Abstract: An air intake device offers simplified construction, reduced size, lowered cost, etc., while facilitating disposing of throttle body and driving part in intake air passage, allowing throttle body to be reliably held, and eliminating possible occurrence of intake air leakage, etc., thus positively securing the performance. The air intake device includes an actuator and an intake air manifold made of resin. In actuator, there are provided a throttle body, a throttle valve, a motor for opening/closing throttle valve, and a power transmission mechanism. Throttle valve and motor are positioned and held on one side of a support member, and power transmission mechanism is on the other side. In intake air manifold, a housing chamber is provided. When a fixing part of support member is jointed to a part to be fixed of intake air manifold, throttle body and motor are accommodated in a predetermined position in housing chamber.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration characteristics module and a firing pattern module. The vibration characteristics module, for a first plurality of firing patterns of an engine when a cylinder of the engine is deactivated, stores vibration characteristics associated with at least one of an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase of vibration at a driver interface component resulting from the first plurality of firing patterns. The firing pattern module selects a firing pattern from a second plurality of firing patterns and executes the firing pattern when the vibration characteristics associated with the selected firing pattern satisfies predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering spark to an engine is disclosed. In one example, a single conductor carries a spark signal that is indicative of a desired spark advance for a plurality of ignition coils. The system and method may reduce wiring complexity for spark plugs that are supplied energy via two ignition coils.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with: an injection timing detection unit; an engine rotation speed detection unit; an engine load detection unit; and a storing unit for storing control data of the variation in optimal ignition timing with respect to engine speed and engine load, and control data of correction coefficient pertaining to optimal ignition timing with respect to the engine load at a specific fuel injection timing. Referring to the control data, the variation in the optimal ignition timing is determined based on the detected fuel injection timing and the detected engine rotation speed; and, referring to the control data, the variation in the optimal ignition timing is determined based on the specific fuel injection timing and the detected engine speed, and the deviation between the respective variation in the optimal injection timing is determined.

Abstract: A liquefied gas fuel is supplied to a fuel gallery of a high-pressure pump through a feed pipe. A fuel injection apparatus includes a passage expansion pipe of which passage area is greater than that of the fuel gallery. The passage expansion pipe is arranged between the feed pipe and the fuel gallery. When the fuel is supplied to the fuel gallery during a suction stroke of a plunger, the passage expansion pipe functions as an accumulator accumulating the fuel therein. The replenishing fuel from the passage expansion pipe is added to the fuel supplied from the feed pump. A pressure drop in the fuel gallery becomes small, so that the pressure pulsation in the fuel gallery is reduced.

Abstract: The present application discloses an engine, a fuel system for an engine, and a method of installing the fuel system and converting an engine to operate using a second fuel. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel system comprises at least one fuel rail for the second fuel, at least one connector attached to the fuel rail and configured to fluidly connect the fuel rail to a second fuel injector, and at least one fuel injector adapter configured to receive a discharge end of the second fuel injector and position the discharge end in fluid communication with at least one of an intake port and a combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel system is configured such that the engine operates using the second fuel without removal or use of the original fuel rails and original fuel injectors.

Abstract: A fuel management system for an engine having a common fuel rail. The fuel management system includes means to regulate air supply and fuel supply. A control unit is provided to determine a maximum allowable fuel mass flow supplied from the fuel rail, based on the air supply and a predetermined air-fuel ratio for the operating parameters of the engine. The control unit calculates an allowable upper limit of rail pressure based on the determined maximum allowable fuel mass flow. The control unit regulates the fuel supply based on the determined allowable upper limit of the rail pressure.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump assembly for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel pump assembly comprises a pumping plunger for pressurising fuel within a pump chamber during a plunger pumping stroke, and being slidably received in a plunger bore; a rider member co-operable with a drive; and an interface member for imparting drive from the rider member to the pumping plunger to perform the plunger pumping stroke, the interface member having an interface side co-operable with the rider member). The pumping plunger comprises fluid delivery means for delivering fuel from the pump chamber to one or more contact surfaces of the pumping plunger, thereby to lubricate the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An opposed piston internal combustion engine can include two opposed pistons (104, 110) moving reciprocally along respective axes of translation (202, 204) that are not collinear. First and second cylinder bores (502, 504) can be inclined to each other at an included angle (a). A combustion volume or chamber (114) can optionally be defined at least in part by crowns (102, 106) of the first and second pistons (104, 110) reciprocating in the first and second cylinder bores (502, 504), respectively. Related methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are described.

