Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning device, including a rod, and a cleaning head coupled to a distal end of the rod, including a low friction-generating surface; and a high friction-generating surface, wherein the low friction-generating surface contacts an inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved along the tube in a first direction and the high friction-generating surface contacts the inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A normally closed valve according to the invention comprises a closure delay system utilizing the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup to generate a force that keeps the valve open when in an open orientation for a preset time period. The valve further comprises a closure delay mechanism including an actuator shaft and a suction cup disposed in a cavity, being configured for downward reciprocating movement, wherein the suction cup engages the cavity top wall when the valve is in closed orientation thereby closing the valve, and adhering to a suction surface of the cavity when the actuator shaft moves under pressure for switching the valve from closed to open orientation thereby opening the valve. The suction cup automatically disengages the suction surface a preset time period after pressure ceases to be applied to the actuator shaft and reengages the cavity top wall thereby closing the valve.

Abstract: A normally closed valve according to the invention comprises a closure delay system utilizing the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup to generate a force that keeps the valve open when in an open orientation for a preset time period. The valve further comprises a closure delay mechanism including an actuator shaft and a suction cup disposed in a cavity, being configured for downward reciprocating movement, wherein the suction cup engages the cavity top wall when the valve is in closed orientation thereby closing the valve, and adhering to a suction surface of the cavity when the actuator shaft moves under pressure for switching the valve from closed to open orientation thereby opening the valve. The suction cup automatically disengages the suction surface a preset time period after pressure ceases to be applied to the actuator shaft and reengages the cavity top wall thereby closing the valve.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning device, including a rod, and a cleaning head coupled to a distal end of the rod, including a low friction-generating surface; and a high friction-generating surface, wherein the low friction-generating surface contacts an inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved along the tube in a first direction and the high friction-generating surface contacts the inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A confined, fully or partially liquid-filled container having at least one flexible wall, utilizing the effect of gravity on liquid in the container to generate a force that acts on an actuator mechanism to operate a normally-closed control valve. In preferred embodiments, the container is a simple sealed bag partially liquid-filled and air-free. The flexible-walled container contains a predetermined quantity of liquid. The bag is confined by walls of a housing formed of a non-flexible material, and is affixed to the housing preferably to an upper wall of the housing in any conventional way. The housing is disposed in a vessel for holding a liquid and is having one or more apertures, which are in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and through which liquid can enter from the vessel into the housing to a level corresponding to a desired level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: Sanitary-ware coupled to a mains water supply, the sanitary-ware including a flushing assembly including a tank having a first chamber having a first volume and an inlet, and a second chamber having an outlet and a second volume, larger than the volume of the first chamber; the inlet coupled to a source of water at high pressure receiving a first quantity of water at an inlet pressure from the source; and a pressure exchange mechanism disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein a first quantity of water in the first chamber causes a second quantity of water in the second chamber, larger than the first quantity, to be pushed out of the second chamber through the outlet at a pressure lower than the inlet pressure by the pressure exchange mechanism. Preferably, the source of water at high pressure is a mains water supply.

Abstract: A confined, fully or partially liquid-filled container having at least one flexible wall, utilizing the effect of gravity on liquid in the container to generate a force that acts on an actuator mechanism to operate a normally-closed control valve. In preferred embodiments, the container is a simple sealed bag partially liquid-filled and air-free. The flexible-walled container contains a predetermined quantity of liquid. The bag is confined by walls of a housing formed of a non-flexible material, and is affixed to the housing preferably to an upper wall of the housing in any conventional way. The housing is disposed in a vessel for holding a liquid and is having one or more apertures, which are in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and through which liquid can enter from the vessel into the housing to a level corresponding to a desired level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: Sanitary-ware coupled to a mains water supply, the sanitary-ware including a flushing assembly including a tank having a first chamber having a first volume and an inlet, and a second chamber having an outlet and a second volume, larger than the volume of the first chamber; the inlet coupled to a source of water at high pressure receiving a first quantity of water at an inlet pressure from the source; and a pressure exchange mechanism disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein a first quantity of water in the first chamber causes a second quantity of water in the second chamber, larger than the first quantity, to be pushed out of the second chamber through the outlet at a pressure lower than the inlet pressure by the pressure exchange mechanism. Preferably, the source of water at high pressure is a mains water supply.

