Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating saturated steam by the combustion of chlorine and hydrogen to produce hydrogen chloride gas includes combusting chlorine and hydrogen to produce hydrogen chloride gas in an elongated synthesis oven having an upper segment, a lower segment and a middle segment having a walll in the form of a heat exchanger. A heat transfer medium is recirculated between the heat exchanger and a steam generator while heating the heat transfer medium to between 170.degree. and 230.degree. C. by heat exchange between the heat of the combustion and the heat transfer medium. Saturated steam is generated from water at a pressure of at least 7 bar in the steam generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling injection of a chemical liquid in which the chemical liquid is basically injected into a boiler (1) filled with can water by actuating a chemical liquid supplying means (5) for a basic injection period (T2). After the basic injection period (T2) has passed, an accumulative operating period (T3) of water supplying means (4) is measured. During a period for which the accumulative operating period (T3) is smaller than the basic injection period (T2), the supply of chemical liquid is inhibited. When the accumulative operating period (T3) becomes greater than the basic injection period (T2), the chemical liquid is injected at a constant ratio to an amount of water supplied.

Abstract: A temperature-sensing fan fluid coupling for use with an automobile engine. The coupling comprises a sealed enclosure, a partition plate having an outflow control hole, a thermostat mounted upon the front surface of the enclosure, a rodlike link member in contact with the thermostat at its one end, an interlocking member against which the link member bears, and a resilient tonguelike valve member. One end of the valve member is fixed, while the other end is in resilient contact with the front end of the interlocking member. The thermostat is connected to the valve member via the link member and the interlocking member. As the ambient temperature changes, the thermostat deforms to cause the valve member to more or less open the hole.

Abstract: An elastic pipe piece, which is arranged between the air filter and a throttle housing in the air intake section, in proximity of both ends, has one bellows respectively pointing to the outside. The bellows compensate tolerances and have a vibration-disconnecting effect. Two pipe sockets are contructed integrally with the pipe piece, a crankcase ventilating system or an idling adjuster being connected to these pipe sockets. In addition, in proximity of an accommodating means, a clamping fork is constructed integrally with the pipe piece, which accommodates the idling adjuster and fixes it in position.

Abstract: An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, consisting of a flow channel enclosed by a wall. The wall (1) consists at least partly of electrically conductive, polymeric material and can be connected with a source of voltage (3) by means of connectors (2, 7), which are at a distance from one another, and heated by this voltage source.

Abstract: A V-type cylinder block of internal combustion engine is disclosed, which provides two angularly disposed cylinder banks each having a cylinder row of cylinders. A plurality of ribs rise generally from head bolt hole portions defined between two cylinders adjacent each other, are provided between two cylinder rows for interconnecting wall portions of the cylinder rows and intersect at the middle of the cylinder rows for forming intersecting points. At the intersecting points of the plurality of ribs are disposed fixing portions of knocking sensors for detecting an engine knocking.

Abstract: An exhaust timing control system for two-cycle engines includes a pivotally mounted valve body on which the timing control surface is formed on a ridge-defining element positioned at the free end of a plate having reduced thickness for weight reduction purposes. The valve body is protected against thermal stresses by reception in a recess of conforming shape located in the upper surface of the exhaust passage. The component parts of the system may be provided with various structural configurations to enhance the system's operational efficiency.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine is provided including an engine block, a combustion chamber defined in the engine block and adapted to have a piston reciprocate therein along an axis between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position, and to have air and fuel combusted therein, thereby causing production of an exhaust gas and at least partially causing the piston to reciprocate, the internal combustion engine further comprising an exhaust port communicating with the combustion chamber and adapted to conduct the exhaust gas away from the combustion chamber, a sensor chamber at least partially defined in the engine block, a passage extending from the sensor chamber to the combustion chamber at a location axially between the exhaust port and the top dead center position, valve structure, operable in the passage for allowing flow of exhaust gas from the combustion chamber to the sensor chamber, and for preventing flow of non-combusted air and fuel from the combustion chamber to the senso

Abstract: A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine includes means for pneumatically amplifying sensed air flow pressure differential through an air intake venturi between a first combustion air pressure sensor outside the venturi and a second combustion air pressure sensor in the venturi. Pressure at the inner end of the second pressure sensor is reduced by altering the air flow path to create a vacuum at the inner end of the second pressure sensor relative to the remaining air flow through the venturi. A throttle plate in the venturi has a by-pass hole therethrough directing air flow along a given direction past the inner end of the sensor and through the by-pass hole when the throttle plate is in the idle position. The given direction of air flow past the inner end of the sensor prevents air flow into the inner end of the sensor tube to prevent an increase of sensed pressure thereat, and instead creates a vacuum to pull air out of the inner end of the sensor tube, to reduce pressure thereat.

