Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly incorporates a cylindrical valve stem seal retainer having an axis and an upper end about which symmetrically and circumferentially arranged, alternating upper and lower fingers have depending ends which lie in two distinct planes in one preferred embodiment. The lower fingers depend radially inwardly toward the axis from the cylindrical body of the retainer to provide for axial securement of an elastomeric seal body to the top of a valve guide. The upper fingers extend axially upward from the same end, in the form of a gooseneck, and are adapted to apply a circumferential, radially inwardly directed spring force to the elastomeric seal body. The upper fingers are thus effective to eliminate the garter retainer springs used with conventional seal bodies of traditional valve stem seal assemblies.

Abstract: There is provided a rocker carrier for use with a cylinder head in an internal combustion engine comprising a body portion having a continuous peripheral wall including a front and rear wall connected between a first and second end wall, a plurality of rocker arm pedestals comprised of a dual or end rocker arm pedestals integrally formed on the body portion and disposed between the rear and front walls, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The rocker carrier further comprises a plurality of support fins, a high pressure oil line passage, a plurality of high pressure oil reservoir bosses, a plurality of exterior head bolt passages, a plurality of carrier bolt bosses, a plurality of glow plug passages, a plurality of electrical connector passages, and an oil drain passage, and a plurality of valve cover bolt bosses formed adjacent to the rear wall.

Abstract: An inexpensive method for repairing a damaged spark plug hole of a cylinder engine includes drilling the damaged spark plug hole using a drill bit, tapping the drilled spark plug hole, threading a steel insert into the threaded hole and making a spark plug seat. The depth of the drilling, tapping and threading is limited by a stopper. A set of new tools are used to realize the foregoing process. All these procedures can be done while the cylinder having the damaged spark plug hole on the vehicle. The resulting hole is stronger and more durable than the original spark plug hole in the aluminum cylinder head.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly having a cylinder head and an adapter. The intake cavity of the cylinder head is relatively large, and the adapter fills a portion of the space in the cavity. The cylinder head has an intake runner that decreases in cross-sectional area as it progresses inward from the entrance to the intake port. The adapter has a runner filler that decreases in cross-sectional area as it extends away from a spacer, and is inserted into the intake runner. The volume of the runner filler is smaller than the volume of the intake runner, so a cavity is left within the intake runner. This cavity forms a portion of the intake passageway that leads from the carburetor to the cylinder. The position of the intake position may be altered to accommodate clearance problems with devices in which an engine is incorporated.

Abstract: To increase thermal efficiency by increasing the degree of constant volume of a fuel-air mixture at the time of combustion in an internal combustion engine. In an internal combustion engine, a piston slidably fitted in a cylinder is connected to a crankshaft via a connecting rod, and a cylinder head in which a combustion chamber is defined is disposed between the piston and the crankshaft. As compared with a background art internal combustion engine in which a combustion chamber is disposed opposite to a crankshaft with a piston located therebetween, a ratio of an increased amount of the volume of the combustion chamber to an increased amount of a crank angle of the piston from the top dead center position can be suppressed at a small value. As a result, it is possible to increase the degree of constant volume of a fuel-air mixture at the time of combustion and hence to increase thermal efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A four-cycle OHC engine includes timing transmitting device that includes a driven wheel formed integrally with a valve-operating cam and that is disposed between a valve operation system and a crankshaft. The valve operation system includes the valve-operating cam, which is rotatably supported on a support shaft that is supported in an engine main body. Lubricating oil is supplied to a valve operation chamber. Provided between the upper part of the engine main body and one end of the support shaft is an oil intake passage in which the upper end opens upward on the base of the valve operation chamber and the lower end is closed. Provided on the outside of the lower part of the support shaft is a flat surface for forming an oil passage between the flat surface and the valve-operating cam and driven wheel. One end of the oil passage communicates with the oil intake passage, and the other end of the oil passage opens downward and communicates with a housing passage.

Abstract: A direct-injection internal-combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (1) with a cylinder head (2), a piston (5) sliding in the at least one cylinder, a gas intake and exhaust (3, 4), a combustion chamber defined on one side by the upper face (SP) of the piston (5), the face comprising a projection (7) pointing towards cylinder head (2) and arranged at the center of a concave bowl (8). According to the invention, engine comprises at least one injection nozzle (6) for injecting fuel with a nappe angle (a1) less than or equal to 2Arctg2FCD, where CD is the diameter of cylinder (2) and F the distance between the point of origin of the fuel jets from injection nozzle (6) and the position of the piston corresponding to a crankshaft angle of 50° in relation to the top dead center (TDC).

