Abstract: A lightweight, highly mobile and efficient apparatus for instantaneously producing a high volume of solid carbon dioxide (CO2) pellets. The apparatus utilizes liquid CO2 that is discharged and expanded through a nozzle or nozzles and expanded to reach a triple point condition where liquid, gaseous and solid phases of CO2 can coexist and flash to a mixture of CO2 in a gaseous phase and particles of snow by a process well known in the art. The gaseous CO2 is discharged into atmosphere or recovered for converting back to liquid or used to also extinguish fires. The snow particles are aggregated into larger flakes and compressed into pellets in a compression structure by a rotor with radially movable blades forming variable volume pockets associated with the interior of a housing to compress the flakes into pellets.

Abstract: An earth block machine including opposed compaction chambers each receiving a reciprocal compacting member to form solid building blocks by compacting soil. The compacting members are reciprocated by a hydraulically actuated mechanical leverage system connected to the compacting members to produce a very high compaction force while employing a relatively low hydraulic pressure. Each compaction chamber includes a vertically spaced and aligned inlet and outlet provided with a hydraulically powered openable and closable plate to enable inlet of a quantity of soil into the compaction chamber from a supply bin and discharge of the formed earth block from the compaction chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm fluid flow control assembly serving to provide a leak-proof seal for fluid-containing structures and serving to provide a leak-proof seal while fluid is extracted from the structures via a blunt tipped tube or needle. A perforation in the diaphragm is sealed closed by compressive forces within the diaphragm prior to insertion of a needle through the diaphragm into a fluid containing structure such as an intravenous bag, a syringe or medicament bottle. The diaphragm is also sealed after removal of the blunt tipped needle from the diaphragm. While the blunt tipped needle is inserted through the diaphragm and fluid is extracted from a fluid-containing structure, the diaphragm is in sealing engagement with the external surface of the inserted needle thereby allowing fluid to be removed from the container through the needle and preserving the sterility of the fluid.

Abstract: A diaphragm fluid flow control assembly serving to provide a leak-proof seal for fluid-containing structures and serving to provide a leak-proof seal while fluid is extracted from the structures via a tube or needle. A perforation in the diaphragm is sealed closed by compressive forces within the diaphragm prior to insertion of a needle through the diaphragm into a fluid containing structure such as an intravenous bag, a syringe or medicament bottle. The diaphragm is also sealed after removal of the needle from the diaphragm. While the needle is inserted through the diaphragm and fluid is extracted from a fluid-containing structure, the diaphragm is in sealing engagement with the external surface of the inserted needle thereby allowing fluid to be removed from the container through the needle and preserving the sterility of the fluid. The assembly serves as a sterilization preserving transmission valve and cap for fluids stored in containers commonly used in the medical and health care field.

Abstract: Liquid transport system with constant fluid flow rate provided by cam driven pump. Multiple cams on common cam shaft are driven by a source of constant power and coordinate timing and operation of multiple system elements.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling assembly serving as the basic building block in a unified system for fluid transmission for use in the medical and health care fields provides a safety mechanical structure for prevention against pricking from a needle or other central fluid flow conduit, while also maintaining the mechanical features of the connector separate from the fluid channel. The sharp pointed central channel of the male connector component punctures a latex diaphragm of the complimentary female connector component, with a simple push inward of the female connector component enabling the locking connection. The connection remains secure since it is the slight change of shape in the deformable material during insertion that is removed once the connection is made, at which time a completely encircling shoulder rim bars any inadvertent disconnection.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for use with an analytical instrument is provided having a sample reservoir for holding a liquid suspension of particles to be analyzed, a reagent reservoir for holding a reagent, pump means for pumping fluid to and from the reservoirs to a pumping reservoir, valve means for restricting fluid flow from the reagent reservoir to the pumping reservoir, first conduit means interconnecting the reagent and sample reservoirs, second conduit means connecting the sample and pumping reservoir at a point just behind a metered aperture provided in an end of the second conduit means, and in a preferred embodiment, third conduit means connecting the first and second reservoirs and valve means for restricting fluid flow from the reagent reservoir to the pumping reservoir through the third conduit means, the end of each of the conduit means being maintained at the same physical level.

Abstract: A fitting assembly of the type specifically designed to be used in combination with the gripping, fitting and otherwise interconnection of conduits intended for the containment and flow therethrough of high pressure fluids. The fitting assembly comprises a fitting body having a base, an integrally formed outwardly extending segments wherein the base and the segments are disposed in surrounding relation to a substantially coaxially disposed central passage which is dimensioned to receive the conduit therein.

