Abstract: A piston assembly includes a piston head having an open bottom cooling gallery and a pair of pin bosses depending from the head and supporting a wrist pin of a connecting rod. A skirt is coupled to the pin bosses for reciprocation with the piston head. A stationary oil spray nozzle extends into the piston skirt from below and cooperates with an oil splash deflector which, at a lowered position of the piston head, directs the flow of oil onto the pin bosses for direct cooling, and at raised position of the piston head, moves out of the way to allow the cooling oil to enter the cooling gallery and cool the piston head.

Abstract: A system for selectively switching the action of a valve in an internal combustion engine includes a roller finger follower having a frame and a disengageable roller. A two-part axial pin for the roller axle is spring-loaded to urge the pin axially of the roller axle to disengage the first part of the pin from the follower frame and simultaneously disengage the second part of the pin from the roller axle. Thus the roller becomes detached from the frame and the follower cannot actuate its designated valve. The roller and pins are retained within the frame by at least one torsion spring. The pins may be controllably reinserted into the sides of the roller and frame to reconnect the roller to the frame by any of various electromechanical and/or hydraulic means. When used in conjunction with a camshaft having high lift and low lift cam lobes, the deactivated follower will then actuate its designated valve according to the profile of the low lift lobes, which may be a no lift profile.

Abstract: A ring gear variable valve train device is provided for installation on an internal combustion engine having a rotary input crankshaft provided with a cylindrical eccentric journal having a center offset from the rotational axis of the shaft. A connecting rod disposed on the journal is reciprocated by rotary motion of the input shaft. A frame disposed on the input shaft may be controllably varied to vary the lift and timing of the valve. A rocker arm pivotably disposed on the frame is attached to the connecting rod to oscillate a ring gear portion of the rocker arm in response to rotary motion of the input shaft, which ring gear drives a planetary-geared output cam to actuate an engine intake valve to open and close. The teeth of the ring gear and the planetary gear are axially tapered, and a coil spring disposed on the output shaft is operative axially to displace the planetary gear axially of the ring gear to eliminate gear lash therebetween.

Abstract: A cylinder head includes a carrier member 50 integrally formed with a vertical wall portion 53 for supporting a camshaft 15, 16, a tappet guide 54 for containing a tappet 24 and a tappet-lubricating oil receiving portion 51 slanted around the tappet guide 54. An operation-oil supply passage 203, 209, 210 extends in the longitudinal direction of the carrier member 50 inside the tappet guide 54.

Abstract: A spur gear camshaft drive for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft timing gear, a camshaft gear and at least one intermediate gear arranged between the timing gear and camshaft gear is disclosed. At least one of the gears of the camshaft drive is provided with a hub and a gear ring configured in such a way that the gear ring can be turned against the hub up to a predetermined angle. A readjusting element is provided between the hub and gear ring to exert a readjusting force onto the hub and gear ring depending on the torsion exerted.

Abstract: A valve actuator subassembly, such as a finger follower and a hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) are held together for shipping and installation in an engine valve train by a retainer clip made of wire or sheet metal or plastic material. The retainer clip has generally a U-shaped body with legs that clip over the end of a wall in the body of the finger follower. A first leg includes a gripping recess that engages diametrically opposite sides of a cylindrical member, such as the plunger of a HLA. A second leg of the clip includes a guide recess that engages a portion on a first side of the wall at a point offset from the axial centerline of the HLA and closer to the point at which the finger follower contacts the valve stem. The gripping recess includes opposed resilient edges that frictionally engage the cylindrical surface of, for example, the HLA plunger and holds it in assembly with the finger follower.

Abstract: The suction apparatus comprises an apparatus main body which is divided into lower and upper box bodies 11 and 15. In the apparatus main body, there are stored a first duct for sucking in air from the open air, a resonator connected to the first duct, a cleaner for cleaning the sucked-in air, and a second duct 30 for sending out the air, after it has passed through the cleaner, into the internal combustion engine. A plurality of ribs 19a, which are situated in the suction openings 30a of the second duct 30 and are used to reinforce the upper box body 15, are respectively inclined at an angle conformed to the installation angle &thgr; of the second duct 30, whereby the ribs 19a can contribute toward guiding the flow of the air.

