Abstract: The power surfer is a simple device that is used to convert most of the wind driven sailboards or windsurfers being produced these days into a surfboard which can easily be pulled behind a boat or other type of watercraft.

Abstract: A portable visual display assembly comprises modular sections selectively configurable between a combined full-size display board configuration and a separated plural smaller single display board configuration. The display boards can have identical or different grids permanently displayed on their front and back faces. The assembly includes wheels which are removable in both configurations. The display boards can be propped open to a selected angle. The visual display assembly is particularly suitable for use as a scoreboard for sporting event tournament play, such as for golf events, with the full-size configuration being advantageous for tournaments having a large number of participants.

Abstract: Indicators and methods of indicating are disclosed. Intended primarily for use with medicine containers, the devices typically indicate the number of doses of medication ingested or remaining to be taken by a patient during a particular period. These devices additionally provide tactile assistance to patients in appropriately repositioning the indicator arms and, when used correctly, may reduce the possibility of patient overdose by restricting improper attempts to advance the indicator arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cultivating, in medium, Steinernema kushidai (hereinafter simply called kushidai) which is one type of Nematoda. Kushidai has a strong insecticidal ability to kill larvae of coliopterous insects, and cultivation of large quantities of kushidai having the strong insecticidal ability requires conditions different from the techniques of cultivating other nematodes parasitic on insects.Kushidai is cultivated in a medium including asteroid. This increases the insecticidal activity with respect to insects harmful to plants such as crops. The medium including asteroid may be adsorbed to a plurality of supports, and then the supports may be stacked with gaps thereamong to form a layer. This enables kushidai to be cultivated efficiently. Further, a liquid medium including asteroid may be prepared, with cultivation carried out while agitating the medium and supplying oxygen thereto.

Abstract: A retaining skirt or barrier is provided for animal cages. A skirt comprising a sheet, preferably made from a clear plastic or polymer material, is provided that can be wrapped around the bottom portion of an animal cage. The two ends of the skirt can be detachably and adjustably connected to one another so that a skirt of a single length can be utilized on animal cages of varying sizes.

Abstract: An animal feeder that can be mounted on a wall of an animal cage includes a feeder assembly including a back wall, a trough region integrally formed with the back wall and a front wall integrally formed with the trough region and a securing member for securing the feeder asssembly to the wall of the cage. The feeder assembly includes a plurality of slots providing the animal access to a food item placed therein. The animal feeder may include a perch assembly releasably mounted to the feeder assembly. The perch assembly which includes a perch constructed from a plurality of wires, includes a mounting assembly for releasably mounting said perch assembly to said feeder assembly.

Abstract: A pet kennel is configured to present the appearance of a vehicle and includes a hingedly coupled front wall openable to expose a storage compartment. Ventilation openings are configured to present the appearance of vehicle windows. Wheels coupled with the bottom wall of the kennel housing rollably support the kennel.

Abstract: A cattle stanchion which has posts (24) supporting a top and bottom rail (20) and (22) with spacing bars (26) in between. A number of head openings permit animal feeding through the stanchion. Each head opening includes a side bar (36) and a swing bar (46) which is supported by a pivot bar (38). The swing bar has a yoke (40) on the top aligning and retaining one end onto the top rail. A guide block (54) attached between the forked fingers (42) of the yoke slidably receives a floating locking latch (62) that interfaces with notches (72) in a drawbar positioned above the top rail. An optional lever arm (88) slides the drawbar from an open to a closed position fop each head opening and individual locking latches may be disengaged for sorting animals or if an animal is down. A rotating handle (84) permits the drawbar to be manually pivoted disengaging the locking latches from the notches providing a free feeding position for the stanchion.

