Abstract: A hydraulic cooling system and method for use in a vehicle comprises a hydraulic pump which is coupled to a hydraulic motor for driving a fan blade in operative relationship with a radiator via a hydraulic conduit. The hydraulic conduit is formed and provided to not only hydraulically couple the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor, but also to define a support structure for supporting the hydraulic motor in operative relationship with the radiator, without the need for additional support brackets or structure. It is envisioned that the hydraulic conduit could be pre-formed in a general pyramidal or frusto-conical shape to absorb forces exerted by the motor and so that it can easily be assembled and mounted to the fan shroud.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine devoid of mechanical turbo boost means comprising n cylinders (C1, . . .

Abstract: An electrically actuated engine valve provides an armature having one or more teeth extending outward from the armature along the actuation axis to be received by corresponding sockets in the cores of opposed electromagnets. The teeth do not restrain the movement of the armature but in approaching the cores provides a magnetic flux path that produces a more constant force of attraction during actuation of the valve. This enables the valves to overcome initial opposing forces such as caused by pressure on the valve heads to which the armature is attached and provides a path of inductive coupling between the opposed coils that can reveal armature position providing a method of accurately controlling armature seating speed.

Abstract: A method for starting an electromechanical regulating device especially designed for controlling the charge cycle in an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical regulating device has an actuating element and an actuating drive. The actuating drive includes a first electromagnet with a first coil and a second electromagnet with a second coil, an armature which can move between contact faces of the first and second electromagnets, and at least one restoring means which is mechanically coupled to the armature. To start the regulating device, the second coil is energized until a first predefined condition is fulfilled and then the first coil is energized from the time at which a second condition is fulfilled until the armature comes into contact with the contact face.

Abstract: A phase change coupling is disclosed for allowing the angular position of a drive member 10 of a camshaft 12 to be varied in relation to the camshaft. The coupling is additionally provided with a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the drive member relative to the camshaft in only one direction during cranking of the engine, so that, during cranking of the engine, the drive member 10 is rotated in only one sense relative to the camshaft by the camshaft torque reversals until it reaches a predetermined start-up angular position.

Abstract: A valve timing system and method 10 is provided which automatically compensates for variations in the compression ratios of cylinders 12 of an internal combustion engine 30. Valve timing system 10 includes a controller 24 and actuators 26, 28 which selectively actuate valves 14, 16 in response to signals received from controller 24. In one embodiment, controller 24 is effective to cause each of the cylinders 12 to have a substantially uniform susceptibility to knock.

Abstract: A method of improving the operating characteristics of an internal combustion engine equipped with electronic throttle control employs variable cam timing to vary the phasing of the intake valves and/or exhaust valves so as to achieve lower feed gas emissions and improved fuel economy while delivering as closely as possible the desired torque. The method can be implemented using a fuel-lead strategy or an air-lead strategy. Whenever a change is requested in the amount of torque, the method responds by adjusting the amount of fuel flow, the spark timing, the position of the throttle and/or the positions of the intake valves and/or the exhaust valves so as to deliver the desired torque. The method adjusts those operating parameters in a way that improves the ability of the engine to deliver the desired torque, produce less feed gas emissions, idle more stably, and consume less fuel.

