Abstract: A cuff (200; 500) is put around an upper arm, and the blood flow of the upper arm is shut by a blood flow shutting bag (210; 520). A sound wave sensor (110) and a pressure sensor (120) are disposed in a rear detecting bags (230; 530) downstream of the blood flow shutting bag to detect pulse waves and Korotkoff sounds. The reference internal pressure in the cuff is controlled by an air pump and a leak valve controlled by a CPU (130; 430; 640). By monitoring the Korotkoff sounds or the pulse waves, the reference internal pressure of the cuff can be maintained at a diastolic pressure DP. A pulse wave obtained at this pressure on an upper arm is approximate to an aortic wave. This approximate aortic wave is displayed together with the Korotkoff sounds and its envelope, and an output indicative of blood circulation trouble information of the circulation system is obtained.

Abstract: A circuit for use in an implantable cardiac pacemaker for use in processing intracardiac signals and methods of processing such signals. The circuit includes a passive filter 1 has a bandwidth of 0.1 to 80 Hz approximately. An amplifier 2 with switched capacitors presents at the output a dynamics of 0.8V approximately and a gain lower than 50. An analog-to-digital converter 3 with delta modulation, which is controllably variable in step and functions at two frequencies, one of 1 kHz approximately, the other of 4 kHz approximately. The circuit may be used for both processing said signals to identify spontaneous cardiac events and to telemeter an intracardiac ECG.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for diagnosing spinal disorders. Pairs, left and right, of symmetric dermatoms of a patient are individually excited by means of electrode pairs, and the "time of flight" is determined for impulses to arrive to the cortex. Due to noisy signals, it is necessary to register a substantial number of individual waveforms, control their integrity, exclude questionable waveforms and sum those not excluded. The invention makes possible the diagnosis of spinal disorders where prior art methods have failed although the patient is in pain.

Abstract: A method and closure device for performing a routine biopsy procedure without the use of sutures or butterfly bandages. The method and closure device controls bleeding, repairs the biopsy site, reduces the likelihood of inducing excessive scarring and reduces the handling of tissue. The closure device is comprised of a circular sponge made from an absorbable foam material which swells and fills up the defect left by biopsy and an applicator for implanting the sponge into the biopsy site. The sponge is pre-cut to a diameter which approximately corresponds to the diameter of the punch which is used for excising a biopsy specimen. After the specimen is excised the sponge is implanted into the space from which the specimen was taken. A slight pressure is applied to the sponge for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to stop any excess bleeding.

Abstract: A biopsy assembly with an inner stylet having a needle end with a biopsy retrieval recess on the needle end. At the other end of the stylet is a hub for controlling the needle. A hollow outer needle with a main hub at the proximal end carries the inner needle in a sliding relationship. Releasable latch means are provided on the respective hubs to lock them in a fixed but releasable axial position which makes it possible for a physician to enter the spaced hubs in a cocked biopsy gun.

Abstract: The invention includes an exchange system, a guidewire anchoring means and a method of use for catheters exchangeable over a guidewire (55). The guidewire anchoring means restricts movement between the guidewire (55) and the anchoring means. The anchoring means comprises a shaft (35) with a longitudinal lumen (80) therethrough, the lumen (80) being in fluid communication with a balloon (25 or 30) disposed on the distal end of the shaft (35). A tubular split housing (5 or 10) surrounds the distal end of the shaft (35) and adheres to the balloon (25 or 30), the balloon (25 or 30) being sized to expand to a larger size than the inside diameter of the split housing (5 or 10). The inside diameter of the split housing (5 or 10) is sized to slidably receive a catheter, while the outside diameter of the split housing (5 or 10) is sized to slidably fit within a guide catheter (50 ).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for analyzing the human postural control system includes computing the mean square displacement of the center of pressure beneath a subject's feet vs. the time interval. The result is plotted as a stabilogram diffusion plot. The stabilogram diffusion plot, since reproducible, provides physiologically meaningful information from which an assessment of the subject's postural control system can be made. A Brownian diffusion coefficient, which is indicative of the level of stochastic activity of the center of pressure, can be calculated from the slope of the stabilogram diffusion plot. Also, from the slope of the log-log stabilogram diffusion plot, a determination can be made as to whether the system is moving closer to or away from a state of relative equilibrium. Finally, a short term open-loop postural control scheme, which operates before a long term closed-loop feedback postural control scheme activates, can be studied from the stabilogram diffusion plot.

