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: A fuel pump module includes a reservoir having a jet pump attached to the outer surface of the reservoir. The jet pump includes a pump body which is ultrasonically welded to the reservoir and a jet nozzle which extends from the pump body towards an inlet to the reservoir. An alignment device or the jet pump engages an alignment device on the reservoir to ensure that the jet nozzle will be in accurate alignment with the inlet of the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leak fuel connection, in particular for a common rail system or a common rail injector, for connecting a leak fuel line via a connecting conduit to a connection end piece. The leak fuel connection, on the outer circumference of a component on which the leak fuel connection is provided, has an at least intermittently annularly embodied conduit, into which the connecting conduit for connecting to the leak fuel line discharges. The annular conduit is connected to the connection end piece via a connection element.

Abstract: In a method for open-loop and closed-loop control of the number and sequence of strokes in the motive process of a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine, in particular a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine with direct injection, it being possible, in the case of leaner-than-stoichiometric combustion, for the residual oxygen not yet used for combustion to be used for further working strokes, and a gas exchange occurring only after the residual oxygen in the combustion chamber has been completely burned or the air ratio &lgr; in the combustion chamber has fallen below a lower limiting value &lgr;grenz.

Abstract: A combustion manager portion of an engine controller is responsive to ambient air density and engine temperature signals to schedule charge flow and EGR fraction commands. The combustion manager includes a data structure determination block operable to select an appropriate engine speed/engine fueling data structure based on air density and engine temperature information as well as on desired emissions level and engine operating state (i.e., steady state or transient) information. Charge flow and EGR fraction determination blocks are, in turn, responsive to current engine speed and engine fueling information to produce compute the EGR fraction and charge flow commands as a function of the selected engine speed/engine fueling data structures.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders and direct gasoline injection is described, so that the secondary current conduction time of the ignition coil can be prolonged controllably without increasing the primary current. At least one ignition coil is provided for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The primary side of the ignition coil is switched over an ignition switch which is triggered by a microprocessor. A spark plug is connected to the secondary side of the ignition coil. An external voltage can be applied to the ignition coil to prolong the secondary current conduction time, thus supplying the power required for the prolonged secondary current.

Abstract: In air-fuel ratio control apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine having an EGR valve interposed in an EGR passage between an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, a target EGR quantity is calculated, a determination is made which of air-fuel ratio feedback controls through an EGR control and through an intake-air quantity is to be executed according to the target EGR quantity, and one of the air-fuel ratio feedback controls is selectively made according to a result of a determination of which of the air-fuel feedback controls is to be executed. During an execution of a rich spike control, the feedback control through the intake-air quantity control is unconditionally executed.

Abstract: A crossbow including a stock having a forward end and a rearward end, a bow member mounted on the stock proximate the forward end with a bow string movable between a released position and a drawn position, a trigger mechanism including a latch for engaging and holding the bow string in the drawn position and selectively releasing the bow string into the released position when disengaged. The crossbow further includes a cocking mechanism having a string engaging member with a hook portion engaging the bow string in the released position and drawing the bow string to the drawn position in response to movement of a slide slidably mounted to an underside of the stock. A line has an end coupled to the slide and an opposing end coupled to the string engaging member. The line extends forwardly from the grip around the first guide, extending rearwardly from the first guide around the second guide and extending forwardly to couple to the string engaging member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a unique mounting frame for use in conjunction with a conversion kit for a conventional, combination baseball/softball pitching machine of the wheel type. Both machines are separately mounted on individual base plates that are pivotably mounted to the front of the frame. The plates are interconnected so as to move in an integral manner pivoting relative to the front of the frame. Movement is controlled by a linear actuator which permits them to be raised and lowered as a single unit by a single raise and lower mechanism.

Abstract: A lid positioning device for a grill having a hinged lid comprises an upper mount for attachment to a sidewall of the grill lid, a lower mount for attachment to a corresponding sidewall of the firebox, and an elongated support member adjustably connected to the upper and lower mounts for movement in a plane substantially parallel to the sidewalls. The support member rotates about a fixed pivot connection to one of the mounts, and its active length is adjustable by engaging a selected one of a plurality of spaced detent slots of the support member with a protrusion on the other mount. Alternatively, a single longitudinal slot is provide in the support member through which the protrusion passes, and a screw clamp mating with the protrusion acts to clamp the support member in a selected adjustment position.

Abstract: A removable burner assembly is provided for a gas barbecue grill. The removable burner assembly has a burner frame having an open bottom and an open top, a burner connected to the burner frame, and a manifold in fluid communication with the burner. The burner frame, with the connected burner, is adapted to be removably mounted as a self-contained subassembly in the housing of the grill.

