Abstract: A solenoid switching valve is arranged between an advance port near a throttle valve and a negative pressure advancing device which drives a governor advancing device in accordance with a magnitude of an intake negative pressure introduced from the advance port to advance an ignition timing. When a transmission gear is at a high speed gear position, when an engine coolant temperature is below a predetermined temperature or when an engine is operated under a light load condition, the advance port is communicated with the negative pressure advancing device through the solenoid switching valve. When the transmission gear is at other than the high speed gear position and the engine coolant temperature is above a predetermined temperature and the engine is operated under a high load condition, atmosphere is introduced into the negative pressure advancing device through the solenoid switching valve to forcibly suppress the operation of the negative pressure advancing device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber of which volume is cyclically changed in response to a rotation of the engine to effect a plurality of operating strokes including an intake stroke, an intake system including a main intake passage and an auxiliary intake passage both leading to the combustion chamber, a supercharger for providing a supply of supercharging gas to the auxiliary intake passage, a timing valve provided in the auxiliary intake passage between the combustion chamber and the supercharger, means for the timing valve being driven by the engine crankshaft for cyclically opening the auxiliary intake passage in synchronim with the rotation of the engine to allow the supercharging gas to pass to the combustion chamber, an electrically operated timing adjusting member for adjusting the opening timing of the valve, a timing control electrical circuit for controlling the adjusting member to determining the opening timing of the timing valve in accordance with a plurality of engine

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable venturi carburetor adapted for controlling the air-fuel ratio by air bleeding operation which includes an actuator for controlling the amount of bleed air in response to the engine running conditions and a fuel jet having a fuel metering portion and an air bleed portion provided downstream of and adjacent to the fuel metering portion. The air bleed portion has an outlet opening adapted for delivering bleed air into the fuel passage and the inside diameter of the air bleed portion is designed to be slightly larger than that of the fuel metering portion. Especially, at engine idle operation, the restriction area of the air bleed portion is designed to become larger than that adjusted by the actuator and the inside diameter of the fuel passage downstream of the air bleed portion is designed to become large in such a manner that air and fuel flows may not be influenced by the restricting operation of the air bleed portion.

Abstract: A pivotal air door or velocity blade provides a carburetor and injection action which transitionally changes back and forth in accordance with the door's angular position. The angular position of the air door or velocity blade is controlled by the movement of an upper rocker arm relative to a lower rocker arm. A cam unit acts on a contoured follower surface on the upper rocker arm, and the free end of the upper rocker arm acts against a contoured follower surface on the lower rocker arm, the lower rocker arm in turn acting on the inlet valve of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing covering material from underwater pipelines. A frame of the apparatus is clampingly engaged to the pipeline. A plurality of pipeline material cutters are cantileverly supported beyond the clamp to provide a plurality of cutting passes simultaneously and away from the points of attachment of the apparatus to a pipeline.

Abstract: A diamond segmented saw blade having a steel center is provided with a plurality of sockets about the rim and a plurality of cutting tip supports having diamond impregnated tips. Each socket is provided with an upper surface inclined upwardly and inwardly and a tapered or wedge-shaped dovetail groove. Each support is provided with a depending tenon. The surfaces adjacent the tenon are inclined upwardly and inwardly complementary to the surfaces adjacent the socket. The tenon is similarly wedge-shaped to fit in the dovetail groove so that the support and socket are firmly interlocked to insure easy and free exchange of diamond impregnated tips.

Abstract: A gas-fired convection oven for processing food, for example, having a fan for moving air along a circulatory path over, along and about the food to be processed. A package type gas burner outside the oven is directed into a heat exchanger tube of substantial length extending into the oven. High-temperature exhaust gases are discharged from the burner to be directed through the heat exchanger into the circulatory path of air flowing through the convection oven. Relatively proximate the burner the heat exchanger has a linear portion that is of elliptical cross section, and that portion is oriented with respect to the outlet of the convection blower and walls of the convection blower chamber to draw air over substantially the entire surface area of such portion for maximum cooling/heat exchange function with respect thereto.

Abstract: A flexible disk damper which is capable of providing tight seals for a large diameter opening over a wide range of temperatures. Disks are made sufficiently flexible to compensate for inherent warpage in the damper seat by using a steel with a higher yield strength. Additionally, a varying cross-sectional thickness of the flexible disk is provided to ensure that unit stress is not exceeded along any point of the radius of the flexible disk for the deformation required to provide a tight seal. A pneumatic cylinder is utilized to provide a constant pressure to the flexible disks. A damper seat is fabricated from a cut plate or flat bar which is formed in an annulus. A deflection cone is utilized to deflect flue gases. The flexible disk is coupled together by bolts which are disposed in holes sufficiently large to allow independent movement of the disks to maximize deflection.

