Abstract: A double bearing reel that facilitates operating the braking and sounding mechanisms while fishing. A reel includes a reel body having a handle (2), a spool (15), a clutch mechanism (21), a frictional braking mechanism (26), a sounding mechanism (27), a switching operation mechanism (28), and a drag mechanism (42). The frictional braking mechanism is capable of braking the spool in its braking state regardless of the state of the clutch mechanism and switchable between the braking state and a non-braking state. The sounding mechanism is capable of producing sound in accordance with the rotation of the spool and switchable between an engaged state in which sound may be produced and a disengaged state in which no sound is produced.

Abstract: A fishing reel having side plates which can be attached to and detached from frames of a reel body with higher efficiency. In this fishing reel, a retaining ring is fitted into a fitting groove that is formed on a receiving portion of a left-hand side plate, whereupon the movable range of a left-hand ring member is restricted by the retaining ring that partially projects from the fitting groove. Thus, the ring member can always be supported for rotation on the receiving portion of the left-hand side plate without being disengaged from it.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive (20) employs trolleys (40) for moving magnetic tape between a tape retracted position and a tape extracted position. A trolley position sensor (104, 106) generates a trolley position signal: A processor (100) uses the trolley position signal to control a supply reel motor (30), and thereby prevent slack in tape during a retraction operation. The processor (100) uses the trolley position signal to determine a supply reel motor reference position signal, and then uses a difference between the supply reel motor reference position signal and the supply reel motor position signal to control the supply reel motor (30).

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the winding density of film rolls, a desired and an actual winding density of a film roll are determined and compared with one another. The quantity obtained from the comparison is multiplied by an adapting or damping factor &agr;, and the control output resulting therefrom is adapted to the film contact pressure and the film pull. The values thus obtained are fed as manipulated variables to a contact pressure actuator and a pull actuator for the film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding and cutting a continuously advancing yarn during a package doff in a yarn winding apparatus wherein the advancing yarn is wound on a driven bobbin tube. In this process, the yarn is guided by means of a movable yarn guide along a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the tube. Downstream of the yarn guide, a suction device is arranged, which includes a pneumatic suction inlet end and a cutter. The suction device cooperates with a transfer device, so as to cut the yarn during the package doff and receive the loose end of the advancing yarn. To facilitate a protective processing of the yarn during the package doff, during the catching, and during the winding of initial layers on a tube driven by a drive roll, the yarn guide is arranged in the path of the yarn upstream of the driven tube and the suction device downstream of the driven tube.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for storing stackable, sheet-like blanks delivered individually one after the other, in particular for packaging. The individual blanks are fed to an intermediate store which comprises a stack of the blanks, and the blanks are withdrawn from the intermediate store by a conveying device as an essentially continuously blank stream. The withdrawn blanks are then wound onto a rotationally driven winding core to form a wound roll of the blanks.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser which serves the dual role of providing paper roll support arms and a shields for the cavity in the support arms. When a paper roll is inserted into the dispenser, the edge of the roll contacts the shields pushing the shields into the cavities and when the paper roll tube bore reaches the shields, the shields become re-positioned in the bore of the paper roll by a tensioning device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for floating such apparatus in the air, such apparatus having at least one cell containing air and a fluid. The fluid in one embodiment is heated to create steam which, in turn, makes the cell lighter than the surrounding air, thereby providing lift to the apparatus.

Abstract: An aircraft assembly includes a wing, a pylon structure attached to the wing, an aft engine mount attached to the pylon structure, and an engine attached to the aft engine mount. The aft engine mount includes a pivotal attachment to the pylon structure and first and second spring beams operatively connected to the pylon structure at opposing sides of the pivotal attachment for damping pivotal movement of the engine with respect to the pylon structure to enable tuning of the natural frequency of the engine to avoid wing flutter.

Abstract: A slit curtain separating apparatus for separating a smoking area and a non-smoking area, defined in a passenger cabin of an airliner, with respect to cigarette smoke includes a curtain wall, which is suspended from the ceiling of the passenger cabin and extends along the boundary between the smoking and non-smoking areas. The curtain wall has slit curtains arranged individually over left- and right-hand aisles of the passenger cabin and a center curtain located between the aisles. The separating apparatus further includes a vent port array on the ceiling of the smoking area. The vent port array has aisle vent ports corresponding individually to the aisle and a center vent port located between the aisles. Smoke filled air in the smoking area is discharged from these vent ports.

