Abstract: Fuel injection controller is provided for an engine having a purge passage for purging fuel vapor from the fuel tank into the intake passage, a purge valve which opens and closes the purge passage and a mechanism for feedback correcting a fuel injection amount based on a detected air-fuel ratio, The controller learns a feedback correction amount when the purge valve opens or closes, stores and updates a learning value according to the variation of the correction amount. When the variation of the learning value has converged to within certain region, the controller clamps the learning value, and corrects the fuel injection amount during purge based on this clamped value. Air-fuel ratio errors due to purging can therefore be rapidly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is a generally linear portable bow press which has a central turnbuckle section and a link chain section connected between two terminal cord or cable portions. Connected at the outside end of each cord or cable portion is a T-type handle which cooperates and engages with the limb groove at the end of a compound bow, the larger dimension of the T-type handle being oriented generally perpendicularly to the long line of the bow press. Between the inside end of one cord or cable portion and the central turnbuckle section is a length of link chain which adjustably connects to the turnbuckle section, permitting gross adjustment of the length of the bow press. The central turnbuckle section permits fine adjustment of the press, cooperating with the link chain section to allow the archer to exert an inward force on the bow press, and cause a flex in the bow while locking the bow against its reflex action.

Abstract: An elongate positioning leg is secured to a mounting block, that in turn is secured to a bow handle portion in adjacency to the grip, whereupon a bowstring withdrawn relative to the associated bow may be temporarily positioned onto a free end portion of the positioning leg, that includes an entrance slot directed into a cylindrical nesting bore to receive the bowstring permitting subsequent removal of the bowstring and mounting of an arrow thereon.

Abstract: A portable and nestable grill having two generally conical shaped sections forming inverted conical housings removably joined together at the smaller ends forming a midsection or waist of reduced diameter. The upper conical shaped housing defines an upper grilling section for supporting a cooking grate near the upper end and a means for supporting charcoal or other solid fuel at the lower end of the upper housing forming the waist section. The lower conical shaped housing defines a charcoal starter/ash catcher base section. A plurality of apertures are sized, shaped, and positioned to provide sufficient draft to create a venturi effect at the position of the fuel support means to provide fast pre-ignition of the solid charcoal fuel and superior convective heat transfer for cooking. The upper housing may be detached from the lower housing and the lower housing inverted and nested within the larger upper housing for transporting and storage.

Abstract: A cooking hob comprising at least one gas burner 17, 18, 19 disposed beneath a glass top 25, said burner including a heat resistant rod 46 extending across at least part of the burner 17, 18, 19 and a thermocouple element 47 connected to the rod 46 for sensing the temperature of the glass 25 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A portable gas range with a folding tripod. The portable gas range includes a bracket mounted on the gas range housing and rotatably supporting the inner ends of the pair of rotatable tripod members hinged to opposed sides of the bracket by hinge pins. This bracket has a pair of arcuate guide slits centering about the hinge pins. The guide pins are fixedly mounted on the inner ends of the rotatable tripod members and received in the arcuate guide slits. The moving plate is placed on the bracket such that it is linearly moved on the bracket. This moving plate mounts the rear tripod member on its rear end and is provided with a pair of longitudinal openings for receiving the guide pins penetrating the arcuate guide slits. The tripod folding lever has a push handle at an end thereof projecting out of the range housing. The other end of the tripod folding lever is connected to the moving plate, thus to linearly move the moving plate when the push handle is pushed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical instrument. Specifically, a surgical instrument is disclosed which dispenses incising, transecting, or tissue treating energy to a body site or part undergoing an operation or treatment where energy is discharged from a conduit to effect the treatment. The disclosed instrument is inserted to an operative site that effectively rules out proximal manipulation of the instrument. Therefore, proximal insertion with subsequent distal manipulation excluding proximal side-to-side or up and down manipulation is disclosed. The disclosure further includes a deployable shield and is ideal for operative engagement to surgical sites on the body such as the carpal tunnel, tarsal tunnel, the wrist, temporomandibular joint, or scar tissue capsules forming around implants of the breast.

