Abstract: Flooring challenge systems for culling poultry that induce lameness attributable to osteochondrosis and osteomyelitis of the proximal femur and tibia in poultry. The flooring challenge systems induce unstable or insecure footing for poultry reared in pens by adding torque, stress and strain on key leg joints in order to exacerbate and accelerate the development of bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis lesions and lameness. The flooring challenge systems utilize one or more portable panels or sections that can be constructed in a wide range of sizes and configurations for installation in commercial poultry pens. In addition, the flooring challenge systems may utilize a device suspended a predetermined distance above the apex of the flooring challenge panel to subject the poultry's legs to asymmetric twisting and enhanced instability by forcing the birds to straddle opposing slopes near the apex of the flooring challenge panel.

Abstract: A flexible pet protective collar having stays formed of a more rigid material than flexible sheets of the collar, the stays being disposed inside channels located at seams of the collar.

Abstract: A clip buckle assembly suitable for use in an animal collar has two releasably interlockable buckle members and an adjustment means having a tongue extending between a buckle member and a stop at the end of the tongue. The tongue is arranged to pass through a slider having a gripping means configurable between an open configuration, wherein the first tongue is free to slide through the first slider and a closed configuration, wherein the first tongue is held locked against the first slider when the first slider is urged in a slackening direction from the proximal towards the distal end of the first tongue, whereby the slider is arranged to be fixable against slackening at any of a plurality of positions along the first tongue. The stop is arranged to prevent the tongue from disengaging from the slider when the first slider is urged in the slackening direction.

Abstract: A dual-path parallel superheater includes a drum for delivering steam, a steam receiving apparatus opposite the drum for receiving steam, a first surface and a second which receive steam from the drum to provide first and second paths for superheating the steam before delivering it to the steam receiving apparatus. There are also spray attemperators along the first and second paths.

Abstract: A soluble and substantially ring-shaped casting core may include a cooling channel in a piston having at least one inflow and at least one outflow. The casting core may form a closed ring and the inflow may be arranged directly adjacent to the outflow. The casting core may have a cross-sectional taper for forming a choke in the circumferential direction between the inflow and the outflow.

Abstract: A valve drive system of internal combustion engine which operates at a high compression ratio cycle, which is provided with an intake cam 52a and intake cam 52b for operating intake valves 7a, 7b and a variable valve timing device 70 which can offset the operating timings of the intake valves 7a, 7b by the intake cam 52a and the operating timings of the intake valves 7a, 7b by the intake cam 52b from each other. The intake cam 52a and intake cam 52b include circular parts and cam noses. At least one of the cam nose of the intake cam 52a and cam nose of the intake cam 52b has a concentric circular part which is formed in a circular shape concentric with the circular part.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switchable lever (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said lever (1) comprising on one end (5), a bearing (6) for enabling a pivotal support of said lever (1) and, on another end (7), a support (9) for a gas exchange valve, a crossbar (2) of the lever (1) comprising a recess (10) comprising two cam rollers (11, 12) which are seated on an axle (15) mounted in bores (13, 14) of side walls (3, 4) of the lever (1) and displaceable in axial direction, a hollow axle (16) arranged on said axle (15) extending inwards out of the bore (13) of the first side wall (3), a first one of the cam rollers (11) being guided, axially fixed on said hollow axle (16) in front of an inner side (17) of the first side wall (3), said first cam roller (11) serving for a permanent contact of a first low lift cam (18) of a cam assembly (19), a second one of the cam rollers (12) being axially fixed on said axle (15) and being displaceable by said axle (15) into two positions, a first one of said