Abstract: A modular vane cam phaser assembly for controllably and continuously varying the rotational phase between a camshaft and the crankshaft of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The module includes a housing mountable to the front of an engine head, the housing supporting on an outer surface thereof a programmably-controllable spool valve for directing pressurized oil to an oil commutator extending into both the housing and a vane phaser wherein a rotor is bolted to the camshaft and a stator is bolted to a timing sprocket. The oil is distributed by the spool valve to opposite sides of the rotor vanes in response to signals generated by an induction cam rotation sensor and by other engine components and processed by a powertrain control module to advance or retard the opening of intake and/or exhaust valves in the engine. The housing is provided with internal passages for supplying oil from an engine port to the spool valve. Preferably, the oil is filtered by a thimble screen as it enters the housing.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a hydraulic valve characteristic control mechanism for altering phase of a cam driving a suction valve and an oil pressure control valve for controlling pressure of working oil supplied to the valve characteristic control mechanism, a chain chamber comprising a case formed by an engine main body and a cover closing the case. The oil pressure control valve is attached to the engine main body surrounded by a timing chain. In order to position the oil pressure control valve outside of the chain chamber, the cover has an opening for inserting the oil pressure control valve and the case has an attachment section around the oil pressure control valve to which a whole marginal edge of the opening is touched in liquid-tight and fixed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cranking device for internal combustion engines, having a starter motor whose starter pinion initially shifts into the gear ring of the engine with a starting signal via an engagement magnet, before the starter motor trips the cranking process with full force. The shifting of the starter pinion and the switching of the starter motor are improved by providing that the starter motor (SM) with the starting signal (st) drives the starter pinion initially via a protective resistor (Rvor) with reduced torque, and the engagement magnet (EM) shifts it into the gear ring of the engine, and that after that, the engagement magnet (EM) presses the starter pinion all the way into the gear ring of the engine, and the starter motor (SM) turns the engine over with full torque by bypassing the protective resistor (Rvor).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas exchange valve with a hollow space, for an internal combustion engine. The valve comprises a valve stem (3), a valve base and a valve disk (2). The valve stem and valve disk or valve stem and valve base have an approximately cylindrical, elongated hollow space which is formed by both parts. The space is sealed by welding. The aim of the invention is to improve the quality of the welding. To this end, an extra mass of the material required for sealing the hollow space is provided on the valve disk or the valve base so that no additional welding material is necessary.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for an internal combustion engine employing spherical rotary intake and exhaust valves which are fixedly mounted on a rotating shaft means, the improvement comprising the forming of the shaft means with a longitudinal throughbore, the throughbore in sealing contact with an inlet coupling and a outlet coupling for the circulation of coolant through the shaft during operation, the coolant in communication with the coolant reservoir for the engine such that it would undergo normal cooling in the radiator before being recirculated to the engine.

Abstract: An overhead rotary valve fitted into a cylinder head with diametrical polygonal openings formed therein for use in combination with an internal combustion engine, driven to bring intake and exhaust ports into and out of alignment with passages leading to and from the combustion chamber. Sleeve bearings are fitted in the cylinder head that provide surface sealing, and annular sealing members prevent the air/fuel mixture or exhaust gases from flowing into regions intermediate ports and individual cylinders. Utilizing this overhead rotary valve and associated seals and bearings increases the efficiency and performance of an internal combustion engine. The overhead rotary valve rotating, at one quarter the speed of the crankshaft, minimizes wear and noise levels, self cleans the ports, allows the engine to operate at higher rpm and imparts proper opening and closing of passages at the proper sequence of valve timing without concern of valve float.

Abstract: The crankshaft of a piston engine is assembled with a vibration damper into a discrete module prior to mounting of such module in axial and/or radial bearings of the housing of the engine. The damper has an input element which rotates with the crankshaft and a mass which is angularly movable relative to the input element against the resistance of coil springs. The input element can be provided with a sleeve which surrounds a snout at one axial end of the crankshaft. Alternatively, the damper can be installed in or on or can constitute a cheek of the crankshaft. The coil springs can operate in parallel with a friction generating device which also opposes rotation of the input element and the mass of the damper relative to each other.

Abstract: The interior of a chain case 23 accommodating therein a chain-sprocket mechanism (a sprocket 12 and a silent chain 14)provided for rotating a crankshaft 11 and camshafts 5 in an interlocking fashion and a tensioner shoe 18 for applying a predetermined tension to a slack side of a chain or a guide shoe 19 for preventing the run-out of the chain on a stretched side thereof is partitioned by providing a rib 27, 28 so as to protrude from at least either of an end face of an engine E and an inner surface of a chain cover 22 joined to the end face with distal end edges of the ribs being directed toward sides 18a, 18b of the tensioner shoe or the guide shoe that are perpendicular to the crankshaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an aluminum alloy engine block housing pistons in cylinders and having a lower face including an upper semi-circular bearing surface. A lower bearing support has a lower semi-circular bearing surface to complement the upper semi-circular bearing surface in the engine block to define a crankshaft bore to rotatably support a ferrous crankshaft. The lower bearing support is formed of a single beryllium-aluminum alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to the ferrous crankshaft to promote a consistent clearance between the lower bearing support and the crankshaft. Such a beryllium-aluminum alloy may be comprised of approximately 60-65% by weight beryllium and the balance is aluminum.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for controlling gas exchange in a piston-type internal-combustion engine consisting of an arrangement of valves through which it is possible to optimize the filling of the combustion chamber of the cylinder with the fuel mixture as well as exhaust of the residual gases of combustion.

