Abstract: The method and apparatus for preparing foodstuffs by boiling and/or steaming including a thin walled and, hence, crushable insert having water-tight properties and mounted within a porous structure providing support for the thin walled insert, and holding the insert in a spaced fashion relative to the bottom and side walls of a cooking vessel, thereby forming the equivalent of a heat pipe structure in the hollow gap space between the insert support and the cooking vessel. For foodstuff preparation by boiling, water may be added to both the vessel interior and the insert interior, the foodstuffs being placed within the insert.The insert may be provided with a lip bridging the aforesaid gap to facilitate filling or emptying of the insert without spilling the insert contents into the vessel, thereby keeping it substantially clean. The aforesaid lip may completely surround the insert and overlie the gap, suitable openings being provided to permit the escape of steam therethrough.

Abstract: An electric broiler suitable for the charcoal style of broiling employs large surface heater blocks using relatively small high-resistance heater elements fully encased within the heater block, which is formed of cast iron or steel. Each heater element is assembled in an iron tube, which, in turn, is clamped between and embedded within two plates forming the heater block to insure a high degree of direct contact for efficient heat transfer.

Abstract: An improved strapping machine has a barrier for stopping travel of the strap at a precise location, a sensor which is activated by contact of the strap with the barrier so as to terminate operation of the strap feed means and a guide means for preventing buckling of the strap within the sealing assembly portion of the machine. In another aspect of the invention the clamping device has a first gripper located in fixed position during feeding and clamping, and a second gripper which is pivotable from a guide position to a clamping position. In a preferred form, one end of the second gripper bar serves as a shear anvil which co-acts with the blade to sever the strap. The shear anvil is adjustable so that the gap between the blade and anvil may be regulated to compensate for wear.

Abstract: A flat compressible material is roll-formed into a cylindrical package by a belt drive. The diameter of the rolled package is controlled so that a fixed predetermined length of material forms a rolled package of a predetermined diameter. The length of belt drive in contact with the material is proportionate to the length of the material fed into the belt drive, and holds the finished package size to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for waste materia, particularly but not exclusively for paper waste, comprising, a casing forming a container for waste material having structure defining an opening for entry to the container, a lid movably mounted on the casing adjacent the opening for movement between an open position allowing waste to be put into the container opening, and a closed position closing the opening of the container, the lid being formed so that in its closed position it extends into the container beyond the extremity of said container structure to occupy a volume within the container at least equal to that of an item of waste for which the container is intended, and means for releasably retaining the lid in its closed position, whereby each time waste is inserted through the opening and the lid closed, the waste in the container is progressively compressed and a space is created for the reception of further waste when the lid is next opened.

Abstract: Integral with a high speed, computer controlled banking machine is a depository system to provide a fully automatic teller station. At the customer interface there is an entry gate controlled to an open position by a solenoid actuated in accordance with computer generated signals. A deposit envelope inserted through the entry gate is detected by a light sensor as it moves along a pinch roller transport extending to a printing station. An envelope transported to the printing station is held in a fixed position, while a numeric print machine is acutated to imprint on the envelope identifying data. When the print cycle is completed, a computer generated signal energizes a solenoid to open a security door to a storage bin and reactuates the pinch roller transport to deliver the envelope into the storage bin. A sensor is activated when an envelope enters the storage bin, and the security door is closed and locked as the trailing edge of the envelope passes the sensor.

Abstract: An improved hammer bank assembly includes a plurality of spaced-apart hammers, each of the hammers including a substantially planar hammer body containing an electrical coil, with each hammer body being supported for movement in a predetermined plane. A hammer head is attached to and coplanar with each hammer body. Also included are a plurality of flat permanent magnets interleaved with the plurality of hammers so that adjacent ones of the permanent magnets oppose but are separated from each hammer body. A plurality of hammer guide members are provided, one for each hammer, with each hammer guide member defining therein an elongated groove in which is received at least a portion of each hammer head.

