Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet game assembly, comprising at least two pet game pieces, each having a body, wherein the body of one of said pet game pieces comprises at least two sections and the body of the other of said pet game pieces comprises at least one section, each of said sections having an interface surface, and wherein at least one of said pet game pieces comprises at least one recess in one section, said recess being suitable for holding a small object, characterized in at least one section of at least one of said pet game pieces having an interaction portion arranged so that said pet game piece can be arranged onto the other pet game piece.

Abstract: The present teachings describe garments that can help prevent an animal such as a dog from mating, spoiling or displaying other similar unwanted behaviors. The garments described herein generally provide coverings for the urogential region of an animal.

Abstract: A ballistic garment for use while hunting small game includes a reduced-layer ballistic panel. The ballistic panel generally includes substantially fewer layers of ballistic fabric material than are commonly used in bulletproof vests and the like, in order to provide comfort and preserve range of motion of the wearer while providing protection against shot pellets commonly discharged from shotguns and other firearms used while hunting small game. The body armor may be adapted for use by a human wearer, or may be configured for use by a canine such as a hunting dog. The ballistic panel may be removable from the garment and may include a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer for protecting the ballistic fabric layers from moisture.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for facilitating wound care on an animal are presented. A wound care garment is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position, allowing temporary access to a wound or surgical site and/or exposing the animal's urogenital region without removing the garment. When in the open position, all or most components of the garment may be temporarily stowed away from the wound and away from the urogenital region, thereby keeping the wound and the garment clean, while minimizing the risk of infection.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater including a storage tank, a combustion chamber, a burner for producing products of combustion, the burner positioned in the combustion chamber, a flue including a longitudinal axis, the flue extending from the combustion chamber through the storage tank, and an exhaust assembly positioned above the flue. The exhaust assembly includes a hood, a motor including a drive shaft, and a fan coupled to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft about a rotational axis. The hood receives the products of combustion from the flue and directs the products of combustion at an acute angle toward the fan. The rotational axis is positioned at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved rotary engine having one positive motion stroke, the rotary engine comprising at least one of a piston having at least one piston vane. At least one of a unidirectional bearing is operationally coupled to the piston, wherein the piston is configured to allow the piston vane to rotate and the unidirectional bearing prevents the piston vane from rotating during a combustive force or a thrust force injection. A peddle block is positioned in the pathway of the piston vane, wherein as the piston vane approaches the peddle block a secondary exhaust pressure increases against the piston vane surface, the secondary exhaust pressure, in part, causes the piston vane to rotate and self-align for a subsequent cycle. Other exemplary embodiments allow for a secondary exhaust pressure to rotate a piston vane causing the piston vane to self-aligning for the next cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cooling a rotary engine, the system comprising a drive shaft having a bore hole and at least one of a coolant transmission hole in fluid communication with the bore hole. At least one of a coolant distribution channel is in fluid communication with the coolant transmission hole. A coolant fluid channel receives a coolant liquid from the coolant distribution channel, wherein the coolant liquid is circulated between the bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include a centripetal force pump formed by at least the rotation of the drive shaft, which circulates the coolant liquid between the drive shaft bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine, and adjusting the coolant liquid flow rate based, in part, on the RPM of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A two-stroke, uniflow, full expansion internal combustion (IC) engine having cylinders that include a cylinder wall and a cylinder head having an exhaust port with exhaust valve, a fuel injector, and a spark means in the cylinder head, and a piston mounted in the cylinder for reciprocal stroke movements of compression and power between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The cylinder has a swirl inlet port passing through the cylinder wall at the bottom of the cylinder that is covered and uncovered in response to the reciprocal movement of the piston. The cylinder is operated through a cycle where the exhaust port is held in an open position for a portion of the compression stroke movement of the piston, to provide a delay in the onset of the compression phase of the cylinder cycle.