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of preventing the generation of knocking immediately after an intake air control valve is driven to operate. An intake air control valve (23) is provided in an intake passage (5) of an engine (1). A swirl control element (10) controls the opening and closing of the intake air control valve in accordance with operating conditions of the engine thereby to adjust a magnitude of an intake air swirl. An ignition timing calculating element (10) determines ignition timing of the engine through interpolation using ignition timing map data corresponding to the number of revolutions per unit time of the engine and an engine load. A map data setting element (10) switches and sets the ignition timing map data in accordance with opening and closing of the intake air control valve (23).

Abstract: A revolution threshold regulator and/or toggle switch has a first and a second fixed phase source of alternating current having a frequency proportional to the revolution speed of a rotor of an internal combustion engine. A trigger device scans the alternating currents to emit a control signal at a revolution threshold above or below a preset revolution threshold. The trigger device has a timer module which cooperates with one of the alternating current sources through a trigger charge element which can be discharged via at least one discharge path to create a control signal. The trigger charge element, as it discharges, sends a control current through a series Zener diode in a blocking direction to the control signal output.

Abstract: A supplying unit supplies energy to an actuator so that the supplied energy is kept therein, making displacement the actuator. An interrupting unit interrupts the supply of energy to cause the actuator to discharge the kept energy, making displacement the actuator. A converting unit is adapted to convert the displacement of the actuator corresponding to the kept energy into hydraulic pressure applied to the valve member, moving the valve member to open the low pressure port and close the high pressure port. The convert unit converts the displacement of the actuator corresponding to the discharged energy into hydraulic pressure applied to the valve member, moving the valve member to open the high pressure port and close the low pressure port. Energy which the actuator requires to move the valve member so as to close the high pressure port is larger than energy which the actuator requires to move the valve member so as to open the low pressure port.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an engine fuel system including at least one fuel injector, a high pressure fuel pump for delivering fuel to the injector and a pressure sensor arranged to provide an output signal indicative of the pressure of fuel delivered to the injector, comprises the steps of controlling the rate of flow of fuel delivered from the pump to the injector by means of a metering valve arrangement supplied with a control current, measuring the speed of the engine and monitoring the status of the pressure sensor so as to determine whether a fault condition has occurred within the sensor. In the event that a fault condition has occurred in the pressure sensor, the control current supplied to the metering valve arrangement is varied in response to the measured engine speed signal so as to maintain operation of the engine at a substantially constant, predetermined engine speed. The invention also relates a fuel system for implementing the control method.

Abstract: A fuel injector module for an internal combustion engine having two banks of cylinders includes a longitudinally extending central portion with opposing sides, at least two branches extending laterally from one of the opposing sides, and at least two more branches extending laterally from the other of the opposing sides. Each of the branches includes an injector receptacle for housing a fuel injector that injects fuel into a respective cylinder. Each of the branches also includes an electrical connector adjacent the injector receptacle for providing electrical power to the fuel injector. Preferably, each of the electrical connectors includes a pogo-pin electrically coupled to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A control method for controlling the timing of fuel injection in a fuelling system for an engine comprising a fuel injector supplied with fuel from a source of fuel at high pressure, comprises varying a drive current which is supplied to the fuel injector at a first time so as to initiate or terminate a primary injection of fuel and monitoring the pressure of fuel within the source so as to detect when a variation in fuel pressure occurs. A time delay is measured, which represents the difference in time between the first time and a second, later time at which a variation in fuel pressure within the source is detected. The measured time delay is used to adjust the time at which the drive current is varied so as to initiate or terminate a subsequent injection of fuel, thereby to ensure initiation or termination of the subsequent injection of fuel occurs at a required time.

