Abstract: A wire-saw constituted by a rope-like core wire and a cylindrical coil-like saw-wire body wounded around the core wire, and a large number of abrasive grains firmly fixed to the saw-wire body by metal. Problems of conventional wire-saws, such as unstable working performance, a short tool life, low safety and low reliability, and so on, are solved.

Abstract: The oven described herein comprises at least one conveyor for carrying food products through a bake chamber to be cooked, a bake chamber with openings for conveyor(s), an air heating, distribution and return system, a fan box that contains means for pressurizing heated air and a drive end that contains the fan motor, conveyor drive motor(s) and oven temperature controls. The bake chamber, air distribution components, air return components and conveyor(s) are designed so that all components may be easily and quickly removed for cleaning while allowing access for maintenance. Each conveyor has a separate speed control and may travel in either a left to right or right to left direction.

Abstract: The cooking apparatus includes a glass or glass-ceramic plate (1) providing a cooking surface with one or more cooking areas with a throughgoing opening (2) in each cooking area and with an annular atmospheric gas burner under each opening (2). The annular atmospheric gas burner is an annular pipe (19b) provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed orifices (19c) for supporting flames (19a). The annular pipe (19b) has a circular transverse cross-section and bounds a central opening (19d). An overflow catching container (20) may be provided under the gas burner to catch overflowing cooking material falling through the throughgoing opening (2). The peripheral -edge (1a) of the glass or glass-ceramic plate (1) around the throughgoing opening (2) is preferably curved upward from the cooking surface, which also assists in handling overflowing material.

Abstract: A method for protecting a stove control panel from splatter. A first step involves providing a precut flexible transparent heat resistant polymer film adapted to conform to an underlying form. The polymer film has peripheral edges adapted to adhere to an underlying surface. A second step involves covering the stove control panel with the polymer film and securing the peripheral edges of the polymer film to peripheral edges of the stove control panel.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly, including its gas intake manifold, in combination with upper and lower tiered baffles, and includes the side chambers for regulation of flow if air through a draw in and through type of burner assembly, to provide heated air for a building. Various slots are provided in both the side chambers, and are custom designed for application to select tiers of the upper and lower baffles, to precisely regulate the flow of air into the combustion chamber, and regulate the type of flame generated, to furnish very precise generation of heat, and BTU output for the various sized burner assemblies.

Abstract: A radiant energy collection unit that can be used in a solar panel heating system is described. The energy collection unit comprises an absorbing panel secured to a base panel and forming a channel there between. The channel is in fluid communication with an inlet feeder and an outlet conduit. The design of the collection unit allows for its use on a house, garage or similar building.

Abstract: The present invention is a nebulizer for infants which provides a respirable gas to an infant while the infant is suckling. The respirable gas may be oxygen or a respirable gas containing a medication. In a first series of embodiments, a feeding bottle is provided so that the infant may bottle feed. In a second preferred embodiment, a pacifier is provided so that the infant may suckle while the respirable gas is administered.

Abstract: An improved crew oxygen mask and stowage assembly combination (10) is provided including a stowage box (12) equipped with a door (22), with a crew mask assembly (14) made up of a mask (48), gas-conveying tubing (50) and valve unit (46). The box (12) also includes a valve-controlling switch lever (44) for selective gas-on or gas-off operation of valve unit (46). In normal conditions, the mask (48) and tubing (50) are stowed within box (12) with lever (44) oriented in the gas-on position, so that the tubing (50) is pressurized and mask (48) may be quickly pulled from the box (12) and used. After such use, the switch lever (44) is shifted to the gas-off position, causing the tubing (50) to be depressurized; this allows easy restowage of the tubing (50) and mask (48) within the box (12). However, when door (22) is closed, the switch lever (44) is cammed back to the gas-on position, thereby repressurizing tubing (50) and returning the combination (10) to a full-ready condition.

