Abstract: A fluid regulator includes an actuator assembly disposed in a valve body. A sleeve includes a cylindrical wall, a first plate, and a second plate. Each of the first plate and the second plate is disposed in a cavity of the sleeve. A stem extends through the sleeve and is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body, and includes a passage extending partially through the stem. The actuator assembly includes first and second pistons. First, second, third, and fourth chambers are separately disposed between the sleeve, the first or second plate, or the first or second piston. The first and third chambers are in fluid communication, and the second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication via the passage of the stem. The actuator assembly actuates a control element in response to a fluid pressure receivable in the first, second, third, and/or fourth chambers.

Abstract: A personal defense device for being used during an attack having a defense component having a defense member and an aerosol directing system, an alarm component having an alarm member and an alarm directing system, and a housing where the housing is capable of receiving the defense component and the alarm component, the defense component is capable of emitting a self-defense aerosol, and the alarm component is capable of emitting an alarm signal.

Abstract: A holder and a filter system are provided. The holder has: a front wall, a window is formed therein so as to expose the hollow cavity of the holder; a back wall, facing the front wall; a pair of side walls, facing each other and connecting the front wall and the back wall; an opened top portion; and a bottom wall, facing to the top portion and closed so as to define the hollow cavity of the holder. The back wall can be provided with an attachment mechanism. By using the holder and the filter system, an operator may easily determine when to replace the filter cartridge during the operation of the filter system. The holder allows a very good keeping and as well a rapid replacement of the indicator.

Abstract: A personal protection device, including a central casing including a battery, a toggle button connected to the battery, and a sealed housing including a coil switchably connected to the battery and a liquid, such that pressing the toggle button connects the battery to the coil to heat the liquid to convert the liquid to a gas until an audible shock wave is generated.

Abstract: A tumble dryer (100) is provided having: a laundry drum (102) rotatably supported in a casing (110) and suitable to receive laundry to be dried. A lint filter assembly (1) can be housed in a housing (105) provided in the casing (110) so that, when the lint filter assembly (1) is placed in the housing (105), it intercepts a flow of air exiting the laundry drum (102). A humidity sensor system retrieves information about the actual humidity of the laundry in the drum (102) and has at least a pair of electrodes (20) positioned such that the laundry in the drum (102) can come into contact with the electrodes (20). A control unit (150) controls the operations of the tumble dryer; and an electric circuit (21, 22, 23) transmits a signal obtained from the electrodes (20) to the control unit (150).

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. The system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and gathers data from one or more sensors in connection with a filter element.

Abstract: A detachable vented signaling alarm apparatus is provided which is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket commonly used with pool skimming systems. There are many different configurations and sizes of skimmer baskets with which the present apparatus is capable of attachment merely by drilling a hole generally centrally in the skimmer basket bottom. The detachable signaling alarm may be readily removed from the skimmer basket for various reasons such as pool vacuuming or maintenance and includes a vented stem for minimizing damage to the basket when debris has accumulated therein. An alarm of any type can be used with the vent mechanism for indicating when the skimmer basket is substantially blocked by debris by generating of an alarm condition responsive to airflow through the vent.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A personal gas flow indicator is disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the proximal end of a gas delivery cannula that conducts breathing-gas from a breathing-gas source to an airway interface device (AID) for introducing the breathing-gas into the airway of an patient. By having the gas flow indicator positioned at the proximal end of the gas delivery cannula, the patient or some other person in visual contact with the patient can easily determine whether or not breathing-gas is flowing through the gas delivery cannula. The flow indicator is sufficiently lightweight that it can be worn by the patient. It is both disposable and portable and can be easily retrofit into existing-gas delivery systems. The flow indicator can be incorporated into an AID, into a gas delivery cannula, or it can be easily retrofit into one-piece gas delivery cannulas.

Abstract: A timer that starts a time cycle when a filter is placed into a housing is disclosed. The timer cycle will not reinitiate a new time cycle when the previously used filter is removed from the housing and reinserted into the housing. In one embodiment, the filter timer assembly includes a filter having a filter media surrounded by a filter frame, a housing for supporting the filter, a piercing post connected to the housing moveable between a first resting position and a second position in direct contact with the filter frame, and a timer connected to the piercing post. The piercing post punctures a portion of the filter frame to create an opening in the filter frame. The timer initiates a count when the piercing post is actuated to the second position.