Abstract: An air ventilation and cleaning system for cooking equipment having an exhaust hood disposed thereover in a building having a heating-ventilating and air-conditioning system for treating the air in the building. The exhaust hood includes a collection chamber and an exhaust chamber with an initial filter means mounted therebetween. An exhaust fan draws air loaded with cooking vapors, odors, fumes, smoke and other pollutants collected in the collection chamber through the filter means and the exhaust chamber, and out through an exhaust passage provided with a water-wash filter and a final filter, and then to the atmosphere. A source of fresh air provides a predetermined amount of fresh makeup air to the collection chamber.

Abstract: A device for heating fluid with the exhaust gases from a furnace or stove includes a coiled fluid conduit mounted within the exhaust conduit and means such as baffles for directing the exhaust gases through and around the coiled fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the fluid in the coiled conduit is water from a cold water source which, after passing through the coil and being heated by the exhaust gases, flows to a water heating tank in a pre-heated condition.

Abstract: A device for chasing a moving light source includes a plurality of photosensors arranged in elaborated positions for accurate operation. A top plate is formed with a calibrated cruciform opening to minimize indirect light tending to enter the device. Some of the photosensors expected to receive direct light through the cruciform opening are adjustable in position in two perpendicular directions relative to the remaining part of the device. The device can be disassembled for ease of production, maintenance, etc.

Abstract: An air-based solar collector panel has a single glazing for a front wall. A first channel is defined by a sheet-like translucent member spaced apart rearwardly from the single glazing. A second channel is defined by a sheet-like absorber member spaced apart rearwardly from the translucent member. A third channel is defined by a wall member spaced apart rearwardly from the absorber member. Baffle members are disposed in the third channel to provide a circuitous gas flow path therein. Inflowing air enters and flows through the first channel and then enters and flows through the second channel where it first acquires significant heat from the absorber. The flowing air enters the circuitous path of the third channel where it is intensely heated by the absorber and very-hot-air exits the panel.The heat contained in the very-hot-air may be stored by water contained in a tank. The very-hot-air is discharged through a bubbling means positioned at the bottom of the water tank.

Abstract: A double glazing assembly for a heat extraction system comprises a pair of transparent panels 4,5 and 7,8 in parallel spaced-apart relationship which define a cavity 20 between them. A pair of ports 13 and 14 with substantial spacing permit air entering one of the ports 13 to travel through the cavity 20 and exit from the other port 14.The assembly is installed in a conservatory 1 attached to one wall 3 of a building 2. The conservatory has a solar aspect and the air inside the conservatory is therefore heated by the sun. Heat is extracted from this air by causing air from the conservatory to flow past the evaporator coil 9 of a heat pump and then into the cavity 20 via the port 13. The air travels through the cavity and emerges back into the conservatory via the port 14. It is shown that in addition to permitting heat to be extracted from the conservatory by the coil 9 one can reduce heat losses from the interior of the conservatory to the outside atmosphere.

Abstract: A control means for a solar energy collector-concentrator of the focusing trough reflector type with an energy receiver operatively positioned at the line of focus of said reflector comprising pivotally mounted support means for said energy receiver held in a receiver-operative position by linkage including a thermally fusible link against spring operative means biasing said support means to a receiver non-operative position out of said line of focus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer assembly is provided with transducers for both therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasonic radiation. A moveable seal permits adjustment and alignment of the two transducer units in a fluid medium. In addition, there is provided a light beam directed along the axis of the ultrasonic radiation. The transducer assembly is particularly useful for ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: A plate is provided with clearance holes and fastening screws. Each screw is provided in the region of its head with a clamping part subdivided into tongues by means of slots and provided with an internal opening bounded by a conical surface. To each screw belongs an expander having a conical outer surface. The expander is axially displaceable in relation to the clamping part to force the tongues of the clamping part apart and lock the screw in relation to the plate. A rigid connection between the plate and the screws is thus provided, even if reabsorption of bone material takes place at the bearing surface of the plate.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the patient security and restraint system, a cradle for supporting a patient is provided with track edges which are configured as cylindrical channels communicating to the exterior by means of a slit-like aperture. Runners, to which the patient restraint straps are secured, are provided with rod-like portions which are captured in the cylindrical channels for longitudinal movement. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical channels are formed in the runners, while the rod-like portion is provided along the edges of the patient cradle.