Abstract: An improvement for laryngoscope blades is disclosed, for expanding the field of view beyond that directly visible to a person performing intubation. A small endoscope is provided, slidably attached to the blade, and includes an eyepiece near the laryngoscope handle and a front lens near the blade tip. The endoscope is adapted to expose for remote viewing through the eyepiece an additional field of view generally above and beyond the blade tip. The endoscope is slidably attached to the blade so that the endoscope can be advanced and retracted when and as required to assist intubation.

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting an organ to gain access to treat a tissue. The apparatus has a main envelope, a second envelope, a first inflation device and a second inflation device. The main envelope encloses a main chamber, and includes a window and a removable window. The second envelope covers substantially all the main envelope, except the window and the removable window. The second envelope and the main envelope enclose a second chamber outside the main chamber. The first inflation device passes a fluid into the main chamber to expand the main chamber and the second chamber from a compacted state to retract the organ. The second inflation device passes a fluid into the second chamber to further expand the second chamber to maintain the organ in its retracted state after fluid has been released from the main chamber.

Abstract: Pressure limiting valve for being inserted into ventilation gas apparatus which valve includes a first vent for venting ventilation gas present in the apparatus above a first pressure to provide pressurized ventilation gas delivered to a person with a peak inspiratory pressure during periods of inspiration substantially equal to the first pressure, and including a second vent for venting accumulating pressurized ventilation gas present in the apparatus from increasing above a second pressure less than the first pressure to establish a base line pressure for the pressurized breathing gas to which the person is exposed during periods between periods of inspiration.

Abstract: A nose plug structure incorporating a filter is provided. The nose plug is integrally formed with a connecting piece and a pair of hollow columns formed on opposing sides of the connecting piece. In the middle of the connecting piece, a soft cover piece is positioned which can cover the exits of exhalation passages formed in each hollow column. An inner net, filter material, and a stop piece are arranged in order in each hollow column. An exhalation passage is formed in each column and leads to the exit located at the back of the connecting piece. When the plug is inserted in the nasal cavity, the inhaled air is cleaned as it passes through the stop piece, filter material and inner net. The exhaled air exhausts through the exhalation passages formed in the hollow columns, forcing the cover piece open.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor apparatus which is sealed against liquid penetration during its formation by overmolding, and methods for overmolding. The pulse oximeter sensor apparatus disclosed comprises a preform first section, oximeter sensor components, and an overmolded second section bonded to the preform first section during the overmolding process to form a liquid resistant seal comprising a mechanical bond of overlapping elements.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for the determination of medical, electro-chemical measured values relevant to organic or metabolic functions comprises a sensor head, a coupling, to which the sensor head is exchangeably secured, and a microprocessor-controlled base instrument, which is provided with a central control unit, with a data detection and evaluation unit to detect and convert the measuring signals forwarded by the coupling in accordance with an in each case associated calibrating regulation, with a display to display the measured values and with a keyboard to enter measuring-relevant data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasively sensing parameters associated with the health of a fetus, the health of the placenta and the mother. The device includes a probe for inserting the sensor within the uterus of the mother, and the probe includes a flexible distal end portion having an independent inclination to assume an outward spiral curvature relative to the fetus. The probe has a transversely concave shaped channel to receive sensor cabling and control wires. The sensors can measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, chemical parameters, electroencephalogram activity and other useful parameters. The probe may also be used to infuse or remove fluid in the uterus.

Abstract: A plunge electrode for recording multiple intra-myocardial monophasic action potentials comprises an elongated hollow body with a sharp closed head and an open end and two rows of conductive electrodes provided on opposite sides of the body. One of the electrodes are soldered electrodes and the others are moveable electrodes. The plunge also comprises an adjusting device for adjusting the moveable electrodes between a first position where the moveable electrodes are protruded out of the wall of the body and a second position where the moveable electrode are retracted within the body. Two bundles of conductive wires are respectively connected to said electrodes for transmission of recorded signals.