Abstract: An air intake system with resonance as well as ram charging. Ram charging is effected via intake ducts 15 and ram manifold 13, whereas resonance charging is effected by longitudinally adjustable resonance channels 12 and resonance manifold 11. The longitudinal adjustment of the resonance channels 12 is effected by rotatable control elements 22 driven by a motor 27, and the control elements 22 are accommodated in control housings 20 which communicate with the ram manifolds 13 via connecting ducts 34. The use of connecting ducts 34 allows a largely flexible arrangement of the control housings in relation to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. As a result the system can be advantageously and optimally adapted to the spatial characteristics within the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a handheld type OHV engine, an oil tank is provided so as to be connected to one side wall running the length of a crankcase and a cylinder block, the oil tank houses oil mist generation means to and a rotational movement section of a valve operation mechanism, and the oil mist generated in the oil tank is supplied from a crank chamber to a valve operation chamber of a cylinder head housing a reciprocating movement section of the valve operation mechanism, and is returned to the oil tank by utilising the pressure pulsations of the crank chamber and a one-way valve. It is thus possible to lubricate the inside of the crank chamber and the valve operation mechanism reliably regardless of the operational position of the handheld type OHV engine while reducing the overall height of the engine.

Abstract: In an oil mist generation system, an oil slinger is disposed in an oil tank and is rotated by a crankshaft, the oil slinger scattering oil store in the oil tank by the rotation of the oil slinger so as to generate an oil mist. The oil mist generation system includes a drive gear provided on the crankshaft, and at least three oil slingers supported on three support shafts and simultaneously driven by the drive gear, the three support shafts being arranged around the drive gear. Therefore, besides a circular shape, various shapes can be imparted to the peripheral wall of the oil tank.

Abstract: A hypocycloid gear assembly for converting pure linear motion to rotational motion having a pinion shaft, a pinion carrier, and a ring gear. The pinion shaft has a pinion journal which moves in a purely linear direction. A pinion body is connected to the pinion journal and is offset therefrom. The pinion body is placed inside a carrier body of the pinion carrier. The pinion body rotates around the center of axis of the carrier body, causing the carrier body to rotate on its own axis. An output shaft, whose centerline coincides with the centerline of the carrier body, rotates on its own axis and has a purely rotational motion.

Abstract: An air induction system for a vehicle engine includes a sensor assembly for monitoring particulate concentration. The sensor assembly is mounted within an air intake housing, which has an inlet and an outlet. An airflow passageway extends between the inlet and the outlet to the vehicle engine. An air filter is mounted within the housing to filter particulates from air flowing through the airflow passageway. The sensor assembly can be mounted to an intake manifold or incorporated into a mass airflow sensor. The particulate sensor generates a particulate signal representative of particulate concentration entering the vehicle engine via the outlet. The signal is sent to an output device monitored by a vehicle operator.

Abstract: A target homogeneous mode throttle opening TA1 that is suitable for homogeneous stoichiometric combustion without EGR is computed regardless of the current combustion mode. During homogeneous stoichiometric combustion without EGR, the opening of a throttle valve is controlled based on the target opening TA1. During homogeneous stoichiometric combustion with EGR, an opening adjustment value TAo is added to the target opening TA1 and the resultant is set as a target EGR throttle opening TA2. The opening of the throttle valve is controlled based on the target opening TA2. During stratified lean combustion, the fuel injection amount is controlled based on a hypothetical throttle opening TA1, which corresponds to the target opening TA1. In either combustion mode, the engine torque is adjusted based on a common control value, which is the target opening TA1. Therefore, the engine torque is not abruptly changed when the combustion mode is switched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operation for a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine with at least one ignition device and at least one injection device entering the cylinder chamber, with a main injection of fuel into the cylinder chamber occurring during the intake stroke. In order to improve fuel consumption and emissions it is provided that under conditions of idling and/or partial load a homogeneous fuel air mixture with an air ratio &lgr;≧2 be generated in the cylinder chamber by a main injection process and that an ignition-jet injection into the cylinder chamber with an atomized fuel ignition jet take place during the compression stroke in such a manner that an ignitable, preferably stoichiometric, fuel-air mixture is established in the vicinity of the ignition device and that the homogeneous fuel-air mixture of the main injection is ignited by the ignition jet.

