Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine includes an electrical energy storage device 10, a cranking motor 12 connected with the storage device, and energy management means including a controller 26 for estimating the energy delivery capability of the storage device as a function of at least one variable having a value determined during a previous episode of engine operation.

Abstract: An improved fuel injection system is provided for a diesel engine that will increase the RPM of the engine, by using a plurality of angularly positioned injection holes about the circumference between a fuel chamber and a combustion chamber in a cylinder head. A spring biased ring valve in the fuel chamber will move up by pressure of fuel coming from a fuel pump, so as to open all of the injection holes simultaneously causing an agitated motion of the fuel, when entering the combustion chamber for better combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for limiting the speed of motor vehicles, in cases where a speed signal is not available, engine cut-off is not rigidly activated upon exceeding a constant rotational speed threshold. Rather, a variable rotational speed threshold is determined which takes into account instantaneous or previous driving states, thereby being responsive to instantaneous or previous reactions of the vehicle's driver. This provides for an intelligent engine cut-off which accounts for operating conditions and, thus, can substantially better respond during critical driving situations.

Abstract: In a system and method for equalizing fuel-injection quantities among cylinders of an internal combustion engine, angular acceleration is measured during the combustion process of each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The individual measured values of the angular acceleration are compared to one another. In case of deviations between the individual measured values, the fuel-injection quantity is altered in a way that allows for the deviations to be compensated.

Abstract: Process for controlling the exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine 1 of the type comprising a pipe (4) assuring the connection between the exhaust manifold (3) and the intake manifold (2), said pipe being equipped with an E.G.R. valve (5) controlled from the electronic system (6) for engine control to assure the recirculation of a given rate of exhaust gas, characterized in that said engine control system is equipped with means for calculating the values Tm.sub.-- i of a representative magnitude of the torque produced by each of the combustions of the engine and in that the opening of the E.G.R. valve is controlled, for given operating conditions of the engine, as a function of said values Tm.sub.-- i.

Abstract: An emission control assembly comprised of a tubular member defining a chamber in which is positioned an elongated element having elliptically-shaped depressions wherein the assembly is disposed in a fuel line upstream of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fluid system of an internal combustion engine has controls and a separate radiator for maintaining the temperature of incoming engine combustion air at optimum conditions.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided. This fuel injection system includes a plurality of fuel injection valves each arranged to inject fuel into an intake port of each cylinder of the engine, an air passage connected to a portion of an air intake passage leading to the intake ports, a plurality of branch air passages each communicating with a preselected portion around an injection nozzle of each fuel injection valve, an air control valve, connecting between the air passage and the plurality of branch air passages, for selectively introducing a portion of intake air in the air intake passage to the preselected portions around the injection nozzles of the fuel injection valves.

Abstract: A system for monitoring suction leakage of external air into the exhaust gas path of an internal combustion engine during intermittent reduced pressure phases of the engine, during operation, includes an oxygen concentration sensing lambda probe arranged in the path. The probe issues an output signal having a reduced pressure phase pulsation frequency component of reduced pressure phase amplitude indicative of such oxygen concentration during the reduced pressure phases. The output signal is fed to a control device which generates an error signal when that amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold level indicative of suction entry of external air into the path during a reduced pressure phase.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable archery arrow rest mounted on a threaded pressure button support shaft extending through and secured in a window wall of an archery bow. The arrow rest is formed with a unitary mounting yoke assembly including a pair of spaced parallel leg-like plates. An inner one of the plates is presented toward the window side wall of the bow. The opposed plates of the yoke assembly are formed with aligned transverse tapped bores into which the threaded button support shaft extends in threaded engagement. On their opposed inwardly-presented facing surfaces, the yoke plates are formed with cooperating fragmentary threaded sectors defining an inwardly tapering opening for receiving a mating bolt. Threaded advancement of a bolt into the tapered threaded opening forcibly urges the yoke arms apart, frictionally to stress engaged threads and to lock the yoke on the threaded pressure button support shaft.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of an impulse stabilizer for reducing the effects of a mechanical impulse produced by apparatus including archery bows or air-rifles comprises a sealed elongated housing containing along its axis from one end to the other: a first cushion; a first mass that is elongated, contains an axial hole, is surrounded with one or more bushings, and that only loosely fits within the housing; a coil type spring under compression; a second mass that is the same as the first mass except that its length, density, or hole cross-section area may be different; and a second cushion. The voids within the housing are essentially filled with a fluid such as hydraulic fluid. The dimensions are such that, at rest, the spring urges both masses against their adjacent cushions.