Abstract: A disposable protective barrier formed of an elongated planar membrane comprising a strong virus impermeable film prevents the exchange of body fluids during oral sex. In one embodiment, the invention provides a protective mask that shields the facial area of the wearer, including the mouth, side face, the front of the nose, and the front and under chin, from undesirable exposure to infection carrying microorganisms, while permitting unrestricted freedom of movement of the wearer's jaw, lips, nose, and tongue. Another embodiment of the invention provides a brief that uses any of various securing means that may include variable strap size and contoured thigh placement. Materials that exhibit plastic cohesive attraction to human skin are employed to secure the mask or brief to the wearer, thereby ensuring that the garment stays in the desired position for greater protection when in use.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use by a surgeon in urological, gynecological or proctological surgical procedures or in the examination of a patient. The drape is made of a flexible visually transparent and substantially liquid impervious sheet designed to inhibit contamination to the surgeon by fluids emanating from the patient during surgical procedures. The drape includes a self-sealing aperture in the sheet, which allows access of a surgical instrument through the sheet.

Abstract: A smoking system is provided in which a replaceable cigarette containing tobacco flavor material is electrically heated by a set of electrical heater elements contained within a lighter to evolve tobacco flavors or other components in vapor or aerosol form for delivery to a smoker. The cigarette and lighter are adapted to provide air flow patterns through the smoking system such that air flows transversely into the cigarette. Such patterns improve aerosol and flavor delivery to the smoker and reduce the condensation of residual heater-region vapor/aerosol in the smoking system.

Abstract: A second-hand smoke filtering device having a hollow body; a cigarette holder disposed within the body and further having a holding chamber for the dual purpose of accepting a cigarette therein and for holding second-hand smoke; an igniter mechanism disposed within the holding chamber for lighting a cigarette when activated; and a drive mechanism coupled to the igniter mechanism for allowing the igniter mechanism to be moved forward or backward; a mouthpiece extended from the body for receiving smoke from the cigarette holder or holding chamber and transmitting second-hand smoke; a filter compartment disposed within the body for removing second-hand smoke; a valve mechanism disposed between the cigarette holder, mouthpiece, holding chamber, and filter compartment for controlling communication between the holding chamber, mouthpiece, cigarette holder, and filter compartment; and a selection mechanism coupled to the igniter mechanism, drive mechanism, and valve mechanism for allowing a user to activate and deac

Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial cigarette comprising a coaxial tobacco rod of a core and a rod periphery which contain different mixtures, the sheaths of the rod core and the rod periphery consisting of combustible material and a filter mouthpiece being provided at one end of the coaxial tobacco rod; according to the invention, the ratio of the draw resistance of the core per unit length to the packing density thereof lies in the range from about 0.13 to about 0.27 mm WC cm.sup.2 /mg whilst the ratio of the draw resistance per unit length of the rod periphery to the packing density thereof lies in the range of about 0.07 to about 0.11 mm WC cm.sup.2 /mg; the filter mouthpiece is a conventional preferably ventilated filter.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail remover and brush cleaner comprising an upper housing attached to a lower housing, and a container removably attached to the lower housing. A door is sandwiched between the upper housing and the lower housing, and is free to reciprocate, covering and uncovering access to the inside of the container as it does so. A spring urges the door into the closed position, thereby preventing evaporation of the container contents. The door may be retained in the open position by rotating a door handle rigidly attached to the door. The door perimeter incorporates brush notches whereby a brush may be immobilized to soak in the solvent in the container without deforming its bristles.