Abstract: A position retaining device for allowing a person to maintain the prenatal position while sleeping. The retaining device has straps passing over the shoulders, and a horizontal strap holding the shoulder straps on the shoulders. Extensions from the shoulder straps provide a pair of sling members in the front, the sling members being such as to pass around the thighs to hold the legs up, somewhat in the prenatal position. A bow knot, for example, can be used to secure the sling members for ready release.

Abstract: An alarm device for detecting moisture in a baby's diaper includes a housing having a moisture detector and a buzzer on the outer surface thereof. A space is provided within the housing, and a circuit board disposed in such space has an electronic circuit and a battery thereon. The electronic circuit is electrically connected to the moisture detector, the buzzer and the battery, and actuates the buzzer when the moisture detector indicates moisture is present in the diaper. Tie-rings are preferably provided on the housing for securing the alarm device to the baby's diaper.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive tape having a closed-cell polymer foam backing strip and a pressure-sensitive adhesive is disclosed. The tape is formed into a roll so that the adhesive of one layer is in direct physical contact with the foam of the next layer, without the use of release paper or release coatings. The tape may be unwound without significantly disrupting either the adhesive layer or the foam layer. The foam is preferably a closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene copolymer and the adhesive is preferably a hypoallergenic acrylic-based adhesive.

Abstract: A loose fitting respirator hood made of flaccid, non-stretchable, air impervious material with a curved optical lens panel interposed in the sidewall thereof. The method of making the hood is disclosed in which curvature is imparted to a relatively stiff lens panel by the flaccid material of the hood. Head engaging members are disclosed for supporting the hood on the head of the wearer. A neck engaging ruff is disclosed which is sealingly mounted about the interior of the hood and can define a hollow annulus with apertures through the sidewall thereof to provide for air distribution to the interior of the hood. A rigid collar member for interconnecting the hood with a suit is disclosed together with the provision of an air filter in communication with a tubular member sealed through the lens panel and extending into proximity with the mouth of the wearer to supply respirable air.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for admixing anesthetic with respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient, which comprises a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving the liquid anesthesia and the respiratory gas, and an outlet for supplying the mixture. A feed line is provided in the inlet for the liquid anesthesia, with a heat exchanger for equalizing the inlet temperatures of the anesthesia and respiratory gas. Temperature sensors are provided in the inlet and the outlets with a circuit for determining the difference between the temperatures. Without heating of the chamber this difference is proportional to a ratio between the evaporated anesthetic and respiratory gas. With the chamber heated to equate the inlet and outlet temperatures, the amount of heating is proportional to the flow of anesthetic to the chamber.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for administering a drug through a breathing passage for absorption on the mucous tissue of a patient includes introducing an aerosol of the drug into an expanded bag and bidirectional channel for communicating the drug with the breathing passage of the patient and otherwise is substantially impervious to the passage of air, collapsing the expanded bag while the bidirectional channel for communicating with the breathing passage is in position to deliver the drug into the breathing passage of the patient. A signal in a bidirectional channel indicates when the rate of passage of the drug exceeds a desirable limit, whereby the patient taking the drug is reminded to decrease the rate of collapse of the airbag, thereby maximizing drug utilization.

Abstract: A fluidically-operated respirator comprises an apneic event circuit (10) and a demand gas circuit (20). The apneic event circuit (10) comprises a variable capacitance device (132) and an exhaust means (130) which rapidly discharge fluid from the circuit (10) when an inspiration occurs. If an apneic event occurs, the circuit (10) activates one or more signals (136) as a predetermined volume of fluid is built up in the circuit (10). The demand gas circuit (20) of the respirator supplies respirating gas to a patient at the beginning of an inspiration and for a time period which is a fraction of the duration of the inspiration.

Abstract: A commissurotomy catheter and method for separating fused heart valve leaflets using the catheter is disclosed. The catheter is comprised of a lumen having at least two inflatable balloons at its operational end and at least one cutting edge between the balloons. To separate the fused leaflets the catheter is positioned within the heart so that it extends through the fused leaflets with a balloon on either side of the leaflets. Then the balloons are inflated which forces the cutting edge against the fissure between the fused leaflets and separates them. After separation the balloons are deflated and the catheter is removed.

