Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to heat-exchanger systems that can be used to heat or cool a fluid such as blood. Pod pumps that provide low shear and low turbulence may be used in such systems, particularly for systems that pump blood. A certain heat-exchanger system used to heat blood or other fluids may be used to provide whole-body hyperthermic treatments or regional hyperthermic chemotherapy treatments. A disposable unit may be used to separate the fluid path from the fluid control systems. The disposable unit typically includes a heat-exchanger component that is received by a corresponding heat exchanger in a base unit. Fluid pumped through the heat-exchanger component is heated by the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus (200) for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a user of the apparatus (200) is described together with a method for protecting said apparatus (200) when subjected to abnormal stresses, the apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) releasably connected thereto wherein the device (202) and waste canister (204) are connected together by clip means (222), said clip means (222) being subject to failure upon application of abnormal stresses thereby permitting separation of the device (202) and waste canister (204).

Abstract: A liquid injection and ratio control system is provided for blending an additive into a main flow line at a controlled ratio. The system automatically detects variances in temperature, pressure, and additive concentration and provides compensation thereto. The system also provides for automatic flow detection, calibration responsive to a level gauge, automated data collection, and wireless bi-directional communication.

Abstract: Provided is iron-based metal powder for powder metallurgy including a metallic soap containing at least one or more types of metal selected from a group of Ag, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sn and Te having a higher standard oxidization potential than iron, and an additional metal which forms a liquid phase at a temperature of 1200° C. or less in the combination with the metal, wherein the soap contains metal for forming an alloy phase between the two. As a result, obtained is mixed powder for powder metallurgy capable of improving the rust prevention effect easily without having to hardly change the conventional processes.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the risk of free flow through a pump is disclosed. The technique includes sensing a pressure difference between the pump inlet and outlet. The pressure difference is mechanically communicated to a flow restricting element. The flow restricting element increases resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet in a relation to the pressure difference present between the pump inlet and pump outlet.

Abstract: A system for continuous delivery of a measured flow of liquid to a processing apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a bulk supply of the liquid and an intermediate vessel. A first pump delivers liquid from the intermediate vessel to processing equipment at one rate. A second pump delivers liquid from the reservoir to the intermediate vessel at a second much faster rate. A monitor device continuously monitors the weight of the vessel and controls the first pump accordingly to deliver the required weight of liquid at the required rate to the processing equipment. The monitoring device determines when the weight of liquid in the intermediate vessel has reached a minimum position to initiate operation of the second pump to refill to vessel and a further device terminates operation of the second pump when the liquid level in the vessel reaches a maximum position.

Abstract: A method for control of the drive means for a reciprocating piston pump delivering liquid to a spring loaded piston liquid accumulator providing high volume compliance whereby the accumulator liquid volume is controlled within narrow limits by continuous control of power to the pump drive motor. The accumulator achieves high volume compliance by arranging the kinematics of a main spring loading the accumulator piston to have a negative spring rate equal to the sum of all other positive spring rates produced by a second spring used to adjust the accumulator pressure, by the diaphragm (piston), and by a flexure support for a sensor lever. This sensor lever moves with the accumulator diaphragm to actuate an optical sensor producing an electric signal indicative of small changes in liquid volume in the accumulator.

Abstract: The optimum electrolyte level sensing method and the automatic topping up apparatus for storage wet cell are disclosed. The difference in the conductivities between the distilled water and the electrolyte is utilized. An injection outlet portion(15), an adjust ring(14), and two wires are used to detect the optimum electrolyte level to supply distilled water to storage cells. The feedback control to maintain the constant optimum electrolyte level of storage cells is carried out by a single microprocessor.

Abstract: A pump unit for recovery of hydrocarbon liquid from atop water in a well includes a hydrocarbon pump intake with a linear probe for indicating the position of the pump intake relative to the hydrocarbon/water interface on a control panel, so that its relative position can be monitored and changed. The probe has a conductive member coated with a non-conductive coating, and is attached to a source of low frequency electrical signal. The strength of a signal output from the probe indicates the position of the probe, and the pump intake, relative to the hydrocarbon/water interface and controls a display on a control panel. Furthermore, the signal can be used to control the hydrocarbon/water interface relative to the pump intake by such means as pumped water from under the pump intake in a controlled manner to change said interface relative to the intake or by means of a motorized lift to reposition said pump intake relative to the interface.

