Abstract: This application discloses a heat driven liquid self-circulating device, system and method, means the liquid system formed by said devices according to said method can be circulated automatically to transfer the heat without external pump power. The heat driven self-circulating device for heated liquid which used with a liquid heat collector, comprises an airtight container for containing heated liquid, having a wall to separate its outer and inner spaces; said inner space is filled with heated liquid partially and having a upper air/vapor space above liquid level surface and lower liquid space under liquid level surface; a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet arranged on said wall of the container that both first inlet and first outlet are under the liquid level surface in said container, and said first inlet not lower than said first outlet.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar engineering. The solar collector, which comprises a closed enclosure and an absorber 5 with channels for a liquid heat carrier, is designed in the form of a cylindrical portion having radius R1 and an axis coinciding with the axis of the central cylindrical portion 1 of the enclosure. The absorber 5 consists of thin-walled, interconnected modules. The modules are provided with bulges on the rear side thereof, in which channels with slots are made for arranging pipes forming heat-carrier flowing channels. In addition, the absorber can be designed in the form of a storage tank. The shape of the collector is optimized in such a way that the axes of the two lateral cylindrical portions 2 thereof are remote at distance L and the central cylindrical portion 1 is as remote as possible from a plane 3 tangential to the lateral cylindrical portions 2 at a distance H having the defined ratio of geometric parameters.

Abstract: An inhaler for the oral administration of a pharmaceutical medium, having a housing with a mouthpiece, a container unit accommodated in an inhalation region of the housing and including a medium container and an outlet connector having an outlet orifice, which outlet connector is capable of being moved relative to the medium container for the purpose of triggering a discharging operation, and a discharge sensor for the detection of a discharging operation. The housing has a main portion and a detecting wall portion capable of movement relative to the main portion and which is configured and/or disposed for displacement relative to the main portion during a discharging operation, and the discharge sensor detects the displacement of the detecting wall portion in relation to the main portion of the housing.

Abstract: An extendable lighted intubation stylet enables a clinician or emergency medical personnel to introduce a breathing tube into a person's trachea. The extendable lighted intubation stylet includes a handle, a switch, a sheath, an extension member, and a light source. The extension member can be extended or retracted relative to the sheath thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the extendable lighted intubation stylet. The light source provides for superior visualization of the airway compared to a standard laryngoscope bulb. In its extended configuration, the extendable intubation stylet is immediately available in the case of an unanticipated difficult airway and can be used as a bougie. The extendable stylet is lightweight and convenient because it can be folded and placed in a pocket or in a space critical location such as a field kit or portable airway bag.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An improved medication introducing device for airtight connection in a ventilation circuit or similar emergency respiratory device, including an endo-tracheal tube, the device comprising a tubular manifold including an upstream opening, a downstream opening, a top opening for an MDI (metered dose inhaler) device connection and a bottom opening for a mini-nebulizer device connection. This system provides quick and easy to use ports in a one piece component for introduction of medications and drugs to patients for which an intravenous line cannot be established. The two ports include attached closures or caps to prevent contamination and are sized for friction fit connection of commonly used medication devices. The MDI port includes a toothed lug which operates a mechanical counter in the applicator head of an MDI device.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser for use with at least one medicament carrier carrying multiple distinct medicament portions, said medicament dispenser comprising (a) a dispensing mechanism actuable for dispensing the distinct medicament portions carried by the at least one medicament carrier; (b) a mouthpiece; and (c) a cover for the mouthpiece, the cover being movably mounted to the dispenser for sequential movement from a first position, in which the mouthpiece is covered, to a second position, in which the mouthpiece is at least part-uncovered, to a third position in which the mouthpiece is uncovered; wherein the cover is adapted to couple with the dispensing mechanism such that movement of the cover from the second position to the third position, but not the first position to the second position, results in actuation of the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (10) provided with a dispenser orifice (15), said device further comprising: an elongate flexible strip (20) supporting a plurality of reservoirs (21) each containing a dose of fluid; reservoir-opening means (80) for opening a respective reservoir on each actuation; first displacement means (30) that can be actuated so as to cause said flexible strip (20) to advance before and/or during and/or after each actuation, so as to bring a full reservoir into register with said reservoir-opening means; and second displacement means (50) for displacing a full reservoir (21) against said opening means (80) each time the device is actuated, the leading end (25) of said flexible strip (20), in the advance direction of said strip, being fastened to a receiver element (500) that is rotatably mounted, said receiver element (500) being adapted to exert a traction force on said elongate strip (20), said device including an abutment element (5000) that is disposed between said first d

