Abstract: A control system and method is described having a framework in which many applications in a user interaction system (UIS) can share common data regardless of which application obtained the data and all without prior knowledge of the other applications. The shared data is typically personal data of the current user, such as name, location, preferences, etc. However, the system can also be used to share style sheets, announcements, etc., that can be utilized by multiple applications. The data is stored in a standardized manner in a location available to any application. Application's have access to the data based upon user privileges at any particular time.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a valve body, a first movable pressure responsive element, and a second pressure responsive movable element, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a resilient biasing element and a movable third pressure responsive element, the resilient biasing element extending between the third pressure responsive element and the valve body and the third pressure responsive element being adapted to act on both the first and second pressure responsive elements to transmit the biasing force of the resilient biasing element to both the first and second pressure responsive elements.

Abstract: A brake actuator including a chamber in which is provided a movable pressure responsive element which divides the chamber into first and second compartments, the brake actuator also including a valve assembly with an inlet which is connected to a source of pressurised fluid, an outlet which is connected to a volume within the brake actuator not including the second compartment, and an exhaust port through which fluid from the volume may be released, wherein the exhaust port of the valve assembly is connected to the second compartment.

Abstract: A control system and method is described having a framework in which many applications in a user interaction system (UIS) can share common data regardless of which application obtained the data and all without prior knowledge of the other applications. The shared data is typically personal data of the current user, such as name, location, preferences, etc. However, the system can also be used to share style sheets, announcements, etc., that can be utilized by multiple applications. The data is stored in a standardized manner in a location available to any application. Application's have access to the data based upon user privileges at any particular time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for use in user interactive systems (UIS) so that multiple disparate applications can cooperate to provide broad functionality to users. These systems and methods allow applications to advertise their ability to handle specific functions. This allows applications developed independently to co-exist within the same call session and provide a seamless user experience. A system framework controls the UIS's primary navigational menus, which are automatically updated when new applications are plugged in to the framework. This allows users (assuming they have the proper permissions) to access new applications as soon as they are added, without requiring programmers to manually re-design menus.

Abstract: A modulator comprising an inlet, an exhaust and an outlet, the modulator comprising a piston moveable in response to a control pressure in a control chamber to vary to supply of fluid under pressure to the outlet, wherein the modulator comprises a first end face and a second end face wherein the exhaust and the inlet are provided in the first end face and the outlet is provided in the second end face. The modulator further comprising a hold solenoid connected between the inlet and the control chamber, and a dump solenoid connected between the control chamber and the exhaust, wherein the connections between the hold solenoid, the exhaust and the control chamber and the connections between the dump solenoid, the control chamber and the inlet do not cross the plane of the piston.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a fluid switch and a main valve for controlling fluid pressure in a working volume in three control states wherein the main valve has three ports for fluid, flow of fluid through a first port and a second port being controlled by the fluid switch being provided with an electrical signal in a first state or a second state respectively, and flow of fluid through the third port being controlled by alternating said signal, preferably rapidly, between said first and second states.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system comprising an actuator and a mechanical linkage, whereby a force produced by the weight of the vehicle is transmitted via the mechanical linkage to the actuator to provide a braking force.

Abstract: A gastrostomy catheter for implantation through a stoma in the abdominal and stomach walls of a patient includes an integral external retention disc designed to be readily engagable by the physician or nursing attendant for manipulation of the feeding tube and inlet ports during use. The inlet ports for feeding nutrients and for fluid passage during balloon inflation are arranged at an inclined angle. This provides easy access to the inlet ports with the required feeding set or inflation syringe without interference with the patient's abdominal wall or the need to manipulate the retention disc in a way which might result in infection of the stoma site.

Abstract: An enhanced non-occluding feeding assembly for the administration or aspiration of fluids to a patient comprising a tube having an enlarged, resilient bolus near its distal end to which a weighted tip is connected is provided. The bolus defines an opening for the tube outlet minimizing occlusion or clogging of the opening. The feeding assembly provides advantageous peristaltic or stylet intubation and minimizes possibility of injury to a patient.