Abstract: An improved printer comprising a plurality of character rings provided with a plurality of characters on the respective peripheries thereof and corresponding pluralities of ratchet wheels and pawls. Each ratchet wheel is radially mounted on a character ring and a corresponding pawl is oscillatably mounted for engaging its corresponding ratchet at a preselected interval for stopping its associated character ring when a selected character is located at a predetermined position. Guides are provided for determining the constancy of oscillation of the pawls. Each pawl is spring driven into engagement with a corresponding ratchet wheel and a normal bias toward a corresponding ratchet wheel is provided. A releasable restraint acts oppositely to the bias on the pawl for normally preventing the pawl from engaging with its corresponding ratchet wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cartridge type supply device for use with a portable, one-hand-operable labeling machine of the type including a printing mechanism with printing types arranged for imprinting inscriptions on each of a series of labels traveling along a predetermined path through the machine toward a dispensing opening of the machine. The ink supply device comprises a cartridge holder pivotally supported at one end thereof within the labeling machine in a readily detachable manner and a replaceable inking roller cartridge supported detachably by the other end of said cartridge holder said cartridge including a rotatable inking roller. The cartridge holder is spring-biased to urge the inking roller onto surfaces of the printing types of the printing mechanism of the labeling machine. When the inking roller cartridge is used up, the cartridge holder can be taken out of the machine together with the used cartridge. A cartridge box for housing spare inking roller cartridges is provided.

Abstract: A stenciling apparatus for the marking of identification indicia on vehicles and the like having a casing accommodating a housing incorporating the convergence of means for compressed air supply delivery means for stencil medium pickup and means for stencil medium delivery to the surface to be marked, the casing having an elongated front portion and a lower forward wall casing portion extending rearward at a downward incline and then curving abruptly downward and forward meeting a rear wall casing forming a cusp which acts as a stencil medium holding area and a substantially cubical stencil holding unit having at least one aperture for receipt of a stencil and an elongated v-shaped notch member upon the top surface of the stencil holding unit to mate and overlay a corresponding elongated v-shaped notch upon a top front surface of the stencil unit casing.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a stencil in a rotation screen printing machine. The stencil includes a thin-walled perforated cylinder having at both ends a ring secured via an annular connecting area to an extremity of the cylinder. The machine includes two opposite stationary parts each with an internal rotatable sleeve for connection with the end rings of the stencil, an aligning bearing within each part for supporting the sleeve, an universal joint element being provided in the supporting end structure of the stencil.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printing, feeding and severing method and apparatus for carrying out the method. The apparatus includes a print head assembly and a platen assembly movable relatively toward and away from each other into and out of printing cooperation, mechanism for inking the print head assembly, mechanism for feeding a web of record members to between the print head assembly and the platen assembly, the web being in roll form and there being means to assist the gradual unwinding of the roll with gradual paying out of web material from the roll to the feeding mechanism, an idler contacting the web and disposed at a slight angle to the direction of feed of the web to cause the web to follow a feed edge, record severing means disposed downstream of the print head assembly and the platen assembly, and a modular support assembly of a print head of the print head assembly.

Abstract: A signaling device to be launched underwater having a fuze body and a protile containing pyrotechnic compositions. The pyrotechnic compositions are ignited by an electrical squib which is detonated by voltage from a sea water battery which is sealed from sea water until a valve opens to permit entry of water into the fuze. An open circuit is provided between the battery and leads of the squib and, in addition, the squib leads are shorted. The opening of a valve to permit entry of sea water into the fuze causes the short to be removed and closes the circuit between the battery and the squib.

Abstract: The invention has reference to an overhead trolley, particularly for tracks in a store, its wheel running on a rail driven by a motor, where actuation of the pivoted auxiliary wheel assembly elevates the trolley to support the driven wheel of the trolley on a support wheel and the auxiliary wheel above a rail of the tracks. The trolley includes an arrangement with an auxiliary wheel, which may be pivoted manually into and out of engagement with the rail surface. Pivoting the auxiliary wheel into engagement with the rail surface has the effect of raising the drive wheel from the rail surface so that a disabled trolley may be pushed out of the way.

Abstract: A railway car includes a chassis supported on two sub-frames which are relatively pivotally movable. The sub-frames support propulsion motors, differentials, and driven flanged wheels. And intermediate steering axle and wheel assembly are transversly movable in response to track curvature and a steering beam extending outwardly from the steering axle pivots the sub-frames for steering movement.