Abstract: A spark ignition gasoline internal combustion engine separates a gasoline fuel supply into a higher boiling point fraction and a lower boiling point fraction, supplies the boiling point fractions to combustion chambers of the engine, and introduces the separate boiling point fractions into the combustion chambers to produce a stratified charge with the different fractions residing in different parts of the combustion chamber. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, charge stratification under “full load” operating conditions is such that in each combustion chamber the lower boiling point fraction is ignited by a spark plug, which in turn produces a propagating flame that ignites the higher boiling point fraction concentrated in the end gas regions of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An cylinder air charge estimation assembly 12 for use with an internal combustion engine 10 having at least one cylinder 14. Assembly 12 dynamically estimates the amount of air contained within the at least cylinder 14 of the engine 10 by the dynamic use of one of two unique air charge estimation techniques.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve to be installed in a plurality of intake ports in each cylinder for engines, the fuel injection valve has a plate provided with a plurality of injection holes classified to first and second groups. The first group injection holes are so arranged on a circumference of a first circle so that fuel from the respective injection holes may be injected toward a first intake port and the second injection holes are so arranged on a circumference of a second circle so that fuel from the respective injection holes may be injected toward a second intake port. Diameters of the first and second circles are different so that the fuel flow amount distribution rate of the first group of injection holes to the second group of injection holes may be adjusted to a predetermined value on target.

Abstract: Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, in which fuel is delivered under pressure by a delivery pump to a pressure chamber. The pressure acting upon the fuel in the pressure chamber is measured, and the fuel is injected by an injection valve directly into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine from the pressure chamber as a function of the measured pressure acting upon the fuel. When varying the working point of the internal combustion engine with regard to the pressure acting upon the fuel, it must be possible to control injection as accurately as possible even within the transient range, thus providing a sufficiently comfortable driving performance even within the transient ranges. This is achieved, in particular, in that the actual pressure acting upon the fuel is computed within the transient range and the working point of the internal combustion engine is adjusted correspondingly to this pressure.

Abstract: An intake manifold includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a middle shell that interconnects the upper and lower shells. The lower shell has a plurality of longitudinally spaced shell ports. Each shell port is adapted for installation over a corresponding intake port for an engine cylinder head. The upper shell has a plurality of runners that are used to guide air to the shell ports. The middle shell has a plurality of channels that interconnect the runners and the shell ports such that air can flow through the runner to the cylinder intake port. Fuel injector pockets are formed within the upper, middle, and lower shells with each of the pockets having an injector opening in communication with the corresponding shell port. An internal fuel rail, formed between the upper and middle shells, supplies fuel to each of the injector pockets. A fuel injector is installed into each injector pocket such that the injectors are substantially enclosed within the manifold.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel supply control apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having an injector with air assist, a reasonable system in which injection is made during intake stroke when air assist air is supplied by the air assist, and injection is made during exhaust stroke when no air assist is effected, and an air assist volume, a droplet size and an operating condition are combined. With this construction, the fuel injection timing is shifted from the intake stroke side to the exhaust stroke side in accordance with an air assist volume so as to enhance the exhaust gas quality in which optimum micro-granulation and atomization of fuel are held, the fuel efficiency and the drivability.

Abstract: A start-assist circuit for increasing the fuel-injection voltage during the startup of an internal combustion engine having fuel injectors, a starter solenoid, and a battery is provided. The boost circuit receives the battery DC power and then boosts the battery voltage to provide an output having a level sufficient for a fuel injection solenoid during the start process.

