Abstract: A cart-handler for mobile carts within narrow confines is provided. The cart-handler is constructed from an elongate frame having at least one upright support rail and opposite ends supported on wheels. A pair of stabilizers is connected to the frame with each stabilizer being movable into a retracted position on the frame and into a laterally-extended position in which the stabilizer directly engages an underlying floor surface to aid in supporting the cart-handler on the floor. When the stabilizers are placed in the laterally-extended position, each stabilizer extends outward from a common side of the elongate frame. A cart-lifter is mounted on the support rail of the frame and is movable vertically along the support rail so that the cart-lifter can engage, elevate, and support a separate mobile cart above the underlying floor surface. The cart-handler can be interconnected to a pair of elevated mobile work platforms.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is a shopping cart and walking harness wearable by a child for use in a “walking mode” or a “shopping cart mode.” In the walking mode, a leash may be connected to the harness and the child's parent may hold the leash to remain in contact with the child. The harness may be easily transitioned from the walking mode into the shopping cart mode by disconnecting the leash from the harness and connecting the harness to a shopping cart seat. Thus, the shopping cart and walking harness provides a universal, all-in-one device for use in restraining a child when the child is walking, as well as when the child is in a shopping cart seat. The shopping cart and walking harness advantageously provides a single substitute for conventional child leashes and shopping cart restraints.

Abstract: An accumulator tank for handling a heat transfer medium, is disclosed having a tank top section and a bottom section. The accumulator tank is connected to at least one heat emitting system and at least one heat-absorbing system. The accumulator tank has a plurality of partition walls located inside the tank and arranged between the bottom section and the top section for the purpose of dividing the tank into a plurality of spaces. The systems being each connected to at least one respective space so that a temperature gradient is created between the bottom section and the top section. Also disclosed is a system for distributing and handling heat and/or cold, including the accumulator tank.

Abstract: An exhaust adapter A having an inner tubular wall 41 forming a through hole 40 communicating with an exhaust port 14, an outer tubular wall 42 surrounding the inner tubular wall 41, and an annular concave part 43 formed between the inner tubular wall 41 and the outer tubular wall 42. One of at least two types of exhaust pipes having different pipe diameters can be selectively connected as an exhaust pipe 2 by utilizing either the through hole 40 or the annular concavity 43. Height H1 of the inner tubular wall 41 is designed to be lower than height H2 of the outer tubular wall 42. Drain flowing in the annular concave part 43 is prevented from flowing out around the outer tubular wall 42 and furthermore the exhaust adapter A can be accurately used for various types of exhaust pipes with different pipe diameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forced-flow steam generator for burning dry brown coal without assistance from recirculated waste gas in the combustion chamber thereof. Said forced-flow steam generator (1) comprises a combustion chamber (2) and a waste gas flue (3) connected to the upper end thereof, and peripheral walls (4) surrounding said flue. Said walls (4) are formed from tubular walls (5), the tubes thereof guiding the water/steam working medium. The combustion chamber (2) comprises at least one burner (6), and downstream heating surfaces (7) are arranged in the waste gas flue (3). Part of the peripheral walls (4) is covered in the region of the combustion chamber (2) by at least one bulkhead heating surface (8), the size of which on the surface side being determined such that the heat absorption of the peripheral walls (4) and therefore the temperature thereof are reduced to a value enabling the formation of the peripheral walls (4) from modified, heat-resistant 2.25-2.

Abstract: A valve for limiting the pressure in a crankcase of a motor vehicle, comprising a first line and a second line, which can be fluidically connected by a movable body, the body being connected to a rolling diaphragm and, together with the rolling diaphragm, being able to expose or close a flow duct, is characterized in that, with respect to the object of designing and refining a valve of the type mentioned above such that it has a compact construction and allows pressure to be reduced in the crankcase of a motor vehicle with low noise, the rolling diaphragm rolls on a separating element, which is positioned in the flow duct between the first line and second line at least in some regions.

Abstract: A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured to provide feed-back control of pressurized fluid in a gallery includes a housing and a pressure chamber. The valve assembly also includes a first passage for providing continuous flow of fluid through the gallery and a second passage for supplying the pressurized fluid to the gallery. The valve assembly additionally includes a piston moveable within the pressure chamber between a first position that opens the second passage and a second position that closes the second passage. The piston includes a third passage that provides fluid communication between the first passage and the pressure chamber. Furthermore, the valve assembly includes a spring configured to move the piston to the first position when gallery fluid pressure is less than a threshold pressure value and permit the piston to shift to the second position when gallery fluid pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold pressure value.

