Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that includes a first heat exchanger for heating a first heat transfer medium in a first form from a first temperature to a second higher temperature to provide an increased pressure gas, a first mechanical device configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more primary components, and one or more additional mechanical devices configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more secondary components. The mechanical device produces spent gas, and a conversion device is operably associated with at least one of the mechanical devices to convert the spent gas to the first form for re-use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that includes a first heat exchanger for heating a first heat transfer medium in a first form from a first temperature to a second higher temperature to provide an increased pressure gas, a first mechanical device configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more primary components, and one or more additional mechanical devices configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more secondary components. The mechanical device produces spent gas, and a conversion device is operably associated with at least one of the mechanical devices to convert the spent gas to the first form for re-use.

Abstract: A power plant with at least two pressure vessels containing a hydraulic fluid. A heat exchanging assembly is in heat transferring association with the pressure vessels. The hydraulic conduit is hydraulically connected with the pressure vessels. A power outlet device is in hydraulic association with the conduit between the vessels and is configured for outputing power from the flow of the hydraulic fluid. A controlling mechanism is operably associated with the heat exchanging assembly to cause the heat exchanging assembly to alternately increase the pressure in one of the pressure vessels compared to the other. Thus, hydraulic fluid is caused to flow through the power outlet device alternately between the pressure vessels to produce power from the power output device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently generating mechanical or electrical energy. The method includes the steps of heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; utilizing the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy and thereafter condensing the vapor to a liquid; and recycling the condensed liquid to the heating step for re-use as the first liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a closed loop heat transfer medium system having a first heat exchanger for heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; a mechanical device which utilizes the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy; a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid; and piping for fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger, mechanical device and condenser, and for recycling the condensed liquid to the first heat exchanger for re-use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently generating mechanical or electrical energy. The method includes the steps of heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; utilizing the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy and thereafter condensing the vapor to a liquid; and recycling the condensed liquid to the heating step for re-use as the first liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a closed loop heat transfer medium system having a first heat exchanger for heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; a mechanical device which utilizes the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy; a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid; and piping for fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger, mechanical device and condenser, and for recycling the condensed liquid to the first heat exchanger for re-use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently generating mechanical energy. The method includes the steps of heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; utilizing the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy and thereafter condensing the vapor to a liquid; and recycling the condensed liquid to the heating step for re-use as the first liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a closed loop heat transfer medium system having a first heat exchanger for heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; a mechanical device which utilizes the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy; a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid; and piping for fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger, mechanical device and condenser, and for recycling the condensed liquid to the first heat exchanger for re-use.

Abstract: A centrifugally-assisted diaphragm clutch having a centrifugal weight pivotally mounted to the pressure plate which contacts the diaphragm spring. During rotation of the clutch, the centrifugal weight contacts and bears against the diaphragm spring exerting upward force on the diaphragm spring and downward force on the pressure plate, thereby increasing clutch pressure. The centrifugal weight also serves to distribute pressure over the pressure plate by directing force through its pivot point and by reducing the pressure applied to the pressure plate by the periphery of the diaphragm spring. The pressure plate includes a stop which limits the rotation of the centrifugal weight to prevent the clutch from locking in the engaged position.

Abstract: A medical drainage and irrigation system employs a reversible peristaltic pump to perform both drainage and irrigation. A motor control system independently controls the duty cycle and flow rate during drainage and irrigation using an electronic control to transfer the pumping direction between drainage and irrigation. A loop comprising a flow control valve assembly and external tubes connected thereto may be removed as an assembly for cleaning or discard.

Abstract: A periodontal lavage syringe is provided for self home use by an unskilled patient in the treatment of periodontal disease by irrigation of periodontal pockets or other soft tissue spaces. The syringe may have a single liquid retaining barrel or preferably multiple barrels, each of which contains a dispensible plunger and each of which is filled with a different treatment fluid. The bores communicate with a single liquid outlet to which is attached a flexible needle or tube terminating in a nozzle which is preferably elastomeric. The nozzle is conical in shape, having a pointed tip which enables easy insertion of the nozzle into the periodontal pocket, and tapered walls, the increasing diameter of which limits the depth of insertion of the nozzle within the pocket.