Abstract: A method for controlling mode transitions, such as from stratified to homogeneous mode, in a direct injection engine adjusts an intake manifold outlet control device, such as a cam timing, to rapidly control cylinder fresh charge despite manifold dynamics. In addition, a coordinated change between an intake manifold inlet control device, for example a throttle, and the outlet control device is used to achieve the rapid cylinder fresh charge control. In this way, engine torque disturbances during the mode transition are eliminated, even when cylinder air/fuel ratio is changed from one cylinder event to the next.

Abstract: A control device in an internal combustion engine, interlocking with a device to generate swirls in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by providing bypass passages which allow air to bypass a throttle valve for regulating Intake air flow rate of the internal combustion engine to control an output power of the internal combustion engine and allow the air to flow in from the side of atmosphere to communicate with air intake ports for respective cylinders on the downstream side of the throttle valve The device comprises sensors to detect a vehicle speed, a gear position, an opening of an accelerator, an intake air flow rate and the like and a processor to determine an operating state of the internal combustion engine such as a rotating speed, a torque and the like based on the signals from the sensors, calculating an operating condition of the internal combustion engine according to the strength of swirl to be generated based on the operating state, outputting the calculated values as control

Abstract: In a vehicle exhaust system, downstream end portions of front and rear exhaust pipes Ef, Er which respectively connect to front and rear cylinder banks are arranged side by side with each other in the same direction so as to be connected to a common collecting exhaust pipe 22, so that exhaust gases flowing through the front and rear exhaust pipes Ef, Er are allowed to flow into the common collecting exhaust pipe 22 in the same direction. Mating faces 15f, 20f are respectively formed on the end portions of the front and rear exhaust pipes Ef, Er which are located closer to the collecting portion, and the mating faces 15f, 20f are confronted from each other. The mating faces are inclined relative to a plane (P-P) passing through centers Ca, Cb of the front and rear exhaust pipes Ef, Er.

Abstract: A rotary-body type throttle valve for a spark ignition internal combustion engine is disclosed. The valve includes a valve casing, an intake passage formed with a rotary-body recess portion, a valve element having a rotary-body shape which is rotatably fitted into the rotary-body recess portion of the valve casing, and a communication passage that permits an upstream intake passage and a downstream intake passage to communicate with each other is formed in the valve element. The upstream intake passage and the downstream intake passage sandwich the rotary-body recess portion of the valve casing. A through hole which is directed from the communication passage of the valve element in a direction intersecting a central axis of the communication passage and reaches only one of rotary outer surfaces of the valve element is formed in the valve element. This arrangement results in a reduced flow resistance by decreasing the size and number of vortices generated during partially opened states of the valve element.

Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described where a throttle position sensor has multiple slopes depending on the operating region. At low throttle positions, a greater slope, and thus a greater sensitivity is provided, thereby increasing control resolution. At greater throttle positions, a lower slope, and thus lower sensitivity is provided. In this way, an output signal that varies across the entire operating region of the throttle is provided for monitoring and control, while improved performance at low throttle angles can be simultaneously achieved. A method of making the sensor is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control a negative pressure in an internal combustion engine equipped with a brake booster that uses a negative pressure produced on a downstream side of a throttle valve provided in an intake passage of the engine, as a power source for amplifying the pedal pressing force. A controller of the apparatus or method determines whether a negative pressure applied to the brake booster has reached a predetermined level when the internal combustion engine is started, and, if the negative pressure has not reached the predetermined level, increases an operating speed of the engine to a predetermined high speed and then keeps the throttle valve in a fully closed position during a period of time in which the engine proceeds to a steady-state operating mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: The fuel rail assembly comprises a fuel conduit, at least one support connected to the conduit, an engine component body, and a resilient connector attaching the support to the engine component body. The resilient connector can be a resilient insert while the engine component body is preferably an air intake manifold. The support may also be a bracket. The fuel rail assembly further includes at least one fuel injector connected to the fuel conduit. The resilient connector, manifold, and fuel conduit are all preferably plastic.