Abstract: A suturing instrument for surgical operations having a needle holder with a needle and a shuttle holder with a shuttle is provided with an arrangement for controlling the amount of suturing thread drawn out of a bobbin loaded with the thread. The device includes a grooved flange on the bobbin and a spring-biased braking lever turnable in a housing of the instrument and engageable with a respective groove of the flange to maintain the optimum amount of the thread supplied from the bobbin to the needle and the shuttle and to form up the constant stitches during operation.

Abstract: In order to improve the guidance of the arms of an aneurysm clip having two arms crossing each other and pivotably connected and also having a guide means in the area where the two arms cross it is suggested that one arm has a recess in the area where the arms cross, said recess corresponding to the width of the other arm, and that the guide means bridges this recess and is joined to the first arm by spot-welding on either side of the recess.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flow rate of electrolytic fluids includes a flow cell which has a cylindrical flow channel receptive of the fluid flow to be measured and a pair of spaced apart electrodes configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the flow channel and to be flushed therewith. The electrodes are electrically conductive and inert to the fluid of the flow and a channel is configured to effect contact of the electrodes with the fluid flow for a desired range of flow measurement. A monopolar pulse train is applied across the electrodes to effect a cell impedance across the electrodes which is inversely proportional to the rate of flow.

Abstract: An esophageal stethoscope includes a plastic tube having at least one bore extending over the length of the tube. The tube has a distal end which is insertable into the esophagus of the patient, and a proximal end for providing respiratory and heart sounds produced at the distal end and transmitted through the tube for monitoring. A microphone element is mounted in the bore of the tube at the distal end for detecting the respiratory and heart sounds, and providing corresponding electrical signals. The signals are conducted through wires arranged in the tube bore to the proximal end of the tube where the wires are connected to a terminal member. Accordingly, the heart and respiratory sounds can be reproduced with maximal signal to noise ratio when the terminal member is connected to a suitable amplifier and speaker arrangement, or other signal processing equipment.

Abstract: Blood pressure measuring method and an apparatus applicable therefor, wherein a graph indicating the relation between pressure in a cuff which is variable in the measurement process and magnitude of pulse waves generated from a part of a human body under the pressure of the cuff is described, and a mark is given for indicating the cuff pressure at a blood pressure measuring point on to the graph, for allowing judgement whether the measured data are appropriate or not by comparison of the distribution condition of the magnitude of the pulse waves and the position of the mark. Even when noises difficult to be discriminated in the circuit only should be mingled into the pulse waves so as to automatically proceed the measurement, the erroneous measurement caused by the noises can be judged by the above comparison so that the error data can be excluded or cancelled.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheters for measuring the pressure along the length of a patient's urethra, of the kind having a closed distal end and provided at a distance from said distal end with a lateral outlet for a fluid to be fed in at a constant rate of flow through a passage arranged for connection to a measuring instrument.According to the invention, the lateral catheter outlet is formed by an annular gap extending in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the catheter and into which opens the supply passage for the fluid.Advantageously, the catheter is transversely divided into two parts constituting distal and proximal sections having mutually opposed terminal areas. These terminal areas are connected by a rigid bridging member to form the annular gap, which latter for example has a width of advantageously between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A body implantable intravascular lead with a first layer of plastic defining a tube having a precision lumen therein and at least one electrical conductor wrapped helically along the length of one or more plastic layers. The conductors are substantially parallel along the axis at each end for ease of connection to electrodes and the helical wrap of the conductors may vary throughout the length to form a first length having a first flexibility and a second length having a greater flexibility incapable of sustaining the same axial mechanical loading. The conductive wires are overlaid with one or more layers of plastic separately insulating the wires from each other.

Abstract: The thresher-separator unit has a cutter unit at its discharge end including a cutter member carried at the discharge end of the thresher-separator cylinder and provided with at least one radial bracket with a series of blade sections. The cutter unit further includes a casing which surrounds the upper part of the cutter member and is provided internally with at least one series of fixed blade sections located in alternating positions with respect to the blade sections of the cutter member and arranged to cooperate therewith to cut the straw leaving the thresher-separator unit. This unit further includes a spreading reel located below the cutter member and rotatable about a vertical axis to spread the cut straw uniformly on the ground. A bladed roller between the cutter member and the spreading reel is rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the thresher-separator cylinder and is arranged to prevent the stoppage of the flow of material and facilitate its discharge from the cutter unit.