Abstract: An easily repairable, high efficiency, durable, compact heat exchanger having a modular heat exchanger tube may be provided. The modular heat exchanger tube may be easily disassembled so that any of its modular component tubes (such as its combustion area tube) may be easily removed for repair or replacement. Internal alignment and sealing sleeves may be provided for the adjacent modular component tubes of the heat exchanger tube. The internal sleeves may automatically and permanently increase their sealing power due the automatic and permanent expansion they undergo when they are stress relieved by being heated for the first time by the combustion gasses within the heat exchanger tube. Stress cracking of the heat exchanger tube may be reduced by supporting the heat exchanger tube so that it may move freely as it heats up (expands) and cools down (contracts) during the normal thermal operating cycles of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An endoscope having a pair of tubular side-by-side scopes contained within a body cavity, and the proximal end preferably detachably mounted on a dual prism-eyepiece housing for enabling illuminated stereoscopic viewing of the body cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing flow control valves is disclosed. Specifically, the flow control valves of anesthesia machines are tested. The method contemplates the application of positive and negative air pressure to the valve being tested. If the valve is functioning properly, the valve will open or seal as expected. An apparatus is disclosed which enables a technician to apply either negative or positive pressure to the flow control valve and determine whether the valve is opening and sealing properly. The apparatus includes a pump for creating the air pressure and a fitting adapted to sealingly engage the port of the valve. The apparatus is simple to use and reduces the risk of transmitting disease.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve mechanism comprises a diaphragm valve support structure having passages extending therethrough. Projecting normal to a grid are a number of locating pins which are adapted to extend through holes in the diaphragm valve. The diaphragm valve is formed of flexible material and is provided with a pair of cross slits, each corresponding with the grid bridge element. The central portion of the diaphragm valve is located within a major flow passage whereas the outer peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm valve is located within an exit passage.

Abstract: A combined speech diaphragm and exhalation valve for a respirator is formed as a unitary sub-assembly whereby the speech diaphragm is movable in unison with the exhalation valve.

Abstract: Patients are ventilated responsive to a temporary cessation of breathing by monitoring the spontaneous breaths of the patient and providing a series of mechanical breaths to the patient in the event that the spontaneous breaths by the patient cease. The individual breaths of the series are timed such that the rate of the breaths decreases with increasing time, to induce the patient to resume spontaneous breathing. The approach is practiced with a patient ventilator that is operable responsive to a series of commands that trigger the series of mechanical breaths, with the time between breaths gradually increasing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a predetermined data of a living tissue, such as an oxygen saturation, a dye dilution curve and level of hemoglobin. The apparatus has an illumination intensity computing and storing circuit that stores the intensities of light components emitted from a three-wavelength light source assembly, and a computing circuit that calculates the intensity ratios of illuminating light from the intensity data stored in the circuit. The circuit determines the predetermined data of blood on the basis of the calculated intensity ratios and the intensities of light transmitted through a living tissue under assay, and it displays the predetermined data on display unit. The apparatus is capable of measuring the predetermined data without relying upon pulsations that occur in the subject.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an extremely simple device to extract information to distinguish between obstructive apnea and central apnea and which performs this operation automatically based on the extracted information.The device is equipped with analog signal processor 2 for generating pulse wave signals based on light received from a light emitting means and passing through or reflecting off living tissue; pulse wave base line analog signal processor 9 for extracting change components of a base line of the generated pulse wave signal; and master microcomputer 6 for distinguishing between obstructive apnea and central apnea on the basis of the extracted pulse wave base line change components.

Abstract: An invasive blood parameter probe includes a flexible pressure tube which surrounds the sterile probe portion. When the pressure tube is stretched, the proximal probe tip slips into the pressure tube. Pressure tube is held in its elongated position by means of an--e.g. U-shaped--spanning member against which a Y-connector and a threaded sleeve abut. A container may now be replaced, under sterile conditions, by a catheter.

Abstract: Accurate mapping of electrophysiologic activation within the human heart is achieved for discrete areas within the heart by utilizing a catheter having at least one pair of orthogonal sensors disposed on the catheter. Orthogonal sensors, which are comprised of two or more electrodes generally disposed circumferentially on the catheter at given longitudinal position along the catheter, receive signals which are differenced within a differential amplifier to produce a signal indicative only of the localized or near field biopotential heart activity. The orthogonal sensors are disposed adjacent to the stimulating tip of the catheter to allow sensing of the localized cardiac activity which is adjacent to or in contact with the stimulating tip during pacing procedures or during the delivery of radio frequency energy during ablation.

