Abstract: A controller for a breastpump, such as a rotary knob, which is used to simultaneously adjust the suction level as well as rate within a sequence, is disclosed. The suction “force” and “speed” are tied together in an inverse relationship. As the suction force (vacuum) is increased, for example, the rate (cycle) is decreased; as the vacuum is decreased, the cycle increases.

Abstract: A switching device for optionally passing a flow of medium, such as a highly pressurized gas, through a first or second treatment member (2, 3), in which the medium is subjected to a treatment, such as filtration, heating, cooling or the like, comprises a medium inlet, a medium outlet and two distribution valves (1, 5), of which the valve bodies, which are provided with passages, are attached to a common rotation pin (10). For safety's sake, safety valves (12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged in the connections between distribution valves arranged at the inlet and at the oulet and the two treatment members.

Abstract: A breastpump which can be programmed to generate, among other things, a plurality of differing milk expression (extraction) sequences, or curves is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a motorized pump (e.g., compressed air, battery and/or house current) is provided with a microprocessor-based controller. Cards, with microprocessor “chips,” containing different suction curves adapted for varying conditions and objectives are included for programming the controller in this embodiment.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

Abstract: A switching unit which is suitable for making a first and a second medium—for example oil and cooling water—flow through one of the two plate coolers as desired comprises four switching valves. The valve bodies of the four valves (1-4) are connected to one another by an actuating mechanism (19, 20, 21, 22), in such a manner that when one of the four valves is switched the other three valves are also switched. This definitively prevents incorrect switching operations.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: A switching unit which is suitable for making a first and a second medium—for example oil and cooling water—flow through one of the two plate coolers as desired comprises four switching valves. The valve bodies of the four valves (1-4) are connected to one another by an actuating mechanism (19, 20, 21, 22), in such a manner that when one of the four valves is switched the other three valves are also switched. This definitively prevents incorrect switching operations.

Abstract: A color information file is produced in a processor for the communication of colors, which file can include all possible information data assigned to one or several color samples and identifying, characterizing or supplementing them. The information data are stored as data objects in the data information file in an open and expandable hierarchically organized object structure on XML basis in text format. By embedding the data objects in an XML container, it is possible to characterize color samples by way of arbitrary and different combination of information data and to selectively add complementary image or text information. The color information file is produced with the help of a text editor or a composer software, for example with graphic user interface. A viewer software is provided for the reading of the color information file and for interpretation of the information data stored therein.

Abstract: A cryogenic distillation apparatus comprising a system of columns (9, 11) also includes at least one external source of a gas other than a column of the system and means for sending this pressurized gas to the first pump (17) in order to serve as barrier gas for a pump (17, 23, 25, 27) and/or at least one external source (20) of liquid other than a column of the system and means for vaporizing at least one portion of this liquid and for sending the vapour thus formed to the first pump in order to serve as barrier gas and/or means (3) for withdrawing a liquid from a column of the system and for vaporizing at least one portion thereof downstream of the first or of the second pump in order to deliver a barrier gas (21) for the first pump.

Abstract: A device and method of use thereof for the drainage of fluids includes a cap, a rigid vessel and a plate-shaped top component fitted to a disposable bag. The bag with its top component is secured to a drainage aperture to form a seal with the undersurface of the plate and the rigid top component has an additional aperture fitted with a gas-permeable membrane. When a vacuum is applied, the bag opens first, followed by the creation of a vacuum inside the bag whereby the fluid is drained off via a drainage tube.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation process and apparatus in a distillation column having a top condenser. Air is compressed, purified and cooled to a temperature suitable for distillation. The air is separated in a distillation column so that an oxygen-enriched liquid and a nitrogen-enriched gas are produced within the column. A stream of cryogenic liquid is sent to the column and an oxygen-enriched liquid is sent from the column to the condenser. The flow rate of cryogenic liquid is regulated as a function of the level of oxygen-enriched liquid at the bottom of the column, and a product stream is withdrawn from the column.

Abstract: The analytical device comprises a conveyor for conveying cuvettes to one or more stations for processing samples for analysis in the cuvettes. The processing stations comprise means for removing individual cuvettes from the conveyor, transferring the cuvettes to a processing position and returning the cuvettes to the conveyor after processing.

Abstract: The invention aims at preventing the risks of deformation and breaking down of the heat exchanger which is part of a plant for the batch treatment of fluids, of the type in which, during active periods which are separated from one another by rest periods, at least one refrigerating fluid is allowed to circulate in first ducts of the exchanger, from the cold end to the hot end of the latter, and at least one calorigenic fluid is circulated in second ducts of the exchanger, from the hot end to the cold end of the latter, characterized in that, during rest periods, heat is introduced at the hot end and cold is introduced at the cold end of the exchanger so as to maintain these two ends at temperatures which are relatively close to those corresponding to the active periods, at least one of these two inputs being supplied by means of a reserve fluid of the plant.

Abstract: The article of which the verticality is critical, for example a distillation column disposed in a closed envelope, is associated with an indicator of verticality comprising a suspended mass and a locating ring. The envelope, which contains the various inner articles, is placed on a base by means of supports and its inclination with respect to the base is adjusted by controlling the relative position of the mass with respect to the ring. Application for example to cold boxes for the in situ production of gas from air.

Abstract: A pipetting insert for a pipetting device for taking a liquid sample from a vacuum tube closed in air-tight manner by a stopper. In order to prevent the undesirable escape of fragments of a sample from the vacuum tube before the sample is taken, the pipetting insert is made of plastic, has an elongated body which has a conical part at one end, a hollow tip in the form of a wall for piercing by a pipetting needle at the other end, and a central tubular part therebetween. The central part of the body has a bore along its longitudinal axis for connecting the interior of the conical part to the interior of the hollow tip, and the outer wall of the central part of the body contains at least one connecting duct which extends between the conical part and the tip and the cross-section of which is considerably smaller than the cross-section of the bore in the central part of the body.

Abstract: A cuvette arrangement for use in a chemical analysis system, which cuvette arrangement comprises an integrally constructed unit which defines separate chambers, for the receipt of sample-reagent mixtures.