Abstract: Among a plurality of bearings that rotatably support a camshaft (1), the bearing closest to a pulley (P) is a rolling bearing (4), and the other bearings are plain bearings (3). The rolling bearing (4) is formed of a roller bearing portion (5) that has a first outer ring raceway surface (51) and a plurality of cylindrical rollers (53) that roll on the first outer ring raceway surface (51) and a ball bearing portion (6) that is arranged next to the roller bearing portion (5) in an axial direction and that has a second outer ring raceway surface (61) and a plurality of balls (63) that roll on the second outer ring raceway surface (61). The first outer ring raceway surface (51) and the second outer ring raceway surface (61) are formed on the inner peripheral surface (7a) of a single outer ring (7).

Abstract: In a valve timing control apparatus configured to execute phase-control via a phase converter, a controller is configured to control a phase angle of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft during an engine stopping period to a target phase angle differing from a required phase angle suited for an engine operating condition. The controller is further configured to change the phase angle of the camshaft toward the required phase angle during a time period from a point of time when cranking starts to a point of time when detection of a rotational position of the camshaft initiates during an engine restarting period. The controller is still further configured to start feedback-control for the phase angle of the camshaft from the point of time of initiation of detection of the rotational position of the camshaft for bringing the phase angle of the camshaft closer to the required phase angle.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus has a housing having a plurality of working fluid chambers, a vane member rotatably housed in the housing and dividing the each working fluid chamber into advance and retard oil chambers, the vane member rotating to a most-advanced angle side and to a most-retarded angle side within a predetermined angle range relative to the housing, and a torsion spring, one end of which is retained by the housing and the other end of which is retained by the vane member. When the vane member rotates to the most-advanced angle side and to the most-retarded angle side, an angle formed by a line connecting the both ends of the torsion spring through an axial center of the vane member ranges from an angle positioned at one side to an angle positioned at the other side of a boundary with 180° being the boundary.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine using poppet type valves, a center pivot rocker arm is moved through a specific path wherein the roller in contact with a cam is moved to alter the phasing of the valves or injectors in the engine. Depending on the interface between the valve or injector and the rocker arm, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm may be altered, giving a change in lift as well. By positioning a control arm at desired points on either side of a centered position, and rotating the control arm about its own pivot point via an arm actuator, phase change is achieved. The arm actuator controls the location of the control arm and thus the timing of the valve or injector relative to the rotation of the cam. Advanced, centered, and retarded phase change is possible depending upon the movement of the control arm.

Abstract: A switchable finger lever for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine having an interior lever encompassed by arms of an exterior lever, with a joint axle extending through the levers so they are relatively pivotal. A stub projects from the axle at each exterior side, with the respective stub being encompassed by a coil section of a pivot pin spring, having one leg acting upon the exterior lever and another leg acting upon the interior lever to pre-load the levers relative to each other, with the coil section encompassing a bush encasing an exterior casing of the stub. The bush encompasses the stub with a clearance fit and, for fixation of the axle, an annular groove with a safety ring is located inside the bush bore, and engages a radially inwardly located groove in the exterior casing of the stub allowing the axle to be disassembled without destruction.

Abstract: In an engine braking system of the type wherein a cam lobe lifts a follower by direct contact, wherein the follower is at least partially contained in a brake housing containing oil. A slave piston is also at least partially contained in the brake housing, and during engine braking, movement of the follower causes the oil to move the slave piston outward. Movement of the slave piston opens an engine braking exhaust valve to open a flow path between an engine cylinder and an exhaust conduit. An oil passage through the follower is provided to lubricate an interface between a flat face of the follower and the cam lobe with oil from the brake housing. The oil passage has an outlet hole that is open on the flat face outside of the contact area between the flat face and the cam lobe.

Abstract: A quick-release cap is provided for closing the neck of a housing. The cap includes a core having a first end, a second end, and an exterior side wall between the first and second ends. The cap is configured to rotate between a cap-locked position securing the core within the neck and a cap-release position permitting removal of the core from the neck. A first groove is defined in the exterior side wall of the core and extends at least partially circumferentially around the core for receiving a first tab protruding from the neck. The first groove defines an ejection ramp for at least partially ejecting the first tab relative to the first groove when the cap moves from the cap-locked position to the cap-release position. The cap may be removed from the neck with the application of only a twisting force.

