Abstract: A vapor delivery system and method is provided that includes a number of features. In one embodiment, a method comprises inserting a vapor delivery needle into tissue of a patient, activating a flow of vapor from a vapor generator through vapor delivery ports of the vapor delivery needle to cause condensed liquid to exit vapor delivery ports of the vapor delivery needle, generating vapor in the vapor generator, delivering a dose of vapor through the vapor delivery ports of the vapor delivery needle into the tissue, and after the dose of vapor is delivered, re-activating the flow of vapor from the vapor generator through the vapor delivery ports of the vapor delivery needle to prevent a vacuum from forming in the vapor delivery needle. Vapor therapy systems are also provided.

Abstract: In an approach for transferring data between user accounts, a computer receives a request to transfer data from a first user account to at least a second user account. The computer identifies the first user account and the at least second user account. The computer determines activity associated with the first user account. The computer determines relevant activity from the determined activity associated with the first user account based on the received request.

Abstract: In an approach for transferring data between user accounts, a computer receives a request to transfer data from a first user account to at least a second user account. The computer identifies the first user account and the at least second user account. The computer determines activity associated with the first user account. The computer determines relevant activity from the determined activity associated with the first user account based on the received request.

Abstract: An X-Engine assembly includes four cylinder banks which are located on two intersecting planes with the crankshaft axis being on the line of the intersection of the two planes, and having a Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) power conversion system that couples the reciprocating motion of the pistons with the rotating crankshaft to provide pure sinusoidal piston motion. A series of DASY X-Engine configurations that satisfy even-firing for both 2-stroke and 4-stroke, and other engine cycles, achieve perfect balance with regard to vibrating forces and moments that are all zero, and all configurations have zero torsional vibration of the crankshaft resulting from the reciprocating masses.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.

Abstract: A Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) assembly includes a first yoke; a second yoke attached to the first yoke at a first flat-to-flat interface; a first piston attached to the first yoke at a second flat-to-flat interface; and a second, opposing piston attached to the second yoke at a third flat-to-flat interface. The planes of all of the flat-to-flat interfaces are perpendicular to a common, center axis of the first and second pistons. An X-engine crank train includes a plurality of DASY assemblies.

Abstract: A cylinder block assembly for an X-engine includes a first block half having two cylinder banks and valley openings between the two cylinder banks; and a second block half fastened to the first block half, the second block half having two cylinder banks and valley openings between the two cylinder banks. The valley openings in the first and second block halves allow an X-engine crank train assembly to be assembled within the cylinder block assembly.

Abstract: An X-Engine assembly includes four cylinder banks which are located on two intersecting planes with the crankshaft axis being on the line of the intersection of the two planes, and having a Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) power conversion system that couples the reciprocating motion of the pistons with the rotating crankshaft to provide pure sinusoidal piston motion. A series of DASY X-Engine configurations that satisfy even-firing for both 2-stroke and 4-stroke, and other engine cycles, achieve perfect balance with regard to vibrating forces and moments that are all zero, and all configurations have zero torsional vibration of the crankshaft resulting from the reciprocating masses.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.

Abstract: A Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) assembly includes a first yoke; a second yoke attached to the first yoke at a first flat-to-flat interface; a first piston attached to the first yoke at a second flat-to-flat interface; and a second, opposing piston attached to the second yoke at a third flat-to-flat interface. The planes of all of the flat-to-flat interfaces are perpendicular to a common, center axis of the first and second pistons. An X-engine crank train includes a plurality of DASY assemblies.

Abstract: A cylinder block assembly (300) for an X-engine includes a first block half (302) having two cylinder banks (453, 454) and valley openings (361, 362) between the two cylinder banks (453, 454); and a second block half (304) fastened to the first block half (302), the second block half (304) having two cylinder banks (451, 452) and valley openings (361, 362) between the two cylinder banks (451, 452). The valley openings (361, 362) in the first and second block halves (302, 304) allow an X-engine crank train assembly (10, 100) to be assembled within the cylinder block assembly (300).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for projecting a virtual cutting tool. A housing has a longitudinal axis and includes a first opening and a second opening. A first laser is housed within the first opening and is disposed to emit a first visible light that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second laser is housed within the second opening and is disposed to emit a second visible light that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the second visible light intersects the first visible light at a predetermined distance from the housing.

Abstract: A method for measuring an absorption characteristic of a sample comprises: providing a microstrip waveguide comprising a ground plane, an elongate conductive strip having a first end and a second end, and a dielectric substrate separating the ground plane from the elongate strip such that the strip extends from its first end to its second end in a plane substantially parallel to the ground plane; emitting electromagnetic radiation from a first intermediate position along the microstrip waveguide, said first intermediate position being a position between the first and second ends of the strip, such that said radiation propagates along the waveguide in a direction towards the second end; positioning a sample at a position external to the microstrip waveguide and between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position along the microstrip waveguide, the second intermediate position being a position between the first intermediate position and the second end, such that at least a portion of the

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having an engine block with first and second cylinder banks arranged at an angle and longitudinally offset relative to one another and a camshaft disposed within the engine block for actuating valves associated with each cylinder includes first and second cylinder heads associated with the first and second cylinder banks and having an intake runner for each cylinder with an entrance disposed on an outward side, and an exhaust runner for each cylinder exiting the cylinder head on an inward side of the cylinder head generally rearward of an associated cylinder to facilitate positioning of one or more turbochargers and a fuel pump in the valley generally between the cylinder heads with the fuel pump disposed forward of the exhaust runner exits and associated exhaust manifolds while accommodating four valves per cylinder actuated by four pushrods extending through the cylinder heads forward of corresponding exhaust runner exits.

Abstract: A multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with multiple valves operated by a common lifter and pushrod that engages a follower having multiple independent lash adjusters coupled to associated rocker arms. The lifter contacts the common camshaft lobe and a corresponding pushrod that engages a reciprocating bucket follower with a compliant coupling to corresponding rocker arms.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having an engine block with first and second cylinder banks arranged at an angle and longitudinally offset relative to one another and a camshaft disposed within the engine block for actuating valves associated with each cylinder includes first and second cylinder heads associated with the first and second cylinder banks and having an intake runner for each cylinder with an entrance disposed on an outward side, and an exhaust runner for each cylinder exiting the cylinder head on an inward side of the cylinder head generally rearward of an associated cylinder to facilitate positioning of one or more turbochargers and a fuel pump in the valley generally between the cylinder heads with the fuel pump disposed forward of the exhaust runner exits and associated exhaust manifolds while accommodating four valves per cylinder actuated by four pushrods extending through the cylinder heads forward of corresponding exhaust runner exits.

Abstract: A multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with multiple valves operated by a common lifter and pushrod that engages a follower having multiple independent lash adjusters coupled to associated rocker arms. The lifter contacts the common camshaft lobe and a corresponding pushrod that engages a reciprocating bucket follower with a compliant coupling to corresponding rocker arms.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of intake and/or exhaust valves associated with each cylinder includes a valvetrain having a fulcrum with a plurality of pivot ball sockets each associated with a rocker arm and pivot ball disposed between the fulcrum and the rocker arm with the fulcrum extending through apertures of the rocker arms and having a plurality of slots, each slot having generally parallel opposing lateral surfaces for receiving and guiding both sides of an associated rocker arm so the rocker arm pivots about the pivot ball in a plane of the rocker arm. The fulcrum can accommodate at least two rocker arms that may operate in non-parallel planes relative to one another and can include bearing and locating surfaces integrally formed to finish dimensions to eliminate machining.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects including an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects includes an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.