Abstract: A method for enhanced ultrasonic imaging of the tissues defining the gastrointestinal tract and the upper abdominal organs wherein the gastrointestinal tract is filled with a chemically defined essentially sonolucent ultrasound contrast agent that is stable under gastric conditions and has a gastric emptying time of at least about twenty minutes, thus causing the lumen of the upper gastrointestinal tract to appear dark relative to the positive image of the gastrointestinal tract walls and upper abdominal organs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablation of cardiac tissue includes a catheter (2, 60) having an elongated flexible body (6, 64), a tissue characterization assembly including a transducer (34) at the distal end (16) of the body and a tissue ablation assembly having a tissue ablation tip (32) at the distal end of the body. The tissue ablation tip is positioned adjacent the tissue to be ablated using the visualization assembly and then activated.

Abstract: This invention, which comprises a cuff, an exhaust portion, a pressure sensor, an A/D converter, a microcomputer, a display, and an operation portion, initially determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by comparing the size of each pulse wave, and it then determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by comparing the sizes of the values obtained by totalling each pulse wave amplitude along with its preceding and subsequent pulse wave amplitudes, and it finally determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by evaluating whether the different value between each preceding and each subsequent pulse wave amplitudes which occur after the maximum pulse wave amplitude has a negative(-) sign, thereby eliminating erroneous calculations caused by oscillation noise interference.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining acupuncture cutinous points within an animal body, in particular a human body. The apparatus may also provide therapeutic acupuncture treatment in the form of electrical pulses. The apparatus comprises a housing, electrically conductive terminals external to the housing connected to a circuit within the housing adapted to discharge discrete pulse current through one of the terminals.

Abstract: A coaxial bone marrow biopsy needle assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a hollow cannula with a handle having an interlocking device and a trocar insertable in the cannula and having a second handle with another interlocking device which mates with the interlocking device in the cannula handle. The interlocking devices are a spring biased pin radially entering a receiving socket, and a notched projection which extends into the receiving socket. The pin has a ramped portion, and the notched projection has a rounded or conical tip which rides down the ramped portion of the pin and thereby pushes the biased pin radially out of the socket during assembly of the hollow cannula with the trocar. The assembled handles provides a smooth upper surface which fits comfortably in a palm and a lower gripping surface around which fingers easily wrap. The interlocking devices hold the handles securely together keeping the trocar within the cannula during puncture, but are easily separated thereafter.

Abstract: A steerable guidewire for gently penetrating an occlusion within a vessel, with an elongated solid main guidewire body having selected stiffness characteristics along its length to allow the guidewire to be urged through a narrow, tortuous body lumen by application of forces at a proximal end, and an enlarged distal end portion having a diameter larger than portions of the guidewire proximal thereof including a soft polymeric element and a permanently deflected portion to enable steering of the guidewire.

Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transition from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bolster system. The bolster system is comprised of one or more pads, or bolsters, arranged such that they can be placed about an infant. A gentle but firm pressure is exerted on the infant by the bolster or bolsters through the use of straps or by the use of a U-shaped spring covered partially or completely by a bolster or bolsters. This pressure offers a reduction of an infant's stress level, as well as physical stabilization of the infant. Environmental conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein.

Abstract: An intimacy chair assembly and method to assist a human couple to engage in sexual intercourse with reduced effect of gravity or the reduced expenditure of substantial energy including a pair of facing seats for the couple, the assembly being capable of reciprocating movement of at least one seat selectively continually toward and away from the other seat in a substantially longitudinal direction and of selectively continually pivoting said one seat about an upright axis.

Abstract: A mouthguard sizing kit includes a dentition impression plate for placement into the mouth to receive a dentition imprint when forced against the upper dentition suitably by the lower jaw. A mouthguard sizing device is provided which indicates small to large mouthguards for comparison with the dentition imprint on the dentition impression plate for selection of the correctly sized small to large mouthguard for the user.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and treating anticipated cardiac rupture and an apparatus for the same. Anticipated cardiac rupture is diagnosed by examining one or more of several predictive symptoms, including pericarditis, repetitive unprovoked emesis, restlessness and agitation, abnormal ECG ST segments and T waves, and abrupt hypotension and bradycardia. The treatment includes the adhesion of a mesh patch to the myocardium by introducing the patch into the pericardia sac through an endoscope, applying the patch to the myocardium using a pair of graspers, and adhering the patch to the myocardium by applying a cyanoacrylate glue to the patch.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for extinguishing and storing a cylindrical smoking material, such as a cigarette or a cigar. A cylindrical body has open ends, one of which is for receiving the smoking material. A cylindrical cap has an open end adapted to snugly receive the one open end of the cylindrical body. As such, the one open end of the cylindrical body may be capped in a substantially airtight manner. A hollow cylindrical plug has an open end for providing access to an interior cavity of the plug. A flexible screen covering the open end of the plug extends away from the open end of the plug and fits snugly within the other end of the cylindrical body in a substantially airtight manner. The cylindrical plug includes a non-smooth surface for facilitating gripping thereof. As such, the smoking material may be inserted into the one open end of the cylindrical body, which is then capped by the cylindrical cap, thereby smothering the smoking material within the airtight cylindrical body.

