Abstract: An induction assembly for a supercharged internal combustion engine includes a housing and a supercharger with a rotor and gear plate assembly to produce pressurized air. The housing includes a rotor casing which defines a central chamber to house the rotor and gear plate assembly. The housing also includes a suction inlet to introduce air to the central chamber and an outlet to discharge pressurized air from the central chamber to a plenum. The housing further includes intake runners which are in fluid communication with the plenum. The intake runners are radially adjacent to the exterior of the rotor casing such that the rotor casing comprises the inner wall of the intake runners. The plenum is defined by a removable cover and the housing. The removable cover has a central lengthwise bead and rounded surfaces resulting in the plenum being rounded and divided longitudinally.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with dry sump lubricating system includes a feed pump which supplies lubricating oil from a lubricating oil tank disposed outside an engine body to all moving parts in the engine. After circulating through the engine, the lubricating oil drops down into a crank chamber and is immediately picked up from the crank chamber and sent back into the lubricating oil tank by a recovery pump. Since the lubricating oil tank is attached to an end of the engine body from which a crankshaft project, it does not increase the overall width (dimension in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft) and height of the engine. Even when the engine has inclined cylinders, the lubricating oil tank can avail a high degree of design freedom because the end face is not influenced by inclination of the cylinders as greatly as side surfaces of the engine body.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided with an accelerator pump. The accelerator pump has a single influent port and multiple effluent ports. The single influent port draws fuel from a single charge former into a fuel chamber of the accelerator pump. An operational linkage controls a release of the fuel such that the fuel in the fuel chamber is released into the charge formers during periods of rapid acceleration and like operating conditions. Upon actuation, the accelerator pump discharges an additional amount of fuel into multiple charge formers through the corresponding effluent ports of the accelerator pump. Accordingly, a single accelerator pump can be used with multiple charge formers to reduce to overall size of an assembled engine.

Abstract: A method for generation of a low test voltage is used for the purpose of detecting an ionization current in the spark gap of an internal combustion engine. The voltage is generated by a controllable ignition magneto (5) arranged in order to charge (2) an ignition capacitor (4). The voltage is applied (3) to the primary side of the ignition device after generation of a spark and after the decay of the spark, after which the ionization current is detected (11) on the secondary side of the ignition device.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust system of the engine. An ECU determines activation of the air-fuel ratio sensor and carries out feedback control of the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine in response to the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor. An intermediate state of the air-fuel ratio sensor corresponding to a transient state of the air-fuel ratio sensor from an inactive state thereof to an active state thereof is determined. The output from the air-fuel ratio sensor for use in execution of the feedback control is corrected when the air-fuel ratio sensor is in the intermediate state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for computing a fuel-metering signal for adjusting a pregiven lambda value for the composition of the air/fuel mixture of an internal combustion engine. In the method, a first signal is formed which represents the air quantity flowing into the engine and a second signal is formed on the basis of the first signal so that a first lambda desired value adjusts when using its second signal as a fuel-metering signal. Various additional second lambda desired values are formed as a function of operating parameters of the engine. A selection is made of those second lambda desired values having the highest priority and the fuel-metering signal is formed by weighting the second signal with the second lambda desired value of the highest priority.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sighting unit and stand for an archery bow. The sighting unit and stand are used for sighting-in an archery bow having a sighting device. Techniques involved in properly firing a bow can be practiced and perfected utilizing the present invention, while allowing the archer to execute the "complete" shot. The present invention allows for the stabilization of the bow for the perfect sight adjustment and shot. The sighting unit includes a mounting post, a recoil lever rotatably fixed to the mounting post, and an attachment rod fixed to the recoil lever for mounting the bow. The attachment rod includes a tube and an attachment stud. The attachment stud includes a threaded stud on one end and a threaded hole on the other end. A bolt attaches the attachment stud to the tube by threading the bolt into the threaded hole of the attachment stud. The sighting unit further includes a recoil spring between the mounting post and the recoil lever.

Abstract: A bow including a riser, a support member mounted on each end of the riser, and a pair of limbs. Each limb is operatively connected to the riser and support member with a reed assembly including a spring strip.