Abstract: An angular adjustment is provided between a crankshaft and camshaft by a hydraulically operated rotary vane, which is pivotably mounted on the camshaft and is supported on a sprocket wheel carrier driven by a crankshaft rotation of the vane causing a relative rotation to take place between the crankshaft and camshaft. The rotary vane is held in each of its two end positions by a spring device.

Abstract: Rocker arm clearance removing device wherein a hydraulic adjuster applies torque to a pressure bearing surface at right angles thereto on a curved outwardly extending pressure bearing arm of an eccentric cam which eccentrically supports the rocker arm. Rotation of the rocker arm resulting from the torque causes the rocker arm to come into pressure contact with a valve operating cam and an intake or exhaust valve. An engaging piece can be provided radially extending from the eccentric cam circumferentially spaced from the pressure bearing arm for engaging a swivel stop on the case of the hydraulic adjuster to limit swinging of the eccentric cam and rocker arm during assembly. An arm stopper can also be provided on the case of the hydraulic adjuster to prevent swinging of cam and rocker arm in the opposite direction during assembly.

Abstract: A method of casting-in-place iron cylinder liners in light alloy, preferably aluminum, engine blocks is made possible by a cylinder liner insert comprising at least two generally cylindrical cylinder liners which are joined together along aligned portions of the liners in a "semi-siamese" fashion. The cylinder liners are joined at the lower ends of the liners with the upper combustion ends remaining independent and unattached. Alternately, narrow ribs can be formed at or arched above the upper ends of the liners to join and stabilize the upper ends of the liners during cylinder block casting operations, with such ribs ultimately being machined off during block finishing operations.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive unit (10) includes a powerhead (12) having a two-cycle internal combustion engine (14), a lower depending driveshaft housing (16) extending downwardly from the powerhead and having a lower submerged propeller (18), and an oil tank (30) mounted adjacent the driveshaft housing (16) below the powerhead (12). The oil tank (30) has a U-shape and extends partially around and conforms to the driveshaft housing (16) and is mounted in the space between the driveshaft housing (16) and a trim cover (34) which extends downwardly from the engine cowl (24). Particular mounting structure, rattle-reducing structure, and visual oil level monitoring structure is provided.

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for an engine of vertical crankshaft type according to the present invention includes an oil pan arranged at a lower portion of a crank case for supporting a vertical crankshaft, and an oil tank having a volume larger than that of the oil pan arranged independently from the oil pan, and wherein an outlet of the oil tank is communicated with each of lubricating portions through the oil pan, an intake portion of the oil tank is communicated with the oil pan and the oil in the oil pan is fed into the oil tank by means of an appropriate oil feeding mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a membrane fuel pump for an internal combustion engine equipped with a membrane carburetor. The engine is that of a working apparatus and especially a handheld portable tool such as a motor-driven chain saw or the like. The membrane pump includes a drive chamber charged with the pressure inside the crankcase of the engine and a pump chamber separated from the drive chamber by a membrane. The pump chamber is connected at its suction end to a fuel tank via a first check valve and is connected to a pressure controller of the membrane carburetor at its pressure end via a second check valve. The pressure end of the membrane pump is connected with the suction end thereof via a bypass and a throttle is mounted in this bypass. With the throttle bypass between the pressure end and the suction end, the pumped volume is reduced at idle and the pump pressure is smoothed. Disturbances at the membrane carburetor are avoided.

Abstract: A gas engine of a pre-chamber type in which a pre-chamber is arranged in communication to a main combustion chamber, an intake passage is arranged to supply lean mixture to the main chamber, a gas pipe is provided to form rich mixture by fuel gas in the pre-chamber, and a spark plug adapted to ignite the rich mixture in the pre-chamber prior to the combustion of lean mixture in the main combustion chamber, is characterized in that an area of a section of the pre-chamber gradually decreases toward the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of an engine based on the pressure in an intake manifold. If a change in the pressure in the intake manifold is equal to or less than a predetermined value during a predetermined period within the period from the time when a voltage source is turned on to the time when a starter is turned on, the pressure in the intake manifold is detected and stored. If the engine is not in the start mode, the rate of fuel supply is increased based on an atmospheric pressure detection value. Based on the comparison between the atmospheric pressure value and a predetermined value, a passage for bypassing a throttle valve is opened and closed to control the idling of the engine.

