Abstract: A traditional sling shot is provided with a sighting mechanism on its upper elastic strap, typically a plurality of marks spaced apart along the strap in a vertical array of horizontal rises, colorations, or channels on a strap alignment side opposite the sling shot handle when the strap is loaded and stretched back into firing position with the handle horizontal and the strap generally vertical. The marks are calibrated to represent respective distances a shot of known size and weight will travel when a respective mark is aligned between the user and a target. The rise may comprise a ring, such as an elastic ring, around the strap biased to remain in a selective position on the strap but adjustable by sliding or rolling the ring along the strap to a preferred position.

Abstract: The present invention is a high speed cutting belt for cutting aggregate and non-aggregate, natural stone and composite building materials with steel or non-steel reinforced materials. The cutting belt comprises a tensile member base, a plurality of cutting segments welded to metal carriers and crimped to the tensile member base, and molded in urethane to form a continuous, flexible belt, said belt having less than 90.degree. "V" shaped inner bottom side surfaces and a flat, outer top and inner bottom surface.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide a method of producing slices, such as semiconductor wafers, from a rod-like ingot, which does not require any cutting margin for slicing so that less material is consumed, and also is free from warping or denatured layer of the slices, as well as being free from operating environment deterioration with high quality. A cylindrical ingot is obtained by cutting or grinding the outer periphery of a rod-like ingot, and it is then formed with a plurality of annular grooves at a predetermined pitch in its longitudinal direction to obtain a cylindrical work with annular grooves. The work is then severed in the section defined by the bottom of each annular groove by generating a stress in excess of the rupture strength of the slice in the groove.After the heating of the cylindrical work with annular grooves, the under-process end face of the work is suitably cooled quickly by cooling water jet from a jet nozzle from the outer periphery toward the center of the work.

Abstract: Device for closing and automatically opening a cover of a cooking instrument, such as a grill and griddle, which includes a timing unit to determine the time for which the cooking instrument will function. The device includes an electromagnet for keeping the cover in closed and one or more springs for actuating opening of the cover, i.e., the springs are biased to open the cover. In operation, the closing position of the cover is detected, e.g., by a microswitch, and the electromagnet is activated in order to keep the cover closed. The electromagnet is controlled by the timing unit such that, when the cover is closed, the electromagnet is activated and the cover remains closed, and the electromagnet is deactivated after the time preset by the timing unit so that the cover is automatically opened through the bias of the springs.

Abstract: An oven having a ventilation system capable of providing reduced temperature, low moisture exhaust air is provided. The oven has an oven cavity defined by a partition having a through hole and enclosed by an oven door having an air inlet to accept incoming air and a separator located within the door to divide the incoming air into at least a first path and a second path. The oven has an air duct surrounding the partition having at least one inlet at the front of the oven below the door, at least one inlet at the back of the oven and an air outlet at the front of the oven above the door. Also, the oven has a ventilation system capable of providing reduced temperature exhaust air out the air outlet located at the front of the oven.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat cells, based on a specific iron oxidation chemistry and having specific physical dimensions and fill characteristics. These heat cells, which can be incorporated into disposable body wraps, provide a controlled and sustained temperature for consistent, convenient, and comfortable heat application for treating temporary or chronic pain.

Abstract: An appliance safety shield for gas-burning appliances to prevent heavier-than-air vapors from contacting a pilot light, the safety shield including a floor structure for mounting the safety shield thereon and a mounting strip mounted on the floor structure in generally fluid-tight connection therewith. The mounting strip extends circumferentially around the gas-burning appliance such that the mounting strip substantially completely surrounds the appliance. A generally flat, semi-rigid shield wall having a lower edge is mounted in the mounting strip in generally fluid-tight connection therewith such that the shield wall extends generally upright, the shield wall extending along the mounting strip such that the shield wall substantially completely surrounds the appliance. The shield wall, the mounting strip and the floor structure cooperate to restrict heavier-than-air vapor access to a gas-burning appliance whereby accidental ignition of flammable vapors is prevented.

Abstract: A gas-fired log burner for simulating natural burning of firewood wherein a gas burner component having a decorative burner face surface engages within a recess formed in an exterior surface of a decorative log component. The recess within the decorative log component receives the gas burner component such that the decorative burner face surface is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the decorative log component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizer for respiration systems, which is integrated in the breathing gas line from and to the patient via two connections. The ultrasonic atomizer is in a gas flow connection with the atomizer chamber to which an aerosol is admitted by a piezo vibrating element for the inhalation via a nonreturn valve. The arrangement bridges over the atomizer chamber for the exhalation via a second nonreturn valve by means of a second, spatially separated gas flow path.