Abstract: The invention discloses a compressed gas-operated pistol (1) with a gas capsule (15) arranged in a grip member (5), which is in operative connection with a valve system (33) of the pistol (1). The secure receipt and piercing of the gas capsule (15) is effected through an abutment (17) which completes an inherent displacement and an external displacement superimposed on this inherent displacement. The external displacement is thereby effected by a support element (23) of the abutment (17) which is contacted by capsule tensioner (25). (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The present invention is an outdoor cooking rack apparatus. The invented outdoor cooking rack apparatus comprises a grooved support post for support of cooking platforms, and a cooking platform for supporting a pot, grill or other device over a campfire. Additionally, the invented apparatus may also comprise a kettle hook attached to the apparatus for holding a kettle or other pot over a campfire. The cooking platforms contain a leveling bend in their attachment arm allowing them to hold pots and other utensils in a level position.

Abstract: A radiant tube assembly comprises a radiant tube having a burner leg, an exhaust leg and a recuperator inside the exhaust leg and in a stream of products of combustion flowing in the exhaust leg. The recuperator has an air intake port at a first end and a mixing baffle at a second, hot end. The mixing baffle causes combustion air and products of combustion to be mixed at the hot end of the recuperator and provided to the burner leg for combustion. The mixing baffle includes a flow director which increases the amount of products of combustion mixed with the combustion air. The mixing baffle can also include a dome-shaped end which extends into the stream of products of combustion for reducing turbulence of the stream of products of combustion flowing in the exhaust leg.

Abstract: A natural draft furnace has a firebox inside a water box with fire tubes containing water running through the firebox, flues from the firebox running through the water box, a front/fire door of double wall construction to preheat entering air, a damper in the fire door and a toggle-lock latching system on the fire door that provides uniform sealing pressure around the door.

Abstract: An oven includes a body portion and a door engageable with the body portion, the body portion being generally cylindrical in shape having two lateral sides each formed with a circular groove, each of the lateral sides having two vertical slots extending upwardly from the circular groove, the door having two flanges at two ends thereof each provided with two protuberances at an inner side thereof, the protuberances being configured to be slidable within the circular groove and the vertical slots, whereby the door can be dismantled from the body portion for removing the grease and other drippings extracted from food during the roasting process.

Abstract: A personal heating device includes a chamber having a closed end and an opposing open end. One or more air intake holes are formed in the chamber proximal the closed end to allow air into the chamber. One or more vent holes are formed proximal the opposing open end to allow air to exit the chamber. A heat source disposed inside the chamber holds generates heat, and a cap slidably covers the chamber open end to hold in the heat and regulate the air exiting the vent holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot cup system. The system has a generally cylindrical exterior member with a cylindrical side wall and with an open upper end and an open lower end. The exterior member is molded from a thermally insulating elastomeric material. The system also has a generally cylindrical interior member with a cylindrical side wall with an open upper end and a lower end with a generally planar circular lower portion. The lower portion is formed with laterally spaced downwardly extending parallel projections. The interior member is fabricated of a thermally conductive metallic material. A circular base is next provided with a central section extending downwardly therefrom. The base is fabricated of a resilient clear elastomeric material and is coupled to the interior surface of the exterior member adjacent to the lower end thereof. A chamber is formed between the interior member and exterior member and base. A heat generating fluid is located within the chamber.

Abstract: A cover hood for a cooking utensil, such as a pot, kettle, pan, or the like, which includes a conical hood made from a spray protection grid and a bearing part comprising a bearing ring attached to a lower edge of the hood and protruding substantially horizontally from the lower edge of the hood. The spray protection grid is made of a wire mesh or a perforated metal plate material.

Abstract: A cooking system including a vessel having a first end, a second end, and a pair of opposing side walls and containing a cooking medium. A first heat exchanger tube has an outer wall and extends through the vessel from the first end to the second end. The first heat exchanger tube has a first inlet in the first end and a first outlet in the second end. The first heat exchanger tube also includes a combustion gas director tube, a first upper passage, and a first lower passage, wherein the director tube is joined to the first inlet and directs combustion gas into the upper passage and the upper passage is in communication with the lower passage. An upper transition baffle is placed in the first upper passage to smoothly direct combustion gases from the director tube into the first upper passage.