Abstract: A personal heating device comprises a container and a heating arrangement within the container for providing heat to the container. The container has a hollow interior, a closable opening and a plurality of ventilation holes on the container. The heating arrangement arranged to fit within the hollow interior of the container has a support arranged to hold a heating element, a vented heat shield located above the heating element arranged to dispense the heat within the container. The closable opening is arranged to receive a seat portion on the container arranged such that the container is used as a seat. The seat portion has a venting chimney which is arranged to direct the heated air within the container directly into the clothing of a user.

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 closure (30) closes the external cavity (20). When the heating mechanism is operated to mix the chemicals and cause an exothermic reaction, vapor, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The vapor is constrained to flow to the exterior of the closure (30) through grooves (62) therein. A sleeve (60) is arranged around the container (10) contiguous to the closure (30) such that the exiting vapor is constrained to flow between the sleeve (30) and the can (10). By this means, a user of the can is protected from coming into contact with the hot steam and air and the heat in the vapor generated can enhance the heating process.

Abstract: A wood burner includes a wrapper. A firebox is positioned in the wrapper that defines a combustion chamber. An air inlet is placed in communication with an external air supply. The air inlet includes a conduit to conduct the external air to the combustion chamber and a second conduit. A manifold is positioned above the firebox. The manifold is in communication with the second conduit, and includes one or more manifold chambers for permitting the external air received thereby to become heated. A plurality of air tubes connect to the manifold to receive the heated external air from the manifold, each plurality of air tubes including a plurality of apertures to direct the heated external air into the combustion chamber adjacent an upper inner surface of the firebox.

Abstract: A solar system comprising a reflector and a heat collecting element (HCE) received at the focus of the reflector. The HCE comprises a coated tube received within a coaxial evacuated enveloping glass tube. The enveloping glass tube is secured at respective ends thereof to the coated tube by a coaxially deformable connector element having a distal end thereof sealingly secured to the coated tube and a proximal end thereof sealingly attached to a respective end of the enveloping glass tube by a glass to metal connection (GMC). A radiation shield assembly is provided over the connector element and over the GMC and is secured to the connector element by support legs engaging the connector element adjacent the proximal end.

Abstract: A nebulizer has a main body and an inhalator attachment which is detachably attached to the main body. The attachment has a tubular member including an receptacle. The tubular member has a medicament inlet for receiving nebulized medicament from the nebulizer, an inhalation opening which is opposite the medicament inlet and through which a patent inhales the nebulized medicament passed through the tubular member, and an air inlet through which air outside is introduced and passed through the tubular member. A brim member for guiding droplets of liquefied medicament and the user's saliva into the receptacle is formed partially around the medicament inlet. The air inlet is preferably formed by cutting the tubular member at the medicament inlet.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for housing a capsule containing a product in fine powder form, comprising a manually movable part provided with needles which perforate the capsule when the movable part is operated and leave the capsule when the movable part is released, the entire product in powder form escaping from the capsule, to be inhaled.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for relieving dyspnoea in an ambulatory exercising subject comprises a housing (3) to be worn on the subject, and within which a variable speed air blower motor (5) is located for delivering an air supply to the subject through a mouthpiece (10) at a pressure similar to average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject. A pressure transducer (25) in the mouthpiece (10) monitors the pressure during breathing cycles of the subject, and a control circuit (22) determines the average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject over five breathing cycles. The control circuit (22) operates the air blower motor (5) for delivering the air supply to the subject at a pressure similar to the determined average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus including: a variable pressured air source and means to vary the air pressure delivered therefrom; a nose piece for sealed air communication with a patient's respiratory system; an air communication line from the air source to the nose piece; a sound transducer adapted to be in sound communication with the patient's respiratory system; and a feedback system controlling the output pressure of the air source in response to an output from the transducer so as to increase the output air pressure from said air source, in response to detection of sound indicative of snoring, in accordance with a predefined procedure. The sound transducer, in its most general form, comprises a pressure transducer which, in addition to detecting snoring sounds, can detect other respiratory parameters such as the rate of breathing, inhaled air flow volume, and inhaled air flow rate.

Abstract: A pulmonary dosing system and method for supplying to a patient a predetermined amount of respirable therapeutically active material is disclosed. The system comprises a patient interface to introduce the material into the patient's lungs and an apparatus for providing pulsed amounts of the material to a plenum chamber. The plenum chamber has a diffuser baffle which increases the efficiency of the dosing system by preventing axial flow of the active material thereby utilizing the available volume of the chamber for holding the aerosolized drug prior to inhalation.