Abstract: A multi-deck rail car having an interior cavity and an end opening for loading and unloading lading is provided with a pair of door assemblies, each of which includes a plurality of panels. Each door assembly is pivotally movable for closing at least a portion of the end opening. Double vertical pivots mount each of the door assemblies and are provided such that they move the door assemblies between their respective open position, storage position and closed position. The double vertical pivot means are cranks pivoted at either end to permit pivoting of the door assemblies for storage within the rail car, when their panels are folded back upon one another. A lock for the doors includes a rigid projection extending from the edge of a first one of the panels behind and past an adjacent edge of the second of the two panels and in register with a cutout in the adjacent edge of the second panel.

Abstract: A method for planting seeds in a pattern comprising longitudinal and transverse rows of seed planting sites, in which the transverse rows cross the longitudinal rows, the improvement comprising: planting the seeds with a seed-to-seed spacing of 1 to 31/2 inches along both the longitudinal and transverse rows, preferably in an approximately square, equidistant pattern. The equidistant spacing, in contrast with row-type spacing where plants are spaced relatively far apart in one direction and close together in the other direction, provides a significant improvement in the growth of the plants, and particularly encourages "stooling" or multiple sprouting of cereal grains and grasses.

Abstract: A pump actuating mechanism which allows a sewing machine motor to be used for operating a pneumatic pump. The mechanism utilizes two oppositely arranged, single direction, overrunning clutches, one connected to the sewing machine drive and the other connected to a pump linkage. An electrical switch is used to reverse the direction of the motor rotation thereby disengaging the motor from the sewing machine drive and engaging the motor with the pump linkage.

Abstract: A circuit which limits the maximum permissible speed of a sewing machine motor when specific stitch patterns are selected. Electronic signals from a means for sensing the selected stitch pattern are analyzed by the circuit to control the operation of a relay which connects a resistance in series with the sewing machine motor to reduce the maximum speed at which the drive motor may be operated.

Abstract: A spinnaker header and rig adapted to high performance racing sailboats for adjusting the height from which the spinnaker is flown, characterized by gear adjustable as to height along the forestay under control of a halyard and downhaul, and by a backhaul to take the driving force of the spinnaker.

Abstract: An anchor bracket for suspending the anchor of a power boat above the deck comprising a base support which is affixed directly to the deck of the boat and an upper lock which is spaced from the base support. The base support and upper lock respectively engage the anchor pivot bar and the anchor shank to secure the anchor in position above the boat deck.

Abstract: Immersion apparatus for carrying out submarine works, comprising a master chamber connected to a surface unit and intended to be lowered to the area of submarine work, self-propelled work units branching out from said master chamber and having atmospheric pressure therein and being connected thereto by a so-called umbilical cord, the work units being provided with work arms operable from inside thereof by pushbuttons and pedals.

Abstract: A pressure gauge without Bourdon tubular spring and associated traditional mechanism, which members are replaced by a simplified system comprising a plurality of differently-colored plungers slidably telescoped in one another and projecting into a transparent head memberhaving such a geometrical shape as to transmit the image of said plungers to an observer, thus indicating the amount of pressure in a container to be checked.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for providing a visual indication when the level of liquid contained in a movably mounted tank is at or above a predetermined level, disclosed in conjunction with door-mounted rinse aid dispenser tanks for dishwashers, and includes an indicator knob having a stem portion acting as a closure for the tank filler opening accessible from the inside of the dishwasher door. A viewing chamber having a sight window is located in the end of the indicator knob with a feed reservoir arrangement causing liquid within the tank to flow by gravity into the viewing chamber when the door is closed, and a portion of the liquid being retained there upon opening of the dishwasher door, providing a visual indication that the level within the tank is at or above the predetermined level.

Abstract: Apparatus for application of a coat of coating material to hollow articles provided with at least one internal partition to divide the interior of said items into an entry and an exit portions having an inlet and an outlet openings, repsectively. The coat application unit has at least two sprayer heads each of which has a configuration corresponding to the shape of the area to be coated and is adapted to be passed though the inlet and the outlet openings into the entry and exit portions, respectively. One of the sprayers may be carried by a bracket arm which is locked-in with a tipper device and is provided with a retainer adapted to keep the article in position after the abovesaid sprayer has been fitted into the item under process for a conjoint turning of the item and the tipper to remove surplus coating material.