Abstract: A utility belt includes a gas storage vessel for providing a portable and ambulatory supply of oxygen for the person wearing the belt or a person being attended to by the person wearing the belt. In particular, the utility belt provides a portable supply of pressurized gas while it is suspended from the body of a user, with a plurality of item holders, such as implement holsters and utility pouches, suspended from the utility belt. The supply of pressurized gas is provided by a gas storage vessel carried on the utility belt. The gas storage vessel is formed from a plurality of polymeric hollow chamber having either an ellipsoidal or spherical shape and interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The gas storage vessel includes a reinforcing filament wrapped around the interconnected chambers and interconnecting conduit sections to limit radial expansion of the chambers and conduit sections when filled with a fluid under pressure.

Abstract: An inhaler device and a method in which powder for inhalation is jetted off a prepared device surface containing a defined pre-metered quantity of finely divided powder. The jetting function is obtained by a directed air stream pushing or cutting free a medical powder applied to a carrier surface and by creating a stream of air dispersing the powder into inspiratory air at the moment it is being inhaled. The inhaler device includes active (air permeable) porous walls for preventing finely divided powder from sticking to the inner faces of the inhaler device by creating a pressure gradient across the active wall, thus forcing a small flow of air through the active wall thereby keeping the powder from sticking to the inner faces.

Abstract: A ventilator device and system comprising a rotating compressor, preferably a drag compressor, which, at the beginning of each inspiratory ventilation phase, is accelerated to a sufficient speed to deliver the desired inspiratory gas flow, and is subsequently stopped or decelerated to a basal flow level to permit the expiratory ventilation phase to occur. The ventilator device is small and light weight enough to be utilized in portable applications. The ventilator device is power efficient enough to operate for extended periods of time on internal or external batteries. Also provided is an oxygen blending apparatus which utilizes solenoid valves having specific orifice sizes for blending desired amounts of oxygen into the inspiratory gas flow. Also provided is an exhalation valve having an exhalation flow transducer which incorporates a radio frequency data base to provide an attendant controller with specific calibration information for the exhalation flow transducer.

Abstract: A variable volume ratio compound counterlung is disclosed for use with a semi-closed circuit breathing apparatus. The compound counterlung generally comprises a flexible bag member disposed within and attached to an outer counterlung member. A pair of depth sensors are provided to vary the volume of said flexible bag member with changes in depth. The flexible bag member is driven by the outer counterlung to discharge gas stored within the flexible bag member depending on the diver's respiratory minute volume. The volumetric capacity of the inner counterlung is controlled by one or more ambient pressure sensing devices with an outer bellows-type counterlung that drives the inner counterlung's contents overboard with each breathing cycle.

Abstract: Device for scuba diving consisting of at least a processor and of at least a manometer, both housed within a sheath, said manometer being connected to one or more bottles containing compressed air. The said processor includes a corresponding central unit for data processing, operatively connected to the manometer by means of connecting elements which allow said processor and said manometer to exchange information flows and also to be positioned within the housing sheath independently one from the other, so as to obtain a device for scuba diving with a modular structure.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Cardiopulmonary circulation is increased according to the invention by impeding airflow into a patient's lungs to enhance the extent and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression of the patient's chest. Enhanced extent and duration of negative of intrathoracic pressure thus promotes venous blood flow into the heart and lungs from the peripheral venous vasculature. In one embodiment, impeding the airflow into the patient's lungs is accomplished by placing a ventilation tube in the patient's airway.