Abstract: A three cylinder engine includes a vibration alleviation unit for alleviating vibrations in a vehicle. The vibration alleviation unit is disposed at least one of upon the crankshaft and upon a part that operates in unison with the crankshaft. The three cylinder is supported by engine mounts that are positioned upon at least both ends of the engine in the direction of the crankshaft axis. Given that KV and KH represent spring constants of one of the engine mounts in the pitch and yaw directions of the crankshaft, MV and MH represent components of a primary couple that occurs in the three cylinder engine in the pitch and yaw directions, and MV0 represents the sum of MV and MH, then spring constants of the engine mounts are set such that KV>KH and the vibration alleviation unit is set so as to satisfy the condition 0<MV/MV0<0.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is an environmentally responsible apparatus and method for increasing fuel economy and increasing engine performance. The apparatus further provides a method for reducing engine emissions and reducing greenhouse gasses. The apparatus attaches to an engine's fuel line and passing the fuel through a compacted copper wire mesh housed within. The compacted wire mesh is thought to increase the fuel's vapor pressure which reduces fuel consumption and increases engine performance.

Abstract: A method of operating a dual fuel internal combustion engine of the diesel-type is provided, the engine including a combustion chamber being at least partly delimited by a piston, a first fuel supply for a first fuel, the first fuel supply being located in or at the combustion chamber and/or in or at an inlet port thereof, and a second fuel supply for a second fuel. The method includes pre-mixing the first fuel in the combustion chamber and/or in the inlet port, compressing the charge containing the first fuel to conditions that allow auto-ignition of the second fuel, performing a first injection of the second fuel into the combustion chamber to initiate auto-ignition of the second fuel for igniting the first fuel, thereby initiating conditions for pre-mixed flame propagation combustion of the first fuel.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electronic fuel control system including a carburettor having a throttle bore, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel circuit extending between the fuel chamber and the throttle bore and controlled by an adjustment member such as a needle, the control system further including an actuator operable to automatically adjust the adjustment member in response to one or more engine operating parameters.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a variable volume device which changes the volume of a combustion chamber by compression of a gas spring when the pressure of the combustion chamber reaches a control pressure, a pressure changing device which changes a pressure of the gas of the gas spring, and a volume changing device which changes a volume of a compression space in which the gas of the gas spring is compressed. The internal combustion engine detects the operating state and performs control to reduce the pressure of the gas of the gas spring and reduce the volume of the compression space the larger the combustion rate of the fuel in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a method for determining a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow in the air system of an internal combustion engine (10) with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation, the determination of the low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow involves a preliminary low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow which is determined from a function involving, in particular, the pressure p42 upstream and the pressure p12 downstream of a low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve EGRVIvLP (29), the temperature TEGRVIvPUs downstream of the low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve (29), and the geometry arEGRVIvLP of the low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve (29). According to the invention, at least one mass balance based variable is also considered in the determination of the low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow .

Abstract: An archery bow is provided including a cable guard and/or cable guide including a cable facing surface which can include an e-coat film to minimize wear and abrasion on a cable, bowstring or other element that engages the surface. The cable guard and/or cable guide can flex to selectively move a cable relative to a plane in which a bowstring of the bow travels to minimize cam lean, limb twist, and/or cable wear. The cable guard and/or guide can move toward the bowstring plane as the bowstring is drawn, and away from the bowstring plane, out of the way of the bowstring and any attached arrow, after the bowstring is released. The cable guard can define a bore, for example, an elongated bore. The cable guard bore can operate as a cable guide, and can include a rounded opening to minimize abrasion to a cable moving through it.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.

Abstract: A ballistic adjustment device installed in a rear end of a gun barrel of a toy gun for adjustment of the ballistic range is disclosed to include a barrel bullet attached to the rear end of the gun barrel and having two inside protruding portions for holding a bullet in balance in the rear end of the gun barrel for firing, a positioning member press-fitted onto the bullet barrel and fastened to the rear end of the gun barrel, a pressure member fastened to the gun barrel and having a spring arm partially and downwardly projecting through an opening on the positioning member into tangent contact with the bullet to be fired, and a rotary control member rotatable to adjust the pressure between the spring arm and the bullet to be fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire saw having a saw wire drive sheave (2) for driving an endless saw wire, a motor having a motor output shaft directly or indirectly connected to the drive sheave (2) characterized in a at least one torsion suspension device (27), between the motor output shaft and the drive sheave (2), for dampening or absorbing torsion jerk/s to or from the endless saw wire (1).

