Abstract: A radiant energy collecting apparatus including a fluid reservoir, a platform floating on said fluid reservoir, a drive structure for moving the platform on the reservoir, radiant energy collectors supported on the platform, reflectors for concentrating radiant energy on the radiant energy collectors, and means for selectively submerging the concentrating means beneath fluid from the reservoir for protection against inclement weather conditions. Fluid feed impellers are supported beneath the platform within the reservoir and communicate with ports through the platform for pumping fluid onto the platform and reflectors. Opposing fluid impellers are associated with each fluid feed impeller, the opposing impellers being operable with the feed impellers to force fluid in an opposing direction to the feed impellers, with deflectors being disposed between the feed impellers and the opposing impellers.

Abstract: The endoscope for introduction into a hollow organ of a living thing makes it possible for the hollow organ to be pulled against a more solid outer structure and to fix it thereto for the duration of the treatment. The endoscope is therefore provided with a retaining device, which can be used in the outer shaft of the endoscope and is guided therein, and has a plurality of hook elements, on the distal end of which hooks are formed by pushing out from the distal end of the outer shaft as a result of spreading, and with a stop disc which can be adjusted on the outer shaft. Spreading of the hook element ends can be controlled optically. After spreading the hook element ends, the endoscope is drawn back until it rests on the hollow organ in order to fix the hollow organ and secured in this position by means of the stop disc.

Abstract: A CCD for imaging a subject is driven by a CCD driving circuit. An observation image of the subject obtained by the CCD being driven becomes an output signal of the CCD and is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter through a preprocessing circuit including an amplifying circuit, low-pass filter and sample hold circuit. While the signal of the observation image converted by the A/D converter when the subject is illuminated is stored in a first memory, the signal of the observation image when the subject is not illuminated is stored in the second memory. The signals stored in the first memory and the second memory are instantaneously read and supplied to a subtracting circuit. In the subtracting circuit, operation process for extracting a signal in which an imaging signal during non-illumination is subtracted from an imaging signal during illumination is carried out.

Abstract: A method for retracting an organ inside the body in the course of treating adjacent tissue. An inflatable retractor is provided. The inflatable retractor includes a flexible wall which may be expanded into place within the body, and which enclosed a main chamber. The inflatable retractor also includes an envelope attached to the flexible wall. The envelope and part of the flexible wall enclose an additional chamber. The inflatable retractor is placed in a collapsed state adjacent to the organ, and is inflated to expand the flexible wall and to retract the organ. Finally, an aperture is pierced in a part of the flexible wall of the retractor remote from the additional chamber to provide access to the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating acoustic rarefaction pulses, i.e., a negative pressure pulse, has a pressure pulse source and reflector having a negative reflection factor, and an acoustic propagation medium filling the space between the pressure pulse source and the reflector. The reflector has a boundary surface facing toward the pressure pulse source, consisting of a medium which is acoustically soft in comparison to the acoustic propagation medium. The boundary surface medium is separated from the acoustic propagation medium by a wall which is impenetrable by the acoustic propagation medium.

Abstract: Non-invasive therapeutic treatment and/or quantitative evaluation of bone tissue are performed in vivo, by subjecting bone to an ultrasonic acoustic signal pulse of finite duration, and involving a composite sine-wave signal consisting of plural discrete frequencies that are spaced in the ultrasonic region to approximately 2 MHz; the excitation signal is repeated substantially in the range 1 to 1000 Hz.In a quantitative evaluation, the composite sine-wave signal is supplied to one of two transducers on opposite sides of the bone, and the signal received by the other transducer is processed (a) to sequentially average the most recently received given number of successive signals to obtain an averaged per-pulse signal and (b) to produce a Fourier transform of the averaged per-pulse bone-transmitted signal.

Abstract: A system for cleansing a patient's ear which contains a control unit, a portable applicator, and a device for modifying fluid flow when temperature or pressure units are exceeded. The control unit contains a heater and a controller for maintaining the temperature of the liquid within certain limits, for limiting the pressure of the liquid, and for varying the flow rate of the liquid. The portable applicator contains a handpiece, a nozzle, and a device for providing a signal to the control unit.

Abstract: Inhalation therapy is not only used for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases, but also increasingly for administering other medicinal substances. In this kind of therapy, the substance is made available to the patient for inhalation in the form of a liquid vapor having very small droplet diameters (ca. 1 to 5 um) and is transported together with the inhaled air into the respiratory tracts. The inventive atomizer consists of a cylindrical atomizing space with two openings for respectively supplying and withdrawing the liquid vapor, the openings being arranged in such a manner that a spiral vortex is formed which extends about the longitidunal axis of the atomizing space.