Abstract: An automatic pumping system for removal of floating contaminants and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells. A vertically reciprocating cone-shaped member, like an inverted funnel, is moved between positions above and below the water surface. As it submerges, the inverted funnel collects the floating product within its circumference and transfers it to a collection space surrounding the cone. In the upper position, this collection space is sealed so that air may be blown into it while the collected product is driven out through a pickup tube to a collection sump for ultimate disposal. A second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic pumping system which operates in synchronism with the contamination collection and disposal system to create a cone of depression which draws the floating product into the space covered by the circumference of the reciprocating cone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the no-load operation of a pump for a liquid supply system which responds to a sensor signal indicating that insufficient liquid in the supply exists for properly supplying liquid from a supply tank to a reservoir tank is described. The device provides a user indication that the supply tank liquid needs replenishment. Further, the device also detects when the pump supplying liquid from the supply tank to the reservoir tank operates for a period of time longer than a predetermined period of time. The device also provides a user with an indication that such a condition exists.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons or other lighter than water pollutants from a water table by drilling a well to a depth below the surface of an underground water table; positioning a vessel having a negative buoyancy in fluid in the well; positioning an inlet into the vessel at a location below the surface of hydrocarbons floating on the surface of the water table and above the interface between the upper surface of the water and the lower surface of the hydrocarbon material; establishing a low liquid level in the vessel; establishing a high liquid level in the vessel; positioning the inlet to a pump in the vessel below the low liquid level; energizing the pump to remove liquid from the vessel when fluid reaches the high liquid level and deenergizing the pump when the surface of the liquid reaches the low liquid level but above the pump inlet.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming high purity polysilanes or polygermanes by electric discharge wherein the monosilane or monogermane is provided in a gaseous mixture with a carrier gas at atmospheric pressure. The polysilanes or polygermanes produced at atmospheric pressure are further deposited by various means onto a substrate as hydrogenated amorphous silicon or germanium. The polysilane may also be used for the deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys.

Abstract: A pump for pumping a slurry of frail material is provided by a rigid chamber which is connected to a source of negative air pressure when an inlet valve is open and an outlet valve closed to suck the slurry through the open inlet valve into the chamber, the amount of slurry in the chamber is sensed and when it reaches a preset amount a controller is triggered to disconnect the source of negative pressure and close the inlet valve, and then admit air under positive pressure to the chamber, then open the outlet valve to drive the contents of the chamber through the outlet by replacing a significant amount of the contents with air. The controller then causes the air pressure in the chamber to be reduced and closes the outlet valve, and then reconnects the chamber to the source of negative pressure and then opens the inlet valve to commence a second cycle. The inlet and outlet valves are bladder type valves to protect the frail material and permit simplified operation.

Abstract: An airbed mattress and support system includes an air reservoir and a device for controllably delivering air to the airbed mattress and for controlling and for maintaining, as the user desires, the air pressure in the airbed mattress.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an environmental protection system and method for withdrawing and charging refrigerants, particularly fluorocarbon refrigerants, with respect to refrigeration systems as used for refrigeration, dehumidifying, air conditioning and the like without contamination of the atmosphere. Refrigerant is evacuated from a refrigeration system through a closed circuit into a closed disposal or storage container, and in an embodiment of the invention direct evacuation pumping of the refrigerant may be proceeded by drawing the majority of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system by means of a preliminary vacuum tank connected in series with a refrigerant disposal container. Additionally, the invention contemplates combining a refrigerant charging circuit with the refrigerant evacuation circuit in order to provide complete refrigeration system servicing without the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for weight-blending two or more constituents on a continuous basis. In operation, the constituents are sequentially added to a weight-measuring tank connected to a weight scale with an indicator which undergoes excursion between sensors positions. The scale face has an indicator which undergoes excursion between position sensors, such as electric eyes. When the system is electrically activated, a first position sensor detects zero weight from the measuring tank and remotely calls for the pumping of the first constituent, which continues until the indicator in excursion reaches a second position indicator.

Abstract: An oil reservoir gland stuffing box employed to extend the service life of the packing by providing an oil reservoir to maintain essential lubrication is provided with an attached container which will receive the overflow of the oil reservoir should the packing begin to leak excessively threatening thereby to create a pollution problem. A predetermined overflow actuates a weight sensitive micro-switch wired to shut off the pumping unit and/or send a warning signal to a remote control station. The control switch incorporates a manual re-set provision to prevent the pumping unit from restarting until the well has been serviced.