Abstract: An improved electrically operated pilot-type, “instant-on” solenoid assembly for near-instantaneous control over the flow of compressed gas. The assembly may be applied in fuel systems for propulsion in vehicles using gaseous fuel. It includes a housing with inlet and outlet passages connected to a primary chamber where a primary piston is slidably mounted, a secondary chamber having a secondary piston slidably mounted within the chamber, a solenoid to produce translational movement of the pilot piston, and passageways linking the various components. When the solenoid is energized, the pilot piston is moved to permit fluid to flow from the primary to the pilot chamber, producing an increase in the differential pressure in the regions of the primary chamber. The differential pressure then forces the primary piston to move, exposing the outlet to fluid flow from the gas inlet.

Abstract: An improved therapy for both clearing the blood of unwanted carbon monoxide and anaesthetic chemicals and for rapidly re-oxygenating blood suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. It also includes a therapy delivery device for carbon dioxide and oxygen metering and mixing apparatus for gases under pressure particularly for respirators and medical devices which has a plurality of compressed gas supply lines which are connected to a mixing device for delivery into a demand regulator (respirator or face mask). It includes a gas selection device, an automatic shut off of the carbon dioxide, a purging system, metering of the gases and a mixing chamber to promote a homogeneous mixture of gases and sized for field use by emergency care operators. The therapy is a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for promoting the rapid oxygenation of the patient's blood supply for cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation or other cases where the blood oxygen level is low.

Abstract: A system of operating a wireless handset capable of making clear and secure calls is claimed. A secure call may be made by pressing a key for a predetermined amount of time. The handset enters a secure mode if the key is held for a time period greater than the predetermined amount of time. The handset enter is a clear mode if the key is held for a time period less than the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a transparent service option transition between at least two wireless communication devices (WCDs). A first communication between a first WCD and a second WCD is established using a first service option. At some point during the first communication, a transition to a second service option, such as an asynchronous data service option, is initiated. At least one of the WCDs provides an identification code to the other WCD using a signaling protocol over the first service option. The first communication is then terminated. A second communication using the second service option is then initiated by one of the WCDs, resulting in a seamless transition to the second service option.

Abstract: A regulator for regulating outlet pressure of a fluid supplied to the regulator from a fluid source includes a body having an inlet, and a pressure regulating chamber disposed in the body. A high pressure fluid circuit extends between the inlet and the pressure regulating chamber for transmitting the fluid from the inlet to the pressure regulating chamber. The high pressure fluid circuit includes at least two longitudinally extending high pressure passages in fluid communication with each other. One longitudinally extending high pressure passage transmits the fluid in a first direction, and another longitudinally extending high pressure passage transmits the fluid in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A device for removing accumulated cerumen and a method for using the same, which device consists of a small balloon-tipped catheter inserted directly over the tip of a syringe or through the use of a plastic insert extended over the tip of a syringe, which balloon tip, when deflated, will fit easily into the auditory canal and, when inflated by depressing the plunger of the syringe, will provide a base for, when the syringe is removed from the ear canal, accumulating the blockage or excess cerumen thereon.

Abstract: A digital gas metering system includes inlet and outlet manifolds, a plurality of conduits each extending between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, and a solenoid-operated valve in each conduit. At least one of the valves is a tri-stable valve. Each tri-stable valve has a highest flow setting, a lowest flow setting, and an intermediate flow setting. The preferred embodiment utilizes at least two tri-stable valves, and these have respective highest flow settings which form a geometric progression in which each term is substantially triple the preceding term.

Abstract: A tri-stable, solenoid-operated valve defines an internal chamber communicating with an outlet passageway and an inlet passageway, with a valve seat surrounding the outlet passageway. A first piston reciprocates toward and away from the valve seat and supports a closure adapted to close the valve when the first piston is in a first position, and to be spaced away from the valve when the first piston is in a second position. A second piston is mounted to the first piston and can reciprocate toward and away from the valve seat. The second piston has a portion which projects into the outlet causing partial occlusion when the first piston is in its second position and the second piston is in its first position. The portion of the second position causing the outlet to be occluded is substantially withdrawn when both pistons are at their respective second positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supplementary pressure regulator that can be used with conventional single or multi-stage pressure regulators. It may also conveniently be used with a novel two stage balanced pressure regulator to form a three-stage vacuum demand pressure regulation system which may be used to regulate the pressure of compressed gases used as fuel in engines, such as natural gas used in natural gas powered vehicles. The pressure regulator of the present invention is a robust, compact, high flow, low droop, low pressure drop, low set-point drift and low creep regulator which is suitable for both OEM and after market use. It is particularly useful in mono-, bi-, and dual fuel engine applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved two-stage pressure regulators for various compressed gases, and more particularly to pressure regulators used for gaseous fuels such as compressed or liquified natural gas. The pressure regulator of the present invention is a robust, compact, high flow, low droop, low pressure drop and low creep regulator which is suitable for both OEM and aftermarket use. It can be used by itself, or with an optional third stage to provide a three stage regulator such as the atmospheric (or zero pressure differential) types commonly used to regulate the fuel pressure for gaseous carburetion systems. It is particularly useful in mono-, bi-, and dual fuel engine applications.

Abstract: A tuned intake manifold is provided for OTTO cycle engines and includes a plenum having an aperture through which a gaseous fuel mixture can be received. First and second branch openings are disposed at opposite points across the plenum, with respective first and second branch conduits connected thereto. Each branch conduit divides into a plurality of runner conduits all terminating at a head flange. The various gaseous paths, each defined by one of the branch conduits and one of the runner conduits, have substantially the same length, substantially the same volume, and substantially the same radius and arc-length of curvature.

Abstract: A flow control system for use in a compressible fluid-fueled internal combustion engine includes a fluid metering device comprising a plurality of fluid lines for communication between an inlet fluid manifold and a metered fluid manifold. Bistable valves of various orifice sizes are provided, one in each of the fluid lines except for at least two lines, which are provided with pulsing valves. The device also includes sensors for determining parameters of the inlet fluid sufficient to determine potential mass flow of fluid through each of the valves, and valve controls for activating valve actuators to open the valves in combinations and for time intervals to give a desired total mass flow of fluid through the valves.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microscope viewing arrangement adapted for exhibition use comprising a plurality of microscopes, each of said microscope comprising console enclosing a microscope arrangement and affording a common viewing position, remote focussing means operable from the viewing position, and a lamp arrangement adapted to illuminate a specimen position, the focussing means, the lamp arrangement and the specimen position being, in use, inaccessible from the viewing position, and information display means adapted to display information relevant to a specimen mounted in the specimen position and to be changed with such specimen.