Abstract: An injection valve for an internal combustion engine, including a servo valve having a movable valve element providing a constriction in the fuel path to the injection nozzle during an initial phase of the injection. The movable valve element includes a piston-like projection above a groove that, during the main phase of the injection period, emerges from a bore and thereby opens a direct path for the fuel that bypasses the constriction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that contains a controller which controls different components such as a fuel injector, an exhaust valve and a by-pass valve of a pump with digital control signals. The engine may have an hydraulically driven fuel injector which ejects a volume of fuel into an internal combustion chamber. The flow of air into the internal combustion chamber and the flow of exhaust gas out of the chamber may be controlled by camless hydraulically driven intake and exhaust valves. The hydraulic actuation of the fuel injector and valves are controlled by solenoid actuated latching fluid control valves. The operation of the injector and the valves is controlled by a controller which provides digital signals to actuate and latch the solenoid control valves. The digital signals consume minimal power and actuate the valves at relatively high speeds. The engine further contains a pump that pumps the hydraulic fluid to the control valves.

Abstract: A fuel supply aggregate has a fuel pump formed as a rotary pump and having at least one impeller with a plurality of vanes for supplying fuel from a tank, the fuel pump having an inlet connection, and a fuel throughflow noise damper located upstream of the fuel inlet connection of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery apparatus has a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor generated in a fuel chamber formed in a fuel tank. A fuel vapor inlet of the canister is connected to the fuel chamber. A fuel vapor outlet of the canister is connected to an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. Fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister is purged therefrom into the intake passage. An air vent of the canister is connected to an air chamber that has a predetermined capacity.

Abstract: A super charger for an internal combustion engine comprises a camshaft having an extended end protruded out of a cylinder block of the engine, a turbine mounted on the extended end of the camshaft, an air compressing chamber mounted around the turbine, and two super charging lines connecting the air compressing chamber with an air cleaner and a throttle valve body respectively

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation systems directs exhaust gasses from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gasses travel from the exhaust manifold, first passing through a flow control valve and then through a measuring orifice before entering the intake manifold. Pressure difference across the orifice is used, along with correction factors based on the pressure difference and pressure downstream of the orifice, to measure and control exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: An outboard motor contains an engine. The engine is generally vertically disposed and has a cam chamber positioned on a forward-facing portion of the engine. The cam chamber is defined between a cam cover and a cylinder head assembly. A vapor separator is positioned on the cam cover and protrudes to the outside of the cam cover such that adequate clearance is maintained for a cam shaft arrangement within the cam chamber. The vapor separator has a downwardly facing lubricant outlet that returns lubricant to the cam chamber after the lubricant is separated from the crankcase ventilation gases. A fuel pump is preferably positioned so as to receive lubricant from the lubricant outlet. Moreover, a lubricant fill tube is preferably positioned at least partially higher than the lubricant outlet. In one embodiment, the fill tube is located to a side of the vapor separator while the fuel pump is located below the fill tube.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus is received in a plug hole which is formed by a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover of an internal combustion engine. A side core has a slit between two horizontally extending side wall ends. The side core is selected from a laminated sheet structure comprised of two grain oriented silicon steel sheets, each having a slit between two horizontally extending side wall ends, and the plural slits align at substantially the same position. The slit prevents a one-turn short of a magnetic flux of the side core. Thereby a predetermined secondary voltage more than an engine requirement secondary voltage is obtained. An ignitor reception portion has an independent and individual ignitor reception portion and an independent and individual coil reception portion, with the ignitor reception portion and the coil reception portion being combined.

Abstract: An engine control system of an internal combustion engine coupled to a NOx trap uses a measured air-fuel ratio downstream of the NOx trap to control engine air-fuel ratio. The measured air-fuel is only used for feedback when it indicates a value away from stoichiometry. Thus, NOx and oxygen storage effects that cause inlet air-fuel ratio to be different from exit air-fuel ratio do not cause degraded feedback air-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling fuel injection in a diesel engine to prevent generation of smoke even when an accelerator pedal is stamped during idling. A basic amount of fuel injection Qbase is determined from an engine revolution speed Ne and accelerator opening degree Ac. A maximum amount of fuel injection QMAF is determined from the engine revolution speed Ne and an intake air flow rate MAF. It is then determined whether a first condition of vehicle speed being zero and a second condition of accelerator opening degree being not zero both hold true. The maximum amount of fuel injection QMAF is corrected to a smaller value Qlmt when both the first and second conditions are met. In this case, the basic amount of fuel injection Qbase is compared with the reduced maximum amount of fuel injection Qlmt and the smaller one is selected as a target amount of fuel injection Qfnl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel template which allows an installer to easily and quickly form accurate markings on a concrete brick so that the brick can be cut in a precise manner to be used in a driveway pattern, a sidewalk pattern, or the like. The template includes a frame and a planar plate. The plate has a plurality of slots formed therethrough. The template is positioned on a brick such that the plate sits on the top of the brick and the frame abuts against the sides of the brick. The installer then uses a marking tool to mark the desired cut or cuts by running the tool along the length of one slot or the slots. The template is then removed and the brick is cut accordingly.

