Abstract: A cooling structure for a motor section of a working vehicle with an engine having a vertical output shaft and mounted in an engine hood having an ambient air intake opening defined in an upper surface thereof, and a fan disposed above the engine to draw in cooling air. The cooling air is guided by an air guide cover to flow to a cylinder head and a carburetor attached to a side wall of the cylinder head. The motor section further includes a muffler disposed adjacent and below the carburetor. A muffler cover is disposed between the carburetor and muffler. Part of the air having cooled the carburetor is used to cool an upper surface of the muffler cover. The remaining part of the air having cooled the carburetor is directed under the muffler cover for use in cooling the muffler.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for starting and accelerating a vehicle through a range of vehicle speeds during which the vehicle internal combustion engine is operated in a plurality of different operating modes is disclosed. Different operating modes are available during normal operation. Under high demand conditions, the engine may be run as a conventional inefficient but effective throttled engine or converted to operation in a fourth mode as a two-stroke cycle engine. The vehicle management system includes a first read only memory for storing a fixed table of engine operating parameters corresponding to various engine conditions, and a random access second storage means for storing a table of engine operating parameters corresponding to various engine conditions with the second table being initially the same as the first table. The system responds to sensed engine conditions to modify the parameters in the second table and controls the vehicle in accordance with the parameters stored in the second table.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a first fuel injector provided for each cylinder of the engine for injecting fuel into an intake pipe of the engine. A second fuel injector is disposed at a location upstream of the first fuel injector for injecting fuel into the intake pipe independently of the first fuel injector. A heater in the form of an electric heating plate is disposed on the inner surface of the intake pipe at a location between the first and second fuel injectors for heating and evaporating the fuel injected from the second fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine wherein two sensors are provided for sensing air flow by measuring different engine running conditions. One sensor has a greater accuracy in a certain range of operation than the other and the system primarily sets the fuel injection based upon the output of the more sensitive sensor for the running condition. In the event of failure of the more sensitive sensor, the system defaults to control by the other sensor. The system bases the control on average readings over a number of cycles and also senses fault by determining when a sensor outputs a number of erroneous signals that are greater than a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: The proposed fuel injection system for gasoline engines eliminates or reduces the excessive fuel by-pass of current systems by use of an engine driven fuel pump or by modulating fuel pump speed and fuel delivery so as to be directly proportional to engine speed.

Abstract: A fuel consumption measuring device is provided with a flow meter which is mounted on a fuel feeding passage extending from a fuel tank to an engine, wherein a return fuel which is not consumed by the engine is returned to a passage in the downstream of the flow meter through a return passage so as to measure a fuel consumption in the engine by the flow meter. The fuel feeding passage is provided with a pressure reducing valve for maintaining a confluence of the fuel feeding passage and the return passage at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the fuel consumption measuring device has high measuring accuracy and high security, and is suitable for a vehicle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an evaporated fuel purge system for directly feeding evaporated fuel of a fuel tank into an intake pipe of the engine during the engine is running. This system comprises a purge control valve for opening or closing a flow line which connects an upper space of the fuel tank with the intake pipe, a controller for controlling the operation of the valve, a throttle section formed in series with the purge control valve, and pressure and temperature sensors which are located on the upstream side of the throttle section for detecting a pressure and a temperature of the evaporated fuel. When a value detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined value of pressure for providing a critical pressure ratio at which a flow rate of the evaporated fuel at the throttle section substantially equals to a sonic velocity, the controller opens the purge control valve to cause a purged flow of the evaporated fuel whose flow rate is constant.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a carburetor for mixing fuel with air entering through an inlet. A heat exchanger is mounted onto the carburetor air inlet so that heat from the heat exchanger is conducted to the carburetor housing. The heat exchanger has a plurality of channels through which air from an air cleaner pass on the way to the carburetor. An electric heating device attached to said heat exchanger and a first thermostat controls the electric heating device to raise the temperature of the heat exchanger when the fuel-air mixture falls below a given temperature. A second thermostat senses the temperature of the heat exchanger and prevents the temperature from exceeding a level at which a user's skin will blister if the exchanger is touched accidentally. In cold operating environments, the heat exchanger assembly raises the temperature of the air above the dew point, thus effectively lowering the relative humidity.