Abstract: A canister absorbs evaporated fuel produced in a fuel tank and supplies the absorbed evaporated fuel to an engine. A sealing valve is equipped between the fuel tank and the canister. A detection unit detects a state of a lid of the fuel tank. An intention estimation unit estimates existence of a refueling intention according to an activity of a user. A release time period estimation unit estimates a release time period, which is needed to release a pressure in the fuel tank, according to a state of a vehicle. A manipulation control unit opens the sealing valve when the lid is opened. The manipulation control unit opens the sealing valve, even in a case where the lid is closed, on estimation that the refueling intention exists, and on determination that the estimated release time period is greater than a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle having a fuel tank has an adsorbent canister capable of adsorbing and desorbing fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank, a vapor path providing communication between the fuel tank and the adsorbent canister, a purge path providing communication between the adsorbent canister and an intake path of an internal combustion engine, a purge valve configured to open and close the purge path, a blocking valve configured to open and close the vapor path and having a valve body, and a regulator for controlling the purge valve and the blocking valve. The fuel tank is sealed when the blocking valve is closed. The fuel tank is configured to be depressurized by opening the blocking valve. The blocking valve is composed of a motor valve that has a driving motor and can adjust an opening amount by controlling a stroke of the valve body.

Abstract: A fuel vapor leakage detection device performs a fuel vapor leakage detection method to detect a clogging of passages in an evaporated fuel processing system by (i) switching a switching valve after measuring a first reference pressure, (ii) determining whether a detected pressure equals atmospheric pressure after opening a purge valve, (iii) recording the detected pressure after closing the purge valve, and (iv) switching the switching valve to depressurize an atmospheric system and to determine whether a current detection value of the pressure sensor is the same as the first reference pressure. Then, a second reference pressure is measured for comparison with the first reference pressure, to determine whether the evaporation system is clogged. In such manner, leakage and the clogging of the passages in an evaporated fuel processing system may be detected.

Abstract: A gas mixer for mixing a first gas and a second gas, including a gas housing, a Venturi tube, a flow body for the first gas arranged in the Venturi tube to form a mixing gap, an inflow tube connected to the Venturi tube, to an inflow opening to the Venturi tube for the second gas, and an actuating element for varying the inflow cross section of the inflow opening. The actuating element has a first and a second actuating part which restrict the inflow cross section. The first actuating part is a first gas housing part and the second actuating part is a second gas housing part. At least one of the gas housing parts forms part of the Venturi tube and/or of the inflow tube At least one of the gas housing parts can be moved with respect to another and has a rotor of a linear motor.

Abstract: An air intake system for delivering induction air to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, including an intake plenum assembly mounted to an intake manifold, wherein the intake manifold is mounted to the cylinder head and an airflow cooler module mounted to the intake plenum. The air intake system also includes a throttle body and heat exchanger disposed in the airflow cooler module between an induction air inlet of the airflow cooler module and the intake plenum, wherein an induction air flow path extends from the induction air inlet, through the heat exchanger and the intake plenum to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a method for a charge air cooler comprises, responsive to a condensate level in the charge air cooler, increasing boost pressure and maintaining a requested level of torque by routing a portion of air flow exiting the charge air cooler to an intake passage upstream of a compressor. In this way, accumulated condensate in the charge air cooler may be removed while maintaining driver-requested torque.

Abstract: There is provided a turbocharging apparatus and vehicles using the same. The turbocharging apparatus comprises a wind collecting device, a first turbine and a second turbine. The wind collecting device comprises a first opening and a second opening and an air flow channel for connecting the two openings. A cross-sectional area of the air flow channel decreases as the air flow channel extends from the first opening towards the second opening. The first turbine comprises a first turbine housing, a first impeller rotatably located in the first turbine housing, a wind inlet communicated with the second opening, and a wind outlet. The second turbine comprises a second turbine housing, a second impeller rotatably located in the second turbine housing, an air suction inlet and an air outlet communicated with a throttle valve of the internal combustion engine. The second impeller can, driven by the first impeller, rotate along with the first impeller.