Abstract: The invention applies to a diamond dresser consisting of a rotary symmetric body on whose circumference and/or face is applied randomly distributed diamond particles. It is the task of the invention to use simple means to reduce the abrasion on the circumference of the dresser, and thus to achieve a substantial increase in the operational life of the dresser. The invention holds that closely-spaced radial running grooves that stretch to the circumferential edge of one face of the dresser in which oblong diamonds are inserted and fastened, or that in the circumferential edge tightly-spaced radial recesses are formed into which oblong diamonds are inserted and fastened. These oblong diamonds are radially arranged and their ends protrude beyond the circumference of the rotary symmetric body. The oblong diamonds substantially reduce abrasion to the circumference of the rotary symmetric body.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a primary combustion chamber divided into left and right sides by fuel-retaining standards defining a canyon or void extending into a secondary combustion chamber is provided. The combustion system includes an automatic air setting mechanism for controlling an air delivery system in the combustion system comprises. The automatic air setting mechanism includes a control for controlling an air passage of the air delivery system and a lock for locking the control. A sensor is also provided which senses the temperature of the combustion chamber so that when the temperature reaches a predetermined value the locking mechanism releases the control.

Abstract: A compact high efficient air heater providing improved comfort regulation. The air heater includes a cross-flow type heat exchanger formed from a plurality of stacked corrugated plates which define a plurality of alternating flue gas passages and air passages, and which include a plurality of modified air passages which provide increased air flow through the heat exchanger along the flue gas inlet side whereby increased heat transfer along the flue gas inlet side is accomplished. The air heater also includes a plurality of bypass channels which direct air flow across at least one surface of the combustion chamber to remove heat from the combustion chamber housing, to lower the temperature of the flue gases entering the heat exchanger, and to reduce the temperature gradient at the air outlet side of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention restores the normal low-dose flushing of the lower airways with air from the upper airways, containing nitric oxide (NO) and possible other biologically active agents by aspiration of air from the upper airways and introducing said air in the inspiratory airflow of a ventilator. The inventive apparatus and method is free from the risks associated with traditional administration of exogenous NO.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of mixing cohesive finely divided powders such as finely divided powdered medicaments having a particle size less than about 10 &mgr;m comprising the combination of a rotating/vibrating movement with a sieving procedure, wherein the method comprises the steps of adding a finely divided powdered mixture of substances to a perforated partition in a container, subjecting the container to a rotational and preferably vibrating movement in horisontal and/or vertical directions whereby the rotational movement is performed in intervals and whereby the container is turned in a vertical direction an angle of substantially 180° during each turn. The invention also includes an apparatus for mixing finely divided powders to be used in the above mentioned method as well as the use of the method according to the invention for mixing cohesive finely divided powders.

Abstract: In a lung therapy method, hyperpolarized gas is administered for one breath to a subject, and a magnetic resonance scan of at least one lung of the subject is conducted. The data obtained from the scan are evaluated, specifically to determine the extent and distribution of infusion of hyperpolarized gas in the lung, as an indication of the alveolae in the lung which are open. Based on the evaluation of the data obtained in the magnetic resonance scan, a determination is made as to whether administration of a surfactant is necessary in order to improve opening of the lung. If a surfactant is administered, the procedure can be repeated to obtain an updated dataset, which can be evaluated to determine whether the administered surfactant has been effective.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for monitoring the respiration parameters of an artificial respiration system. The proposed device has a treatment device including a filter and/or heat-and moisture exchanger fitted in a respiration tube system and is based on evaluation by a monitoring unit of pressure and/or flow-rate values in the respiration system. Inside the respiration system, pressure sensors are provided upstream and downstream of a flow resistance in the treatment device and pressure sensors are provided upstream and downstream of another flow resistance suitable as a reference. The signals from the pressure sensors are fed to the monitoring unit which determines the respiration parameters from the pressure difference &Dgr;p3 above the flow resistance in the treatment device, the pressure difference &Dgr;p4 above the other flow resistance suitable as a reference within the respiration system, and from the time t.