Abstract: A pressure wave supercharger includes a fixed cellular member having an array of parallel longitudinal cells. A segmented impeller fan at a first open end of the cells alternates the cells from being in fluid communication with a supply of fresh air and being in communication with an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. At the opposite open end of the cells, a segmented turbine fan alternates the cells from being in communication with a supply of exhaust gases and being in communication with a path to the atmosphere. The walls of the cells are coated with a catalytic material, so that the cellular member acts as a catalytic converter substrate. The collision of the exhaust gas with fresh air within the cells and the sonic and positive-pressure pulses compress the fresh air while reversing its direction of flow, whereafter the air is channeled to the engine. The exhaust gases are likewise reversed in direction, expanded, reduced in noise and toxins, and then released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An ignition system of electronic distribution type for an internal combustion engine with which merits of sharing circuits and elements can be expected with satisfactory result, in which wires of a GND line will not be disconnected by fusion even under a condition of abnormal power supply, and in which the engine will not be stalled even in a mode of simultaneously igniting two cylinders, thus enabling the limp-form traveling and made start-up with simultaneous ignition of two cylinders. To this end, power transistors 20 through 25 for power supply control and feedback control circuits 30 through 35 for limiting currents are respectively provided to control ignition coils 4 through 9 in one-to-one relation. A total of two systems of resistance devices 17a, 17b for detecting currents are provided with each resistance device operating a respective group of three cylinders. The feedback control circuits and the resistance devices for detecting currents are formed on a thick-film circuit board 60.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fireplace for outdoor use having a firebox, a baking chamber and at least one grill above the baking chamber. The baking chamber is delimited by a metal wall with a door which is accessible from the outside of the fireplace. The baking chamber is fixed in an outer housing which receives the firebox. The baking chamber is preferably also delimited by a cylindrical metal barrel which is mounted with respect to the sidewalls such that an open flue conduit is formed between the metal barrel and the outer housing.

Abstract: A combustion heater/pot combination for rapid and efficient heating of liquids and foodstuffs comprises a cylindrical shell enclosing both a heat source and a container whereby products of combustion are constrained to flow through an annular flue defined by the shall wall and the container within and spaced from the shell wall by guide elements. The shell is elevated above a support surface, such as the ground or a hearth, by a plurality of struts, whereby air is admitted to a combustion zone. The struts are releasably engaged to the shell by structures which assure stability of attachment. Combustion air preheat and/or draft control shells resting on the support surface may embrace the shell strut combination for improved efficiency.

Abstract: An air guide element is installed between air supply vent and the inside of he door of the heating appliance which consists of an adjustable damper for regulating the supply of secondary combustion air and ballast air in the appliance and in which at least one heat sensitive element is connected between said damper and one of the components of the heating appliance which serves to adjust said damper, which element reacts to the prevailing temperature in the combustion chamber of the appliance.

Abstract: A surgical manipulator includes an outer tube having an axis extending between distal and proximal ends of the tube. A pair of sidewalls extend axially of the outer tube at the distal end, one of the sidewalls being weakened relative to the other sidewall. An actuator disposed interiorly of the outer tube has a fixed relationship with the outer tube distally of the sidewalls and extends proximally to a handle assembly at the proximate end of the outer tube. A finger tab in the handle assembly is operable to apply compressive stress to the actuator to bend the outer tube toward the one sidewall.

Abstract: A swivel ring surgical retractor in a generally circular form is disclosed. The retractor has a fixed portion which is attached to the operating table or other support and a portion which can swivel in relationship to the fixed portion. The swivel portion is attached to the fixed portion of the retractor with a threaded shaft which forces two sunburst clamping inserts into engagement to secure the swivel portion to the fixed portion. The swivel portion can be adjusted or removed from the fixed portion by unthreading the shaft to disengage the sunburst clamping inserts to adjust the position of the swivel portion or to remove the swivel portion from the fixed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a surgical instrument at a predetermined attitude and at a predetermined location about an operating table. The apparatus includes instrument gripping means pivotally mounted upon a flexible column, which in turn is pivotally mounted upon locking means configured to slide about an operating table positioning bar. Tensioning means are provided in operative communication with the instrument gripping means, the flexible column and the locking means. Upon actuation of the tensioning means, the instrument gripping means securely grasps a surgical instrument at a predetermined attitude relative the operating table, the flexible column rigidifies in a predetermined posture and the locking means become non-movable relative the positioning bar.