Abstract: A connector assembly and a method of disconnecting the connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first part and a second part. The first part extends along a longitudinal axis and has a protrusion that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The second part receives the first part and has a wall surrounding the longitudinal axis. The wall has an inner surface generally confronting the longitudinal axis, an outer surface generally facing opposite the inner surface, a channel cooperatively receiving the protrusion; and an arm portion. The arm portion has a first surface defining a portion of the inner surface, a second surface defining a portion of the outer surface, and a bulge extending from the arm portion into the channel. The bulge engages the protrusion and maintains the first and second parts in a connected configuration.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring and a tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field activates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is formed from a ferromagnetic material and extends through the tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly without interfering with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member. A passive hydraulic link assembly is preferably employed to compensate for component wear, temperature effects and manufacturing variations within design tolerances.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring, and a magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field actuates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is comprises of a plurality of portions. The portion of the needle that extends through the magnetostrictive actuator assembly is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and the portion of the needle comprising the needle tip, which contacts the valve seat, is formed from a different material that has higher through-hardness than that the non-ferromagnetic material. The portion of the needle formed from a non-ferromagnetic material prevents interference with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member.

Abstract: In a structure of mounting a fuel injection valve, an annular connecting groove 12 is defined in an outer peripheral surface of an intermediate portion of a fuel injection valve I which has a fuel inlet portion 6 inserted in a fuel supply port 16 in a fuel distribution pipe D, and a connecting flange 17 is formed in the fuel supply port 16 and aligned axially with the connecting groove 12. A collar portion 22 and a locking groove 21 are engaged with the connecting groove 12 and the connecting flange 17, respectively, and are provided in a connecting member 20 for resiliently clamping the fuel injection valve I and the fuel supply port 16 from opposite outsides. A positioning bore 18 is provided in the connecting flange 17, and a positioning projection 13 is formed on the fuel injection valve I to be brought into engagement in the positioning bore 18 simultaneously with the insertion of the fuel inlet portion 6 into the fuel supply port 16.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation of a sensor in a vacuum brake booster coupled to a manifold of an internal combustion engine include measuring an engine or vehicle operating parameter to detect operating or control conditions and detecting degradation of the sensor based on the engine or vehicle operating parameter. In one embodiment the operating parameter is a measured or estimated manifold pressure. A pressure drop across a check valve disposed between the brake booster and the intake manifold may also be considered.

Abstract: A high-pressure injection system for internal combustion engines, in particular diesel engines, operates with an actuating force superimposed on a spring force which loads a nozzle needle in the closing direction. The high-pressure injection system operates in such a way that the pressure profile which occurs over the injection stroke of the pump and the resulting injection profile is varied by the actuating force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device for fuel tanks, wherein the ventilation device comprises a compensator reservoir arranged in the interior of the fuel tank and at least two ventilation lines. The ventilation lines run from below the upper tank wall to the compensator reservoir and extend in the latter toward an opposite tank wall. The apparatus according to the invention is particularly well suited under all static and dynamic stresses for ventilating fuel tanks.

Abstract: A device for treating fuel in internal combustion engines. The device comprises, within a surrounding body which is insulating in relation to magnetic field, a through-pipe for supplying the fuel to the engine and a plurality of magnetic masses which create a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fuel inside its through-pipe.

Abstract: A combustion enhancer for insertion into the fuel line of a vehicle, consisting of a silver rod, with a cross-shaped cross section that is twisted axially to form a spiral. This form makes maximum contact with the fuel to swirl the fuel along the surfaces of the silver rod. The surfaces of the silver rod are roughened to promote additional turbulence. The fuel flowing over the silver helix creates a charge of static electricity and changes the fuel molecules to a more uniform size.

