Abstract: A pump includes a pumping chamber having an inlet, an assembly of a rotating hub and blades disposed in the pumping chamber, a connection to a fluid source and a connection to an air source. According to one embodiment, at least one conduit relieves pressure on the assembly by conducting fluid. According to another embodiment, the blades each have a radially outer edge with a shape minimizing friction between the radially outer edge and an inner surface of the pumping chamber. Methods for providing fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use of such devices for pumping fluid and for use in surgical procedures preferably include vacuum-driven pumps for providing irrigation and suction functions to the surgical field. Such pumps may be freestanding, external to or integrated into handpieces of the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having at least one valve orifice for fluid flow therethrough, and a valve member which moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position, respectively, closing and opening said valve orifice. The valve orifice has a clearance surface forming an auxiliary valve passageway selectively enabling flow communication therethrough in an intermediate position of the valve member between said fully open and fully closed positions, and in the intermediate position the valve member partially obstructs the valve orifice so that the passageway provides attenuated fluid flow communication through the valve orifice relative to fluid flow communication in the fully open position of the valve member. A manually controlled actuator enables limited displacement of the valve member between the fully closed position and the intermediate position for the attenuated flow communication through the valve orifice.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having at least one valve orifice for fluid flow therethrough, and a valve member which moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position, respectively, closing and opening said valve orifice. The valve orifice has a clearance surface forming an auxiliary valve passageway selectively enabling flow communication therethrough in an intermediate position of the valve member between said fully open and fully closed positions, and in the intermediate position the valve member partially obstructs the valve orifice so that the passageway provides attenuated fluid flow communication through the valve orifice relative to fluid flow communication in the fully open position of the valve member. A manually controlled actuator enables limited displacement of the valve member between the fully closed position and the intermediate position for the attenuated flow communication through the valve orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution contained within a reaction vessel, which sterilizing solution is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel capable of containing a sterilizing solution and comprising a container portion, a cover and structure for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution in the container. Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent on the supporting structure such that the catalytic agent is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent becomes exhausted in use.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution contained within a reaction vessel, which sterilizing solution is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel capable of containing a sterilizing solution and comprising a container portion, a cover and structure for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution in the container. Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent on the supporting structure such that the catalytic agent is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent becomes exhausted in use.

Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for admixture of heated water vapor into a gaseous stream include heating means for generating heated vapor from the water and a housing with a transfer chamber formed therein secured to the heating means which is exposed within the chamber. The housing includes intake and effluent conduit for flow passage of the gaseous stream through the chamber and a water intake conduit extending through the housing and chambers so that the conduit directs discharge of the intake water against the heating means to generate the heated vapor.

Abstract: A material regulating valve which controls the flow of an additive material into a primary material as a function of the volume, flow rate, and viscosity of the primary material. The device is comprised of a two sectioned body with a primary flow path and an additive flow path through the body such that the additive flow path intersects the primary flow path at one portion in the body. Located between the primary flow path and the additive flow path is a additive flow regulating component. The device also included a flow indicator which provides a visual confirmation when material is flowing through the primary path and a manual control component which provides a manual over ride of the normally self controlling flow regulating component.

Abstract: A downdraft countertop cooking range having an improved ventilation system for removing smoke and cooking odors from the entire cooking panel area. The range has a modular cooking panel recessed substantially below the countertop for enhanced accessibility from the front of the range. Exhaust louvers spaced between the ends of the cooking panel and the top edge of the range frame, and of substantially equal depth to that of the cooking panel, assure an adequate flow of exhaust air over the cooking panel area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a domestic cooking range of the ventilated type having surface elements and an underlying oven characterized by an extension of the ventilating fan motor shaft carrying an auxiliary fan disposed within the oven which provides forced circulation of air in the oven. The oven may thus be selectively operated in the conventional radiant heating mode or in the forced circulation or "convected" mode depending upon whether the ventilating fan motor is in operation. The oven can be held at an elevated temperature (of the order of 550.degree. F) for a time interval to accelerate catalytic self-cleaning (catalyst added to the porcelain frit covering the oven surface) because of air circulation within the oven door and passages adjacent the door, this cooling air flow being induced by operation of the ventilating fan.