Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising an electromagnetic energy accumulator, a power source for supplying electromagnetic energy to the electromagnetic energy accumulator increasing an electromgnetic supplying line, a switching device responsive to rotation of the engine for controlling the supply of energy from the power source to the accumulator, a transformer having a primary winding connected to the accumulator, and a secondary winding for inducing a flow of electromagnetic energy in the secondary winding in response to the flow of electromagnetic energy in the primary winding, a rectifier for controlling the direction of flow of the electromagnetic energy in the primary winding and a spark generator connected to the secondary winding of the transformer for generating an electric spark in response to the energy flowing in the secondary winding.

Abstract: In order to cut soft concrete before it has completely hardened, or about 12 to 18 hours after finishing, a rotating cutting blade and its drive motor are mounted on a wheeled support platform. The blade extends through a slot in the platform, and also through a skid plate depending from the platform, in order to cut the concrete below the skid plate. The slot and the skid plate are sized to support the concrete as it is being cut and to inhibit cracking and chipping of the concrete during cutting. The slot preferably has as little space as possible between the sides of the slot and the adjacent sides of the cutting blade. An extendable handle allows the device to be used beyond the physical reach of the operator.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit in which an inverted, truncated pyramidal firebox is supported in nested relation on a truncated pyramidal support member. A bendable, disposable and non-combustible liner is disposed along the inner surfaces of the firebox and contoured to conform to the configuration of the interior of the firebox. In another embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor cooking unit comprises an inverted, truncated pyramidal firebox made of bendable, disposable and non-combustible sheet material that is supported in nested relation on a truncated, pyramidal support member. Optionally, the truncated, pyramidal support member can be made of bendable, disposable and non-combustible sheet material.

Abstract: A pulse combustion space heater and burner are disclosed. The heater has an exterior cabinet enclosing an interior housing having the burner mounted therein. The burner includes a plurality of generally flat elements which cooperate with the interior housing to provide a tortuous path for air circulated through the chamber during heat transfer. A labyrinthine air flow passageway lined with sound attenuating material is provided immediately upstream of the heater air discharge. The burner tailpipe comprises a weldment of two identical sheet metal pieces which cooperatively define a tailpipe conduit. A fuel gas inlet orifice is mounted in the wall of the mixer head to effect both regulation of the average flow rate and injection of the fuel to enhance its mixture with the air.

Abstract: A water heater/boiler design is shown having a tank with a submergible, pressurized combustion chamber so that all of the heating surfaces of the combustion chamber are submerged under water. The products of combustion are routed from the submerged combustion chamber to a secondary heat exchanger having heat exchange tubes which are also submerged in the tank. A forced draft burner is used to heat the combustion chamber and the burner inlet air is preheated by passing the inlet air over portions of the secondary heat exchanger located on the exterior of the tank.

Abstract: An endoscope is adapted for operation in association with an optical scanner which generates a beam of radiation tracing out a raster. The endoscope employs at least one optical channel comprising a bundle of coherent flexible optical fibers. Elemental photodetectors which may be mounted at either the distal end of the endoscope probe or the proximal end of the endoscope probe are employed for sensing reflected radiation and generating a video signal. The optical channel may also be employed for transmission of a high-energy therapy beam. The endoscope is capable of obtaining multispectral-multidimensional (e.g. stereo) images of the tissue under examination.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a thigh cuff having inner and outer spaced brace arms adapted to extend along the user's thigh toward the knee, a calf cuff including inner and outer spaced brace arms adapted to extend along the user's calf toward the knee, and floating pivot axis hinges rotatably connecting the inner and outer brace arms of each pair. The hinge is formed by a pair of juxtaposed hinge plates, each having a pivot face in opposition to a pivot face on the juxtaposed plate, with a concave groove in each of the face. A pivot bearing ball is confined between the opposed faces and retained in the concave grooves. A spring, bellville spring, or disk spring biases the hinge plates together when the pivot bearing ball is positioned in the opposed grooves between.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved knee brace having a plurality of interconnected fluid filled chambers positioned to provide variable support to the knee joint as the knee is bent. In particular, the present invention contemplates a knee brace wherein increased support is given to the side of the knee joint as the knee is bent.

