Abstract: An engine of an outboard motor includes a fuel injection system. In a preferred mode, the fuel injection system comprises a high pressure fuel system and a vapor separator assembly. The high pressure fuel system includes a fuel injector that is removably attached to the engine. The vapor separator assembly includes a vapor separator and is also removably attached to the engine. The high pressure fuel system and said vapor separator assembly are connected by a quick connector. Preferably, one end of the quick connector is formed from an outlet end of a fuel filter.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging at least one capacitive control element, in particular a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine, charge the capacitive control element with different charging times. In order to shorten a charging time, a charging process is interrupted at a predetermined time, and a tuned circuit is connected to a freewheeling circuit which contains the control element and a ringing or charge reversal coil. If the freewheeling circuit contains a further capacitor, the charging process is further shortened, and a portion of a charge energy is fed back into a charge source while the control element is being discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, having a unit, such as a pressure regulator, mounted in electrically insulated fashion and including an electrically conductive housing, and the housing is connected via an electrical connection to a defined electrical potential. As a result, static charging of the unit, which could become dangerous, is precluded. The fuel supply system is intended in particular for pumping fuel to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel weathering method for an evaporative emission system of a motor vehicle includes determining a current temperature of liquid fuel inside the evaporative emission system, determining a fuel residency time representing the amount of time the fuel has resided above the current temperature, and performing a system diagnostic test of the evaporative emission system only if the fuel residency time exceeds a minimum fuel residency time.

Abstract: A method of regulating gas pressure in a dual fluid fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine having at least one delivery injector, including; determining when the gas pressure supplied to the fuel injection system is above a desired level; and opening the at least one delivery injector of the dual fluid fuel injection system for a determined duration when the gas pressure is above the desired level to allow gas to be passed through the delivery injector and thereby regulate the gas pressure of the supplied gas.

Abstract: A Roots blower driven by a direct-current motor provided to a recirculation duct for connecting an exhaust duct and an intake duct to extract a part of exhaust gas of a diesel engine to recirculate to an intake side. Accordingly, even when a differential pressure between an exhaust side and the intake side, or even when a pressure on the intake side is higher than the exhaust side fluctuates, the exhaust gas flowing to the recirculation duct can be forcibly pumped by the Roots blower while appropriately controlling flow rate thereof, so that an optimum recirculation amount of exhaust gas in accordance with operation condition of the diesel engine can be recirculated to the intake side.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger with an exhaust gas turbine and a radial compressor includes an impeller which pumps air through guide vanes or wedge guide elements into a helical passage. It is proposed that the guide vanes or wedge vane elements be guided for axial displacement in the casing of the radial compressor and be able to be shifted across the pumped stream of the impeller.

Abstract: A pressure balancing metering subassembly for use with a modular actuator of an EGR valve includes a metering base which defines a metering port and a pressure chamber. An elongate poppet includes a first end normally disposed in sealing engagement with the metering port. The poppet is selectively reciprocated to disengage the first end from sealing engagement with the metering port to thereby fluidly connect the metering port with the pressure chamber. Pressure balancing means balance the pressure at the first end of the poppet with the pressure at a second end of the poppet.

Abstract: An integrated electric motor and controller reduces weight and provides improved performance of devices associated with internal combustion engines such as EGR valves, turbocharger wastegates and the like. The integrated motor and controller includes an electric motor having an output shaft driving a first segmented wheel and adjacent sensor which provide signals regarding the rotation and direction of rotation of the motor output. The motor also drives a gear train having an output member which bi-directionally either rotates or translates linearly. A position coding feature is disposed on the output member and adjacent sensors provide signals regarding the position of the output member. The sensors drive a microcontroller which in turn drives the electric motor. The sensors, the electric motor, the gear train and the microcontroller are all disposed within a common housing.