Abstract: A control method for the idling speed of an engine, in which method, from the engine speed at the time when transition toward the idling state is determined by the switching, for example, of an idling switch to "ON", the correction quantity of the control value of valve means for regulating the intake air quantity of the engine is set, a drop in the engine speed being avoided, and at the same time, in the convergence toward a learned value thereafter, convergence to the learned value of the valve means at a variation rate corresponding to the engine speed is made possible, whereby rapid correspondence toward feedback control is realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a carburetor of a combustion engine includes: a throttle-opening detector switch for detecting that a throttle valve of the carburetor is opened within a predetermined degree of throttle opening; an idle-up mechanism for making the throttle valve perform an idling-up operation; a fuel-cut mechanism for cutting a slow speed fuel supply of the carburetor; and a control unit adapted to allow the idle-up mechanism to perform the idling-up operation under a predetermined load applied to the engine and allow the fuel-cut mechanism to cut the slow speed fuel supply at a reduced speed of the engine when the throttle-opening detector switch detects that the throttle valve of the carburetor is within the predetermined degree of throttle opening. The control unit also includes an arrangement responsive to detection that the throttle valve is not within the predetermined range for inhibiting the idle-up mechanism.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel injection of an engine having a bypass around a throttle valve, and idle speed control valve provided in the bypass, and a fuel injector. A basic injection pulse width is decided in accordance with engine speed and throttle position of the throttle valve. The system has a detector detecting idling operation of the engine, for producing an idle signal, and a controller for producing a control value signal for controlling the idle speed control valve in accordance with engine speed upon the idle signal. The basic injection pulse width is corrected with a correction value relative to the control value signal.

Abstract: A fuel pumping apparatus for supplying fuel to an engine has a high pressure pump which includes a component movable to determine the maximum amount of fuel which can be supplied to the engine. The component is biased by a spring to a minimum fuel position and to adjust the setting of the component there is provided a three armed lever one arm of which is coupled to the component. The other two arms are coupled to engine operating parameter responsive devices. In the example the device is a piston which is spring loaded and is responsive to the output pressure of a low pressure fuel pump and the device includes a diaphragm which is subjected to the air inlet manifold pressure.

Abstract: Several embodiments of spark timing control for spark ignited internal combustion engines that improve running under certain adverse conditions. Arrangements are disclosed for reducing the speed of the engine in response to certain abnormal conditions, such as shifting of an associated transmission. The speed is reduced by interrupting the spark of the engine. In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, uneven running and stalling is avoided by advancing the spark if the engine speed falls below a predetermined engine speed.

Abstract: In an engine fuel combustion control apparatus for determining ignition advance angles on the basis of a regular map or a highoctane map, the current advance angle on the regular map is incremented as long as knocking is absent within a predetermined engine speed range, and the regular map is switched to the highoctane map only when the advance angle is equal to or larger than the reference map switching line and the maximum highoctane map retard angle simultaneously, in order to prevent hunting between the two maps. Further, the current advance angle on the highoctane map is decremented when knocking is present and the highoctane map is switched to the regular map when the advance angle is smaller than the maximum highoctane map retard angle. The map used immediately before an engine stop is used in the succeeding engine start, in order to prevent knocking or to obtain a high engine output at engine restart.

Abstract: A fail safe system for a cylinder pressure sensor is used for a spark ignition timing control system which calculates a physical quantity for combustion energy within the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder of an internal combustion engine and corrects the spark ignition timing on the basis of the physical quantity. The fail safe system sets a running average of a statistical dispersion of the physical quantity to a predetermined greater value when a specific driving condition, i.e. a high engine load and high engine speed condition is initially determined, and thereafter compares the running average with a predetermined value when the specific driving condition is detected again to detect abnormality of the cylinder pressure sensor.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine operates a signal of inner pressure of cylinder and a signal of crank angle position to obtain the maximum value of a rate of pressure increase in an ignition cycle or the mean value of the maximum values in a predetermined number of cycles, whereby a fuel injection quantity is controlled by using said value. An exhaust gas temperature may be used as well as the signals of the inner pressure of cylinder and the crank angle. In this case, a fuel injection quantity is controlled on the basis of a state quantity obtained by calculating the inner pressure of cylinder and a temperature of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A fuel injection device having a pump piston which during the supply stroke pumps fuel from a pump work chamber into an injection line which leads to a fuel injection valve. Directly adjacent to the branching off of the injection line from the pump work chamber, at the diameter of the injection line, a valve seat is provided, at which the injection line then merges with a chamber into which a pressure valve closing member plunges. The valve closing member is tightly guided in a guide bore, loaded by a valve spring, and in the chamber has a pressure shoulder adjoining the sealing surface that cooperates with the valve seat. The rear side of the pressure valve closing member communicates with a continuously open relief line.