Abstract: The pressure of breathable gas exiting a flow generator is controlled by adjusting the efficiency of the flow generator. In one embodiment, a baffle plate of a control element can restrict the open entry area of a motor driven turbine of the flow generator. In another embodiment, the degree of opening of the mouth of the flow generator inlet is automatically adjustable in response to the needs of the user, hence creating a pneumatic impedance, and which simultaneously controls, in the same manner, the impedance of the outlet of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable gas mask usable for emergency rescue purposes to save human lives from toxic gas or germ attack. The disposable gas mask includes a rectangular thin body, an eye protection window arranged at an upper portion of the body, a filter unit arranged at a lower portion of the body, a peripheral adhesive band formed at an inner surface of the body along a peripheral edge of the body while surrounding the eye protection window and the filter unit, a vertically-extending folding line centrally provided at the eye protection window, an indicator arranged between the eye protection window and the filter unit and adapted to indicate the application purpose of the gas mask, and a sealing wax band formed at an inner surface of the eye protection window and an inner surface of the filter unit inside the adhesive band along a peripheral edge of the eye protection window and a peripheral edge of the filter unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal ventilating device, especially a tracheal tube or tracheal cannula which obturates the trachea as hermetically as possible for ventilating a patient, the device comprising a cuffed balloon which blocks the trachea below the glottis and through which a ventilating cannula is passed, with the cuffed balloon when filled or inflated and freely unfolded without any limitation, being larger than when placed in the trachea in an inflated state, and being made from a soft flexible foil material. To intubate a patient with said device as gently as possible at low pressures over a long period of time and with a low risk of infection, the invention suggests that the draped fold of the cuffed balloon should rest on the trachea and be designed in such a way that the loop created at the dead end of a fold has a small diameter which inhibits the free flow of secretion through the loop of said fold.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-holder for positioning a tube within a patient's trachea that includes a chin piece shaped to the curvature of the patient's chin and a pair of straps attached to openings in the chin piece for securing the tube-holder in place on the patient. An extension is attached to the chin piece extending perpendicular to and away from the patient's face. The extension includes a vertical member located at the end of the extension opposite the patient and at a fixed distance from the lips of the patient. The vertical member is split into two parts which have mating surfaces shaped for receiving and holding the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: An cervical drug delivery apparatus having an absorbent cylindrical structure with a cervical cap attached to one end. One or more therapeutic agents are applied to the internal surface of the cervical cap. The cervical drug delivery apparatus is housed within an applicator and inserted into a patient's vagina. Upon deployment of the cervical drug delivery apparatus, the cervical cap is automatically positioned over the patient's cervix providing for the direct application of the therapeutic agents on the patient's cervix. Alternative features of the cervical drug delivery apparatus include, a break-away cylindrical structure, a collapsible support structure for the cervical cap, an inflatable means for supporting the cervical cap, and the ability of the cylindrical structure and/or the cervical cap to contain one or more therapeutic agents that can be delivered by outside means.

Abstract: A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall curved upwardly and inwardly to form a cover which is form fitted to the infusion site under finger pressure and which can be taped in place. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector and cushioning the guard's base with a soft material.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has maxillary and mandibular bite forms with outwardly extending pivots which are mounted to the bite forms by frameworks which are at least partially embedded in the bite forms. This retains the pivots securely in place even in the face of extensive bruxing. In constructing the device, a jig may be used for positioning the pivots. The method of manufacturing the device involves casting the frameworks, such that each framework has a pair of pivot mounts, mounting pivots to the pivot mounts, and at least partially embedding the frameworks in the bite forms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of rigid shell extricators for immobilizing and transporting traumatized persons. An extricator (1) bears one or more niches (6) and (6a) obtained in the thickness of the extricator itself in correspondence with the occipital area and of the torso of the traumatized person. Each of said niches is provided with a lid, respectively (8) and (8a). Inside the niches (6) and (6a) are stowed the holding belts which can be extracted through openings (12) present peripherally in the thickness of said extricator.

