Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening and exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has an annular fluid chamber in at least one end of the body of the seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter the annular fluid chamber and exert a generally radial force in response to a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal to the body of the female coupling member having such a probe seal.

Abstract: A method of providing instruction on the performance of chest compressions includes providing a series of signals of a first type corresponding to the desired rhythm of delivery of chest compressions in a chest compression series, and providing signals of a second type which indicate a desired point in the first series. The desired point may be a point near the end of the chest compression series. The signals of the second type may be a voiced countdown to the end of the compression series. The signals of the first type may be a series of identical sounds delivered in the desired rhythm for chest compressions, and the signals of the second type may be sounds distinct from those of the first type which correspond to the rhythm of the last N compressions in the series. The desired point in the first series may include a first point at a desired interval from the first compression, where the interval is measured in number of compressions or elapsed time.

Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 1.0.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an implantable cardiac device including a plurality of implanted leads may include: monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with the plurality of implanted leads; detecting a change in one of the parameters; evaluating at least one of the other parameters upon detection of the change; and diagnosing a problem with the implantable cardiac device based on the detected change and the evaluation. A system for diagnosing an implantable cardiac device including a plurality of implanted leads may include an implantable pacing device and a processor. The processor may be configured to: monitor a plurality of parameters associated with the plurality of implanted leads; detect a change in one of the parameters; evaluating at least one of the other parameters upon detection of the change; and diagnose a problem with the implantable cardiac device based on the detected change and the evaluation.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more circumferential, spring-energized seals. One particular preferred seal comprises a closely-wound helical spring which imparts an inwardly-directed radial force to the crown seal. In certain embodiments, the helical spring is substantially encased in a polymer jacket. In yet other embodiments, a liner is interposed between the outer surface of the helical spring and the polymer jacket. An optional, axial extension on at least one end of the crown seal provides a bore liner for a female hydraulic coupling member in which the crown seal is installed.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening an exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling member is equipped with dual, electrically conductive contacts one of which is configured to contact a junction plate or junction plate holding the coupling member while the other is configured to contact an opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling system.

Abstract: Male and/or female members of a hydraulic coupling have an internal poppet valve that is held in the closed position by a flat wire, helical compression spring. The spring is configured such that when the poppet valve is moved to its fully open position, the coils of the spring are completely compressed thereby forming a substantially smooth bore tube for the flow of hydraulic fluid. The flat wire, helical compression spring may also act as a valve stop, limiting movement of the poppet valve and providing the necessary resistance to move the valve actuator of a corresponding valve in a mating member.

Abstract: A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. In certain embodiments, the generally ring-shaped probe seal has an annular fluid chamber in one or both end walls of the body of the seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter the annular fluid chamber and exert a generally radial force in response to a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal to the body of the female coupling member having such a probe seal. In “negative pressure” situations (i.e.

Abstract: A pin for use in connecting graphite electrodes into a joint, where the pin has at least one male tang having a tang factor, defined as the ratio of male tang length to diameter of the electrode into which hit is to be threaded, of at least about 0.60.

Abstract: A plastic sheet product having a matte finish comprises a core layer of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition which overlies, and is bonded to, at least one face of the core layer. The capstock composition comprises the same or different thermoplastic polymer and contains a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with and dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer of the capstock composition. The sheet product may be prepared by the co-extrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and the capstock composition, and in a particular embodiment, such co-extrusion may be conducted by means of a feedblock. In a particular embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer of the core layer and that of the capstock composition may be the same, such as in the instance of a methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymer.

Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a pressure-energized seal configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seal is a metal J seal retained within a removable seal cartridge.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member and/or a male hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an electrically conductive contactor which contacts the opposing coupling member when the coupling is fully made up thereby electrically bonding the coupling members.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an implantable cardiac device including a plurality of implanted leads may include: monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with the plurality of implanted leads; detecting a change in one of the parameters; evaluating at least one of the other parameters upon detection of the change; and diagnosing a problem with the implantable cardiac device based on the detected change and the evaluation. A system for diagnosing an implantable cardiac device including a plurality of implanted leads may include an implantable pacing device and a processor. The processor may be configured to: monitor a plurality of parameters associated with the plurality of implanted leads; detect a change in one of the parameters; evaluating at least one of the other parameters upon detection of the change; and diagnose a problem with the implantable cardiac device based on the detected change and the evaluation.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have a angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.

Abstract: Male and/or female members of a hydraulic coupling have an internal poppet valve that is held in the closed position by a flat wire, helical compression spring. The spring is configured such that when the poppet valve is moved to its fully open position, the coils of the spring are completely compressed thereby forming a substantially smooth bore tube for the flow of hydraulic fluid. The flat wire, helical compression spring may also act as a valve stop, limiting movement of the poppet valve and providing the necessary resistance to move the valve actuator of a corresponding valve in a mating member.