Abstract: A pressure regulating apparatus which serves to regulate fuel pressure in a fuel injection system for internal combustion engines. The pressure regulating apparatus includes a pressure regulating valve, which has a valve diaphragm fastened in a valve housing and defining a fuel chamber, which communicates via an inlet conduit with a fuel distributor line. Protruding into the fuel chamber is a valve seat carrier body having a valve seat body, on which a valve seat is embodied, from which an outlet conduit leads to an outlet fitting. The pressure regulating valve is inserted into a holder bushing communicating with the fuel distributor line and is sealed off therefrom by a sealing ring disposed on the regulating valve. The axial fixation of the pressure regulating valve in the holder bushing is effected via a screw connection with a retaining body.

Abstract: A fuel injecting amount of an internal combustion engine is calculated utilizing equations determined from a physical model describing a behavior of fuel in the engine. The fuel injection system includes estimation means in which estimation values fw and fv of the adhering fuel amount and the vapor fuel amount respectively are calculated based on: a product .lambda.r.multidot.m of the detected fuel/air ratio and the detected air amount; a division Vf/.omega. of fuel evaporating amount by the engine speed; and a fuel injecting amount q. The fuel injecting amount is calculated in the system based on the division Vf/.omega., the estimated values fw and fv, the product .lambda.r.multidot.m, and a summed up deviation from a target ratio. The coefficients of respective terms are determined by analyzing the physical model by modern control theory. A variation of the invention does not use an air/fuel ratio sensor.

Abstract: In an engine having direct fuel injection or injection at individual intake ports, the fuel injectors are of the positive displacement type and are equipped with plunger displacement sensors to yield a displacement signal representing the quantity of fuel injected. This signal is used as feedback to a closed loop PID control which compares the injected quantity to a demand quantity to determine an error and calculates a control pulsewidth which reduces the error eventually to zero. An open loop injector calibration of pulsewidth versus approximate fuel quantity is used as a base pulsewidth to which the closed loop adds a correction value.

Abstract: A diesel internal combustion engine 1 has an air intake 2, an injection pump 3 and an exhaust pipe 4. In the fuel injection line 7 is arranged an electromagnetic shut-off valve 8, which closes the fuel supply when the "ignition" switch 10 is turned off, in order to bring the engine 1 to an immediate halt. In the exhaust pipe 4 is arranged a lambda lean probe 12, which feeds to a comparator electronics system 14 a signal corresponding to the oxygen content of the exhaust gas; this signal is compared in the comparator circuit with a lambda nominal value. If an excess quantity of fuel has been injected, for example, due to a fault in the injection system the value detected by the lambda probe 12 will fail to reach the nominal value, whereupon the comparator electronic system 14 activates a switch 15 in the control line 9 of the shut-off valve 8. The current supply to the shut-off valve 8 is interrupted and the fuel supply to the engine 1 is shut off.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio control system is designed for detecting small deceleration and subsequently detecting small magnitude acceleration. When small magnitude acceleration is detected, a LAMBDA control correction value which is utilized for deriving fuel injection amount, is fixed at a predetermined value for a predetermined period. The air/fuel ratio utilized during the aforementioned period is set at a value greater than the instantaneous value at a timing at which a demand for small magnitude acceleration is detected.

Abstract: Tank overfill is prevented by a series of three switches, responsive to the condition of the vehicle running or not, to tank pressure, and to elapsed time, which block the canister vent line at the end of fill to prevent contamination, and then reopen it when a short time has elapsed, or when the vehicle is restarted.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ignition distributor for an internal combustion engine and more specifically relates to a novel reluctor included in an ignition distributor for discriminating between cylinders of an engine. The reluctor has an elongated shape and is arranged relative to the rotating shaft of an ignition distributor so that the gravity center of the reluctor is located exactly on the rotational axis of the shaft. This arrangement enables the rotational movement of the shaft to be concentrated, so that the wear to which the bearings supporting the shaft is subjected is significantly reduced. The reluctor is attached to the governor base of an ignition distributor without any rivets by virtue of the novel configuration thereof, so that a reduction in the number of parts can be achieved, together with reduction in the total production cost.

