Abstract: A hospital bed supported on a wheeled base, and a ventilator supported on a wheeled cart and docked to the base of the bed, the combination of ventilator and bed capable of being rolled as a single unit. The ventilator cart includes a wheeled base, and supports connected to the base for supporting a ventilator, with the supports providing for selective raising and lowering of the ventilator. The hospital bed base is wheeled and has a generally Y-shaped base frame. The outspread arms of the Y-shaped base frame receive the ventilator cart so that the two may be docked together. The ventilator when docked to the hospital bed base falls within the footprint of the bed as projected downwardly onto the floor. A latch secures the ventilator to the bed base. A disabling switch disables the high/low function of the bed preventing the bed from being lowered downwardly onto the ventilator. A power supply mounted to the bed base provides for uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: A gas ratio control device for anesthetic apparatus with an anesthetic gas feed line 1, which has a control valve 12 and a first measuring resistance 6, and an oxygen feed line 2 with a second measuring resistance 10, wherein the differential pressure determined from the measuring resistances is sent to a proportional member 13 for regulating oxygen feed to anesthetic gas feed. So oxygen concentration will not drop below a minimum oxygen concentration value in the case of anesthetics to be metered at both low and high doses, one of the measuring resistances 6, 10 can be replaced or bridged over with a bypass line 14, which contains a throttle point 15 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering respiratory gases to a patient maintains a mixture of gases stable and minimizes the effects of ambient air leakage. Some of the gases supplied to a gas collection unit in which the patient's head is placed are by-passed to a buffer space that partially surrounds the gas collection unit. The volume of the buffer space stabilizes the mixture and outflow from the buffer space minimizes ambient air leakage into the gas collection unit. Gases from the gas collection unit are supplied to a measuring unit for analyzing the gas respired by the patient.

Abstract: In the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP flow generator is employed to direct air to a nasal mask fitted to a patient. The airflow from the generator is monitored, and the flow and/or pressure is increased when the waveform of the airflow exhibits characteristics corresponding to flow limitation. The generator may be controlled to repetitively test for waveform variations, in order to adjust the CPAP flow to the minimum level the does not produce flow limitation.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes an actuator which is movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough, or alternatively, to a third position in which the primary access port remains closed to suction pressure therethrough and the actuator becomes locked against movement into the second position. When the actuator is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented.

Abstract: A nasal cannulae is described for insufflating a treating gas into one nostril and measuring at least one gaseous component of exhaled breath in the other nostril of a living body. The cannulae includes a wall member cooperating with a hollow body of the cannulae to define inhalation and exhalation manifolds and sealingly engaging the hollow body to provide a gas-tight seal for positively preventing fluid communication between these manifolds. A hollow nasal prong communicates with each manifold and is positioned and shaped to be received in a corresponding nostril. The wall member may be integrally molded with the body of the cannulae when it is made or a conventional cannulae may be modified by insertion of a wall member to create separate manifolds. The nasal prongs may have the same or different lengths.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating and controlling sleep disorders by detecting the presence of the sleep disorder under treatment, and, in response, selectively applying a predetermined electrical signal to the patient's vagus nerve for stimulation thereof to alleviate the sleep disorder under treatment. The method and apparatus includes several techniques for detecting the presence of the sleep disorder under treatment, such as sensing the patient's EEG activity in the case of insomniac and hypersomniac patients, or detecting a sudden nodding of the head in the case of narcoleptic patients, or sensing the cessation of respiration in the case of sleep apnea patients.

Abstract: A parameter of blood is sensed in vivo with a system which includes a catheter and a probe. The catheter has a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end and a distal opening at the distal end. The probe includes one or more sensing elements at its distal end. In one embodiment, the sensing element or elements are located at least about 4 mm proximal of the distal opening of the lumen. A volume oscillator is provided to control the movement of blood into and out of the lumen. A flush solution is introduced into the lumen so that when the volume oscillator is inactive the sensing element or elements are exposed to pure flush solution, which preferably includes an anti-clotting component. The probe is received within the catheter and affixed thereto. The volume oscillator is activated to move blood into and out of the lumen to expose the sensing element or elements to blood so that they can sense the blood parameter or parameters of interest.

