Abstract: A fire-fighter carries a self-contained breathing apparatus wherein air is directed from a pressurized supply tank to a face mask through a pressure regulator and a demand inhalation valve connected to the face mask by a flexible breathing tube. A check valve and quick release coupler unit is connected to the pressure regulator and is adapted to be temporarily connected by an adaptor to the flexible breathing tube extending from the face mask of a breathing apparatus on a second fire-fighter to provide for quickly supplying emergency air to the second fire-fighter. Preferably, the adaptor is normally retained and carried in an inactive position by the coupler unit so that it is always available for immediate use.

Abstract: A medical patient or other individual exhales air through a pressure control exhalation valve at a pressure which remains substantially constant during exhalation and corresponds to the residual pressure desired within the lungs. The pressure control exhalation valve incorporates a disc-like valve member which is biased towards a closed position by a spring having a low spring modulus, and the spring engages a back-up plunger which is adjustable according to the desired residual lung pressure. The pressure control valve may be connected in series with a flow control or retard valve which is adjustable to produce a biofeedback pressure within the valve for teaching the individual to breathe slower and with less effort. During inhalation, pressurized air may be supplied to the pressure control exhalation valve through a demand inhalation valve which is adjustable to a supply pressure corresponding to the preselected exhalation pressure in order to provide for continuous positive pressure breathing.

Abstract: An open top tub or container is supported for vibration and is adapted to receive a workload of treating media and parts to be treated. The container is vibrated by variable power operated means and includes an end wall having an outlet for removing the workload from the container. The outlet is closed by a door member which is pivotally supported for movement between a closed position and a retracted open position in response to operation of a reversible electric motor. The motor drives a positive drive mechanism which includes a gear reducer connected to an elongated screw which extends through a rotatable nut member connected to the door member. Preferably, the drive mechanism has a high mechanical advantage, and the motor may consist of a DC motor which has a permanently magnetized stator and which is adapted to be continuously energized so that a continuously applied force holds the door member closed while the container and work load are vibrating.

Abstract: A plurality of generally cylindrical parallel tubs are arranged in horizontally adjacent relation and define corresponding chambers for receiving loads of parts and treating media. The tubs are rigidly connected and are supported by a set of springs to provide a neutrally statically stable tub system which oscillates at a predetermined resonant frequency on an axis extending substantially through the center of gravity of the tub system. Preferably, the oscillatory tub system is excited at substantially the resonate frequency by a set of electro-magnets which are arranged in opposng relation on opposite sides of an armature positioned below the tubs and within a vertical plane extending through the pivot axis.