Abstract: An audible fill level alarm is provided. The alarm includes a whistle body having a lower whistle hole, a whistle-tube depending from said whistle body, and a whistle disk having an upper whistle hole. The whistle disk and the whistle body define a whistle chamber that is conical in shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a sensor including, inter alia, a body having first and second spaced-apart apertures, the first aperture having a shape producing an audible noise upon a fluid passing therethrough; a piston positioned within the body; and a chamber having an additional fluid disposed therein, with a volume of the additional fluid placing the piston between first and second positions, the first position impeding the first volume of fluid and the second position allowing the first volume of fluid to pass through the first aperture.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method are disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the distal end of a conduit connected to a gas source and a device for introducing the gas in the airway of an individual so that the individual, or some other person in visual contact with the individual, can easily determine whether or not gas is flowing through the system.

Abstract: An air filter sensor kit and method of using the same for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system that uses an air filter to enable the determination of when the air filter is dirty and needs changing. The air filter sensor kit includes an air filter sensor with a portion shaped for insertion through the air filter and a portion with an indicator for indicating the condition of the air filter. The kit includes an air filter sensor connecting and support member for connecting the air filter sensor to an air filter grill and for supporting the air filter sensor and a cutting tool for cutting a hole in an air filter grill to allow the passage of a portion of the air filter sensor connecting and support member to permit a portion of the air filter sensor to be inserted through the air filter. The air filter sensor kit also includes a cutting tool guide that is adjustable to conform to various configurations of air filter grills.

Abstract: A metal body has a threaded inlet port and a threaded outlet port which extend to corresponding inlet and outlet chambers within the body, and a semi-spherical liner seats within the body and has ports communicating with the inlet and outlet chambers. A dome-shaped lens is sealed to the body and cooperates with the liner to define a fluid circulating chamber enclosing a fluid sensing ball having crossing holes therein. A mounting plate has a first opening receiving the body and a second opening receiving a power operated optical sensor having fiber optic cables positioned to sense through the lens movement of the ball within the fluid circulating chamber. The ball is sensitive to a very low flow rate and provides a visual indicator of the flow, and the optical sensor provides an electrical signal for operating an alarm or apparatus such as a machine which requires the fluid flow.

Abstract: A flow indicating device including a tube, a turbine wheel, and a cylinder is described. The tube defines a flow path. The turbine wheel is mounted in the tube for rotation alongside an inside wall of the tube. The turbine wheel has a plurality of turbine blades. The cylinder is mounted outside the tube for rotation alongside an outside wall of the tube. The cylinder is magnetically coupled to the turbine wheel through the sidewall of the tube so that rotation of the turbine wheel causes rotation of the cylinder. A visually observable pattern is provided on an outside surface of the cylinder so that rotation of the cylinder can be visually ascertained. The device is easy to install and provides an indication of flow within the pipe which is highly visible, easy to read, and viewable from any location around the pipe.

Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.

Abstract: A whistling beverage bottle construction (10) including: a cap member (20) adapted to engage the threaded neck portion (31) of a bottle member (30) having a peripheral lip (33) which surrounds the mouth opening (32) of the bottle member (30). The peripheral lip (33) is provided with a notch (34) and a resilient sealing gasket member (40) disposed intermediate the cap member (20) and the peripheral lip (33) such that carbonated gases escaping through the notch (34) in the peripheral lip (33) of the bottle member (30) as the cap member (20) is initially disengaged from the bottle member (30) produces a whistling sound.

Abstract: A fuel overfill warning device including a vent tube. A whistle alarm is positioned within the vent tube. A pair of flexible hoses engage opposing end portions of the vent tube. The whistle alarm will emit an audible signal as air is forced out of the vent line of the fuel tank while pumping fuel. As the tank approaches a full level, the audible signal will gradually decrease and then cease.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid from an apparatus or between two apparatuses such as a biohoods, fume cabinets, or filters. The device includes a conduit horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and is movable in the direction of fluid flow, the detecting element being in direct contact with the fluid. A sensing element may be coupled to the conduit for determining when the detecting element reaches a predetermined position within the conduit. The circuitry coupled to the sensing element enables selection of a desired flow direction and actuates an alarm when the detected flow direction is other than the one selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid from an apparatus or between two apparatuses such as a biohoods, fume cabinets, or filters. The device includes a conduit horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and is movable in the direction of fluid flow, the detecting element being in direct contact with the fluid. A sensing element may be coupled to the conduit for determining when the detecting element reaches a predetermined position within the conduit. The circuitry coupled to the sensing element enables selection of a desired flow direction and actuates an alarm when the detected flow direction is other than the one selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid between two enclosed spaces, such as hospital rooms, includes a conduit extending along a horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and movable in the direction of fluid flow, the detecting element being in direct contact with the fluid. A sensing element may be coupled to the conduit for determining when the detecting element reaches a predetermined position within the conduit. The circuitry coupled to the sensing element enables selection of a desired flow direction and actuates an alarm when the detected flow direction is other than the one selected.