Abstract: The individual equipment for use when taking action in a noxious atmosphere comprises a pressure suit having a flexible garment (10) and a helmet (12) provided with a transparent visor and including a self-contained breathing apparatus for supplying breathing gas from a gas supply. The face is separated from the garment by a neck gasket (16). The supply (24) is connected to a breathing circuit that opens out into the helmet via a regulator (48) to maintain the volume around the face at a pressure higher than that in the garment. The equipment also includes a face mask (52) having a valve for breathing in from the helmet and pipework for breathing out directly to the outside via rated non-return means.

Abstract: A suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: A method of administering a liquid pharmaceutical formulation, particularly a surfactant formulation, to at least one lung of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method is carried out while the subject has a breathing tube extending through the subject's mouth and larynx, and while ventilating at least one lung of the subject through the breathing tube. The method comprises simultaneously administering the liquid pharmaceutical formulation down the breathing tube and into at least one lung of the subject and ventilating at least one lung of the subject through the breathing tube. The method may be performed on premature infants to combat respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: An insufflating/suctioning valve having a valve body containing fluid flow controlling members which are two resilient plastic tubes, a spring-biased actuating mechanism having three positions to control flow or to shut off flow in each tube, or to shut off flow simultaneously in both tubes.

Abstract: A connector for joining an endotracheal tube and an integrally formed auxiliary lumen to a source of anesthesia and a preselected item of auxiliary equipment, respectively, includes a first pair of tubular mounting members on a proximal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another and longitudinally spaced from a second pair of tubular mounting members on a distal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another. A pair of parallel bores are formed in the base of the connector to provide fluid communication between associated, longitudinally spaced apart mounting members.

Abstract: A respiratory intubating device for carrying a gas to or from the lungs of a patient including a flexible tubular member having a pair of parallel lumens for extending from a proximal area at the patient's mouth to a distal area at a bronchus of the patient, and an adapter integrally connected to the tubular member for interconnecting the tubular member with a source of gas and for providing access for surgical instruments. The adapter includes a Y-shaped member having a pair of hollow branches which lead to the pair of lumens of the tubular member and a pair of hollow stem members integrally connected to the hollow branch members at about a right angle thereto, and extending upwardly to aim across the patient's face. The Y-shaped member including the junctions of the branch members and the stem members are encased in a soft flexible plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining tissue in vivo by means of the optical properties of the tissue generates a measuring chirp signal which is introduced into a tissue-containing subject as a coherent optical chirp signal. The parts of the measuring chirp signal emerging from the subject are superimposed with a reference chirp signal to form a superposition signal that is supplied to a filter that only allows those parts of the superposition signal to pass that represent those parts of the measuring chirp signal emerging from the subject which have traversed a defined, optical path length within the subject.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a pulse oximeter sensor and an audible alarm which is not produced when a blood pressure module is taking measurements, but only during that portion of the cycle that affects the pulse oximeter reading. During such measurements, the pulses detected by the oximeter decrease below a threshold T.sub.oxim. An audible alarm is caused to receive a logic level of zero by an AND gate through the detection of measurements exceeding a minimum pressure P.sub.min on the blood pressure module. The audible alarm continues to receive such a logic level until the measurements exceed a threshold P.sub.thr. After that time, the audible alarm AND gate logic level is reset to one, so as to permit reporting of pulses missing at the oximeter. None of the other alarms, such as the actual SPO.sub.2 reading, are affected by the AND gate. Accordingly, the present invention does not affect the taking of important SpO.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined skin preparation and monitoring electrode (12). The electrode reduces motion artifacts in recording biopotentials by penetrating a patient's skin prior to acquiring biopotentials. Penetration of the skin reduces skin impedance and the skin's propensity to generate motion artifacts. The electrode has a resilient dome (16) with penetration tines (18) extending from the concave inner surface of the dome. Upon application of a force to the dome, the dome moves from a first position to a second position, forcing the penetration tines into a patient's skin. Upon removal of the force, the dome moves back to its original configuration, withdrawing the penetration tines from the patient's skin.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in interventricular cardiac mapping includes one or more elongated splines each of which carries a plurality of spaced apart electrodes thereon. The body of each spline is formed of a plurality of alternating electrically conductive layers and the electrically non-conductive layers. A separate electrically conductive pathway is provided to connect each of the electrodes to a different one of the conductive layers. Each of the layers is electrically connected to an electrical signal processing device so that signals provided by each of the electrodes can be processed.