Abstract: A control valve (1) of a device (2) for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft (3) with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein, in a region (4) facing the camshaft (3), the control valve (1) includes a fluid line (5) for supplying fluid under pressure and wherein, in an axial central region (6), the control valve (1) includes two fluid lines (7, 8) for supplying and removing fluid under pressure to at least two hydraulic chambers. The hydraulic chambers are operatively arranged between a drive element (9) and the camshaft (3) in order to set a defined relative rotational position between the drive element (9) and the camshaft (3). In a region (10) facing away from the camshaft (3) the control valve (1) has a fluid line (11) for removal of fluid to a tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure of driving member for variable valve of engine, in which a first intake cam, an exhaust cam, and a second intake cam are mounted, in such an order, to a camshaft. An intake valve driving member has first and second driving members respectively in rolling engagement with the first and second intake cams. The first driving member forms a through hole. The second driving member forms a through hole. The interconnection member forms a through hole. The through holes are connected to and communicate with each other to form a hydraulic cylinder, which receives therein at least one piston that is movable to selectively locate between the first driving member and the interconnection member or between the second driving member and the interconnection member to change the lift of an intake valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a body defining an axial bore and having an open end and a closed end. A hollow piston is telescopically received within the axial bore and defines a fluid reservoir. The hollow piston has a first end disposed within the axial bore and a second end extending outwardly beyond the open end of the body. A high pressure volume is defined by the axial bore and the first end of the hollow piston. The hydraulic lash adjuster also includes a valve mechanism positioned through an opening of the hollow piston and including a valve member having an open position defining a fluid path from the fluid reservoir to the high pressure volume. The valve member also has a closed position in which the fluid reservoir is fluidly blocked from the high pressure volume at the opening. The hollow piston includes a band of radial recirculation openings defining recirculation paths from the high pressure volume to the fluid reservoir along an exterior of the hollow piston.

Abstract: A diesel oil composition is provided which, while having a low sulfur content, has an excellent oxidative stability even under the higher temperature conditions that can be expected for the operating environments of the future. The diesel oil composition has a fluorenes content of at least 200 ppm by mass and an acenaphthylenes content of at most 2000 ppm by mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a presupply pump (1) and a downstream high-pressure pump (7), which is connected to a high-pressure accumulator (9) and wherein the high pressure accumulator (9) is operatively connected to at least one fuel injector (10). According to the invention, a fuel injection system is provided and a method for operating such a fuel system is described which avoids the disadvantage of a slow pressure build-up in the high-pressure accumulator (9) and rather allows a rapid start of the internal combustion engine. This is achieved in that the presupply pump (1) is designed to generate a delivery pressure by which a fuel injection by means of the fuel injector (10) is effected, at least in a defined operating state of the internal combustion engine. At the delivery pressure generated by the presupply pump (1), the fuel injector is prompted to open by a control device.

Abstract: An engine air intake tract includes a flexible air intake duct having a flexible tubular body. A plurality of radially extending convolutes are formed in and spaced apart on an axially extending outer wall of the tubular body. Each convolute has a circumferential ring-shaped inwardly extending peak bordered by outwardly extending troughs. A liquid sump is formed into a lower portion of the tubular body and includes a plurality of spaced sump chambers with each chamber formed between and connected to at least two adjacent ones of the convolutes and extending radially outwardly from the convolutes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle valve stem seal having both durability and sliding properties at an extremely high level in addition to usual sealing performance. The present invention is a vehicle valve stem seal comprising an elastic member with a seal lip portion on an end of a valve stem guide, the seal lip portion slidably closely contacting with a valve stem of an engine, wherein the elastic member is formed of a composition containing a fluororubber and a fluororesin and has projecting portions at least on a surface of the seal lip portion, the projecting portions being substantially formed of the fluororesin contained in the composition, the fluororesin is a copolymer including a polymerization unit derived from ethylene and a polymerization unit derived from tetrafluoroethylene, and the fluororubber is a polymer including a polymerization unit derived from vinylidene fluoride.

Abstract: An oil management system includes an engine housing assembly which defines a first rotor volume and a second rotor volume. An oil cooler assembly arranged between the first rotor volume and the second rotor volume.

