Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating forces in the nasal outer wall tissue, has a resilient member, and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. The resilient member, which is asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, has an extended surface at each end surface of the dilator which increases the adhesive surface area. The extended surface is located at each end surface of the resilient member on the side opposite the nose ala (wings) and above the alar furrow.

Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a resilient member and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. Resilient members, which can be asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, have a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. The edges of the resilient members are contiguous to the edge of the cushion layer so that adhesive on the cushion layer is at the same level as the bottom surface of the resilient members.

Abstract: A nasal dilator strip and methods, the strip including a first layer including a cover having adhesive on a surface thereof, the cover having a first edge with a convex locating feature and a second edge opposite the first edge, the second edge being an uninterrupted edge, and a second layer having opposite surfaces, one opposite surface of the second layer being secured to the first layer, at least a portion of the other opposite surface of the second layer having adhesive to hold the two-layer nasal dilator strip in place on a user's nose, the second layer including a substantially planar resilient member, the resilient member having a constant thickness and longitudinal sides which converge from a center of the resilient member to a pair of spaced apart ends.

Abstract: A fast-dissolving film to be placed in the oral cavity of a person includes nicotine, or nicotine analog, with or without menthol, or menthol analog, that can be absorbed through the oral mucosa directly into the person's bloodstream for the purpose of reducing a temporary craving for nicotine during periods when smoking is not possible, or for therapeutic purposes, the film being thin and made from a low-moisture, non-tacky material that becomes dissolved when hydrated and that is sized so that the substrate can be placed in oral cavities of persons. From 0.1 mg to 10 mg nicotine, or a nicotine analog, and, optionally, menthol, or a menthol analog, are added to the substrate, which is then packaged in a flat, sealed container that can be unobtrusively placed into a pocket carried by the smoker, thereby making the container readily accessible to the smoker.

Abstract: A fast-dissolving film to be placed in the oral cavity of a person includes melatonin, or melatonin analog, with or without menthol, or menthol analog, that can be absorbed through the oral mucosa directly into the person's bloodstream. The film is thin and made from a low-moisture, non-tacky material that becomes dissolved when hydrated and that is sized so that the substrate can be placed in oral cavities of persons. From 0.3 mg to 10 mg melatonin, or a melatonin analog, and, optionally, menthol, or a menthol analog, are added to the substrate, which is then packaged in a flat, sealed container that can be unobtrusively placed into a pocket carried by the person, thereby making the container readily accessible to the person. In use, the film is removed from the container and placed into the person's oral cavity so that it contacts a mucosal membrane in the oral cavity of the person to thereby hydrate the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for adding superheat to the hot process gas at the discharge of a compressor drive turbine of a high compression ratio gas turbine or aviation gas turbine. The superheat brings the temperature ratio (T2/T1) of the power output turbine into equality with the pressure ratio (P2/P1)(K?1)/K to effect a highly efficient and adiabatic isentropic expansion across the power output turbine. The added superheat contributes to the output power of the engine less any inefficiency of the output power turbine. All of the variables are brought together to develop the proper superheat levels for obtaining the greatest power output possible at minimum fuel consumption levels.

Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a resilient member and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. Resilient members, which can be asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, have a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. The edges of the resilient members are contiguous to the edge of the cushion layer so that adhesive on the cushion layer is at the same level as the bottom surface of the resilient members.

Abstract: A system and method for adding superheat to the hot process gas at the discharge of a compressor drive turbine of a high compression ratio gas turbine or aviation gas turbine. The superheat brings the temperature ratio (T2/T1) of the power output turbine into equality with the pressure ratio (P2/P1)(K?1)/K to effect a highly efficient and adiabatic isentropic expansion across the power output turbine. The added superheat contributes to the output power of the engine less any inefficiency of the output power turbine. All of the variables are brought together to develop the proper superheat levels for obtaining the greatest power output possible at minimum fuel consumption levels.

Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a truss of a single body with a resilient member secured therein and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which, when forced toward one another from initial positions to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reducing force external to said truss, results in restoring forces in the truss tending to return to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. A resilient member, which is symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the truss that is perpendicular to the long axis of the truss, has a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. An adhesive on the end surfaces adhesively engages exposed surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to keep the truss attached to the nasal wall surfaces while subjecting them to the restoring forces.

Abstract: A skin stabilization system is formed from lamination elements consisting of fabric layers bonded to plastic layers which in turn are laminated to the outer surface of the user's skin by adhesively attaching them thereto. The lamination elements resist tension, compression and bending forces and are used to strengthen or stabilize the skin to reduce deformation. The lamination elements can be applied as a single unit or interconnected to other lamination elements by extending the fabric portions of the laminate. The skin stabilization system can be used as a nasal dilator. As a nasal dilator, a lamination element is applied to each side of the nose between the bridge and the cheek, which in turn causes the center of the lamination element to lift the soft outer skin of the nasal passage and prevent any deflection that restricts breathing through the nasal passages.