Abstract: A device for promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's legs. The device comprises a frame, with a motor secured to the frame. An axle extends outwardly from the frame to either side and is powered by the motor for rotation about a horizontal axis. The axle drives a pair of crank arms to the free ends of which are secured pedals. The pedals are adjustable so that their axes of rotation are adjustable with respect to the axis of rotation of the axle. Straps or the like associated with each of the pedals to releasably secure a user's foot to the pedal. A flexible leg support strap extends from a portion of the frame. In operation, an end of the strap is wrapped around a leg just behind the knee. The strap is of a length and is positioned so that the leg is free to move as the pedal rotates with one's foot strapped to the pedal while sufficient force is provided by the strap on the leg to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the leg.

Abstract: A device for the transnasal or oral administration of drugs or similar media, comprising a finger-like applicator (3) which has a spray nozzle (6) disposed at its free end and includes a cylinder unit (1) for accommodating the medium to be administered. The medium is applied by moving a piston (7) into the cylinder unit (1). A membrane-like seal (4) is located between the cylinder unit and spray nozzle and is slotted to open and form a fluid passage under pressure. The cylinder unit may be built into the applicator or may include a separate cartridge releasably mounted in the applicator. The piston may be activated in steps or in a continuous motion. A second applicator may be attached to the side of the first applicator with the spray nozzles located generally in accordance with spacing of human nose nostrils.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided with a mechanism to assure patient compliance with a drug dosage regimen. The control mechanism includes a controller (24), a timer (26), an actuator (28) and a signalling device (30). The controller (24) is programmed or preset with a time and dosage schedule for the drug to be delivered. For example, the controller (24) may be programmed to allow for two puffs from an MDI every eight hours. The actuator (28) operates in conjunction with the timer (26) and prevents the inhalation device from being actuated after the programmed dosage has been administered at the prescribed interval. The actuator (28) could be an electronically controlled valve (58) or pawl (66) arrangement or other suitable mechanism. The signaling device (30) provides an audible, visual or tactile sensation during the time period prescribed for administration of the drug so that the patient is reminded to inhale his or her medicine at the prescribed time intervals.

Abstract: A swivel connector is provided for use in either an intravenous liquid supply line or an oxygen supply line to allow the line to rotate to prevent kinking. A body portion is provided having a cylindrical cavity formed in one end thereof, and a hollow, cylindrical male member slides into the cylindrical cavity and has sufficient clearance to allow free rotation of the male member within the cylindrical cavity. A locking flange is carried by the male member which engages an annular groove formed in the body portion to prevent the male member from inadvertently disengaging from the body portion. A seal is also provided between the male member and the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneously pacing and defibrillating the heart of a patient, having defibrillation pulse discharge circuitry 30 and pacing stimuli generator circuitry 42, both circuits having positive and negative connections 40A, 40B, and 46A, 46B; and including a first multipin connector 49 having four pins at each of which one of the four connections is supplied; a second multipin connector 53 configured to mate with the first multipin connector, and having internal connections to electrically connect the positive connections for the pacing and defibrillation circuitry 40A, 46A and likewise connecting the negative connections of the pacing and defibrillation circuitry 40B, 46B, wherein the positive and negative multifunction connections 58A, 58B are suited for connecting to multifunction electrodes through which both pacing stimuli and defibrillation pulses may be supplied; and a third multipin connector 12 also configured to mate with the first connector, but configured to isolate the pacing connectio

Abstract: An endocardial lead having first and second spaced apart electrodes resides in a patient's heart. The first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is a carrier signal driving electrode. The lead has a conductor coupling a source of alternating current carrier signals of a predetermined frequency to the second electrode. A third electrode is in electrical contact with body tissues. A cardiac pacer apparatus includes a pacer can which functions as a fourth electrode and has a plastic top wherein the third electrode is located. Said third electrode acts in cooperation with the first electrode to form a pair of sensing electrodes. The sensing electrode pair is further coupled to a sense amplifier for receiving an amplifying modulated electrical signals developed across the sensing electrode pair. A demodulator and filters circuit for demodulating the modulated carrier signal and recovering the modulating signal therefrom is connected to the output of the sense amplifier.