Abstract: A gamma ray collimator assembly for use in a cardiac inspection system. A collimator has a plurality of collimator elements with the collimator walls absorbing gamma rays. The collimator walls have a base layer of a first material covered by a layer of a second material which preferentially absorbs inelastically scattered gamma rays generated in the first material.

Abstract: Optical imaging of an object utilizes a plurality of amplitude modulated light rays propagating through the object, either sequentially or simultaneously, for detection by a single photodetector. The light rays may propagate geometrically (i.e., directly) or diffusively. Each of the rays is encoded with a different phase to provide sufficient information for decoding the light intensity detected by the photodetector. The rays may be applied simultaneously in an array, in which case different carrier frequencies as well as different phases are applied to the different rays by any of a number of modulators. Alternatively, the rays may be individually applied to the object in a sequence of phase encoded rays. In either case, the single photodetector receives sufficient information to image each of the voxels of interest in the object being imaged. Information may be obtained for different voxels selected for imaging without mechanical scanning.

Abstract: A patient's head is anchored (16) at one end of a patient support (10). An array of receivers (50) are mounted on a frame (12) which is fixed to the patient support. The frame carries at least one reference transmitter (52). A wand (42) has at least two emitters (44, 46) mounted thereto. By measuring relative travel time of the signals from the wand emitters to the receiver array and comparing the travel time with travel time over a known distance from the reference transmitter to one or more of the receivers, the position of the wand in a coordinate system of the patient support is determined (80). A three-dimensional array of diagnostic image data was taken through the anchored portion of the patient and at least three markers (114) affixed to the patient. By positioning the wand on the markers after the patient is secured to the patient support, a transform (110) between the patient support coordinate system and the image data coordinate system is derived.

Abstract: A phased-array ultrasonic probe transmits/receives ultrasonic beams to/from a subject to electronically scan a predetermined part of the subject. A calculation unit calculates cross-correlation function data between adjacent scanning lines obtained by the electronic scan. The cross-correlation function data is supplied to a DSC through a memory. The DSC superimposes organ outline data obtained based on the cross-correlation function data, upon a tomographic image, and an image obtained by the superimposition is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating blood vessels in a live human body is self-contained, compact, non-invasive, and fully movable about the body.Within a housing of the general size and shape of a pen and having a distal end and a proximal end, solid state electrical circuitry generates high-frequency electrical signals producing ultrasonic signals directed ahead of the distal end toward a narrow area of a body, receives the ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic signals and generates high-frequency electrical signals in response to said echoes, mixes both high-frequency electrical signals and amplifies the resulting differentials to produce beats, the amplitudes of which will vary if a Doppler effect due to the pulsating flow of blood through a vein or artery is detected. These amplified differential signals or beats are used to drive a miniature loudspeaker at the proximal end of the housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring blood pressure includes a sensor arrangement which is releasably attached to the exterior of a body and which is electrically conductively connected with electronic circuit. The sensor arrangement and the circuit are configured to determine, in at least one measuring region of the body, a valve which is a measure for a variable that changes periodically over time in the rhythm of the pulse beat and which is correlated with the blood pressure. This variable may, for example, be the flow velocity and/or flow quantity and/or the volume of the arterial blood and/or a cross-sectional dimension and/or the flow cross section area of an arterial blood vessel. The sensor and circuit further determine a value which is a measure for the pulse wave velocity. By linking the two values together and including at least one calibration value, at least one value that is characteristic for of the blood pressure (preferably including at least the systolic blood. pressure) can be determined.

Abstract: Cardiac monitoring is disclosed in which thoracic impedance and EKG signals are gathered and processed for improved resolution and accuracy. EKG signals are adaptively processed by digitizing, filtering, differentiating and raising the resultant differential by a power greater than one to emphasize changes in the slope of the EKG signal. Blocks of the thus processed EKG data are analyzed to identify peak amplitude and to compare spacing between peak amplitude adaptively to more accurately identify R wave peaks. Stroke volume is determined from a thoracic impedance signal and its time derivative. Preferably, a time-frequency distribution is taken of the time derivative thoracic impedance signal after low- and high-pass filtering to identify B and X wave events in the signal which are used to determine ventricular ejection time and dz/dt.sub.min for a determination of heart stroke volume by conventional methods.