Abstract: A vented wood or gas-log fireplace is formed from a sheet metal member bent to form side and rear panels. A pair of spaced apart sheet metal plates are connected between the side panels and have rear edges spaced from the rear panel. The rear edges of the plates are bent to form lips extending in a direction toward the opposite plate. Bracket members are secured to the plates adjacent the side panels. A rear refractory member is positioned between the plates in engagement with the lips, and side refractory panels are positioned in abutment with a respective side sheet metal panel and held in place by the bracket members, the side ceramic panels abutting the rear ceramic panel at the sides thereof. A top panel is fastened to the top edges of the side panels above the top plate and a conduit extends through the top plate with the top panel to communicate the combustion chamber with an exhaust pipe or chimney.

Abstract: A gas fireplace insert for inserting into existing solid fuel fireplaces is made into modules that are separable for installation and can be later assembled together. A housing module which includes a combustion chamber supports a separable module comprising a duct for fresh air intake. The duct includes a connection collar for an air intake pipe leading to the interior of the duct. The duct also has a pass through collar for carrying exhaust gases from the fireplace. The collars can be attached to an exhaust pipe and air intake pipe respective, which extend through the existing chimney. The duct module is separated from the housing module for installation so that the pipe connections are easier to make with the lighter, smaller module.

Abstract: The energy collector has a housing with a cover which is transparent to vble and thermal radiation. One or more heat collectors are disposed in the interior of the housing. The heat collectors are carried by a pipe through which a heat-transport medium flows. Each of the collectors is assigned a reflector of concave design underneath the respective heat collector. The width of the reflector is significantly greater (e.g. a multiple) than the width of the heat collector. The incident visible and/or thermal radiation is either incident on the front side of the heat collector or it is reflected onto its rear side by the associated reflector. A large portion or all of the rear surface of the collector is covered with photovoltaic elements onto which focused light energy is aimed by the concave reflectors.

Abstract: An intrapulmonary aerosolizer comprises an aerosolizer attached to a pressure generator for delivery of liquid as an aerosol and which can be positioned in close proximity to the lungs by being inserted into the trachea directly or into an endotracheal tube or bronchoscope positioned within the trachea.

Abstract: A nasal dilator (10") for placing on a user's nose and for improving respiration through the nose by dilation of the user's nostrils comprises a central, resilient, beam-shaped element (12) and two attaching elements (14 and 16) placed at respective ends of the beam-shaped element for attachment to respective sides of the user's nose. The beam-shaped element (12) extends in use from one side of the user's nose across the bridge of the user's nose to the other side of the user's nose and the central, resilient, beam-shaped element (12) and the two attaching elements (14, 16) are integrally made of plastic. The nasal dilator (10") constitutes a configuration which is symmetrical relative to a central plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaped element and preferably constitutes an overall curved structure or alternatively a substantially plane structure.

Abstract: An inhalation device in the nature of a metered dose inhaler with a counter is disclosed. The device is designed to work with existing respiratory drugs. The device is comprised of a L-shaped medication dispenser in which a counter is attached. A downward force applied to the top portion of the canister protruding from the top of the L-shaped medication dispenser releases a single dose of the aerosol medication and increments the counter. The device contains a visual display of the current count and thus an indication of the metered doses remaining in the aerosol canister. The counter can be electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical in nature. Counting devices for other shaped dispensers such as cylindrical dispensers are also described. Other options such as a warning alarm, automatic power conservation shutdown of the display, and full computer monitoring functions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substance delivery apparatus (10) for use with a system (12) for supplying breathable gas to a human or animal. The apparatus includes a mechanism (22) to measure the pressure of the supplied breathable gas (22) to detect inhalation by the human or animal; and elements (54, 56, 58, 60) to deliver the substance (52) to the human or animal during inhalation at a pressure higher than the supplied pressure of the breathable gas. A method of delivering a substance (52) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel powdered medicament dispenser is disclosed. The powder medicament dispenser includes a novel agglomerator for loading the powder from a reservoir to a dispensing mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, a disposable cartridge is disclosed for use with a medicament dispenser having pressurization and actuator assemblies. A novel method of dispensing a powdered medicament, as well as inhalation activated and transmission assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powder inhaler contains powder and includes a mechanism for providing pressurized gas to discharge the powder through a mouthpiece. The gas must pass through an orifice before reaching the powder. The orifice is normally closed by an obturator which is released in response to the sensing of suction in the mouthpiece. The pressurized gas can bias the obturator to an orifice opening position prior to the detection of suction in the mouthpiece, so that when the obturator is released, the orifice is immediately and rapidly opened, and powder is rapidly emitted through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A powder storage and delivery system for a drug powder inhaler has a carrier disk with a blister shell sealed by a shear layer. A tab is adhered to the shear layer, underneath the blister shell. The carrier disk is placed into a dry powder inhaler. An actuator pushes against the tab, causing the shear layer to tear away, releasing the powder drug contents from the blister into the dry powder inhaler. A disk carrier has bursting blisters with a brittle blister shell sealed with a foil lid, and covered by a plate. An actuator moves against the plate, causing the plate to buckle and the blister shell to burst open, releasing powdered drug into the dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A method of detecting changes in a person's respiration between inspiration and expiration by monitoring of gas flow characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and/or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion.