Abstract: A flexible elongate strip assembly comprising at least one strip having a length and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrode structures carried by the strip. Each electrode structure is formed with a layer of an insulating material having substantially planar spaced-apart parallel outer and inner surfaces. Each layer of an insulating material is provided with a layer of a conductive material adhered to the inner surface and an opening extending between the outer and inner surfaces to expose at least a portion of the layer of a conductive material on the outer surface. A plurality of spaced-apart generally parallel traces are carried by the strip and extend longitudinally along the length thereof. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the traces to the layers of a conductive material. The exposed portion of the layer of a conductive material serves as a conductive surface for the electrode structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, in which an ultrasonic image of a diagnostic region of an object having flows of blood is formed, utilizes a Doppler shift for calculating a blood flow amount. For example, first, a plurality of ultrasonic beams are trasnmitted for the diagnostic region and echo signals of the beams are received for forming the ultrasonic image and obtaining Doppler shifts. A measuring line intersecting the flows of blood is delineated on the ultrasonic image. The measuring line orthogonal with the blood flows is preferred. For example, Doppler shift frequancies of the blood flows at measuring points designated on the measuring line are inferred on the basis of the echo signals of Doppler shift already obtaind and memorized. The measuring points are imaginary points in such a case. Using the Doppler shift frequencies of the blood flows, a total amount of blood flows is calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining an ultrasonic image of a patient with ultrasonic color Doppler modality with microparticulate ultrasonic contrast agents in regions where the ultrasonic contrast agents are essentially motionless.

Abstract: A system for externally locating the depth and orientation of a catheter in tissue with an external probe which generates a virtual rotating magnetic field. The catheter includes an inductive coil for developing an induced signal in response to the virtual rotating magnetic field. An indicating device such as a light bar display or digital readout indicates the strength of the induced signal for locating, independently of the relative angular orientation of the probe and the catheter, the depth in the tissue of the catheter.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic approach to the problem of distinguishing cerebrospinal fluid, gray and white matter pixels in magnetic resonance images of the brain. An unsupervised fuzzy clustering procedure based on a variant of the fuzzy c-means algorithm computes automatically, with virtually no operator intervention, the percentage area of each of these three compartments in each image. Each volume element represented in the image can belong to all compartments in varying degrees. The procedure requires input of the number of different compartments in the image, as well as a parameter which determines the amount of overlap of compartment boundaries. Preliminary data processing involves noise removal from images by highpass filtering. The final solution is substantially independent of required initial estimates of the gray scale values that are most representative of the white, gray and cerebrospinal fluid compartments in the image. The method is useful in the diagnosis of hydrocephalus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system for guiding a user in the placement of an interventional medical device within the body includes a vibrating element which transmits vibratory mechanical oscillation at a predetermined frequency of vibration to the interventional medical device. The medical device oscillates in accordance with the vibratory oscillation so that the interventional medical device completes an oscillation during each vibratory period. An imaging transducer sequentially transmits ultrasonic waves down a selected image line into the imaging region in pulses which are separated by a time interval determined as a function of the vibratory period so that they coincide with maximum displacement of a given point on the interventional device. Return signals received after each pulse are processed to eliminate static and non-static tissue components so that a bright image of the vibrating element is obtained.

Abstract: A fiberoptic fluid pressure transducer system involving a thin flat diaphragm, fiberoptic elements, a tubular member having an opening of fixed dimensions on the side thereof, an L-shaped cantilevered beam and a remotely located electronic control unit. The cantilevered beam has one leg horizontally attached to a recessed ledge surrounding the opening such that a vertical leg extending from the horizontal leg, including a light reflector, extends into the opening. A diaphragm covers the opening and makes physical contact with the horizontal leg of the L-shaped beam. Pressure applied to the diaphragm flexes the horizontal leg of the beam which, in turn, causes a spatial displacement of the vertical leg with respect to the fiberoptic elements. The resulting change in reception of the reflected light is proportional to the pressure applied to the diaphragm or membrane. The sensitivity of the transducer can be altered and the system can have two or more levels of sensitivity over a range of pressure measurements.