Abstract: A remotely actuated latch mechanism for securing a cowling to an aircraft structure including a handle having a closed and an open position which is connected to a remote latch. The remote latch comprises a housing, a linkage mounted to the housing, and a strut connected to the linkage at a first end and to a keeper at a second end. The handle is connected to the linkage of the remote latch by a push/pull cable. The actuation of the handle from the closed position to the open position causes the push/pull cable to move the linkage of the remote latch such that the strut moves from a closed to an open position relative to the keeper allowing the cowling of the aircraft to then be pivoted open. The strut and the keeper are securely engaged in both the open and closed position insuring that when the latch is remotely opened and closed that the keeper is always properly engaged and that the latch properly closes.

Abstract: An aircraft door is slidable along a door path between open and closed positions. The door is guided by one or more tracks. Riders carried by the door are engaged to the tracks. Each rider includes a roller held for rotation about a roller axis which is fixed relative to the door. Each roller axis extends generally horizontally and generally transverse to the track. Each track includes a first portion extending generally parallel to the aircraft fuselage and a second portion having a continuously curving transition to the first portion and extending partially inboard from the first portion. The second portion of the track guides the door into and out of the opening in the fuselage, allowing the door to achieve a substantially flush condition when in its closed position.

Abstract: An airframe apparatus for attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The airframe apparatus includes a collapsible loading frame that is configured to have a stabilized open position and a collapsed closed position. The loading frame is constructed from a plurality of vertical struts and horizontal struts that are hingedly interconnected at corner assemblies to allow the loading frame to be collapsed. A payload hook is connected to each of the corner assemblies by a universal joint. A plurality of legs are rotatably attached to the loading frame and can be extended below the loading frame to support the payload hooks off the ground during landing of the airframe apparatus. Shock absorbing devices are operatively attached to the legs to absorb the impact of the loading frame against the ground during landing. The airframe apparatus is used as part of a cargo management system for transporting multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft.

Abstract: A spacecraft having a pair of asymmetrical side-mounted antennas that are designed to control the net angular momentum of the spacecraft over a twenty-four hour period. One of the side-mounted antennas is a dual surface antenna having a front surface that has a reflective sunshield overlay thereon and a rear surface. The rear surface of this side mounted antenna has a reflective blanket attached directly to the rear surface of the antenna that has low-&agr; properties to control the solar or radiation force acting on the spacecraft.

Abstract: A feedback system for reducing the effects of destabilizing forces in a vehicle (e.g. helicopter) by utilizing acceleration feedback data sensed by an acceleration sensor located in the vehicle. This sensed acceleration signal is passed through a low-pass filter and combined with a command signal to produce an error signal. The error signal is multiplied by a predetermined gain to produce a corrective signal that is utilized by actuators to adjust an adjustable surface, such as a swashplate, on the vehicle.

Abstract: An improvement is presented for use in aircraft that have a battery (26), a hydraulically-operated aircraft component (such as a spoiler), and a hydraulic system having a return line (R). The improvement includes a hydraulic transfer cylinder assembly (20) for moving a particular aircraft component (32) in a desired direction during an emergency situation. A preferred assembly (50) includes a housing (52) having a cartridge (62) that is mounted directly to the housing base. The housing includes a first compartment (54), a second compartment (56) fillable with a hydraulic fluid, and a piston (58) separating the first and second compartments. The second compartment has an output port (53) that is in hydraulic communication with the particular aircraft component. The cartridge (62) includes a main firing element.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting the position of a carriage moveable along a track. The mechanism includes a wheel fixed to the carriage which rotates as the carriage moves along the track. A mark is disposed on a portion of the wheel. A detector is fixed to the carriage for sensing the mark as the wheel rotates and outputs a signal in response. A carriage processor receives the signal and determines the position of the carriage along the track.

Abstract: A gate arm for retrofitting onto an existing cantilever crossing structure at a railroad crossing. The gate arm is pivotally attached to a mast of the existing cantilever crossing structure so that the gate arm can be lowered to an in use position and alternately raised to an out of use position. A cable extending from the gate arm to a winch secured to the cantilever crossing structure or mast lowers the gate arm in response to the approach of a train. Lights provided on the gate arm also activated in response to the approach of a train. The gate arm raises and the lights on the gate arm deactivated upon the train passing the crossing.