Abstract: The specification discloses a benthic aquatic biotal monitor for monitoring the chronic impact of pollution, such as industrial and municipal wastes, of aquatic environments upon in situ samples of benthos. The monitor includes a base portion including containers for retaining benthic sample and having a horizontal permeable bottom wall and water permeable vertical side walls. A water permeable mesh is attached to and extends above the base portion to form a conical-shaped enclosure decreasing in cross-sectional area from one end to the other end. The larger end of the conical-shaped enclosure is secured to the base portion and opens thereinto. The smaller end of the conical-shaped portion is closed.

Abstract: A modular, feeder system comprises a master module and at least one slave module adapted to be coupled together in tandem. Each of the modules comprises a food container within a housing, with a lid on the housing being spring biased open but maintained normally closed by a latch. The latch is tripped by a trip collar carried by a shaft extending through the housing. An end of each shaft is adapted to be longitudinally coupled to the shaft of an adjacent module. Only the master module contains a timing device coupled to its shaft and mounted to its housing. The shafts of the master and slave modules are longitudinally coupled to each other to cause the lids to open in succession and in time relationship to each other.

Abstract: A ground-supported poultry drinking fountain utilizing a bell-shaped member having an annular trough. A massive ground support member is disposed within the interior of the bell-shaped member, and connecting rods extend through the bell-shaped member to rigidly connect the massive support member to a valve-supporting member. Adjustments are provided for adjusting the effective length of the rod and therefore the height of the trough off the ground. A valve for supplying water to the trough is supported by the valve support member, and a spring is provided to suspend the bell-shaped member from the valve support member independent of the connecting rods so that the annular trough will reciprocate vertically under the influence of the spring depending upon the amount of water in the trough. Force-concentrating surface manifestations and/or an extremely massive bottom can be provided with the support member to ensure that the fountain stays immobile with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A method of controlling the rate of generating steam by direct heat exchange is provided in which a spray of hot oil drops contacts a spray of water drops. Large water drops are prevented from entering the effluent oil stream during upsets in operating conditions by providing suitable disengaging means such as heated sloped baffles below the contacting zone.

Abstract: A fuel pump injector includes a plunger movable within a bore at one end of which there is a valve controlled outlet. A return spring is provided for the plunger and an electromagnetic device which includes a push member is provided to move the plunger in the direction of the outlet. A fuel inlet port is provided in the bore and this is covered by the plunger during its movement towards the outlet whereafter the pressurized fuel within the bore opens the valve to permit flow of fuel to the engine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for periodically controlling the timing of an internal combustion engine in which two voltages are generated, one of which corresponds to a selected portion of one complete rotation of the engine shaft whereas the other is a function of time. A control signal is generated when the second voltage becomes equal to the first. The first voltage is of the form aq+b+ce.sup. -.gamma.q, in which a, b, and c may be any constants and .gamma. is a positive constant, while the second voltage is of the form d+ ge.sup. -.alpha.t, in which d and g may be any constants and .alpha. is a positive constant.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is known to be necessary in order to insure the satisfactory operation of a reciprocating internal combustion motor, such as the motor of an automotive vehicle, for example, to ignite the combustible gas in advance of the moment at which the piston reaches the top dead center point in the cylinder in question.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine having an intake port formed in cylinder head and first and second intake passages both connected with the intake port. The intake passages are respectively provided with throttle valves and the throttle valve in the second intake passage is opened only under a heavy load operation. The ignition timing is advanced or an additional supply of fuel is provided in the transient period wherein the throttle valve in the first intake passage has reached substantially fully open position and the throttle valve in the second intake passage has started to open so as to supplement any decrease in the engine output in this period.