Abstract: There is provided an air cleaner that is capable of suppressing or reducing malfunctions and problems caused by mixed fuel that back flows from a carburetor, thereby prolonging filter life, reducing filter maintenance frequency, etc. The air cleaner comprises: a fuel accumulation part; and a back flow guide member that guides the mixed fuel that back flows into the air cleaner, wherein the plurality of return flow paths are provided in a radial fashion about the cleaner outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving the performance of a rotary engine comprising at least one of a piston having at least one piston vane configured to rotate. A peddle block is positioned in the pathway of the piston vane, wherein as the piston vane approaches the peddle block a secondary exhaust pressure increases against the piston vane surface, the secondary exhaust pressure, in part, causes the piston vane to rotate and self-align for a subsequent cycle. A variable orifice secondary exhaust port selectively vents at least a portion of the secondary exhaust pressure, away from the piston vane setting an optimal rotational speed of the piston vane, improving performance of the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include turbo-charging the rotary engine by increasing the secondary exhaust pressure, increasing the piston vane rotation, and increasing the amount of secondary exhaust pressure that is recirculated.

Abstract: A method may include injecting gasoline into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine from a direct injection gasoline fuel injector during a gasoline fuel mode of the engine. The method may also include combusting the gasoline in the combustion chamber to power the engine during the gasoline fuel mode. Further, the method may include injecting gaseous fuel from a gaseous fuel injection system into the combustion chamber during a gaseous fuel mode of the engine and combusting the gaseous fuel in the combustion chamber to power the engine during the gaseous fuel mode. The method may further include cooling the direct injection gasoline fuel injector during the gaseous fuel mode by injecting gasoline into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine spark is controlled such that soot held by a particulate filter may be oxidized even during low engine loads.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use in delivering fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle having a valve needle which is moveable with respect to a valve needle seating through a range of movement between a fully-closed position and a fully-open position to control fuel delivery through at least one nozzle outlet, whereby movement of the nozzle needle is controlled by fuel pressure within a control chamber. A nozzle control valve controls fuel flow into and out of the control chamber to pressurise and depressurise the control chamber, respectively. The fuel injector also includes a variable flow passage in communication with the control chamber through which fuel flows out of the control chamber at a variable rate throughout the range of movement of the valve needle so that movement of the valve needle is damped to a greater extent as it approaches the fully-open position.

Abstract: A fuel system, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a fuel tank and a ventilation device for ventilating the fuel tank, wherein the ventilation device has at least one separation device which has a temporary accumulator for liquid fuel. The separation device has a fill level determination device for determining the fill level of in the temporary accumulator. The invention further relates to a method for operating a fuel system.

Abstract: A tubular valve for adjusting the compression ratio of a variable compression ratio engine includes: at least one straight tube capable of longitudinal translational movement in a valve casing including a low-pressure chamber, the straight tube including a first end opening into the low-pressure chamber and a second end opening into a high-pressure chamber, the second end adapted to contact with at least one shut-off surface secured to the valve casing to seal the second end, the straight tube contacting the shut-off surface by at least one nonreturn and shut-off spring; sealing element for sealing between the external surface of the straight tube and the valve casing isolating the high-pressure chamber from the low-pressure chamber, the sealing element including a nonreturn tube inside which the straight tube is held; at least one electric actuator for applying to the straight tube a force opposing that of the spring.