Abstract: Using an improved noninvasive blood pressure measuring apparatus, dynamic parameters (like stretching and contracting velocity, acceleration, force, power and energy) of human arterial wall motion against both the lowering and increasing pressure of an occlusive cuff are detected. They can be displayed along with other physiological signals like aortic pressure AP and ECG taken from other instruments through a data receiving unit. Then this apparatus with ECG makes it possible to noninvasively detect some abnormalities between the mechanical and electrical cardiac cycle on heart function. The apparatus also detects systolic (SYS) and diastolic (DIA) pressure while increasing the cuff pressure. The apparatus can also examine a non-local information on blood circulation by simultaneously using a second occlusive cuff.

Abstract: An external diagnostic/programming device is disclosed which includes means for both displaying intracardiac electrical signals sensed and telemetered from an implantable pacemaker in real-time, and for storing the intracardiac electrical signals for subsequent retrieval and analysis. The subsequent analysis selectively includes processing means for processing the signals off-line (i.e., not in real-time), using various signal processing strategies, such as digital filtering and frequency domain spectral analysis. The off-line signals may also be recursively processed in order to enhance the detection of a particular physiologic phenomena manifested by, but not readily discerned within, the unprocessed real-time signals.

Abstract: A portable type clinical examination device using expiratory air of a patient as a sample and measuring with high accuracy and rapidity concentration of trace amounts of aimed gas components contained in the expiratory air. The clinical examination device feeds an expiratory air sample provided by a patient, fed through an expiratory air sucking portion and separated in a column to a detector which detects trace amounts of aimed gas components contained in the expiratory air sample by ionizing the aimed gas components through application of ultraviolet or radiation, so that output signals from the detector are processed and concentration of the aimed gas components is computed by use of a previously memorized working curve to provide a clinical examination data which is output on a recording device or the like.

Abstract: A reusable medical device for performing an operation on a body. The device includes a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity is adapted to be inserted into the body for performing the operation therein and the proximal extremity is adapted to be disposed outside the body. At least one sensor for sensing a parameter relating to each use of the medical device and generating an electrical signal with respect to each use is provided. At least one memory device is carried by the proximal extremity for recording information relating to the use of the medical device to aid in determining whether the medical device is within warranty.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, for taking a biopsy sample, having a needle attached to a syringe, with an opening in the side of the needle, which can be selectively covered by a cannula slidably mounted over the needle. The cannula can be locked into place on the needle, and the plunger of the syringe can be spring loaded to draw a sample into the syringe upon release of a latch. A method is also disclosed for taking a biopsy sample by sliding a cannula over a needle, inserting the cannula and needle into the tissue to be sampled, partially withdrawing the cannula from the needle to expose a lateral opening in the needle, maneuvering a sample of the tissue into the opening, cutting the sample from the tissue, and drawing the sample out through the needle.

Abstract: The method of measuring pH of vaginal moisture, which includes providing a pH indication, color comparison measurement, and swabbing structure on a carrier stick; manipulating the stick between its opposite ends, to obtain pH indication of vaginal moisture at one end of the stick; visually interpreting that indication to also obtain pH measurement of such moisture near that one end of the stick; again manipulating the stick between its opposite ends, including endwise reversing it, to swab the vaginal cavity in the area from which pH indication was obtained; and disposing of the stick, whereby disposition of the pH indication, measurement and swabbing structure is thereby obtained in one disposal step.

Abstract: A monitoring unit is mounted atop headgear fitted with a proportional level sensor which detects head inclination in the saggital plane. A battery powered microcontroller, interfaced with the level sensor, monitors the head tilt and provides a sonic indication whenever the tilt exceeds preset limits to the front or rear. The use of a proportional level sensor of the capacitive/fluid type enables the microcontroller to be configured to allow the user to preset different tilt limits, and to select different modes, for example beginning or advanced training, sitting, standing or exercising body positions, and to set up a designated training session duration, timed by sonic indication, during which the number and direction of head tilt deviations detected may be counted. Such statistical data may be displayed to the user on an LCD display.