Abstract: A compression element and a retention assembly using the compression element to retain an article on a flexible substrate are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making an assembly including an article retained on a substrate by a compression element. The retention assembly, compression element and method provide replacements for, e.g., mechanical staples. The retention assemblies, compression elements and methods are particularly useful for attaching elastic articles to the surfaces of flexible substrates without piercing the substrate. One example of attaching an elastic article to the surface of a flexible substrate is the attachment of an elastic strap to a respirator.

Abstract: The disclosed method for fabricating low cost laryngeal mask devices includes providing a mold, the mold including interior walls that define a hollow interior volume. The interior volume includes a first portion and a second portion. A liquid plastic material is introduced into the mold, and then the mold is moved so as to coat the mold's interior walls. The liquid plastic material and then allowed to cure. The cured plastic material is then removed from the mold and the cured plastic material includes a generally elliptically shaped plate and a cuff. The cuff is formed from plastic material that coated the portion of the interior walls that defined the first portion. The plate defines a laryngeal side, a pharyngeal side, and a central aperture. An interior perimeter of the cuff is attached to the laryngeal side of the plate proximal to a perimeter of the central aperture. An outer perimeter of the cuff is attached to the laryngeal side of the plate proximal to an outer perimeter of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for acoustically guiding a distal end of a tube within a body. An incident sound pulse is generated and propagated down the tube into the body. A plurality of microphones are located in the tube and are positioned to detect pulses traveling through the tube. A discriminator distinguishes between incident sound pulses and those that are reflected from within the body. The detected sound pulses are processed to provide an indication of the location of the distal end of the tube within the body, to assist with the guidance of the insertion into the body, to estimate dimensions of the body adjacent the distal end of the tube, and to determine if the tube is obstructed.

Abstract: Methods for performing tracheal intubation of small animals are shown utilizing an endotracheal tube specifically designed for them. The endotracheal tube has a zigzag bend and a distal portion having an outwardly facing surface. The outwardly facing surface is used to depress the epiglottis of the animal thereby giving a doctor a clear view of the animal's trachea. The endotracheal tube also includes a tapered end which is easily inserted between the arytenoid cartilages of the larynx, and a pressure sensor which provides a quantitative indication of the air pressure within the cuff of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endotracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care. The mask includes an inflatable positioning shield formed to fit within a patients oropharynx and seal around the circumference of the laryngeal opening, the shield having an inflatable annular toroid peripheral portion, a contoured rear portion, and a recessed front. The mask also includes a flexible respiratory tube having a proximal end lumen, a gently curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit passage of endotracheal tubes, and related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through and secured to the proximal edge of the annular toroid peripheral portion.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask tube consists of a dual-airway tube (10), a mask (20) with an inflatable bladder (24) and an inflation indicator device (30). The dual-airway tube (10) comprises a simplified primary tube (12) and secondary tube (14) integrally combined together. The primary tube (12) communicates with the mask (20) to guide gas into the body of a patient and the secondary tube (14) communicates between with the bladder (24) and the inflation indicator device (30) to monitor and inflate the bladder (24). Moreover, two ribs (26) are formed in the mask to prevent blockage of the primary tube (12) and a tongue (242) is formed inside the bladder (24) to prevent the bladder (24) from folding and preventing a seal around the larynx. Whereby, the laryngeal mask airway is convenient and efficient to use.

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: Surgical equipment for use with retractors in connection with surgery, comprising an adhesive patch (32) for fastening to a patient's skin surface, a surgical sheet (30) for partly covering a patient's body, and assistance ring (18) form positioning between the lower surface of the sheet and the upper surface of the adhesive patch, having a row of upwardly protruding gripping nipples (20) for sliding through a row of holes in the sheet and through corresponding shaft holes (26) on retractors (22) thereby being fastened to assistance rings.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine for manufacturing of a cigarette with burn rate modification is described. The cigarette maker allows for mounting of a special bobbin of material which is different in size and width of a normal wrapper bobbin and feeds both the outer wrap web of material and narrower inner wrap web of material to the garniture. A slitting device may be utilized to cut the inner wrap web of material into a plurality of individual strips which are placed adjacent the outer wrap web of material in the garniture area of the maker. The inner wrap web of material may derive from a transverse wound bobbin in order to store large linear amounts of inner wrap web material.