Abstract: In an actuation method for a piezoactuator in an injector, an injection is triggered by controlling the piezoactuator to open and close the injection valve. An injection charge and discharge pulse each cause a change in length of the piezoactuator, which excites an oscillation system. After an idle time interval without injection, the steps for triggering an injection are repeated. At times t1 and t2 during the idle time interval tL, a damping charge current pulse and a damping discharge current pulse are applied, wherein the change in length which is generated by the damping charge and discharge current pulses are too small to activate the injection valve and to trigger an injection. The times t1 and t2 are selected such that excitation of the oscillation system by the pulses takes place in anti-phase with respect to the oscillation which is excited by the injection charge and discharge current pulse.

Abstract: A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in an adsorbent canister in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine and a fuel tank coupled to the adsorbent canister. The method comprises, during a first operating condition including a higher availability of compressed air, metering the compressed air from a first air source, and flowing the metered, compressed air through the adsorbent canister along a first flow path. The method further comprises, during a second operating condition including a lower availability of compressed air, flowing air from a second air source through the adsorbent canister, and, during the first and second operating conditions, venting the fuel tank to an intake of the engine and flowing effluent enriched in the vapor from the adsorbent canister to the intake of the engine.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of (a) pressurizing a liquid fuel to a pressure above 150 psig; (b) heating the liquid fuel to a temperature above 500° F. to produce a heated liquid fuel; (c) suddenly reducing the pressure of the heated liquid fuel sufficiently to vaporize the heated liquid fuel to form a vaporized hot fuel; (d) combining the vaporized hot fuel with oxygen to form a vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture; (e) introducing the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture into the internal combustion engine; and (f) combusting the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture within the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A steel piston with a piston upper part (12) with combustion chamber recess (11) and ring wall (5), and with a piston lower part (13) with piston body or piston skirt and with connecting rod bearing (8) for internal combustion engines with cylinder crankcases made of lightweight metal alloys, with at least the piston lower part consisting of a steel alloy which has a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range from 13 to 20×10?6 1/K.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for detecting variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders comprising a wide-range air-fuel ratio sensor and an O2 sensor provided in an exhaust passage upstream of an exhaust gas purifying apparatus arranged in the exhaust passage for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, air-fuel ratio controlling unit for performing air-fuel ratio control for a predetermined period in such a manner as to make an exhaust air-fuel ratio be equal to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio based upon output from the wide-range air-fuel ratio sensor, and abnormality detecting unit for detecting variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders based upon output from the O2 sensor for the predetermined period when the air-fuel ratio control is performed.

Abstract: Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces.

Abstract: A riser for a bow is disclosed that includes a body having a central portion, an upper portion, and a lower portion. The central portion includes a grip portion and an arrow rest. The upper portion and lower portion of the body include at least one aperture. A custom image is either integrally formed within at least one of the apertures or a frame containing a custom image is removably secured in at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a compound archery bow comprising a rigid paddle-shaped member conforming to the archer's forearm, said member being secured to the bow by means of a forward-extending support beam which is attached to the bow handgrip by the insertion and tightening of a forward-extending threaded stabilizer means. The paddle-shaped member is adjustable relative to the support beam and to the bow handgrip by pinch-clamp means.

Abstract: A portable saw machine includes a supporting frame, a cutting blade provided at a lower front side of the supporting frame for cutting the object at the ground level, a power device supported by the supporting frame for driving the cutting blade to rotate, and a power cutting arrangement. The power cutting arrangement includes a blade supporting frame movably extended from the supporting frame to suspendedly and adjustably support the cutting blade in a substantially horizontal orientation; and an actuating unit adapted to manually actuated to drive the blade supporting frame to adjust an elevation of the cutting blade so that when the cutting blade is driven to rotate by the power device, the cutting blade is arranged to cut the object at the ground level along the predetermined path without requiring a user to pivotally lift up the main frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating barbeque grill assembly that allows a user to put various food in a carrying frame thereof, parallelly install insert rods at both ends of the carrying frame into position-limit slots on both sides of a metal frame thereof respectively, and insert two transmission shafts into ends of fixed portions on both sides of the metal frame respectively. After the transmission shafts are fixed in the fixed portions, the user can turn on the barbeque apparatus, such that the metal frame can be rotated along the same axis of the two transmission shafts, and the carrying frame then slides from an original position far away from a heat source along the position-limit slots to a position proximate to the heat source, such that the food on both sides of the carrying frame can be heated uniformly and be barbequed to be a delicious dish quickly.