Abstract: Inhaler for inhaling powdered medicaments from capsules, comprising a lower part (6), a plate (3) accommodated in the lower part (6), and a holder (18) inserted in the lower part (6), a mouthpiece (2) that can be latched to the lower part (6) on the plate (3), a cover (1) that covers the mouthpiece (2) in a closed position and latches by means of a closure element (14), the lower part (6) and the cover (1) being rotatably (4) connected to one another by a spindle (4), and an actuating member (7, 10) that can be moved from a resting position and set in motion and at the same time co-operates with at least one pin (8, 11) that can be stuck into the holder (18) and is located in a pin holder in the inner actuating member (10). In the holder (18) an exchangeable tube (22) can be inserted, as expulsion channel, which comprises a capsule chamber (21) with the capsule.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided with a circuit for breathing gas and with a heat exchanger (7) cooled by an evaporating agent. The evaporating agent is introduced from an evaporating agent container (8) into the heat exchanger (7) via at least one group of spraying elements (9) and a gas delivery means (11) allows a gas volume flow to flow through the heat exchanger (7).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieval and dispensing tubing, particularly useful for oxygen tubing.

Abstract: A method of treating lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, is provided that includes delivering positive pressure support to an airway of a patient during a plurality of respiratory cycles, and automatically varying a pressure level of the positive pressure support during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient in a number of the respiratory cycles.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for detecting disconnect conditions in a ventilator. The disclosure describes a model-based enhancement to conventional disconnect detection. The methods and systems described herein compensate for the additional leakage that occurs due to inelastic and elastic leaks in the ventilation system. One method described includes calculating the actual leakage from the ventilation system including leaks from elastic leakage and inelastic leakage based on measurements of pressure and flow in the ventilation system for a breath and then comparing this leakage to a calculated hypothetical maximum allowable leakage determined based on an operator-selected maximum allowable leakage and the measurements of pressure for the same breath. Disconnection is assumed if the actual leakage is greater than the maximum allowable leakage.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support structure, a pivot arm pivotably coupled to the support structure and structured to pivot about an axis, a patient coupling member, such as a mask or a forehead support, coupled to the pivot arm, and a cam wheel rotateably coupled to the support structure and engaging the pivot arm, wherein rotation of the cam wheel relative to the support structure and the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot about the axis and the patient coupling member to move either forward or backward along a path of movement. Also, an alternative patient interface device includes a cam wheel rotatable about a cushion member that changes a position of a main body portion of the cushion member relative to a headgear frame member of the patient interface device.

Abstract: A breathing mask arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a reinforcement element, a mask engaged with the reinforcement element and having a mask base body defining a mask interior and a sealing lip structured to engage a patient's face, a forehead rest including forehead padding that is structured to engage a patient's forehead, and a fixing mechanism to fix the forehead rest relative to the reinforcement element. The mask base body and the sealing lip are two pieces that are fixedly attached to one another. The forehead rest is moveably coupled to the reinforcement element to allow movement of the forehead rest relative to the reinforcement element. The forehead rest includes a pair of coupling structures structured to be coupled to an upper head band arrangement and the reinforcement element includes a pair of coupling structures structured to be coupled to a lower head band arrangement.