Abstract: A regeneration system includes a housing defining an exhaust flow path. An inlet of the housing is configured to receive an exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine and an outlet of the housing is configured to direct the exhaust flow toward an exhaust aftertreatment component. A combustion head is coupled with the housing and configured to direct air and fuel to a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the exhaust flow path. A fuel supply passage is defined by the combustion head and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The regeneration system also includes a valve and filter assembly disposed within the fuel supply passage. The valve and filter assembly includes an assembly housing defining a reduced fuel supply passage, a filter material coupled with the assembly housing, and a check valve at least partially disposed within the reduced fuel supply passage.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can introduce external EGR gas during a cold condition, while favorably suppressing an occurrence of condensed water from the EGR gas. A twin entry type turbo supercharger (18) is provided. A first exhaust passage (14a) through which first exhaust gas exhausted from a first cylinder group (#2 and #3) and a second exhaust passage (14b) through which second exhaust gas exhausted from a second cylinder group (#1 and #4) are provided. A sub cooling system including a sub cooling passage (32) for cooling the first exhaust passage (14a) is provided. A main cooling system including a main cooling passage (30) for cooling the second exhaust passage (14b) is provided. An EGR passage (24) connected between the first exhaust passage (14a) and an intake passage (12), and an EGR valve (26) playing a role in opening and closing the EGR passage (24) are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in an engine heat exchanger are disclosed. In one example, a method for an engine comprises increasing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow responsive to condensation in an EGR cooler. In this way, condensate in the EGR cooler may be controlled via modulation of EGR flow.

Abstract: An inlet manifold comprises a plenum, a pair of intermediate runners, and two pair of terminal runners. A common EGR passage is in fluid communication with a pair of EGR injectors, each being in fluid communication with a respective intermediate runner. Each intermediate runner receives a split stream of EGR from its respective EGR injector and combines the split stream of EGR with a split stream of inlet air from the plenum to form an EGR-loaded stream. Each intermediate runner is in fluid communication a pair of terminal runners for distributing its EGR-loaded stream among the terminal runners.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine is equipped with an assembly of a connector casing and a coil body. The coil body includes a primary winding wound around a primary spool. The connector casing has terminals each of which is equipped with a conductor fastener. The conductor fastener has a slit in which one of ends of the primary winding is fit to make an electric connection between the terminal and the primary winding. The primary spool has conductor guides and a backup support to establish alignment of each of the ends of the primary winding with one of the conductor fasteners and also to facilitate insertion of each of the ends of the primary winding into one of the conductor fasteners when the coil body is fitted into the connector casing, thereby ensuring the stability of electric connection between the primary winding and the terminal.

Abstract: A crossbow trigger and bowstring release mechanism with improved bowstring retention and release characteristics. The device enhances accurate and safe shooting with the crossbow. The trigger mechanism comprises a spring operated pivotal cam string release mechanism for releasably holding a bowstring in a drawn position. The string release latch is pivotable about a pivot point and has associated therewith a first sear surface. The trigger mechanism further includes a pivotal rocker latch member having a second sear surface which engages the cam pivot mechanism. The sear has an extended arm that engages a safety hammer release. Finally there is an improved dry-fire prevention pivot mechanism that engages an arrow when loaded to launch. When no arrow is present the dry-fire rocker engages the cam mechanism and prevents the movement of the cam to release the bowstring.

Abstract: A concrete saw includes a generally rectangular frame having a front end, a rear end and a longitudinal length. An engine is supported by the frame. The engine includes a rotational output shaft aligned generally transverse to the longitudinal length of the frame. A saw blade is rotatably connected to the frame and driven by the output shaft of the engine. A cooling system is mounted to a front part of the engine. The cooling system includes a radiator and a cooling fan. The cooling fan is driven by a fan drive assembly having a drive shaft configured as a power take-off to be continuously driven by the engine.

Abstract: A pick axe is provided with recesses formed in the concave surfaces of its pick and its blade which are then filled with adhesive into which corresponding magnetic slugs are then bedded. The adhesive is faired with the adjacent surfaces around each recess and once set up or cured fully encapsulates the magnetic slug within its larger recess to isolate the higher frequency, or the higher energy components of each pick axe impact to protect the received slugs from demagnetization and/or fracture.

Abstract: A stove for smoking and roasting food includes a stove unit having a top surface, a supporting frame disposed behind the stove unit, a cover unit disposed above the top surface, a guiding unit, and a cantilever unit. The cover unit has two joint connection portions on opposite sides thereof. The guiding unit has a pair of guiding elements disposed on the supporting frame and a pair of sliding elements disposed on the cover unit. The guiding elements cooperate with the sliding elements to guide and retain the cover unit during up-and-down movement thereof in a vertical direction. The cantilever unit interconnects the cover unit and the supporting frame for driving the cover unit to move with respective to the top surface.