Abstract: A combined concave and rock door structure is provided for an agricultural harvester wherein the rock door and the arms supporting the concave are pivotally mounted on the same transverse axis by a pair of pivot support structures. A control mechanism is provided for adjusting the threshing clearance of the concave and the concave is adjustable to maintain concentricity with the threshing rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor in a rod making machine for the production of smokers' articles. It includes an accelerating drum adapted to propel tobacco into a rod conveyor in order to build the tobacco filler. Blown air is utilized to transport the tobacco, particularly to sift the tobacco being sucked up through the air suction bores in the shell of the accelerating drum and through its hollow core which constitutes a suction chamber.

Abstract: A pipe for smoking tobacco with a separate storage compartment for additional tobacco, this compartment being formed as an integral portion of the pipe structure, and a tobacco burning bowl which is selectively positionable between a first smoking position and second tobacco loading position.

Abstract: Plain or filter cigarettes are tested at a first station by two or more testing devices each of which monitors the cigarettes for the presence or absence of a particular defect. The testing devices generate defect signals which are delayed by shift registers so as to ensure that the delayed defect signals are transmitted to a segregating mechanism which removes defective cigarettes from a path that is common to the satisfactory and defective cigarettes and delivers defective cigarettes to selected receptacles which are installed at a second station and each of which gathers only cigarettes exhibiting a particular defect. Actuation of a switch entails the removal of a selected number of samples from the common path for satisfactory and defective cigarettes, and such samples are gathered in an additional receptacle at the second station.

Abstract: Coin-release amusement apparatus dispenses tokens in response to a winning combination and includes a coin-release device for activating the apparatus; a repository for receiving coins from the coin-release device; a token storage and dispensing device separate from the coin-release device for storing a supply of tokens and dispensing controlled quantities of the tokens on a win, the token storage and dispensing device including an upper storage section, a mid transfer section and a lower dispensing section; and a provision to allow replenishing of the token supply without interrupting the operation of the amusement apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic milk bulk tank lockout system (10) for use with a milk agitator (12) in a stationary bulk tank (14) and a pump (18) in a milk tank truck (16) for pumping milk out of the bulk tank (14) includes an electrical receptacle (22) adapted to supply power to the pump (18). A second timer switch (42) driven by a timing motor (28) is adapted to activate an agitator relay (46) to direct electrical current to the milk agitator (12) for a selected period of time. A third timer switch (44) also driven by the timing motor (28) selectively activates the receptacle (22) in automatic coordination with the operation of the milk agitator (12). The receptacle (22) is deactivated throughout the agitating period. Thereafter it is activated, whereby the pump (18) is not powered and milk cannot be pumped out of the bulk tank (14) before expiration of the selected agitating period.

Abstract: A valve device for use in preventing freeze damage caused by water freezing in water pipes in the home or other location. The device includes a cylindrical body portion which houses an apertured retainer plate and a bellows assembly with attached valve stem for coacting with a valve seat located in one end cap. The bellows is initially charged to an expanded condition with a fluid such as a gas mixture which contracts as the temperature approaches the freezing temperature of water. In one embodiment, the length of the valve body may be changed to compensate for changes in ambient temperature and pressure which can affect the relation between valve stem and valve seat.

Abstract: A tamper-proof cover for the operating nut of a fire hydrant comprising a housing and an operating member. The housing has an internal flange and is adapted to be positioned on the bonnet of the hydrant over and around the operating nut so that the operating nut is substantially concealed. The operating member has an opening therein for receiving the nut and is adapted to be placed on the operating nut within the housing. The operating member opening has a shape generally corresponding to that of the nut for preventing relative rotation between the operating member and the operating nut when the operating member is on the nut. A screw secures the operating member against removal from the operating nut. The flange of the housing is engageble with the operating member when the latter is secured to the nut for preventing removal of the housing from the bonnet. Also disclosed is a socket for turning the operating member and operating nut.

Abstract: A large manually operated leak-proof corrosion-proof low-cost shut-off or stop valve for handling high pressure refrigerant liquids and/or gases comprises a valve body formed of two sheet metal hemispheres welded to the periphery of a circular metal valve plate having a fluid passage therethrough and hollow cylindrical metal tubes welded to the hemispheres along the edges of circular holes cut in the hemispheres. One tube on each hemisphere serves for fluid flow. Another internally and externally threaded tube on one hemisphere serves as a valve sleeve through which a rotatable and axially shiftable externally threaded valve spindle extends. The cylindrical inner end of the valve spindle extends into a cylindrical recess in a valve disc which releasably engages a valve seat around a fluid flow passage in the valve plate.

