Abstract: An energy efficient oxygen concentrator for filling high pressure portable cylinders with medical oxygen for use by ambulatory patients. Two compressors provide two pressurized air sources, one for operating an oxygen concentrator to provide a stream of oxygen enriched gas, and the other for driving a pressure intensifier for filling portable oxygen cylinders. Pressurized exhaust from the pressure intensifier is returned to the inlet side of at least one of the compressors for reducing the energy required to drive the compressor. Preferably, each compressor has a single reciprocating piston, a single motor drives both pistons and the pressurized exhaust from pressure intensifier is provided to the inlets for both compressors.

Abstract: An energy efficient oxygen concentrator in which a compressor applies pressurized air to at least two gas separating elements which will pass a flow of oxygen while blocking a flow of nitrogen. The gas separating elements are alternately cycled between a gas separating mode for producing oxygen enriched gas and a purge mode for purging nitrogen from the elements. According to the invention, the speed of the cycle time is increased as the oxygen enriched gas flow requirement is decreased below the maximum concentrator output. The higher cycle speed reduces the maximum compressor pressure to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use of such devices for pumping fluid and for use in surgical procedures preferably include vacuum-driven pumps for providing irrigation and suction functions to the surgical field. Such pumps may be freestanding, external to or integrated into handpieces of the surgical instruments.

Abstract: An electronic switch for triggering firing of munitions, the switch inclug an electrical circuit having a high voltage source, a sealed two electrode gap in communication with the high voltage source, a microgap in series with the sealed gap, an exploding foil initiator in communication with the microgap, and an energy storage capacitor bridging legs of the circuit between the high voltage source and the sealed gap. A trigger circuit is in communication with the high voltage source and a fire pulse generator, and is provided with a lead extending from the trigger circuit to one of said legs of said circuit between said sealed gap and said microgap. The energy storage capacitor is charged by the high voltage source to a voltage V which is substantially across the sealed gap. A pulse from the fire pulse generator activates the trigger circuit to provide a high voltage potential V.sub.t across the sealed gap, such that voltage V+V.sub.t breaks down the sealed gap to permit conduction therethrough.

Abstract: A device for restricting flow of fluids and reducing noise that minimizes filling losses and muffles the vent noise, for example, while gravity filling cryogenic cylinders from a storage tank. The filling loss reducer part of this device is comprised of valve body, rotor, valve seat, o-ring, springs, and ball bearings. The noise muffler is comprised of a cylinder with tubes inside it. The loss reducer and muffler are assembled together to form the device. In operation, when filling cryogenic cylinders, for example, the device is screwed on to the vent valve of the cryogenic cylinder being filled. During the fill process, vent gases from the cryogenic cylinder pass through an orifice in the device. The size of the orifice can be changed to any one of the multiple discrete sizes by manually turning the rotor. This manipulation of the orifice size changes the pressure difference between the storage tank and the cryogenic cylinder.

Abstract: A high voltage, laser light initiated, dielectric breakdown switch for use n safe and arm systems for initiating exploding foil initiators. One electrode has an opening which allows light from a laser source to shine on dielectric material and induce breakdown. Conduction occurs between the electrodes and transfers energy from a power supply to the electronic foil initiator.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the use of application specific integrated rcuits in safe and arm devices. The application specific circuits each comprising a buffer means for forming an environmental interface and providing input to a microcontroller, latch means for recording physical evidence, power-up reset means for providing a delayed state change which initializes the microcontroller, static and dynamic AND gate means, command arm data link register means, and a programmable counter means for providing a hard logic derived timing function.

Abstract: A valve assembly and overall system provides selective fluid flow switching and communication between a plurality of flow conduits. The valve assembly includes two valve members which have respectively engaged surfaces which are relatively rotatable to provide the valving action. A first valve member has a plurality of through apertures for respective communication with the flow conduits and a second valve member includes flow passage means for selectively interconnecting at least two of the apertures through the first valve member in order to enable fluid flow therebetween. Drive means is provided for driving continuous relative rotation of the valve members in order to enable rotationally cycled interconnection and fluid flow through the interconnected apertures.

Abstract: An improvement in a Pressure Swing Adsorption or a Rapid Pressure Swing Adsorption process for separation of a multicomponent feed gas by selectively adsorbing at least one component in an adsorption system having at least two beds, the improvement comprising a rotary poppet valve device that has at least two independent intake/exhaust valve pairs which are sequentially opened and closed by a valve camming actuator.

Abstract: Our lead screw driver comprises a drive head for engaging and driving a complementary driver head portion of a threaded fastener, and a manipulator for positioning the drive head and a fastener engaged therewith for alignment of the same for driving the fastener into a pilot hole at a given location in a workpiece. A motor rotates the drive head and a lead screw arrangement is operatively coupled with the drive head for advancing the same at a given rate corresponding to the thread pitch of the fastener to be driven thereby so as to minimize stresses upon the material of the workpiece during the driving of the fastener. Preferably, a brake is operatively coupled to the manipulator and this brake is selectively actuatable for holding the manipulator against movement of the manipulator means, to hold the fastener aligned with the pilot hole while driving the fastener.

Abstract: A method for varying the voltage in a high intensity discharge mercury lamp comprising the following steps:(a) energizing the lamp at a substantially fixed current;(b) selecting a predetermined voltage;(c) sensing the lamp voltage; and(d) when the lamp voltage rises above the predetermined voltage, directing a pulsed flow of gas, which gas is at a temperature sufficient to condense the mercury, against the outer surface of the lamp intermediate of its electrodes at a pulse rate and pulse duration sufficient to achieve and maintain about the predetermined voltage.