Abstract: A sanitary backwashing system for an automatic milking machine having a milking unit and a source of vacuum, the system including a valve having a first port connected to the milking unit and a pair of second ports alternately connected to the first port, one of the second ports being connected to the source of vacuum; and a source of sanitizing fluid under pressure connected to the other of the second ports and the valve having a first position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of vacuum while blocking off the other of the second ports and a second position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of sanitizing fluid while blocking off the source of vacuum.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with an auxiliary piston reciprocating within an auxiliary chamber for generating turbulence in a gas mixture contained within a main combustion chamber. Forward motion of the auxiliary piston causes the injection of a gas into the main combustion chamber through a communicating passageway when the main piston approaches top dead center of the compression stroke.

Abstract: A fuel control system for internal combustion engines includes a fuel injection control unit responsive to the amount of depression of an accelerator pedal to determine the fuel quantity and an air intake control unit which determines the amount of air to be mixed therewith in response to the determined fuel quantity to correspondingly operate a throttle valve. Fuel and air are supplied to the engine such that they reach the cylinder simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle valve opening control device for use in an internal combustion engine. When the throttle valve is rapidly closed after completion of the warm-up of the engine, the throttle valve is temporarily held at a first opening degree which is greater than an idling opening degree and, then, the throttle valve is gradually returned to its idling position. Contrary to this, when the throttle valve is rapidly closed before completion of the warm-up of the engine, the throttle valve is temporarily held at a second opening degree which is greater than said first opening degree and, then, the throttle valve is gradually returned to its idling position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a butterfly valve opening degree setting device comprising a diaphragm apparatus. The diaphragm apparatus has a diaphragm, a vacuum chamber and a control rod connected to the diaphragm. The control rod is arranged so as to be engageable with the butterfly valve disposed in the duct. The vacuum chamber of the diaphragm apparatus is connected to the vacuum port formed on the inner wall of the duct. The butterfly valve is held open at a position wherein the peripheral edge of the butterfly valve faces the vacuum port.

Abstract: An electronic ignition timing system for an internal combustion engine which rotates a crankshaft is disclosed. The ignition system comprises a plurality of variable engine condition sensors which produce corresponding analog output signals and a crankshaft position sensor. A timing control logic circuit periodically multiplexes each of the variable engine condition sensors such that they are sequentially connected as inputs to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which produces an output signal comprising a pulse train for each of the multiplexed engine conditions. The total number of pulses in each pulse train is related to the magnitude of the variable engine condition currently being connected to the A/D converter. In addition, high resolution crankshaft position pulses are produced, preferably by an electronic angle divider which receives coarse crankshaft position pulses and produces high resolution crankshaft position pulses.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system for an internal combustion engine, in which a feedback signal representing the amount of actually recirculated exhaust gas is produced by detecting the concentration of either CO.sub.2 or H.sub.2 O, which is contained in the exhaust gas in a nearly constant concentration, in combustible gas mixture diluted with recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: An EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) control system comprises EGR control valve means including a first fluid chamber the vacuum in which increases and decreases in accordance with operating conditions of the engine whereby EGR control valve means control the recirculated amount of exhaust gases back to the engine and a second fluid chamber receiving therein a suction vacuum to thereby cause multiplication of the vacuum in the first chamber without altering the correspondency between the operating condition of the engine and the degree of opening of the EGR control valve means whereby the variable range of the vacuum in the first fluid chamber is optimally enlarged.

Abstract: A fuel metering device for an internal combustion engine, and in which a metering needle, common to a liquid and gaseous fuel chambers having respective inlets for communication with a respective source of liquid and gaseous fuel for the engine, extends between the outlet of the liquid fuel chamber and one of the inlet and the outlet of the gaseous fuel chamber and has thereat a respective valving member adapted for controlling the volume of fuel metered to the engine induction system; and an engine having such device incorporated in the fuel induction system thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the discharge of evaporated fuel gas including a charcoal canister for absorbing and temporarily storing fuel gas, a purge port placed in the intake passage of the carburetor of the engine, a passage for evaporated fuel connecting the purge port with the charcoal canister so that the evaporated fuel that has become stored in the charcoal canister is supplied to the engine during operation of the engine by means of the negative pressure in the air passage, a second purge port which opens to a venturi section of the carburetor, a second passage for evaporated fuel which connects the second purge port with the charcoal canister and a check valve which is placed in the second passage which allows a flow only in the direction of the venturi section.