Abstract: An engine crankcase bypass system includes a scavenging mechanism for the collection and removal of oil entrained in engine bypass gases that include unburned gasoline fuel and water vapors. The improved bypass system, designed to replace a standard PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system, senses manifold and crankcase vacuum pressures, and via utilization of either an electronic or mechanical valve provides continuous adjustments of bypass gas flows for the maintenance of a constant gas flow sufficient to exceed normal engine bypass flow rates. A deflector system positioned in a flow stream is designed to extract and separate oil vapor from unburned gasoline fuel and water vapors entrained in the bypass gases. The oil is collected and drained to a temporary reservoir for subsequent re-entry into the oil sump of the engine. The fuel and water vapors are immediately returned to the intake manifold of the engine for reburning of the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention increases the frequency of the LAF sensor deterioration determination in the case that air-fuel ratio control is being carried out while the deterioration of the LAF sensor is being monitored. When the monitor conditions are no longer satisfied during the deterioration determination of the LAF sensor (as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6), the LAF prohibition timer is operated (as shown in (c) of FIG. 6), and switching to a lean burn is prohibited for a predetermined time interval (for example, 7 seconds), and in addition, after the LAF sensor deterioration determination has completed, after passage of a time interval shorter than this predetermined time interval (for example, 2 seconds) (as shown in figures (c) and (d) of FIG. 6), a lean burn is permitted.

Abstract: An improved kindling support apparatus (10) for maintaining a quantity of kindling at a desired height relative to the cross-bars (101) of a main fireplace grate (100) in either a suspended or self-supported fashion wherein the support apparatus (10) includes a kindling grate unit (11) comprising a pair of telescoping grate segments (21) (22) each provided with a grate panel (29) (29′) and, a support unit (12) including a plurality of generally L-shaped support leg members (40) (40′) that are both rotatably and vertically adjustable relative to the kindling grate unit (11).

Abstract: A combined burner and grate structure for use in connection with a gas range includes one or more burner elements. Each burner element has one or more fuel inlets, one or more fuel outlets disposed on one or more side surfaces, and a top surface. A horizontal planar support for a cooking vessel is made up of the top surface of each burner element. A gas rangetop can include one or more of these combined burner and grate structures.

Abstract: A spiral fluid heater coil system for facilitating drainage of fluid from the heater and increasing the efficiency of transferring heat to a fluid. The spiral fluid heater coil system includes a heater assembly including a combustion chamber having a chamber perimeter wall defining a chamber interior. The chamber perimeter wall has an upper end and a lower end, with the upper end of the chamber perimeter wall defining an opening into the chamber interior. The heater assembly includes a burner apparatus for burning fuel and expelling heat into the chamber interior of the combustion chamber, with the burner apparatus being positioned adjacent the lower end of the chamber perimeter wall for directing heat upwardly in the chamber interior toward the upper end of the chamber perimeter wall. The heating assembly includes a heating conduit for moving fluid through the heater housing to heat the fluid.

Abstract: A nebulizer for delivering a drug to a patient includes an electronic control unit, a hand piece connected to the electronic control unit via a cable, and a cartridge detachably engaged with the hand piece. The electronic control unit includes a controller, a cartridge reader, a dosage storage element, and a display. The display preferably displays the drug name and the number of dosages remaining in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a head or nebulizer element for creating a fine mist or cloud of the drug in droplet form. The cartridge also includes a storage container containing a drug and a pump for pumping the drug to the nebulizer element. The cartridge also contains an information storage element for containing information regarding the drug and the drug delivery protocol for the patient. The information in the information storage element is transmitted to the electronic control unit when the cartridge is engaged with the hand piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for children primarily intended to be used in conjunction with a metered dose inhaler (MDI), said spacer having a generally oblong shape and being rotationally symmetrical around a central, longitudinal axis and being provided with an opening at each end located centrally in said axis for connection of an meterd dose inhaler respectively of a mouth-piece or similar. The spacer has a small total volume which is in the range between 50 and 400 ml, and the material in the spacer has a surface resitivity which is lower than 109 Ohm, preferably lower than 106 Ohm.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI canister having medication and a propellant contained therein under pressure, wherein the pMDI canister has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The apparatus has a chamber housing having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space, wherein the input end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI canister into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation by a patient from the output end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the output end. The valve has a valve seat and a valve member. The valve seat has a sealing surface and the valve member has a central open area and a sealing portion at the perimeter of the open area that mates with the sealing surface when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A swim mask apparatus having a mask equipped with a floating air-suction device is provided. The mask includes a plurality of straps extending from two lateral sides thereof to firmly attach the mask to a wearer's head and thereby provide watertight protection for the wearer's eyes and nose. The mask is provided with a one-way exhaust valve and a one-way sniffing valve. The floating air-suction device includes a float and an air hose extending therefrom. A terminal end of the air hose is connected to the one-way sniffing valve to form an inhalation airway between the float and the mask. The buoyancy of the float normally maintains the open end of the air hose coupled thereto above the water surface. When it is pulled sufficiently below the water surface by the air hose, the buoyant float is resistive to the displacement to the extent that compressing members formed therein constrictively engage the end of the air hose to prevent water from entering therethrough.