Abstract: A hair restraint comprising a band having a decorative assembly at an end, the decorative assembly including a first wire with one or more decorations strung thereon, a crimp bead on the first wire at each end of the decorations, with a loop in an end of the first wire interengaging a loop in the end of the band, with the band loop fixed in place defining a closed loop, and with said the end of the first wire threaded back into one of the crimp beads and at least some of said decorations, and a second wire wrapped around the closed loop of said band with each of the crimp beads squeezed onto the first wire. A method of making such a hair restraint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable toothbrush and toothpaste holder which mainly consists of a cylinder assembly, a lifting member with a toothbrush and toothpaste tube attached thereto and being disposed inside the inner cylinder, and a rotating seat connected to a lower end of the cylinder assembly. Wherein, the cylinder assembly further consists of an inner cylinder and a sleeve being put over the inner cylinder, and the lifting member has two opposite tenons extending into two spiral grooves formed on an inner wall of the sleeve. When the rotating seat is rotated, the inner cylinder connected thereto is caused to turn, and the lifting member inside the inner cylinder is brought to move upward along the two spiral grooves of the sleeve, and thereby, enabling the toothbrush and the toothpaste tube attached to the lifting member to extend out of the cylinder assembly for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a flosser-type tooth cleaning device comprised of a handle, a holder affixed to an end of the handle comprised of two protruding arm members positioned at least parallel to each other, and a strand of dental floss which is drawn between the arms and anchored at the distal end of each arm, wherein of these several tooth cleaning device may be non-permanently held together forming an inter-locking stack. The flossers of the present invention may be held non-permanently in a stacked configuration by way of a friction fit or a snap-lock mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing paint spray guns and associated equipment with a liquid solvent for the purpose of cleaning and removing paint therefrom after use in painting operations. The apparatus includes a cleaning chamber having solvent dispersing nozzles therein, the nozzles being structured and disposed for spraying the liquid solvent onto exterior and interior surfaces of the spray gun, paint canister and other equipment supported within the cleaning chamber for cleaning thereof. The used solvent is collected in a holding chamber having a float switch therein which activates a solenoid controlled valve upon the used solvent reaching a predetermined level, releasing the contaminated solvent into a distillation chamber for boiling. Purified vapors pass through a condenser where they are cooled to a liquid state, yielding pure solvent which is directed into a clean solvent tank. A pump circulates the purified solvent from the clean solvent holding tank to the dispersing nozzles in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: Descaling device employing water to descale blooms, thin slabs, billets, etc., which cooperates with a mould and the zone immediately downstream therefrom, or with an induction furnace or rolling mill stands, the slabs or blooms (11-24) being fed in cooperation with the descaling device at a speed of feed of the order of 1.5-20 meters per minute, but advantageously between 4 and 10 meters per minute, the device consisting of at least one movable arm (12-13) bearing nozzle means (14) delivering descaling water, the movable arm (12-13) being associated with the face of the slab or bloom (11-24) to be descaled and having a working phase, in which the descaling water acts on the surface of the slab or bloom (11-24), and a shut-off phase, in which the descaling water does not act on the surface of the slab or bloom (11-24).

Abstract: A multipurpose hand-held personal protection accessory, disguised as a compact umbrella, including an umbrella, truncheon, and electronic stunner. The compact umbrella (11) is housed within nonconductive, lightweight, impact-resistant tubing (12), which has conductive strips (13, 14, and 15) along its outer surface for the discharge of nonlethal shocks produced by a high voltage transformer (21) contained within the tubing.

Abstract: A density controlled product with controlled overrun amounts is formed a method and an apparatus whereby a fluid stream is measured with a mass flow meter in order to develop a predetermined liquid metering density control system for mixing a liquid having a variable density with an injected gas or liquid to derive a resultant liquid of a desired constant density may be obtained.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the Mall is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the ball is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: A control system for supplying a gas flow to a gas consumption apparatus, comprising a gas supply pipe which can be connected to the apparatus and which has an electrically controlled gas control valve, and an electronic control unit. The control unit comprises a mathematical module, model-related to the control valve, for adjusting the valve position, and the gas control valve has in-built sensors for gas variables and valve position, the control system adjusting the control valve in linear proportion to a desired gas-flow signal to be supplied to the control unit. The mathematical module comprises a flow submodule, a mechanical submodule and a valve-position submodule, and the flow submodule receives, at its inputs, the desired gas-flow signal and gas variables originating from the valve sensors and supplies, at its output, a signal relating to the through-flow area of the valve, to the mechanical submodule.

Abstract: In an arrangement having a plurality of solenoid valves disposed between a housing and a housing cover, the cover being attached to the housing by bolts, collar members are disposed around the bolts, and between the housing and the housing cover.

Abstract: A hose reel cart includes a vertically disposed circular planar reel mounted at a slight incline to the vertical upon a tubular wheeled cart. Tapered guide pins extending perpendicularly outwardly from one face of the reel engage an end portion of a fire hose therebetween for removably securing the hose to the reel. A hand crank provides selective rotary drive to the reel via a chain and sprocket mechanism to flatten, drain, and coil a fire hose in overlying condition upon the reel. The tubular frame includes a forwardly extending hose guide which serves to align, drain, and flatten the hose and also functions as a ground engaging prop to support the cart. The ergonometric design of the cart allows a user to coil and remove a hose from the reel without bending or stooping, and without the use of tools.