Abstract: A homogenizer device, in particular for the production of whipped cream, comprising in combination, the following components: an external sleeve and an internal sleeve between which is formed a convoluted labyrinth, the internal sleeve housing a valve element which forms with it a chamber communicating with said labyrinth and with the delivery tube for the base mixture, said valve element consisting of a stem bearing a valve at one of its ends and a valve at its opposite end, the former being a valve for controlling the dispensing of the whipped cream and the latter being a valve for controlling the conduction of the mixture through said labyrinth, said valve element being also translatable against a counteracting spring.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus for an interchangeably operable pneumatic device in which both the shut-off reversing valve for selectively supplying a flow of compressed air to the pneumatic device and a pressure reducing valve for restricting the pressure to a determined pre-selectable value, are located in a single housing.

Abstract: A pinch-type shut-off, pressure- or flow-regulating valve having a flexible tube extending through a valve body wherein the flexible tube is pinched off by the action of an eccentric cam attached to a motor. As the eccentric cam is rotated the flexible tube can be pinched off as it presses against the opposing wall inside the valve body. A number of positions of pinching off can be achieved and a microswitch can be available to locate the position of the eccentric cam.

Abstract: A swivel spout construction for a faucet in which there is provided a composite spout defined by an elongated generally U-shaped shell and an elongated plate both molded from plastic material. The shell and plate define sealing flanges which are secured together by means of hot plate welding. The shell and plate together define end walls, sidewalls and an upper and bottom wall which form a waterway. A hollow, cylindrical spud extends from the bottom of the plate at the spout inlet and is retained in a cylindrical bore of the faucet underbody by means of a retaining ring and a hold down nut. The construction provides for a swivel spout which is suitable for kitchen use under relatively high hydrostatic pressures and with a capability to withstand water hammer and shock pressures generated by the opening and closing of a dishwasher inlet valve. The composite spout provides for a low cost esthetically pleasing design that has relative ease of manufacture as compared to other designs.

Abstract: A liquid level control device for controlling the flow of liquid into a reservoir, storage tank or the like, incorporating automatic shut-off characteristics. The device includes nozzle means including a fluid amplifier for automatically closing valve means in response to sensing means disposed remote from the nozzle means and fluid amplifier. The remote sensing means is responsive to the static presence of the interface at a sensing level of liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and sealing leaks in a sewer branch pipe including a packer member which travels along the main sewer pipe by remote control. When the packer is correctly located, the main pipe region surrounding the branch entrance is sealed off. The packer is rotated until a slot in the packer is orientated to the branch. An inflatable tube in the packer is then inflated, causing the tube to elongate and enter the branch. The remote end of the tube forms a seal against the inside of the branch so that the area of the branch near the junction with the main pipe is included in the sealed off area. Fluid can be pumped into the sealed off space to detect if a leak is present; in which case a sealant fluid is pumped into the space. Afterwards, the tube can be deflated and retracted and the traveller repositioned at the next branch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a serial shed weaving machine with a weaving rotor. Guide channels for weft threads transported by a flowing fluid are mounted on the weaving rotor. The guide channels are formed from a plurality of elongated, tube-like channel elements having a closable weft thread exit gap. The channel elements have complementary end configurations such that they can be moved together to form a closed guide channel. The channel elements are movable back and forth in the weft insertion direction. When the channels are moved in a first direction, the closed guide channel is opened and gaps are formed between the channel elements and each channel element is moved out of its associated part of the warp shed. When the channel elements are moved in a second direction, each channel element is moved back into its associated part of the warp shed and the guide channel is closed. The total excursion of each channel element in each direction is at least as great as the length of the element.

Abstract: A dual-face composite frame slat for a heddle frame of a loom includes a long-wall face (30) and a parallel short-wall face (32). Faces (30) and (32) are spaced from one another and define a core space (45) and upper and lower frame slat edges (36) and (38). Integral channel stiffeners (40) and (42) are interposed in the frame slat edges to provide integral beam structure. Faces (30) and (32) are constructed as a ten ply graphite reinforced plastic layup. Channel strips (40) and (42) have a four ply construction. A plastic heddle rod (22) is carried by a free flange portion (34) of the long-wall face and includes metal wear resistant caps (50).