Abstract: A protective storage capsule is disclosed for a nasal cannula. The protective storage capsule may be used in conjunction with a nasal cannula assembly. The protective storage capsule includes a housing adapted to receive the nasal cannula and a cap to cover and protect the nasal cannula from dirt and debris when not being worn by a patient. The protective storage capsule slides along one or more of the support tubes of the nasal cannula assembly. The surfaces of the protective storage capsule may be treated with an antimicrobial film or be infused with antimicrobial nanoparticles.

Abstract: A sterile drape, a surgical system with the drape, and a draping method are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes a plurality of drape pockets, each of the drape pockets including an exterior surface to be adjacent a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure and an interior surface to be adjacent a non-sterile instrument manipulator coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. The drape further includes a plurality of flexible membranes at a distal face of each of the drape pockets for interfacing between outputs of an instrument manipulator and inputs of a respective surgical instrument, and a rotatable seal adapted to couple a proximal opening of each of the drape pockets to a rotatable element at a distal end of the manipulator arm.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: Smoking articles, filters, and methods for selectively removing selected components from tobacco smoke are disclosed. The smoking articles and filters include composites composed of a porous alumina and/or aluminosilicate matrix containing particles of activated carbon and zeolite molecular sieve adsorbents distributed throughout the matrix which can selectively remove selected components of tobacco smoke. The composites may be made by admixing the adsorbent mixture and a binder such as aluminum hydroxide or montmorillonite clay, adding an aqueous mineral acid to gel the mixture and drying and firing the gel paste. The proportions and adsorption capacities of the components can be selected to tailor the adsorption characteristics of the composites to selectively remove targeted constituents such as acrolein and 1,3-butadiene in tobacco smoke. Methods for making filters and smoking articles using the composites, as well as methods for smoking products comprising the composites, are also provided.

Abstract: A cigarette filter includes a filter body and flavor granules added to the filter body, wherein the flavor granules each comprise a core material and a flavor-carrying carrier adhered to the surface of the core material, and wherein the flavor granules have a grain size distribution such that granules having a grain size of 100 ?m or larger make up 99% by mass or more of the flavor granules and granules having a grain size of 200 ?m or larger make up 70% by mass or more of the flavor granules.

Abstract: A pre-portioned moist product comprising a portion of plant material and a coating is disclosed. Preferably, the plant material comprises tobacco. The coating includes a soluble, non-cross-linkable component and an cross-linkable component which becomes substantially water-insoluble upon crosslinking. The soluble component of the coating dissolves upon placement in the mouth, while the insoluble component disintegrates and/or loses structural integrity once the soluble component has dissolved to release and disperse the plant material in the user's mouth.

Abstract: A hair care tool to aid in the installation, care, and removal of hair braids and weaves comprising a long slender shaft approximately one (1) foot long with a handle grip in the middle is herein disclosed. While the exact configuration of the tool is envisioned to vary depending on the model, each end comprises a specific tool to aid in the installation, care and removal of hair braids and weaves. Said tools are envisioned to include a hook at each end for removal of micro braids and removing braiding tracks, a scissor configuration for cutting thread associated with hair weaves, and a comb for combing out the weave track. Each tool is envisioned to vary in size according the style of hair. The features of the tool are envisioned to speed various hair care processes thus saving time for a private user or professional beautician.

Abstract: A molded plastic applicator for cosmetics including a plastic panel lying substantially in a mold plane when formed and bent out of the mold plane to surround an extended longitudinal axis when the applicator is assembled. A plurality of openings or projections are formed in or on the panel so as to be oriented substantially in a common pull direction transverse to the mold plane when the panel lies in the mold plane and oriented substantially radially of the longitudinal axis when the panel is bent to surround the axis. A retainer holds the panel, when bent, in surrounding relation to the axis. The panel may be formed as a plurality of free-ended limbs, radiating from a hub through which the longitudinal axis extends, and bent down around the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, a substrate processing method and a computer-readable medium capable of recovering an extended amount of discharged solution from a processing unit thereby reducing the amount of deionized water for the processing and the cost. The substrate processing apparatus includes, inter alia, a first and second discharge solution lines each connected to a downstream side of a discharge unit, and the discharged solution from each of the first and second discharge solution lines is independently delivered to the processing solution supply unit as a recovered solution. Also, the substrate processing apparatus includes a converting unit that converts flow of the discharged solution from the discharge unit either to the first discharge solution line or to the second discharge solution line. The processing solution supply unit selectively delivers the recovered solution from the first and second discharge solution lines to the processing unit.