Abstract: Apparatus for developing and applying sparks to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises separate primary and secondary winding units. The secondary unit includes a spark plug having an insulator. The insulator carries a secondary coil winding which is connected to the electrodes of the spark plug. The insulator has a bore which contains a magnetic core for the secondary winding. The primary winding unit includes a primary winding and a tubular flux carrying part formed of magnetic material. The primary winding unit has a bore which is slipped over a portion of the secondary unit that has the secondary winding. A voltage is induced in the secondary winding by magnetic coupling to the primary winding when it is energized.

Abstract: Ignition apparatus for developing and applying sparks to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of a secondary spark developing units are respectively associated with the cylinders of the engine. Each secondary unit comprises a spark plug and a secondary winding carried by the spark plug that is connected to the electrodes of the spark plug. Magnetic flux is coupled to the secondary winding of the secondary units by a primary winding module. The module has a support portion and a plurality of spaced tubular members. A primary coil having a bore is located in each tubular member. A tubular flux carrying part formed of magnetic material is located about each primary coil. The module is supported by the engine in such a position that portions of the secondary units project into the bores when the module is mounted on an engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for improving the starting ability of an internal combustion engine during difficult engine starting conditions that result from cold weather or other external circumstances. Lower than normal engine starting speeds can occur during cold weather, for example. So as not to hinder an engine start, it is essential that the spark plugs be free from deposits and in their best condition. This is achieved by burning off any deposits present on spark plugs during an engine start attempt, when difficult engine starting conditions are detected. During an engine start attempt a comparison circuit ascertains whether or not one or more detected engine parameters have a lower value than in normal engine starting conditions. The comparison circuit sends a signal to the control unit controlling the ignition system, so that the control unit will initiate the generation of a plurality of sparks, instead of a single spark, at ignition time points.

Abstract: An archery bow design in which at least one flat wound power spring is mounted on a frame and is connected through an eccentric wheel or cam and a pulley system to a bow string so that the action of drawing back the bow string causes the coil spring to be wound up, storing energy. The eccentric wheel or cam and the pulley system provide a mechanical advantage whereby a relatively small force is required to draw the bow and wind up the power spring, and a relatively higher recoil velocity is obtained when the string is released.

Abstract: A cable-guard structure for a compound archery bow, comprising two separate guide rollers freely rotatable on a rod-type support. The rollers are of different diameter to prevent direct contact between the cables at any point along the cable span.

Abstract: In a method for dressing a grinding wheel (2) by advancing a diamond nib (6) adjacent the outer circumference of the wheel (2) while the wheel (2) rotates about its axis, which method includes causing the diamond nib (6) to execute a plurality of passes in a direction parallel to the axis of wheel (2) rotation while displacing the nib (6) perpendicular to the axis of wheel (2) rotation in a pattern corresponding to the profile to be created at the wheel (2) circumference, which profile includes at least one annular groove having at least one side wall which extends in a given angular direction at an angle of no greater than 20.degree.

Abstract: A removal skid plate for use on a saw for cutting wet concrete. The portion of the skid plate in contact with the concrete has a slot therein through which a rotating cutting blade extends to cut a groove in the concrete. At a leading, cutting edge of the slot, a ceramic insert is placed in the skid plate to inhibit wear adjacent the cutting edge of the blade. The insert is removable and held by a resilient means which can vary the force exerted between the insert and the concrete surface being cut in order to minimize any undesirable markings which the insert might exert on the concrete surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting a cylindrical material formed of silicone or the like which is an original material to produce semiconductor devices, using a rotary blade. In the cutting method, the base end side of the cylindrical material is fixed and at the same time, before the cutting of the cylindrical material is started, the cutting side of the cylindrical material is also fixed according to the shape thereof. The cutting is performed while maintaining such fixed conditions until the cutting is completed.

Abstract: A wire saw having a wire gradually moved from a wire feeding unit to a wire withdrawing unit by a reciprocal movement of the wire on a group of rolls caused by the movement of movable rollers toward or away from fixed rollers, and in which the transmission of a drive force to a roll of the group rolls is performed by using an endless transmission strip wound around movable guide rings and fixed guide rings, and the movements of the movable rollers toward or away from the fixed roller and of the movable guide rings toward or away from the fixed rings are simultaneously performed in a rectilinear direction both upstream and downstream of the roll group.