Abstract: A contraceptive device having a condom that has a configuration of an elongated tube having an open end and a closed end. A sheath surrounds at least a portion of the tubular condom. The sheath has an attachment end and a distal end. The attachment end of the sheath is attached to the condom at a first point. The distal end of sheath is located at a second point spaced from the first point. An elastic ring is secured to the distal end of the sheath. The sheath is unattached to the condom between the points such that the elastic ring is free to move back and forth between the points.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an eye mask with a soft, comfortable frame assembly which makes it particularly well-suited for use in surgical, dental and healthcare related applications. In a preferred embodiment the eye mask has separated lenses attached to an elastic nonwoven frame to provide an adjustable fit for a wide variety of facial contours and eye spacings. The lenses may be provided with anti-glare and anti-fog treatments to maintain visual clarity during use. The frame may be breathable and treated to have specific areas of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity so as to absorb perspiration and resist penetration of fluids splashed or sprayed onto the face during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A combination pediatric restraint and cushion for a dental patient. The restraint is made of cloth with an adhesive backing, and has a plurality of flaps with hook and loop fasteners, a plurality of straps, and a headpiece. The cushion is encased in a pillowcase which has an adhesive backing and has flaps with hook and loop fasteners, and has an arcuate indentation at its top end.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for locating a medical tube within the body of a patient. The medical tube is located by a detection apparatus which senses the static magnetic field strength gradient generated by a magnet associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. The detection apparatus is moved about the body of the patient until the greatest gradient magnitude is indicated. The detection apparatus distinguishes the field strength of the magnet associated with the medical tube from the earth's field strength by sensing the magnet's field strength at two different distances from the magnet.

Abstract: A filter tipped cigarette making machine and method in which spaced apart generally cylindrical components are supplied to flutes in processing drums. Gaps between the components are partially closed in a motion limiting spreader drum.

Abstract: A rotary tobacco treatment cylinder includes an elongate hollow cylinder arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis and disposed substantially horizontally or inclined by a small angle to the horizontal, a series of elongate paddles extending longitudinally within the cylinder and extending generally towards the longitudinal axis from the inside surface of the cylinder, the paddles serving to convey material to be treated from a lower position within the conveyor and around one side to an upper discharge position. Each of the paddies has a proximal portion extending at a first angle being a right angle to the tangent at the root of the proximal portion or an angle less than a right angle at the loaded side of the paddle, and a distal portion which is inclined to the proximal portion at a second angle, which is less than the first angle, to form a tip. A major part of the tip considered longitudinally is of a length (viewed axially of the cylinder) less than half the length of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A control system for a high-speed rotary washer spraying system designed particularly for plastic returnable bottles automatically regulates each process of the wash spraying system, namely, sequentially feeding bottles from an infeed conveyor means, inverting them by a worm/inverter means, receiving and simultaneously rotating each bottle in an inverted position through a plurality of washing, neutralizing and sanitizing treatment zones, and inverting each bottle to its original neck-up orientation for further processing. During the entire process, a programmable logic controller maintains, manages, and controls all pumps, valves, solenoids, and drive motor speeds as required by the process, and also provides for monitoring and adjusting fluid levels, alkalinity/acidity concentrations, and temperatures of the wash and neutralizing solutions.