Abstract: A ‘ROLLER DEVICE FOR DISPLACEMENT OF RAILROAD SWITCHING RAILS’ comprising a basic structure (10), provided in its end with a stylized horizontally-S-shaped laminar locking rib (1), the structure (10) being centrally provided with a pair of trapezium-shaped longitudinal plates (2) parallel to each other. The ends of the shafts (4) of corresponding rollers (5) being attached to cuts (3) of the plates (2). On the opposite end of the basic structure (10), it is defined a L-shaped laminar rib (8), which is mounted on a transversal support (11) defined by a U-shaped folded plate with horizontal extends (11a).

Abstract: An insert apparatus is disclosed which is used to insert items into pouches. The insert apparatus comprises a bending region designed to bend along a length of the apparatus; a non-bending region coupled to the bending region, having a gripping space positioned along a length thereof; a first and second insert foot located on either side of the gripping space; and a transition zone, located between the bending and non-bending regions, where the bend in the bending region gradually flattens out to the non-bending region.

Abstract: Tilt and swivel adjustment of a flat panel display including detents for landscape and portrait positions and a kickout feature for preventing contact between the flat panel display and its base. A stand for the display includes a neck member coupled to the base member and a riser member which is slidable with respect to the neck member. The display is mounted to an upper portion of the riser member via a swivel apparatus which allows a user to pivot the display between landscape and portrait orientations. The swivel apparatus includes a cam and corresponding ramp. When the display is pivoted between the portrait and landscape orientations, the cam and ramp cause the display to be tilted with respect to the stand such that a lower portion of the display is tilted away from the base member, thereby preventing contact therebetween. The swivel apparatus includes a bearing member which is mounted between the display and a portion of the swivel apparatus which is pivotable with respect to the display.

Abstract: Linear motion table leg hereby a linear motion assembly is located between a base and a table top mounting plate. Arrays of rollers, some of which are spring loaded, are spaced at 120° and disposed between a configured inner tube and an outer tube to provide for rollerable interfacing between the configured inner tube and the outer tube. A gas spring is centrally located to provide for linear positioning and for locking of the configured inner tube with respect to the outer tube.

Abstract: A keyboard support device for a desk includes two posts each having a catching member so as to slidably engage with a beam connected below a top of the desk. Two rails each have a socket connected to a first end thereof so that the two sockets are respectively pivotally connected to the two posts. Each rail has a member slidably received in a second end thereof and a bar is connected between the two rails so as to maintain the two rails in parallel with each other. A tray is connected to the two members so that a keyboard is put on the tray. The tray can be pivoted and moved relative to the top of the desk.

Abstract: A tripod, in particular a mini tripod for mounting lockably a photographic apparatus, includes a platform, a base, and a plurality of legs. The joint between the platform and the base serves as a pivot whereby the platform can perform deviation within a limited distance. A through hole is provided to go through from one lateral side of the base to the other lateral side. An axial block 44 is fitted into one end of the through hole 21 for abutting a corresponding surface of the platform. The other end of the through hole is provided with a nut receiving recess and a left clutch receiving recess for receiving a nut and a left clutch, respectively. A right clutch is provided on a corresponding side of the platform. A rotary knob having a screw rod passes through the platform to screwably join the right clutch, the left clutch, and the nut. The rotary knob is turnable to drive the screw rod into the base so that the teeth of the left and right clutches inter-engage to achieve firm positioning of the platform.

Abstract: A support device that helps to anchor a treadmill in horizontal and upright positions. The support mechanism has two pads and two anchors that are separately attached to the frontal horizontal tubing and along the front of the frame. When the treadmill frame is placed horizontally in an operative mode, the pads provide close contact with the ground surface so that the entire device is stable and unmoving. An auxiliary support is also incorporated in the upper front so that when the treadmill is placed vertically in a folded state, the support anchors at the front of the frame can position the treadmill in an upright position firmly to prevent incidental free-fall to ensure greater safety.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a variety of article supporting fixtures to a variety of support surfaces, having an anterior appendage and two posterior appendages, all three of which being connected by a joining area or joining member, said anterior appendage being of a width at least as great as about the diameter of one of a plurality of wire shelf body wires, and preferably as wide as the space occupied by at least two body wires, said two posterior appendages each being of such a width as to enable them to fit into the space between two adjacent body wires, and likewise being spaced apart from each other on centerlines the distance between which is some multiple of the distance between the body wire center to center distance, said bracket may be positioned at any point and still fit between the body wires of the wire shelf, said posterior appendages being preferably spaced outboard of the anterior appendage, but alternatively arranged otherwise, in a preferred embodiment said posterior appendages each having

Abstract: A fastener for removably mounting a housing to a shelf includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface adapted for connection to a bottom panel of the housing at an edge portion of the housing. The base includes a front edge and a portion extending from the front edge which is turned under the base and is disposed spaced apart from the base and adjacent to a lower surface of the base to form a spring clip. The clip engages an edge portion of the shelf between the lower surface of the base and the portion extending from the base front edge.

