Abstract: A combination electric motor driven vacuum pump and air compressor unit, particularly adapted to use in medical procedures, is mounted in an insulated cabinet arranged to provide for drawing cooling air into the cabinet through an inlet duct, cause cooling air to flow over an aftercooler part of a compressed air discharge conduit to aftercool compressed air, and cause cooling air to flow through the pump/compressor unit and be discharged from the cabinet. A pressure air receiver tank is mounted in the cabinet and is operably connected to a condensate receiver and a control valve for discharging condensate to an evaporator container connected to the aftercooler conduit part to evaporate condensate. A control circuit includes solenoid actuated valves for controlling vacuum produced by the pump/compressor unit and actuation of a flexible tube clamp mechanism for cutting off vacuum from a vacuum device, such as a cannula, during certain phases of a liposuction medical procedure, for example.

Abstract: A combination suction and irrigation fluid supply valve assembly includes a first body part with an axial passage and opposed bosses and second and third body parts mounted on the first body part and supporting respective spool type closure members for controlling flow of irrigation fluid and aspiration of fluids through a medical instrument connected to the valve assembly. The fluid supply closure member includes differential areas to provide for fluid pressure biasing of the closure member in a closed position and the suction closure member includes a substantial groove formed therein to provide unobstructed flow of debris laden fluid through the valve assembly. Connector assemblies are connected to the opposed bosses on the body to provide connection to a medical instrument while minimizing unwanted disconnection from the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and forcibly discharging flexible irrigation fluid bags under controlled pressure includes a body having a recess formed therein slightly inclined to the vertical and cooperating with brackets at the lower end of the recess to support and retain a bag therein and wherein the bag discharge conduits depend from the body between the brackets. A door is hinged to the body and movable to a closed position for engaging the bag during forcible deflection of the bag to discharge fluid therefrom. An inflatable bladder is supported in the recess in the body and is connected to a source of pressure air at a cylindrical ported plug and providing for disconnection of the bladder from the plug in response to an overpressure condition. Pressure air is supplied to the inflatable bladder by way of a control circuit including a rapid opening high volume air supply and exhaust valve for quickly venting the inflation chamber.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump the output of which is infinitely variable between a slow pulsatile flow and increased up to a sharply pulsed flow rate until the pulses run together and a smooth flow results, and which may be varied between wide output pressure and frequency limits. The pump is comprised of a pneumatic control circuit, at least two pneumatically isolated compression chambers, and a novel inlet/outlet pump cartridge and condition-responsive locking means. Operation of the pump is controlled by the use of novel tactile pneumatic response switches. Each compression chamber is communicated with a supply of working fluid through the cartridge. Means are provided for varying the operation of the pneumatic circuit and hence the pump. A flow of pressurized fluid, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the operating media of the pneumatic circuit, although other fluids may be used. Means for monitoring and adjusting pump system parameters are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a twisted wire tie, includes a wire guide member moveable between an open position for receiving a workpiece, such as crossed reinforcing bars, and a closed position for guiding a length of wire around the bars. An abutment is engageable with the workpiece to hold the workpiece clamped between the guide member and the abutment and adjacent to a wire twist member engageable with opposite ends of a length of wire to form the twisted loop type closure or tie. Feed mechanism comprising opposed rotary feedwheels or a linear actuator and spaced apart wire clamps operate in conjunction with closure of the guide member to a wire receiving position to feed wire to the guide member. A wire holder and drag force exerting plate is supported adjacent to the twist member for engagement with the wire ends to impart drag forces on the wire as it is twisted to form the closure.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump the output of which is infinitely variable between a slow pulsatile flow and increased up to a sharply pulsed flow rate until the pulses run together and a smooth flow results, and which may be varied between wide output pressure and frequency limits. The pump is comprised of a pneumatic control circuit, at least two pneumatically isolated compression chambers, and a novel inlet/outlet pump cartridge and condition-responsive locking means. Operation of the pump is controlled by the use of novel tactile pneumatic response switches. Each compression chamber is communicated with a supply of working fluid through the cartridge. Means are provided for varying the operation of the pneumatic circuit and hence the pump. A flow of pressurized fluid, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the operating media of the pneumatic circuit, although other fluids may be used. Means for monitoring and adjusting pump system parameters are also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic membrane switch includes a body having an opening and a valve disposed within the opening. An actuator stem extends from the end of the valve, and the actuator stem is adapted to open the valve when moved inwardly with respect to the valve body. A flexible membrane covers the opening and is shiftable between standby and actuate positions. The membrane contacts and moves the actuator stem inwardly to open the valve when the membrane is shifted to the actuate position.