Abstract: An oxygen based heater including a heater substrate and a pad impregnated with an electrolyte solution disposed adjacent to the heater substrate which transfers electrolyte to the heater substrate. Methods of manufacturing same in an oxygen containing environment in which electrolyte is impregnated onto pad which is adjacent heater substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch convenient to heat or cool contents. The pouch includes: a contents-accommodating section which can accommodate contents; a temperature controller which includes a temperature control agent arranged in a temperature control space provided at least one between front and back sides with respect to the contents-accommodating section, and a liquid reactant entrance arranged to be lower than an upper end of the contents-accommodating section and through which a liquid reactant for exothermically or endothermically reacting with the temperature control agent is put into the temperature control space; and a sealing portion which seals up the liquid reactant entrance so that the liquid reactant entrance can be opened when force of not less than a certain magnitude is applied.

Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that comprises at least one collection unit (11), equipped with a collection tube (21) placed on supports (23), which is formed by an inner absorber tube (31) shaped as a continuous tube and an outer envelope tube (33). The collection unit (11) also comprises reflectors (15) that direct the radiation toward the collection tube (21). Moreover, the device comprises means (41, 43) designed to maintain the collection tube (21) space between the absorber tube (31) and the envelope tube (33) at a pressure of between 5·10?1-5·10?2 mbar. The main advantages of the invention include the reduction in the breaking of glass due to the lower stresses to fatigue, an increase in the effective collection surface (97%-99%) and active management of the vacuum, which makes it possible to monitor the evolution thereof at all times.

Abstract: An apparatus for amplifying the solar energy by recycling the greenhouse gas has developed to heat up the gas passing through the sealed container. The apparatus of amplifying the solar energy is comprising: a body made of metal with opened top forming a container; the upper and lower metal meshes disposed in the container with a vertical distance from the bottom for forming a space; a metal pipe formed a coiled shape to dispose between upper and lower metal meshes to contact with the upper and lower metal meshes and having one inlet and the other outlet for passing through the side wall of the container; and two transparent panels for transmitting the sun beams, which are disposed over the upper metal mesh to seal the container space inside of the body. Further, the body has a gas-charging valve disposed on a side wall to charge the sulfur hexafluoride SF6 to the sealed space.

Abstract: A radiant wall burner apparatus. The apparatus includes an inlet and primary fuel tip for introduction of fuel gas and air mixing in a mixing chamber. The fuel and air mixture are subject to a substantially uniform flow area from the point of discharge from a downstream portion of the mixing chamber up to the exit gap of the burner tip. The fuel gas and combustion air mixture terminate through the burner tip at a substantially uniform velocity. The radiant wall burner apparatus and burner tip allow for the substantially uniform velocity of the fuel gas and air mixture, reducing the potential for flashback of the burner tip.

Abstract: A closed automated suction device (CASD) is described. The device is designed to overcome the need for manual suction and to facilitate strict asepsis in patients who are endotracheally intubated or tracheostomied. The device includes an outer tube with an inner tube concentrically nested within to define a cavity therebetween. The inner tube comprises a passage extended therethrough for providing ventilation, and the cavity between the inner and outer tubes is configured for communication with a vacuum source to provide aspiration.

Abstract: A facial accessory system for prophylactic face protection. The system includes a facial accessory configured to be worn about the face of a user. The facial accessory include a channel disposed therethrough in fluid communication with an array of apertures orientated and positioned to generate a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face of a user when air is forced therethrough. The system includes an airflow distribution device in fluid communication with the channel of the facial accessory. The airflow distribution device is configured to selectively force air to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A smart light comprising: a battery; a light bulb; circuitry connecting the battery to the light bulb; a detector for detecting the presence of a hazardous atmospheric condition; and alert apparatus connected to the detector for alerting a user when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected by the detector. A self-rescuer comprising: a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and a smart light; wherein the smart light comprises: a battery; a light bulb; circuitry connecting the battery to the light bulb; a detector for detecting the presence of a hazardous atmospheric condition; and alert apparatus connected to the detector for alerting a user when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected by the detector, and further wherein the alert apparatus is connected to the circuitry and configured so as to flash the light bulb when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected.

Abstract: A ventilation conduit for a ventilation system for the delivery of air includes an outer electrode and in inner electrode. The outer electrode is formed as a wall body of the ventilation conduit. The inner electrode is configured to be arranged in an interior space of the ventilation conduit that is enclosed by the outer electrode. Applying an electric voltage between the inner electrode and the outer electrode allows a gas discharge to be brought about to generate a plasma for cleaning the ventilation conduit in an installed state.

Abstract: A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.

Abstract: Various systems and devices for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a porous solid matrix positioned with the body. The porous solid matrix is coated with an aqueous solution of an antioxidant, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the solid matrix to convert nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow into nitric oxide. The porous solid matrix allows the device to be used in any orientation. Additionally, the porous solid matrix provides a rigid structure suitable to withstand vibrations and abuse without compromising device functionality.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A mounting unit for use with a portable blower device and a system of a simple portable blower device that is interchangeable with a plurality of mounting devices. The portable blower device has a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas to a mask for delivery of gas flow to an airway of a patient.