Abstract: A fuel consumption optimizer and exhaust emissions reducer for an internal combustion engine including an air-vacuum liquid compensation device has a device for supplying a first stream of air at high speed and a second stream of air at high volume through respective channels into a booster container and a device for passing the first stream of air and the second stream of air through a plurality of openings in the respective channels into a body of liquid in the booster container. A method is described for optimizing fuel consumption and reducing exhaust emissions in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The compact electrical generator sets have separate cooling airflows for the cylinder of the driving internal combustion engine, for the electrical generator, and for the components which generate most of the heat. Providing separate airflows allows to reduce the size of the generator set. Use of an alternator and an electronic controller for converting the electrical energy generated by the alternator to electrical energy of the type required by the user simplifies the design. The design of the cooling airflow with multiple combined and separated airflows reduces both size of the generator set and reduces losses due to generating the airflows.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes slidable valves. Horizontal valve seats of tapered design are associated with inlet and exhaust ports at the top of the engine's combustion chambers. The slidable valves are generally planar and tapered to conform to the valve seats. A rod is engaged to the rear of each valve and is spring-loaded. Movement of the slidable valves is effected through mechanical coupling of the rotation of the crankshaft to a rocker arm that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the rod whereby crankshaft rotation is translated into horizontal, sliding movements of the planar valves.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having at least one working cylinder, a reciprocating working piston is connected by a piston rod to a second piston which can reciprocate in a supercharge cylinder. The common piston rod is also connected with a crank drive of the internal combustion engine. Corresponding inlet, outlet and connecting channels are provided on the working cylinder and the supercharge cylinder. The inlet channel discharges into the wall of the supercharge cylinder at a location which is unblocked at the top dead center position of the working piston or of the supercharge piston. Located between the working cylinder and the supercharge cylinder is a combustion mixture connecting channel which connects an opening at the end of the supercharge cylinder to an inlet arranged in the working cylinder. The inlet is unblocked when the working piston is at the bottom dead center position.

Abstract: A roller camshaft for actuating cylinder poppet valves of an internal combustion engine includes a carrier shaft adapted for rotation by an engine crankshaft. The camshaft may be equipped with more than one cam lobe, with each lobe having a base circle portion, an acceleration ramp, a deceleration ramp, a tappet contacting roller housed in a socket positioned at a nose of the lobe, a leading transition ramp located adjacent both the acceleration ramp and the roller, and a trailing transition ramp located adjacent both the deceleration ramp and the roller.

Abstract: An outward opening valve system includes an engine having a fluid cavity in fluid communication with an accumulator chamber by a transfer passage, a hollow piston cylinder in fluid communication with a gas passageway via an opening, and an intensifier bore that opens to the hollow piston cylinder. The opening includes an outward valve seat adjacent the gas passageway. An outward valve member with a valve face is moveable between a closed position in which the valve face is against the valve seat closing the opening and an open position in which the valve face is away from the valve seat. A compression spring is utilized to bias the outward valve member toward its open position. An intensifier piston is positioned in the intensifier bore with one end exposed to fluid pressure in the hollow piston cylinder. A coupling linkage interconnects the intensifier piston to the outward valve member.

Abstract: The valve control means for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve member 180, a cam assembly comprising a rotatable camshaft (185) having a first portion (181) and a second portion (182) having a different cross section from the first portion (181). The valve control assembly comprises first follower member (100) engageable with the valve member (180) and engageable with the first portion (181), a hydraulic lash adjuster assembly provided in the first follower member (100). A second follower assembly (150) moveable relative to the first follower member (100) and engageable with the second portion (182) and a linking assembly (160, 163, 167) to enable the first (100) and second (150) followers to be linked together.

Abstract: In an outboard engine, an electric device is attached, utilizing a cooling water passage cover for closing a recessed part constituting part of a cooling water jacket, to the cover via a boss part, thus providing a compact electric device mounting structure with no such parts projecting from a side of an engine as in a conventional box member. An engine starting apparatus of the outboard engine is provided with an ignition device and a starter motor connected to a battery, and an AC generator is connected to the battery via an electric device having voltage restricting and rectifying functions. When it is cranked by the starter motor or a starter pulley, the engine is started by the ignition device operated by the battery. As it is cranked by the starter pulley while the battery is discharging, the ignition device is actuated by a current generated by the AC generator and rectified by the electric device to thereby start the engine.

Abstract: A simple pre-oiler has a hollow pressure vessel and a control valve tapped into the engine oil system. The control valve has only one moving part, a plug which is balanced by the engine oil pressure and the vessel pressure. When the engine oil pressure exceeds the vessel pressure, the control valve opens to fill the vessel. When start-up occurs, a solenoid opens the control valve to discharge the vessel's pressurized oil into the engine oiling system. A filler plug allows a metered amount of oil to be added to the vessel. Air pressure can then be added to the vessel. By timing the period to empty the vessel's oil into a non-running engine, an engine-wear test is accomplished.