Abstract: A system and method for securing tokens to be cleaned includes a tray with a curved surface defining a channel extending along a first direction and spacers projecting from the curved surface into the channel. The spacers are disposed at regular intervals along the first direction. The curved surface also has at least one opening. The tokens may be inserted into the channel between adjacent spacers and the tray holding the tokens can be submerged into a cleaning liquid. Identical trays containing tokens can also be stacked and together submerged into the cleaning liquid. The tray holding the tokens can be placed on a drying surface that has a drainage hole, and wetness remaining on the tokens can be sucked through the hole in the channel and the drainage hole by a vacuum or blown through the hole in the channel and drainage hole by an air blower.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a housing in fluid communication with a washing chamber and a filter positioned in the housing that is operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis. A flow diverter is positioned within the inner chamber at a location between the housing and the rotary filter and is spaced apart from the rotary filter so as to create a gap. During rotation of the filter, the angular velocity of fluid advanced through the gap is increased relative to the angular velocity of the fluid prior to entering the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor dishwasher (2) comprising a conveyor apparatus (4) for conveying washware (6) through a final rinse zone (18), with the conveyor apparatus (4) having a large number of compartments (38) for accommodating washware (6). A washware sensor apparatus (42) is provided in order to detect empty compartments (38). In order to be able to reduce the consumption of fresh water, chemicals and energy during operation of the conveyor dishwasher (2), the invention provides a control apparatus (44) which is designed to automatically set the quantity of final rinse liquid supplied to the spray nozzles (20, 22, 24) of the final rinse zone (18) per unit time as a function of the detection of empty compartments (38). The invention also relates to a method for operating a conveyor dishwasher (2) of this type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parasol which provides shade from the sun to protect the body of a user, particularly, the face of the user, and which solves the problem of having to manually fold or unfold the outer ribs of a parasol rib assembly one by one, thereby ensuring convenience of use.

Abstract: An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.

Abstract: A foldable seat for a rollator or a wheelchair includes a first plate and a second plate. The plates are rotatably moveable between an unfolded position and a folded position. A hinge pivotally connects said first plate to said second plate. An exemplary hinge includes at least a first cylinder integral with said first plate and at least a second cylinder integral with said second plate. The seat further includes a locking/unlocking system configured to be actuated by the user so as to lock, respectively unlock, said first and second plates into, respectively from, said unfolded position and/or said folded position. The locking/unlocking system being at least partially lodged inside said first and/or said second cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a canopy structure includes a plurality of support members, each including a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can include a plurality of eaves including scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can include a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position.

Abstract: A collapsible guard adapted to cover the rear wheel of a stationery exercise bicycle supported on a bicycle trainer is described. The guard has side walls, an upper wall and a front opening sized to receive the bicycle rear wheel and trainer. In one embodiment of the invention, the guard includes spaced side walls having upper edges, front edges and lower edges; and a flexible upper wall with side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge, the side walls being releasibly attached along at least part of their lengths to the upper wall side edges, the upper wall curving downwardly from its front edge to its rear edge when the side walls are attached. In this embodiment, the side walls are foldable onto opposite faces of the upper wall. In another embodiment, the guard includes a collapsible frame with curved bands and a cover attachable over the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a gas flow through a conjunction between one or more incoming streams and one or more outgoing streams through a conjunction. The method uses a biased mass flow imbalance value obtained by comparing the aggregate of incoming mass flow measurement value(s) with the aggregate of outgoing mass flow measurement value(s) and adding a bias component to provide the biased mass flow imbalance value. The flow of at least one of the incoming and outgoing streams (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is adjusted to move the biased mass flow imbalance value towards zero. In addition, a conjunction pressure measurement (PC) is provided, which is used to adjust the bias component in response to a change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to a pressure set point (PSP), to mitigate the change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to the pressure set point (PSP).