Abstract: Low side profile flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system for the storage of and the display of a flat panel monitor and keyboard in space restricted rooms or passageways. The flat panel monitor and keyboard tray are mounted in common to a vertically aligned transport assembly which is influenced by a linkage assembly.

Abstract: A rotatable LCD screen device includes a substantially rectangular LCD screen unit which has a length and a width and which includes a front display side and a back side, and an upright support which is connected rotatably to the back side for rotation of the LCD screen unit about a horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front display side so as to place the LCD screen unit in a first position where the length lies horizontally, or a second position where the length extends vertically. A lock mechanism is provided on the back side and the support for locking the LCD screen unit against movement relative to the support when the LCD screen unit is in the first position or the second position. In addition, a limiting mechanism is provided for limiting the angle of rotation of the LCD screen unit relative to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding beverage containers and other articles is provided. The apparatus includes two cylindrically shaped receptacles with a channel formed therebetween. The receptacles and channel are formed by a generally planar back wall that is substantially tangent to both receptacles, two arcuate side walls, and a front wall. The channel is off-set away from the lateral centerline of the apparatus to allow for reception of pencils, letters, note pads, and other such objects into the apparatus at the same time as beverage containers.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of fastening seating to the floor of vehicles, and in particular to systems for allowing the seating to slide for adjustment or removal. Accordingly, a seating system is provided in which the longitudinal configuration and spacing of the seats may be more easily altered, without compromising safety. There is provided a seat anchorage system for seating carried in a vehicle including a track adapted to be attached to the load area of a vehicle, a traveller member configured to inter-engage with the track for longitudinal movement therealong and fixable to a seat, and securing means operative to permit securing of a seat associated with said traveller member in a desired position so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the seat.

Abstract: A transmission stand comprises a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly pivotally mounted thereto to collectively produce a stable A-frame construction. The rear leg assembly includes a pair of spaced apart rear legs and a stabilizer bar connected between the lower end portions and the rear legs. The front leg assembly includes a pair of spaced apart front legs and an inverted U-shaped lower support connected to the lower end portions of the front legs. The inverted U-shaped lower support extends between and outwardly from the front legs to effectively stabilize the transmission stand. A retainer bracket and chain assembly adjustably connects between the front legs for supporting and securing the lower transmission portion to the front leg assembly.

Abstract: A formwork is structured of a lower substrate of beams that are supported on struts, and a substrate with identical beams supported on and perpendicular to the lower beams. Resting upon the upper beams, there are panels of wood that make up the surface of the formwork; the beams are formed from steel plate of great strength and small wall thickness. The beams (1) have a trapezoidal configuration with an upper projection forming a channel that holds wooden strips. The beams have lateral folds or lateral ridges for rigidity. The beams of the lower substrate rest upon bidirectional heads (4) having wings (16) and a lower cylindrical portion (14) that connects onto the upper end of a corresponding strut.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding the hulls of vessels comprises a plurality of individual starboard base panels, starboard side panels, port base panels and port side panels, interconnected in a number of respective first panel groups and second panel groups, which groups are then connected side-by-side along the length of the vessel hull to be formed. The first panel groups are longitudinally spaced from one another and carried by adjustable vertical supports, whereas the second panel groups are removably mounted in between adjacent first panel groups to form a continuous negative mold surface against which the vessel hull can be constructed.

Abstract: A pressure release valve for a steam peeler for potatoes has a differential piston assembly including a piston which is movable between an open position and a closed position under steam control, and a fixed piston element which is received in a secondary cylinder within the main piston for defining a chamber that progressively reduces in volume as the main piston moves towards its open position. The chamber receives a cushioning fluid for decelerating the piston as it moves towards the open position.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated squeeze valve is provided for use where leak-tight operation and/or very rapid valve closure characteristics are required. The valve comprises an annular valve body with a generally cylindrical open-ended bore for receiving the frusto-conical end portions of two, axially aligned, opposed end plugs. An annular clearance is provided between the end portions and the bore wall for receiving an elastomeric sleeve. Each end plug is provided with an axially extending bore for passage of process fluid which communicates with angled passageways extending from the bore to the slant surface of a respective frusto-conical end portion. The smaller truncated end surfaces of the two opposed end portions are spaced apart axially to define a narrow gap therebetween. Fluid pressure is exerted through an access port in the valve body to actuate the valve by causing the elastomeric sleeve to press against the end portions. Means for operating the valve in response to system pressure parameters are described.