Abstract: The lubricant-return holes are provided in the intermediate portion of the ring gear. Thus, the lubricant stagnating above the first oil sealing member can be easily discharged to the oil pan side via the lubricant-return holes even when the ring gear has stopped rotating in response to the starter motor being turned off after completion of the start of the internal combustion engine. As such, the level of the surface of lubricant stagnating between the ring gear and the outer race member does not rise, and therefore the lubricant surface virtually does not reach the outer race and the one-way clutch that are rotating while the internal combustion engine is running. Thus, bubbling of lubricant and production of sludge, which may otherwise be caused by agitation of the lubricant surface, can be prevented.

Abstract: An engine timing plate is disclosed that is generally positioned between a crankshaft surface and a main journal. The engine timing plate is not bolted or otherwise secured to either the crankshaft surface or the main journal. Instead, the timing plate “floats” between the two surfaces. The timing plate includes protruding portion that mates or temporarily associates with a receiving portion disposed on the crankshaft. The timing plate also generally includes a raised surface forming an integrated thrust surface that may engage with, but not necessarily interlock with, one or both of the crankshaft surface and the main journal. Thus, the rotational motion of the crankshaft maintains the relative position of the timing plate with respect to the crankshaft surface and/or the main journal without the use of standard mechanical connectors, such as bolts.

Abstract: A pre-combustion chamber tip for an internal combustion engine having a first body portion with a pre-combustion chamber located within, the first body portion having a terminal end with a plurality of orifices configured to direct expanding gases out of the pre-combustion chamber and a second body portion attached to the first body portion, the second body portion having an exterior surface, a cooling fluid opening formed in the exterior surface, a cooling fluid passage in fluid communication with the cooling fluid opening, and a ridge associated with the cooling fluid opening, the ridge extending from the exterior surface and configured to divert cooling fluid flow into the cooling fluid opening and cooling fluid passage.

Abstract: A method of operating an electronically controlled dual fuel compression ignition engine includes injecting a pilot ignition quantity of liquid fuel into an engine cylinder from a dual fuel injector in an engine cycle during an auto ignition condition. An amount of gaseous fuel is also injected into the engine cylinder from the dual fuel injector in the same engine cycle. The amount of gaseous fuel is divided between a pre-mix quantity of gaseous fuel, which may be injected about 90° before top dead center, and a post ignition quantity of gaseous fuel that may be injected after top dead center, with both quantities being greater than zero. An engine controller may change a ratio of the pre-mix quantity of gaseous fuel to the post ignition quantity of gaseous fuel responsive to changing from a first engine speed and load to a second engine speed and load. The pilot ignition quantity of liquid fuel is compression ignited, which in turn causes the gaseous fuel to be ignited.

Abstract: An intake enhancement system is arranged for incorporating with a vehicle which includes a combustion engine and a heat exchanger for generating a cooling effect. The intake enhancement system includes an intake cooling unit for delivering a combustion element to the combustion engine, wherein the intake cooling unit is thermally conducted with the heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the combustion element with heat exchanging agent of the heat exchanger so as to substantially cool down the combustion element along the intake cooling unit before the combustion element delivers to the combustion engine.

Abstract: In a charge air supply arrangement of an internal combustion engine with two stage charging in combination with a charge air cooler, a double connection box is provided with a guide structure including a separation wall defining a lower guide area with a lower connection to a first charge air cooler disposed directly below the double connection box and an upper guide area with an upper connection to a second charge air cooler disposed directly on top of the double connection box, and an internal combustion engine with a charge to air cooling arrangement is arranged on top of the engine.

Abstract: A lip seal is placed between a housing and a valve shaft and adjacent to a bearing of the shaft. A deposit-guard plug is placed between the housing and the shaft and adjacent to the lip seal. A first end of the lip seal is placed adjacent to a first end of the bearing. A first end of the plug is placed adjacent to a second end and a lip portion of the lip seal. A second end of the plug is placed to face a passage. A first distance from the first end of the bearing to the leading end of the lip portion of the lip seal and a second distance from the second end of the plug to the leading end of the lip portion of the lip seal are set to be longer than a maximum stroke of the shaft in stroke movement.