Abstract: A method is provided for controllably delivering an additive fluid into a host fluid in a target system at a desired volumetric flow rate. The method comprises: providing a binary supply injector connected in an additive fluid delivery system between a pressurized supply of the additive fluid and the target system. The binary supply injector is controllable between an ON state which permits flow of the additive fluid therethrough and an OFF state which prevents flow of the additive fluid therethrough. The method involves iteratively repeating: estimating a volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid between the pressurized supply and the target system; and if the estimated volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid is greater than the desired volumetric flow rate, controlling the supply injector to its OFF state; or if the estimated volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid is less than the desired volumetric flow rate, controlling the supply injector to its ON state.

Abstract: A flow control valve (100;200;300) for a ventilation or exhaust duct comprises a housing (102;202;302), which defines a longitudinally extending passage (104;204;304) between a flow inlet and a flow outlet. A closing element (110;210;310) in the passage is movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A motor or actuator (116;216;316) is provided for moving the closing element. The motor or actuator may be located inside the closing element (110;210;310). The flow passage (104;204;304) through the housing may have sections of different diameters to obtain a venturi-like diffusor. A pressure difference sensor may be provided, which in combination with a position of the closing element allows for computation of the flow rate through the valve without the need for a separate flow meter.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly capable of providing a continuous flow of pressurized inert gas to operate a process tool without interruption. A system comprising the solenoid valve assembly is also provided. The valve assembly comprises a manifold that is internally fluidly connected to each of the internal pressure ports, the internal actuator port, and the internal relief port of each solenoid valve, and wherein the manifold comprises a dedicated external relief port for each of the solenoid valves, wherein the dedicated external relief port is in fluid communication with the internal relief port of the respective solenoid valve such that, when one of the solenoid valves is de-energized, a second source of pressurized inert gas can be connected to the external relief port and supply pressure to the respective pneumatic valve operated by that solenoid valve.

Abstract: A plastic faucet body with copper connecting legs contains a plastic member including two seat portions, a connecting portion having at least one exit and a tunnel, and two support feet, each having an inlet and a channel; two copper connecting legs engaged on the two support feet. A bottom end portion of each copper connecting leg beyond a bottom end of the each support foot forms a distance so that between the each copper connecting leg and the each support foot is defined a receiving chamber. A lower coupling portion forms on a connection zone of the each support foot and the each copper connecting leg. A groove communicates with the receiving chamber and the lower coupling portion. A seal element is retained with the groove to stop cold water from the cold water pipe or hot water from the hot water pipe flowing into the lower coupling portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen supply apparatus which can mix an odorant with hydrogen gas even at a low temperature and can detect the leakage of the hydrogen gas. The apparatus comprises a gas storage means for storing hydrogen gas therein, an odorant-addition means for adding an odorant to the hydrogen gas fed from the gas storage means, and a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of at least one of the hydrogen gas stored in the gas storage means, the hydrogen gas fed from the gas storage means and the odorant.

Abstract: A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve.

Abstract: A proportional throttle valve includes a valve piston (2) displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction in a valve housing (3) having a fluid inlet (4) and a fluid outlet (5) and pretensioned by an energy accumulator, in particular in the form a pressure spring, against a stroke stop (6) defining the closure position. A pressure limiting valve (7) is integrated in the proportional throttle valve (1). The side (8) of the valve piston (2) to allow the piston to move away from the stroke stop (6) in opposition to the pretensioning force when a predefinable pressure is exceeded at the fluid inlet (4).