Abstract: A sleeve for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid, wherein the sleeve comprises a multi-layered sheath, having a proximal and a distal end. Generally parallel side edges extend between the proximal and distal ends, which side edges, on the proximal half of the sheath, are adjustably wrappable about the patient's limb, once it is inserted in the sleeve.

Abstract: A mask for nebulizer cup or other nebulizing apparatus. The mask (10) comprises a body (14) defining a rearwardly opening cavity (20) for receiving at least a portion of the face of a patient, and defining a forwardly disposed opening (26) communicating with the cavity (20). A delivery conduit (16) is also provided for establishing fluid communication between the outlet (40) of the nebulizer cup (12) and the opening (26) of the body (14). Further, the conduit (16) is rotatably secured to the body (14) at the opening (26) by a ball and socket connecting means (18).

Abstract: A ventilator breathing circuit is provided with an inline axially extensible inhalation chamber. Telescoping conduits are disposed within the chamber and normally are in fluid communication. The chamber comprises a pleated outer shell so that it may be axially extended upon separation of the telescoping conduits. A receptacle is provided opening into the chamber for receiving a metered dose inhalation medication cannister. In addition, an air leakage path is provided from the chamber which is designed to be covered manually during use, but which will provide an audible signal if the chamber is left in extended position and unattended.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes: a vessel member having a mouth piece and internal influx chamber; a tubular communication member having opposite ends connected respectively to the intake and outgo ports of the vessel member in such a manner that the vessel member and the communication member define a circular passage for a respirable gas; an oxygen-supplying mechanism for supplying the circular passage with the respirable gas; a pair of check valves, disposed respectively at the intake and outgo ports of the vessel member, for limiting the flow of the respirable gas in the circular passage to a single direction so that, when the person breathes into the influx chamber, the respirable gas in the influx chamber is introduced into the communication member through the outgo port and, when the person inhales through the mouth piece, the respirable gas in the communication member is recycled into the influx chamber through the intake port; and an outlet port for discharging excess respirable gas out of the circular

Abstract: A reliable, pulse-flow supplemental oxygen apparatus for alleviating respiratory ailments is provided which yields substantial savings in oxygen while giving the patient the physiological equivalent of a prescribed continuous stream of oxygen. The apparatus preferably includes a demand oxygen valve operated in a pulse mode by means of electronic control circuitry which, through an appropriate sensor, monitors the patient's breathing efforts and gives a variable "custom tailored" pulse volume of oxygen to the patient during the very initial stages of each inspiration.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine having an intake valve and an exhaust valve which are arranged on the cylinder head. A masking wall is formed on the inner wall of the cylinder head to mask the valve opening between the valve seat and the peripheral portion of the intake valve, which is located on the exhaust valve side, for the entire time for which the intake valve is open. Due to the masking wall, fresh air fed into the cylinder is turned around a central axis perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. A fuel injector is arranged on the inner wall of the cylinder on the central axis to inject fuel therefrom along the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microsurgical tool for use in microsurgery having a central cylindrical body which can be rotated by a surgeon. The body includes first and second portions joined at a closed end, and having needle points at the other end. Opposing longitudinal grooves formed in each half receive an alignment rod which maintains alignment of the tips as the portions are mated together. The portions of cooperating intermating recesses and protrusions extending in transverse directions are located adjacent the tips of the instrument. The protrusions and recesses provide a second, early alignment of the portions adjacent the tips of the instrument as the instrument is closed.

Abstract: A disposable double-clamp device for severing an umbilical cord while maintaining the severed ends thereof in a clamp. The clamps are held together in a side-by-side relation by a shear pin. A cutting blade is hingeably located between the abutting clamps, its forward cutting motion being impeded by said shear pin. After the device is brought into a clamped position, further pressure is exerted upon the blade, which breaks the shear pin and severs the umbilical cord.

Abstract: A therapeutic hyperthermia system generates a line-focus beam of ultrasound which can be mechanically scanned across a treatment volume of tissue. The ultilization of a line-focus advantageously reduces the peak intensity of the ultrasonic beam. The system includes methods of scanning the line-focus beam to provide optimal treatment protocols for deep tumors and other pathological conditions while minimizing damage in overlying body tissues. The utilization of mechanical scanning reduces the number of transducers, amplifiers and associated electronics required.

Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasound hyperthermia system utilizes a phased array of ultrasound transducer elements. By varying the phase delays in the excitation of individual transducer elements, the focal depth of the ultrasonic beam can be varied, without changing the distance between the transducer and the patient. The phased array of transducer elements can be an array of rectangular elements which are rotated about an axis to deliver ultrasound to the target region while minimizing overall heating effect in the treatment areas outside the target region.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in measuring fetal blood flow characteristics. The apparatus includes a non-invasive pulse oximetry probe that is inserted into the uterus between the fetus and the uterine wall. The probe is deformable and is positively attached to the fetal tissue surface using a vacuum pump which causes the probe to deform from a pre-set curvature to the curvature of the fetal tissue surface and to form a gasket-type seal with the fetal tissue surface. The probe is manually inserted into the uterus using a curved insertion tool, and is shaped to fit through a slightly dilated cervix. In a preferred embodiment, the probe includes fetal and maternal ECG sensors and additional sensing devices, and is provided with apparatus for improving the efficiency of the pulse oximetry optics.

Abstract: An electrocardiographic electrode is disclosed, which comprises an electrode element consisting of a synthetic resin electrode element having a head portion with a lead attached thereto and having a straight recessed portion, a neck portion having an engagement portion narrower than the head portion and capable of being engaged in an expansible member and a straight portion continuous to the straight recessed portion of the head portion and a bottom portion formed under, broader than and supporting the neck portion and to be held in contact with the skin of a living body, the outer surface of the synthetic resin electrode element member being imparted with electric conductivity by coated metal powder, an expansible member engagedly locked in the engagement portion of the neck portion, and an adhesive film consisting of an adhesive, having a central portion and secured to the expansible member to be held in close contact with the skin of the living body.

Abstract: Dilatation cathether, tip marker and method of manufacture wherein the tip marker comprises a split sleeve of radiopaque material having an arc length between 180.degree. and 360.degree.. In one disclosed embodiment, the tip marker is crimped in position about an inner tubular member, and an outer tubular member is bonded to the inner tubular member, with the tip marker being captured between the two members. In this particular embodiment, the outer tubular member comprises an inflatable balloon, and a vent opening extends from the balloon to the distal end of the catheter through the gap formed between the confronting edges of the marker sleeve.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid inflammation reducing device is disclosed. The device has a hollow flexible housing that is shaped to be inserted into and removed from the anus of the rectum of a person having internal/external hemorrhoids. The housing has an enlarged head portion to fit into the rectum, a reduced neck portion that extends from the head portion so that the neck portion can bear against the internal/external hemorrhoids, and an oversized body portion which extends from the neck portion so that the body portion can stick out from the anus allowing the person to grip the body portion for insertion into and removal from the anus of the rectum. A coolant is disposed within the housing for shrinking the internal/external hemorrhoids. A closure is provided for sealing the coolant within the housing after the coolant is placed within the housing. The closure has a pair of handle-like extensions and an aperture formed in the distal end of the body portion opposite the neck portion of the housing.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage is set forth wherein the bandage is formed with an "L" shaped body including a quarter spherical relief opening at the exterior juncture of the vertical and horizontal legs of the "L" shaped body. The bandage includes a right and left forward edge to be overfolded an anatomical ankle of an individual including multi-directional fasteners pivotally mounted for securement to a plurality of positions. The fasteners utilize hook and loop fasteners for securement purposes.

Abstract: A transcutaneous electrical nerve block device generates an improved stimulation signal waveform to provide improved pain relief. Bursts of stimuli include stimuli having waxing and waning amplitudes which bear a consistent relationship to the magnitude of the stimuli burst, the bursts of stimuli being more tolerable at higher intensities. The bursts of stimuli are further modulated in amplitude to aid in prevention of adaptation by the patient to the stimulation.

Abstract: A process for detecting accidental contact body fluid samples includes the addition of a small amount of a fluorescent chemical to the body fluid sample, the fluorescent chemical serving as a marker detectable upon exposure to ultraviolet light, Accordingly, any spills of the body fluid sample on exposed surfaces can be readily visually detected upon illuminating those surfaces with an ultraviolet light. Likewise, a process for detecting accidental exposure to a body fluid by skin surface protected by gloves or another substantially fluid impervious covering comprises submerging the gloved or otherwise covered skin surface into a fluorescent fluid, removing the glove or other covering and then illuminating the skin surface with an ultraviolet light to visually detect any fluorescent spots caused by holes or other leaks through the glove or other covering.