Abstract: A system for detecting engine fluid constituents includes an engine having a sample channel having a conduit for a working engine fluid. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) source that emits EM radiation through a first metal tube, where the EM radiation is EM energy at a wavelength of interest. The system further includes an EM detector that receives a remainder radiation through a second metal tube, the remainder radiation including the remaining EM radiation after passing through the sample channel. The system includes a controller that determines a composition indicator signal representative of an amount of a constituent in the working engine fluid in response to a strength of the remainder radiation, and determines a concentration of a component of interest according to the composition indicator signal.

Abstract: In a connection box for direct connection to a charging fluid duct of a charging fluid supply designed for intermixing a charge air and an exhaust gas to form a charging fluid, comprising a housing with a charge air connecting space including at least a connection for a charge air guide arrangement, and at least one mixing channel in communication with the charge air connecting space via a connection for supplying charge air to the mixing channel and the mixing channel including a supply side exhaust gas connection for an exhaust gas recirculation and a charging fluid-side mixing channel connection for the charging fluid duct, the connection is arranged at a first front side of the housing, and the mixing channel extends along a longitudinal side of the housing from the first front side to a second front side of the housing opposite the first front side.

Abstract: An intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of branch pipes connected at downstream ends thereof to an engine main body, an intake chamber to which upstream ends of the branch pipes are connected, and a common intake air introducing part connected to the center of the intake chamber in a cylinder arrangement direction. The intake chamber includes a projecting part projecting toward the engine main body relative to the common intake air introducing part. An EGR introducing passage is connected to the center of the projecting part in the cylinder arrangement direction. A downstream end of the EGR introducing passage is directed toward a wall of the projecting part on the common intake air introducing part side.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and control system are provided having improved efficiency through improved exhaust flow control. The engine includes at least one bank of combustion cylinders and a respective exhaust manifold for conveying exhaust to the atmosphere. Further included is an exhaust gas restriction valve (ERV) associated with the exhaust manifold for selectively increasing backpressure on the associated bank of combustion cylinders and for redirecting a portion of the exhaust into an exhaust gas conditioning system for conditioning the portion of the exhaust and returning it to an air intake of the engine. An engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in the exhaust gas recirculation system restricts the flow of conditioned exhaust, and an EGR flow controller operates the EGR valve in one of a substantially open and substantially closed condition and controls the flow of conditioned exhaust to the air intake by modulating the ERV.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the EGR rate in a combustion engine system, comprising an EGR cooler, an EGR valve and a turbine, and determining the EGR mass flow (dmEGR) from the difference between the total exhaust gas mass flow (dmTot) across the engine cylinders, and the turbine mass flow (dmTurb) across the turbine.

Abstract: When a constant driving voltage is applied to a motor driving an EGR valve so that the EGR opening degree is varied, an angular speed of the EGR valve becomes minimal at a position where the driving torque of the EGR valve becomes maximal. In view of this, while an opening degree of the EGR valve is varied with a constant driving voltage applied to the motor, the EGR opening degree where the angular speed becomes minimal is learned as a full-close position.

Abstract: An ignition system and method for internal combustion engines with which a reliable triggering of an ignition spark is provided with control of the ignition process over the entire firing duration, wherein an excessive stress on the ignition coil and spark plug is avoided. By detecting the primary current and evaluating it in a control loop, the state of the secondary circuit can be detected reliably. In the case of a disturbance, for example at strongly spent spark plug, the ignition current is immediately readjusted via the control circuit in order to avoid a disruption in spark. This ignition current control thus reacts automatically to sources of defect on the secondary side current.

Abstract: A scavenging passage structure for a two-stroke engine, having a scavenging passage communicating a scavenging port provided in a cylinder with a crank chamber formed inside a crankcase, the scavenging passage being formed to extend through respective fastening surfaces of the cylinder and the crankcase. The scavenging passage includes a cover member attached inside the crankcase to be in contact with an inner wall surface of the crankcase, and a groove formed in at least one of the inner wall surface of the crankcase contacting the cover member, and the cover member contacting the inner wall surface of the crankcase, the groove forming part of the scavenging passage connecting to the crank chamber and to an upper face of the crankcase.