Abstract: An externally mounted removable hardware assembly for a casket having a threaded bolt extending through a hole in a casket side wall. Inside the casket, the bolt threadably engages a nut which is snap-fit within a retention can. The nut has a longitudinally threaded bore therein and is formed from complementary nut sections which mate. An ejector pin is slidably mounted in a longitudinal bore in the bolt. The ejector pin may be depressed from outside of the casket. The pin slides within the bolt bore and contacts the retention cap thereby forcing the retention cap off of the nut allowing the nut halves to fall apart. Once the nut is dislodged from the retention cap and the nut sections have split apart and separated from the bolt, the bolt is thereby freed to be removed from the casket through the hole in the casket exterior wall without opening of the casket.

Abstract: A warning system for a hair dryer to warn the user when the air inlet of the dryer has become clogged with hair or other particles, the dryer including an air filter in the inlet, an air-actuated whistle having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the whistle being mounted in the air inlet with the air inlet end outside the filter and the air outlet end inside the filter. Air will pass through the whistle when the inlet has become clogged, causing it to blow, and thereby warning the user that the inlet has become clogged. This occurs when the air pressure differential between the two sides of the filter reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A signalling device for scuba divers uses their compressed air supply to drive a piston (42, 51, 72) against a diaphragm (22, 48, 49, 57, 63, 90) to generate sound in water against the diaphragm. A bistable valve 34, 52) switches pressurised air alternately to opposite ends of the piston (42, 51, 72) to cause it to reciprocate and repeatedly impact against the diaphragm (22, 48, 49, 57, 63, 90). Air is exhausted from the cylinder (11, 54, 70) through ports (27, 28, 29, 30, 110, 111, 73, 74), the ports being valved by movement of the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid between two enclosed spaces, such as hospital rooms, includes a conduit extending along a horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and movable in the direction of fluid flow, the detecting element being in direct contact with the fluid. A sensing element is coupled to the conduit for determining when the detecting element reaches a predetermined position within the conduit. Circuitry coupled to the sensing element, enables selection of a desired flow direction and actuates an alarm when the detected flow direction is other than the one selected.

Abstract: A marine craft includes a pollution control device for marine fuel tanks. The pollution control device includes a compartment for receiving fuel that leaves the fuel tank headed toward the vent via the vent line. The volume of the compartment desirably holds more fuel than would be contained in the volume of the length of the vent line that extends from the fuel tank to the vent. The compartment has an inlet that communicates with the fuel tank via the vent line. The compartment has an outlet that communicates with the vent via the vent line. The device includes a guide tube disposed within the compartment for preventing direct transmission of fuel to the vent. The device includes a float member disposed within the guide tube for detecting fuel in the vent line. The device includes an alarm circuit activated when the float member is located at a predetermined position within the guide tube.

Abstract: A security device in the form of a combination door or window stop comprising a housing for containing a canister of gas under pressure, a valve mechanism for releasing the gas through a sound generator upon unauthorized movement of an associated door or window, and means for selectively clamping the housing on the rail of the door or window.

Abstract: A fuel filler alarm for boats includes a housing, a whistle element on the housing and a suction ring on the housing. The suction ring is operable for detachably securing the housing to the hull of a boat adjacent a fuel tank vent thereon so that air passing outwardly through the vent passes through the housing and the whistle element. The whistle element is responsive to the outward flow of air through the fuel tank vent during a fuel filling operation for producing an audible whistling sound, while sound essentially stops when the associated fuel tank reaches a substantially full condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling vessels with liquid has a non-electric fill indicator having an air passageway leading up and out of the vessel to an air flow indicator, air escaping during filling causes the indicator to whistle and when the whistle stops, the vessel is filled and the user stops filing; a funnel has an elongate air inlet port through a side wall to an adjustable height air inlet to the indicator, air flow is not stopped until the height level of opened air inlet port is covered by the vessel liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling vessels with liquid has a non-electric fill indicator having an air passageway leading up and out of the vessel to an air flow indicator, air escaping during filling causes the indicator to whistle and when the whistle stops, the vessel is filled and the user stops filling. The air flow is not stopped until the height level of opened air inlet port is covered by the vessel liquid. The funnel has a full height slot along one side and a vertically slidable air tube in the slot; air is admitted transversely into an aperture through the tube with the aperture being vertically movable along with the tube for easy adjustment of relative fill level.