Abstract: Stabilization and demobilization of volatile organic and volatile inorganic acids by acid adsorption onto activated carbon, which is then used in the manufacture of wrappers for smoking articles, provides improvements in sidestream smoke aroma, reduction in sidestream smoke irritation and improvements in subjective taste of the mainstream smoke.

Abstract: A parts washer having an upper tank with a sloped bottom portion that slopes downward to an exit aperture and having a pumping mechanism for pumping solvent from the upper tank to a solvent-spraying means. A valve assembly with first and second end portions is attached to the exit aperture such that there is a fluid-tight seal between the first end portion of the valve assembly and the upper tank. A lower tank having a cover, a detachable lower portion, an attachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the lower portion from the cover, and a sealing mechanism for providing an air-tight seal between the cover and the lower portion is attached to the valve assembly such that the cover is attached to the second end portion of the valve assembly so that a fluid-tight seal exists between the cover and the valve assembly.

Abstract: A golf club cleaner utilizing an ultrasonic energy apparatus associated with a quantity of cleaning solution in a tank in which the club heads or handles are immersed. The cleaning solution tank includes a basket occupying a portion of the tank to support the club heads in a position elevated from the bottom of the tank to restrict the ultrasonic cleaning function to only the club heads and not the club shaft with a peripheral portion of the basket being spaced from a peripheral portion of the tank to enable club handles to be inserted downwardly between the basket and the periphery of the tank into engagement with the bottom surface of the tank in order to subject the entire golf club handle to the ultrasonic cleaning operation.

Abstract: An umbrella handle adapted to be temporarily attached to the side window or to the roof of a vehicle to overlie a door opening and provide protection for the user and to enable the user to have both hands free to load or unload articles into or out of the vehicle. The handle includes a mounting portion that carries one or more suction cups, either alone or together with a magnet. The mounting portion can be at the base of the handle, for temporarily securing the umbrella to a vehicle roof. Alternatively, the mounting portion can be an attachment panel that is laterally spaced from that umbrella handle, either in a fixed inclined position relative to the umbrella handle, or it can be pivotally connected with the handle to swing inwardly and outwardly. The attachment panel carries one or more suction cups, a magnet or magnetic strip, or a combination of suction cups and magnets. The suction cups permit mounting of the handle to a non-metallic surface, such as a vehicle window.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a plurality of telescopic sleeves telescopically extendibly and retractibly mounted on an umbrella shaft covered with umbrella cloth, a water collector secured on a tip portion of the umbrella communicating with interior of the telescopic sleeves for collecting rain water drained from the umbrella cloth, and a drain valve slidably held on the water collector and operatively pushed by an innermost or smallest sleeve for automatically closing a plurality of drain holes formed in a lower portion of the water collector to prevent unexpected dripping of the rain water as stored in the collector for hygienic purpose.

Abstract: Step canes for assisting a person in walking up and down stairs comprising an elongated and rigid cane for supporting the attitude of a user, the cane having a tip end adapted to contact a walking surface, a handle end adapted to provide a user a firm grip, and a downwardly extending intermediate portion therebetween; a platform rotatably coupled to the intermediate portion of the cane, the platform operable in an extended position to allow a user to walk up and down stairs and in a retracted position to allow a user to walk on a generally level surface; and a controller mechanism coupled between the cane and platform to place the platform in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A unit intended to protect an individual against cold when standing or sitting for a protracted time which comprises a loose, insulated body covering having a vertical zippered closure; shoulder straps attached to the upper portion of said body covering to support it on a user; and a rigid insulated base portion attached to said body covering to provide foot insulation for the user wearing the unit while standing or sitting. A supplemental hood-cape extension is provided for further protection if the need exists.