Abstract: A flexible patient cassette that can be optimized for different types of breathing circuits, different drive circuits and different patient categories has a first inlet arranged to be connected to a drive circuit, and at least a second inlet arranged to be connected to a patient connector, the first and second inlets being pneumatically connected with each other through a gas conducting passage constituting a patient circuit having a certain volume. The patient cassette has a volume-varying arrangement for varying the patient circuit volume to allow that volume to be varied in dependence of at least one of the type of breathing circuit in which the patient cassette is used, the type of drive circuit to which the patient cassette is connected, and the tidal volume of a patient connected to the patient connector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.

Abstract: Similar lengths of corrugated stretch hose are components used to form a tube-in-tube breathing circuit assembly having a smaller diameter inner hose that extends loosely through a larger diameter outer hose. Overlying end regions of the inner and outer hoses are joined by connectors that communicate separately with each of the inner and outer hoses near opposite ends of the assembly. Exhaled breath from a patient that travels through the outer hose warms breathing gas supplied to the patient through the inner hose. In one form of preferred practice, the inner hose draws taut regardless of the extent to which the breathing circuit assembly may be extended, retracted and bent, which minimizes resistance to flow through each of the two hoses.

Abstract: A respirator system includes a regulator for use in connection with a facepiece of the respirator system. The regulator includes an interface. The respirator system further includes a hose assembly including a hose for carrying breathing gas to the regulator and a cable for carrying at least one electrical wire to the regulator. The respirator system also includes a connector system. The connector system includes a base operatively connectible to the interface of the regulator. The base includes a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable. The channel is in operative connection with an interior of the regulator upon connection of the base to the interface. The connector system also includes a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device is configured, such that it switches from one therapy mode to another therapy mode. The mode parameters for the latter therapy mode are based on usage information gather during the former therapy mode.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device is configured, e.g. by a care provider, such that a second therapy mode different from the current therapy mode is unlocked, under predetermined circumstances and a third therapy mode different from the current and the second therapy mode is unlocked, under predetermined circumstances. The user of a given respiratory therapy device may activate the unlocked second or third therapy mode. The second or the third therapy mode may expire after a predetermined amount of usage, and be deactivated.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit (620) includes first (621) and second (622) conduit portions that cooperate to form the conduit, each conduit portion including an inner layer of a film laminate (650) that forms an interior surface of the conduit and an outer layer of a textile (655) that forms an exterior surface of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus to limit the spread of infectious material from a cough or sneeze. The apparatus comprises a first liquid impermeable layer, a second absorbent layer, and a third permeable layer. The second absorbent layer has an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces. The third permeable layer is adjacent to the upper surface of the second absorbent layer. The first liquid impermeable layer encompasses the bottom and side surfaces of said second absorbent layer preventing the unintended escape of fluids or other material from or through the bottom and side surfaces of the second absorbent layer. The third permeable layer provides protection to the second absorbent layer and has a generally open structure to facilitate the passage of fluids therethrough and into the second absorbent layer. Liquids expelled through coughing or sneezing and captured by the third permeable layer are transferred to and retained by the second absorbent layer.

Abstract: A securement device used to secure an anesthesia mask or an endotracheal tube to an animal patient during surgery, includes an elongated flexible element having two ends. A first slidable connector is threaded through the two ends and is movable along the elongated flexible element. The first connector creates a first loop in the elongated flexible element such that the first loop is wrappable around the anesthesia mask or the endotracheal tube. The first connector is slidable for securing the first loop around the anesthesia mask or endotracheal tube. A second slidable connector is threaded through the two ends, and creates a second loop in the elongated flexible element. The second connector is positioned such that the second loop is securely attachable to a head of the animal patient using the second connector sliding along the elongated flexible element.

Abstract: A flexible expandable inter vivos tube includes at least one arched segmented portion, a corresponding movable element and at least one expansion mechanism. The at least one arched segmented portion and corresponding movable element forming a flexible closed longitudinally expandable tube. The at least one arched segment includes an H-shaped connector forming cavities that allows variable slidable movement of a free end portion of the corresponding movable element. To move one or more of the longitudinal segments of the expandable tube, which are within the cul-de-sac cavities of the H-shaped connector, a sliding mechanism within the H-shaped connector moves from a first position to a second position to cause the expansion mechanism to expand such that the diameter of the flexible inter vivos tube is increased.