Abstract: An underwater communication interface apparatus includes a first waterproof enclosure having an interior configured to house an electronic device with a touchscreen in such a way that the touchscreen of the electronic device is adjacent to a first side of the first waterproof enclosure. The first side of the first waterproof enclosure has a non-rigid transparent membrane and the non-rigid transparent membrane is configured to allow a user to interact with the touchscreen of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a second waterproof enclosure that houses a control module. The control module is configured to be operatively coupled to the electronic device and an external auxiliary device. The apparatus further includes a pressure balancing module coupled to the first waterproof enclosure. The pressure balancing module is configured to balance pressure within the first waterproof enclosure relative to external ambient conditions.

Abstract: Pressure balancing apparatuses and methods disclosed here include embodiments with a waterproof enclosure having walls surrounding an interior chamber, a mounting interface mounted to the enclosure with a port to an outside, and a balancing module, connected to the mounting interface, the balancing module including, a balancing module housing, a valve actuator member inside the balancing module housing, with a receptacle for a pressure source. In certain embodiments the valve actuator member is configured to move in response to changes in differential pressure between a pressure in the enclosure chamber and pressure from the outside, and a module valve, inside the balancing module housing, connected to the valve actuator member, and fluidically separating the enclosure chamber from the port to the outside, wherein the module valve is configured to open and close in response to the movement of the valve actuator member.

Abstract: Pressure balancing apparatuses and methods disclosed here include embodiments with a waterproof enclosure having walls surrounding an interior chamber, a mounting interface mounted to the enclosure with a port to an outside, and a balancing module, connected to the mounting interface, the balancing module including, a balancing module housing, a valve actuator member inside the balancing module housing, with a receptacle for a pressure source. In certain embodiments the valve actuator member is configured to move in response to changes in differential pressure between a pressure in the enclosure chamber and pressure from the outside, and a module valve, inside the balancing module housing, connected to the valve actuator member, and fluidically separating the enclosure chamber from the port to the outside, wherein the module valve is configured to open and close in response to the movement of the valve actuator member.

Abstract: A finger guard includes an elongated conical member having a hollow interior, a cap disposed on top and an opening along the bottom into which the hand of a user can be inserted. The elongated conical member can be constructed from transparent material and can include a padded interior, one or more fasteners and a channel for accommodating an IV line.

Abstract: Three-way poppet valves having a poppet valve body, first and second poppet valves disposed in a valve guide within the body for motion between first poppet valve open and first poppet valve closed positions, a first poppet valve seat disposed in the poppet valve body so as to have freedom in a plane perpendicular to the poppet valve axis, the first poppet valve, when moving to the closed position, engaging the first poppet valve seat and centering the first poppet valve seat with respect to the first poppet valve, and when in the closed position, holding the first poppet valve seat against the poppet valve body, and a second poppet valve connected with the first poppet valve, the poppet valve body having a second poppet valve seat, the second poppet valve being in the closed position when the first poppet valve is in the open position and being in the open position when the first poppet valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: Direct needle control fuel injectors and methods disclosed. The preferred embodiment injectors have a needle within a needle chamber for movement between a closed position preventing injection of fuel and an open position allowing injection of fuel, a source of high pressure fuel coupled to the needle chamber to provide fuel for injection and to hydraulically urge the needle to the open position by pressurizing a first hydraulic area associated with the needle, a needle control hydraulic area having a second hydraulic area disposed to urge the needle to the closed position when the second hydraulic area is exposed to fuel under pressure, and valving coupled to the source of high pressure fuel and a vent to controllably couple the hydraulic area of the needle control member to the high pressure fuel or to the vent.

Abstract: Three-way valves having reduced leakage and fuel injectors using the same. Three-way spool poppet valves are disclosed having a spool with a poppet valve thereon cooperating with a seat on the valve housing to provide a substantially leak free valve closing in one direction characteristic of a poppet valve while preserving the advantages of a spool valve. Three-way ball valves are also disclosed having substantially leak free valves closing in both directions, but further including reduced short circuit losses due to direct flow from a high pressure source to a low pressure vent during transition of the ball from one position to the opposite position. Fuel injectors with direct needle control using the three-way valves of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve actuation systems and methods to provide multiple lifts for engine valves using fixed or hard stops at each lift. The fixed or hard stops provide a very repeatable selection of engine valve lifts dependent on engine operating conditions. For full valve lift, unidirectional hydraulic dashpots are used to decelerate the engine valve, both as it approaches the full lift fixed stop, and as the engine valve approaches the valve seat from the engine valve full lift position. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.