Abstract: A fuel pump for an internal combustion engine including a casing wherein partition walls divide the upper space of said casing into a fuel drawing chamber receiving fuel from a fuel tank, a fuel chamber discharging the fuel to a carburetor and a vapor separating chamber communicating with the fuel tank. A space between the fuel chamber and the vapor separating chamber enables the communication of the fuel chamber with the vapor separating chamber, so that a large portion of the vapor produced in the fuel chamber removes to the vapor separating chamber and can be returned to the fuel tank, with the result that fuel substantially free from vapor can be supplied to the carburetor.

Abstract: A pilot fuel injection system for a diesel engine. One embodiment of the system includes a high pressure fuel pump, an accumulator, a mechanical fuel distributor, a pair of fuel metering valves for each cylinder of the engine, a fuel injection nozzle for each cylinder, and an electronic logic for controlling actuation of the metering valves; in a second system embodiment a pair of the metering valves supply fuel to all of the engine cylinders. Several embodiments of the metering valve are disclosed, some of which allows exclusion of the mechanical fuel distributor from the system. All of the disclosed metering valves meter fuel from the pump to the nozzles by traversing a passage in a valving member across another passage. Motion is imparted to the valving member by electromagnetic means which are energized by the electronic logic. The logic is responsive to engine speed and throttle position.

Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided, including a plurality of fuel injection pumps within the cylinder head on a cylinder block, a fuel manifold having a fuel supply portion and a fuel return portion external to the cylinder head and extending the length thereof, each pump having a fuel supply and outlet passage integrally formed in the cylinder head and communicating with an annular passageway about each fuel injector, each said fuel supply and outlet passage further communicating with said fuel manifold by means of a pair of exterior conduits extending from the manifold directly to opposite ends of said passage in the cylinder head, each said exterior conduit extending exteriorly of the valve covers to preclude contamination of engine lubricant with fuel that may leak from the connections between exterior conduits and the passages in the cylinder head.

Abstract: A fuel injection system, in which an adjustment in the fuel injection point, which is dependent on the load, is accomplished by controlling the pressurized fluid with a regulator sleeve, which dams the fuel quantity diverted by the regulator sleeve in order to conduct this dynamic pressure to the fuel injection point adjusting piston or to the pressure control valve, to influence the control pressure therewith.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is described, including an ignition timing control apparatus which is useful for cleaning the exhaust gas and saving fuel, which ignition timing control apparatus is controlled by first, second and third control signals in which the first control signal represents the rotating speed of a crank shaft, the second control signal represents the value of the negative pressure in an intake manifold and the third control signal indicates that the internal combustion engine is idle.

Abstract: A muliple energy modulated ignition system having a transient signal provided by precharging an ignition transformer primary winding modulated by a non-DC power source, to provide high energy firing levels to igniters in the ignition transformer secondary circuit. Several versions of the timer and method of interconnecting the timer to the ignition transformer primary and to an output winding of the non-DC power source, are disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-oiling kit for an installation having a battery, an ignition switch, an internal combustion engine, an engine block and oil sump underlying the block, a port within the block leading to an oil gallery and a drain opening within the bottom of the sump, includes as a principal element of the kit; a container for mounting exterior of the block and housing a pre-oiler pump with an electric motor operatively coupled thereto, an oil pressure operated switch and an electrical relay. Two oil lines lead to the exterior of the container and are respectively connected to the inlet side of the pump through a strainer and from the outlet side of the pump through a check valve pressure switch and strainer.

Abstract: A carburetor kit for placing over the top of a vehicle's carburetor when the vehicle's air filter assembly has been removed. The kit is used to prevent liquid from entering into the carburetor when the vehicle's engine is cleaned using a high pressure spray.