Abstract: The flush valve has in its inlet pipe of its main body a turnable knob, a hollow pipe-like filtering net provided on one side of an adjusting through hole opposite to an adjusting knob, and an elastic element and a pad provided inside the filtering net, water pressure will push away the pad and compress the elastic element to get into the filtering net for filtering out impurity in water and then get into the main body, when the valve is closed, the pad will cover the adjusting through hole by restoring force of the elastic element and the reversing water flow, the reversing hammering created by abrupt stopping of water will be absorbed by the pad, its pipe structure can thus be prevented from damage and leaking, the filtering net can be dismounted for cleansing and maintenance easily.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank having a filler neck. The apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior region, the housing being formed to include first and second inlet ports, a signal port, and an outlet port. The apparatus further comprises a first valve assembly movable between a blocking position preventing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port from flowing through the interior region during vehicle refueling and a venting position allowing fuel vapor received from the first inlet port to flow through the interior region to the outlet port during vehicle operation. A signal passageway extends between the filler neck and the signal port to expose the first valve assembly to fuel vapor pressure from the filler neck to move the first valve assembly toward its venting position during vehicle operation.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having at least one valve orifice for fluid flow therethrough, and a valve member which moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position, respectively, closing and opening said valve orifice. The valve orifice has a clearance surface forming an auxiliary valve passageway selectively enabling flow communication therethrough in an intermediate position of the valve member between said fully open and fully closed positions, and in the intermediate position the valve member partially obstructs the valve orifice so that the passageway provides attenuated fluid flow communication through the valve orifice relative to fluid flow communication in the fully open position of the valve member. A manually controlled actuator enables limited displacement of the valve member between the fully closed position and the intermediate position for the attenuated flow communication through the valve orifice.

Abstract: A valve with pressure compensation via two valve bodies (9, 10), which are arranged on a connecting rod (11 ) in the same direction, and which come to lie on the corresponding valve seats (7, 8) in the closed position in the same direction via deforming zones. The tightness between the valve bodies and the corresponding valve seats is increased, and the closing force required for sealing is reduced by deforming zones located between the upper valve body (9) and the upper valve seat (7), as well as between the lower valve body (10) and the lower valve seat (8) which are designed as pressure pieces (14, 16) yielding differently to the closing force.

Abstract: A rotary flow control valve is provided, that, despite compact design, offers excellent vibration resistance, a high response speed, and superb proportionality of a controlled flow rate to an applied current value. In a channel selector 4 in a rotary flow control valve 1, a guide valve 2 mounted in a hollow of an inner housing 6 is borne by bearings 19 and 20 so that the guide valve 2 can rotate forward or in reverse. Intra-outer housing tubes 10, 11, and 12 are formed in an outer housing 5. In the inner housing 6, communicating channels 13 to 16 are formed in fours at symmetric positions with respect to the rotation center of the guide valve 2. In a torque motor 3, permanent magnets 33 are attached to a lower armature 32 coupled with the guide valve 2 using an adhesive. The magnetic poles at both ends of the permanent magnets 33 are opposed to cylinders 43 about which coils 34 are wound.

Abstract: A sealing means and sealing valve 10 for container openings is formed from a housing 11, 12 in which a seal 13 is arranged. The seal 13 closes a gap between the housing portions 11, 12. The housing portions 11, 12 exhibit bores 14, 14' and 15 through which a fluid can flow through the housing portions 11, 12, as long as the seal 13 opens up a gap. The seal 13 exhibits a sealing bead 20, which lies across from the spring-bead 22, 23, 24.

Abstract: An invertible tubular substrate of resin-permeated fibrous material is surrounded by an impermeable tubular film which, in turn, is surrounded by an impermeable tubular calibrating element. One end of the substrate is inserted into one end of a pipe which is to be lined from the inside, and the assembly of substrate, film and calibrating element is thereupon inverted into the pipe wherein the substrate is immediately adjacent the internal surface of the pipe and surrounds the film. The calibrating element is separable from the film and can be withdrawn from the interior of the inverted film by a flexible cord. The resin in the substrate sets upon inversion and maintains the inverted substrate in contact with the internal surface of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe repair method using a shape-memory alloy that can correspond to pipes of any shape and dimension. The pipe repair method comprises the steps of applying a seal member to a damaged portion of the pipe so as to cover the damaged portion and winding a plate made from a shape-memory alloy that contracts to a memorized shape around a periphery of the pipe so as to cover the seal portion when heated.