Abstract: A packaging for a cigar comprised of a hull, in whose inner space the cigar is taken up, whereby the hull can be closed off with a sealing cover. According to the invention, a cigar cutter is arranged on the sealing cover, which is joined to the sealing cover, preferably by being fashioned of the same material in one piece.

Abstract: A method for producing colored nails without using nail polish is provided. According to a preferred embodiment, a nail brush is dipped into a resin, liquid adhesive, or nail hardening agent, and then into a colored acrylic powder, and the nail is then brushed with the mixture to form a coat. The coat is both quick to apply and quick to dry, and results in strong, chip-resistant, shiny colored nails. The coat produced can remain unchipped and/or unpealed for several weeks or longer.

Abstract: Improved dental floss dispensers that impregnate floss with fluids and/or solids have been developed. One dental floss dispenser consists of a tube that holds a roll of dental floss separated from the main chamber by either a disc or a bag. The main chamber may consist of one or several compartments and it is filled with fluids and/or solids. The untreated floss is first threaded through a hole in the protective cover that separates the floss reel from the lower compartment and it passes through the lower compartment filled with a viscous fluid of sufficiently high viscosity. The partially impregnated floss is then threaded through a barrier that divides the lower and the upper compartments and passes through the upper compartment filled with an impregnating fluid or solid. The fluids and/or solids are now adhered to the floss so it can be used as a means to deliver compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe in which various foreign particles are substantially completely eliminated from the inner circumferential surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe. The method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe is characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of a metal pipe having a large wall thickness and a small diameter is cleaned using a solvent for dissolving foreign particles comprising an acid, alkali or organic solvent after a final pipe-extending step among steps for manufacturing the metal pipe.

Abstract: Dishwashing machine with a distribution valve (5) which is arranged on the delivery-side section of the washing liquor circulation pump and is provided with at least two outlets (51, 52, 53) connected via associated conduits (61, 62, 63) to rotating spray arms, as well as at least a shutter means (8). The shutter means (8) is not only adapted to be alternately displaced from a position in which it enables liquor to be delivered to at least a rotating spray arm to a position in which it enables a second rotating spray arm to be supplied with liquor, in accordance with a programmed stop time (D1) of the pump, but is also adapted to be displaced into a further position in which it enables liquor to be delivered to at least two rotating spray arms at the same time, in accordance with a second stop time (D2) of the same pump.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid mixing nozzle for generating a gas-liquid mixture by mixing a liquid and a pressurized gas, to discharge the gas-liquid mixture to a substrate at high speeds. The mixture process is conducted in an open space out of the nozzle, and change in the supply pressure of the gas does not affect the supply of the liquid. The reaction products which having been generated on the substrate in etching process is removed at high speeds with the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, whereby the quality of the process is improved.

Abstract: A hard floor surface cleaning apparatus includes an aerator, a rotating scrub medium engaging the hard floor surface, a fluid conveyor, and a fluid recovery device. The aerator is configured to produce a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid. The fluid conveyor is coupled to the aerator and is configured to deliver the aerated cleaning liquid onto the scrub medium. The fluid recovery device is configured to remove soiled solution from the hard floor surface.

Abstract: A container receiving dental appliances includes a pair of top and bottom members which are relatively displaceable between open and close positions of the container. Each of the members is provided with a respective plurality of apertures, so that the top and bottom members form a compartment therebetween in the closed position of the container which is traversed by a plurality of liquid streams passing through the apertures during washing of dental appliances enclosed in the container.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses scriptured outdoor furniture comprising an umbrella 12, swivel clamp 26, foldable table 22 and foldable chair 18. The umbrella 12 is of a size forming a canopy over the table 22 and chair 18. The umbrella 12 has a fastening member 26 fixed to the distal end of the central post 24 spaced away from the canopy whereby the umbrella can be releasably attached to the table 22. The fastener 26 is comprised of a swivel clamp 28 having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw 24 having a threaded shaft 30 having a handle 32 for advancing/retracting the movable jaw toward the stationary jaw. The umbrella 12 has an attachable detachable skirt 50 having mating fasteners 52, 54 positioned on the skirt and interior edge of the umbrella. The chair 18 has an attachable detachable chair backing 56. The chair backing 56 has mating fasteners 58 that are engaged after wrapping around the chair structural members 60.