Abstract: Improved automatic ignition system (10) for gas fired devices such as boilers, clothes dryers, ranges, and the like. The system (10) is of the type including a variable resistance ignition means (16) having a particular temperature characteristic disposed in proximity to the burner (14) for igniting gas flowing therethrough when the ignition means (16) is energized. The improved system includes detection means (12) for repeatedly measuring the resistance of the ignition means (16) and for comparing such measurements, and activating means (12) for activating the gas valve opening means (56) to open the valve (60) when the detection means (12) establishes that the ignition means (16) is in the portion of its temperature characteristic where the temperature thereof is sufficient to ignite gas.

Abstract: A multiple barrel syringe for selective delivery of a plurality of fluids through a single needle is adapted to be loaded with each of said fluids through the needle thereof. The syringe body includes a pair of fluid-retaining bores, each containing a plunger and each communicating with the single needle through restrictive conduits in which respective flexible sealing valves are interposed. As each plunger is depressed, the respective valve is depressed and distorts under pressure of the fluid, allowing the fluid to flow to the needle. For filling each bore through the needle, a plunger is manually depressed to compress and distort the respective valve, enabling fluid to flow from a container through the needle and through the unobstructed conduit to the selected bore in response to raising of the plunger.

Abstract: A multiple barrel syringe for selective delivery of fluids which comprises a body having a pair of bores each containing a plunger and each terminating in a smaller sized conduit for receiving fluid from the bores. Connected to the body is a movable member having a single conduit or passage and a needle mounted on the member and communicating with the bore. The movable member may be manually actuated to bring its single conduit into communication with a selected bore conduit for providing passage of fluid from the selected bore to the needle. The movable member may then be moved to another position to bring the needle into communication with the other bore. Sealing means are provided on the movable member to avoid leakage and feedback of fluid from or to the bore not dispensing fluid.

Abstract: A meter reader assembly is adapted for mounting on a standard utility meter having a plurality of rotating dial elements for visually indicating total units of the utility consumed. The assembly includes a magnetic reed switch fixedly mounted adjacent the single meter dial element which indicates the lowest whole unit of utility volume consumed, and one or more permanent magnets mounted on this single dial element in a position to traverse the reed switch each time the single dial element rotates through a distance to indicate the consumption of a single whole unit of utility. The reed switch opens and closes each time it is traversed by a magnet to produce an electrical pulse in a logic circuit which also contains a summing circuit for totalling the pulses, and a shift register memory.

Abstract: An intermittent pulsing ignition system for gas fired devices includes a pulser assembly having a predetermined on/off cycle, providing full wave alternating current during the on cycle and half wave current during the off cycle, to an electrical ignition element. The full wave current is sufficient to heat the ignition element to the ignition temperature of the gas and the half wave current permits the ignition element to cool during the off cycle thereby prolonging its useful life.

Abstract: A successive delivery multiple barrel syringe includes a body which contains a pair of bores, each of which contains a plunger and each of which leads to a one-way valve and then to a single needle which is mounted on the body. Depressing the plungers in turn, pressurizes fluid placed in the bores which flows from the bores, through the one-way valves and finally through the needle. Mixing of fluids within the device is made negligible by the use of the one-way valve, and by the provision of small conduits which lead from the one-way valves to the needle.

Abstract: An automatic gas ignition system including an electrically-energized gas ignition element in proximity to a gas burner and a magnetic heat-sensing device comprising a permanent magnet and a sensing plate having a Curie temperature at or above the ignition temperature of the gas in the system. The sensing plate is located close to the ignition element so as to be heated thereby. The magnet is attracted into contact with the sensing plate when the latter is at a temperature below its Curie temperature, and is released from the plate when the latter is heated to its Curie temperature by the ignition element. The magnet is operatively connected to a valve supplying gas to the burner in such a manner as to maintain the valve closed when the magnet is attracted to the sensing plate, and to open the valve when the magnet is released by the plate. Thus, gas is permitted to flow to the burner only when the ignition element has reached a gas ignition temperature.