Abstract: To provide a water temperature sensor failure detecting device for an idle speed control system of an internal combustion engine which eliminates the need for a bimetallic guard mechanism, an aperture characteristic of an idle control valve (ISCV) when normal becomes a larger degree of opening as coolant water temperature drops, and bypass airflow supplied to an engine is increased. During failure of a water temperature sensor, a duty value for driving the ISCV is set at 50%, the ISCV is opened substantially halfway, and the bypass airflow supplied to the engine is caused to be a neutral flow. In this way, by causing the bypass airflow during failure of the water temperature sensor to be a neutral flow, a worst state of overrun, engine stall and the like can be prevented, and startability when at low temperature and operability after engine warmup can be ensured.

Abstract: The injector comprises a body (1) with a tip (2) exhibiting at least one calibrated outlet hole for jets of fuel as well as a skirt (25) for dispersing the fuel received in the form of jets, the skirt (25) being tubular and extending the body (1) to which it is fixed by its upstream part (14), and its downstream part (26) is formed, at least toward the downstream end, by at least one lateral wall thinned to a bevel (28) of thickness decreasing toward the downstream end as far as its downstream free edge in the form of a thinned blade (29). For preference, a concave notch turned toward the downstream end is formed in the free edge of each bevel, and each jet (J1, J2) of fuel from the two-hole injector strikes a region (30) on the internal face of a lateral wall of the skirt.Application to injectors, particularly multi-hole injectors, for automobile engines.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating an engine parameter, in particular the output power or the speed of rotation of an internal combustion engine, wherein there are provided two or more adjustable devices by way of which the engine parameter to be regulated can be influenced. There are provided two or more separate regulators, each of which regulates a respective one of the adjustable devices in dependence on the detected actual value of the engine parameter and a predeterminable reference value. There is also provided a change-over switching device by way of which selectively one of the regulators can be activated for regulating the adjustable device associated therewith.

Abstract: A knock control system for an internal combustion engine which subjects a knock signal waveform superposed on an ionic current to pulse processing so as to improve a signal-to-noise (SN) ratio, thereby achieving higher reliability thereof without adding to cost. The knock control system for the internal combustion engine is equipped with: a device for deciding the ignition timing for each cylinder based on a crank angle signal; an ignition coil which applies high voltage to spark plugs according to the ignition timing; a device for detecting an ionic current flowing through an ignited spark plug; a device for detecting a knock from an ionic current detection signal; a device for correcting the ignition timing by delaying it when a knock has been detected; a waveform processing device for extracting a knock signal waveform from the ionic current detection signal in the form of a knock pulse string; and a counter for counting the number of pulses from the pulse edges of the knock pulse string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of a rough road in a vehicle with a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) mounted thereon. With a view to economically performing determination of a rough road with high accuracy, a revolution variance (IAC,VAC) is detected with respect to each cylinder in the internal combustion engine (1). Based on detection of revolution variance states, each of which indicates a deterioration in combustion, in plural cylinders, the vehicle with the internal combustion engine (1) mounted thereon is determined or estimated to be running on a rough road.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off operation is delayed until a predetermined delay time period elapses after a fuel cut-off condition is satisfied. During the delay period, the voltage for driving a fuel pump is gradually dropped to decrease the rotation speed of the fuel pump gradually. Thus, the discharge pressure of the fuel pump is low and hence the rise of a fuel pressure immediately after the fuel cut-off operation starts can be prevented. After the fuel cut-off condition, updating of a fuel pressure feedback correction amount is prohibited until the fuel cut-off operation terminates. In this manner, a feedback control immediately after the fuel cut-off operation terminates is executed by using the feedback correction amount used immediately before the fuel cut-off condition to prevent the drop of the fuel pressure immediately after the fuel cut-off operation terminates. Thus, the fuel pressure can be maintained at a target fuel pressure.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve (1; 2) for the intermittent injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is equipped with a hydraulic control device (15; 100). The opening or closing of a control bore (61; 109) is brought about by means of an electrically controlled solenoid valve (5; 6; 7), with the result that a control pressure in a control chamber (60; 114) is influenced, thus causing the opening or closing of injection ports into the combustion chamber via a control piston (30; 110) and an injection-valve member (24). The injection event is controlled additionally by controlling the movement of a solenoid-valve pilot-valve stem (70; 125) assigned to the control bore (61; 109). Means, by which the opening movement of the injection valve member (24) takes place in two successive phases, are provided.