Abstract: A main screw feeder having a main screw housing set at an incline from the base of a bin. The main screw housing has two outlets, the advanced outlet and the recycle outlet. The advance outlet communicates with a metering screw housing in which twin screws of identical pitch are rotated in synchronous, intermeshed revolution. The delivery outlet for the metering screw housing communicates with the processing stages. The recycle outlet is positioned at an elevation higher than the advance outlet and discharges to the bin. A flow measuring device measures the return flow of granulated or powdered material expelled from the recycle outlet. The flow measuring device projects a prestressed cable into the recycle path of the return flow. A device for measuring any deflection of the cable and fluctuations in the tension thereon produce a signal which is a function of the return flow and which is used to control the speed of the main screw feeder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid inertia tool in which the kinetic energy of flowing liquid is converted to useful work by decelerating the liquid flow and directing the inertia force in the water against a movable element in the liquid flowcontaining structure which in turn moves against a work piece. Flow deceleration is achieved by an orifice-effect valve. The valve is reset for flow resumption or acceleration by automatically or selectively applying hydraulic pressure to a reset mechanism. Use of the inertia tool in pile driving and punch press applications is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system (10) is provided for maintaining a constant fluid level in a mixing container of a delivery and metering device. Structure (12) is provided for monitoring the fluid level in the mixing container and for generating a level signal (14) representing the fluid level present in the mixing container. Structure (18) is further provided for establishing a desired amount of fluid entering the mixing container and for generating a first control signal (20). Structure (22) is provided for establishing a desired amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container and for generating a second control signal (24). Measuring devices (30, 34) are utilized for measuring the amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container and for generating a discharge signal (36) representing the amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for blending sand and solid additives selectively and at selected rates into water for injection into a well. The apparatus may be truck mounted, and includes a frame, an input line with manifold and pump, a mixing tank, a variable venturi nozzle for delivering water to the tank, and an output line with pump, manifold, and recycle line. An auger delivers sand to the mixing tank. Dry chemicals are fed to the tank adjacent the variable venturi nozzle where the water is turbulent, at low pressure, and in high shear. Liquid chemicals may also be pumped into the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque transmitting and blocking device which includes a cylindrical drum, a pair of arcuate shoes positioned within the drum, and a spanner bar or ring extending between the shoes to one side of the axis of the drum. On the other side of the drum axis the shoes are displaceable toward each other, and may conveniently be lightly biased apart. The shoes have surfaces, which may include holes, lateral or transverse projections, or the ends of the shoes, through which rotative forces may be transmitted from sources external of the drum and through which the shoes may retransmit such forces. Application of a rotational force through such a surface into a shoe in a direction tending to displace the shoes toward each other results in rotation of the shoes and bar within the drum, and consequent transmission of torque, if desired, out of the drum through another shoe surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid inertia tool in which the kinetic energy of flowing liquid is converted to useful work by decelerating the liquid flow and directing the inertia force in the water against a movable element in the liquid flow-containing structure which in turn moves against a work piece. Flow deceleration is achieved by an orifice-effect valve. The valve is reset for flow resumption or acceleration by automatically or selectively applying hydraulic pressure to a reset mechanism. Use of the inertia tool in pile driving and punch press applications is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque transmitting and blocking device which includes a cylindrical drum, a pair of arcuate shoes positioned within the drum, and a spanner bar extending between the shoes to one side of the axis of the drum. On the other side of the drum axis the shoes are displaceable toward each other, and may conveniently be lightly biased apart. The shoes have surfaces, which may include holes, lateral or transverse projections, or the ends of the shoes, through which rotative forces may be transmitted from sources external of the drum and through which the shoes may retransmit such forces. Application of a rotational force through such a surface into a shoe in a direction tending to displace the shoes toward each other results in rotation of the shoes and bar within the drum, and consequent transmission of torque, if desired, out of the drum through another shoe surface.

Abstract: A downstroke baler comprising a compaction chamber through which a platen is reciprocated vertically by spaced pressure actuated cylinders secured to opposite ends of the platen. The lower end of an actuating rod rests upon a support plate secured to the frame of the baler and a bracket secured to the frame of the baler is positioned adjacent the upper end of the actuating rod to restrain the actuating rod against vertical movement. A sleeve is secured to the platen and slides along the actuating rod such that the actuating rod is maintained perpendicular to the face of the platen. The upper end of the actuating rod is connected through an actuating link to valves secured to the frame of the baler. The valves control a hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinders which raise and lower the platen such that movement of the platen from a horizontal attitude causes the actuating rod to be moved from a vertical attitude thereby changing flow of fluid to the cylinders to return the platen to a horizontal attitude.