Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a valve or actuator is provided. The adjustable mechanism cooperates with one or more pistons, which in turn cooperates with a valve element to limit the axial displacement of the valve element relative to the valve seat. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted axially, thereby providing a greater or lesser distance for the piston and diaphragm to travel. Embodiments incorporating the adjustable mechanism include a trickle valve, an on/off valve and a mixing valve. The adjustable mechanism also provides to the adjustment of the piston stroke to match or closely mirror the stroke of the vale element.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a fluid device includes an actuator having a first condition and having a second condition responsive to air under pressure for providing force for operating the fluid device. An override mechanism connected with the actuator is manually engageable to override the force provided by the actuator. The override mechanism may include a handle having a first handle position and a second handle position. The override mechanism may include a latching mechanism for automatically latching the handle in the selected handle position. The latching mechanism may be lockable.

Abstract: A method of making the salt of an acid, includes the steps of combining and mixing the acid and a base selected from the oxides, hydroxides and carbonates of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, in a first reaction zone over a first period to produce a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is transferred at the end of the first period from the first reaction zone to a second reaction zone the transferring step being carried out over a second period. Heat generated by reaction between the acid and the base in the second reaction zone drives off sufficient water to produce a product mixture containing less than about 8% (m/m) water. The first period is between about 1 and 180 seconds and the second period is between about 2 and 60 seconds.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a valve or actuator is provided. The adjustable mechanism cooperates with one or more pistons, which in turn cooperates with a valve element to limit the axial displacement of the valve element relative to the valve seat. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted axially, thereby providing a greater or lesser distance for the piston and diaphragm to travel. Embodiments incorporating the adjustable mechanism include a trickle valve, an on/off valve and a mixing valve. The adjustable mechanism also provides to the adjustment of the piston stroke to match or closely mirror the stroke of the vale element.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled precision dispensing system (PDS) introduces an additive into a flowing liquid. A fixed amount of additive is introduced per unit volume of the liquid. The fixed amount can be changed by the user and can be varied as a function of an external parameter. The PDS includes a dispensing device which is actuated by a flow meter. The liquid flows through the flow meter which includes a Hall effect transducer which measures flow rate. The signal from the Hall effect transducer is input into a microprocessor mounted in the dispensing device. The microprocessor controls a stepper motor which drives a crankshaft which drives a reciprocating pump. The release of the additive is correlated to the volume of liquid flow. The dispensing device includes means for selecting the amount of additive to be dispensed per gallon of liquid. For example, the system can be set to dispense an amount from 0-10 ml/gal; this amount can be changed by increments of 0.01 ml.

Abstract: The present invention is a biopsy guide for use with a medical ultrasound scanhead of the type used for intravaginal scans and ultrasound guided biopsies. The guide fits over an intravaginal scanhead, and it includes a slot for guiding a biopsy needle. The guide also includes a unique needle cover which is slidably attached to the guide and which encloses a biopsy needle until actual flesh penetration is desired, thereby preventing unnecessary injury to a patient in the course of the examination.

Abstract: A liquid fuel vaporizing burner comprising a combustion chamber, a fuel inlet, a primary air inlet, a secondary air inlet, and a microprocessor controller. The fuel inlet communicates with the combustion chamber. The primary air inlet communicates with the combustion chamber and is interactive with the fuel inlet. The heated secondary air inlet extends about the combustion chamber in heat exchange relationship. The combustion chamber has walls of generally heat conductive material. The combustion chamber comprises a combustion region and an exhaust region. The secondary air inlet opens at one end to the atmosphere and at its other end to a mixing passage. The microprocessor controller is electrically connected to thermocouples about the burner, to the primary and secondary air inlets, and to the fuel inlet.

Abstract: High tape acceleration rates are achieved in an unbuffered, capstanless tape drive system by a tape motion control apparatus employing separate drive motors for each reel of a reel-to-reel tape transport. Tape moves from one reel past a read/write head and a tape tension sensor to the other reel, there being no tachometer in the tape feed path. A tachometer on one reel shaft provides a large number of pulses per revolution which pulses are counted by a counter; and a tachometer on the other reel shaft provides only one pulse per revolution, which pulse gates out the count then accumulated in the counter for actuating means to provide motor acceleration currents of a magnitude corresponding to said accumulated count according to a predetermined servo algorithm for controlling rotation of both reels. A tape radius constant corresponding to the actual length and thickness of tape in the system is calculated during initial wrap of tape onto the takeup reel.