Abstract: An evaporative control system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine makes the driving period of a purge control valve for asynchronous to an engine cycle when controlling purged fuel, to keep an air-fuel ratio in the engine stabilized, improve exhaust purifying performance, and prevent lean misfires.The engine has a canister for storing evaporated fuel from a fuel tank, a purge pipe for connecting the canister to an intake duct of the engine, and a purge control valve disposed in the purge pipe. A driving period changing unit sequentially changes the driving period of the purge control valve from one to another, or changes it so that the start of the driving period may not continuously agree with a crank angle of the engine. A valve controlling unit opens and closes the purge control valve according to the driving period set by the driving period changing unit. A duty factor setting unit sets a minimum valve open time for the purge control valve. A timer unit measures an interval of purge control.

Abstract: A fuel metering arrangement in devices for pneumatically assisted direct fuel injection into an internal combustion engine cylinder head (12) provided with a chamber (19) housing a connecting rod (23) for operating a compression piston (24) slidingly guided within a jacket (25) provided with one or more transfer conduits (26) connecting said internal chamber (19) to a variable-dimension space (27) positioned downstream of the piston (24) and upstream of a valve (28) providing access to a combustion chamber (29), fuel feed means (31, 33, 35) being connected to said variable-dimension space (27). In this manner a very rapid transient is achieved during acceleration.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a combustion engine having an injection valve with a fuel vaporizer into whose inlet orifice fuel can be injected from the injection valve and out of whose outlet orifice a fuel stream is discharged, and having an air supply system that supplies air to the fuel vaporizer for mixing with the fuel stream. To improve the fuel delivery from the fuel vaporizer, the air supply system has an air blow-out device mounted in the area of the outlet orifice of the fuel vaporizer through which the air to be added to the fuel stream is supplied to the fuel stream discharged from the fuel vaporizer.

Abstract: A gasoline engine booster which includes a casing having a first port connected to the atmosphere, a second port connected to the intake manifold, a first air passage of smaller diameter and a second air passage of bigger diameter connected in series between the first port and the second port, an adjusting device longitudinally movably fastened to the inside of the second air passage to hold a spring, a steel ball supported on the spring and forced by it to stop the connection between the first air passage and the second air passage, and a tightening up screw threaded into a screw hole on the casing to hold down the adjusting device, whereby when the pressure in the intake manifold drops below a predetermined value, outside air is induced into the first air passage to force the steel ball away from the first air passage, so that outside air flows through the second air passage into the intake manifold of the gasoline engine to mix with fuel oil for complete combustion.

Abstract: An improved auxiliary water-supply device for use with an internal combustion engine system is disclosed.

Abstract: A combustion control system and method for operating an internal combustion engine to provide the desired air/fuel ratio under all running conditions. The system includes a feedback control which received output from an oxygen sensor coupled to one of the combustion chambers of the engine, the feedback control operating to modify the fuel/air ratio from that achieved by a basic setting that is derived from parameters of engine performance so as to maintain the desired ratio. The system also includes a mechanism for controlling backfire during operation of the feedback control. Backfire corresponding to the cylinder including the sensor is controlled by the system in a manner independent of the feedback control. Backfire corresponding to all other cylinders may be controlled independently of the feedback control or by changing overall feedback control parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine has an air-fuel ratio sensor for detecting an air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine, and a fuel supply control device for controlling an amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine based on the air-fuel ratio detected by the air-fuel ratio sensor. The fuel supply control device has a feedback control system for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine through a feedback control loop according to a sliding mode control process in order to equalize the detected air-fuel ratio with a target air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: Fuel vapor is produced in a fuel tank and absorbed in a canister. The absorbed fuel vapor is purged through a purge passage into an engine induction passage under predetermined engine operating conditions. The air/fuel ratio is learned for air/fuel ratio feedback control. The learning control is inhibited when the fuel temperature exceeds a reference value during the air/fuel ratio feedback control. In another aspect of the invention, a purge valve is provided in the purge passage. The air/fuel ratio correction factor is set at an initial value in response to a movement of a purge valve from its open position toward its closed position.

Abstract: A fuel injection amount control apparatus for an engine comprises injectors for injecting fuel to an engine and an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the injectors. The ECU learns the deviation between the air-fuel ratio of a flammable mixture to be supplied to the engine and the target value. The ECU controls the amount of fuel injection to the engine by reflecting the learning value on the computation of the injection amount. The engine has intake valves, exhaust valves and an apparatus for altering the open/close characteristics of the intake valves. The ECU computes the learning value of the air-fuel ratio in accordance with the behavior of the characteristic altering apparatus and the running conditions of the engine. When the coolant temperature of the engine is low and the learning value is not renewed, the ECU compensates the already updated learning value to a smaller value.