Abstract: A skin stabilization system is formed from lamination elements consisting of fabric layers bonded to plastic layers which in turn are laminated to the outer surface of the user's skin by adhesively attaching them thereto. The lamination elements resist tension, compression and bending forces and are used to strengthen or stabilize the skin to reduce deformation. The lamination elements can be applied as a single unit or interconnected to other lamination elements by extending the fabric portions of the laminate. The skin stabilization system can be used as a nasal dilator. As a nasal dilator, a lamination element is applied to each side of the nose between the bridge and the cheek, which in turn causes the center of the lamination element to lift the soft outer skin of the nasal passage and prevent any deflection that restricts breathing through the nasal passages.

Abstract: An atomizer for atomizing a liquid has a gas chamber adapted to be connected to a supply of gas and a liquid chamber adapted to be connected to a source of liquid. A mixing tube extends from the gas chamber in a downstream direction, and atomizing gas flows through the tube at subsonic speed. A liquid conduit fluidly connects the liquid chamber with the mixing tube so that liquid from the conduit can be entrained in the gas flow for discharging a mixture of gas and partially atomized liquid from the tube. The mixture then flows through an exit gap to the exterior of the housing. The exit gap has several successive shear steps which contact the mixture as it flows through the gap to thereby substantially fully atomize the liquid as it is being discharged from the atomizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high temperature heat recovery system having a unique high temperature heat exchanger made of refractory and ceramic materials which can operate in gas streams of up to about 1,500.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved efficiency flow enhancement method and system is provided for a duct system downstream of blading in a turbomachine, the system comprising the blading, a duct leading from the blading, two or more passages defined at least in part by partitions which take flow from within the duct, or from across its outlet, or from within four duct widths downstream of its outlet, the partitions defining at least partially separated flow passages intended for flows leaving the expanding duct of generally different mechanical energy, one or more zones of significant pressure drop for the flows of higher energy, one or more passages of comparatively less pressure drop for the passages with flows of lower mechanical energy, one or more zones where the flows are rejoined, and an outlet.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing accidental injury from hypodermic needles comprises an extension for attachment to a standard medical syringe. A standard hypodermic needle attaches to the opposite end of the extension and the extension has an inner cavity for conveying fluid between the syringe and the needle. An outer cover is disposed about the extension for sliding along the length of the extension to cover the needle. The safety device is easily modified to perform as a system for collecting blood or other fluid from a patient by adding a special needle and a blood collection holder at the back end of the extension. In this configuration, the outer cover guards the standard needle and the blood collection holder covers the special needle to prevent accidental injury or disease transmission.

Abstract: An improved efficiency flow enhancement method and system is provided for a duct system downstream of blading in a turbomachine, the system comprising the blading, a duct leading from the blading, two or more passages defined at least in part by partitions which take flow from within the duct, or from across its outlet, or from within four duct widths downstream of its outlet, the partitions defining at least partially separated flow passages intended for flows leaving the expanding duct of generally different mechanical energy, one or more zones of significant pressure drop for the flows of higher energy, one or more passages of comparatively less pressure drop for the passages with flows of lower mechanical energy, one or more zones where the flows are rejoined, and an outlet.

Abstract: A pulse combustor ignitor comprising a small combustion chamber located external to the pulse combustion chamber. A spark ignition source such as a spark plug is associated with the chamber and separate inlets for fuel and air are provided. The fuel/air mixture is ignited by the spark plug and the ignited mixture is directed into the combustion chamber of the pulse combustor until a steady state operation of the pulse combustor is achieved. An air preheater may be used for the air delivered to the ignitor combustion chamber. The flow pattern of the fuel/air mixture and the flame may be controlled by an adjustable passage element located between the respective ignitor and pulse combustor combustion chambers. A flame scanner positioned external to the pulse combustor may be used to sense the entrance of the ignited mixture from the ignitor into the pulse combustor.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing accidental injury from hypodermic needles comprises an extension for attachment to a standard medical syringe. A standard hypodermic needle attaches to the opposite end of the extension and the extension has an inner cavity for conveying fluid between the syringe and the needle. An outer cover is disposed about the extension for sliding along the length of the extension to cover the needle. The safety device is easily modified to perform as a system for collecting blood or other fluid from a patient by adding a special needle and a blood collection holder at the back end of the extension. In this configuration, the outer cover guards the standard needle and the blood collection holder covers the special needle to prevent accidental injury or disease transmission.

Abstract: An improved efficiency flow enhancement method and system is provided for a duct system downstream of blading in a turbomachine, the system comprising the blading, a duct leading from the blading, two or more passages defined at least in part by partitions which take flow from within the duct, or from across its outlet, or from within four duct widths downstream of its outlet, the partitions defining at least partially separated flow passages intended for flows leaving the expanding duct of generally different mechanical energy, one or more zones of significant pressure drop for the flows of higher energy, one or more passages of comparatively less pressure drop for the passages with flows of lower mechanical energy, one or more zones where the flows are rejoined, and an outlet.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for use with high pressure gas cylinders is disclosed which is adapted to automatically retain a residual pressure in the cylinder. The valve includes a check plug axially moveable within the housing which has a hard sealing surface, for establishing high pressure seals and a soft sealing surface for establishing low pressure seals. The plug is spring-biased into the closed position with force selected so that it automatically closes and seals the interior of the cylinder once the gas pressure in the cylinder drops to or below a predetermined threshold pressure.