Abstract: When a drive signal is not applied to a piezoelectric element 42, a diaphragm 38 is contacted with a valve seat 52 to disconnect diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b from a passage 54. In this case, even if the pressure of a fluid introduced into the diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b is varied, the diaphragm 38 is positively supported by a valve seat 52 with no deformation, resulting in the passage 54 being positively closed up. Therefore, the possibility of the fluid leaking is eliminated. On the other hand, when a drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric element 42, the diaphragm 38 is bent, and thus the diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b are connected with the passage 54, resulting in the fluid being allowed to flow into the passage 54. If the piezoelectric element 42 comes to bend excessively, the piezoelectric element 42 is brought into contact with a cushioning member 56 to prevent the piezoelectric element 42 from being excessively deformed.

Abstract: A valve 1 suitable for use on an indwelling catheter is disclosed. Broadly the valve 1 comprises a valve housing 2 having an elongate valve insert 3 disposed therein. The housing 2 has an inlet 4 at one end thereof and an outlet 5 at an opposed end thereof and defines a longitudinal passage 7 extending from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. The valve insert 3 includes a cannula 25 having an inlet 26 towards one end 27 thereof and an outlet 28 towards an opposed end 29 thereof. The inlet end 27 of the cannula 25 terminates in a sharp point. The outlet end 29 by contrast is rounded and the actual outlet 28 is spaced axially inwardly from the end 29. The valve insert 3 further includes a seal 40 comprising an annular body 41 of resilient material defining an opening 42 therein through which the outlet end 29 of the cannula 25 projects. The seal 40 has an axial end surface which sealingly engages a seat 19 defined by the housing 2.

Abstract: A plastic butterfly valve includes a hollow cylindrical body in which an annular seat is fixed on the inner peripheral surface of a flow passage of the body by a seat pressure foot, and a valve disk rotatably and eccentrically supported at the stem of the valve disk within the body to abut the periphery of the valve disk on the seat. The seat pressure foot is detachably fitted in one side portion of the body by an insertion/rotation mechanism. The insertion/rotation mechanism includes a plurality of circular arc projections on the outer peripheral end surface of the seat pressure foot, arcuate cutout portions arranged at positions corresponding to the projections in the body, and an engaging groove on the interior sides of the cutout groove on the interior sides of the cutout portions to guide the projections. By using the insertion/rotation mechanism, mounting and demounting the seat on and from the body can be easily carried out and assembling of the seat and the body can be carried out in a short time.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a first body and a second body; a threaded engagement for clamping the bodies together in an axially aligned relationship; a diaphragm seal that is disposed axially between the first and second bodies to form a seal there between; each of the first and second bodies having a generally flat surface portion near its respective outer periphery; at least one of the generally flat surfaces being adjacent an outer corner thereof; the diaphragm being singularly clamped between the generally flat portions; the diaphragm having an outer peripheral portion adjacent the generally flat surfaces and that bends over and seals at the corner.

Abstract: A valve having a housing and a valve member located in the housing for controlling the flow of a fluid or fluid pressure directed through the housing. The valve further includes a removable valve seat located in the housing and against which the valve member engages and disengages in the fluid or fluid pressure control process. A sealing member is located between an outer surface of such valve seat and an inner surface of the housing of the valve. The removable valve seat being made of a durable molded plastic material.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic floor jack has a saddle member with an axial stem that is provided with an end collar having a flattened side surface. This permits the saddle member to be rotated to a singular orientation in which the flattened side surface of the end collar can bypass a locking pin that is permanently installed transversely of the receiving opening for the stem of the saddle member.