Abstract: A collapsible frame structure is provided for umbrella with self-opening mechanism. The collapsible frame structure is more durable than the prior art by using enforced light-weighted materials such as FRP to form the umbrella frame and steel bars to form the linkage beams. Each of the second pivotal-coupling device of the supporting rib is integrally formed with each of the inner linking member of the supporting rib so as to form a compound pivotal-coupling device. Therefore, the collapsible frame structure is easy in assembly process and the yield ratio is also increased.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-aligning walking aid that is suitable for use walking on level surfaces and for ascending and descending stairs. Disclosed is a walking aid that is equally stable on level surfaces and on stairs and that does not require any structural or positional changes when transitioning from a level surface to stairs. The preferred embodiment herein discussed is configured so as to limit appropriate graspable frame members so that when lifted by the appropriate pair of handles, the walking aid will swing into alignment with the surface, level surface or stairs, on which it is being used.

Abstract: A truck cover having a roof panel having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges and a front section attached to the front edge of the roof panel for covering the truck windshield. The cover includes a rear panel attached to the rear edge of the roof panel for covering the truck's rear window. Attached to the side edges of the roof are two side sections for covering the vehicle's side windows, the side sections have a lower edge, a front corner and a back corner. The device includes two elastic strips. Each elastic strip has a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the elastic strips is individually attached to the lower edge of each of the side sections proximate the front corner. The second end of each strip is attached to the lower edge of each of the side sections proximate the back corner for detachably attaching the truck cover to the cab of a truck.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.

Abstract: A safety check unit for use in a liquid distribution system for preventing damage to a pump and associated components of the system in event of loss in pumping pressure. The unit provides a check component to prevent back-flow of the liquid when the pump is shut down, and provides protection against a possible vacuum condition in the system by introducing air to the system; protects against damage by a surging back-flow of liquid by opening a relief port of the unit; and protects against air in the system by use of an air relief mechanism of the unit.

Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: An electronically modulating gas valve comprising a modulating solenoid for simultaneously displacing two servo regulator diaphragms, one for controlling LP Gas outlet pressure and another for controlling Natural Gas outlet pressure. A switch is used to select operation with either Natural or LP Gas, wherein the switch activates a gas selection solenoid for controlling gas flow through the Natural Gas servo regulator and the LP Gas servo regulator. The servo regulators are factory adjusted for a maximum Natural Gas pressure setting and a maximum LP Gas pressure setting. Thus, the gas valve is convertible from Natural Gas to LP Gas without re-adjustment.

Abstract: The pressure regulator has a regulator body with a control chamber and outlet and inlet passageways opening thereto, a bonnet with a bonnet chamber and a diaphragm separating the chambers. A filter housing is mounted in the control chamber and mounts a filter and a valve seat that opens to the inlet passageway while spring urged mechanism moves the a valve stem to permit fluid flow through the valve seat and into the control chamber between the filter and diaphragm when the pressure therein falls below a preselected level, and then through the filter to the outlet passageway. When the pressure in the outlet passageway is at or above a preselected value, the pressure acts against a diaphragm whereby the piston retains the valve stem in a fluid flow blocking position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for circulating water in a potable water piping network to prevent the stagnation of water in this piping network. Several systems are disclosed wherein partitioned pipes, pumps, partitioned headers, check valves, and scoop inserts are used to keep the water in movement inside the pipes. The present invention comprises several pumping arrangements for circulating water inside fire hydrant laterals and inside the branch pipes along dead-end streets where most of the water stagnation occurs. Although partitioned pipes are used and opposite flows are induced in opposite pipe halves, full pipe flow to each hydrant is maintainable in case of emergency. Inside buildings, the water is kept in movement inside a loop pipe that extends close to each water outlet such that the water is maintained fresh at each outlet.

Abstract: An array of micro valves, and the process for its formation, used for control of a fluid flow and having a substrate with a plurality of apertures for directing the fluid to flow from one side to another. A micromechanically formed fluid seal surrounds each aperture along with a valve diaphragm associated with each seal and micromechanically formed to selectively open and close the aperture by making contact with the seal. Electrical contact is made to the valve diaphragms and substrate for selective valve closure or opening. A conduit leads a fluid flow to the underside of the array and a further conduit leads it away from the array after passing through the selectively opened diaphragms.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, in particular, for a refrigerating machine, includes a valve body with an inlet and two outlets, a valve element that can be moved in the valve body between two end positions corresponding respectively to different switching positions of the solenoid valve, at least one permanent magnet for holding the valve element in the respectively assumed end position, and a magnet coil for exerting on the valve element a magnetic force effecting a shift into the respective other end position. The valve body and the magnet coil are accommodated in two compartments of a housing, and the at least one permanent magnet is held in a receptacle on a wall of the housing in a fashion facing a middle position of the valve element situated between the two end positions.