Abstract: A portable ball throwing macine employs a battery operated motor for projecting tennis balls for practice purposes. The balls are fed from a bin by means of a ball fence and agitator to a tube which conveys the ball to a ball track. A spring biased arm is cocked by the motor and released at the correct point in the cycle by operation of a cam gear and pawl. The arm then strikes the ball projecting it from the machine. Included in the device is an arrangement for oscillating the device from side to side to vary the pattern of balls projected from the machine and a gate mechanism to index balls onto the ball track.

Abstract: The four quadrant, deep concave, linear solar concentration panel has been evolved to meet the need for a practical, low-cost solar energy conversion system, for individual house power supplementation installations.This specific type of solar concentration panel is not designed for a solar photovoltaic conversion arrangement, but for a water steam and flash boiler pipe arrangement where the generated steam is used to drive a rotary steam engine and 110 VAC alternator with a minimum rating of 10 KW/hr.The advocated solar concentration panel has a panel width to flash boiler pipe diameter of about 18:1, which provides a solar concentration ratio of between 22:1 and 27:1, at this point in time.The concentration panel width to height cross-section ratio is approximately 2.5:1, and the base focal line distance to panel height ratio is 1:2.5.

Abstract: A ventilating tube and method are provided for maintaining a desired gaseous partial pressure in the middle ear comprising in combination a tube having an axial lumen, means on the tube holding the tube in place in a wall of the inner ear and a selective permeability membrane closing the tube lumen.

Abstract: The endocervical instrument of this invention comprises, generally, a handle and an elongated basket-like member removably mounted onto the handle. The basket-like member is elongated and generally of rectangular-shape as viewed in plan. The basket member has a wall surface defining an elongated cavity therewithin and an entrance into the cavity from one side of the basket member. One end of the basket member carries a blade means which preferably projects laterally with respect to the entrance to the elongated cavity of the basket member. The blade member projects laterally from the sidewalls defining the entrance to the cavity a sufficient distance to enable an endocervical tissue strip of approximately 1.5-2 mm., in depth, to be obtained as the blade member is drawn distally towards the external os of the endocervical canal.

Abstract: A sampling catheter having an outer tube of resilient material with a normally closed distal end and an inner flexible tube which is longer than the outer tube and which is normally held in retracted position with respect to the distal end of the outer tube by means of a loop of the inner tube which is fastened to the outer tube. The assembled catheter is disposed in a sealed package with the inner tube in such retracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the determination of blood loss during endoscopic operations, particularly, during transurethral resectomy. It is known in such operations to employ continuous irrigation using sterilized water which is fed into the body cavity through the endoscope and fed out again mixed with the lost blood. According to the disclosure a method is provided wherein the specific blood content is found from one of the characteristics of the outgoing water which alters with the blood content: to determine the blood lost this specific blood content is compared with the rate of flow of the monitored outgoing flushing water.

Abstract: A venogram injector assembly comprising a frame, a holder attached to the frame and adapted to receive and retain a plurality of syringes, a manifold adapted to receive outlet ends of the syringes, a tube adapted for connection at a first end thereof to the manifold and adapted for connection at a second end thereof to a needle for insertion into a vein of a patient, a platen connected to the frame and moveable to engage plunger stems extending from the syringes, and a drive means in communication with the platen, the platen being moveable in response to operation of the drive means to engage the plunger stems, whereby to force fluid in the syringes simultaneously into the manifold and then into the tube, needle, and vein.

Abstract: A photographic camera with a shutter release means is removably mounted on the eyepiece of an endoscope. Additional shutter release means is provided on the mounting body of the endoscope on which remote control means such as a dial for changing the direction of the head of the endoscope are mounted, whereby the shutter of the camera can be released without need for the operator to remove his hand from the vicinity of the remote control members.

