such as a float with a snap action toggle that opens one of the gas valves while closing the other. The auxiliary exhaust assist valve has a valve body spring biased inwardly of the tank, and opens at a pressure lower than the pumping pressure, thereby venting the tank more rapidly and also assisting in venting any additional steam produced by boiling of the water or other liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring displacement of one location of a structure, relative to another, spaced apart location.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire includes a strip of material formed into an elongate coil, with a central hollow having a plurality of windings. The windings include inhibiting features to inhibit relative rotation of adjacent windings. A central wire core is inserted through the hollow of the coil and welded to some of the windings to keep them from separating longitudinally. This construction allows for lateral flexibility of the guide wire, but with desired torsional stiffness.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having two branched portions which form a centrally-located aperture is disposed over the open end of the housing. A pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture such that one branched portion toward the cavity and the other branched portion extends away from the housing such that a sphincter seal is formed about the shaft. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source such as an IV bag passes through the housing into the cavity near one end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink such as a patient passes through the housing from the cavity near the other end thereof.

Abstract: Controlled bending movement of a flexible elongate rod or filament in response to a bend signal indicative of a desired amount of bending is effected by a strip of shape-changing material disposed on a first side of an elongate rod element, the shape changing material changing shape in response to an actuation signal, thereby causing the filament element to bend, and a sensor including a strain gauge disposed on the rod element on a second side opposite the first side, said sensor sensing the amount of bend in the rod element from strain indicated, and a feedback control comparing the amount of bend of the filament sensed to a desired amount of bend defined by said bend signal and altering the actuation signal as required to make the amount of bend sensed the same as the amount of bend desired.

Abstract: A thermodynamic condensate trap comprises a body 2 and a cap 18 which define a chamber 24. Inlet and outlet passage 8, 10 emerge into the trap chamber 24 at a seating face 12. A valve element in the form of a disc 26 is movable within the chamber 24 to open and close a flow path through the chamber 24 between the inlet passage 8 and the outlet passage 10. The cap 18 has thermal insulating means, for example in the form of air spaces 30, 32 to reduce heat transfer between the trap chamber 24 and the ambient surroundings. This reduces the cycle time of the trap, and consequently, extends the useful life of its components.

Abstract: A catheter/guide wire steering mechanism includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and sidewalls which define at least the first lumen. An opening is formed in a sidewall of the catheter, near the distal end thereof in communication with the first lumen. A plug is disposed in the catheter at the distal end thereof and includes a curved surface for deflecting and directing out the opening, the leading end of a guide wire (or other catheter) inserted into the lumen at the proximal end of the catheter. This enables guiding the guide wire laterally from the catheter either into a passageway branching from the main passageway into which the catheter is inserted, or to perforate a sidewall of the main passageway.

Abstract: A body-powered prosthetic arm is mountable on a socket attached to the arm stump of a person. The prosthetic arm includes a base for attachment to the socket, a forearm section having a proximal end and a distal end, a terminal device such as a hook, anthropomorphic hand, etc. attached to the distal end of the forearm section for selectively opening or closing, and an elbow joint for joining the proximal end of the forearm section to the base, the elbow joint being pivotable to enable moving the forearm section upwardly or downwardly. Control straps and cables fitted on the person are responsive to body movements of the person for selectively locking the elbow joint to prevent it from pivoting while allowing the terminal device to open or close or locking the terminal device to prevent it from opening or closing while allowing the elbow joint to pivot.