Abstract: The pre-treatment method for an electromechanical transducer is particularly suitable for polarizing a piezoelectric actuator for an injection system of an internal combustion engine. Prior to the actual operation, the transducer is actuated with an electrical pre-treatment signal, in order to set a predefined operating point in accordance with the pre-treatment signal. The pre-treatment signal corresponds substantially to the electrical actuation signal during normal operation of the transducer, in order to prevent a displacement of the pre-set operating point during normal operation of the transducer.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pump, to suppress the effect of a pressure pulsation caused by the operation of a moving member and whose valve part shows stable response, has a flow amount control valve for adjusting the supply amount of fuel discharged by the sliding reciprocating movement of a plunger fitted in a pump chamber by controlling the opening or closing of a spill port by a valve part, the flow amount control valve has a stem part arranged in an operating chamber disposed on the side opposite to the pump chamber and transmits an urging force from a moving part to the valve part, the urging force being applied by the moving part to the valve part in the direction that separates the valve part from the valve seat, and is more slender than the moving part.

Abstract: A fuel pump for an internal combustion engine that transmits fuel with pressure by a lifting movement of a plunger that is caused to lift by a movement of a cam includes a lift amount changing mechanism. The lift amount changing mechanism includes a cam in which a height of a projection is varied along an axial direction of the camshaft, and a cam moving actuator that moves the cam along the axial direction of the camshaft. The lift amount of the plunger is changed by moving the cam along the axial direction of the camshaft. An amount of discharged fuel is controlled by changing the amount of discharged fuel per stroke of the plunger and is not determined only based upon the rotation speed of the engine. Therefore, the amount of discharged fuel can be increased with the engine rotated at a low speed, for example when the engine is being initially started, to improve a starting performance.

Abstract: On-off valve intended to be arranged at the outlet of the gas accumulation reservoir in an electronic gas injection system for an internal combustion engine, presenting a valve member made of metallic material, co-operating with a valve seat made in a body, which is also made of metallic material, to ensure the good quality of tightness in all operative temperature and pressure conditions, with prolonged reliability in time.

Abstract: Cold starter for use with a diesel engine having a combustion chamber, an intake air channel, and an air filter, which includes an electrical heating device mounted either in the intake air channel or within the air filter casing.

Abstract: A crankcase breather for an internal combustion engine has a housing including inlet ports which receive crankcase emissions from the engine, and an outlet port which directs oil-free gases back to the engine. A pair of filter elements are supported in the housing in adjacent relation. One filter element is a course filter to remove larger particulate in the emissions. The other filter element is a finer filter to remove smaller particulate, and to coalesce oil. A sump channel under the elements collects oil coalescing on the elements, and a drain opening in the channel to returns the oil to the engine. A second sump collects oil coalescing on the downstream surface of the second filter. An outlet port with a check valve in the second sump prevents oil being drawn into the breather on the clean side of the elements, but allows collected oil to drain back to the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides jam prevention systems for use with a paintball gun having a hollow infeed portion for receiving paintballs to be fired by the gun. The jam free feeder system generally includes a housing, a feed tube, a jam free feeder system, a sensor and a controller. The housing stores a quantity of paintballs. The feed tube is connected to the hollow infeed portion of the housing. The connected feed tube forms a paintball feed passageway for receiving and holding a stack of paintballs and sequentially delivering the paintballs to the paintball gun. A jam free feeder is provided, which is selectively operable to prevent jamming of paintballs in the housing. The sensor senses the firing of the paintball gun and a controller operates the jam free feeder in response to the firing of the paintball gun. Embodiments where the jam free feeder system is a hopper feeder system or a conveyor system are also provided.

Abstract: An automatic depth of cut control for use with concrete saws. The control allows an operator to set a maximum depth of cut for which the concrete saw can be used at. Further, the control allows the user to move the concrete saw from one location to another without needing to reset the depth of cut.

Abstract: A self-propelled concrete saw capable of developing at least 50 horsepower and having a narrow footprint for maneuvering in tight spaces. Mounted on the frame of the saw is an automotive style or industrial in-line engine having a crankshaft fitted with a flywheel, a transmission pulley, and a power train drive sprocket. Also mounted on the frame is a power train including a jack shaft assembly operatively connected to a cutting blade assembly. A flexible, positive drive linkage interconnects the power train drive sprocket to the jack shaft assembly to deliver rotative power from the engine respectively to the jack shaft assembly and to the cutting blade assembly.

Abstract: The device comprises an intake pipe which introduces dry external air into a cooking chamber through an intake. The humid air exits through an outlet pipe connected to an outlet of the cooking chamber; the outlet is located higher than the intake. The outlet pipe is provided with a butterfly valve for regulating a warm air flow. A single-acting valve is predisposed on the intake pipe for allowing a flow of air towards the cooking chamber. The device ensures aspiration of dry external air even where there are no means for forced air circulation.

Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A protective cover (52) is engaged on the can over the top end member (14) to prevent access to a ring-pull opener (50). The protective cover (52) has been shrunk onto the can such that it cannot be removed normally. However, when the can and its contents have been heated to the predetermined temperature by operation of the heating mechanism, the protective cover (52) expands in size relative to the can (10) and is removable. The ring-pull opener (50) may then be opened to enable the contents to be dispensed. After opening, the cover (52) may be reengaged on the can to provide an insulated drinking lip which protects the consumer against the heat of the can and provides a more pleasant surface to drink from than the edge of the can itself.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered rail pre-heater for heating rail ends before they are welded together, which includes a blower driven by a hydraulic motor for producing a substantially constant flow of air, a source for propane gas or other combustible media to be regulated and mixed and then delivered to a torch for the application of a flame to the rail ends.

Abstract: A grill has top and bottom cooking surfaces with the top cooking surface movable upward to load the grill with food and movable downward onto the food and bottom surface to cook the food. Different surface cooking zones may be heated individually to accommodate the amount and type of food. The top surface is lowered and pressed onto the food at a preselected pressure to provide positive contact with the food. Heated marinade and marinade vapor flow through openings or grooves in the cooking surfaces to steam the food and drive fat out for removal to a grease trough. The marinade replaces fat and natural juices producing a relatively low fat cooked meat.

Abstract: A solar system house having a solar-heat collecting portion on a roof, a solar-heat collecting duct communicated with the solar-heat collecting portion; and a handling box connected to the solar-heat collecting portion. The handling box includes a back-flow damper that prevent a back-flow toward the solar-heat collecting duct, an air-flow change damper that allow selection between a descending duct and an exhaust duct opened to the outside, a solar-heat collecting fan positioned between the back-flow chamber and the air-flow change damper, and a driving motor for rotating the solar-heat collecting fan in the handling box, which is a direct current (DC) motor to be driven by a solar-battery and a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the solar-battery.

Abstract: A method for selective hydrolysis of the hemicellulose component of a biomass material. The selective hydrolysis produces water-soluble small molecules, particularly monosaccharides. One embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose and subsequently hydrolyzing the solubilized hemicellulose to produce at least one monosaccharide. A second embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose and subsequently enzymatically hydrolyzing the solubilized hemicellulose to produce at least one monosaccharide. A third embodiment includes solubilizing at least a portion of the hemicellulose by heating the biomass material to greater than 110° C. resulting in an aqueous portion that includes the solubilized hemicellulose and a water insoluble solids portion and subsequently separating the aqueous portion from the water insoluble solids portion.

Abstract: Processes for the elimination of deposit formation during starch processing are provided. The processes include one or more of raising the pH of ethylated starch solutions to a pH above 7; adding uncooked oxidized starch to cooked ethylated starch; adjusting the conductivity of uncooked ethylated starch granules; and/or silicone treatment of vessel surfaces.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.

Abstract: According to the subject invention, dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based compositions are provided, including methods for their manufacture and dry powder dispersion devices. A dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based composition is one having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight (% w) water, usually below about 5% w and preferably less than about 3% w; a particle size of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median diameter (MMD), usually 1.0-4.0 &mgr;m MMD, and preferably 1.0-3.0 &mgr;m MMD; a delivered dose of about >30%, usually >40%, preferably >50%, and most preferred >60%; and an aerosol particle size distribution of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), usually 1.5-4.5 &mgr;m MMAD, and preferably 1.5-4.0 &mgr;m MMAD. Such compositions are of pharmaceutical grade purity.

Abstract: A blind intubation guide (10) includes a guide wall (42), which aims an orotracheal tube (120) into the laryngeal opening (230), the guide wall (42) being pivotally mounted to an aft member (16) of the guide (10) to accommodate throats (202) of variable shallowness. The guide (10) may also include a flexible spout (100).

Abstract: A floating ball of an underwater breathing apparatus has a hollow housing, a base, a weighted block and a tube. The base is formed on the bottom of the hollow housing. The weighted block is attached to the bottom of the base or under the base. Multiple through holes are defined in the housing. Multiple vents are defined in the housing and above all of the through holes. The tube extends into the housing to a position near the top of the housing. The tube is connected to a hose connected to a mouthpiece on the other end. Consequently, the center of gravity of the floating ball is lowered and always kept in the bottom of the housing. The floating ball is not easily turned over by waves. In addition, the seawater entering the housing can be automatically drained off through the through holes.