Abstract: The nasal septum probe of the present invention mounts the optical devices of a photoplethysmographic probe in a housing that clips onto the patient's nasal septum. The septum provides an arterial bed for monitoring purposes and this locus is not subject to significant patient motion or peripheral shutdown of arteriolar blood flow. Furthermore, one embodiment of the invention shows a combination of the photoplethysmographic apparatus with a nasal cannula to provide dual purpose apparatus to minimize the sensor and cable proliferation.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system employs a sequence of radio frequency pulses and magnetic field gradients to detect and measure the spin-relaxation time of moving blood within a subject. Spin-lattice relaxation times are determined by first inverting longitudinal spin magnetization and then detecting the recovery of this magnetization with a series of detection radio frequency pulses. The inversion pulse is applied to the entire subject, but the detection pulses are applied only to a selection portion of the subject. Blood motion causes the blood in the detection region to be replaced for each detection pulse, thereby increasing the accuracy of the measurement and permitting the use of multiple detection pulses after a single inversion pulse. In-vivo application of this invention can be used to assess renal function in individual kidneys.

Abstract: Apparatus to measure the physical characteristics of an object. The apparatus has a bath to receive the object. The object can be stabilized and control in its position in the bath. Liquid is supplied to and from the bath. The temperature of that liquid can be controlled so that is above the temperature of the object. There is an ultrasonic transmitter to send a signal through the object and an ultrasonic receiver to receive the signal. The velocity of the signal through the object can be calculated. In a preferred embodiment, the object is a foot and the apparatus is useful in diagnosing osteoporosis.

Abstract: A plurality of probes having image pickup elements differing from each other in image pickup system from each other are used to display an image image-picked-up on a monitor, and a connector of the used image pickup probe is connected to an exclusive adaptor, whereby a drive adapted for the image pickup element is applied to subject the image pickup element to preprocess processing suited for an output signal outputted from the image pickup element. The adaptor is mounted on a signal processing apparatus body, whereby substantially common process processing is subjected to a signal after the preprocess processing by the signal processing apparatus body, to generate a standard image signal. Thus, the standard image signal is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical ultrasonic imaging probe, such as may be used in laparoscopic surgery. A probe is provided having both forward viewing and side viewing ultrasonic capabilities. An apparatus is provided for manipulating and orienting video ultrasound images on a video monitor according to the position of the probe. A probe is also provided having both an ultrasonic device and a surgical tool, such as an electrocautery hook for excising and/or cauterizing tissue, that can be closely monitored by the ultrasonic device. Also provided is an ultrasonic probe having lumens for placing ultrasonically transmissive medium adjacent to ultrasonic transducers. A removable, rigid sheath is provided to fit over a laparoscopic probe.

Abstract: Biological signals detected by biological signal detecting units put on a plurality of persons to be monitored are transmitted to a plurality of wristwatches. The transmitted biological signals and ID code data corresponding to the biological signals are transmitted in the form of radio signals. A receiver unit receives the biological signals and the ID code data transmitted from the wristwatches and sends them to a monitor unit. The monitor unit displays the transmitted biological signals in a one-to-one correspondence with the ID code data, Upon detecting an abnormality in a given biological signal, the monitor unit generates an alarm sound. If a corresponding person to be monitored determines that the alarm sound is erroneously generated, he or she stops the alarm sound by manipulating a switch. If the person determines that the alarm sound is not a false alarm, his or her wristwatch transmits a contact designation signal and ID code data by a radio signal.

Abstract: A method of measuring blood pressure, and an automatic sphygmomanometer for implementing this method, whereby an appropriate value of cuff inflation is achieved which is dependent upon the systolic blood pressure of a patient. Pulse waves are extracted from cuff pressure obtained through a pressure detector during inflation of the cuff, and the rate of change in the amplitude of the pulse waves is obtained by a control unit. When the rate of change obtained has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, it is judged that the internal cuff pressure has surpassed the patient's systolic blood pressure. In response, inflation of the cuff by means of a pump is terminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of monitoring respiration of a patient using impedance changes of the body to indicate respiration events. Cardiac related artifacts are suppressed by separately processing an EKG signal. Transient artifacts are accommodated by modifying the pass band of the respiration monitoring circuitry to selectively attenuate the signal within the frequency range of the transient artifact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining body composition of a subject is provided. The composition determinations can include total body fat, lean body mass, total body water, inter-cellular fluid and/or extra-cellular fluid. The subject's body is treated as a plurality of segmented conductors, each of the body segments having a relatively uniform cross-sectional area. By determining the composition of one or more exemplary body segments, the total body composition can be determined. The method in accordance with the present invention selects one or more body segments and introduces a uniform current flow through the body segments. The impedance which each of the body segments presents to the current flow is measured by a pair of voltage sensing electrodes positioned at each end of the body segments. Preferred body segments include the subject's thigh, trunk, and upper arm.