Abstract: The invention relates specifically to a process for the determination of local dye concentrations in animal and human tissues. Light from two different wavelength regions (I, II), one of which (I) has a window for hemoglobin, is irradiated into a subregion of the tissue and the diffuse reflectance (MIO, MIIO) determined. Then, in another step, by means of the diffuse reflectance in the first wavelength region and at least one tissue-type-specific standard basic diffuse reflectance curve obtained in advance for both wavelength regions a tissue-person-specific standard basic diffuse reflectance curve (SIIO) for the second wavelength region (II) is determined, and by means of the determined tissue-person-specific standard basic diffusereflectance curve (SIIO) and the measured diffuse reflectance (MIIO) in the second wavelength region (II) a value for the hemoglobin concentration (KHb1) is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a probe through a catheter wherein a sensing element on the probe is located outside the catheter but is spaced from the luminal surface of the blood vessel to prevent any adverse effect on the sensor measurement. A standard introducer catheter may be used and a support tube is provided around a portion of the probe and is slidably engagable within the catheter lumen for positioning the probe against an anterior wall of the catheter, away from a posterior vessel wall on which the catheter lies. In a second embodiment, a portion of the support tube extends outside the distal end of the catheter to prevent any possible contact between the sensing element and posterior vessel wall.

Abstract: A method for converting a value for the partial pressure of oxygen (pO.sub.2) in blood at a measurement temperature to a corresponding value at a reference temperature (37.degree. C.). A value for pO.sub.2 is determined by measurements made in a patient's blood stream using a phosphorescent compound that is sensitive to the concentration of oxygen. The phosphorescent compound is illuminated with a short pulse of light, causing it to produce a phosphorescent emission having a rate of decay that varies as the function of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood surrounding the phosphorescent compound. A detector produces an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the phosphorescent emission, and the electrical signal is converted to a corresponding digital value for input to a microcomputer. Also supplied to the microcomputer in digital form is a signal indicative of the temperature at the measurement site where the phosphorescent compound is disposed.

Abstract: Homogeneous membranes are disclosed which are composed of acrylic copolymers and are capable of absorbing 10% to 50% of their dry weight of water. The copolymers include a hydrophilic component which comprises acrylic esters having a poly(ethylene oxide) substituent as part of the alcohol moiety. The copolymers further comprise methacrylate and/or acrylate monomer units. The membranes are useful in the fabrication of biosensors, e.g., a glucose sensor, intended for in vivo use. Variations in the ratios of the monomeric components make possible the fabrication of membranes which have varying permeabilities.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a barb or hook attached on a side of the forward end of the outer guide tube of an otherwise standard electrode introducer sleeve. The hook enables the physician to perforate the membrane within the same single vaginal exam wherein the electrode is attached. A costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable two-stage, two-tool medical procedure is reduced to one stage and one tool.

Abstract: A method of practicing electrical impedance tomography produces three-dimensional images of a body. First, one applies certain special current patterns to the body through an array of electrodes attached to the surface. For each current pattern, one measures the voltage at each electrode, thus obtaining a corresponding pattern of voltages. These data are then used in a certain special reconstruction process, which enables a full three-dimensional reconstruction to be done in a short time. The result is a display of an approximation to the electric conductivity and/or electric permittivity in the interior of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating bone pathologies with acoustic waves includes a source of focused acoustic waves, a system for displacing the focus of the acoustic waves, and a system for locating the boundary surface between the bone to be treated and surrounding tissue. The locating system generates signals corresponding to the position of the boundary surface. A control unit, which operates the focused displacing system, is supplied with the signals identifying the position of the boundary surface, so that the focused displacing system is controlled to maintain the focus substantially at the boundary surface, independently of the position of the acoustic wave source.

Abstract: A hyperthermia applicator/MRI probe assembly for hyperthermia treatment of a subject. The assembly includes a hyperthermia applicator for heating target regions of a subject and a MRI probe which is utilized to monitor temperatures within the heating region. The hyperthermia applicator and MRI probe are coupled to a control system which receives information from the MRI probe and utilizes the information to control the hyperthermia applicator so as to maintain constant, desired temperatures within the heating region. The hyperthermia applicator/MRI probe assembly of the present invention allows for temperature control within about 0.5.degree. C.