Abstract: A device for inhaling healing active substances and medications includes a housing containing an active substance carrier therein, this housing having at least two permanent openings for the passage of air; and one of the two permanent openings being an inhaling mouth opening and is equipped with a mouthpiece for directly holding the device with the mouth.

Abstract: A pass-over humidifier for delivering a supply of heated, humidified air through an elongated conduit to a mask worn by a patient. The humidifier is designed for wear by a patient during sleep to treat chronic breathing disorders such as allergic rhinitis. A supply of air is drawn into a humidification chamber by a fan and is passed over the surface of a water reservoir where it picks up moisture. The moisture-laden air is mixed with a stream of relatively dry heated air within the humidifier to form a humidified air stream. The humidified air stream is discharged from the humidifier into the elongate conduit at a temperature within the range of approximately 45-57° C. and at a relative humidity within the range of approximately 25-55%. Since the humidified air is preferably heated to a temperature exceeding 45° C., the humidifier is essentially self-sterilizing. The temperature of the humidified air stream drops significantly as it passes tough the conduit between the humidifier and the mask.

Abstract: A nasal mask for use in respiratory therapy is provided with one or more vent ports which are adjustable for directing vented air in a direction which is most comfortable to the patient. By providing adjustable vent ports, the patient can adjust the direction of the vented air to a position that best accommodates the patient. Each vent port can be in the form of a passage in a member which is mounted to rotate in an opening through the mask. The member may be rotated in the opening to change the direction of air flowing through the passage or passages. The member may be designed to rotate about a fixed axis relative to the mask, or it may be spherical and designed to rotate in any direction. Preferably, a knob or tab is provided for grasping to facilitate manually adjusting the vent port orientation.

Abstract: A novel ventilator waveform having an enhanced inspiratory flow pattern is ideally suited for determining an effective “inspiratory impedance” in ventilator-dependent patients, and/or patients with severe obstruction resulting in expiratory flow-limitation. This waveform is referred to herein as the “Enhanced Ventilator Waveform” (EVW). The EVW maintains ventilatory support while simultaneously providing an accurate and sensible assessment of the mechanical status of the lungs or total respiratory system. The EVW technique of the present invention ensures that normal (tidal) volume levels are delivered during each inspiration, and that expiration remains passive. Furthermore, accurate estimation of lung resistance and elastance is established for several frequencies surrounding the primary ventilator breathing rate. From the resistance and elastance data, the mean level and structural distribution of airway versus tissue constriction conditions in the lung can be inferred.

Abstract: A fluid sensing device includes a venturi tube and a fluid resistive element. The venturi tube defines a first open end through which a flow of fluid enters, a second open end from which fluid flow exits and a constricted midportion therebetween. The fluid resistive element is located within the venturi tube. In combination with the tube, the fluid resistive element measures flow for accurate sensing of the flow over a range of fluid flow into the tube. A labeled fluid sensing device, includes a fluid flow sensing tube and a label. The label has a first panel secured to a surface of the tube and a second optically sensable panel removably connected to the first panel.

Abstract: A gas mask structure including a rear cup body, two cell seats and a front cup body. The rear cup body has an opening facing backward. A top side of front face of the rear cup body is formed with an inlet and a guide way downward extends from the inlet. An inclined outlet is formed on a bottom side of front face of the rear cup body. A check membrane is disposed on front side of the outlet. The cell seats are respectively disposed on two sides of the bottom of the rear cup body for receiving cells therein to provide power for a motor to drive a fan. The front cup body is fixedly disposed on lower side of the front end of the rear cup body. A filter body is positioned in a fixing seat of the front cup body. A cover body is screwed on the fixing seat to fix the filter body therein and tightly hold a second filter body in front of the filter body. An inner face of the fixing seat is formed with a through hole in which the motor and the fan are disposed.