Abstract: An inhalation device comprising means for breaking down aggregates of finely divided powdered medicament to provide medicament having a large number of particles within the respiratory range (less than 10 .mu.m). The deaggregation means comprise at least two pairs of opposing surfaces in a gas/air flow path. The first pair define an inlet to a constricted region in the air flow path, and the second pair are located at or near the outlet of the constriction. The two pairs of surfaces are oriented at different angles with respect to the axis of the air flow path. In use, medicament particles carried by the gas/air flow impact the first pair of surfaces, then enter the constricted region where the speed of the gas/air flow is increased, and then impact the second pair of surfaces. The impacts break down agglomerations of the finely divided medicament, thereby delivering to the user a greater number of particles in the respiratory range.

Abstract: In a method an apparatus for vaporizing anesthetic liquids, in which a carrier gas is passed through a vaporizer so as to be saturated with vaporized anesthetic liquid, the vaporizer has a container, partially filled with anesthetic liquid, an inlet for a carrier gas, an outlet for carrier gas saturated with anesthetic and a pressure chamber. The carrier gas is supplied to the vaporizer at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure and is bubbled through the anesthetic liquid in the container in order to become saturated with anesthetic. The flow of gas at the outlet can be regulated as needed. Exact pressure and temperature conditions can be measured and/or regulated with a pressure meter, pressure regulator, thermometer and temperature regulator in order to regulate the partial pressure of anesthetic in the container.

Abstract: A special gas dose delivery unit for respiratory equipment has a special gas flow conduit connected to a special gas source. The unit includes a supply of carrier gas for the special gas, preferably obtained by withdrawing gas from the inspiration limb of the patient breathing circuit. A valve, controllable in accordance with desired special gas dose parameters and the breathing pattern of the patient, injects the special gas into the carrier gas for provision to the outlet conduit of the special gas dose delivery unit. The outlet conduit is connected to the patient limb of the breathing circuit for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A piston ventilator is provided which advantageously monitors the positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a patient circuit for supplying breathable gas to a patient, and controls a shiftable valve element in an exhalation valve to regulate the amount of resistance during the exhalation portion of the patient's breath. The shiftable element is preferably an inflatable diaphragm which receives a pneumatic signal through a signal conduit. The pressure provided by the signal conduit is controlled by the amount of gas vented by a PEEP valve, wherein the greater the opening of the PEEP valve, the greater the amount of gas from the patient circuit is vented therethrough and consequently the less the restriction is provided in the exhalation valve.

Abstract: A strapless respiratory facial mask for attachment to the wearer's face including a mask having a central section and three edges forming a generally triangular configuration for covering and surrounding the nose of the wearer; wherein the first and second edges of the mask extend along the opposite sides of the nose of the wearer, and the third edge extends across the upper lip area of the wearer. The central section of the mask is formed of a thermoplastic material and has a first central opening formed therein for making an external connection to the mask, and having a second central opening below the first central opening and an external tubular section connected to the second central opening for making a connection to a gas supply. The mask further includes an elastic and moldable cushioning material connected to the first, second and third edges of the mask to form a peripheral sealing section for engaging the facial contours and skin of the wearer's face.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube dressing and support device unit used for holding a tracheostomy tube in place and holding a primary wound dressing, such as a sterile gauze pad, next to a tube insertion site in the front of a patient's neck. The unit includes an elastic bi-directional wrap stretchable in opposite directions along a length of the wrap. One end of the wrap includes hook fasteners for engaging an opposite end of the wrap and holding it in place around the neck. The wrap includes a window opening with a pair of hook fastener strips attached to opposite sides of the window opening and on an outside of the wrap. The hook fastener strips are used for releasable receipt through flange openings in opposite sides of a tracheostomy tube flange. When the hook fastener strips are threaded through the flange openings, the strips are secured to loop fastener landing pads thus holding the tracheostomy tube firmly in place.

Abstract: An external ocular protective device that has eye shields of non-reflective stainless steel or titanium joined together by an adjustable spring-type nose piece and held tightly over the patient's eyes by use of an adjustable elastic band placed around and behind the patient's head. The members that connect the eye shields and also provide for holding the shields in place around the patient's head are preferably very thin flexible wires that extend away from the patient's head to allow the surgeon to work any of the areas of the face without interference.