Abstract: A paintball assembly capable of retaining a paintball in a loading chamber using a paintball catcher is disclosed. The paintball assembly includes a loading chamber, a detent, and a bolt. The loading chamber is coupled to a loading port to receive paintballs. In one embodiment, the detent includes a paintball catcher capable of catching the paintball as it is loaded into the loading chamber. In one example, the paintball catcher is a flexible paintball catcher extending into the loading chamber and is able to catch the paintball and hold it in a predefined position. When a trigger is pulled, the bolt pushes the paintball into a firing chamber while the paintball catcher releases the paintball.

Abstract: A ball throwing apparatus includes a ball magazine attached to a first end of a ball tube. A ball propelling or throwing assembly is attached to a second end of the ball tube. A retaining element, such as a spring finger, extends into the ball tube from a first side of the ball tube. A holder which may be pivotally mounted on the ball tube extends into the ball tube from a second side of the ball tube. An arm moves through an arm slot in the second side of the ball tube in a reciprocating motion, feeding balls one at a time from the ball magazine into the throwing assembly, in a uniform time sequence.

Abstract: An illuminated sighting device for an archery bow includes a bracket member for mounting to an archery bow, a frame portion with a sight window adapted for connection to the bracket member, and a first set of optical fibers connected to the plurality of sight pins. Each optical fiber has a distal end forming an illuminated sight dot coincident with its respective sight pin. A plurality of elongate light collectors, in the form of a second set of fluorescent-doped optical fibers, are optically coupled to the first set of optical fibers via a retaining member that is removably connected to one of the bracket member, frame portion and sight pins such that one or more of the light collectors can be removed and replaced independently of the first set of optical fibers.

Abstract: Improved compound archery bow features a cable guard that separates the crossing inside cable segments allowing the intersection locus of the crossing cable inside segments to freely glide through the guard as the bow is drawn and released, a dual cam power pulley having a power lobe cam presenting a power cable race spiraling outward on a side face of an elliptical draw lobe cam presenting a draw-lobe cable race where the power cable winds as the inside drawstring cable segment unwinds from around the power cable race of the power lobe cam, and the outside drawstring cable segment unwinds from and winds-up around the draw-lobe cable race of the elliptical draw lobe cam as the bow is drawn and released, and bow-limb mounting and limb-pod structures at the respective ends of the bow riser for anchoring, aligning and supporting extending bow limbs for flexure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide substrate includes the steps of preparing an ingot of single crystal silicon carbide, obtaining a silicon carbide substrate by cutting the ingot, and forming a chamfer portion in a region including an outer peripheral surface of the silicon carbide substrate. In the step of obtaining the silicon carbide substrate, the ingot is cut such that a main surface of the silicon carbide substrate forms an angle of not less than 10° with respect to a {0001} plane.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically rotating a control knob unit on an appliance or other device to an Off position upon the occurrence of a safety event is provided. The control knob unit may be secured to and engaged with an operational shaft on the appliance which controls the flow of gas or power to the appliance. The system may include one or more detectors (or detector modules) that are configured to emit a signal upon an occurrence of the event, such as a fire, which may be an early indication of a developing emergency. The signal may be in the form of an audible alert, such as sound (or sound waves). A data transceiver processing module may receive a plurality of sound waves and analyze the plurality of sound waves for a variation in frequency (or Doppler Effect) to determine if any of the sound waves originate from the one or more detector modules.

Abstract: A low cost mobile but commercial grade kitchen is provided for use by military and disaster relief personnel in the field and, importantly, in forwardly deployed positions. The expeditionary palletized kitchen system (EPKS) is designed to fit within the interior of a standard TRICON box to facilitate transport with standard military shipping vehicles and equipment. The EPKS has folding side members that open the structure to allow more room for food preparation and serving. All equipment needed to prepare and feed a large number of troops or disaster victims is contained within the folding walls once folded and secured for shipment.