Abstract: A diver's alarm apparatus, for use with conventional diving equipment, having a body portion (34) and a noisemaker portion (32). The body portion (34) includes a first opening (42) therethrough communicating at opposite ends thereof with connections for a first hose (14) from an air tank and a second hose (16) from a buoyancy vest (12). The body portion (34) includes another opening (50) in fluid communication with the first opening in which is positioned a guide element (68). A movable stem element (75) is positioned within said guide element (68). A bore (64) extends between the second opening (50) and the noisemaker portion (32) in which a horn bell (84) supported by a diaphragm (94) are positioned. A button (80) is connected to the stem element (75) and is biased in one position by a spring (82). Actuation of the button (80) results in fluid communication between the first opening (42) in the body portion (34) and the noisemaker portion (32), further resulting in an audible alarm.

Abstract: A containment vessel for potentially harmful fluid including a fluid impermeable primary container having a multi-layer floor including a leak detection system. A concentric secondary fluid impermeable containment vessel surrounds and is spaced from the primary containment vessel and likewise includes a multi-layer floor including a leak detection system.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher and alarm apparatus for a container having a rim and a cavity to retain combustible materials comprising a reservoir having a chamber for retaining a fire extinguishing fluid under gas pressure, a hollow nozzle for ejecting the fire extinguishing fluid, a temperature sensitive device which softens in the presence of heat, a device for mounting the reservoir on the container rim with the nozzle and temperature sensitive device located ajacent the container cavity, an alarm which issues an audible signal responsive to gas under pressure, and a valve responsive to softening of the temperature sensitive device for simultaneously connecting the fire extinguishing fluid in the reservoir to the nozzle for ejection therethrough into the container cavity and connecting the gas under pressure in the reservoir to the alarm to issue the audible signal.

Abstract: A passive air, gas aerosol or pressurized fluid activated personal self-protection screech alarm device that is armed prior to the person utilizing it entering into a potentially dangerous area or situation. The primary and radically different feature of this device from those currently patented and/or on the market is that no action is demanded of the person carrying it in the event of an attack other than the natural inclination to release ones grip. Releasing ones grip on the aerosol can and lever and dropping the device then activates an irrevocable screech alarm. This device plays to the psychological implications of attack in that if active, overt action is taken by the person who is the subject of a rape, for example, the attacker oftentimes becomes more violent. With this device, the natural inclination to show fright and drop whatever one is carrying serves to activate the alarm.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical auxiliary knob structure, releasably attachable to a rotatable knob of a valve, to annunciate an open condition of that valve operated thereby. The auxiliary knob pivots relative to its attachment structure to switch electric circuitry carried within the auxiliary knob to annunciate last knob motion in the direction causing valve opening. The auxiliary knob is particularly adapted for use on valves of compressed gas tanks used in gas welding.

Abstract: A tornado warning device which emits a warning sound when air escapes the said device at a pre-determined rate, with said rate being that of the loss of air pressure in the path of a tornado.

Abstract: The tubes of tube and shell heat exchangers destructively vibrate at certain velocities with which fluid flows over their outside surfaces. An acoustic generator is positioned to respond to the fluid vibrations generated by the tubes. The structure of the acoustic generator is sized and arranged to produce a modulated tone representative of tube vibration. A detector mounted external the heat exchanger shell responds to the tone to initiate corrective action which will reduce the tube vibration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner in which an alarm sound is generated by introducing air from the exterior in bypassing relation to a filter 8 when a suction load imposed on a fan motor 3 exceeds a predetermined value. The alarm sound can be emitted or stopped without adversely affecting the introduction of bypassing air toward the fan motor 3. With such an arrangement, the vacuum cleaner can be used conveniently, and the fan motor 3 is prevented from being burned out.

Abstract: A fusible solder temperature sensor adapted for use with a trapped fluid pressure header alarm system. The sensor includes an insulating plastic fitting having threads at one end and a bore therethrough for connection to and fluid communication with the header system. A brass tube is connected at one end to the other end of the plastic fitting for fluid communication therewith. The other end of the brass tube is closed by a bronze closure disc attached thereto by fusible solder responsive to ambient air or other gas temperature above a determined level. When the ambient temperature reaches the determined level, the solder melts, releasing the closure disc from the tube, thereby releasing pressure from the alarm system to generate an alarm signal or the like.

Abstract: An erodible sonde for detecting sand in the gas conveyed through a pipe. Such a sonde is constituted by a thin aluminium tube, one end of which communicates with a device for measuring the pressure outside the pipe and the other end of which is closed, the inner wall of this tube being in contact with a discontinuous prop or support means such as a steel spring with contiguous coils. Such a device allows early detection of the intrusion of sand in the gas.