Abstract: A tool for diagnosing a gastroesophageal reflux condition whereby the pressure at selected locations along the gastroesophageal tract in a body may be measured without disturbing the relative position of the device after the same is positioned in the body each time a new location of the tract is selected for measuring the internal pressure thereat in which the tool comprises a flexible, hollow sleeve and a tubular member arranged for sliding longitudinal movement therein with an opening in the tubular member cooperating with a selected one of a plurality of spaced apertures on the sleeve to provide a pressure measurement at the selected aperture. Fixed tubes are additionally provided on the sleeve for monitoring the pressure at predetermined locations in the body.

Abstract: A massage belt has pimples on one side and bristles on the other, and is made of soft synthetic plastics material. The bristles are anchored in recesses in bosses directly opposite pimples, and the bristle anchoring means extend through the base of each boss and partially into the associated pimple, thereby being safely embedded.

Abstract: A one-way flow check valve is placed over an air inlet conduit to a hydrotherapy unit to prevent back flows of air and water up through and out of the conduit when the hydrotherapy nozzle outlet is blocked. A body of the valve contains a vertically-movable float which normally rests upon a retainer ring in a downward, air suction position. The float is raised upwardly and against a valve seat upon reverse flow of air and water. The light weight, buoyant construction of the float, as a hollow plastic member with top and side walls, allows the valve to shut off reverse flows of water whether fast or slow moving and to respond also to fast reverse flows of air ahead of a rising column of water. A retainer ring with float abutment pins retains the float in the body removably for cleaning the valve surfaces.

Abstract: A semiclosed-loop rebreathing system is provided for use in a hostile environment. The system is characterized by a packed bed regenerative heat exchanger providing two distinct temperature-humidity zones of breathing gas with one zone providing cool, relatively dry air and the second zone providing hot, moist air. Exhaled gas is passed through the packed bed regenerative heat exchanger to increase the temperature and humidity of the gas and is then passed through a sorbent cannister containing a lithium hydroxide bed to remove carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide-free gas is then passed through the regenerative heat exchanger in the reverse direction to cool and dehumidify the gas to normal breathing conditions. Check valves between the heat exchanger and the sorbent cannister establish gas flow in a single direction through the lithium hydroxide bed and a flexible breathing bag interposed in the flow path prevents back pressure during inhalation/exhalation sequences.

Abstract: An automated electronic microsurgical control system is disclosed which is capable of performing the various aspiration functions customarily performed manually by a surgical assistant. The system is entirely subservient to the surgeon's foot control unit which is adapted to control seven different surgical functions. In addition, the electronic control system is designed to communicate audibly with the surgeon regarding actual fluid flow and the build-up of vacuum pressure in the aspiration lines connected to the microsurgical cutting instrument, thus permitting the surgeon to audibly ascertain complete information as to the actual activity within the aspiration line without requiring him to take his eyes from the operating microscope.

Abstract: A T-shaped blood vessel occluder has a stem with a pair of opposing arms at one end forming a bar. Generally conically shaped solid bulbs are connected to the extremities of the bar. The occluder is insertable through an incision in the blood vessel with the arms and bulbs extending in opposite directions along the vessel. A section of the blood vessel is thus sealed off at both ends for anastomosis for other purposes.

Abstract: A dilator comprising a housing and an elongated, slotted probe or core biased and slideable relative to the housing. The core carries expandable leaves or ribs, each having wedges disposed therealong. The wedges engage slots of the core and when the core is moved relative to the leaves the leaves move to their expanded position. In one embodiment biasing means are provided within the housing for biasing the core to its expanded position and a preferably soluble wax block is used in the housing for compressing the biasing means. With this arrangement when the dilator is inserted in the patient the wax dissolves over a period of hours and the biased core is released to thereby cause gradual, painless expansion of the body opening. In a preferred embodiment a remote actuator couples by cable means to the core of the dilator for operating the dilator. In this embodiment a biasing means is provided in the remote actuator instead of the housing of the dilator.