Abstract: An integrated solar lens and lens system that may be active, a hybrid, or a self-powered system. A solar lens is fabricated and configured to concentrate received solar energy onto a solar sensor material, whereby a medium is provided between the lens and the solar sensor material, such as a fluid and a fluid including micro or nano components including transparent microemulsion balls, and ionized particles. Such balls and particles improve the transducing of the solar energy to heat, and which heated fluid can be circulated throughout a system.

Abstract: A solar thermal fuel can include a plurality of photoswitchable moieties associated with a nanomaterial. The plurality of photoswitchable moieties can be densely arranged on the nanomaterial, such that adjacent photoswitchable moieties interact with one another. The solar thermal fuel can provide high volumetric energy density.

Abstract: A solar reflective condensing device, including a condensing film (2), a face-contour bottom plate (3), and a face-contour focusing support (4). The condensing film (2) is arranged on a top surface of the face-contour bottom plate (3). The face-contour bottom plate (3) is a thin plate, a bottom surface of which is attached to a top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4), and reproduces the shape of the top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4). The face-contour focusing support (4) includes a top optical surface (4a) and a focusing structure (4b) integrated with the face-contour focusing support. The top optical surface (4a) is positioned on the top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4), and a central point of the focusing structure (4b) integrated with the face-contour focusing support is positioned at a focus (f) of the top optical surface (4a).

Abstract: A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.

Abstract: A method for processing of a lignocellulosic feedstock is provided comprising exposing lignocellulosic feedstock to acid in a reactor to hydrolyze at least hemicellulose present in said lignocellulosic feedstock, wherein during said exposing, a scale deposit comprising lignin forms on the inner surface of said reactor; and treating the scale deposit with an alkali solution at a temperature between about 140° C. and about 250° C. so as to remove scale. Also provided is a method for reducing scale deposit that forms on process equipment during a stage of reacting a lignocellulosic feedstock with acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held medicinal device, particularly a nebuliser, for delivering a liquid medicament preparation from a container having a container cap. The medicament preparation may be based for example on an alcoholic solvent or may contain a similar substance with an increased vapour pressure. The proposed nebuliser with the installed container comprises a sealing system made up of two seals at the junction between the device and container, which prevent loss of liquid, diffusion leaks and exchange of gases with the environment at this point.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic such as partial pressure or percentage of a gaseous constituent in a first gas mixture flow (32) in a flow chamber (30) where flows alternatively said first gas mixture flow (32) and a second gas mixture flow (34) comprising the following steps: a) introducing the first gas mixture flow (32) into a sensing chamber (40) when the first gas mixture flow (32) flows in the flow chamber (30), b) preventing introduction of gas from the flow chamber (30) into the sensing chamber (40) at least when the second gas mixture flow (34) flows in the flow chamber (30), c) sensing said characteristic of the first gas mixture flow (32) in the sensing chamber (40).

Abstract: A device (10) for dispensing oxygen for an anesthesia device includes a switching element (15) that diverts oxygen between a first gas path (153) and a second gas path (154). The first gas path (153) leads to a patient (27) via a connection and port element. The second gas path (154) leads to a gas tapping port (20) for oxygen or gas insufflation.

Abstract: A method for treatment of severe diffuse acute respiratory distress syndrome in an intubated-ventilated patient which includes sedating said patient with at least one alpha-2 agonist, maintaining spontaneous ventilation and applying pressure support ventilation of at least 5-10 cmH2O combined to a high positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10-24 cmH2O. A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one alpha-2 agonist suitable for treatment of ARDS in combination with, if appropriate, at least one sedative agent which does not depress ventilatory drive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cockpit oxygen mask includes a mask body, an oxygen inhalation valve, a mixed air inhalation valve, an exhalation valve as well as a control device. At least the oxygen inhalation valve is signal-connected to the control device. The oxygen inhalation valve is designed as an electromagnetically actuatable valve, and includes at least one throughflow path which may be closed by a magnetically movable valve body, wherein the throughflow path is limited by a magnetizable wall, and wherein the wall includes at least one discontinuous location which deforms a magnetic field produced in the wall.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.