Abstract: A liquid sampling, metering and transfer valve assembly for providing plural dilutions of a single liquid sample comprising a pair of outer stationary elements sandwiching a rotatable element, the rotatable element carrying precise volume segmenting passageways, the outer elements carrying counterpart passageways for communicating to the exterior of the valve assembly, one outer element carrying loops each for storing a precise volume of diluent and the other valve elements carrying through passageways for communicating to and from said respective loops. A continuous body of sample is introduced into the valve assembly along a path through a pair of the segmenting passageays and a pair of aliquot portions isolated from said parth. The rotatable element is operated to direct one aliquot along with the content of one loop to an exterior location for mixing. The other sample aliquot is retained.

Abstract: Bellows pump and actuating apparatus for automatically aspirating biological sample fluid material into and through an aspirating probe from a source of fluid sample material, into and through a sample segmenting valve for passage through a counting device. A plurality of bellows members, each having an axis of compression and expansion, has one end mounted on a fixed member. Timing and stroke members are provided for actuating movement of the other end of the bellows members, which are free to be moved parallel to their axis. A positioning member positions the timing and stroke members coaxially of the bellows members at preselected times. A drive member moves the timing and stroke members parallel to the axis of compression and expansion of the bellows members. Photo-optical indicating members, cooperating with the positioning member, interrupts the drive to the positioning member when the timing and stroke members are coaxially aligned with the bellows members.

Abstract: A fitting or coupling assembly designed and structured to be used with either high or low pressure hydraulic or gaseous fluids and including a primary body secured to a retaining member, preferably by a threaded connection and each having a respective coaxially aligned central channel and passage, when connected, in which a conduit having a stop member formed on the outer surface thereof is positioned and fixed therein by means of a quick connection and selectively removable therefrom either by a quick disconnection or slow disconnection depending upon selective disengagement of said stop member from said retaining member or alternately disengagement of said primary body from said retaining member.

Abstract: A particle analyzing apparatus and method of moving and counting particles in suspension through such an apparatus. The particle analyzing apparatus comprises a particle counting device wherein particles in suspension are caused to be moved through an aperture whose effective impedance is changed with the passage of each particle therethrough and a fluid connection means for drawing a quantity of the suspension through the aperture, including a source of vacuum. The source of vacuum comprises a bellows having an end, and a constant force means connected to the end of the bellows means.

Abstract: An externally threaded split end fitting having a surface serving as a camming surface for an end-mounted nut. By advancing the nut along the split end of the fitting the camming surface reacting upon the nut causes a transmission of a reactive force through the nut onto the external threads of the split segmented end of the fitting causing in turn a radially inward bending of the jaw-like segments of the split head. The longitudinal axis of the fitting has a passageway for receiving one or more work pieces, whereby the pivoting of the segments clamp the workpiece(s) into the fitting. The fitting is unitary.

Abstract: An externally commonly threaded split end fitting having a surface serving as a camming surface for an end-mounted nut. By advancing the nut along the split end of the fitting the camming surface reacting upon the nut causes a transmission of force through the nut onto the external threads of the split segmented end of the fitting causing in turn a radially inward pivoting of the jaw-like segments of the split head. The longitudinal axis of the fitting has a passageway for receiving a work piece, whereby the pivoting of the segments clamp the workpiece into the fitting. The fitting is unitary.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser system for moving a measure of liquid through a conduit from a source container to a receiving container. A branched flow path is defined between a source of pressurized fluid via a first branch sealingly coupled to the source container and a second branch leading communicatively to said conduit at a location between the intake end and the delivery end. A valve is provided to direct the pressurized fluid along one of said first and second branches. A through coil is interposed between said second branch and said conduit. The first branch terminates above the liquid level of the source container. Pressurized fluid is first directed along said first branch causing liquid flow toward the delivery end of said conduit. When flow of the leading liquid is detected, pressurized fluid is directed to the said location along the second branch to split the flowing column of liquid to deliver the portion above the split to the receiving container and the rest back to the source container.

Abstract: An automatic diluting device draws and dispenses a volume of sample along with a volume of diluent so as to maintain a precise ratio between the volume of sample and the volume of diluent. The device includes a diluent chamber having a plunger therein which is reciprocable between a first and second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, and at least a first sample chamber having a plunger therein reciprocable between a first and second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved. The first and second volumes are arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers. A coupling device couples the plungers together for simultaneously reciprocally moving the plungers an equal distance in the chambers between first and second positions.