Abstract: A self erecting hunting blind is provided with a quick release opening. A self erecting structure is formed having a first lower loop and a second upper loop arranged transverse to the lower loop. The fabric covering the upper transverse loop is divided into longitudinal halves which are releasably held together by a quick release apparatus. Upon releasing the quick release, the transverse loop halves move away from each other and fold flat against the ground completely uncovering a hunter within the blind. The blind may be used on the ground or over a boat.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A device for controlling the rotation of a valve and/or valve actuator, such device including a housing secured to said valve and actuator, hub member rotatably received by said housing, at least one stop member receiving device provided said housing, and at least one stop member engageable surface provided said hub.

Abstract: A hot water appliance is provided with an accelerated delivery system which includes a pump interconnected between hot and cold water fittings and a control system for causing the pump to circulate water from the hot water fitting into the cold water fitting when the hot water appliance is turned on. Temperature sensor is provided for causing the control system to stop the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated into the cold water fitting. In addition, a hot water demand system may incorporate a sound sensor detecting water flow in a hot water delivery line and a sound-generating element may be provided for providing a characteristic sound in response to water flow in the hot water delivery line.

Abstract: A subsea fluid coupling includes male and female parts which can be quickly connected and disconnected. The female part includes a longitudinal aperture in which a slidable gate is disposed, and a first fluid passage communicating with said aperture so as to be blocked by the gate when the coupling is disconnected. The male part includes a conduit body which contains a second passage and which can be inserted longitudinally into the aperture to push the gate out of alignment with the first passage and bring the second passage into alignment with the first passage. Metal seals are carried by the female and male parts and which engage planar metal surfaces to produce metal-to-metal sealing around the first and second passages when the coupling is connected or disconnected. Holes extend laterally through the gate and the conduit body, respectively, for creating a lateral pressure balance on the gate and conduit body.

Abstract: A multiway valve, in particular a 4/2-way valve, has a housing provided with an axial hole having a plurality of steps to form four seat elements located one behind the other. The housing includes two end chambers and at least two intermediate spaces between these end chambers, with one of the valve connections opening into each. A spool-type drive pin carrying at least two closing elements is located in the axial hole. The drive pin is guided so as to seal at its one end and is radially supported in the axial hole by radial protrusions at its other end. This drive pin has a longitudinal passage which is connected to the first chamber via radial holes at its one end and to the second chamber via its opening provided on the related end of the drive pin at its other end. The closing elements are partially elastically flexible and interact with the seat elements.

Abstract: An electrically operated, two-stage hydraulic spool valve comprising a maid stage (2) having a main spool (4), centering springs (9) acting on the main spool, a pilot stage (1) having a pilot spool (12), and two solenoids (39) acting on respective ends of the pilot spool to control the operating position of the latter the solenoid being opposed by return springs (18) also acting on respective ends of the pilot spool, the pilot stage comprising tank port means (23,24), supply port means (26), and two service ports (27,28), and the pilot spool comprising two portions (13,14), a spring (15) interposed between the two portions and operable to urge the two portions apart in a direction axially of the pilot spool so that on de-energization of the solenoids, the portions of the pilot spool separate under the action of the spring to provide an interconnection between the pilot service ports and the tank port means.

Abstract: A water hammer arrester comprises a cylindrical body housing a piston for free sliding reciprocal movement and a connector for connection to a water conduit system which carries water under pressure. An abutment-bumper combination is interposed between piston and connector to avoid the ping which would be produced is these two elements of the assembly were to collide during reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: A polymeric pipe lining composition consisting of 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride, 0.5 to 3.5 parts of stabilizer, 5 to 30 parts of plasticizer, 0.4 to 2.0 parts of internal lubricant or wax, and 0.4 to 2.0 parts of external lubricant or wax. The composition is especially useful for in situ lining of sewers.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant helical corrugated pipe comprises a helical corrugated pipe wall formed by a top portion, opposite side wall portions and a bottom portion; a wide metal belt plate of a thin metal plate disposed at least at the top portion and the opposite side wall portions; and a small width metal belt plate being separate from the wide metal belt plate and disposed at the top portion of the pipe wall in overlapping relation to the wide metal belt plate in the direction of the thickness of the pipe wall. The two metal belt plates are integrally connected together at an overlap portion by a synthetic resin material or a rubber material.

Abstract: A conduit for transporting an oil and water mixture wherein the conduit has an inner surface is substantially hydrophilic and oleophobic. The surface is characterized by a water absorption capacity of greater than or equal to about 8% by weight, and by a contact angle with the oil of greater than or equal to about 120.degree.. The inner surface material may be a silica containing concrete composition or a polymeric coating composition. A conduit having such an inner surface is wetted by water so as to inhibit adhesion of oil to the conduit.