Abstract: A diamond wire saw device including a diamond sawing wire. At least two diamond sawing wires are arranged in the front and back of a cutting working surface along a cutting feed direction, or at least two groups of the diamond sawing wires are arranged in the front and back of more than one parallel cutting working surface. The diamond sawing wires in the same group are parallel to one another to form a layer of cutting mesh surface. The diameter of a latter diamond sawing wire or a latter group of diamond sawing wires is equal to or greater than that of a former diamond sawing wire or a former group of diamond sawing wires.

Abstract: A wire saw work piece support device (200) has a support surface (214, 314) adapted for supporting a work piece (100) being sawed by a wire saw (1) during sawing, the support surface (214, 314) defining a support plane. The wire saw work piece support device comprises: a solid support body (210); and at least one wire receiving volume (220, 230) for receiving therein a wire (10) of the wire saw 1 during sawing, the at least one wire receiving volume (220, 230) having a work piece side delimited by the support plane, and a base side delimited by a surface portion (224) of the solid support body (210), wherein the at least one wire receiving volume (220, 230) has a thickness between the work piece side and the base side of at least 60 mm in a direction orthogonal to the support plane.

Abstract: An auxiliary duct is supported on the housing of an indirect fired heater of the type having separate heated air and combustion air passages. The auxiliary duct extends between an inlet end at the heated air discharge to an outlet end adjacent a burner assembly at the combustion air inlet so as to be arranged to direct a portion of the flow of air heated by the heater towards components of the burner assembly including fuel lines, a fuel pump, a fuel filter and a combustion air intake blower for heating the burner assembly and associated components to improve the operation thereof in colder climates.

Abstract: An oven is provided including an oven cavity and an outlet duct for receiving exhaust gas from the oven cavity. The oven further includes a flow control device attached to the outlet duct. The flow control device includes a damper assembly positioned at least partially within the outlet duct. The damper assembly is movable with respect to the outlet duct. The flow control device further includes a drive unit attached to the damper assembly, the drive unit selectively moving the damper assembly between a closed position in which the damper assembly blocks a flow of the exhaust gas through the outlet duct and an opened position. The oven further includes a control system for controlling the damper assembly.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven enclosure having a plurality of walls defining an oven cavity. The oven enclosure includes an oven door for accessing the oven cavity. The oven includes a venting assembly attached to a wall of the oven enclosure and in fluid communication with the oven cavity. The venting assembly includes an exhaust passage attached to the wall of the oven enclosure, the exhaust passage defining a flow path through which exhaust gas flows from the oven cavity. The venting assembly includes a flow control device positioned within the exhaust passage, the flow control device selectively restricting the passage of the exhaust gas through the exhaust passage. The venting assembly includes a fluid treatment structure disposed downstream from the flow control device within the exhaust passage, the fluid treatment structure altering characteristics of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal energy storage system comprising at least one thermal reservoir and at least one thermal energy transfer means that, at least at times, are able to transfer thermal energy from at least one first section of the thermal reservoir to at least one second section of the thermal reservoir. The invention also relates to a method changing the energy distribution of a thermal reservoir wherein thermal energy is transferred from at least one first section of the thermal reservoir to at least one second section of the thermal reservoir.

Abstract: Parametric cylindrical solar collector with an optimized secondary reconcentrator and its design process, where the geometry of the primary reflector is an evolution of the Helmet collector concept towards a discontinuous curve that allows increasing the C/Cmax concentration to over 0.52 as well as reducing the wind loads. The structure is optimized to withstand the different loads to which the collector is exposed. The collector's center of gravity is brought closer to the axis of rotation of the collector. The geometry of the secondary reconcentrator is optimized and the collection efficiency of the collector is of 100%. The secondary reconcentrator is obtained partially mirroring the glass tube that keeps the vacuum in the absorber tube.

Abstract: Insulating element for expansion compensation device and method for manufacture thereof, of the type used in solar energy collector absorber tubes, being formed by a single piece in the form of a ring and with a bellows-like end portion, which is filled with rock wool or other equivalent insulating material, so as to create a hot air chamber which minimizes heat losses.

Abstract: Provided herein are formulations, methods, and metered dose inhaler drug delivery devices. The formulations and methods may provide for controlled particle size delivery in metered dose inhaler drug delivery devices. Further provided are metered dose inhaler drug delivery devices that may themselves deliver controlled sized particles to the airways.