Abstract: A vacuum system for medical tables, primarily comprises a universal arm, attached inhaler masks and a vacuum source. This equipment primarily places the inhaler masks at the sides of patient's mouth. Then, through the vacuum source, the mist surrounding the patient's mouth and the dirty air breathed out by the patient will be inhaled and clean air is released after filtering.

Abstract: A condom includes a plurality of intersecting spiral ribs extending in two different directional planes along at least a portion of the surface between the open and closed ends of the condom, with each rib being oriented at an angle of about 15° to the transverse axis of the condom.

Abstract: An erection-facilitating condom for treatment of erection dysfunction. The erection-facilitating condom includes a flexible tubular membrane having a closed end and an open end; and also includes a ring member being attached to the flexible tubular membrane; and further includes a flexible line being connected to the ring member for closing the flexible tubular member tightly about a sex organ of a user.

Abstract: A generally V-shaped drape formed of polymer or related materials and which functions as a sling to hold the scrotum upwardly, and out of place, during medical analysis and treatment. The drape includes a V-shaped member, formed of a highly flexible polymer, such as polyethylene, and includes a pressure sensitive adhesive area at its lower end, for application to the base of the scrotum, and further includes pressure sensitive adhesive at the upper legs of the V-shaped drape, for application to the abdomen wall, to provide a sling that flurnishes continuing clearance for access to and application of the various medical instrumentation used especially during treatment of the prostate, or other proximal anatomy located at this region of the patient.

Abstract: The invention includes a protective eye device for an oral treatment patient including an eyepiece having bridge portions that form a seal with the nose. The bridge portions are a fulcrum between attachment portions that extend downwardly and outwardly from the bridge portions, and upper portions disposed above the bridge portions. A retaining member is coupled to the attachment portions below the fulcrum such that tension on the retaining member causes the attachment portions to extend toward the face and facilitates the sealing relationship between a lower rim and a middle surface of the face between the eyes and mouth. The tension on the retaining member simultaneously causes the upper portions to extend away from the face, and facilitates the spatial relationship, or a gap, between the forehead and an upper rim. The invention also includes a method for shielding the eyes of a patient.

Abstract: A sterile immobilizing apparatus for restraining the movement of a patient includes a base platform on which is mounted a series of restraining members with a disposable sterile insert member engaging the restraining members and base platform to provide a sanitary surface for performing the desired procedure. The restraining members include a lower back support, an upper back support, an abdominal stabilizer, a cervical stabilizer, and a knee stabilizer. The lower and upper back supports are rigidly mounted to the base platform, while the abdominal stabilizer, cervical stabilizer and knee stabilizer are each movably positioned on the base platform. Between the lower and upper back supports is a lumbar opening in which the sterile insert member is positioned such that the area surrounding the medical procedure performed on the patient is sterile.

Abstract: A heel protection device for protecting a portion of the heel of a user's foot from developing sores from prolonged contact with bedding during a period of bedrest. The heel protection device includes a cap member for receiving the heel portion of the user's foot, and a securing strap assembly for securing the cap member on the heel portion of the user's foot. The cap member comprises a base portion for positioning adjacent to a sole of the user's foot, a back portion mounted on the base portion at a rearward location of the base portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and a pair of laterally spaced side portions mounted on lateral side locations of the base portion and the back portion, with the side portions being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for enhancing the action of anti-cancer agents, which includes the introduction of anti-cancer agent into or proximate a tumor within a body and thereafter introducing ultrasonic energy at the solid tumor with the introduced anti-cancer agent. The ultrasonic energy is sufficient to increase the anti-cancer activity on the solid tumor without significant heating of the solid tumor or surrounding tissue.