Abstract: A diagnostic impedance measuring system having an elongate tissue-penetrating probe member with a plurality of axially spaced reference electrodes disposed about a distal portion of the probe. The reference electrodes measure the impedance of the biological tissue adjacent each electrode. A first comparator element compares the measured impedance of at least a first and a second of the reference electrodes, and the comparator generates a first signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two electrodes. A second comparator element compares the measured impedance between either the first or second electrode and one additional electrode, and generates a second signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two electrodes. A third comparator element compares the first and second signals and generates a third signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two signals.

Abstract: A rectal probe comprising a catheter having a longitudinal axis around which is mounted an inflatable, low pressure, compliant balloon having a temperature element associated with the wall thereof, means for holding the probe at a proper position within a patient's rectum and means for inflating the balloon when it is properly positioned to put the temperature element in intimate contact with the anterior side of the rectum. A method for monitoring a patient's rectal mucosal temperature during thermal treatment of the patient's prostate is also disclosed.

Abstract: An allergy testing method and apparatus for testing a patient for a plurality of allergies at substantially the same time, comprises a carrier for receiving a plurality of allergen applying devices, each allergen applying device including a source of an allergen and a movable pricking needle which is movable from an inactive position out of contact with the skin of a patient to an active position for pricking the skin of a patient and applying its associated allergen to the pricked skin when moved from the inactive position to the active position. The carrier holds and supports the plurality of allergen applying devices with a given spacing between each of the pricking needles, and an actuator is coupled to the carrier for moving the pricking needles from their inactive positions to their active positions to prick or pierce the skin of a patient and to thereby apply a respective allergen to the skin of the patient via the pricking needles.

Abstract: A surgical assembly for removal of body tissue in a patient, comprising: a cutting mechanism utilizing a moveable cutter cooperating with a cutting surface on a cannula insertable and positionable at a desired location in a patient by a rigidly coupled conduit piece rigidly attached to the cannula. The conduit piece connected to a vacuum source through a valve rigidly coupled to the conduit piece for removing cut body tissue. The rigidly connected valve, conduit piece, and cannula positioned by a hand of the user to direct and locate the cutter at the desired location in the patient while at the same time permitting a digit of the hand to control the valve or to control the cutter.

Abstract: An improvement in a tissue sampling apparatus of the type comprising (a) an elongate housing, (b) a knob at the first end of the housing, (c) first and second pistons extending from the second end of the housing, (d) connections on the extending ends of the pistons for connecting a biopsy needle, (e) first and second springs in the housing against which the first and second pistons, respectively, are cocked so that the springs apply a biasing force against the respective pistons, (f) a trigger for releasing the first and second pistons to move in successive movements wherein the first piston moves first to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the first spring while the second piston remains in its cocked position, and after the first piston has moved to its fully extended position, the second piston moves to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the second spring.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting immunoglobulins and other analytes from the oral cavity for immunological and other testing. The device is a treated absorbent pad used to collect a specimen having a high concentration of immunoglobulins or other analytes. The specimen can be subjected to a basic immunological testing technique which can be used as a tool for screening a patient for diseases. A test kit is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus which determines the load-displacement and flexibility characteristics of an anatomical joint. The apparatus includes a first frame for receiving a first body portion and a second frame for receiving a second body portion which is pivotable with respect to the first body portion. A pivot assembly is interconnected between the first frame and the second frame such that the second frame is pivotable with respect to the first frame about first and second frame pivot axes. The body portions are positioned on the frames such that the first and second joint pivot axes are generally aligned with the first and second frame pivot axes, respectively. Angular potentiometers are used to determine the angular displacement of the second frame with respect to the first frame about at least one of the first and second frame pivot axes upon application of at least one force to the second body portion.

Abstract: A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding cable massage for use in massage and other therapeutic applications comprising a table top composed of a pair of abutting top sections having a frame rail attached thereto and having a truss centrally positioned and hingedly connected to the table top sections. Four circular members are secured in the corners of the table top. A pair of legs sets, each leg set comprising a pair of legs, a cross tube, a brace tube, and a telescoping internal height adjustment tube operably secured within each leg. A first set of four cables are operably secured to the truss at one end and to the cross tube at another end and have a middle portion operably engaged to the circular member. A second set of four cables is provided where each cable is secured at one end to the frame rail at a first end and a second end of each cable secured to a leg set at the cross tube.