Abstract: The ultrasonic echograph comprises at least one piezoelectric transducer (10, 13) for the transmission and/or reception of an ultrasonic scanning beam (20). With at least one piezoelectric transducer (10) there is associated a random phase screen (11) which is arranged in the ultrasonic scanning beam (20) and which is displaceable with respect to the axis of this beam. Means are provided for the recording of an echographic line e(t) for each position (.alpha.) of said random phase screen. The major technical effect of the presence of the random phase screen in the ultrasonic beam path is the disturbing of the coherence of the wave traversing the screen.Applications can be found notably in medical ultrasonic echography and non-destructive testing of materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure of persons of all ages. The apparatus comprises a cuff with two cushions which focus the pressure on an artery towards the skeleton. When pressing a first button, a valve system entails a slowly, controlled, continuous air outlet in order to make the reading of the systolic and diastolic pressure on a manometer possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure of a subject based on Korotkoff sounds which are produced synchronously with heartbeat of the subject by pressing a body portion of the subject.

Abstract: A wrist worn heart rate monitor (100) senses a noisy biosignal with one sensor (104A) in contact with the user's finger and another sensor (104B) in contact with the user's wrist. The sensed signal is modified by a filter (112), analog to digital converter (116) and digital filter (264). A correlator (272) and QRS detector (286) are used to determine characteristics of a first segment of the modified signal. A match filter (300) and learned user reference (206) are used to match a second segment of the modified signal with the determined characteristics of the first segment to produce a processed signal. The QRS detector (286), an interval judge (292), and a momentum machine (202) determine the heart rate from the processed signal. A performance predictor (260) predicts how well the heart rate monitor (100) will perform with an individual user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data descriptive of an electromagnetic waveform wherein a constant amplitude signal is frequency modulated and transmitted to a remote site where digital signals are generated in response to zero crossings of the fm analog signal. Interrupt signals are generated in response to zero crossings for storing time differences between successive digital signals corresponding to the zero crossing which are then averaged at the Nyquist sampling rate to display and analyze a constructed waveform simulating the original signal.

Abstract: A device for selectively providing precise incremental joint movement in a patient in either of two opposite directions with a tactile and audible feedback "click", includes first and second spaced disposable retractors for engaging respective parts of the patient adjacent the joint. One of the retractors is mounted on a fixed, inverted, U-shaped support member, and the other retractor is mounted on a movable actuating rod slidably mounted in the support member. The device is formed entirely of non-magnetic material and is readily operable by the patient, making the device especially useful in magnetic resonance imaging procedures. An operating mechanism for the actuating rod includes a pivoted operating handle having an integral drive pawl, and a retaining mechanism for the actuating rod includes a pair of resilient retaining or holding pawls pivoted on the support member adjacent opposite sides of the drive pawl.

Abstract: A patch-type defibrillator electrode for direct contact with the heart has a thin, flat, flexible generally circular mesh or foil conductive member with a pattern of slits for enabling continuous contact with the three dimensional, time-varying heart surface topography. The slit pattern includes two pairs of non-intersecting semicircular slits oriented along mutually perpendicular axes, and interior portions of the conductive member are flexibly movable in a direction normal to the plane member and are flexibly tiltable about the axes to provide the conforming contact. The slits may also be radial slits which do not meet at the center so the leaves of conductive members are independently mobile with respect to every other leaf. A Dacron envelope having a thrombus formation inhibiting agent surrounds the conductive member including the peripheral edges to reduce the risk of tissue burning from current supplied to the center of the conductive member by an electrode lead.

Abstract: A membrane is coupled to the skin of a human being, there being a gel layer provided between the membrane and the skin, the apparatus comprises a wiping structure movably mounted in a frame, one side of the membrane facing away from the skin and locally and progressively the membrane is forced against the gel layer and the skin so that progressively air bubbles in the gel layer are driven out of that layer and the layer is interposed bubblefree between the skin and the membrane. The wiper may swivel or roll; there may be plural wiper blades.