Abstract: A transducer for medical monitoring comprises a box (73) which contains a floating section, a non-floating section and a transformer or optical coupler for converting a floating signal into a non-floating signal. The box (73) provides a non-floating signal to an associated monitor. The common-mode rejection ratio is drastically improved, so that electrode gel between the reference electrode and the patient, and possibly even the reference electrode itself, may be omitted.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the behavior of an implanted pacemaker counts (records) the number of times that a given internal event or state change of the pacemaker occurs, and also determines the rate at which each event or state change thus counted occurs. The event counts and their associated rate are stored (recorded) in appropriate memory circuits housed within the pacemaker device. At an appropriate time, the stored event count and rate data are downloaded to an external programming device. The external programming device processes the event count and rate data, and displays a distribution of the event count data as a function of its rate of occurrence, as well as other statistical information derived therefrom. The displayed information, and its associated statistical information, allows a baseline recording to be made that establishes the implanted pacemaker's behavior for a given patient under known conditions.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: A passive, non-invasive, non-contacting apparatus and method for monitoring the respiration of a subject within a monitored environment is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of sensors which detect changes in infrared energy. The first sensor detects changes in infrared energy which signifies and corresponds to changes in the monitored environments of a component to be monitored and generates a first signal. The second sensor detects changes in infrared energy which signifies reference infrared energy in the monitored environment and generates a second signal. A processing system converts the first and second signals into a third signal which signifies the concentration of the monitored component in the monitored environment. The monitored components may be CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O or a constituent of exhaled breath such as a ketone, amino acid, insulin or pintane. In another embodiment of the invention changes in blood pH may be monitored by adding an additional sensor.

Abstract: A respiratory sound analyzer system for use in the noisy ambient environments, such as in medical transport vehicles including helicopters, boats, aircraft, ambulances, and other vehicles, as well as at fire scenes, disasters, sporting events, rock concerts, and the like, includes an array of miniature accelerometers which are connected to the chest of a patient. Rather than relying on traditional auscultation, the on-board personnel will analyze a conditioned signal on a display screen or other device to monitor a patient's breathing patterns. Successive signals may be stored and compared with each other to determine a deterioration in a patient's breathing pattern, and signals may also be compared with stored normal and abnormal breathing signals. Ambient noise effects can be reduced or eliminated from the sensed breathing signal by a number of means.

Abstract: Determining brain lesions by quantified electroencephalography is effected by obtaining absolute power data in a primary frequency domain for a brain region. Power data in the primary frequency domain in relation to power in a secondary frequency domain is determined. The two sets of data are related to obtain a value representative of the electrical output in the brain region. The representative value is compared to a selected base value and quantified departures are mapped topographically. This map is used to identify and assess lesions associated with disorders and afflictions including dementia and demyelinating diseases. Mapping is used to determine activation during tasks such as motor and memory tasks, cognitive processing or other conditions, and also to assess the level of perfusion of the brain.

Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a blood collection tube assembly and a collection container assembly. The collection tube assembly comprises a link of flexible tubing having a venipuncture needle carried on a first end and an outlet carried on a second end. A flow control valve is carried near the outlet end and blocks a central passage of the collection tube in a closed position. The collection container assembly includes an expandable plastic tube which may be expanded by an exterior spring to cause a slight vacuum in the container and assist the blood withdrawal tube. A transfer tube communicates with the interior of the collection container and includes a blunt needle on an inlet end. The blunt needle engages the flow control valve to open the valve and open and allow blood to flow outwardly after the venipuncture needle has been inserted into a vein.

Abstract: A reflective metallic foil is modified so that an incident laser beam is diffused into multiple beams to dissipate the energy of the incident beam. The surface can have protrusions that range from 0.3 to 10,000 microns high with an average diameter of from 1 to 1,000 microns and an average spacing between protrusions of from 0.2 to 5,000 microns. The surface of the metallic foil can be provided with a first type pattern consisting of protrusions and indentations having an optimum range of 0.3 to 20 microns deep having average optimum diameter of 2 to 40 microns with an average optimum spacing between protrusions of 1 to 100 microns or a second type pattern consisting of protrusions and indentations having an optimum range of 20 to 100 microns deep having an average optimum diameter of 20 to 100 microns with an average optimum spacing of from 20 to 200 microns. The second type pattern can be superimposed on patterns of the first type.