Abstract: An implantable, extractable probe for attachment to a vessel or organ. The probe is made up of an elongate probe body having front and rear ends, and top and bottom sides, the elongate probe body terminating in a flexible tube. The probe has at least one biological sensor attached to the bottom side of the probe body with at least one lead wire connected to the biological sensor, and the lead wire extends through the flexible tube. The probe includes a suture attachment wire for attaching at least one suture to secure the probe body to a predetermined sensor site, the suture attachment wire being releasably connected to the front of the elongate probe body and extending through the flexible tube, at least a portion of the suture attachment wire extending between the front of the elongate probe body and the flexible tube such that it is spaced a predetermined distance from the probe body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe to be inserted into the body of a subject for image-processing a diagnostic target thereof by ultrasonic waves transmitted to and received from the inside of the body and, more particularly, to an internal examination ultrasonic probe which can be directly installed on a palpation finger. The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer array for transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic waves; a housing for supporting the transducer array, which housing is provided with a device for installing a fingertip of an operator therein; and electric wiring members connected to the transducer array and extending from the housing to the outside so that transmission and reception signals of the ultrasonic waves are supplied therethrough.

Abstract: An intracavity ultrasound diagnostic probe has a fiber acoustic waveguide that guides acoustic signals generated by a piezoelectric transducer located outside the body, through a body cavity and to an imaging site within the body where they reflect back into the ultrasound diagnostic probe that guides them back to the piezoelectric transducer located at the proximal end of the waveguide. The intracavity ultrasound diagnostic probe has one or more acoustic waveguides that could be optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the physical characteristics of ocular tissue is provided. A lens-less monomode fiber is caused to generate an expanding beam of monochromatic laser light into ocular tissue such that the light is scattered by the tissue in the backward direction. A second optical fiber, which is multimode at the wavelength of the light passing through the monomode transmission fiber, coherently detects light scattered by the ocular tissue. The scattered light received by the second optical fiber is converted into an electrical signal, which is subsequently analyzed to determine whether changes in the molecular structure of the ocular tissue have occurred.

Abstract: A tissue contact stress sensing system incorporates a semiconductor assembly and a continuous diaphragm to noninvasively determine the intra-arterial blood pressure of a patient. The system comprises a continuous diaphragm placed against a patient's tissue which covers an underlying artery. The semiconductor assembly is placed in close proximity to and spaced apart from the diaphragm for directly irradiating the diaphragm with electromagnetic radiation and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation which is reflected from the continuous diaphragm. The disclosed system also utilizes a technique for minimizing the system errors associated with temperature drift and aging of the sensor.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph system which enables safe data transfer with high reliability between a portable electrocardiograph and a recorder, such as a printer, and in which an effect of leakage magnetism is taken into consideration. In the electrocardiograph system, electrical signals and/or electric power are transferred between the electrocardiograph and the recorder by electro-magnetic coupling therebetween using independent coils. The electrocardiograph system is further provided with a device for rejecting noise of an electric power signal from the electrical signals or noise of an electrical power signal and a clock signal from a data signal.

Abstract: A computer controls a video display having a display screen for displaying ECG heartbeats superimposed over one another. The ECG data is collected during Holter monitoring and stored in a memory. A plurality of successive heartbeats are written to the display with their R-waves aligned. As the next new heartbeat in chronological order is displayed the longest-displayed heartbeat is removed. The total number of heartbeats displayed therefore remains constant. The user can select the total number of heartbeats, between one and five, to be displayed at one time. In one mode, a heartbeat is added, and removed, during each screen refresh cycle. In another mode, the user can step the display in either reverse or forward chronological order one step at a time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for locating and identifying the function of specific peripheral nerves. In one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a nerve stimulator which is used to locate nerves to assist in the administration of regional anesthesia. In another embodiment, the nerve stimulator is used to locate, identify the function of, and guard against the inadvertent cutting of specific nerves during surgical procedures. The apparatus of the present invention includes a stimulus delivery means, a response-detecting means and a means for automatically modulating the magnitude of the stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for locating and identifying the function of specific peripheral nerves. In one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a nerve stimulator which is used to locate nerves to assist in the administration of regional anesthesia. In another embodiment, the nerve stimulator is used to locate, identify the function of, and guard against the inadvertent cutting of specific nerves during surgical procedures. The apparatus of the present invention includes a stimulus delivery means, a response-detecting means and a means for automatically modulating the magnitude of the stimulus.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and monitoring arthritic disease with an inflammatory joint component in a mammal are described. The methods comprise (a) obtaining a sample of powdered cartilage or synovial fluid from the mammal, (b) mixing the sample with powdered cartilage, or protein that is detectably labeled, (c) determining the amount of label released from the powdered cartilage or protein, the amount being indicative of the level of protease activity, and (d) comparing the level to a standard, or to the level obtained from a sample taken at another time point, wherein the level is an indication of the presence or progression of the arthritic disease.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated and facilitated handling and operation of a biopsy needle system, having a first inner needle component and a second outer needle component. The first inner and second outer needles are provided with first and second handles, respectively, which are fitted into first and second yokes of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to maintain the first inner and second outer needles in a first position, during insertion of the biopsy needle point into the tissue being sampled. The apparatus is further configured to move the first inner and second outer needles into second and third positions, respectively, in rapid, automated succession so as to segment and enclose a tissue sample, which may be tested after removal of the biopsy needle system from the tissue.