Abstract: A biocompatible medical implant has at least one part thereof composed of ceramic material with the formula NaxKyNbO3, wherein 0≦x≦0.8, 0.2≦y≦1, and x+y=1. The ceramic material can be polarized to give the implant spatially varying piezoelectric properties. Signals can be measured from the respective piezoelectric regions of the selectively polarized ceramic material to provide an indication of the degree of fixation of the implant to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Successive cigarettes of a series of cigarettes, such as filter cigarettes, are transported sideways in the axially parallel peripheral flutes of a rotary drum-shaped conveyor to the inlet(s) of a straight or V-shaped rolling channel or of two successive straight channels defined by the rolling surface(s) of one or two stationary block-shaped rolling members and the external surface of an endless belt trained over several rollers and being at least partially confined in a recess or groove of the conveyor in such a way that the surface(s) of the rolling member(s) cooperate with the surface of the belt to roll successive cigarettes in the channel or channels about their longitudinal axes while one or more beams issuing from one or more lasers or other radiation source(s) impinge upon the wrappers of the cigarettes rolling in the channel or channels.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: A self applicator for hair coloring includes an applicator body having an attachment portion adapted to be attached to a squeeze container, and a plurality of prongs projecting forwardly with respect to the attachment portion. Each prong includes a channel extending therethrough to a discharge end of the prong. The discharge end includes an outlet opening for dispensing the coloring. Each outlet opening is surrounded by a rub-in surface of at least 1.0 mm in width configured to bear against the user's scalp for rubbing in the dispensed coloring into the roots of the hair follicles. Each rub-in surface extends at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a respective channel. A reservoir is disposed between each channel and a respective outlet opening, the reservoir being of larger cross section than a junction between the reservoir and the channel. An accumulation space is formed between the attachment portion and the prongs for accumulating coloring being delivered to the prongs.

Abstract: A method for treating a hair shape comprising the steps of: subjecting hair to softening treatment by applying or spraying a softening agent or applying a hair-treating agent, and giving vibration of predetermined frequency of not exceeding 20 KHz being lower than a frequency of ultrasonic wave to hair to give a desired shape to hair. It is possible to cause cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage or the like in keratin of the hair, which was hard to be done in a conventional permanent treatment, to every portion of hairs by making an effect of the first liquid (softening agent) being sufficiently exhibited in permanent treatment.

Abstract: A cosmetic container including interleaved substantially vertical walls upwardly and downwardly extending respectively from a base component and from a product reservoir, with a further downwardly extending tongue projection from an underside of its cover, and in which cooperating detents on the tongue projection and on the reservoir pivot the cover open and closed, to form an internal hinge which is unobservable to a consumer, thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the container in both its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a refill container for preventing the cosmetic material from accumulating on one side by forming the space between the top surface of the cosmetic material K and the netting, as small as possible, and for preventing the quality of cosmetic material from changing. A netted refill container A comprising: a container body 1 being formed from a flexible synthetic resin material, and opening upward for containing cosmetic material K; a net frame 2 having a netting 2b hooked across an engagement loop 2a; wherein the net frame 2 is attached in a manner covering an opening portion of the container body 1; wherein the netting 2b and the engagement loop 2a are attached by an annular attachment portion 2c projecting higher upward than the engagement loop 2a; wherein the opening portion of the container body 1 has a top edge extending upward and closely contacting to the annular attachment portion 2c.

Abstract: A portable kit for promoting oral hygiene includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss compactly arranged in one portion of a housing which outwardly resembles a fountain pen. The kit may also include a canister of breath spray in another portion of the housing.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler comprising a body and at least one applicator tip attached to the body, the applicator tip comprising an applicator surface and flocking. The flocking provides a surface that can receive a cosmetic product in an amount sufficient for one or two applications. Preferably, the individual bodies are stackable, the individual applicator tips are stackable and/or the assembled samplers are stackable. Optionally, a closure that covers the applicator tip and attaches to the body is included. The closure may provide either an ordinary or an airtight seal. Also, a method of making the cosmetic sampler comprising the steps of fabricating a hollow body, flocking a thermoformable substrate, thermoforming the flocked substrate into an applicator tip and attaching the applicator tip to the body. Alternatively, the applicator tip may be molded and then flocked and then attached to the body.