Abstract: A vibratory wrist support for use with a computer keyboard. The vibratory wrist support has a substantially cylindrical outer surface. The vibratory wrist support contains a vibratory mechanism that is capable of imparting a vibratory action to the surface of the vibratory wrist support.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of a unitary piece of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of pairs of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to encompass the body part. The therapeutic garment adapted for the leg in combination with an ankle-foot wrap for applying therapeutic compression to the leg, ankle and foot. A method for treating disorders requiring compressive therapy involving the step of applying the garments of the invention to the indicated body part.

Abstract: Method for treating a medical condition in a human patient comprising choosing a psychological strategy for treating the medical condition, encoding electronic instructions for an interactive video game in such a way that the interactive video game implements the psychological strategy, loading the electronic instructions into a microprocessor-based unit (10, 30) equipped with a display (14, 34) for displaying the interactive video game and with an patient input device (16, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e) for receiving responses to the interactive video game from the human patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the microprocessor-based unit (10) to play the interactive video game. The interactive video game contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the human patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-care instructions.

Abstract: A surgical method for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance to the longitudinal socket. The ends of the strand remaining accessible on either side of the bone. The ligament graft is captured within the strand loop protruding from the entrance to the socket. The strand is retracted into the socket, drawing the graft into the socket by pulling on the accessible ends of the flexible strand. The graft is fixed in the socket using a transverse implant.

Abstract: A manicure station for providing an area for performing manicures. The manicure station includes a base with a pair of pivot arms upwardly extending from the base. A stage extends between the pivot arms and a magnifying assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot arms. A pair of compartments for holding items therein are provided on the base.

Abstract: A manicure shield including a padded base for propping up the forearms of a manicure patron. A support is secured to the padded base and extends upwardly from one of its sides. A transparent book holder is secured to the support and is spaced from the padded base at a distance sufficient to allow the hands of the patron to be positioned between the padded base and the transparent book holder. A transparent panel is hingedly connected to the top of the transparent book holder to shield the faces of the patron and manicurist from debris ejected from the patron's fingernails and from airborne germs.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating hair comprises a motor, a housing engaging the housing, and a pair of combs, each comb movably engaged by the housing. A mechanism comprising two arms is engaged by the housing with each arm operably connected between one of the combs and the motor so as to force each comb to reciprocate substantially perpendicular to their longitudinal axis so as to cause the teeth of each comb to reciprocally cross back-and-forth, over and between the teeth of the other comb member. The apparatus can be used for detangling hair, removing parasites such as lice, and/or removing particles such as dandruff.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler comprising three panels connected to each other via scored hinges. There is an application tip cut into the second or middle panel that extends upward from a first end panel when the middle and first end panels are folded against each other. A single dose of a cosmetic product is deposited on the tip. A third end panel extends from the middle panel and has a hole cut therethrough. The hole directly overlies the tip when the third end panel is folded over the other two panels so the cosmetic is visible through the hole. The sampler is maintained in a folded state where the third end panel overlies the other two panels until the sampler is used. At this point, the sampler is opened and the first end panel is folded back from the middle panel to allow the user to apply cosmetic from the tip directly to their skin.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymeric flosses comprising particulate modification agents stably associated with the surface thereof, as well as methods for their fabrication, are provided. In the subject flosses, particulate modification agents are either adsorbed to the surface of the floss or embedded in the surface of the floss. To fabricate the subject flosses, unmodified elastomeric flosses are contacted with particulate modification agents under conditions which provide for the stable association of the particles with the floss surface, where the floss surface may be softened to promote embedding of the particulate modification agents in the surface of the floss.

Abstract: A water system for a fruit washer has a low pressure pre-rinse section for removal of heavy debris and a high pressure wash section to remove organic material. Water is collected from the high pressure section. A filter removes the organic material from the collected water. The filtered water is stored and includes a reservoir and a make-up water supply line for receiving water from a make-up water supply to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. A first low pressure pump is connected to draw collected water from the reservoir. A portion of the output from the first pump is directed to the pre-rinse section. A second high pressure pump receives the other portion of the output from the first pump and directs filtered water to the high pressure section.

Abstract: An animal umbrella that is adaptable to a conventional animal harness and collar. The animal umbrella includes a saddle, saddle attaching apparatus, a vertical shank, vertical shank attaching apparatus, and a foldable canopy. The saddle is detachably mounted to the conventional animal harness and is pivotally mounted to the conventional animal collar. The saddle has a lower surface. The saddle attaching apparatus detachably mounts the saddle to the conventional animal harness. The vertical shank has a proximal end with a cross section and a distal end with a cross section. The vertical shank is detachably mounted to the saddle at the proximal end of the vertical shank. The vertical shank attaching apparatus detachably mounts the vertical shank to the saddle. And, the foldable canopy is mounted to the distal end of the vertical shank.

