Abstract: A pulmonary expansion therapy (PXT) device may be a handheld device that covers specific lung fields and may generate negative pressure fields locally. The device also may provide percussion therapy for airway clearance. The PXT may generate a localized negative pressure field non-invasively to the exterior of the chest wall, thereby increasing the functional residual capacity in underlying lung fields. As a result, increased ventilation and perfusion to the targeted internal lung field may be achieved by creating a decrease in the external barometric pressure relative to the more positive intrinsic airway pressures. The PXT device also may improve lung compliance by enabling a medical professional such as a Respiratory Therapist/Care provider to grab and elevate the chest wall to compensate for the dysfunction of the respiratory musculature responsible for lifting the chest wall during normal breathing.

Abstract: A ballast broom machine for sweeping ballast off a track comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages, and at least three ballast brooms vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame, the ballast brooms being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction and including a leading ballast broom, each ballast broom comprising a rotary shaft extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and flexible sweeping elements projecting radially from the rotary shaft. A conveyor band is mounted on the machine frame and extends in the longitudinal direction, the conveyor band having an input end arranged to receive ballast swept off the track by the leading ballast broom and a discharge end positioned higher than the input end, and a ballast storage bin having discharge openings is arranged on the machine frame below the conveyor band discharge end for receiving discharged ballast therefrom.

Abstract: An integrated gladhand and quick-release valve for tractor-trailer highway vehicles is mounted on the tractor, as opposed to the trailer, so the operator of a particular tractor will uniformly have quick-release capability for any trailer drawn by the truck. The integrated gladhand and quick-release valve provides an inlet port for fluid communication from the tractor brake system and an outlet port for fluid communication to the trailer brake system. The intermediate passageway that provides fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports contains a valve element. The valve element may be apertured to allow limited, continuous fluid communication between the tractor and trailer brake lines. During the quick-release mode, the tractor side is substantially isolated and the trailer side is vented through an exhaust port. The present invention provides a uniform and safe braking system for tractor-trailer highway vehicles where the tractor operator does not own or maintain the trailers.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel delivery and control system is provided with means to recirculate all fuel in excess of fuel control requirements back to the aircraft fuel tank, thereby increasing the fuel pump heat sink and decreasing the pump temperature rise without the addition of valving other than that normally employed. A fuel/oil heat exchanger and associated circuitry is provided to maintain the hot engine oil in heat exchange relationship with the cool engine fuel. Where anti-icing of the fuel filter is required, means are provided to maintain the fuel temperature entering the filter at or above a minimum level to prevent freezing thereof. In one embodiment, a divider valve is provided to take all excess fuel from either upstream or downstream of the fuel filter and route it back to the tanks, the ratio of upstream to downstream extraction being a function of fuel pump discharge pressure.