Abstract: A restraint for changing an infant (10) has a major band (20) and a restricting band (40). The ends of the major band (20) are adapted to wrap around a surface (11) upon which an infant (13) will be changed and connect to one another. A second band, a restricting band, (40) has two ends (41, 44) and attaches to the top surface of the major band (20). One end (41) of the restricting band (40) may be permanently affixed to the major band (20) while the second end, or free end, (44) of the restricting band (40) attaches to the major band (20) by means of a detachable fastener (46). The points of attachment of the restricting band (40) to the major band (20) define an infant securement area (30) which holds the infant (13) to be changed. Each end of the major band (20) may be split (22, 23) so as to accommodate obstructions associated with a changing surface (11) with which the restraint (10) will be used.

Abstract: An tissue retention spring for use with a surgical circular stapler used to perform an anastomosis. The tissue retention spring is mounted onto the anvil shaft of the stapler. The spring has a plurality of connected helical coils defining a member having an axial passage therethrough. The spring provides tissue retention, tissue and fluid venting, and improved stapler closing.

Abstract: A hair curler device for winding hair strands in the application of spiral permanents. Two rod members are connected at one of their respective ends to a flexible elongated connector. The rod members include trapezoidal threads that cooperatively receive hair strands of a person. Removably mounted locking pieces embrace the rod members at a position along the rod members that substantially coincides with the end of the strand of hair being treated. A rubber band urges the free ends of the rod members toward each other.

Abstract: An eyelash mascara applicator wand includes a first rod and a bristle-carrying second rod extending transversely relative to the first rod. The rods are joined at a location spaced from both ends of the second rod. Bristles are located on both sides of that junction. The second rod is curved within a plane oriented perpendicular to a plane containing the first rod. The first rod comprises inner and outer sections oriented at a right angle to one another. Alternatively, the first rod could be curved.

Abstract: A steamer for steaming hair curlers comprises an oblong tank having an open top which is closed by a lid. A pair of latches are captured for slight movement on opposite sides of the lid and engaged under steps defined on opposite sides of the tank. The lid carries a pair of depending electrodes which are protected within a perforated enclosure fixed to the lid. A power cord is connected between the electrodes for applying electrical energy to the electrodes which generates steam when the electrodes are emersed in an electrolyte in the tank.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a fully automated tire treatment system capable of applying chemical treatment uniformly to a tire sidewall. Employing a pair of tracks whereon a carriage and adjustable vending bracket is disposed thereon allows treatment of two tires simultaneously as the tires pass the device triggering a preprogrammed set of instructions though a microprocessor. The track is two elongated guides disposed in parallel relation to one another outboard of the stance posed by a conventional automobile. The carriage has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the track and is movable along the length of the track. Each carriage employs a vending bracket having the ability to disburse moisture from the tire sidewall before dispensing of chemical by use of an atomizing spray nozzle. By use of a microprocessor, each tire is tracked in accordance with the velocity, dimensional size, and predetermined spatial proximity of an automobile tire as the automobile is moved along a prescribed path of travel.

Abstract: A folding collapsible frame assembly for an automatic folding umbrella, which includes a lower shaft, an upper shaft made to slide in the upper shaft, a collapse control spring, a lock ring moved to lock the collapse control spring in the compressed condition as the umbrella is opened, a stretch control spring controlled by a bottom spring on the handle of the umbrella to automatically push the umbrella into the open condition, a guide control mechanism controlled by a control bottom on the handle of the umbrella to release the lock ring from the collapse control spring for allowing the umbrella to be collapsed automatically.

Abstract: There is disclosed a one-hand openable and closable umbrella which does not cause relative rotational movement and displacement between an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft has a U-shaped groove extending in the lengthwise direction thereof and the outer shaft has a convex block provided inside a lower nest mounted on the top of the outer shaft. By the engagement of the convex block of the outer shaft with the U-shaped groove of the inner shaft, the inner and outer shaft neither turn nor displace relative to each other when the latter slides on the latter. Moreover, since a plastic sleeve is put on the upper end portion of the inner shaft inside a spring mounted thereon, any frictional force between the spring and the inner shaft and between the spring and an upper nest can be decreased, by which the umbrella can be smoothly opened and closed.

Abstract: Balanced piston fluid valve, wherein annular outer and core inner coaxial valve members are adapted to move to and fro slidably relative to one another and to bar upstream-to-downstream fluid flow when mutually juxtaposed into seated position but adapted to enable such flow when spaced apart in unseated position.

