Abstract: A disposable electronic vacuum sensor capable of detecting a relatively low vacuum pressure of about 0.04 to 0.05 inches of water. The sensor includes a body having an LED and an opening at one end, and a channel extending longitudinally into the body from the opening. A power source is housed within the body, and a pair of generally parallel first and second contact blades extend longitudinally through the channel. The first contact blade is attached to the upper surface of the channel and coupled to the LED, the LED is coupled the power source, and the power source is coupled to the second contact blade. The LED is activated by a high-sensitivity vacuum switch comprising the first and second contact blades and a thin flexible diaphragm extending longitudinally through the channel between the second contact blade and the lower surface of the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an upper (12) and lower (14) mold plate of a mold assembly (10) from a preformed substrate or casting (16) comprises a mold ejection apparatus (70) having a support surface (76) to receive and support the mold assembly (10). A plurality of clamps (84) pivotally connected to the support surface (76) engage the preformed substrate (16) at spaced apart intervals about the periphery of the preformed substrate (16) to restrain the substrate (16) and lower mold plate (14) against the support surface (76). The apparatus further includes a plurality of secondary hydraulic pumps (98) comprising a piston (106) and cylinder (108) assembly and a lifting bar (120) pivotally connected to one end of the piston (106). The secondary pumps (98) are supported on the support surface (76) at spaced apart intervals adjacent the periphery of the mold assembly (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an upper (12) and lower (14) mold plate of a mold assembly (10) from a preformed substrate or casting (16) by including a mold ejection apparatus (70) having a support surface (76) to receive and support the mold assembly (10). A plurality of clamps (84) pivotally connected to the support surface (76) engage the preformed substrate (16) at spaced apart intervals about the periphery of the preformed substrate (16) to restrain the substrate (16) and lower mold plate (14) against the support surface (76). The apparatus further includes a plurality of secondary hydraulic pumps (98) having a piston (106) and cylinder (108) assembly and a lifting bar (120) pivotally connected to one end of the piston (106). The secondary pumps (98) are supported on the support surface (76) at spaced apart intervals adjacent the periphery of the mold assembly (10).

Abstract: An adaptive connector assembly for engaging a catheter or the like comprises a pair of segments adapted for telescoping engagement with one another so as to develop a centrally disposed cavity for receiving a plug formed of a compressible material. An end of one of the segments has an opening which communicates with the cavity and which is adapted to receive the catheter therein. The plug also has a centrally disposed channel for receiving the catheter from the opening. A snap-fit engagement is developed between the telescoping segments so that when the telescoping segments are engaged, the plug is placed in compression, constricting the channel about the catheter and thereby engaging the catheter within the adaptive connector assembly.