Abstract: A barbecue stove with collapsible stand has a grill pan and a stand mounted on the grill pan. The stand has a main leg mounted pivotally on the grill pan and a secondary leg connected pivotally to the main leg. When the main and secondary legs cross each other, the stand is unfolded and supports the grill pan high above a plane. When the main and secondary legs overlap each other and the main leg is pivoted to lie on the grill pan, the stand is folded into a compact size. The stand of the barbecue stove is structurally simplified and therefore is easy to assemble, fold or unfold.

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: A heliostat control system includes a heliostat having a reflective surface and at least one reflective element, the reflective surface having a different radius of curvature than the at least one reflective element, a receiver configured to receive sunlight reflected from the reflective surface, and a camera configured to receive sunlight reflected from the at least one reflective element and to generate an image including pixels having a brightness dependent on an orientation of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A method for automatically assembling a solar field is provided with following steps: a) Providing at least one solar collector unit with a radiation concentrator collector including a radiation absorber with an absorber tube for a flow-through of a heat transfer medium and a parabolic mirror for focusing solar radiation onto the absorber tube of the radiation absorber for heating up the heat transfer medium flowing through the absorber tube; b) Transporting the solar unit to a target location of the solar field; and c) Assembling the solar unit on the target location of the solar field. Additionally a solar field with a plurality of prefabricated solar collector units is provided.

Abstract: The solar collector according to the invention has a membrane arrangement 41 comprising zones 70, 71, 72 having different spherical curvature in such a manner that their concentrator membrane 42 which is covered with a reflecting layer is optimally approximated to a parabolic shape and therefore has an optimally small focal point or focal line region.

Abstract: It facilitates the foundation and assembling of the pedestal (15) on the ground, allowing calibration of its verticality and azimuthal orientation, further serving as a formwork element. Said frame comprises a quadrangular structure (1), articulated in at least one of its corners, preferably two, and adapted to surround the pedestal (15), which is provided with four horizontal profiles (2); calibration bolts (5) through which the pedestal (15) is pressed and adjusted in a vertical position; with said bolts (5) being inserted into nuts (4), which are connected to vertical bodies (3) linked to the profiles (2); and plates (7) linked to those profiles (2) which feature holes (8) through which picks (9) are vertically inserted, designed to be nailed to the ground for fixation and stability of the frame.

Abstract: A module arrangement includes at least one or more double module arrangements, each consisting of two solar modules oriented at an angle to one another. The edges of each double module arrangement facing away from each other are not interconnected via a support unit.

Abstract: An electronic vapor inhaling device has an outer housing that defines an internal cavity having a proximal end and a distal end. A mouthpiece is located at the proximal end. A liquid storage chamber is defined within the outer housing near its proximal end and a battery compartment containing a battery is located near the distal end. An atomizer is positioned between the liquid storage chamber and battery chamber and is in communication with an electronic circuit board. The electronic circuit board is configured to receive input from a unique identifier associated with the electrical resistance of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and automatically adjust the power supplied to the atomizer. The atomizer rapidly heats the liquid that is injected into an air passageway when the user inhales through the mouthpiece, causing the liquid to vaporize and allow inhalation by the user.