Abstract: A distance measurement system is provided. The distance measurement system includes at least one resonant circuit, at least one magnetic element with predetermined magnetic properties, a transmitter operable to transmit an electromagnetic pulse, a receiver operable to detect oscillations emitted by said resonant circuit in response to said electromagnetic pulse, and an analyzer operable to analyze an amplitude envelope property of said oscillations, to thereby determine a distance between the resonant circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: A distance measurement system, comprising at least one resonant circuit, at least one magnetic element with predetermined magnetic properties, a transmitter operable to transmit an electromagnetic pulse, a receiver operable to detect oscillations emitted by said resonant circuit in response to said electromagnetic pulse, and an analyzer operable to analyze an amplitude envelope property of said oscillations, to thereby determine a distance between the resonant circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: A system for conversion of hydrostatic pressure variations of sea waves into useful energy is disclosed. The system is comprised of a sealed casing (12) with a membrane-like cover (16). The cover operates piston (52) under the pressure of the waves. The piston compresses air into vessel (22), from which it is discharged (86) to drive turbine (24) and produce electric energy (26). The piston (52) is recoiled back upwards by second piston (56), reciprocable within cylinder 58. The effective volume of the cylinder 58 is variable for counter-pressure adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A distance measurement system is provided. The distance measurement system includes at least one resonant circuit, at least one magnetic element with predetermined magnetic properties, a transmitter operable to transmit an electromagnetic pulse, a receiver operable to detect oscillations emitted by said resonant circuit in response to said electromagnetic pulse, and an analyzer operable to analyze an amplitude envelope property of said oscillations, to thereby determine a distance between the resonant circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: A distance measurement system, comprising at least one resonant circuit, at least one magnetic element with predetermined magnetic properties, a transmitter operable to transmit an electromagnetic pulse, a receiver operable to detect oscillations emitted by said resonant circuit in response to said electromagnetic pulse, and an analyzer operable to analyze an amplitude envelope property of said oscillations, to thereby determine a distance between the resonant circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: An artificial joint system is provided herein. The system includes an artificial joint implantable within an individual, the artificial joint including artificial joint members each having an articulating surface and a bone attachment surface, wherein the articulating surfaces are in articulative engagement therebetween. The system further includes a detection system implanted within, or attached to, the artificial joint members and/or the bones to which the members are attached. The detection system serves for communicating an information signal receivable outside the body, the information signal indicative of a parameter associated with displacement between an artificial joint member and a bone to which it is attached and/or to wear or relative displacement of the articulating surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating rhinitis by illumination including at least one light emitting diode (LED) pack, each having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), suitable for insertion into at least one, respective, rhinitis affected nostril and operative for illuminating a rhinitis affected zone of the interior surface of the at least one nostril with non-coherent light radiation, the light radiation having a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for rhinitis treatment. Preferably, the rhinitis affected zone is illuminated continuously for a prescribed treatment duration.

Abstract: A method of treating acne by illumination comprising the steps of utilizing at least one light emitting diode (LED) by driving each of the at least one LEDs in substantially continuous wave (CW) mode of operation to generate CW light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne relief, concentrating and projecting the CW light radiation onto an acne-affected dermal zone for biostimulative treatment thereof and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration, wherein each of the at least one LEDs emits light of substantially the same wavelength and wherein the acne affected dermal zone is not simultaneously illuminated by stimulating radiation of another wavelength.

Abstract: A method of treating herpes by illuminating a herpes affected dermal zone with continuous wave (CW) non-coherent radiation emitted by at least one light emitting diode (LED), the radiation having a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for herpes treatment, and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration.

Abstract: A light therapy system utilizes an array of light emitting diodes which emit noncoherent light in a narrow bandwidth centered at a designated wave length. The diodes are mounted to project and focus their output on a dermal zone of a patient. A continuous or a pulsed voltage differential is utilized to energize the diodes. Higher voltage differential and peak current flow across the diodes is provided in pulsed operation than in continuous operation. With a designated wave length in the infra red bandwidth, a treatment regimen including a session of 5-10 minutes of continuous operation and a session of 5-10 minutes of pulsed operation once or twice per day has been effective in alleviating various musculoskeletal disorders. A similar treatment regimen utilizing diodes emitting light centered at the red light wave length has proven effective in the treatment of skin ulcers and delayed post operative wound healing.