Abstract: A dental implement includes an elongate body having a dental tool at one or both ends and a comfit grip which is attached to the body and employed for manipulating the tools. The comfit grip includes an oral hygiene enhancement constituent carried in an electuary. The comfit grip may be removed from the implement body and placed in the user's oral cavity for release of the oral hygiene enhancement constituent through contact with saliva and/or by chewing. The oral hygiene enhancement constituent may comprise an anticaries agent, a malodor inhibitor, a tooth whitener, a plaque inhibitor or other constituents known to have oral hygiene enhancement properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for the mechanical cleaning of the interdental spaces by dental floss comprising an outer holder containing a delivery reel of the fresh dental floss and a take-up reel of the worn-out dental floss, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the operating length of the dental floss between the arms of a fork to be positioned within the mouth in the interdental spaces, and a mechanism provided with friction device for rotating the delivery and take-up reels as well as the driving wheels transmitting the movement of the drive mechanism to the delivery and take-up reels, an outside case including the drive mechanism for the above-mentioned reciprocation and the power supply battery, a support base for two holders and a drive case carrying an induction coil for recharging the battery and including two sockets for holders.

Abstract: A method for removing a slurry from a silicon wafer after chemical-polishing whereby the wafer is subjected to at least 2 or more chemical megasonic baths for a short duration of time. The pH of the first megasonic bath matches the pH of the slurry to be removed.

Abstract: A dry cleaning method for use in semiconductor fabrication, including the following steps. An etched metallization structure is provided and placed in a processing chamber. The etched metallization structure is cleaned by introducing a fluorine containing gas/oxygen containing gas mixture into the processing chamber proximate the etched metallization structure without the use of a downstream microwave while applying a magnetic field proximate the etched metallization structure and maintaining a pressure of less than about 50 millitorr within the processing chamber for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit device. The method includes retrieving an in process substrate comprising one or more particles from an input chamber, which is coupled to a chamber for a robot arm, which is maintained under a predetermined environment. The method moves the substrate from the input chamber into a cleaning chamber, which is coupled to the robot arm chamber. The method places the substrate onto a susceptor in the cleaning chamber; and applies a high energy photon from a high energy photon source onto a surface of a substrate to release the one or more particles from the surface of the substrate while the substrate is maintained in the predetermined environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning treatment composition containers are disclosed which are capable of taking out photographic treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry from the containers without adhesion of the components to the inner wall of the container and residue of the coagulated and solidified substances and as well as cleaning the inside portions of the containers. The method and apparatus for cleaning the containers for the photographic treatment compositions have the steps of mounting containers filled with treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry and comprising as a resin, only high-density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density of 0.941 to 0.969 g/cm3 and a melt index of 0.3 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min to a cleaning apparatus; opening an opening portion of the container to inject the treatment material into a dissolving tank, and spraying cleaning water into the empty container from a nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning castings includes a cleaning cabinet having a rotary clamping device which clamps a casting to be cleaned upon a freely rotatable plate in the cabinet. An elongate lance having a high pressure nozzle at its inner end projects into the cabinet and delivers a high pressure water jet against the casting at a pressure of 1,000 psi to 40,000 psi. A spherical bearing pivotally and rotatably mounts the lance on a vertically reciprocal carriage. A pair of pneumatic cylinder and piston units are connected to lance and are differentially operated with respect to actuation times and length of piston stroke to thereby produce random movement of the lance during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A non-contact wiper and washer assembly for surveillance camera domes having a semicircular perforated tube in close proximity to the dome surface. The tube is pivotable by a motorized mechanism so that either washer solution or compressed air may be dispensed over the entire surface of the dome thereby washing it and cleaning it from any water droplets.

Abstract: A stabilizing cane attachment for supporting a user upon sandy and snow covered surfaces. The stabilizing cane attachment includes a support member having a bore extending therethrough and being adapted mount at a bottom end portion of a cane; and also includes a first stopper member being adapted to securely attach about the cane above the support member to prevent the support member from coming off the cane; and further includes a second stopper member being adapted to securely attach about a bottom end of the cane.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use with a container (100) for storing a substance. Typically, the substance is a volatile liquid, such as hydrocarbon fuels, alcohol or distilled liquids. The apparatus (1) acts to prevent filling and evaporative losses of the liquid, minimise internal corrosion of the container (100) and prevent humidification of the liquid. The apparatus (1) employs a bladder (3a, 3b) inside the container (100). The bladder (3a, 3b) is filled with air. A pressure control unit (7) is provided to control the supply of air to the bladder (3a, 3b) such that the pressure in the bladder (3a, 3b) is maintained at or above a selected level, being the vapour pressure inside the container (100). The bladder (3a, 3b) is maintained in an inflated condition such that it fills the space above the substance in the container (100).