Abstract: Liquid nebulizer apparatus, systems, and formulation compositions, as well as systems for the nebulized, aerosol delivery of such compositions, for the administration and insufflation of medicinal aerosols into the pulmonary system of a mammal are described. The nebulizing apparatus and system can effectively aerosolize a variety of viscosities of medicinal liquid drug carriers, including those made up of oil, water, or emulsions of oil and water. Drugs dissolved or suspended in the compositions and formulations described and adapted for use herein are not damaged or denatured by the nebulization process when the nebulizer described is used. Further, the nebulization system itself can be adapted for use with both mechanically assisted pulmonary ventilation systems as well as hand-held inhalers and nose/mouth face masks for use in pulmonary drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbo-inhaler, comprising an active-liquid container (1) holding a liquid having an active ingredient dissolved therein, a nebulizer (2), by means of which liquid can be converted into an aerosol and introduced into a blade housing (3), in which a bounding dome (4) is suspended, the concave side (41) of which is directed at the nebulizer, an exhaust air duct (5), which is connected to the blade housing in the area of the convex side (42) of the bounding dome, and a supply-air guide (6), by means of which supply air can be introduced between the blade housing and the active ingredient, wherein at least one guide blade (7) is placed on the convex side of the bounding dome and spirally extends thereon.

Abstract: In a press-type medical nebulizer and a pressing means thereof, the nebulizer includes a medicament container having an intake channel and a medical spray generator. The pressing means includes a base, a pressing element and a switching element. The base has a gas-delivering tube, a gas-releasing hole and a trough. The pressing element comprises an operating arm pivotally connected into the trough and a valve for closing the gas-releasing hole. The switching element is slidingly provided on the operating arm to be selectively engaged into the trough for fixing the operating arm. When the switching element is engaged into the trough, the switching element causes the valve to close the gas-releasing hole, so that the pressurized gas can continuously flow through the gas-delivering tube and enter the intake channel. By this arrangement, the user needs not to press the pressing means repeatedly, which is convenient and labor-saving.

Abstract: An inhaler, such as a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler, for delivering medicament to a patient. The inhaler includes a housing for holding the medicament and having an air inlet and a medicament delivery port which together define an air flow path into which the medicament is dispensed. The air inlet includes an array of elongate apertures formed in the housing, the long sides of adjacent apertures facing each other. Each aperture is provided with a respective different opening in an outer surface of the housing. The opening of each aperture extends in two different planes such that, if at least a part of the opening is covered in one of the two different planes during inhalation by the patient, a void space is created between the cover and the aperture so as to provide an air flow path through the void space to the at least one aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure chamber for preferably atomizing or injecting metered amounts of fluid, such as pharmaceutical preparations. The components of the high-pressure chamber determining the strength thereof are made of a sintered metal body having plastic regions directly attached thereto. The plastic regions allow corrosion resistance and material compatibility of the interior of the high-pressure chamber and fluids placed under pressure therein. The shape of the sintered metal body provides the entire system with the rigidity required for high-pressure operation and with directly molded connection elements prescribing the type of connection to other components. The components of the high-pressure chamber determining the strength thereof are thereby deformed or crimped to each other, so that inexpensive and quick overall assembly processes are available.

Abstract: Multi layer endotracheal tube apparatus (800) comprising an outer flexible elongated tube layer (802) having a proximal end (816) and a distal end (818), defining an inner surface (820) therebetween, at least one flexible elongated inner tube layer (804) having a proximal end (822) and a distal end (824), defining an inner surface (828), the distal end (824) of the inner tube layer (804) defining a distal port section (830), the inner tube layer (804) extending along inner length of the outer tube layer (802), the distal end (824) of the inner tube layer (804) detachably coupled along a closed circumference of the inner surface (820) of the outer tube layer (802), and at least one closure mechanism (806) operative to close the distal port section (830), and detach the distal end (824) of the inner tube layer (804) from the inner surface (820) of the outer tube layer.

Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus has a flotation device; and an air conduit comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet in fluid communication with each other; at least two one-directional air valves oriented in the same direction and disposed between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet, and a mouthpiece disposed between the air valves, wherein the at least one air inlet is mounted to the flotation device. During operation, the at least one or more air inlets are maintained above water by the flotation device while a submerged user breathes through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus, including a mask and a neck component. The mask is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component is attached to said mask, and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask. The breathing apparatus has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.

Abstract: Described is a dry powder inhaler comprising an intake section; a mixing section, and a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.