Abstract: A device for converting an electric current signal into a mechanical correcting variable, includes a pneumatic correcting element (1) with slide rod (2), a pneumatic amplifier (3), a compressed-air supply (4) and an electropneumatic signal converter which has a solenoid (5) with coil, iron circuit and air gap, a nozzle/baffle-plate device (6), and a lever (8) which is swingably mounted on a tensioning band (7). One end of the tensioning band (7) is mounted for turning around its longitudinal axis and, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis there is arranged a feedback lever (12) one end of which is attached, fixed in rotation, to the turnable end of the fastening belt (7) while its free end is coupled to the slide rod (2) of the pneumatic correcting element (1).

Abstract: A counterbalance valve has a first port connected to a hydraulic cylinder and a second port connected to a four-way controller, such as a four-way control valve. Disposed between the ports is a poppet biased to a closed position. The poppet opens to allow operating hydraulic fluid to drain from the hydraulic cylinder and also opens if excessive pressure builds up in the hydraulic cylinder due to thermal conditions. When an operator decides to move the piston within the hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic fluid must be drained from the cylinder. This is accomplished by moving the poppet from a blocking position to an open position with pressurized pilot fluid. On occasion, confusion caused by operator error can cause a build-up of valve backpressure from the four-way control valve, which prevents the poppet from moving upon applying pilot pressure thereto. The resulting excess pressure in the hydraulic cylinder can rupture the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a float valve (3) for container filling systems, especially for electrical traction battery filling systems, comprising a valve housing (10) that accommodates a valve chamber (11) and a valve head (31), the valve chamber being provided with a filling medium supply inlet (16) and an outlet (17) leading to a container, the valve head (31) being connected to the float via a stem and a float rod (35, 36, 37) and being movably disposed in a valve chamber (11) to open the inlet and the outlet (16, 17) and shut off the outlet (17). To guarantee quick closing action also with low liquid pressures and to prevent dripping in the closed position it is proposed according to the invention that the filling medium be introduced first in a distribution chamber from where it flows into the valve chamber in a manner that it enters the valve chamber in the bottom area of the latter along the entire surface of the side walls and flows uniformly through the valve chamber.

Abstract: Fresh water is distributed in an aircraft from at least one supply tank connected through a conduit to at least one water using device, such as a tap, faucet, or the like. The conduit is constructed as a ring conduit, which is provided with or connected to a water conveying device, such as a pump, suction, or pressurizing device. One or more water using devices are connected to the ring conduit by respective branch lines.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a liquid container having a static content level, a fill control device, a cycle control unit, an inflow valve to be opened by the cycle control unit and closed by at least one of the fill control device and the cycle control unit, an evacuation pump, a switch having a switching position in which the switch turns on the evacuation pump and selectably closes the inflow valve, and a chamber hydraulically communicating with the liquid container and having an opening for the entry of water. A safety device for the appliance includes a safety level switch device having a float disposed in the chamber, the float having a switching position in which the float acts upon the switch, and the float having a position of repose in which the float is kept at a distance above the static content level and in which the float acts upon the switch to switch off the evacuation pump.

Abstract: Device which can be fitted to a faucet in order to trigger the automatic issuance of water.Said device is integrally joined to the operating unit of said faucet and consists of a cylindrical body (3) housing a detection cell (5), said cylindrical body being placed in a cavity (41) in said operating unit and being integrally joined to the control unit (6) of said faucet, with said faucet including a window (61) positioned facing said cylindrical body (3) for the passage of the rays (62) which are necessary for the operation of said detection cell (5).

Abstract: This invention relates to a foot operated control valve in which the water supply is automatically stopped as soon as a foot push button is released. It is not only convenient for use, but can also economize water consumption by means of auto start and stop fully under foot control. The control valve has a housing and a valve body. The valve body includes an inlet cylinder and an outlet cylinder with both cylinders integrally communicated by means of a channel. The inlet cylinder having an adjustment assembly to open or block the water inlet. The outlet cylinder has a spring, valve and sleeve, in which the valve is movable to block or open the valve inlet for stopping or allowing water entry into the outlet. The open/close function can be accomplished by a valve opened by foot or closed by resilience of a spring to ensure that the use and water economization can be accomplished.

Abstract: An inexpensive timer unit which can operate stably in the event of a power failure. The timer unit acts to switch the operation times of two valve mechanisms for opening and closing fluid passages. The unit comprises a rotatable windup shaft, a torsion coil spring, an eddy-current-generating governor mechanism, and two cams. Energy is stored in the spring by rotating the windup shift through a given angle so as to tighten the spring. The speed of rotation of the windup shaft when the tightened spring is released is adjusted by the governor mechanism. At this time, the rotation of the windup shaft is transmitted to the cams. The profiles of the cams are determined according to the operation times of the valve mechanisms.