Abstract: A medical vacuum regulator (10) with a solenoid regulating valve (20) and a comparator (22) for electrically, automatically controlling the solenoid regulating valve (20) to intermittently open and close to achieve a preselected regulated vacuum (v) which is continuously provided or in intermittent mode decreases during a relaxation period (35) to atmosphere (30) and automatically increases during a ramp period (29) of a vacuum cycle (21) to prevent vacuum surge trauma to a patient (14). The regulating valve (20), in addition to regulating the vacuum during the vacuum cycle (21), continuously vents the system to atmosphere (30) when a patient venting solenoid valve (48) vents the patient (14) to atmosphere (30) to reduce the load on a vacuum pump (12). The continuous and intermittent modes of operation are selected by a mode selection circuit (36) with means for maintaining it in its selected state during a period of temporary power loss.

Abstract: A lubricating device for lubricating the flange of the wheel of a railroad car has a lubricant inlet port, a lubricant outlet port, and a piston assembly for causing a shot of lubricant to be delivered from the lubricant inlet port to the the lubricant outlet port. The piston assembly is pneumatically driven by means of compressed air which is supplied to the device at an air inlet port. The lubricating device includes a removable piston sleeve which allows for replacement of the sleeve when it is subject to wear.

Abstract: A lubricating device and method in which a lubricant shot is generated by a supply of lubricant and air, the later being activated before, during and following the dispersing of the lubricant shot. The air supply travels two paths; on leads to a piston chamber and causes a piston assembly to move which, in turn, effects lubricant dispersing; the remaining air path permits air to exit the nozzle device to mix with a direct lubricant to a desired area of lubrication.

Abstract: A wheel flange and rail lubricating apparatus with adjustable features to accurately lubricate the frictional contact area between a locomotive wheel flange and rail during normal locomotive operations. A system controller, a lubricant distribution system and one or more nozzle assemblies are provided. The controller allows the user to define a lubrication cycle which can be optimized on an individual basis with flexibility to control the lubrication cycle in accordance with the distance traveled by the locomotive, speed variations, time, curves, etc. The lubrication interval is set to deliver a precise amount of lubricant and can be adjusted to take into account the viscosity of the lubricant as well as the ambient temperature. A curve sensor repetitively initiates a lubrication cycle each time the locomotive enters a curve. A wheel position sensor delays and prevents discharge of the lubricant until the nozzle and the point to be lubricated are properly aligned.

Abstract: An automatic lubricator for chain conveyors with a pivoting arm having a roller contacting the chain and moving between the chain side links to place lubricating nozzles along the chain center line. A magnetic proximity sensor on the pivoting arm activates the fluid pump when the nozzles are in position to deliver lubricating fluid to the chain pins. Improved metering pump apparatus diverts fluid from the metering pump to a fluid return line immediately at the end of a lubrication cycle. The metering pump chamber is then primed for the next cycle. Drippage from the lubrication nozzles is eliminated.

Abstract: Lubricating apparatus for lubricating a non-linearly traveling fitting on a conveyor. A lubricating coupler is mounted on a pivotally movable platform so that the coupler can move angularly with respect to the pivot axis. Slidable rod means on the platform enable the coupler to move substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupler can move over an area encompassing the expected range of travel of the non-linearly moving fitting. Locating means enable the coupler to align with the fitting. The coupler is maintained engaged with the fitting for a dwell time sufficient to adequately supply lubricant thereto. Cooperating longitudinal surfaces in the coupler body and a movable tip form simultaneous bearing and sealing surfaces for the coupler.

Abstract: A thoracic drainage unit for removal of fluids from the thoracic cavity of a patient and/or to assist a patient in breathing comprises a collection chamber for receiving the fluids from the patient and an underwater seal located between the collection chamber and the patient. The underwater seal prevents pressure being applied to the thoracic cavity or backflow to that cavity. The water or other liquid for the seal is provided with the collection chamber as a complete unit ready for use. A collapsible bottle has a breakable neck that is readily broken by the user, whereupon the bottle is collapsed to force the liquid therein to create the liquid seal. A baffle is provided to prevent the liquid from reentering the bottle as it reexpands so that the precise needed volume of liquid is retained to create the seal.

Abstract: A device for use in vacuum suction systems for withdrawing fluids from a patient's body cavity, such as the stomach, wherein the device includes a chamber that is located in the flow stream of such fluids between the patient and the source of vacuum. At predetermined intervals, the device forces a quantity of the withdrawn fluid from the chamber, back into the suction tubing leading to the patient such that some of the fluid previously removed from the body cavity is forced backward toward such cavity under a positive pressure to dislodge any obstructions that may have occurred in the tubing or at the end of such tubing. In the preferred embodiment, the device is effectively self-contained and needs no source of positive pressure or electricity for its operation and is readily and fully operable from present commercial intermittent suction systems without revamping or otherwise modifying existing systems.

Abstract: A double valve construction for gas or vacuum outlets which are operable by the insertion of an adapter to deliver gas or vacuum to an intended use including a secondary housing which is connected to the gas or vacuum and has a secondary valve. A primary housing is adapted to interfit with the secondary housing such that the secondary valve is opened but allowing the two housings to be adjustable for varying plaster thicknesses of the wall in which the outlet is mounted. The primary housing has a dust cap closing its delivery end. A primary valve is formed by the interrelationship of the primary housing into the secondary housing and normally prevents the gas or vacuum from reacting the primary housing. As an adapter is inserted into the primary housing, the dust cap is displaced a predetermined distance until it opens the primary valve allowing the gas or vacuum to enter the adapter.