Abstract: A simple micro valve actuator is disclosed. The micro valve actuator of this invention comprises a sealed vacuum chamber. The micro valve is actuated by providing a current to a thin film heater, which in turn weakens and, under the atmospheric pressure differential, breaks a diaphragm sealing said vacuum chamber whereby the vacuum inside the chamber is released. By applying the micro valve actuator of this invention to a microfluidic channel with a micro valve, the resulting pressure differential deforms the section of the microchannel at the micro valve area and adjacent to the vacuum chamber so to change the flow inside the microchannel. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the chamber may be prepared in a silicon, glass, or plastic substrate and a diaphragm is vacuum bonded to seal the chamber. The diaphragm may comprise a metallic gas-impermeable film. A releasing member comprising a thin-film metallic heater is then microfabricated on the diaphragm.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting parallelogram lever mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting condensate which forms inside an exhaust system. The exhaust system comprises an exhaust side in which condensate may be formed, a suction side, and an exhaust fan between the exhaust side and the suction side and coupled to each of the exhaust side and the suction side to form a conduit through which gaseous fluid may be conveyed. A hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end is provided. The first end is coupled to the exhaust side and the second end is coupled to the suction side so that the hollow tube communicates between the exhaust side and the suction side in a manner bypassing the exhaust fan. A means exists inside the exhaust side for diverting condensate away from the exhaust fan apparatus. The means is positioned to channel condensate into the first open end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for controlling the flow of exhaust comprising a hollow elongated member, desirably in the form of an exhaust pipe or component thereof, having an open end, a flap associated with the open end and a spring having two ends. The flap is pivotable between a first position to close the open end and a second position to open the open end, and is adapted to pivot toward the second position when the exhaust gas within the elongated member achieves a predetermined pressure. One end of the spring is associated with the flap and the other end of the spring is associated with the elongated member along the length of the elongated member. The spring biases the flap toward the first position. The spring desirably extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member when the flap is in the first position. The flap desirably includes a lateral edge having a hook and the one end of the spring is mounted to the hook.

Abstract: A closed fluid transfer system is provided including a fluid source in fluid communication with an inlet of a hollow body. The hollow body includes a flexible and expandable wall, typically composed of elastomeric material, at one end thereof. An outlet is formed distal from the flexible and expandable wall. Fluid is transported from the fluid source to the hollow body through a tube by a pump or the like. The hollow body may constitute a fluid conditioning chamber. Alternatively, the hollow body serves as a fluid source for an energy production device. The hollow body may also be fluidly connected to a vehicle for use as a fuel tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device for fuel tanks, wherein the ventilation device comprises a compensator reservoir arranged in the interior of the fuel tank and at least two ventilation lines. The ventilation lines run from below the upper tank wall to the compensator reservoir and extend in the latter toward an opposite tank wall. The apparatus according to the invention is particularly well suited under all static and dynamic stresses for ventilating fuel tanks.

Abstract: A modular gas control device for use with a compressed gas cylinder (111) comprises a primary module (152) and a secondary module (252) mounted on the primary module. The primary module comprises a first supporting body (154) having a first main gas flow path (155) through the body. The supporting body has input connecting means (156) for mounting the body on the cylinder (111) and connecting the gas flow path (155) to communicate with the gas cylinder through a first flow. path (157). Pressure reducing means (166) provides gas in the flow path at a lower pressure than in the container. Output connecting means (170) downstream of the pressure reducing means provides a low pressure outlet from the main gas flow path. A high pressure shut-off valve (164) is positioned upstream of the pressure reducing means, and filling means (161, 160) allows filling of the cylinder with compressed gas through the input connecting means (156) along a second flow path (159) separate from the input flow path (157).