Abstract: An umbrella holder is provided which permits the user to be protected by an umbrella while permitting the user's hands to remain free. The holder includes a waist belt and shoulder strap. Means for securing the umbrella handle to the waist belt and the umbrella shaft to the shoulder strap are provided. The belt and strap are adjustable and permit the umbrella shaft to be secured to the user's chest without impinging on a breast of the user and permitting the belt to be raised or lowered with respect to the user's waist thus enabling umbrellas having different shaft lengths to be accommodated as well as users having different waist to shoulder dimensions.

Abstract: A detachable tee-top includes a framework having base portions fastened to two opposed sides of a center console of a boat and consisting of elongated tubes having fasteners fastened to the center console by threaded fasteners. The framework includes a further elongated tube for each of the elongated tubes making up the base portions with each of the further elongated tubes being sized to be slidably receivable within the upwardly facing opening of a respective one of the base portion elongated tubes. Thus, the further elongated tubes or pipes may easily be removed from the base portion elongated tubes when it is desired to remove the detachable tee-top from the associated vessel. The tee-top also includes a horizontally oriented support frame for a cover. Flexible straps attached to this support frame are stretched downwardly and attached to the base portions of the device to support the frame in high wind conditions. The framework is disclosed in two alternative configurations of elongated tubes.

Abstract: A canopy structure, kit and method permits a user to custom configure a canopy shelter is almost unlimited curvilinear shapes. To accomplish this, a flexible sheet that is elastic in at least one, but preferably two dimensions may be secured over an area to be sheltered. Anchors connect the sheet either directly to the surface, such as the ground, or to an object, such as a tree or building, secured to the surface. A support pole is interposed between the surface and the sheet; and this support pole is sufficiently long to deform the sheet in the direction(s) of elasticity and thus exert a compression force on the pole. A plurality of support poles of varying lengths may be formed from identical pole sections, and base plates and dome elements may be used on the poles. The anchors are formed to engage the edge margin of the sheet at random locations, and these anchors, or alternative clasps, may engage the central portion of the sheet so that even greater design flexibility is possible.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter having particular use as a hunting blind. The shelter includes a plurality of generally C-shaped frame members and the upper ends of the frame members are connected to an upper connecting plate, while the lower portions of the frame members are connected to a lower connecting plate. A flexible cover is attached to the frame members and provides an enclosure. The frame members can be pivoted between a folded condition, where the frame members are in generally parallel relation, to an extended condition where the frame members extend radially from the connecting plates. The cover is provided with an access slit which extends the full height of the cover and can be closed through a fastener such as a zipper. An auxiliary panel can be connected to the side portion of the cover on either side of the slit. The panel extends outwardly from the cover and can be held in an outwardly bowed position by a ground stake.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling gas flow is provided and includes a block having a plurality of distribution channels, and an inlet receiving gas from a source, a plurality of solenoid valves each communicating with the inlet and one of the flow control meters, a plurality of flow control meters each communicating with one of the channels. An opening is formed through the block and is in communication with and transverse to the distribution channels. A spool may be received within the transverse opening to group the channels to provide discrete stepped control of the flow to the outlet. The apparatus is contained in a compact control panel housing which may be mounted adjacent the gassing operation.

Abstract: A system minimizes fluid damage proximate an appliance that uses fluid in its operational cycle, and has an input from a fluid supply. At least one electrically operated valve is connected to the fluid supply and is actuated to the open position when the operational cycle is initiated. A controller provides an electrical signal to actuate the valve to the closed position upon the termination of a predetermined time or the receipt of an indicia signal indicating that the requirement for fluid for the operational cycle has terminated. Further, fluid sensing structure adjacent the appliance has an output connected to the controller to signal the presence of fluid, in response to which the controller sends an electrical signal to close the electrically operated valve.

Abstract: A system for turning off the flow of natural gas into a structure is used where the control is used on the exterior of the structure. The control is operated pneumatically and is connected by an air flow conduit to a valve that is located on a natural gas feed line in the interior of a structure.