Abstract: A fuel pump has a pump chamber accommodating a rotor member. The rotor member is rotatable to supply fuel to from a tank to an exterior of the tank. A case is supported in the tank. The case accommodates a part of the fuel pump. A pump bracket is located in the tank. The pump bracket is in a tubular bottomed shape having a sidewall portion in which a remaining portion of the fuel pump is inserted such that the sidewall portion surrounds a radially outside of the pump chamber of the remaining portion. The pump bracket is joined with the case to define a gap therebetween in a radial direction of the rotor member such that the pump bracket is movable relative to the case.

Abstract: A connector for transferring a fluid includes a first connector and a second connector. Each connector includes a first outer portion including a first obstructive portion and defining a first fluid passageway for receiving a fluid therein. Each connector further includes a first central nozzle coupled to the first outer portion. The central nozzle includes a first engagement member. The first central nozzle is movable between a first position and a second position with rotation of the first outer portion. In the first position, the first obstructive portion and the first engagement portion substantially overlap to impede fluid flow through the first fluid passageway. In the second position, at least one of the first engagement member and the first obstructive member is displaced to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing with a housing control bore, a supply port in selective fluid communication with the housing control bore for receiving working fluid from a working fluid source, a control port in fluid communication with the housing control bore for communicating the working fluid to and from a working device switchable from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation at a predetermined pressure, and a vent port in fluid communication with the housing control bore for selectively returning the working fluid to the working fluid source. A supply valve member is selectively seated and unseat with a supply valve seat. A bleed orifice is provided for communicating the working fluid from the supply port to the control port at a second pressure that is less than the predetermined pressure when the supply valve member is seated with the supply valve seat.

Abstract: A controllable valve is provided for a low-flammability fluid within an aircraft with at least one magnetic coil which, upon brief electrical excitation, moves a structural element provided therein from a first position to a second position in which the structural element is held by a permanent magnet after completion of the electrical excitation of the magnetic coil.

Abstract: A method of making a one-way gas release valve for releasing gas pressure from within a coffee container comprises pre-oiling a relatively narrow dry strap of flexible material and laminating the pre-oiled dry strap between relatively wide ribbons of base and cover material with the dry strap overlying spaced vent patterns in the base material. Alternatively, the base material may be pre-oiled or both the base material and the dry strap may be pre-oiled. The dry strap and base may be made of PET and the cover may be made of mPET. Gas release valves are then die cut from the resulting web with each valve containing a vent pattern. Pre-oiling of the dry strap and/or the base can be accomplished through a roll metered process to insure that the oil is applied in precise amounts and with consistent thickness and coverage.

Abstract: A check valve assembly includes a valve housing upstream of an endoscope. A tubular discharge nozzle unit is mounted in the valve housing, and supplied with fluid by a fluid supply source. The discharge nozzle unit includes a large diameter portion, a small diameter portion, formed on the large diameter portion on a distal side, and having a closed distal end nearer to the endoscope, and a fluid opening formed through a wall of the small diameter portion. An elastic tubular portion (sleeve) is contained in the valve housing, disposed around the small and large diameter portions, shaped tubularly with a substantially regular thickness, having an inner diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the small diameter portion in a normal state, for preventing the fluid from backflow into the fluid opening through the outer surface on a side downstream of the discharge nozzle unit.

Abstract: Faucet diverter valves for use, for example, with faucets and water filtration systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multiple symmetrical divisional gas distribution providing a mounting plate, a plurality of manifolds coupled to the mounting plate, a center purge block coupled to the mounting plate and the plurality of manifolds, a plurality of reactant distribution blocks, wherein each reactant distribution block is stacked atop each other to form a reactant distribution block stack, wherein the reactant distribution block stack sits atop the center purge block, a coupling mechanism to secure the plurality of reactant distribution blocks of the reactant distribution block stack together; and a top cap coupled to the reactant distribution block stack and the coupling mechanism.