Abstract: A closed loop programmable EGR control system is disclosed. The EGR control system comprises a first read only memory having a look up table of base EGR pulse widths as a function of engine speed and absolute manifold pressure. This base EGR pulse width is corrected to a total desired pulse width by adding a correction pulse width obtained from a second read only memory. The second ROM stores values of the correction pulse width in a look up table as a function of engine speed and engine coolant temperature. This desired value of EGR pulse width is then compared to the actual EGR flow as sensed directly by a differential pressure transducer located in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit and an error signal is generated therefrom.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system has at least two recirculation lines to permit recirculation of a large quantity of exhaust gas when required and in which recirculation of exhaust gas is reduced or completely cut off in accordance with particular engine operating conditions.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation device in which exhaust gas from the engine of a vehicle, for example, may be recirculated via two separate lines to portions of a carburetor which are upstream and downstream of a throttle valve, to permit a suitably large amount of exhaust gas to be recirculated when necessary and which includes control means which stops the flow of gas in both lines when the engine is being warmed up, and stops the flow of gas in the upstream recirculation line only when engine load, engine speed, or vehicle speed is high, or when there is a risk of icing in the carburetor, whereby the disadvantages of recirculated exhaust gas during particular engine operating conditions are avoided.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head including a combustion chamber and an induction passage terminating at a valve seat defining an inlet port to the combustion chamber in the combustion side of the cylinder head, includes a valve head fitting over and engaging sealingly the valve seat. Mounting means disposed inside of the combustion chamber in the combustion side of the cylinder head connects swingably the valve member to the valve head between a closed position in sealing engagement with the valve seat and an open position substantially out of alignment with the valve seat. A valve stem is reciprocatively journaled in a stem guide bore with one end of the valve stem extending from the cylinder head and its other end connected to the valve head. The axis of the induction passage is substantially parallel to the axis of the combustion chamber to further facilitate an increased volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: A secondary heat exchanger is connected in the flow path of exhaust gases passing from the exhaust expansion chamber to the flue gas outlet of a pulse combustion system, so as to be heated by the hot exhaust gases flowing therein, and air to be heated is first passed over the exterior of the secondary heat exchanger and then over the exterior of the combustion chamber. The temperature at the outlet end of the secondary heat exchanger is below the condensation point of exhaust gases therein, and the temperature at the inlet end of the secondary heat exchanger is sufficiently low to permit use of a wider range of materials for the secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger is made of a material of high thermal conductivity which is corrosion resistant, and increases the thermal efficiency of the system greatly while exerting a muffling action to reduce the noise in the system.

Abstract: A damper assembly for use in gas-conducting conduits including a damper blade with a cavity therein for receiving a fluid and a plurality of outlet ports in flow communication with the cavity to provide means for providing a pressurized fluid seal around the damper blade when in a closed position.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining and testing a bodily mucus for determining the rheological properties of the bodily mucus in order to ascertain menstrual cycle phase comprises a sample collecting probe and a bearing member. A mucus sample from a bodily cavity is obtained by inserting the sample collecting probe into the cavity. The working end of the probe on which the mucus sample is collected defines an inner bearing element having an outer bearing surface of predetermined grit, the mucus sample being carried on the outer bearing surface. The bearing member is provided with an outer bearing element having an inner bearing surface of predetermined grit. The inner bearing element is received within the outer bearing element in such a manner that the mucus sample introduced between the outer bearing surface and the inner bearing surface is extruded therebetween. One bearing element is biased and the other bearing element is fixed.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiments, successive overlapping groups of ultrasonic transducer elements are activated to scan along successively offset group symmetry axes. The groups may be selected so that the active symmetry axis is shifted in increments of one-half the element width with a first set of symmetry axes coinciding with a gap between adjacent transducer elements and a second set coinciding with the center of a transducer element. In other embodiments, the successive groups of the first type are sequentially activated in a first cycle and the successive groups of the second type are sequentially activated in a second cycle to produce scanning along interlaced sets of symmetry axes and to produce twice the image display rate.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for measuring the sensitivity of teeth. The apparatus includes an electrode probe for contacting a tooth and an electrical lead for forming a complete circuit with the probe through the tooth. Electrical energy is applied to the tooth in varying amounts; the apparatus measures and records the quantitative magnitude of a parameter proportional to the effective electrical energy applied to the tooth.

Abstract: A defibrillator is described having separate amplifiers for the paddles and the ECG electrodes and means for supplying cardiographic signals to an output amplifier from the amplifier associated with the ECG electrodes when they are properly attached to the patient and for automatically coupling cardiographic signals to the output amplifier from the amplifier associated with the paddles if any combination of the ECG electrodes become improperly attached.