Abstract: An ophthalmic ultrasonic nebulizer, relying on a built-in ultrasonic nebulizer module to deliver therapeutic pharmaceuticals or preparations or protective formulations through fine mist sprayed directly into the eyes, and fitted with a removable internal chamber for holding pharmaceutical preparations in a conveniently replaceable pre-filled container, so users can directly replace a new container after the liquid has been depleted, thus avoiding risks of contamination during refilling or prolonged use of a container, preventing internal bacterial growth leading to contamination within the container vessel, and ensuring the mist stream generated by the ultrasonic nebulizer device remains pure. The ophthalmic ultrasonic nebulizer module can rely on the most optimal small sized battery to power the device, allowing convenient use and carrying.

Abstract: A portable universal inhaler system formed from an outer part and an inner part slidably received in the outer part. The inner part defines a compartment for receiving a medication canister and includes a universal connector for making a fluid dispensing connection to a variety of commercially available canisters. The inner and outer parts, when assembled, together form a housing that defines a chamber of sufficient volume to house a metered dose of medication. A mouthpiece or mouthpiece attachment location is provided in fluid communication with the chamber for permitting inhalation of medication from the chamber. The structure of the device makes it compact and portable, in the closed position, allows for storage of a medication canister in operative engagement with the device, and provides a convenient way to dispense medication, using a medication canister and a chamber, for inhalation by a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway is provided. The connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway can include an inlet conduit configured to receive supplied respiratory gas, an outlet conduit configured to allow exhaled gas to exit to ambient during use, an artificial airway side conduit configured to couple to an artificial airway and a restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit. The restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit can be an outflow variable restrictor. The connector further can include a reducer coupled with the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Computer automated systems for suctioning tracheostomy patients, monitoring the physiological signs of a patient and administering a prescribed dose of medication to the tracheostomy patient.

Abstract: A positive pressure airway device for providing resistance in an air pathway for a patient exhaling. The device includes an inhalation passageway for letting air into the device when a patient breathing through the device inhales, and an exhalation passageway for passing air out of the device when a patient breathing through the device exhales. The device preferably includes an inhalation valve to allow air to flow into, but not out of, the inhalation passageway, and an exhalation valve to allow air to flow out of the exhalation passageway only when a patient using the device exhales with an expiratory air pressure greater than a pre-determined pressure. A variable pressure spring may control the force needed to open the exhalation valve.

Abstract: A system for controlling the delivery of medical gases includes a digital signal processor that receives at least one ventilation parameter value change, calculates a fresh oxygen flow rate, total fresh gas flow rate into the breathing circuit, and a reference oxygen flow rate representative of a predetermined oxygen concentration delivered to a patient. A graphical display presents the calculated fresh oxygen flow rate, total fresh gas flow rate, and reference oxygen flow rate. A method of controlling the delivery of medical gases to a patient includes calculating a total fresh gas flow rate into the breathing circuit, calculating a fresh oxygen flow rate into the breathing circuit, calculating a reference oxygen flow rate representative of a predetermined oxygen concentration delivered to the patient and presenting the total fresh gas flow rate, the fresh oxygen flow rate, and reference oxygen flow rate on a graphical display.

Abstract: A device for controlling respiration during sleep, the device comprising: an odor disperser adapted to disperse an odor; at lease one detector adapted to detect a physiological characteristic of a user; a controller configured for controlling respiration of the user by instructing the odor dispenser to disperse an odor responsive to detections by the at least one detector.

Abstract: A device for producing dry aerosol, having a casing, an airway with a supply air flow booster, placed in a chamber, connected with an airway through an outlet, a salt mill made in the form of a grinding body with a rotary drive, aerosol concentration detector, connected to a control unit connected to a switch of mill's drive, and in accordance with the invention, an air pipe is fixed in the outbound channel of a chamber, the lower part of which is located atop a grinding body of a mill, and the upper part—in an airway, while on the upper side of an air tube there is an opening directed toward an air flow in an airway, and a gap between a chamber side and mill's grinding body is 3-10 mm, and a gap between a base of a chamber and mills' grinding body is 1-5 mm.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing a volume-targeted minimum pressure-control breath type during ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes a novel breath type that allows an operator to input a tidal volume and receive some of the benefits of utilizing an airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) breath type in combination with some of the benefits of utilizing a volume-targeted-pressure-control (VC+) breath type.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation modes for ventilating a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for managing the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes a novel approach of displaying integrated ventilator information with capnometer data. The disclosure further describes a novel approach for determining if the ventilator breathing circuit is occluded or disconnected.