Abstract: A turbocharged internal combustion engine assembly with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) includes an air compressor driven by an exhaust turbine, an EGR line that diverts exhaust gases from an exhaust line leading from the engine to an air intake line leading to the engine from the compressor, and a combustion bypass line that conveys compressed air from the compressor to the exhaust turbine without combustion. A pressure adjusting feature disposed along at least one of the air intake line and the exhaust line maintains the pressure at the turbine inlet below the pressure at the compressor outlet and above the pressure at the air inlet of the engine. Examples of suitable pressure adjusting features include a venturi placed in the air intake line at the second point, a power turbine located along the exhaust line downstream of the exhaust turbine, a split exhaust manifold feeding unequal turbine inlets, and an orifice located along the exhaust line between the EGR line and the bypass line.

Abstract: To provide a failure diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust gas recirculation system which is capable of eliminating the influence of various disturbance factors that vary the suction air pressure, diagnosing a failure of the exhaust gas recirculation system on the basis of the suction air pressure, and preventing wrong diagnosis. A failure diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust gas recirculation system consists of a fresh air pressure estimating means 2911 for calculating an estimated fresh air pressure inside a suction pipe from the operating condition of an internal combustion engine, an actual EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) gas pressure estimating means 2914 for estimating an EGR gas pressure on the basis of a measured suction pipe pressure detected by a suction pipe pressure detecting means 2911 and an estimated fresh air pressure calculated above, and a failure judging means 2910 for judging the failure on the basis of the estimated EGR gas pressure and the detected operating condition.

Abstract: A wire-saw constituted by a rope-like core wire and a cylindrical coil-like saw-wire body wounded around the core wire, and a large number of abrasive grains firmly fixed to the saw-wire body by metal. Problems of conventional wire-saws, such as unstable working performance, a short tool life, low safety and low reliability, and so on, are solved.

Abstract: A rock cutter for splitting stones is disclosed which shows a support surface for holding the rock and (a) a first blade and (b) a second blade which may be position to hold the rock between the first and second blades and on the support surface along with a means for moving the first blade towards the second blade. The means for moving comprises a hydraulicly driven piston having a piston arm to which the first blade is mounted. The invention also includes shock means for applying a sudden force to the first blade. The rock cutter also has a cover which is used in conjunction with a means for receiving pieces at an angle after the split.

Abstract: A portable solid-fuel burning camp-stove with a unique air supply system that allows for sufficient thermal power output to facilitate cooking while keeping the size of the combustion chamber small enough to allow for acceptable packing weight for backcountry hiking. Pack stoves powered by gas or liquid fuels have the major disadvantages of the need to bring fuel and limited fuel supply. Solid fuel stoves have the advantage of being able to use fuel straight from nature in the form of wood, there is no need to carry fuel, generally these stoves are too heavy for backpacking since they need a large combustion chamber which makes these stoves to heavy for back packing. This invention allows for adequate combustion in an acceptably small chamber by blowing additional air into the combustion chamber for a higher combustion rate. The air is blown in by mouth through a hose and nozzle arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for extra air-pump hardware.

Abstract: A barbecue pit with a removable fire box which facilitates cleanup.

Abstract: A miniature outdoor cooking unit for burning alcohol fuels consisting of a two piece Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly, pot stand clips which act to support the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly as well as support the item(s) to be heated, and a burner Pre-Heat Pad on which the entire assembly rests. The intended design and operation of this stove results in self-pressurization of the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly. This self-pressurization perpetuates stove operation through continuous fuel vaporization in the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly and eliminates the need for any wick or fuel absorbing mass, thus differentiating it from any known designs.

Abstract: There is provided a stand for a canned heat fuel cell wherein the stand has a side wall, an upper marginal edge and a lower marginal edge, the side wall being sized to be slightly larger than the fuel cell side wall, inwardly extending groove dividing the side wall into upper and lower portions with the upper portion having a height greater than the lower portion and also having a plurality of apertures to permit an air supply therethrough, grill bars for sheeting on the top of the side wall, the arrangement being such that the stand will sit on the upper marginal edge of the canned heat fuel cell. The arrangement provides an efficient means of using the fuel cell while preventing bums to the user and/or damage to the substrate surface.

