Abstract: This invention provides a linear actuator with a cylinder defining a cylinder axis. A piston is movable within the cylinder along the cylinder axis, and a piston rod extends axially from the piston for connection to a mechanism whereby in use, movement of the piston actuates the mechanism. A rotary output mechanism includes a rotary output element extending generally transversely from the cylinder and supported for rotation about an output axis generally normal to the cylinder axis. The rotary output mechanism is responsive to movement of the piston, and the rotary output element is adapted for operative engagement with an instrument mounted to the cylinder such that axial movement of the piston effects a corresponding rotational displacement of the rotary output element, whereby in use the instrument provides an output signal indicative of the position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: Fluid level in an aquarium or other container containing a fluid is managed using a mounted fluid level sensor that includes a heating element mounted to a heat conductive sensor housing and a temperature sensor mounted to the housing at a location spaced from the heating element. A controller collects temperature readings from the temperature sensor and operates a pump to add fluid to the container when temperature readings from the fluid level sensor housing exceed a threshold temperature for a prescribed period of time, representing a drop in fluid level in the container. The controller can include a pump control unit that controls operation of the pump and a microprocessor configured to receive temperature readings from the temperature sensor, control the temperature of the heating element, and control the pump control unit based on the temperature readings received from the temperature sensor.

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 fuel-supply unit for a motor vehicle has a fuel container (2) that has several chambers (6, 7). The unit has a transfer pump (5) that is located inside the fuel container (2) for exclusively supplying ejector pumps (9, 10), which are positioned in the chambers (6, 7), with fuel as the pumping fluid. A primary fuel pump (4) that is located outside the fuel container (2) supplies an internal combustion engine (1) of the motor vehicle with fuel. The transfer pump (5) is operated discontinuously to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic osmotic pump capable of delivering a desired fluid at a predetermined destination comprising an inside fluid reservoir housing a compressible sac, a surrounding compartment having an external surface made up of a semi-permeable membrane and a fluid duct. The inside fluid reservoir houses a compressible sac containing a predetermined amount of a fluid that is desired to be pumped to a predetermined destination. The surrounding compartment holds a desired osmotic agent and its saturated solution in the remaining volume thereof. The surrounding compartment has an outer surface made up of a semi-permeable membrane that allows a predetermined second external fluid to permeate into the surrounding compartment. The fluid duct is substantially housed within the inside fluid reservoir and runs through openings and respectively provided through the inside fluid reservoir and the surrounding compartment.

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 gas driven pump (102) is controlled by an asynchronous controller (101). The controller (101) has two control conduits (105,103) respectively in communication with the bottom and top regions of the chamber of the pump (102). Low pressure air is bubbled through the control conduit (105) in communication with the bottom region of the pump chamber; therefore, the pressure in that conduit, which is applied to the face top of the diaphragm (111), in a direct function of the depth of the liquid in the pump chamber. The other control conduit (103) is in communication with the bottom face of the diaphragm (111). When the difference of the pressures in the control conduits (105,103) exceeds the bias of the spring (114), the diaphragm (111) and the attached spool (128) move downward to activate a mechanically operated pilot valve (144). The pilot valve, in turn, releases supply air under pressure to switch the main valve (145) from the rest state to the operated state to initiate discharge of liquid by the pump.