Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable flow passage, e.g. an exhaust passage, in communication with the cylinder of the engine. A valve is positioned in the passage, restricting the passage to reduce the flow therethrough. A control mechanism varies the position of the valve by making use of positive and negative pressure, which can be supplied from the engine crankcase or an independent source. The control of positive or negative pressure supply can be based on engine speed, engine load or throttle position. The control mechanism can include a diaphragm located in a pressure chamber to which the positive and negative pressure is supplied.

Abstract: An automatic prescription dispensing system includes a housing or frame having a plurality of pill dispenser units mounted therein, a plurality of vial supply assemblies at one end of the housing, and a filled vial offload carousel at an opposite end. A vial manipulator assembly is mounted on the housing to enable translational movement of a vial manipulator frame vertically and horizontally and pivoting about a vertical axis to retrieve vials from the supply assemblies, fill the vials at the dispenser units, and deposit the filled vials onto the carousel. The vial manipulator frame includes spring loaded grippers to engage and carry the vials and a drive motor and gear for meshing with dispenser unit gears to operate the dispenser units. The system includes a controller including an interface for coupling to the printer port of a pharmacy host computer printer port for intercepting drug name and quantity data for a prescription which was directed to a prescription label printer.

Abstract: A belt-drive tensioning system for a motor drive positioning system, especially for X-Y digital plotters. The tensioning system employs spring-loading involving motion along only one translational direction to accurately preset and maintain constant the desired belt tension. Preferred embodiments to provide a self-contained modular unit include a dual plate assembly in roller-bearing relationship, and the use of V-shaped mounting springs.