Abstract: A device to aid victims of choking attacks, by assisting in the expulsion of objects lodged in the larynx through the compression of the upper abdomen and the discharge of air from the lungs, is constructed with anchor means for attachment to a wall, table or other solid object and a hinged connection to a track member along which a slider assembly reciprocates. The slider assembly is provided with an impact pad which may be aimed at the upper abdomen and with handgrips for exerting muscular effort on the pad to cause the compression of the lungs. The track member and the slide are constructed from telescoping tubing segments in the preferred embodiment. The handgrips may be operated either by the victim of the choking attack or by another.

Abstract: A preventive apron used for control of human sexual conduct, especially the mentally retarded, has a main apron section which has on its inside a large pocket for receiving a rectangular box-shaped shield having an open side. The apron has upper, middle, and lower tie straps tied behind the user so that the main apron section is located in front of the body to place the shield in front of the genital area to prevent the wearer from contacting his or her genitals. The open side of the shield has a flange about its wall edges which acts to distribute force against the body of the user and to allow the shield to slide for comfort. The upper horizontal shield wall has a curved recess and flange which conforms to the shape of the lower abdomen of the user for a comfortable fit. The lower straps for the apron main section extend around each of the thighs and prevents the apron and shield from being pulled up.

Abstract: The personal escape breathing apparatus comprises exhalation and inhalation bags connected by a carbon dioxide absorption canister, a chemical oxygen generator connected to the exhalation bag and a relief valve for releasing built-up gas within the exhalation bag. The two unequal size bags provide a flexible volume sufficient to store the user's vital capacity a surface area sufficient to cool gas heated from the exothermic reaction of O.sub.2 generation and CO.sub.2 absorption, but the bags are readily foldable to minimize the stored size. The two bags are integrally formed on a flexible, gas impermeable sheet which serves both as the back walls of the bags as well and as a support collar which extends from the bags and has a hole for passing the user's head therethrough. The apparatus also comprises a flexible transparent hood and nose block to protect the user from the hostile environment.

Abstract: A ventilator which may be operated in either of two manually selected modes, including (1) a first mode in which ventilation of a patient is initiated by inhalation of the patient through a patient adapter and is terminated to allow the patient to exhale when the pressure at the patient adapter reaches a predetermined level; or (2) a second mode in which ventilation of the patient is initiated in the same manner as in the first mode, but in which apneustic hold means are activated when the pressure at the patient adapter reaches the predetermined level and maintains gas pressure and flow in the patient adapter for a short predetermined time thereafter before the patient is allowed to exhale.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a casing having a temperature sensor mounted therein with insulated sensor-connecting wires of considerable length being exposed to the environment on an external surface of the casing which is covered over the wires with a thin metallic coating.

Abstract: An atraumatic valving mechanism and its method of operation for use within the blood passageway of a blood access device, the blood passageway connecting a blood vessel within the body to the body exterior. The valving device includes a plugging means for effecting a seal within the blood passageway and for substantially expelling the blood from the device upon closing, and a reciprocal stem which is connected to the plugging means and may be pushed or pulled in order to close or open the blood access device valve as desired. The valving mechanism includes a disposable connectable valve chamber which is adapted to be secured about that portion of the blood access device blood passageway located at the body exterior.

Abstract: A laser ophthalmological unit comprises a lasing source and an optical sym having a slit source for illumination of the surgery field. This laser and illumination source are housed in a common casing hinged on the bracket of the microscope designed for observation of the surgery field. The emission supply system of said slit source and of the laser are mounted rigidly on said hinged casing but can be adjusted.

Abstract: An instrument for use with surgical procedures such as for clearing and disloding the contents of chest tubing, catheters, common duct T-tubing and IV tubing and the like. A pair of rollers are mounted on shafts which are hinged together at one end. A cylindrical handle is mounted on an opposite end of one shaft and an opposed thumb rest is mounted on the end of the other shaft. The hand of a user grasps the handle and thumb rest for moving the rollers into and out of engagement with opposite sides of the tubing. The instrument compresses the tubing and is moved any desired distance along its length for propelling tubing contents or creating suction within the tubing.