Abstract: An interface appliance is configured to deliver a flow of fluid to the airway of a subject. The generation of the flow of fluid may be controlled to provide a therapeutic benefit to the subject. The interface appliance is configured to carry one or more sensors (24) configured to detect one or more parameters related to the flow of fluid on the subject. The one or more parameters may then be used to control the generation and/or delivery of the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A respiration device with a respirator (3) and a sensor unit (8) close to the patient has a display unit (7) for measured parameters, with a breathing gas tube (5) between the respirator (3) and the sensor unit (8). A bidirectional data connection is provided between the sensor unit (8) and the respirator (3). The physiological measured values important for the respiration are recognized in the vicinity of the patient in a need-adapted manner. A configuration device is provided, by which presettable display fields can be set for the measured parameters on the display unit (7).

Abstract: Disclosed is a manually operable volume-adjustable ventilation device. The device includes a reservoir with an inlet mechanism, an outlet mechanism, and a volume adjuster configured to move a volume adjustment limit of the reservoir and change an expressed maximum volume of the reservoir. The reservoir has a body having a plurality of movable walls defining an enclosed volume. The reservoir has an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The walls of the reservoir are movable with respect to each other, such that moving the walls expresses the volume adjustment limit of the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen enrichment that can follow changes in adsorption performance in response to changes in the temperature of the usage environment and can reduce power consumption. The oxygen enrichment device has a purge step control means that controls a purge step time to increase/decrease the length of a purge step so as to maximize the oxygen concentration by changing opening/closing timing of a flow-channel switching means while the oxygen enrichment device is running.

Abstract: A facemask structure for inactivating pathogens includes a facial contact layer that is benign to human skin followed by a subsequent interior layer and an outer layer including an anti-pathogenic material. In this manner, active, isolated anti-pathogen layers can be provided in a multilayer mask structure. For example, an important anti-viral mask structure uses one or a mixture of acids to create a low pH environment on the first inner (or outer hydrophilic layer) so that the virus laden droplets from, e.g., a sneeze, are absorbed into and away from the surface. Thus, for an infected wearer, two or more hydrophilic layers on the interior of the mask can protect the environment from an infected wearer.

Abstract: A mask designed to be worn to cover the mouth of a user comprises an inner and exterior layers, with an odor adsorbing layer and a filter layer disposed between the inner and exterior layer. The filter layer is positioned between the inner layer and odor adsorbing layer to prevent or minimize entry of unwanted particulate matter into the user's mouth. Once the mask is used to its fullest, it can be thrown away since it is constructed to be sufficiently low in cost so that it can be disposed and another one used the next time odor and particulate filtering is needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame. The frame comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer made of a polycarbonate diol, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, and a chain extender.

Abstract: A device for occluding the fallopian tube comprising a wire composed of a shape memory material and an outer material encapsulating at least a portion of the wire. The device has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second configuration for placement. In the second configuration, the wire moves toward its shape memory position and has a U-shape defined by a curved portion and first and second leg portions extending from the curved portion, the first and second leg portions extending downwardly from the curved portion and laterally outwardly.

Abstract: An extension condom includes a first thin elastic tubular sheath having an open end and a closed end, a sperm containment cell, a second thin elastic tubular sheath connected to the closed end of the first tubular sheath, and an extension material configured to provide an appearance and feel of a longer penis.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: A surgical mask provides a wide range of wearers with a good fit and improved comfort, facilitates proper use of the mask, and reduces or eliminates fogging of eyewear, as compared with typical masks. The mask may include a pair of ties that are joined to the upper, central, and lower parts of either side of the body of the mask with the assistance of restraint members. The mask may also include a sealing member that reduces or eliminates gaps between the wearer's face and the upper part of the mask by forming a seal between the wearer's face and the mask in use. In addition, the mask may include a barrier panel that reduces or prevents the wearer's breath from escaping through the mask and rising to the wearer's eyewear.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug including a flexible cord material having a particular cross-section. An earplug having a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a handle portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. The handle portion including at least two openings physically displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends within the handle portion and with at least one of the openings having a cross-section different than the cross-section of the cord material. A end portion of the flexible cord material is inserted into the at least one opening extending within the handle portion.