Abstract: A device for delivering a ventilation gas including a T-connector including a cross member adapted to carry a ventilation gas and a tubular stem extending substantially perpendicularly from the cross member; and a plurality of tubes each having a cross section smaller than a cross section of the tubular stem extending transversely through the cross member, and extending through and within the tubular stem, wherein remote ends of the plurality of tubes terminate beyond the tubular stem; and further wherein at least two of the plurality of tubes carry pulsating pressure gases of different frequencies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for treating a patient suffering from heart failure. According to one exemplary method, a facial mask is sealed around the patient's mouth and nose, with the mask including a one-way expiration valve and an inspiratory threshold valve. The threshold valve is biased to open when a threshold pressure within the mask is in the range from about -3 cm H.sub.2 O to about -25 cm H.sub.2 O. With this arrangement, the patient breathes while the mask is sealed to the face, with the respiratory gasses being prevented from entering the patient's lungs during inhalation until the patient produces a pressure within the mask that is within the range from about -3 cm H.sub.2 O to about -25 cm H.sub.2 O. At this point, the inspiratory valve opens to allow respiratory gasses into the lungs.

Abstract: A holder for retaining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth includes a pair of opposed members constructed to define a lumen when positioned adjacent each other, and a latching device constructed to allow the relative position of the opposed members to be adjusted between a first position in which said lumen is sufficiently small to securely hold the endotracheal tube, and a second position in which the lumen is sufficiently large to allow the endotracheal tube to move axially yet sufficiently small to resist radial displacement of the endotracheal tube. In use, the endotracheal tube is inserted through a patient's mouth into the tracheal lumen, the latching device is moved to its second position, the tube holder is slid over the endotracheal tube and its position adjusted axially along the length of the tube, and the latching device is moved to its first position to secure the tube holder firmly in a desired position on the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A portable and selectively positionable swallow board is provided. The swallow board includes a substantially rigged seat portion. A substantially back portion is positionable with respect to the seat portion to a first position in which a seat portion and the back portion are aligned to support a patient in a supine position. A support mechanism is in operative communication with the back portion to secure the back portion in at least one second position at an angle less than 180.degree., and at least approximately 90.degree., with respect to the seat portion to support a patient in a raised position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus has two planar anterior surfaces, and two posterior planar surfaces located such that the two anterior surfaces are at the front of the apparatus and the two posterior surfaces are at the rear of the apparatus. Opposite anterior and posterior surfaces flare outward and downward relative to each other at angles of about 20 degrees. As seen from an upper plan view of the apparatus, adjacent surfaces form an angle of 90 degrees. A cavity is formed in the apparatus from the lower end for receiving a person's head with the anterior surfaces being located at the front of the person's head and the posterior surfaces being located at the rear of the person's head.