Abstract: A resuscitation system for the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation of asthma patients, and for teaching the cardiopulmonary resuscitation of asthma patients. The invention includes a deflatable bag and a gas flow channel connected with said bag, for connection with an indwelling endotracheal tube so that gas can flow from the bag into the patient and from said patient through said flow channel, an exhalation port in flow connection with said flow channel and an indicator mounted adjacent said system for detecting expiration flow and/or pressure within at least one of said flow channel and exhalation port to detect inadequacy in the expiratory component of ventilation during CPR and to train healthcare workers in the emergency ventilation of severe asthmatic patients in the field and emergency room.

Abstract: A single breath induction anesthesia apparatus for anesthetizing a patient, comprises a gas delivery system for delivering at least one gas to the patient, an oxygen supply system for providing oxygen, and an oxygen/anesthesia gas supply system for mixing oxygen and at least one anesthesia gas at a preset optimum ratio sufficient to cause anesthesia of the patient with a single breath, thereby providing an oxygen/anesthesia gas mixture. The apparatus of the invention further includes a valve for providing selective gas flow communication between the oxygen supply system and the gas delivery system or between the oxygen/anesthesia gas supply system and the gas delivery system.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivery of a drug to the lungs of a user includes a tubular housing having a mouth a mouthpiece, a heat source, and a middle section between the mouthpiece and the heat source. The middle section has an chamber containing a plurality of inert inorganic particles which have a drug adsorbed as a coating thereon. The heat source, the plurality of inert inorganic particles in the middle section and the mouthpiece are fluidly connected through an interior passageway of the tubular housing and the distal end section is fluidly connected to outside air. When a user applies suction to the mouthpiece, air from the outside is drawn into the heat source by suction and is heated, and the heated air is drawn into the chamber of the middle section to heat, volatilize and desorb the drug from the inert particles. The volatilized and desorbed drug is then drawn from the chamber of the middle section into the mouthpiece and then into the mouth and lungs of the user.

Abstract: A system and method to obtain (19) unipolar EEG signals from electrodes (13) attached to a patient's head (14). The EEG signals are detected by the electrodes and transmitted over a patient cable (16) to the EEG data acquisition and analysis system (12). The system (12) generates all power spectrum, bispectrum, and higher-order spectrum arrays. These arrays are then used in conjunction with clinically predetermined coefficient arrays to produce diagnostic indices. These indices are sent to the host computer (18) and are displayed on the graphics display (2). Printed output of the diagnostic index is also available on the hard copy output device (22) which is connected to the microcomputer (18). The operator interacts with the acquisition and analysis components of the system by means of a user input device (24) with feedback on the graphics display (20).

Abstract: A harness assembly (40) for a nasal mask (42) for communicating breathable gas to a patient's airways, for example in the administering CPAP or like breathable gas delivery treatments. The harness assembly (40) includes a cap portion (44) adapted to engage, in use, the occipital region of the skull (43). The cap portion (44) includes a connection means (48) at each end. The harness assembly (40) also includes a pair of upper (52) and lower (54) straps, each of the straps (52, 54) extending between one of the cap connection means (48) and the nasal mask (42).

Abstract: A device for retaining a tongue in a predetermined position, the device comprising, a flange having a first and second surface, the flange further including a protrusion extending from the first surface of the flange; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces of the flange, wherein the protrusion covers the aperture, whereby the protrusion form a hollow chamber, the hollow chamber is accessible through the aperture from the second side of the flange.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing cigarettes, whereby a control device, which can be activated when the machine is stopped, activates at least one test operating member as of a rest condition and substantially independently of the other operating members; the control device also providing for restoring the test operating member to the rest condition following activation.

Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a cigarette, cigar, pipe or smokeless tobacco. The composition can be included within the tobacco itself, a filter for filtering tobacco smoke once burned or even within the paper or wrapper surrounding the tobacco product. In the cigarette filter, be it internal or external filters, the antioxidant complex is capable of scavenging and neutralizing the free radicals emanating from the burning or heated tobacco and passing through the filter as the smoker inhales. The composition is also capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity, respiratory tract and lungs resulting from tobacco smoke. The composition includes glutathione and preferaby L-glutathione and green tea and/or grape seed extract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail grinder which enables a more clean nail grinding work by preventing grinding efficiency from being reduced and preventing nail powders from being scattered in such a manner that ground nail powders are prevented from being stacked on the surface of an abrasive cloth by wiping nail powders generated in grinding nails right away in its grinding process by arranging abrasive clothes having a different roughness surface to thus gradually perform a nail grinding work and attaching a fabric paper having adsorptivity at one side of a base.

Abstract: A multiple clip fastener and method for securing sections of hair of a human being in rows and for aligning hair clips. The apparatus is a semi-circle headband, retaining comb, or barrette that has a plurality of hair clips integrally attached and aligned longitudinally along its top. In use, the headband, retaining comb, or barrette is attached to the hair. Hair sections are then neatly aligned and secured in rows to the multiple clip fastener by placing each corresponding hair section into corresponding hair clip. Each clip always remains aligned with each other and the multiple clip hair fastener is easily removable and reusable.

Abstract: A multiple clip fastener for securing sections of hair of a human being in rows and for aligning hair clips. The apparatus is a semicircle headband, retaining comb, or barrette that has a plurality of hair clips integrally attached and aligned longitudinally along their top. In use, the headband, retaining comb, or barrette is attached to the hair and hair sections are neatly aligned and secured in rows to the multiple clip fastener by placing each corresponding hair section into corresponding hair clip. Each clip always remains aligned with each other and the multiple clip hair fastener is easily removable and reusable.

Abstract: A toothpick which includes: a unitary body including a blade portion at one end of the body, a claw portion at an opposite end of the body, and a handle portion positioned between the blade portion and the claw portion.

Abstract: A bath brush assembly is detachably mountable to a wall of a shower or bathtub. The bath brush assembly includes a frame and a bore extending therethrough. A sponge or a plurality of bristles are attached to the frame and extend into the bore such that a stroke victim or handicapped person may clean one of their appendages by moving their appendage against the sponge.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a device to allow a “rigid” pig to pass into an undersea flow pipe in which a hollow flow-constricting device is in use. According to the invention the device is provided with a first pipe branch and a second pipe branch. The first pipe branch is provided with a hollow flow-constricting device in it and both first and second pipe branches are provided with shut-off valves, whereby the flow can be diverted to the second pipe branch thereby enabling a rigid pig to pass into such second pipe branch, when necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commercial dishwashing machine, where the detergent added to the first wash tank of the wash section is controlled by a regulator which controls a dosing device. The regulator is a fuzzy regulator, which in a learning phase determines characteristic influencing values of the system to be regulated. In the learning phase, detergent is continuously added to the first wash tank for a predefined period. The change in the water's conductivity over that period is determined. In the subsequent operating phase, the extent to which the conductivity measured deviates from a set value is determined. Dosing takes place by fuzzy regulation on the set value deviation, on the basis of the measured influencing values as fuzzy variables. Because in the learning phase all the influencing values of the dishwashing machine, dosage device and detergent are taken into account, dosing is automatically optimally adjusted to prevailing conditions.

Abstract: An acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver are positioned to define a path for travel of an acoustic signal from the acoustic transmitter to the acoustic receiver. A substrate is positioned in the path so as to interrupt the acoustic signal. The acoustic receiver detects interruption of the acoustic signal. The acoustic signal path may be provided above a chamber in which the substrate is processed, such as by cleaning or drying the substrate. The acoustic signal path may be arranged at an angle relative to a plane defined by raising and lowering the substrate relative to the processing chamber. The angling of the acoustic signal path prevents interference with the signal paths provided with respect to other processing modules arranged in a linear array.

Abstract: A tube system comprising a blood inlet line with an arterial patient connection and a blood return line with a venous patient connection, where a rinsing liquid inlet line branches off from the blood inlet line downstream from the arterial patient connection, and a rinsing liquid return line branches off from the blood return line upstream from the venous patient connection is filled while maintaining sterility in that rinsing liquid is pumped from a rinsing liquid container through the rinsing liquid inlet line, the blood inlet line, the blood return line and the rinsing liquid return line, establishing a liquid connection between the rinsing liquid inlet line and return line. The venous patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with a venous safety cap, and the arterial patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with an arterial safety cap. The safety caps are removed from the patient connections for connecting the tube system to the patient.