Abstract: A control system for adjusting and/or checking the operational parameters of a weaving machine includes a control unit with a monitor, the control unit including an image memory for storing images of the site and/or type of thread breaks. The images are displayable on the monitor when a thread break occurs, and are associated by the control unit with selection keys which, when actuated, allow data concerning the site and/or the kind of thread break that occurred to be fed into the control unit.

Abstract: A device for tightening a collar clamp around an elongated member. The device includes a pair of pivoted arms having distal portions on one side of a pivot axis and, on the other side, handles resiliently urged away from each other. A pawl, pivoted perpendicularly to the arms' pivot axis and disposed in the distal portion of one arm, engages and pulls the collar tongue through an opening in the second arm when the handles are squeezed together. A third arm mounted remotely from the distal portions of the arms actuates a blade to sever the collar tongue once the collar has been tightened sufficiently.

Abstract: A packaging container of the aerosol type, which can be recharged with compressed gas, comprising an outer casing capable of being connected with a filling adaptor provided at its outer end with means for connection to a compressed gas source and connected on the inside to a filling tube whose free end opens inside the casing of the container above the level of the liquid contained in the latter.It comprises, mounted at the free end of the filling tube (7), a sealing device (9) arranged in the form of a case (10, 14) comprising a chamber (19) delimited between a lower wall (11) and an upper wall (15), the chamber communicating with the internal volume of the casing through at least one orifice (16) made in the upper wall (15), and with the filling tube (7) by orifices (12) made in the lower wall (11) outside a central part of the latter, and, inside the chamber (19), an elastic diaphragm (20) immobilized in its central part against the central part of the lower wall (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer tank security system for liquids such as beverage syrups which discourages the unauthorized filling of the transfer tank through either the pressurized gas inlet and/or the liquid outlet. This is accomplished by providing a flow restrictor in line with the pressurized gas inlet and/or the liquid outlet, which flow restrictor severely limits the rate at which a liquid can be introduced into the transfer tank through either the pressurized gas inlet and/or the liquid outlet.

Abstract: A two-stage float actuated shut-off valve for use in underground fuel storage tanks utilizes a drop tube coaxially mounted within the storage tank fill pipe. Fuel flowing into the tank is passed through the drop tube which projects downwardly into the interior of the tank to a valve housing located at the lower end of the drop tube. Floats slidably mounted in a recessed area in the housing outside of the drop tube within the tank independently operate pivoted valve doors to a closed position within the valve housing, a lower float closing one valve door to block a major portion of incoming fuel flow passage when the level of fuel in the storage tank reaches a predetermined first level and a second upper float causing the secondary valve door to overlap an aperture in the main valve door to almost completely close the flow of fuel to the tank.

Abstract: A pair of roller skis 300 each constituted by attaching elastic wheels 302 to a boot-placing plate 301 in the front thereof and at the back thereof. The elastic wheels 302 each comprises a wheel supporting means having a circular rim part on the outer periphery and a tire part mounted on the circular rim part of the wheel supporting means and being elastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the running direction of the wheel. Each elastic wheel 302 enables the running direction thereof to be simply changed with the wheel shaft kept in the same direction, and utilization of the features permits a skier to operate the roller skis with a feeling similar to that afforded by conventional snow skis.

Abstract: A vehicle drive wheel including a pneumatic tire mounted on a rim is provided with a track driven by the tire. The track comprises tire-supporting elements. At least those portions of the outer surfaces of the tire which come into contact with the inner portions of the tire-supporting elements comprise an outer rubber layer which has a high wear resistance and low-friction properties and 50-100% of the rubber is butadiene rubber. Also, an admixture of natural rubber and/or styrene-butadiene rubber can be added to the outer rubber layer in an amount of from 0 parts by weight of the admixture per part by weight of butadiene rubber to less than one part by weight of the admixture per part by weight of butadiene rubber.

Abstract: A tread for a tire having a mid-circumferential plane. The tread comprises a plurality of tread elements arranged in a circumferential array about the tire. The tread also comprises a plurality of transverse extending grooves. Each of the grooves separate a pair of circumferentially adjacent tread elements. An area moment of inertia is associated with each of the tread elements when viewed normal to the tread element. Each of the area moments of inertia have a respective pair of principle axes of inertia relative to the mid-circumferential plane. The angular orientation between any pair of principle axes of inertia of different tread elements is within a predetermined angular range of 40 degrees or less.