Abstract: A drape is shown for use by an anesthesia provided during a surgical procedure to temporarily hold accessories such as a suction instrument. The drape is adapted to be received on a patient support structure such as a hospital operating room table. The drape includes a main sheet of flexible, drapable material including a head region received beneath a patient's head having a pocket fold which defines an accessory receiving pocket. An envelope region is formed beneath the head region by folding a portion of the main sheet back upon itself. The envelope region defines a second accessory receiving pocket for the drape and further anchors the drape to the table during use. Subdivisions of the pocket folds provide smaller receptacles. Also provided are devices to adhere instruments in place and to secure the drape to its support. Additionally, methods of manufacture and use are included.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a smoking composition of nicotine in the form of an inclusion complex located between crylisized polysaccharide and nicotine and a smoking material. The composition releases nicotine when exposed to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A thin strip of liquid-impermeable polymeric material has a strip of porous material secured to one of its surface to form a flexible sheet. A pressure sensitive adhesive element, which is more adherent to the porous material than to hair, is adhered to the other surface of the porous strip. The pressure sensitive adhesive element is used to attach the flexible sheet firmly, but releaseably, to the hair of the head of a person adjacent to the portion of hair which is to be treated. In using the sheet, a colorist places the first end of the sheet with the adhesive element on the hair and then presses on the liquid-impermeable surface to cause the adhesive element to firmly adhere it in place against the underlying hair. The colorist then weaves an amount of hair over the face of the liquid-impermeable surface, followed by the treatment of that hair with a wet hair treating agent.

Abstract: A hair clip including a first comb member having a forward end and a rearward end and a plurality of teeth extending therefrom, a first comb member having a forward end and a rearward end with a plurality of teeth extending therefrom, and a flexible band affixed to the rearward end of the first comb member and affixed to the rearward end of the second comb member. The flexible band has an accordion shape of expandable length. The forward end of the first comb member is detachably connected to a forward end of the second comb member such that the teeth are separated in an unintertwined relationship. The first comb member is movable between a first position engaging the forward end of the second comb member and a first position extending distal the second comb member.

Abstract: In order when treating printed circuit boards with liquids, particularly during cleaning, etching, metallizing or rinsing, to achieve a precisely time measurable and effective treatment, the area supplied by means of a spray or swell nozzle or a stationary wave is limited by suction devices (24, 25, 41, 42). The latter are positioned upstream and downstream of the application (28, 38). The spray or suction nozzles (22, 24, 25) are arranged in a common casing and the boards (12) to be treated move horizontally passed its lower periphery.

Abstract: Inverted DI cans are fed by a conveyer having partitions in a plurality of rows such that they are spaced apart in each row, and treatment liquid is sprayed against the travelling cans from above and below the center of each row. The liquid is sprayed from above in a uniform and a full-cone pattern greater in area than the top surface of the can and from below also in a full-cone pattern or in a fan-shaped pattern narrow in the widthwise direction of the conveyer and greater in length than the can open end diameter. The liquid is further sprayed against the travelling cans from side nozzles on the opposite sides of and symmetric with respect to the center of each row. The side walls of the cans are thus washed without contact of adjacent cans in the direction of travel of the cans. The washing force is increased in the space between adjacent cans in the direction of travel to prevent washing irregularities and thus permit uniform surface treatment of the inner and outer surfaces of the cans.

Abstract: A non-slip support shoe for attachment to the end of any crutch or other walking aid comprises an attachment cylinder for attaching the shoe to the bottom of the crutch or walking aid; a pair of strip leaf springs, at least one of which is connected to the attachment cylinder; and a rubber sole provided on the bottom surface of a lower one of the strip leaf springs. In operation, when the maximum weight of a body is exerted on the crutch or walking aid, the strip leaf springs change configuration (i.e., flatten) so that the entire sole located on the lower strip leaf spring contacts the ground, thereby preventing slippage during use of the crutch or walking aid. Once the maximum weight of the body is removed, the strip leaf springs return to their original configuration so as not to interfere with the angled forward and backward positions of the crutch during use.

Abstract: A generally rectangular shelter with a readily assembled frame mounted on a base and covered with a flexible sheet material secured to the frame and base is provided. The base is normally of wood and is placed on the ground or other planar surface Spaced at a desirable distance along each side of the base are pivotal and adjustable supports fixed to the base. To the supports are connected a series of assembled frame ribs transverse to the length of shelter. The frame ribs are normally assembled in an arcuate shape from several pieces of tubing coupled together by a special coupler. The tubes are adapted to receive other tubes by having pin receiving tabs welded to them in appropriate places. Purlins or other spacers are connected between the frame ribs so that all the frame ribs may be drawn up from an assembled horizontal position to an upright position as a unit.