Abstract: A flexible shield for covering an article and attenuating the flux of electromagnetic radiation relative to the article includes a polymetric matrix charged with an attenuating filler. The shield has a transmission attenuation factor of at least 50% of a primary 100 kVp x-ray beam, a durometer of less than about 100 Shore "00" and a coefficient of sliding friction relative to the article of at least 0.15.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for surgically implanting a contour nasal implant into a nose of a patient to elevate the nasal tip and to augment and to improve the frontal and profile views of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A separator for separating tobacco particles from a tobacco/gas mixture comprises a hood, a circular deflection space disposed in the hood, an inlet for the tobacco/gas mixture to be separated opening tangentially into the circular deflection space, a downwardly directed outlet in the deflection space for the tobacco particles, an outlet for the tobacco particles at the lower end of the hood, and an outlet for the gas above the deflection space. The deflection space is formed by an upwardly closed and downwardly open cylinder; the gas is withdrawn from the hood above the deflection space; the size ratio of the area of the deflection space to the area of the inlet lies between 5 and 30; and the size ratio of the area of the hood to the area of the inlet is greater than 50.

Abstract: A cigarette provides tobacco flavor by heating tobacco, but not burning tobacco or any other material. A heat source which includes granular magnesium, granular iron, and finely divided cellulose generates heat upon contact thereof with an aqueous solution of potassium chloride. The heat source is in a heat exchange relationship with the tobacco. Heat generated by the heat source heats tobacco in a controlled manner. Flavors volatilize from the tobacco and are drawn from the cigarette and into the mouth of the smoker. Typical heat sources heat the tobacco to a temperature within about 70.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C. for 4 to 8 minutes.

Abstract: For the testing of cigarettes (11, 11a, 11b) within a cigarette magazine (10), there is a test unit (21) which is arranged at a distance above magazine shafts (17) or a cigarette store (14) for these. In the test unit (21), the cigarettes run in vertical cigarette rows (24) through a number of test shafts (22) arranged next to one another. Within these, individual cigarettes (11a) are fixed by clamping in the region of a clamping plane (37) temporarily, in particular at least for the duration of a test cycle. The cigarettes are tested in the region of a test plane (28) at a distance above the clamping plane (37). The cigarette row (24) is temporarily supported at the bottom, on the outlet side of the test unit (21) by carrying webs (39) or carring fingers (46). During the clamping of cigarettes (11a) in the region of the clamping plane (37), the test shafts (22) are opened at the bottom, so that the tested cigarettes can be fed to the cigarette store (14) as a result of their own weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wrapper for a smoking article haviing a combustible fuel element encircled by an insulating layer and a physically separate aerosol generating means as well as to smoking articles employing such wrappers. The wrapper encircles at least a portion of the insulating layer for the fuel element and comprises a permeable sheet material which during burning of the fuel provides a coherent layer to assist in controlling the amount of peripheral air to the fuel element during smoking.

Abstract: A mobile machine for cleaning a track bed comprises a suction arrangement on the machine frame, the suction arrangement comprising a suction head having an inlet port, a suction conduit, a ventilator connected to the suction head by the suction conduit for producing suction at the inlet port, and a receptacle incorporating a filter connected to the suction conduit; and a compressed air generating arrangement associated with the suction arrangement, the compressed air generating arrangement comprising a compressed air discharging nozzle arranged within the inlet port of the suction head, a compressed air conduit, and compressed air generator connected to the nozzle by the compressed air conduit, the suction and compressed air generating arrangements forming a substantially closed pressure-suction system.

Abstract: A flip-top detergent dispenser (30) comprising a base means (31) having a funnel-shaped interior, a nozzle (22) positioned within the interior of the base means, and a detergent container support (32) connected by a hinge (33) to the base (31). The detergent container support (32) is designed to hold only a particular shaped detergent container (23), thus helping to insure that only suitable detergent products are used in the warewashing apparatus. The flip-top detergent dispensed (30), mounted on top of the dishwashing apparatus (1), is designed so that the detergent container (23) can be inserted into and removed from the detergent holder support (32) only in an upright position to prevent dripping of detergent sulution on to the user. Water will not spray up through the product nozzle (22) unless particularly shaped detergent container (23) is situated in the detergent support holder (32) and the detergent support holder (32) is closed.

Abstract: A dumping bay for the disposal of recreational vehicle waste at a campsite and includes a drain for receiving waste from the holding tank of a recreational vehicle through a dump hose. The dumping bay includes a water control facility which can supply flushing water to the drain and which can also provide an independent supply of potable water to a recreational vehicle. The potable water is supplied through an articulated hand-held nozzle and it can also be used for providing additional flushing water to the drain and water to clean components if required. The components of the invention are incorporated into a central serviceable unit accessible to users.