Abstract: A radial tire which mitigates reactions when running across protrusions to thereby avoid damage to the vehicle. The tire prevents rim touch, an indirect contact of the inner face of the tread portion with a flange of the rim or a direct contact of the tread portion with the bead portion. The tire has sidewall portions which are bulged-out to satisfy certain equations. An increase in sidewall thickness and carcass rigidity is avoided with the radial tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread rubber layer disposed radially outside a carcass, a sidewall rubber layer disposed axially outside the carcass in each sidewall portion, the sidewall rubber layer softer than the tread rubber layer, a protective rubber layer disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall rubber layer, the protective rubber layer made of a fiber-reinforced rubber composition contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of short fibrous reinforcements, 20 to 70 parts by weight of carbon black, and 100 parts by weight of rubber base consisting of 20 to 100 parts by weight of natural rubber or isoprene rubber and 80 to 0 parts by weight of butadiene rubber, the short fibrous reinforcements oriented in the tire circumferential direction.

Abstract: When polyester fiber cords having elongations under loads of 0.5 g/d and 2.25 g/d within particular ranges and a heat shrinkage (177.degree. C. 30 minutes) within a particular range are used in a carcass ply of a pneumatic radial tire, the ride comfortability, tire uniformity and tire appearance can simultaneously be improved.

Abstract: A device for detecting galling which may produce deformations during an ejection process of die castings from a die. The device includes a setting device for storing a predetermined set value, the predetermined set value including an upper limit of acceleration of an ejector plate during the ejection process and a predetermined time period during the ejection process. An accelerometer is disposed to the ejector plate for measuring the acceleration thereof during the ejection process. A computing device is provided for comparing the acceleration measured by the accelerometer with the predetermined set value and outputting a warning signal when the acceleration measured at the accelerometer exceeds the upper limit during the time period. Thus, timely detection of galling can result.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a core and a mold for manufacturing a core or a mold using self-hardening molding sand or gas-hardening molding sand, wherein the self-hardening molding sand or the gas-hardening molding sand is charged in a core pattern or a flask while applying three-dimensional jolt, and a method of manufacturing a core and a mold for manufacturing a core or a mold using self-hardening molding sand, wherein air flow is precipitated by sucking the self-hardening molding sand in a core pattern or a flask.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying solid lubricant to obtain coatings thereof on inner surfaces of an injection sleeve and a spool bushing of a die-casting machine. The die-casting machine further includes a first spraying assembly 1 having nozzles 11 and 12 directed to the injection sleeve 85 and a second spraying assembly 2 having a nozzle 21 directed to the spool bushing 86. The nozzles 11, 12 and 21 are connected to a tank 4 for the solid lubricant. The first and second spray assemblies 1 and 2 are provided with corresponding moving devices 3 and 23 for obtaining a desired movement of the nozzles 11 and 12 and 21, respectively. Nozzle cleaning devices 71 and 72 are provided for cleaning the nozzles 11 and 12 and 21, respectively after the completion of the spraying operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the production of piston castings, and, in particular, a die construction and method of use thereof are described, the die having a crown forming part (18) separable from a skirt forming part (12). In the method, when solidification of the casting occurs to an extent at least enabling the separation of the skirt forming die part therefrom to be allowed, and the die parts (20, 22) are separated, the casting is retained by the crown forming part (18) of the die. After a subsequent process step, such as the solidification of the remainder of the piston casting, and or the cooling of the piston casting by an air blast (64), the solidified piston is removed from the crown forming part of the die.

Abstract: An automatic ladling system is described for delivering a molten metal to the mold or die of a molding or casting machine. The ladling system comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) for monitoring and controlling the sequential delivery of shots of a precise quantity of molten metal from a furnace or holding pot to a shot delivery apparatus of the casting machine. In the preferred system, the PLC also monitors and/or controls the temperature of the molten metal in the holding pot, the temperature of the molten metal in a metal transfer system, the operation of a pump for pumping molten metal from the holding pot to the shot delivery apparatus, the level of molten metal in the pot, and the operation of the casting machine.

Abstract: A holder for a heat exchanger in a cardioplegia delivery system including dual couplers releasably engageable with the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchanger. A one-way shut-off valve is associated with each coupler and opened to provide communication upon mounting of the heat exchanger. The valves automatically close upon release of the heat exchanger. A release member engages both couplers and is manually retractable to simultaneously open both couplers for release of both heat exchanger fittings for instantaneous release of the heat exchanger and a closing of the associated valves.