Abstract: A readily assemblable and disassemblable tent, awning or canopy structure including tubular beams, rafters and uprights interconnected by slip fit junction fittings in telescope relation with respect to the beams, rafters and uprights, the improvement comprising a hold down channel assembly mounted on the upright member of the slip fit junction fitting, the channel member assembly including a rod pivotally mounted on the lower end of the channel member, a bail ring mounted on said rod, a strip of webbing attached to the tent, awning or canopy top and wrapped around the rod of the bail ring, and a tie down cable connected to the lower end of the bail for anchoring the tent structure to the ground.

Abstract: A steam system is provided with a steam trap including a Y-fitting having a single fluid inlet, a primary outlet for returning water to a boiler, and a secondary outlet for testing only, and a main valve in series with the primary outlet. Connected to the secondary outlet are an auxiliary valve and a replaceable test jet downstream of the auxiliary valve, the test jet terminating the auxiliary branch. Test jets of various sizes may be installed, and outflow through each visually observed or measured, until an optimum size is arrived at. A main jet of a corresponding size is then installed in the main valve.

Abstract: A reel assembly for storing, coiling, and decoiling a flexible elongate member, such as a water hose, includes a stationary base and an enclosure rotatably mounted relative to the stationary base. The hose enclosure is designed such that the coiled hose can be removed from the receiving cavity and a new flexible elongate member positioned within the receiving cavity. The enclosure is also constructed so that the assembly be easily altered from a usable configuration to a storage/shipment configuration. Fluid may be transmitted through a center support member of the reel assembly to a coiled hose within the receiving cavity. According to the method of the present invention, the user pulls outward on the hose to rotate the enclosure relative to the base and thereby withdraw the hose from the assembly, and thereafter pushes the hose toward the assembly to rotate the enclosure in the opposite direction and thereby recoil the hose within the assembly.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve system includes a valve body assembly having inlet, outlet and control chambers. A flow valve assembly includes a diaphragm gasket which movably mounts a valve member. The valve member is movable between a closed position, a full flow open position and two pressure-regulating positions intermediate its closed and full flow positions. A full flow bypass valve assembly selectively communicates the control chamber and the outlet chamber for relieving the fluid pressure in the control chamber whereby the flow valve moves to its full flow open position communicating the inlet and outlet chambers. A pressure regulating subsystem includes multiple pressure regulating modules each having a solenoid-actuated valve and a pressure adjustable valve. The pressure regulating modules are connected in parallel relationship to inlet and outlet manifolds which fluidically communicate with the control and outlet chambers respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening arrangement between the hose-like neck (11) of a sonde balloon (10) and the closing piece or valve piece (13) of the balloon. The closing piece or valve piece (13) can be fitted inside the hose-like neck (11) of the sonde balloon (10) as gas-tight. The fastening arrangement comprises a fastening ring (12), which can be fitted onto the free mouth part of the neck (11) of the sonde balloon. Hereupon, the outer end (11a) of the mouth part of the neck (11) can be folded outside and over the fastening ring (12) onto the neck part (11) placed on the cylinder part (13b) of the closing or valve piece (13), the neck (11) thereby becoming two-fold. The inner diameter (D.sub.1) of the fastening ring (12) has been dimensioned smaller than the diameter (D.sub.2) of the cylinder part (13b) of the closing or valve piece (13).

Abstract: A new and improved water and fertilizer dispensing apparatus includes a connector assembly for connecting to a source of pressurized water. A manually operated diverter valve assembly is connected to the water source connector assembly. The manually operated diverter valve assembly includes an input channel, a first output channel, a second output channel, and a selector valve assembly located between the input channel and both the first output channel and the second output channel. The selector valve assembly is used for manually selecting a water flow path from the input channel through either the first output channel, or the second output channel, or both the first output channel and the second output channel in combination. A mixing chamber is defined by a housing and is connected to the first output channel. The mixing chamber is used for containing a quantity of fertilizer (either solid or liquid) and a quantity of water for dissolving the fertilizer.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.

Abstract: A valve has an on-off control member disposed about an independently rotatable dynamic control member. The on-off control member, which interfaces with a sealing means, may be rotated to a closed position for shutoff purposes. Throttling operation is achieved by rotating the dynamic control member with the on-off control member in a stationary, fully open position which protects the sealing means. Bearings are placed between the dynamic control member and the on-off control member to permit the dynamic control member to rotate freely and accurately.