Abstract: A cuff member for a catheter assembly has grooves formed on the wall thereof to receive an adhesive for securing the cuff member to the tube of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A defibrillator, or alternatively, paddles therefor adapted with the wave-forming inductance of the discharge circuit disposed between the two paddles of the discharge circuit of the defibrillator and is so disposed in the paddles as to couple in a cancelling manner when the paddles are placed face-to-face. In a preferred embodiment, the waveform inductance is split substantially equally in each of the two paddles wherein each of the inductors have a value of substantially half the total necessary inductance for the forming of the waveform for the defibrillating wave.The respective coils of the inductors are wound in reverse directions, one with respect to the other so that the total inductance generated in a discharge directly through the paddles is substantially nil.

Abstract: Cigarettes or cigarette filters are made by forming a filler by feeding continuously at least one web of filler material which has lines of spaced slits extending across the width of the web, the slits in each line being offset from those in adjacent lines; stretching the web so as to open up the slits while distorting out of their original plane the interconnected strip-like portions of the web left between the slits; compressing the web laterally to form a filler; enclosing the thus-formed filler in a wrapper to form a continuous rod; and cutting the continuous rod into individual portions.

Abstract: A hairpiece is secured to a person's head using crimpable devices that are secured to the person's natural hair around the periphery of the area to be covered by the hairpiece by being crimped onto the natural hair. The hairpiece then is detachably connected to the devices, springs preferably being employed for this purpose.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating grease-covered rolling mill scale, according to which the rolling mill scale to be treated is weighed, thoroughly mixed with from 10 to 20% by weight of a solvent e.g. a fluorized chlorohydrocarbon, while finely distributing the greases in the thus obtained mixture. The mixture is then added in a continuous manner to a bath containing such solvent, and is distributed therein. The rolling mill scale is then slowly moved out of the solvent containing bath while mixing the rolling mill scale with an oil-free solvent of the above mentioned type passed in counter-current flow to the last mentioned mill scale. The movement of the thus obtained last mentioned mixture is continued while causing the solvent to drip off out of the grease-free rolling mill scale. The rolling mill scale is then heated, and the residual solvent is driven out of the rolling mill scale.

Abstract: A dishwasher having improved structure for separating food soil and the like from dishwashing liquid. The soil separating structure is associated with a suction passage leading to a circulation pump of the dishwasher provided for effecting circulation of the dishwashing liquid from a lower sump portion of the dishwasher receptacle back to the dishwashing space for washing dishes and the like therein. The soil separator includes an accumulator wherein the soil is collected for subsequent discharge as desired and structure responsive to a swirling action in the suction passage for effecting a circulation of a portion of the dishwashing liquid between the suction passage and the accumulator. The structure is arranged to utilize the combined swirling and longitudinal movement of the dishwashing liquid in the suction passage for effecting the desired soil separation by centrifugal action. Discarding of the collected soil may be effected by a suitable drain pump connected to the accumulator.

Abstract: A solar-powered thermionic-photoelectric current generator is disclosed employing a paraboloidal telescope for collecting and concentrating sunlight into a narrow beam which is incident upon a thorium-doped tungsten cathode target within an evacuated envelope, the light being incident on the target at a very large angle of incidence. An anode arranged substantially parallel to the beam of light incident on the cathode target surrounds the major portion of the cathode target and extends an appreciable distance rearwardly from the cathode target. A gas impervious envelope maintains the region of space immediately surrounding the anode and cathode target at a desired vacuum. Electrical conductors leading from the anode and cathode target to points outside the gas impervious envelope can connect the anode and cathode target to an appropriate load.

Abstract: A siphon system in which an enclosed container has a chamber for heating a gaseous fluid as by solar radiation. The chamber is in continuous open communication with a siphon having an inlet at an upper level and an outlet at a lower level. A pressure responsive valve is located at the outlet for permitting the release of gaseous fluid at pressures over atmosphere and closing the outlet to communicate pressures below atmosphere to the inlet to start the siphon. When the siphon is filled, the pressure responsive valve opens to release the liquid from the outlet. A float valve may be used at the inlet to retain a below atmospheric pressure in the system for immediate operation when the liquid accumulates at the inlet.