Abstract: A system for inducing cardioplegic arrest and performing an endovascular procedure within the heart or blood vessels of a patient. An endoaortic partitioning catheter has an inflatable balloon which occludes the ascending aorta when inflated. Cardioplegic fluid may be infused through a lumen of the endoaortic partitioning catheter to stop the heart while the patient's circulatory system is supported on cardiopulmonary bypass. One or more endovascular devices are introduced through an internal lumen of the endoaortic partitioning catheter to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic endovascular procedure within the heart or blood vessels of the patient. Surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart valve replacement may be performed in conjunction with the endovascular procedure while the heart is stopped.

Abstract: A blood flow path is formed from a heart chamber to a coronary vessel on an exterior surface of a heart wall. A hollow conduit has a vessel portion and a myocardial portion. The vessel portion has an open leading end sized to be inserted into the coronary vessel. The myocardial portion has an open leading end and the myocardium portion is sized to extend through a thickness of the heart wall. The myocardial portion is placed in the heart wall with the open leading end of the myocardial portion protruding into the heart chamber. Blood flow through the conduit from the heart chamber is at least partially blocked. The leading end of the vessel portion is placed in the coronary vessel. Blood flow through the conduit from the heart chamber and into the vessel is then opened.

Abstract: A self-hand-operated, self-contained apparatus and method for applying an image on a nail of a person's digit. The apparatus is simple in construction and operation, and consists of a molded base having an upper extending surface defining a digit cutout at one end and an image creating plate cutout at the other end. A carriage holding a pick-up head and squeegee slides on the base and carries an image from the plate to the nail. A combined stop and pointing element is fixed on the base and points to the area where the image is to be deposited. The method applies art to the nail as a single color or multi-color image.

Abstract: A device for attaching a false eyelash with an original adhesive thereon to an eyelid when the original adhesive thereon has lost its adhesion. The device includes a core and an adhesive coating that surrounds the core so as to form an attaching element. The adhesive coating attaches the core along the false eyelash and also allows the false eyelash to then be attached to the eyelid. The device further includes, a primary substrate, a secondary substrate disposed on the primary substrate and has a plurality of the attaching elements spaced longitudinally therealong and held releasibly thereon by the adhesive coating of each attaching element, a plurality of release sheet covers, each of which covers and protects an associated attaching element, prior to use, and is held releasibly thereon by the adhesive coating of the associated attaching element, and at least one pair of false eyelashes disposed on the primary substrate.

Abstract: In a brush, in particular for coloring eyelashes or hair, comprising a stem and a number of bristles standing out essentially radially therefrom, the stem being formed by a first leg of a tweezers- or scissors-like arrangement, and a second leg of this arrangement having, at its free end, an abutment for the bristles of the first leg such that in operation, the free outer ends of the two legs enclose between them the eyelashes or hair to be treated. At least one of the two legs (4, 5) being designed as a hollow tube connected with a supply container and having outlets leading to the outside.

Abstract: In a coloring cosmetic unit, in particular a mascara unit, comprising a receptacle for the coloring cosmetic and a screw cap which can be screwed on an external thread of the receptacle neck and on which a handle with an applicator is mounted, it is provided, with a view to improving the properties of handling and use of such a coloring cosmetic unit, in particular to attaining optimal opening and closing properties, produceability by injection or blow molding at a low cost being nevertheless ensured, that the thread on the receptacle neck has a pitch greater than 2 mm, in particular approximately 3 mm.

Abstract: A hair styling iron having an elongated barrel having a front end and a rear end, the barrel including a heat plate with a corrugated surface composed of a plurality of concavities and convexities arranged along a direction transverse to the length of the barrel and extending along the length of the barrel, the heat plate formed with a plurality of steam vents; a hand grip extending from the rear end of the barrel; a heater mounted in the barrel to heat the heat plate; a steam generator incorporated in the barrel to generate steam which is discharged from the steam vents; and a hair clamping member pivoted at a connection between the barrel and the hand grip for pivotal movement between a closed position of mating with the heat plate and an open position disengaged from the heat plate.

Abstract: Monofilament gel dental flosses and methods for their fabrication are provided. The gel flosses comprise a core material in combination with a gel material, where both the core and gel materials comprise thermoplastic elastomeric polymers and are sufficiently adherent to one another so as not to separate under conditions of hygienic use.