Abstract: An automatic hydraulic valve which operates with pressurized fluid, particularly water. The valve closes when fluid pressure is applied and opens when the fluid pressure is withdrawn. It comprises a closed housing having a fluid inlet and outlet and an open housing which accommodates a plug on the end of a plunger reciprocating between the closed and open housings. The valve is particularly suitable for use with evaporative air conditioners.

Abstract: A flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat between the inlet and outlet and a barrel connects the valve seat with the outlet. A diaphragm assembly is positioned within the flush valve and movable toward and away from a closing position on the valve seat to control the flow of water to the outlet. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm peripherally clamped within the flush valve housing and a refill ring extending downstream from the diaphragm. The refill ring has a plurality of circumferentially disposed passages connecting the inlet and outlet when the diaphragm assembly is away from the valve seat. The size of the passages in the refill ring determines the volume of water flow during operation of the flush valve.

Abstract: A height control valve is for controlling the height of an air spring is disclosed, wherein the controlled height of the air spring can be easily adjusted. The height control valve comprises an interior bore in communication with an inlet port, an exhaust port and an air spring port. A hollow piston is movable within the valve bore in response to changes in the height of an air spring. A sealing member is biased onto a valve seat to seal the inlet port, and an open end of the piston abuts the sealing member to seal the exhaust port. Movement of the piston toward the sealing member disengages the sealing member from its valve seat, placing the spring port into communication with the inlet port. Axial movement of the piston away from the disk valve places the spring port into communication with the exhaust port through the interior of the piston. The controlled height of the air spring is adjusted by adjusting the axial position of the seat within the valve bore.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a three-way weir valve. The valve housing has a common flow duct and two additional flow ducts, all connectable to external flow lines. A weir with two valve seats on opposite sides of the weir separates the common flow duct from the two additional flow ducts. Two coaxial diaphragms are arranged to engage with the weir valve seats. The common flow duct communicates with one flow duct over one of the weir valve seats and communicates with the other flow duct over the other weir valve seat. The two diaphragms are engaged with compressors connected to pistons engaged in pneumatic cylinders. An air line connects the two pneumatic cylinders. One diaphragm and compressor are biased towards engagement with its other weir valve seat resulting in a normally closed position. The other diaphragm is biased away from engagement with its weir valve seat resulting in a normally open position.

Abstract: An assemblage and method for covering the terminal end of an insulated pipe.

Abstract: A method of restarting a loom after an interruption in the weaving process. A cloth fell (15) is moved from an operative or beating position (15) to a second position (15') away from a sley (4). The weft yarn is prevented from being fed into a shed (20) and the loom is then driven in a idling motion for a number of weaving cycles. A shed forming motion 3 and at least one of the warp let-off motion 10 and the cloth take-up motion 12 are driven independently of the predetermined weaving program. When the loom has reached its original dynamic operative state and the warp threads are at the original operative tension, the cloth fell is advanced to the beating position of the sley and the loom is restarted according to the predetermined weaving program. This method prevents visible points of start from occurring in the fabric because of the interruption in the weaving process.

Abstract: A device for forming a shed in weaving machines includes a harness and coupling elements for coupling the harness to a drive mechanism. The height of the harnesses is made adjustable by mounting respective coupling elements on setting screws integrated into the side beams of the harness elements and movable relative to the side beams for enabling individual height adjustment of each harness element relative to its coupling element. Because the height adjustment is done on the harness itself, the height adjustment can be done when the harness is inside as well as outside the weaving machine. The setting screws extend through the side beams to the coupling elements, which are situated below the harness, adjustment being effected by turning the screws from the top of the side beams to move of the harness up and down relative to the ends of the setting screws and coupling elements coupled thereto at the bottom of the side beams.

Abstract: A weft picking system for an air jet loom provided with a microcomputer as a controller. The weft picking system comprises a weft traction device including a pair of rollers one of which is driven by an inverter motor. A weft yarn fed from a weft measuring and storing device can be put between the rollers to be drawn toward a weft posture regulating nozzle. The weft posture regulating nozzle is arranged to project the weft yarn into the shed of warp yarns while regulating the posture of the weft yarn, under the influence of an air jet ejected therefrom and under assistance of air ejection from a plurality of sub-nozzles. The rollers are always driven to rotate during a weaving operation of the loom. A change-over device is provided to change the weft yarn from a first state of being put between the rollers to a second state of separating from the rollers or vice versa.