Abstract: Control system for indicating which, of a plurality of sensed functions, first malfunctions. The system includes a plurality of series connected devices, each such device includes a shiftable valve which, in one position activates an indicator, and, in another position deactivates said indicator. Signalling connections link the devices such that all indicators, save the one governing the first malfunction, remain in the indicating condition they were in prior to such malfunction occurring.

Abstract: An automatic signaling device responsive to small pressure variation, said pressure variations being created by a restriction of fluid flow within a flow system. The pressure variation causes fluid to flow through a resonant; loading chamber, activating a longitudinal wave resonator. The generation of longitudinal waves is apparent by the production of an audible signal. The device is mounted to the flow system using attaching means designed as part of or appurtenant to the device. In some embodiments the dimensions of the respective components of the device are adjustable.

Abstract: The formation of a hermetic seal in an assembly resulting from the connection or encapsulation of one or more substrates such as cables by one or more dimensionally-recoverable covering members such as heat-recoverable sleeves is checked by detecting the increase in air pressure which occurs during heating of the assembly once a hermetic seal has been made. To this end, a covering member is provided with an aperture which communicates with a detection device such as a balloon or a manometer and with a space within the assembly in which there is a build up of air pressure.

Abstract: A sound-producing device, for use with a pressurized fluid container, includes a body having an orifice surrounded by an annular seat, a cap facing the seat, and a diaphragm held taut over the seat, the margin of the diaphragm being tightly gripped between the body and cap. The body and cap are locked together within a housing, the housing also serving to mount the sound-producing device on a pressurized fluid container. The body and cap present annular beads of different diameters for deforming and tightly holding the margin of the diaphragm. A flexible strip permanently connects the body and cap. The parts are assembled by aligning, in side-by-side relation, a plurality of members, each comprising a body, a cap, and a connecting strap, and applying a length of adhesive-bearing flexible tape to the plurality of members, the tape adhering to one of the body and cap, preferably the cap, of each member.

Abstract: A whistle audibly responsive to extremely small pressure differentials is described. The whistle has a cylindrical inlet portion, a cylindrical outlet portion and a cylindrical constriction that form a passageway between said inlet and outlet portions. The whistle produces audible sound having an intensity of about 80 DB in response to a pressure differential, across the inlet and outlet portions, that is in the range of about 0.005 to 0.02 psi.

Abstract: An intruder alarm security device includes a source of fluid under pressure which serves as a medium for oscillating a diaphragm at the throat of a horn to create an audible warning signal. The intruder alarm includes an actuator, a plunger assembly and connecting structure for coupling rotary movement of the actuator to longitudinal movement of the plunger assembly to open communication between the diaphragm and the source of fluid. The or connecting coupling structure includes a lost motion connection so that the plunger assembly is controlled by the actuator only to the point of opening the communication. And, the plunger assembly includes an orifice member for metering the flow of medium to the diaphragm, yet, first is capable of allowing any entrained particulate from a closure of the source to clear the device.

Abstract: An audible vibratory biased reed assembly having the properties of being activated or commencing vibration upon being subjected to a predetermined energy level. This assembly utilizes a straight, flat, elongated, closed or clapping reed, to produce a clatter or buzzing sound, with the reed being biased through application of a bias force to one edge to distort its flatness adjacent its free extremity. The bias force is applied by an angular transverse bridge which substantially triples the frequency of the mechanical clatter.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized fluid powered audible alarm includes a housing in which is mounted a pressurized container having a deflection responsive valve and outlet member projecting therefrom. A horn body is mounted on and in fluid communication with the member and a spring loaded plunger carried by the housing is provided to contact and displace the horn body thereby deflecting the member to supply pressurized fluid for sounding the alarm. The plunger is normally retained spaced from the alarm by a removeable pin passing transversely through the plunger shaft. A ring coupled to the pin is pulled to rapidly remove the pin and irreversibly activate the alarm.

Abstract: An implement, preferrably a harrow having a row of soil working members mounted on upwardly extending shafts, has spraying nozzles for dispensing material on the ground adjacent the rear of the soil working members. The nozzles communicate with liquid material under pressure. The implement is coupled to a tractor and the operator of the tractor can monitor the material being sprayed by various devices in an electrical circuit that leads to the tractor. Wires are positioned to be bridged by the spray and indicator lights on the tractor dash board provide a visual signal when material is sprayed by each nozzle. Similarly, a micro switch or camera, or other actuation means can be located adjacent each nozzle to provide a signal for each nozzle spray. The nozzles communicate with an elongated pipe and the pipe is supported on the implement frame with adjusting means to change the direction of spray by the nozzles.