Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing recoil during uncoupling of pressurized couplers. The apparatus includes a male: a female component; and a check valve fluidly disposed between a proximal end and a distal end within one of the male component or female component. When the component including the check valve is pressurized, the check valve assumes a normally closed state. Upon coupling of the male component with the female component, the check valve is caused to open through the interaction of a probe linked to the check valve which contacts a portion of the opposing coupler, thereby opening the check valve and permitting pressurized fluid flow between the two components. At least one radially directed port fluidly couples the interface between the male and female couplers with the environment, which may be formed in one or both couplers.

Abstract: Relative line tension indicators and related methods particularly for fishing reels where the indicators include a body; a mechanical distance determining arrangement housed in the body, such as an axially translating probe shaft/actuator pin, or an electronic distance determining arrangement such as an optical distance determining integrated circuit; and a mechanical display arrangement, such as an indicator linked to the probe shaft/actuator pin, or an electronic display coupled to the distance determining arrangement. In select embodiments, the indicator is mounted to or integrated with the handle of a fishing reel, which is directly proximate to a line tension adjustment wheel. By determining and indicating the axial position of the adjustment wheel relative to an axially constant reference such as the reel handle, a user can determine where, along the continuum of relative positions, the adjustment wheel is positioned.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for use with compressed gas cylinders, apparatus having CGA-870 compliant fittings and refilling/conserving apparatus to permit a user to selectively direct compressed gas from the refilling/conserving apparatus to the CGA-870 compliant apparatus and/or coupled compressed gas cylinder. The assembly includes a housing having a fill interface having at least one fill port, an outlet interface having at least one outlet port, and a cylinder interface having at least one port where a first fluid conduit fluidly coupling the outlet interface with the cylinder interface and a second fluid conduit fluidly coupling the inlet interface with the cylinder interface wherein the second fluid conduit has no unidirectional flow restriction means. To prevent back flow from the outlet port to the cylinder port, a one-way valve is used. In certain embodiments, one end each of the first and second fluid conduits separately terminate at the cylinder interface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing recoil during uncoupling of pressurized couplers. The apparatus includes a male: a female component; and a check valve fluidly disposed between a proximal end and a distal end within one of the male component or female component. When the component including the check valve is pressurized, the check valve assumes a normally closed state. Upon coupling of the male component with the female component, the check valve is caused to open through the interaction of a probe linked to the check valve which contacts a portion of the opposing coupler, thereby opening the check valve and permitting pressurized fluid flow between the two components. At least one radially directed port fluidly couples the interface between the male and female couplers with the environment, which may be formed in one or both couplers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a secondary power tool system, components thereof and methods for using the same. It is preferably for use with an automatic tool change CNC machine having a rotating tool receiving element. The system includes a power source delivery interface component having an interlock and a high-speed rotating spindle accessory component. The delivery interface provides an autonomous connection point for delivering any one of several modes of power, e.g., compressed air. The rotating spindle accessory includes a housing adapted to be received by the rotating tool receiving element and a motor. A connector arm operably coupled to the housing defines at least one conduit for delivering the power, such as compressed air, to the motor. It also includes a delivery probe adapted to actuate the power delivery interface interlock so that when presented to the power delivery interface, power is autonomously delivered to the motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a secondary power tool system, components thereof and methods for using the same. It is preferably for use with an automatic tool change CNC machine having a rotating tool receiving element. The system includes a power source delivery interface component having an interlock and a high-speed rotating spindle accessory component. The delivery interface provides an autonomous connection point for delivering any one of several modes of power, e.g., compressed air. The rotating spindle accessory includes a housing adapted to be received by the rotating tool receiving element and a motor. A connector arm operably coupled to the housing defines at least one conduit for delivering the power, such as compressed air, to the motor. It also includes a delivery probe adapted to actuate the power delivery interface interlock so that when presented to the power delivery interface, power is autonomously delivered to the motor.

Abstract: A single piece molded plastic instrumentation holding bridge for holding instrumentation and probes to be used with a patient laying on a stretcher is disclosed. The bridge includes depending legs which have recesses for engagement with arms mounted on the stretcher, and a surface formed by said legs which allows the bridge to be placed on the ground wherein the top surface of the bridge is at an oblique angle with respect to a horizontal plane. This invention provides a convenient and secure means for holding instrumentation on a stretcher while a patient is moved. Instrumentation may be either patient monitoring equipment, or life support equipment for the patient.

Abstract: A joint-taping tool for wallboard (drywall), wherein there is almost no possibility that the cable will break after the piston reaches the top of its stroke, and wherein the operator is immediately and unquestionably informed when adhesive flow ceases. Furthermore, mechanism is provided by which--with minimized action on the part of the operator--the rollers are prevented from spinning and "throwing" adhesive (cement) during filling of the barrel.The tool will not only apply tape and adhesive simultaneously, but is rapidly convertible to deposit adhesive over previously-applied tape. This same conversion spacing option makes it possible to eliminate tape jams quickly and easily. In addition, means are provided for thoroughly cleaning the tool at the end of each day.