Abstract: A spray rinsing apparatus carried by a mobile chemical spray apparatus which includes a pair of flexible rinse water storage vessels shaped and adapted to be supported in draped position from the top of a chemical reservoir tank and the sides of the tank. A gasoline engine driven pump is connected to withdraw rinse water from the flexible vessels. The rinse water is pumped at high pressure into a built-in spray head assembly inside the chemical tank and also through a jet spray gun to clean the exterior of the chemical spray apparatus. The system is capable of confining the chemical spray chemicals to the application job site and thus avoid contamination anywhere else.

Abstract: A foldable shelter is disclosed having a flexible skin with an inner U-shaped support frame and a pair of resilient top support members attached to the exterior of the top of the skin.

Abstract: A temperature difference detecting element utilizing thermoelectromotive force which is generated by a Seebeck effect when temperature gradients are applied to a semiconductive ceramic material. A substrate has a plurality of thermoelements. Each thermoelement comprises a semiconductive ceramic material and a pair of hot-side and cold-side electrodes which are provided on the semiconductive ceramic material with a prescribed spacing, to form a hot junction and a cold junction respectively. A plurality of such hot-side electrodes are arranged on a first region of the substrate to be adjacent to each other, while a plurality of such cold-side electrodes are arranged on a second region of the substrate to be adjacent to each other. The plurality of thermoelements are sequentially connected in series with each other by electrically connecting, for example, the hot-side electrodes of the thermoelements with the cold-side electrodes of those adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A toilet refill valve is described for refilling a water closet after each flushing, which produces minimal noise during the refill process. The valve includes a valve device which can open to pass water to a vertical outlet tube that empties into the bottom of the water closet. An anti-siphon air tube near the top of the outlet tube has an upper end open to the atmosphere and a lower end facing downwardly along the outlet tube. A restriction in the outlet tube below the air tube, causes water to fill the outlet tube and at least the bottom of the air tube for a water inlet pressure of at least 20 psi. The water at the bottom of the air tube prevents air from being dragged into the downwardly facing air tube, to avoid the noise that would result from such air flowing through the air tube and bubbling out of the bottom of the outlet tube.

Abstract: A cleaning tool (46) for removable attachment to a valve manifold (10) upon removal of instrumentation (26) therefrom for cleaning the axial bore (29) of the valve manifold (22). The manifold (22) which has a mounting flange (56) supporting the instrument (26) for measuring, monitoring, or recording differential fluid pressures from a main flow line. The cleaning tool (46) has a flange (56) thereon adapted to fit in mating relation against the flange (36) on the valve manifold (22) upon removal of the instrument (26). A cleaning rod (62) of the cleaning tool (46) has an enlarged diameter cleaning member (68) thereon for cleaning the axial bore (29) of the valve manifold (22) upon manual reciprocation of the cleaning rod (62).

Abstract: A mechanical hydraulic dampening device (100) having kinetic energy dissipating baffles (2) in its interior with no moving parts, which device (100) is included in a moving tank car carrying a liquid load, such as for example a railroad tank car (6), having a rupture disk assembly (9) at the top of the tank (6) to prevent fracturing of the tank (6) due to hydraulic hammer action, the device (100) being located in line between the rupture disk and the liquid load. When the tank (6) is suddenly moved, the shifting liquid load passes through the pipe-like device (100), impacting against a series of longitudinally spaced, opposed, diverging, upwardly angled, flat plates (2) each extending across more than 50% of the interior of the pipe body (1) of the device (100), causing its energy and the hydraulic hammer action to be dissipated.

Abstract: A control circuit includes one or more pressure activated fluid flow valves and one or more moisture and pressure sensitive controllers. Each controller includes a body with three chambers separated by movable diaphragm assemblies, one of which moves in response to changes in pressure exerted by the amount of moisture or fluid in the environment. Responsively, a passageway through the other diaphragm allows the passage of fluid and thus venting of the flow valves when a low moisture or fluid condition is detected.

Abstract: A reverse-flow fluid control system utilizes a pair of rivet-shaped flappers mounted on a motor driven lever to apportion fluid between a pair of nozzles. Each flapper is slideably mounted upon the lever to allow the lever to move relative to and independently of the flapper should a chip become lodged between a flapper and a nozzle as the lever moves towards that nozzle.