Abstract: An arm support of flexible, knitted fabric that includes a body of material covering the shoulders and both arms with the body extending around the upper back having upper arcuate portions secured by patches of press fasteners such as “VELCRO”. The edges of the body are reenforced with strips of rigid binding around the front and circumferential length around the shoulder. In the rear the flexible binding butts on to the rigid binding strip below the wearer's underarms providing latitude in movement. Optionally a blanket can be attached to the body in a choice of locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that supports an individual's spine while the individual is in a forward bent position. The device includes a padded rest on which an individual could lean while working in a forward bent position and brackets for adjusting the angle, height, and position of the device. Since the individual leans against the rest, the stresses experienced in the lower, middle and upper back are substantially decreased. Reducing such stress decreases the pain experienced by the individual as well as extends his or her productive life.

Abstract: Massage and relief bandage device for persons vulnerable to bedsores (decuibitus ulcer), having a bag device of a flexible material, particularly cloth, which is filled with foamed plastic beads. The cloth material is a porous material, permeable to air, and the bag device has a plurality of chambers divided by non-filled parts that extend to the edges of the bandage device. The amount of filling material in the chambers is low to allow displacement of the granular material without particular outside pressure.

Abstract: A backboard having mounting members disposed along the board side edges. The invention provides a number of adjustable straps adapted to being releasably attached to the mounting members. One strap is extended over a patient's lower extremities and attached to the mounting members on each side of the patient. Another strap is positioned over the forehead of a patient and attached to mounting members on each side of the patient's head. Another strap is positioned over the chin area of a patient and attached to mounting members on each side of the patient's head. The chin strap mounting members are positioned closer to the board top than the forehead strap mounting members.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: A method of autogenous cell patch cardio myoplasty using noninvasive thoracoscopy is disclosed. A patient's greater omentum is separated from its point of attachment to either the greater curvature of the stomach or the transverse colon. All open blood vessels in the greater omentum are ligated to permanently arrest bleeding. The greater omentum is introduced into the left pleural cavity through an opening in the diaphragm. Muscle grafts are removed from skeletal muscle tissue of the patient and an opening is formed in the pericardium to expose an area of damaged myocardium. Following attachment of the skeletal muscle grafts to either the greater omentum or the damaged myocardium area, preferably using an advanced muscle graft implantation system, the greater omentum is wrapped around the heart and attached thereto in order to reinforce the muscle grafts and enrich them with blood flow from the greater omentum.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating particles contained in threshed leaf tobacco includes a plurality of separating chambers, each including a separation chamber and having a fan system for establishing a generally upward air flow. A covered, high speed conveyor of projects the tobacco across the upward flow of air in each chamber in conjunction with additional make up air from the covered, high speed conveyor. Lighter particles of tobacco are carried upward and exit the chamber via a separating mechanism. Heavier particles of tobacco fall onto an integral conveyor and are discharged from the chamber onto another covered, high speed conveyor connecting it to the next chamber. The separating chambers are mounted in line in a configuration to suit the tobacco being processed.

Abstract: A safety ashtray has a frustoconical configuration formed by a sloping cover over a hollow ash and butt receiving interior region. The cover has a central access opening to the interior region and is provided with a plurality of cigarette rest areas spaced from one another around the cover. Each rest area includes an upper and a lower cigarette catch with each of the catches extending upwardly from the cover, the sloping of which locates the upper catch more centrally of the ashtray than the lower catch. When a cigarette is positioned on the catches, it is prevented from rolling and it is also elevated from the cover by the catches which hold the cigarette in an upwardly inwardly angled position on the ashtray.

Abstract: A composition for lanthionizing keratin fibers comprising at least one multivalent metal hydroxide and at least one cation exchange composition. The invention is also drawn to a method for lanthionizing keratin fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers.