Abstract: A safety pressure relief valve assembly is provided wherein the safety pressure relief valve assembly has a first tubular body with a first end and a second end, a wall of given thickness with a bore through the body with an internal flange and a valve support in the bore, a means on the first end of the body for attaching the body to the venting system of a fuel tank, a valve seat in the internal flange, a valve member adapted for resting on the seat and having a stem extending from one side of the valve member, a biasing means for biasing the valve member against the valve seat in a direction toward the first end, a discharge means in the second end having an enclosing flange for the second end, a second tubular body of larger internal diameter than the external diameter of the first tubular body with one of the open ends of the second tubular body affixed to the enclosing flange wherein the enclosing flange and second tubular body comprise means preventing the inclusion of foreign objects from entering the

Abstract: Patent of invention for pressurizing and sealing device and process for hermetic systems, provided with a gas feeding conduit (1), comprising: a tubular body (10) defining an internal chamber (13) between a first end (11) which can be tightly seated against an open external end (2) of the gas feeding conduit (1) and a second open end (12), and a pressurized gas inlet nozzle (14) opened into the internal chamber (13); an elastomeric plug (30) which can be positioned inside the tubular body (10) in such a way that it can be selectively displaced from a pressurizing condition, sealing the second end (12) of the tubular body (10) when the internal chamber (13) and the hermetic system are pressurized through the pressurized gas inlet nozzle (14), to a plugging condition, in which it is sealingly fitted and maintained in the external end (2) of the gas feeding conduit (1) after said pressurization has ended; and an impelling means (40), which is coupled to the tubular body (10) and which can be selectively activate

Abstract: An automatic pressure activated diverter valve with check valve action, made from pressure rated components, that provides flow from one or more independent flow lines to outside storage tank and back to flow line when the flow line is pressurized, without affecting unpressurized zones.

Abstract: This invention discloses a separation valve for separating immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, including container having a chamber for receiving the liquids, an outlet at the lower end of the container for outletting the liquid of higher specific gravity, a valve opening between the chamber and the outlet, and a floatable valve member within the chamber movable towards and away from the valve opening, the valve member being of a weight and volume such as to be at least partially immersed in the liquid of lower specific gravity in the chamber and to float in the liquid of higher specific gravity, and thereby to close said valve opening when the liquid of higher specific gravity within the chamber has exited therefrom via the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starting valve for progressive build-up of pressure in an installation through which pressure medium flows, comprising a housing with a first opening for coupling to a first component of the installation and a second opening for coupling to a second component of the installation, a channel connecting the two openings, a piston which is movable to and fro in the housing between a closed and an open position and has at least one first and one second pressure surface, wherein on the first pressure surface the pressure prevailing in the region of the first opening applies and on the second pressure surface the pressure prevailing in the region of the second opening applies, means for maintaining a low flow of pressure medium--while the piston is in the closed position--from one opening to the other, and a spring element which pushes the piston into the closed position. According to the invention all pressure surfaces have an action which pushes the piston into the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a means of changing gas meters without interrupting gas service. The present invention is a gas meter quick change meter bar that includes a supply pipe connected to a mount bar that attaches for support to the gas meter, a transfer valve assembly, and a temporary supply valve assembly. The transfer valve assembly is permanently mounted to the mount bar and contains a transfer valve that normally permits gas flow from the meter into a user's building. The transfer valve can be moved to a position that shuts off flow from the meter, and opens to a supply from a temporary supply tank. The transfer valve is moved by rotating a handle in the temporary supply valve assembly.

Abstract: An integral water circulation apparatus supplies instant hot water at hot water faucets remotely located from the building water heater through a convective circulation flow of hot water from the water heater It is therefore simpler in design, less expensive to install, and more reliable than the more complex prior art systems.

Abstract: An self-regulating quarter turn faucet valve is fabricated entirely of non-metal parts for use in purified and distilled water dispensing faucets. The valve has wall dimensions that are designed to withstand the torque and tensile forces generated when the valve is threaded into a faucet receptacle and has key operational components located in non-stressed areas of the valve to prevent destructive shear forces during operation. A stacked polished ceramic disc arrangement is used to shut the valve on and off through rotation of the discs relative to each other to align and misalign wing-shaped openings formed in the discs.

Abstract: A safety valve of the type that includes a sleeve (1) with a high pressure port (11) and a low pressure port (12); a valve seat (2) and a poppet (3), both slidably inserted in the sleeve and adapted to be brought together to provide a valve interface that is capable of establishing and blocking a fluid communication between the high pressure port and the low pressure port; and a spring (7) adapted to force the poppet against the valve seat, wherein a difference in force between a fluid pressurized in the high pressure port acting on a pressure receiving surface of the poppet and the spring acting against said pressurized fluid urges the poppet to open the valve interface, thereby relieving the high pressure port by a portion of the pressurized fluid admitted out thereof into the low pressure port.

