Abstract: A method of facilitating broker mediated matching of a potential buyer of a spare part with a potential seller of the spare part, the potential seller having an inventory of spare parts for use in a manufacturing process run by the potential seller, the method comprising the following steps undertaken by the broker: (a) receiving a request for the spare part from a potential buyer, (b) enquiring with a potential seller as to the presence of the spare part in its inventory, (c) if the spare part is present, assessing whether or not the spare part is excess to the foreseeable needs of the potential seller in running the manufacturing process efficiently by the application of software that presents a series of questions for answering by the potential seller, the answers to which will reveal whether or not the spare part is excess to said needs, and (d) if the spare part is excess to said needs, providing means by which the potential seller and potential buyer will communicate with each other, whereby they may fi

Abstract: Client-server architectures for allowing web applications to operate even when the client and server are disconnected. Exemplary architectures include a local web engine associated with a local cache which can be separate from a browser cache and browser application. Exemplary data structures include web documents having one or more control commands embedded in the head with manifest code. Exemplary methods include operating web applications when the client is offline, caching web applications, executable code, web documents, security code, and/or remote files, allowing web application access of local files, and operating client/web applications.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator and intermittent flow device are disclosed. Vacuum regulation is achieved via spring forces acting on a movable piston-tube assembly disposed within a regulator body having a cylindrical hollow interior. Vacuum is supplied to an input port and regulated vacuum is provided at an output port. Vacuum at the output is cut off when fluid flow is sufficiently restricted and the piston-tube assembly is urged in contact against a fluid flow aperture within the regulator body thereby blocking fluid flow. Multiple modes of operation are provided in the regulator by way of a three position mode knob that enables regulated vacuum, unregulated vacuum and an “off” mode of operation. The disclosed intermittent vacuum flow device is attached to the output of the vacuum regulator and enables timed cyclical on and off operation of vacuum regulation.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator and intermittent flow device are disclosed. Vacuum regulation is achieved via spring forces acting on a movable piston-tube assembly disposed within a regulator body having a cylindrical hollow interior. Vacuum is supplied to an input port and regulated vacuum is provided at an output port. Vacuum at the output is cut off when fluid flow is sufficiently restricted and the piston-tube assembly is urged in contact against a fluid flow aperture within the regulator body thereby blocking fluid flow. Multiple modes of operation are provided in the regulator by way of a three position mode knob that enables regulated vacuum, unregulated vacuum and an “off” mode of operation. The disclosed intermittent vacuum flow device is attached to the output of the vacuum regulator and enables timed cyclical on and off operation of vacuum regulation.

Abstract: A portable pressurized gas delivery system with impact protection includes a pressure regulator device comprised of a shut-off valve/refill portion, a pressure regulation portion and a flow control portion. The pressure regulator device is attached via a mating machine threaded portion to a high pressure gas vessel or tank. An adapter or flange washer is situated between the regulator device and tank. A u-shaped handle is attached to the flange washer and extends along side and beyond the height of the gas pressure regulator. A circular ring is transversely attached to the u-shaped handle and situated to surround the regulator device thereby providing impact protection from all directions for the gas pressure regulator device. The pressure regulator device and flange washer include mechanical alignment mechanisms so that angular alignment of the devices is established.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator for use in the medical, emergency and home health care fields is disclosed. The regulator includes a body having a rectangular aperture for receiving an industry standard post valve typically found on a high pressure gas tank. The regulator includes a mechanical attachment device for securing the regulator to the post valve. The mechanical attachment device, or knob, is cylindrical in cross-section and is hollow so that it may receive a portion of the regulator therein. The outer periphery of the knob includes a knurl pattern to aid in gripping the knob. The knob includes a threaded rod extending axially along the hollow interior of the knob. The threaded rod engages mating threads in a threaded aperture of the regulator body. Rotating the fastener urges the regulator into contact with the post valve, and a valve seat on the regulator provide a gas seal between the regulator and the post valve.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bouldon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: A post valve for use with a source of high pressure gas is disclosed. The post valve includes a body having an inlet aperture extending therethrough. The body further includes an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the inlet aperture. A stem having external threads is rotatably inserted into the body aperture and engages mating threads within the body. A fluid seal disposed about the stem prevents fluid flow past the stem. A threaded bonnet is disposed over the stem and mates with another threaded portion within the body. The threads of the stem are of different pitch than the bonnet. The fluid seal is situated so that fluid flowing into the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture does not contact the threaded portions of the stem or body.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section, as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bourdon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section, as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bourdon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: An intermittent medical gas or oxygen delivery and regulator valve system which utilizes a single diaphragm and allows medical gas delivery through a central path in a valve stem. The valve may be easily retrofit to nearly all medical gas delivery systems currently in use and is thus expected to have widespread commercial appeal. The boundary between the valve stem and valve shuttle is of a novel design which results in a virtually frictionless movement by the shuttle element. The combination of elements results in a simplified and more efficient, long-life design.