Abstract: A bed pillow with a water-bag support base advantageously includes a compressible foam layer above the water-bag base. The foam layer includes an upper portion of a memory foam and a lower density polyurethane foam therebelow. The low density polyurethane foam includes a convoluted base and vertically extending air vent channels are provided throughout at least a central portion of the pillow. With this arrangement improved air flow is provided. The air vent channels also improve localized compressibility whereby the response characteristics of the water-bag base support are maintained and not greatly dissipated.

Abstract: A cervical traction device advantageously includes a therapeutic pack that can be separately heated or chilled for use with the device. The most common application is a cold pack insertable in a recessed pocket of the device to provide cold therapy as the device is inflated during cervical decompression. The structure preferably includes a series of bladders that cooperate to define a cavity for accepting the therapeutic pack on an inside surface for thermal exchange with the neck of a user.

Abstract: A cervical traction device advantageously includes a therapeutic pack that can be separately heated or chilled for use with the device. The most common application is a cold pack insertable in a recessed pocket of the device to provide cold therapy as the device is inflated during cervical decompression. The structure preferably includes a series of bladders that cooperate to define a cavity for accepting the therapeutic pack on an inside surface for thermal exchange with the neck of a user.

Abstract: A lumbar support uses a molded plastic shell and a series of adjustable straps to provide a support that can be easily fitted to a user's lower back profile. A thing cushion member, preferably a cushion sleeve, is supported on the straps and does not extend to the rear portion of the plastic shell, and preferably does not extend to the sides of the shell. Air circulation channels are defined between the thin cushion member and the rear of the molded plastic shell to assist in heat removal during use of the lumbar support. This lumbar support structure is also readily modified for increased durability that different applications demand.

Abstract: A water based pillow includes a common fluid retaining envelope which is divided into two elongate regions having different fluid support and fluid dynamic characteristics. One region is basically uninterrupted while a second region has a series of heat seal islands joining opposed sides of the envelope. These heat seal islands reduce the amount of fluid retained in the second region. This second region is preferably the head support region and under load. Some fluid is displaced from this region and enters the first region which is preferably the neck support region. The amount of fluid in the envelope can be adjusted or set to maintain a thin layer of fluid beneath the user's head.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a compression ignition engine comprises a fuel injection nozzle, a valve controlled fuel supply chamber located behind the injection nozzle for storing a quantity of fuel, a port for admitting fuel to the supply chamber, a fuel piston operating in the supply chamber for compressing the fuel stored therein and expelling the fuel therefrom via the injection nozzle, and a hydraulic actuator means responsive to engine cylinder pressure for actuating the fuel piston. The hydraulic actuator means includes a spring loaded shuttle valve arranged to reciprocate between two limit positions in accordance with cyclical variations of gas pressure in the engine cylinder, and pumping means for controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to actuate the fuel piston in accordance with the position of the shuttle valve.

Abstract: A pressurized hydraulic sump system comprises a sump manifold to which a variable volume reservoir is connected, and is characterized by a piston which is displaceable by hydraulic means to vary the volume of the reservoir in accordance with the position of a valve which is responsive to sump pressure so that the piston is displaced in one or other direction according to whether the sump pressure is greater or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a system comprising first and second drive units each including one or more hydraulic motors, a two-position valve is provided in circuit with the motors of one drive unit, the motors of the other drive unit being supplied independently of the valve; the valve has a first operative position for blocking flow of working fluid to the one drive unit and a second operative position for permitting flow of working fluid to the one drive unit, the valve being operable between its first and second positions for selective operation of one or both drive units.