Abstract: By employing a cleaning method wherein a substrate such as Si wafer is covered with a film having electrostatic repulsive force or a substance capable of controlling a zeta potential so as to prevent or remarkably reduce adhesion of fine particles present in a cleaning solution or etching solution, electronic parts can be produced in higher yield and lower cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for cleaning silicon surfaces of native oxide films. The process utilizes fluorine containing cleaning materials such as anhydrous hydrofluoric acid to clean the oxide from the surface. A fluorine containing particulate matter which forms on the surface as a result of the fluorine containing cleaning materials is then removed by heating the surface to a high temperature. The process is conducted in a non-oxidizing ambient and is preferably conducted in a cluster tool so that the heating step can take place in the same chamber of the cluster tool as later metal deposition step.

Abstract: An apparatus for descaling semi-finished products, such as thin slabs or steel strips in rolling mills by highly pressurized water that is sprayed through a nozzle device onto the surface of the semi-finished product is characterized in that the nozzle device is movable with a vertical component above the surface of the semi-finished product by means of a drive. The drive can be controlled by a control device that receives a target distance as input value and an actual distance between the nozzle device and the surface of the semi-finished product detected by means of a distance sensor. The control device supplies an output signal via a signal line to the drive for resetting any deviation to zero. Hence, the nozzle device is always kept at a desired target distance even if humps such as bulgings occur on the surface of the semi-finished product.

Abstract: A spool slides in a bore to open and close a valve. An armature moveable relative to the spool is biased in a first direction. A coupling biasing member biases the armature and the spool toward each other. When a solenoid is actuated the armature and the spool move in a second direction opposite the first direction until the spool forcibly engages a seat in the bore, closing the valve and stopping the spool movement. The armature continues to move in the second direction, causing the coupling to apply additional force to keep the spool engaged against the seat, until the armature reaches a second position where it forcibly engages with the spool. This stops the armature from moving further in the second direction, but allows the stationary armature to continue applying force to keep the spool engaged against the seat. When the solenoid is de-energized the armature bias sends the armature back in the first direction until it strikes the spool, causing the spool to rapidly unseat, thus opening the valve.

Abstract: There is provided a pressurized gas tank valve plug which can safely and effectively fit and seal a first pressurized gas tank valve and a second pressurized gas tank valve each valve having a valve stem of differing interior depth.

Abstract: An inspection chamber for use in sanitary sewer systems has an integral back-flow prevention valve. The valve can be installed through an access pipe with the inspection chamber in place underground. The valve does not interfere with the installation or removal of a plug in the inspection chamber during construction and inspection of the sewer system. The inspection chamber comprises a clip oriented to receive a valve member from the direction of an access port. The valve member comprises a pin connected to a flap member by a narrow bridge member. The flap member has a projecting handle member. An installation tool holds the valve member by the handle member and provides a tab which can be hammered downwardly to snap the pin into the clip thereby securing the valve member in the inspection chamber. An inspection chamber according to the invention avoids the necessity of providing a separate buried back-flow prevention valve.

Abstract: An improved cage assembly for ball check valves includes an insert comprising a unitary structure formed from STELLITE.RTM. having a passageway therethrough. A ball is positioned in the passageway of the insert for movement between two positions one of which secures the passageway against the flow of fluids therethrough. The insert is positioned in an insert receiving cavity formed in the lower end of an upstream housing. A downstream housing has a shoulder which engages the insert to secure the insert in the cavity. The downstream housing is secured to the upstream housing by friction welding or by inertia welding.

Abstract: A freeze protection plug has latching balls engageable bayonet-fashion with grooves in a fitting. The balls are normally held in engagement with the grooves by a cam, but move inward to release the plug from the fitting when the cam is moved by a thermal actuator carried by the plug. The balls are retained in tapered openings in the wall of the plug to reduce jamming. Helical ramps in the grooves permit the use of a strong, reliable plug ejecting spring, and make manual insertion of the plug easy. Insertion is aided by the ribs of a plastic cap, which facilitate manual grasping and rotation of the plug. A paint shield ring prevents failures resulting from paint bridges adhering both to the plug and to the fitting. A unitary molded lanyard with two oval loops prevents loss of the plug. The seal on the plug is located on the liquid system side of the latching balls and isolates moving parts from the liquid system, and is of small diameter.