Abstract: A check valve includes an outer valve body and an inner poppet valve moveable relative to the valve body and spring-biased into a closed position. The inner poppet valve has first and second stage openings. The first stage preferably has a single, relatively small through-hole into the chamber of the poppet valve, while the second stage preferably has multiple openings of a larger diameter. The first and second stage openings are spaced axially along the poppet valve, with the first stage opening being located closer to the valve head of the poppet valve than the second stage openings. In the closed position, fluid flow is blocked through both the first and second stage openings. When the cracking force of the valve is exceeded and the valve head moves away from the valve seat, fill flow occurs through the first stage opening and is restricted through the second stage openings.

Abstract: By disposing, at that position of a manifold base 2 that has a solenoid valve 3 mounted thereon that allows external operations, an electric switch 12 for interrupting the power supply to the loaded solenoid valve 3, the solenoid valve 3 can be disconnected from the power supply at the solenoid-valve installation site.

Abstract: A solenoid operated pin-within-a-sleeve three-way valve for high pressure fuel systems is provided which is capable of effectively minimizing the side loads imparted to the movable pin and sleeve elements while effectively controlling the timing and quantity of fuel injection. The three-way valve assembly includes a floating pin telescopingly received within the cavity of the movable valve member. A side load reducing device is provided for minimizing side loading on the floating pin and the movable valve member which includes a tappet reciprocally mounted in the valve housing adjacent one end of the floating pin, a biasing spring for causing the tappet to follow the pin and for causing the pin to follow the movable valve member to keep the second valve seat closed as the movable valve member is advanced toward the first position from the second position.

Abstract: A pneumatic fluid control valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet connectable to an external source of pressurized pneumatic working fluid, one or more load outlets, one or more corresponding exhaust ports, and a movable valve mechanism. The movable valve mechanism includes at least a pair of movable valve element and preferably resilient deformable connectors in a generally abutting relationship between adjacent movable valve elements for deformably transmitting coordinated motion therebetween. The deformable connector resiliently allows one of the movable elements to move and compress the connector before such coordinated motion is transmitted to the other movable element in order to minimize internal leakage.

Abstract: A louver damper device for the control of fluid flow within a conduit. The louver damper device includes one or more louvers, wherein each louver is a single-walled pivotable unit. The ends of louvers that are adjacent to one another are designed with coupling legs so that when the device is actuated into a blocking position within the conduit, the louver ends become sealingly engaged so as to form relatively small sealing chambers therebetween. Purge air may then be delivered to the sealing chambers to ensure a complete blocking of fluid movement within the conduit. The louvers adjacent to the conduit walls include end modifications similar to those provided to the intermediate louvers. Alternatively, flexible sealing hubs may be affixed to the conduit walls for engagement with modified ends of those perimeter louvers designed to sweep away any particulate residing on the flexible hubs without affect on the seal between those louvers and the interior conduit walls.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a male portion and a female portion wherein the female portion comprises: a housing, an inner body member positioned within the housing and slidable relative thereto, a relief valve positioning member, a piston residing intermediate the relief valve positioning member and the inner body member and slidable relative to the positioning member and the inner body member, and a valve. The housing includes a first port and a second port. The inner body member includes a port communicating with the first port of the housing. The relief valve positioning member includes a relief valve. The piston includes an interior, an exterior, and a passageway interconnecting the interior of the piston and the exterior of the piston. The valve slidably engages the piston and seats against the inner body member. The male portion of the coupling engages the inner body of the female portion.

Abstract: An EOT unit on a railcar is equipped with a microprocessor controlled regulating valve system to control pressure within the brake pipe. The system includes a microprocessor unit, a pressure transducer, a regulating valve device and an electropneumatic control mechanism. The microprocessor receives from the transducer an electrical signal indicative of actual brake pipe pressure and from the locomotive a brake command signal indicative of desired brake pipe pressure. The microprocessor issues electrical control signals to the mechanism when the brake command signal requires either a service brake application or an emergency brake application. The regulating valve device defines a primary passage, a branch passage, an exhaust passage, and an elongated valve bore in which a diaphragm operated piston is located above an elongated valve stem. The valve stem features two valves with the first located between the primary and exhaust passages and the second between the exhaust and branch passages.