Abstract: A fluid operated control valve for controlling fluid flow of a system which includes a first and a second fluid channels therein, the control valve includes: a hollow casing with closed first and second ends; a piston member slidably disposed within the casing and defining thereby within the casing a first chamber adjacent to the first end of the casing and a second chamber adjacent to the second end of the casing; a first magnet disposed adjacent the first chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a first terminal position; a second magnet disposed adjacent the second chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a second terminal position.

Abstract: A fluid operated control valve for controlling fluid flow of a system which includes a first and a second fluid channels therein, the control valve includes: a hollow casing with closed first and second ends; a piston member slidably disposed within the casing and defining thereby within the casing a first chamber adjacent to the first end of the casing and a second chamber adjacent to the second end of the casing; a first magnet disposed adjacent the first chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a first terminal position; a second magnet disposed adjacent the second chamber of the casing for attracting the piston member to a second terminal position.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is provided comprising a pump chamber, a diaphragm, an enclosure, a diaphragm reciprocator, and an enclosure pressure regulator. A valve which may be used with the diaphragm pump is also provided. The valve comprises a chamber, a chamber pressure regulator, and a timer motor for rotating a rotor to control fluid communication between the chamber and a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A bed sheet is provided comprising first and second layers of fluid impervious material a portion of which are overlapped for sealing together to form sets of fluid cells, and lateral flap portions extending smoothly and substantially without wrinkles from the overlapped portion for tucking around the sides and beneath the bed. Preferably, the fluid cells formed according to a pattern such that the lateral flap portions remain substantially without wrinkles upon introduction of fluid to said fluid cells. Preferably, the lateral flap portions are formed from the first and second layers and most preferably from the non-overlapped portions. Preferably, the bed sheet fluid cells are connectable to fluid lines by a flexible fluid line patch having fluid line connectors sealed thereinto. The fluid line patch may be presealed from overlapped swatches of fluid impervious material along a second line to form first and second fluid passages and seal first and second fluid line connectors thereto.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is provided comprising a pump chamber, a diaphragm, an enclosure, a diaphragm reciprocator, and an enclosure pressure regulator. A valve which may be used with the diaphragm pump is also provided. The valve comprises a chamber, a chamber pressure regulator, and a timer motor for rotating a rotor to control fluid communication between the chamber and a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A fluid pump is provided which comprises a valveless pump chamber, a tube for conveying fluid, a conduit connecting the pump chamber and tube in fluid pressure communication, and at least one valve connected to the tube and adapted to permit a flow of fluid therethrough substantially in a single direction. Preferably at least the tube is removable and replaceable from the pump chamber. Preferably also, the tube is substantially rigid and includes a second valve at an opposite side of the conduit from the first valve.

Abstract: An encasement is provided for improving the acoustic characteristics of fluid pumps. The encasement is substantially formed from a material selected from the group consisting of glasses, ceramics, thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins. Further, the encasement forms a chamber open to one side for receiving and containing a fluid pump. The open side of the encasement includes a lip for mating with a base. The encasement is designed in modular fashion for relatively quick assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: An improved fluid pump provided with a ceramic encasement that substantially reduces noise and vibration, resulting in improved acoustic characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric air pump assembly and a sub-assembly for use therein which speeds assembly and assures proper alignment of the operative pump parts to facilitate proper pump operation while minimizing fatigue failures due to misalignment.The electric air pump assembly (10) is of the type comprising a housing (20) enclosing at least one diaphragm pump (30) having a base (31) and a reciprocable diaphragm (32), an actuator arm (40) affixed to the diaphragm at a location between the two ends of the arm, pivot means (61) for supporting one end (43) of the arm, and electromagnet means (50) operable to reciprocate the unsupported end (41) of the arm and thereby cause the arm to reciprocate about the pivot means and effect reciprocating movement of the diaphragm which in turn creates an air flow from the pump.