Abstract: An open-flued, liquid-fuel, leaktight, low-power individual domestic heating appliance (1), in which means for removing the burnt gases derived from the combustion, and also means for feeding in oxidant gas (air), are mounted directly on an external structure (5) , such as an outside wall, which may be a bearing wall, or the roof of a dwelling or a room to be heated, without connection to a chimney, comprises a burner pot (4) containing a catalyst (15), preferably made of refractory steel, which stabilizes the flame and which has a nominal heat output of between 50% and 100%, and preferably between 75% and 100%, of the said output of a conventional burner of the same dimensions connected to the chimney of a dwelling.

Abstract: A solar generation system includes a standard solar cell string and a substandard solar cell string. A DC voltage output from the substandard solar cell string is boosted by a booster unit to the level of the DC voltage output from the standard solar cell string, and the DC voltage from the standard solar cell string and the boosted DC voltage are applied to a DC/AC inverter, whereby an AC power is obtained, which is supplied to a utility power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a highly concentrated mixture of aerosolized liquid and pressurized gas to a patient including a collapsible membrane defining a chamber, the membrane further defining a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber. A mask defining an enclosure having a first passageway in communication with the first opening. A nebulizer having a body defining a reservoir for holding the liquid therein, the body including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice which communicates with the second opening. A pressurized gas source which contains a pressurized gas with the pressurized gas source being in communication with the inlet orifice for providing the pressurized gas to the nebulizer. When the pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source enters the nebulizer, the pressurized gas mixes to form a mixture with the liquid inside the reservoir of the nebulizer.

Abstract: Adapters configured to engage with conventional oral inhalers or inhalers with valved-holding chambers for laryngectomized subjects can sealably engage with the mouthpiece of same. The adapter can be configured and sized to slide onto conventional devices. The adapter is configured to enter the opening in the neck of a user a sufficient operative depth to facilitate delivery of the inhalant into the air passage and generally downwardly toward the pulmonary region or lower airway.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conditioning packaged powders. According to one method, a receptacle is provided having an enclosed chamber that contains a powder. At least one pulse of energy is applied to the receptacle to increase the efficiency at which the powder may be extracted from the chamber when flowing a gas through the chamber.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal catheter provides direct pharyngeal delivery of high flows of humidified air, oxygen, helium, or other gases to supplement ventilation of a spontaneously breathing patient. For example, flow rates in the range of approximately 4 to 40 liters per minute can be employed. The flow passes through a heater that maintains a desired temperature, and a humidifier that maintains a desired relative humidity. The present invention includes a nasal catheter that can be cut to a desired length and removably attached to a horizontal delivery tube. Gas can be supplied through oxygen connections at either end of the horizontal delivery tube.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a pressure support therapy administered to a patient, where at least one parameter associated with the pressure support therapy is varied according to a time-base parameter variation function. More specifically, at least one parameter or at least one group of parameters associated with a pressure control relation for providing a proportional assist ventilation (PAV) or a proportional positive airway pressure (PPAP) mode of ventilation is varied according to a time-based parameter variation function to control the PAV or PPAP ventilation with a maximum degree of flexibility.

Abstract: A low-pressure valve enabling precise control of a fluid flow rate through the valve during cyclical operation of the valve. The valve is useful for controlling air delivery to a patient as part of a portable ventilator. The valve comprises a housing having an inlet 16 and two outlets 18 and 20. A wiper plate 22 and an orifice plate 24 are disposed inside of the housing. Transverse movement of the wiper plate 22 relative to the orifice plate 24, powered for example by a servomotor 34, simultaneously and alternatively covers and uncovers various openings 26 in the orifice plate 24. The total flow through the valve is thereby divided between the two outlets 78 and 20.

Abstract: A respiratory mask and service module combination for pressure breathing. The respiratory mask has a hardshell member that extends along the contour of the face toward the peripheral edge of the mask and has a central portion forming a canopy. An inhalation/exhalation valve assembly having two breathing conduits and integrally formed so as to provide communication between the conduits. The assembly mounts externally to the mask such that the valves are capable of being sealed along the outer surface of the respiratory mask. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).