Abstract: A system, including apparatus and methods, which facilitates the use of dutch ovens, usually combined with a charcoal heating source, in outdoor cooking. The first apparatus is a safe, independent, time-efficient device which quickly preheats charcoal briquettes contained in a portable hopper, accomplishing the same by means of a self-contained, transportable, propane-fueled burner. A second apparatus is a sturdy, portable cooking stand, which, in the "as used" position, provides a safe, elevated site whereupon the charcoal heating source and a plurality of dutch ovens can be conveniently placed for cooking purposes, and which, in the "as transported" position, is disassembled and may be carried facilely to more desired locations. The third apparatus is a T-handled dutch oven and dutch oven lid lifting device whereby said ovens and/or lids may be conveniently and safely removed from and replaced on the heating source.

Abstract: An air control assembly for a fuel burner having a combustion chamber and a nozzle includes a control device which controls the amount of air that flows into the burner and an assembly dependent on fuel pressure which actuates the control device. A fuel inlet path is provided for communicating fuel to the nozzle and a fuel return path is provided for communicating excess fuel away from the nozzle. The assembly dependent on fuel pressure includes a piston and rod device adapted for reciprocation in a piston chamber. A nozzle block is provided in which the piston chamber is defined and the nozzle is supported.

Abstract: An energy saving controller for kitchen exhaust systems is disclosed in which the exhaust fan speed is varied in proportion to the level of cooking by-product seeking to escape from a flow path within the exhaust hood. The exhaust fan speed may also be varied in relation to the heat load of the cooking units as indicated by temperature above the units or energy consumed thereby. Further, where make-up air is provided, the speed of the make-up air fan may be similarly varied.

Abstract: An outer hearth pad is provided with a frame for overlying the elevated peripheral edges of an outer hearth. A padding material is secured to the outer surface of the frame by a covering material overlying the padding material, the covering material being secured to the inner surface of the frame. The outer hearth pad is secured to the outer hearth by portions of the outer hearth pad engaging portions of the outer hearth.

Abstract: This invention provides for a portable dental cleaning system which includes a lower housing (2) having an upper opening (22) and a lower opening (23). The lower housing (2) defines an internal housing reservoir for maintaining a liquid therein. The upper opening (22) is surrounded by a washer (6) which is mounted to the lower housing (2). At one end of a water faucet (7) is inserted through a central opening of the washer member (6) for insertion of water within the reservoir chamber. The lower opening (23) is threadedly secured to a liquid conduit (3) on one end of the liquid conduit (3). The liquid conduit (3) on an opposing end is coupled to a liquid passage member which egresses water through a water jet tip (5) having a water jet tip outlet (50) on one end thereof. In this manner, water is efficiently egressed into the oral cavity of a user.

Abstract: A system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user includes a toothbrush having a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles. Each bristle includes a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and terminating in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user. The multiplicity of bristles define between themselves a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways. The surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit has a distal end terminating in the orifice.

Abstract: A shoulder support system for a chiropractic or medical treatment or massage table. This table may have a main upper surface with a well or wells extending down throughout or it may have a plurality of table members. It includes two shoulder support members with a recess between them. A patient lying properly face down on the table is supported by the shoulders in contact with the shoulder support members. Where the patient is a woman, her breasts rest in the recess between the shoulder support members, being supported out of contact with the table, so that the table does not exert substantial force on her breasts. The shoulder supports are mounted on a base which may be supported by the table substructure at adjustable heights. The shoulder support members may be adjustable laterally, so that the distance between them can be varied to accommodate patients with different shoulder widths and breast sizes, all relative to the plane on which the patient is lying.

Abstract: A customized spinal orthotic device is provided to enhance spinal adjustment and manipulative procedures. The embodiment of the orthotic device shown and described is a plastic head and cervical basin which is enclosed in a plastic bag. The patient is placed in a supine position with the head and cervical spine portion received within the plastic basin but exterior of the bag. Commercial flexible polyurethane foam A and B components are mixed and placed in the bag-enclosed basin. The A and B components react exothermically to expand and to apply pressure to the cervical spine portion contained within the basin. In about fifteen minutes the polyurethane hardens to form a foam mold for the posterior apophyseal joints of the cervical spine and in the process urges the joints of the spine into their normally aligned positions. The mold may then be used by the patient on a daily basis within the purview of a clinical care program to enhance the effect of the spinal adjustment and/or manipulative procedure.