Abstract: A bird throwing apparatus for training bird dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Setters and other dogs in the art of retrieving shot birds such as quail, dove and in particular, ducks. In a preferred embodiment the bird throwing apparatus is characterized by a frame fitted with pulleys, around which are wound four lengths of surgical tubing. One end of each of the lengths of surgical tubing is attached to a bird cradle for receiving dead birds and the other ends are attached to the apparatus frame, such that the bird cradle is suspended in the center of the frame at the release end of the frame when the surgical tubing is relaxed, and in cocked position at the opposite end of the frame at a trigger mechanism, when the surgical tubing is tensioned.

Abstract: The window assembly for a compound bow is a device to create an unobstructed window to allow arrow release from a compound bow which includes a bow string, and power cables which extend between the bow limbs and would intersect the arrow launch path, thus potentially interfering with the arrow. Unlike previous designs in which the power cables are continuous and are pushed to the side by a cable guard, creating friction and torque, the window assembly actually replaces the portion of each cable which may interfere with the arrow. The window assembly comprises front and back bodies, slidably connected. Each body includes an elongated member, and upper and lower heads laterally offset from the elongated member. The upper head of the front body is attached to the portion of one power cable which extends from the upper limb; the lower head of the front body is attached to the portion of the one power cable which extends from the lower limb.

Abstract: A rope release for a bowstring includes a handle, a fork mounted in the handle for adjustable rotation relative thereto about a first axis, a rope release catch member mounted in the fork for adjustable rotation relative to the fork member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a rope release fixed to the catch with a closed loop adapted to be releasably engaged by a spike formed integrally on the catch member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a gas appliance, having valve means disposed in a gas supply and an activation means for controlling the valve means. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is used in a free-standing gas range having a control panel whereon the activation means which is a rotary mechanical knob is disposed. Further, the valve means used in the gas shutoff apparatus is mechanically activated. In a further embodiment, the apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a free-standing gas range having a control panel whereon the activation means is disposed, further has an electrical push-button switch which controls an electromechanically activated valve means.

Abstract: A gas-fired barbecue grill, comprising: a grill body integrally formed with at least one side element selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner. In another embodiment, the grill comprises a grill body and first and second side elements selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner, wherein a first piece of the grill comprises a first portion of the grill body integrally formed with the first side element, and a second piece of the grill comprises a second portion of the grill body integrally formed with the second side element, and further wherein the first and second pieces of the grill are secured together. In yet another embodiment, the grill comprises a grill body and first and second side elements selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner, wherein the side elements are attached directly to the grill body.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to ash catchers for woodstoves of the type adapted to be inserted into an existing fireplace. The ash catcher includes a generally horizontal pan supported along the front edge by a pair of fixed legs. A third leg is pivotally secured to the pan and is biased to a downward position for supporting the rear edge of said pan. When placed in a position for catching ashes from a woodstove, the rear leg is pivoted upwardly against the underside of the pan which rests upon the fireplace hearth. The ash catcher further includes an attached top for covering the ash pan to prevent ash from spilling when the ash catcher is transported. The ash pan also includes a hinged rear wall that is positionable between closed and open positions. When the ash pan is in the open position, a rear wall opening is formed in the ash pan such that ashes can be swept therefrom.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a drug in an aerosol drug delivery device by an electronic lock and key means is disclosed. Access is limited to the intended user by providing the intended user with a uniquely coded, machine readable key means that matches the unique code of the lock means. Contacting matching lock and key means signals a controlling means to allow use of the device. Specifically, the method is applied to a method of pain control provided by the intrapulmonary delivery of a pharmaceutically active pain relief formulation. The formulation is automatically released from a hand-held, self-contained, portable device comprised of a means for automatically releasing a measured amount of drug into the inspiratory flow path of a patient in response to information obtained from a means for measuring and separately determining inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume of a patient.

Abstract: An inhaler includes a vibrator to deaggregated medication in powder form. One embodiment of the inhaler includes a piezoelectric vibrator 54 for vibrating a diaphragm for imparting vibration to a powder, and a controller 70 for controlling vibration so as to optimally suspend at least a portion of said powder in a fluidized state. An electrostatic charge plate 32 draws powder of selected particle size into the inhalation stream.