Abstract: A splined sleeve assembly is provided for use on a component support apparatus such as a clutch jack or the like. The support apparatus includes a base, a lift arm supported on the base for movement between a lowered position and a raised position, and a piston and cylinder assembly connected between the base and the lift arm for moving the lift arm between the lowered and raised positions. The support apparatus also includes a hinge plate supported on the lift arm for pivotal movement between raised and lowered positions, and the splined sleeve assembly includes a cylindrical support shaft adapted to be mounted on the hinge plate. A tubular sleeve presents a longitudinal axis and includes a cylindrical inner surface sized for axial and rotational sliding receipt on the support shaft, and an outer surface that includes a plurality of longitudinally extending splines adapted to engage a clutch or other component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jack, the jack comprises a base for placing on the ground and an elevator mechanism which bears against the base via a leg (1) linked to the base by a device so that the leg can pivot on the base about a horizontal axis X′X and can slide on the base along the axis, the jack being characterized in that the base (5) has a longitudinal rig (5b) with a rounded top projecting above the base, the rib defining the axis, the leg (1) is provided at its bottom end with a slide (8) made of a block of synthetic organic material engaged in the bottom end and held to the leg by a device, the slide being shaped so as to be capable of fitting astride the rib of the base with the ability to pivot on the rib about the axis and to slide along the rib, and a link device (9, 10, 12) is established between the leg and the base to hold the slide on the rib. The invention applies in particular to a jack for lifting a vehicle.

Abstract: A load handling assembly that is attachable to the receiver of a receiver hitch assembly of the pickup truck. The load handling assembly includes a winch assembly in connection with a rotatable support structure to allow heavy loads to be lifted to the level of the pickup truck bed and then rotated into position over the pickup truck bed prior to lowering. To accommodate users stationed on the ground or on the bed of the pickup truck, the rotatable support structure is provided with two separate winch mounting brackets so that the winch could be safely mounted to accommodate operation from the desired location.

Abstract: A load-handling device comprising a pair of pulley assemblies each having a body, at least one pulley supported by the body, and having a peripheral outer surface, a rope secured at one end to a support structure and entrained about each of the outer surfaces to interconnect the pulleys in a load-handling arrangement. Each of the pulley assemblies include a one way clutch acting between the body and the pulley to inhibit rotation relative to the body in one direction. The surfaces of the pulleys thereby providing frictional engagement for the rope in the one direction to facilitate handling of the load.

Abstract: A bumper for limiting the mobility of a wheeled device. The bumper is an elongated member having a base wall and an elastically resilient wheel engagement wall coupled to the base wall. The wheel engagement wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface, one of which includes reliefs for aiding the wall to conform to and stop the rolling action of a wheel of a wheeled device when impacted thereby. The energy stored in the engagement wall when impacted by the wheel of the wheeled device returns the engagement wall to its original shape thereby pushing the wheel of the wheeled device away from the elongated member. A bumper system may be fabricated by connecting two or more of the bumpers together in a desired configuration using adjustable, straight, or bent connectors.

Abstract: A humidifier with a plurality of wettable wicks is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, the humidifier includes a first wettable wick adapted to humidify an air stream and a first tray for holding water. The first tray is located in a position adapted to wet the first wick by capillary action. The humidifier includes a second wettable wick adapted to humidify the air stream and a second tray for holding water. The second tray is located in a position adapted to wet the second wick by capillary action and adapted to receive water from the first tray. A channel connects the two trays and transfers water from the first tray to the second tray when the water level in the first tray reaches a predetermined level. The use of the channel instead of a tube reduces water noise and the chances for vapor lock.

Abstract: An improved disposable bubble oxygen humidifier is provided having a humidifying chamber included for the blending of oxygen and moisture. A slide switch on the top of the humidifier directs pure oxygen to the patient, or alternately, routes the oxygen through the humidifier and on to the patient. Hoses are attached at an inlet supply port and an outlet discharge port.

Abstract: In a steam power plant, a bypass line (2), which serves for diverting steam during the startup or rundown of the power plant, is arranged between the boiler and condenser (9). Arranged in the bypass line (2), upstream of the condenser (9), is a steam introduction device (1), in which the steam, before being introduced into the condenser (9), is expanded and cooled. The steam introduction device (1) has a first perforated diaphragm (3), a cooling chamber (4) and a second perforated diaphragm (8). According to the invention, the first perforated diaphragm (3) consists of a single spherical part. By virtue of this shape, the perforated diaphragm (3) possesses favorable mechanical and thermal stability, with the result that it becomes possible to have small wall thicknesses and production by pressing. After pressing, the orifices (12) in the perforated diaphragm are made by once-only drilling and are in each case at an equal distance from the orifices next to them.