Abstract: A latex film product such as a prophylactic condom, a surgical glove, a medical examination glove, and the like, having improved chemical resistance, such product comprising a shaped film consisting essentially of a cured mixture of (a) a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene or isoprene, and (b) a high styrene content styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: An improved condom for human sexual intercourse for improved sensitivity, prevention of pregnancy as well as for providing an effective barrier against transmittal of certain diseases such as spread of HIV for AIDS, gonorrhea, non-specific urethritis, male urinary tract diseases as well as female pregnancy related diseases. The sensitive condom comprises a membrane condom which is reinforced at the head of the penis by latex rubber or polyurethane which prevents osmotic transmission of bodily fluids. A generic spermicide such as nonoxynol 9 is also added at the front end of the condom to deactivate HIV. The packaging includes braille markings for orientation such that it can be donned properly even in the dark.

Abstract: A prophylactic device comprises an outer condom having a circular base, and an inner condom inserted inside the first condom and also having a circular base. The device further comprises a heat seal attaching the outer condom and the inner condom to one another about their respective bases. The outer condom is provided in a region about its base with a plurality of openings disposed in an annular array for permitting the evacuation of air from between the first condom and the second condom during use of the device.

Abstract: A sampling adaptor suitable for use in a unilimb breathing system with three or more hoses that includes a breathing hose connector, a swivel to allow the breathing hose connector to rotate freely in relation to the remainder of the adaptor, an angular swivel to allow adjustment of the angular shape of the adaptor, a filter that encloses the sampling end of a flexible sampling hose, a patient end connector, is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A novel medical device, SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper.TM. anti-snoring mouth device, is inserted into the mouth. The device comprises a denture-like(10) apparatus for supporting electrodes(12) in such a manner that the electrodes make contact with the roof of the mouth. Electrical stimulation induces contraction of relaxed muscles, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical energy is provided to the device via wires for connection to an external stimulator(16) or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, amplitutde, length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly and method particularly for grasping and displacing a large tubular organ such as a colonic section during a laparoscopic procedure comprises an elongate rigid tubular member, an elongate rod having at least a portion slidably inserted in the tubular member, and two or four prongs connected to the rod at a distal end thereof. The prongs each have an arcuate configuration when ejected from a distal end of the tubular member by a distally directed motion of the rod. Upon ejection, the prongs form a substantially C-shaped clamping member with a pair of grasping jaws. The prongs are flattened out and pressed towards one another when the distal end of the tubular member is shifted over a proximal portion of the prongs.

Abstract: A smoke-free cigarette substitute containing in a tubular sleeve a nicotine-containing carrier, in granular or powder form, which is drawn into the oral cavity of the user, thus dispensing nicotine into the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for improving the quality of products produced in a cigarette manufacturing process. Selected machine operating parameters for at least one machine are monitored, as well as the product being produced. Samples of the product being produced are automatically obtained and tested for quality parameters. Machine operators are notified when to manually test samples of the product for quality parameters. The machine operators can request a test of a quality parameter. The actual test measurements of the quality parameters for either the automatically obtained samples or the manually tested samples are compared against expected values and alarms are presented and the testing is resequenced when the measured quality parameters fail to meet the expected values. Also, employee solution procedures are presented to aid in problem resolution. The time periods and downtime reason when each machine is inoperative is recorded.

Abstract: A statistical ventilation control device for ventilated cigarettes, wherein an annular conveyor presents a number of seats, each receiving a respective ventilated cigarette arranged perpendicular to the traveling direction of the conveyor; one of the aforementioned seats being a movable seat supported on a slide fitted to the conveyor so as to move the movable seat axially in relation to the conveyor and to and from an operating position wherein a ventilated portion of the cigarette engages a ventilation control unit fitted to and moving with the conveyor.