Abstract: A protective jacket, comprises an inner layer and an outer layer composed of an air-impermeable fabric, a layer of a resilient porous material located between the inner and outer layers, and filtering means, the layers being formed so that when the jacket is fitted on a user's chest and upper part of stomach, during inhaling a pressure in an interior increases and air is pressed through the filtering means to be inhaled by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient without compromising the closed character of the system. Access to the respiratory system through one or more access sites of the closed system apparatus is provided at proximal adapter ports to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gases, to aspirate secretions from the lungs, to oxygenate the lungs to eliminate or reduce residual co.sub.2 therefrom, to visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, to sample sputum and gases, to sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, to flush with washing solution, and/or to administer medication, gases, and/or lavage. A distal swivel fitting provides multiple sealing sites by which entry of atmosphere is prevented.

Abstract: A valving arrangement for use with or for a blower-based ventilator system, such as a pressure support ventilator, and a pressure support ventilator having such a valving arrangement, in which blower output can be controlled in such a manner that desired levels of pressure are able to be provided without excessive waste of blower output flow. In one preferred embodiment, a first valve is provided that serves to restrict blower flow, without venting the same from the system, along with a second valve for relieving pressure as needed. Also contemplated herein are methods for controlling such a valving arrangement.

Abstract: An anesthetic system, primarily intended for a closed breathing circuit, has an inspiratory line, an expiratory line and a connecting line which form a closed gas line system with the inspiratory line and the expiratory line. A first check valve and a second check valve are arranged in the connecting line to control the direction of gas flow in the gas line system. A first gas reservoir and a second gas reservoir are also connected to the connecting line. The gas reservoirs are functionally interconnected so an increase in the volume of one results in a corresponding reduction in the volume of the other, and vice-versa. The changes in volume are actively controlled by a control system. During inspiration, respiratory gas is carried to the patient from a hand ventilator at the same time as respiratory gas is carried from the first gas reservoir to the second gas reservoir.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids, particles and aerosols of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort for extended periods of time. The filter body may be formed from multiple layers of filtration material having a generally rectangular configuration with a plurality of pleats. The mask may be secured to the head of a wearer by tie strips attached to flaps extending from the filter body to form a fluid seal between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face. For some applications, the flaps may be formed from resilient or stretchable material which further enhances both the fluid seal formed by the mask and comfort for the wearer. A clear visor may also be attached to the mask to protect the wearer's eyes and portions of the wearer's face not covered by the mask.

Abstract: A ventilator device and system comprising a rotating compressor, preferably a drag compressor, which, at the beginning of each inspiratory ventilation phase, is accelerated to a sufficient speed to deliver the desired inspiratory gas flow, and is subsequently stopped or decelerated to a basal flow level to permit the expiratory ventilation phase to occur. The ventilator device is small and light weight enough to be utilized in portable applications. The ventilator device is power efficient enough to operate for extended periods of time on internal or external batteries. Also provided is an oxygen blending apparatus which utilizes solenoid valves having specific orifice sizes for blending desired amounts of oxygen into the inspiratory gas flow. Also provided is an exhalation valve having an exhalation flow transducer which incorporates a radio frequency data base to provide an attendant controller with specific calibration information for the exhalation flow transducer.

Abstract: A disposable mask and suction catheter includes a mask having a front side and a back side, the back side being disposed in contact with a user's face during use. The disposable mask and suction catheter also includes a catheter tube having a first and a second end, the first end being removably attachable to a suction source for removing exhaled air and the second end being attached to the back side of the mask. The disposable mask and suction catheter helps to prevent fogging of glasses or other eyewear due to moist, exhaled air that escapes from behind the mask, and improves user comfort by constantly removing the warm, moist air behind and around the mask and drawing cool, dry air into the mask.

Abstract: The present invention is surgical face mask either integral with or applicable as an extension of a prior art surgical mask. A single flat panel of material has a width greater than the prior art surgical mask, to which securing means are attached to side edges thereby permitting control of the fit of the flat panel of material over the wearer's neck, upper chest, ears and shoulders.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe. Resuscitation, oxygenation, or artificial ventilation continue without interruption while the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube are inserted through a flexible port at the proximal end of the curve guide and then advanced along the guide into the patient's airway. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician. This allows the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while resuscitation continues.