Abstract: The specification discloses an extrusion billet quenching system which directs a continuous circular curtain of water onto a billet to be quenched. The water delivery system is a spray ring defining a continuous opening about its entire circumference. The opening is defined by a pair of plates. Push and pull screws enable the width of the opening to be carefully adjusted. A reciprocating billet pusher assembly includes opposite cantilevered heads for pushing billets through the ring in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: A telescopic umbrella case which possesses water-collecting function and light-reflecting effect for enhancing the safety of a user when walking at night. The umbrella case is composed of an innermost top sleeve member and several subsidiary sleeve members which are telescopically assembled and able to be extended into an elongated state for entirely covering an umbrella. A resilient water-draining valve is disposed at a top end of the first sleeve member. The water-draining valve includes a valve rod and a valve body. The valve rod is pressable against the ground to push the valve body away from a water-draining hole of the top sleeve member, permitting the rain water collected therein to flow through the water-draining hole down onto the ground.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for contiguous valve control. This involves the inputting of data for each of a series of valves then comparing that digital valve activation data in a one and one correspondence to the digital valve activation data that was inputted to that same series of valves in the previous machine cycle. If a particular valve was turned on in the previous machine cycle, then this valve will not be applied with voltage for a percentage of the valve's machine cycle time.

Abstract: To measure flow rates, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is changed by inserting a multiple position gate into the flow path and altering the position of the gate to maintain the head of liquid constant with a reduced flow cross section. The position of the multiple position gate is correlated with the depth as measured with a bubbler to provide an indication of flow rate. To purge the bubbler line, a purge tank is located near the bubbler line. At timed periods or as manually initiated the controller causes an increase in pressure in accumulator portion of the purge tank. When a predetermined pressure is reached, a purge valve in the purge tank opens, rapidly allowing a burst of air at a substantial pressure and velocity to flow through the bubbler line to remove any material adhering to the bubbler outlet port.

Abstract: The hose cart (20) of the present invention is of a shape and design allowing preassembly thereby eliminating the need for instruction manuals and associated product packaging necessary of hose carts that are sold in an unassembled state. The hose cart employs a single unitary frame (22) for support of a flexible garden hose to be wound into a coil of multiple layers by use of a directional stress relieving hose reel spool (26). Reel flanges (110, 112) are oblong shaped for holding of the hose within the formed spool yet providing the nesting ability for assembled carts. A handle (24) is foldable for storage with locks (70) concealed within the base of the handle (24). Syringe type (154) hub attachments are further disclosed for removal and maintenance of the water seals without tools.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for reducing sheet resistance in the fabrication of semiconductor wafers. A silicon substrate having a gate oxide layer thereon is provided in a chamber. Subsequently, a polysilicon layer is formed superjacent the gate oxide layer in situ by exposing the silicon substrate to a first gas comprising at least one of silane, disilane, and dichlorosilane, and radiant energy at a temperature substantially within the range of 500.degree. C. to 1250.degree. C. for at least 10 seconds. The polysilicon substrate can be doped with a material such as phosphorus, arsenic and boron for example, by exposing the polysilicon to a second gas under the stated conditions. A conductive layer comprising at least one of tungsten silicide (WSi.sub.x) and titanium silicide (TiSi.sub.x) can be formed superjacent the polysilicon by exposing the polysilicon to a third gas comprising at least one of WF.sub.6, TMAT and TiCl.sub.4.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed which provides for detection of backflow conditions. The backflow preventer assembly includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a discharge opening. A pair of independent check valves is positioned within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The check valves are mechanically and hydraulically independent from each other and each adapted to seal the inlet from the outlet during backflow conditions. A relief valve is positioned within the housing between the check valves to selectively seal the discharge opening. An alarm is coupled to the relief valve to provide a signal when the relief valve is opened indicating backflow and discharge conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shower control valve assembly which includes a casing mountable in a wall with inlets for hot and cold water. A cartridge is insertable into the casing in one of two orientations so that the hot water inlet of the cartridge can be aligned with either one of the casing inlets, depending on which one is the hot water inlet. The casing has two outlets, one for the shower and the other for the tub. There is an integral bypass which takes water from the tub outlet to the shower outlet upon activation of a diverter valve. The cartridge is of the pressure and temperature balancing type, with water of the desired temperature flowing to the tub outlet and then to the tub or shower as desired. Each water inlet in the cartridge includes a check valve which, in one position allows water to enter the cartridge, and in the other position prevents water from leaving the cartridge through the inlet.