Abstract: An economical reversible pony tail hair holder is disclosed, having a sleeve made of first and second bunched fabrics and having elastic bands sewed within opposite end portions of the sleeve to render it elasticized so that it tends to grip the pony tail. At any one time the outer fabric displays a first decorative design and upon the reversible sleeve being turned inside out, the inner fabric becomes the outer fabric to display a second different design.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a product, includes a handling element secured to an application member. The application member includes a base and an application support is mounted on the application member. The application support defines an application surface. The applicator includes a manipulation member designed to alter a profile of the application surface at right angles to a mid-plane of the base. At least one passage passes through the base. A portion of the manipulation member extends through the at least one passage so that the manipulation member can be placed in engagement with the application support so as to alter the profile of the application surface. The applicator can be used, for example, for treating or applying makeup to the face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impurity processing apparatus in which impurities such as phosphorus, boron, or the like are doped in a semiconductor substrate, etc., or a PSG (PhosphoSilicateGlass) film, a BSG (BoroSilicateGlass) film, or a BPSG (BoroPhosphoSilicateGlass) film, or a carbon film, etc. This apparatus includes a chamber having an introduction port for an impurity-containing ion gas which is connected to an impurity-containing gas supply section, a substrate holder supporting a substrate which is to be ion-injected, or doped, or on which a film is formed using the impurity-containing gas, an introduction port of a water-containing gas which is provided upstream of the substrate holder in accordance with a flow direction of the impurity-containing gas, and is connected to a water-containing gas supply section, and first plasma generating means in a space extending from the introduction port for water-containing gas to the substrate holder for converting water-containing gas to a plasma.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: a reactive chamber having an inlet and an outlet for a gas and being electrically grounded; a susceptor installed in the reactive chamber for mounting a wafer thereon and being electrically insulated with the reactive chamber; and an RF generator for applying an RF electric power to the susceptor. A method for cleaning the apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of: injecting a plasma forming gas through the gas inlet; and moving the susceptor in the vertical direction of the face of the wafer while applying the RF electric power to the susceptor, to control the position and the density of the plasma. Since the plasma is formed even at the shadow area, such as the lower space of the susceptor within the reactive chamber where plasma could be hardly formed, there is no need to clean separately the lower space of the reactive chamber. Thus, the cleaning process is simplified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of recycling and reusing an aqueous degreasing solution for further use as a component of a coolant solution which is itself recycled and reused in metal cutting machines. Also disclosed is a method of degreasing parts, and a degreasing apparatus which is controlled such that an appropriate amount of the aqueous degreasing solution is introduced into the coolant solution. Finally, disclosed herein is a method and system for preparing a coolant in which an aqueous degreasing solution is further utilized as a feeder solution for a coolant solution, with the resulting solution being able to be separated into its component parts and reused in the cutting and cleaning of metals to form metal parts.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating semiconductor wafers, a plurality of chemical treatment tanks 21a to 21c filled with treatment liquids for processing semiconductor wafers W and a plurality of rinse treatment tanks 22a to 22c filled with rinse liquids for rinsing the semiconductor wafers W are disposed in a direction across the direction of conveyance of a wafer holder conveyor carriage 5, such as a direction perpendicular thereto. A transportation device provided with a wafer boat 14 is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the chemical treatment tanks 21a to 21c and the rinse treatment tanks 22a to 22c, to transfer the wafers W to and from the wafer holder conveyor carriage 5 and also transport the thus transferred wafers W to the chemical treatment tanks 21a to 21c and the rinse treatment tanks 22a to 22c. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the treatment apparatus and also improve the processing efficiency thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article, especially of a wafer, near the edge, in which the liquid is applied to a first surface, flows essentially radially to the outside to the peripheral-side edge of the wafer-shaped article and around this edge onto the second surface, the liquid wetting a defined section near the edge on the second surface and thereupon being removed from the wafer-shaped article. Furthermore the invention relates to a device for executing this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-return valve, which is situated at the end of a plasticizing and injection screw to control the flow of plastic melt from the region of the screw channels of the plasticizing and injection screw to the region of the space in front of the screw of a preplasticizing cylinder, where the plasticizing and injection screw is situated, the non-return valve having a basic body, which is rigidly connected to the plasticizing and injection screw, and an outside part, which can move translationally and preferably also rotationally relative to the basic body, so as to allow the flow of plastic melt in a first position and block the flow of plastic melt in a second position.

Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for regenerating an etchant solution comprising metal compounds. When a sample of the etchant solution is determined to be of lower etching ability than a predetermined criteria as a result of the monitoring and analyzing three colors(red, green, and blue) of the etchant with color sensors in association with a microprocessor, the etchant solution is reoxidized by the addition of a suitable additive solution. The apparatus and method can regenerate spent etchant solutions containing heavy metals in a semi-permanent manner within the module device without wasting a portion of them, so that, in addition to producing no pollution of the environment, it is economically very favorable with an increase in overall etching efficiency.

Abstract: Dispensing system for automotive fuel including a casing mounted within the ground and containing a fuel flow meter and an associated valve. The meter is linked by a fuel line to a fuel tank. An above-ground structure is provided for supporting a dispensing hose to which the meter and associated valve within the casing are linked by a delivery line passing externally of the casing. The casing is adjacent to but separate from the above-ground structure whereby the aboveground structure is mounted independently of the casing.

Abstract: In a fluidic device, a space (35) is formed in a passage block (26) to which a plurality of fluidic modules are connected and which is provided, in its inside, with fluid passages (43, 47, 51) for connecting the plurality of fluidic modules to one another. An internal body (36) is received in the space (35). Channels (37, 38, 39) are formed in an outer surface of the internal body so that the channels (37, 38, 39) constitute part of the fluid passages.

Abstract: A valve outlet assembly for mounting to a building structure and adapted to interconnect a water supply line to a plumbing fixture or an appliance. The outlet assembly has a housing enclosure, an exterior cover and alignment and mounting assemblies which cooperate with the housing structure. A valve structure is mounted in the housing to a conduit fitting which extends through a housing wall. The valve structure is constructed and arranged to receive a water line extending to the appliance. The housing enclosure has opposing alignment and mounting assemblies which provide for various securement options to position the valve outlet assembly within a building wall.

Abstract: A flow regulation control valve for regulating volume flows in pipelines including valve housing with a flow chamber, a control or shut-off member arranged in the flow chamber for setting a desired flow state through the valve, at least one sensor arranged in the vicinity of the flow chamber of the valve housing for sensing a characteristic value of the flow through the flow chamber, an electronic data store or memory for storing specific characteristic values of the housing of the flow regulation control valve, and an evaluation unit which is connected to the sensor and determines the volume flow from the values measured by the sensor with reference to the characteristic values of the valve stored in the data store.

Abstract: A flame-retardant pressure equalizing valve contains a valve body that is guided in a housing. Under the influence of excess pressure, the valve body is displaceable from a closing position into a blow-off position. The housing and the valve body form a first closure and, in a series therewith, a second closure. The surface of the second closure projected in the opening direction is larger than the surface of the first closure projected in the opening direction and the first closure opens during opening before the second closure, so that, during opening, the excess pressure acts on an enlarged surface and the valve is opened promptly. The second closure is spaced from the first closure in opening direction. As a result, a better closing behavior and an increased outlet velocity of the outflowing gas are obtained.

Abstract: An elevated water tank having an improved means of preventing ice formation. The water tank is provided with an air supply line communicating the interior or the water tank to an external air compressor. The air compressor forces air through the air supply line into the water held in the water tank causing mixing of the water and generally perturbing the water to prevent ice formation on the surface of the water. The ice prevention system ensures the availability of water supply from the elevated water tank during the winter months when many water tanks freeze over. Furthermore, the ice prevention system eliminates the need for agitators and recirculation systems prone to failure or costly heating systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve which includes a valve tappet that is axially movably arranged in a valve housing and fastened to a magnetic armature, and a valve piston axially movable in the valve housing, a diaphragm-type pressure fluid passage in the valve piston that is closed or opened by the valve tappet, another unthrottled pressure fluid passage arranged between the valve piston and the valve housing that is closed or opened by the valve piston, pressure fluid channels which open into the valve housing on either side of the valve piston, with both pressure fluid passages closed in the initial position of the electromagnetic valve.