Abstract: A passive propellant acquisition and feed system is disclosed which will acquire and feed gas-free propellant in low or zero-g environments during orbital maneuvers which will also retain this propellant under high axially directed acceleration such as may be experienced during launch of a space vehicle and orbit-to-orbit transfers wherein the propellant system includes a dual compartment propellant tank with independent surface tension acquisition channels in each compartment to provide gas-free flow of pressurized liquid propellant from one compartment to the other in one direction only.

Abstract: A gas control device for controlling the gas supply to the burner of a domestic hot water boiler has two main valves arranged in series in the gas flow path so as when closed to define a chamber between them. A second chamber is communicable with this chamber through an auxiliary valve which is open when the main valves are closed and closed when the main valves are open. A shut-off valve is responsive to the pressure in the second chamber so as to close the flow path if gas leaks through the upstream main valve when supposedly closed. The subsequent closing of the auxiliary valve when the main valves are later opened maintains the pressure in the second chamber so that the shut-off valve remains closed.

Abstract: An improved poppet valve is provided which includes a piston having a stem and a disk-shaped head attached to the stem. The piston is mounted to reciprocate in a cylinder, the internal wall of which has a seat formed therein to define a flow orifice between the cylinder seat and the disk-shaped head. The piston head includes a flat face on one side thereof and a working surface on the opposite face which is adapted to define the flaw orifice with the cylinder seat. The working surface includes an annular face having a specifically defined shape and a portion connecting the annular face to the stem. The shape of the annular face significantly decreases the operating time of the valve to discharge the cylinder via the flow orifice. In one embodiment, the surface of the annular face has a conical shape and forms an angle in the range of 20.degree. to 60.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: An improved pressure control valve which provides equal damping force in both directions of movement of the valve spool and which also provides negative feedback to partially negate fast transients leading to valve instability. The pressure control valve includes a valve body having an inlet chamber and an enlarged adjacent damping chamber. A valve spool is received within the chambers, the spool having a first portion and a second radially outwardly extending portion adjacent the first portion and disposed within the damping chamber. As the valve spool is shifted to an open position fluid will be expelled from the damping chamber through a first orifice, and as the valve spool returns towards its closed position fluid will be expelled through a second orifice, the orifices having cross-sectional areas proportionate to the volume of fluid being expelled so that equal damping will be obtained in either direction of movement of the valve spool.

Abstract: A feather valve is presented having shock absorbing strips in the guard section to absorb impact loads and dampen vibration of the feather strips.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for attachment to a tank, such as used on an electrical transformer, which valve will release excessive gas pressure developed in the tank because of transformer malfunction. The valve has a cap which uncovers a signal indicating portion of the valve when the valve is unseated during a pressure release operation. The cap remains in signal uncovered position, after the valve resets, to warn maintenance personnel that the tank has had an excessive pressure condition.

Abstract: An improved valve arrangement for distributing liquid and/or gaseous subsces from a plurality of substance storing vessels to a processing vessel utilizing fluidic pressure control valves. A common conduit line runs through a block and has an output end connectable to a receiving vessel, the line has a series of openings along one surface of the block. Flexible membranes disposed above the openings of the common conduit line and similar openings in the block surface connected to the supply conduit lines control the fluid communication between the supply conduits and the common conduit.

Abstract: The measuring portion of a pipeline comprises substantially the same pipe as that forming the mainline. A slot is longitudinally provided in the measuring portion thereof. An orifice plate is inserted into the measuring portion through the slot and is then turned so as to be arranged across the measuring portion. The slot is sealed by means of a special cap plate. Pressure is monitored upstream and downstream of the orifice plate to determine the pressure difference for calculation of the flow rate of the fluid in the pipeline.

Abstract: A thermal boot apparatus for enclosing a test port and cap for a power house precipitator comprising an inner and an outer stainless steel mesh sleeve each having one end enclosed, a layer of insulating material sandwiched between the inner and outer sleeves, and a mastic coating on the outer surface of the outer sleeve and end. Also included is the combination of a test port for a power house precipitator, a removable cap on the end of the test port and the thermal boot apparatus with a stainless steel band including a sealing clip encircling the coated outer sleeve to secure the thermal boot over the test port and cap.