Abstract: The tapping apparatus includes a body that receives a cutter and sleeve. The cutter and sleeve advance together to form an opening in the sidewall of a main conduit about which the body is secured. The sleeve includes external threads that grip into the conduit sidewall. Thereafter, retraction of the cutter leaves the sleeve in place to secure the tapping apparatus to the conduit and establish fluid communication therethrough. The cutter and sleeve preferably have different thread pitches so that the sleeve advances at a slightly faster rate than the cutter. This facilitates sealing engagement between the external surface of the main conduit and the body. Additionally, a one-way drive arrangement is provided between the sleeve and cutter so that once the sleeve is positioned in place, the cutter can be removed without altering the location of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid pressure variation valve for use in pressurized fluid systems situated in a pressurized fluid line, for the purpose of reducing the pressure in the fluid line when fluid is not in use, while allowing the normal high fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid system to be maintained when fluid is in use. The valve unit comprises a hollow housing where a valve is moveably situated. A diaphragm is attached to the valve. Two relief valves are disposed in the hollow housing. A first relief valve provides selective communication between the inlet and outlet of the valve housing. In the closed position, the valve defines a first chamber at the inlet of the valve body. A second chamber is defined between the outlet of the valve housing and the second relief valve. A third chamber is defined between the diaphragm and a passage connecting the second relief valve. The third chamber allows selective communication with the outlet via the second relief valve.

Abstract: A check valve has a point-to-point articulated connection between its valve stem and valve head so that the head is free to skew when unseated. The valve head is positioned within the interior of the valve body between a valve seat and the trailing end of the valve body and retracts further into the valve body when unseated by the introduction of gaseous fluid into the valve body. The leading end of the valve stem is cone-shaped, and is received within a cone-shaped recess formed in the trailing end of the valve head. A bias member urges the valve stem toward the valve head so that the vertex of the cone-shaped valve stem is in point-to-point contact with the vertex of the cone-shaped recess. When gaseous fluid is introduced into the valve body, the valve head unseats from the valve seat and is free to skew with respect to its seated orientation, but since it retracts into the valve body, the inner sidewalls of the valve body prevent excessive skewing.

Abstract: A valve for a hydraulic damper comprising a flat circular disc(s) with a central axial opening wherein the disc(s) has a spring characteristic tending to maintain the disc in a flat shape and tending to return the disc(s) to the flat shape when forces deflect the disc(s) from the flat shape, and a disc retainer having a predetermined axial length, a circular cylindrical shape, a central axial opening, axially coextensive with said axial length, a perimeter wall around an outer perimeter of the retainer, an axial wall around a perimeter of the axial opening wherein the perimeter wall has a first diameter, an annular portion inside of the perimeter wall characterized by a shape having a continuously varying curvature arcuately rotated completely around the retainer axis, wherein during a high velocity event, the disc(s) deflects against the retainer and a load between the disc(s) and the disc retainer is spread along the disc(s) surface wherein excessive localized straining of the disc(s) is prevented and where

Abstract: A weft picking system for an air jet loom is 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 placed 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 and regulates the posture of the weft yarn under the influence of air jet ejected from the nozzle and from a plurality of sub-nozzles. The rollers always 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 placed between the rollers to a second state of separating from the rollers or vice versa.

Abstract: A transfer port apparatus is provided for transferring an item through a port formed in a wall of a housing and into an interior region of the housing. The apparatus includes a door collar assembly formed to include an aperture therethrough, an arcuate groove surrounding the aperture, and threads for coupling the door collar assembly to the wall of the housing so that the aperture is in communication with the port to permit insertion of the item into the interior region of the isolation chamber. The apparatus also includes a door gasket located in the arcuate groove of the door assembly, and a door configured to be inserted into the aperture of the door collar assembly. The door has an outer peripheral surface aligned with the door gasket. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for biasing the door gasket against the outer peripheral surface of the door to retain the door in the door collar assembly and to seal the door in the door collar assembly.