Abstract: A bogie designed to be secured so that it rests on wheels and including at least two wheel axles, at least one side member extending from the axles to an at least approximately central part of the length of the bogie, and axle boxes in which the axles are mounted so that they can rotae. The side member includes at least one interchangeable elastic leaf constituting parametrizable primary suspension, made of composite material based on fibers embedded in a resin, and a region of each end of the side member is housed in a side-member sleeve resting on a respective axle box via at least one insert element.

Abstract: A telecommunication, data including audio and visual data, and electrical station which can be permanently mounted within an aperture formed in a board room table includes a container having a perimeter flange which supports the station within the table. The container also has separate compartments for electrical plug-ins and data and telecommunication jacks. The upper face of the compartments are tilted toward the user for ease of attaching plugs and jacks. A lid pivots between a closed position flush and coplanar with the table surface and an open position fully rotated below the surface of the table so as to permit unrestricted access by the user to the interior of the station.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a support element for the arms, especially suitable for application on writing desks and comprising: a body, substantially flat and shaped in such a way as to allow a person to comfortably rest his/her forearms on it and suitable for being positioned partially overlapping the top of the writing desk; at least one stay element having a first end fixed to the body in correspondence with the surface pressing against the writing desk and a second free end whose distance from the surface of the body to which the first end is fixed is substantially equal to the thickness of the top of the writing desk, the second end pressing against the top of the writing desk in correspondence with the surface on the other side of the top. According to a preferred form of execution, the second free end is provided with an adjustable compensation element that presses without locking against the surface on the other side of the top.

Abstract: A perforated bottom plate for the production of a fluidized bed within a container. The perforated bottom plate has a large number of holes through which a gaseous medium flows in order to produce the fluidized bed. For better mixing of the granular material in the fluidized bed, the perforated bottom plate is provided with evenly distributed areas in which, compared to a uniform perforation, a greater number of holes per unit of area is provided.

Abstract: A boiler has a combustion chamber formed by front and rear walls and a side wall extending between the front and rear walls. Plural stages of burners are placed on at least one of the front and rear walls. In the front and rear walls are opposing gas jets for making a pressure of the gas near the side wall within the combustion chamber higher than the pressure of the gas at a center portion of the combustion chamber. The gas jet ports are disposed at a height within a range of the height of the burner stages. The burner stages supply the pulverized coal, the air for transferring the pulverized coal and the air for burning. A part of the air for transferring the pulverized coal or the air for burning is supplied in a branched manner to the gas jet port and injected into the combustion chamber. Further, the air is preferably injected from the gas jet ports in a direct gas flow, not a swirling flow.

Abstract: The present invention makes possible the economic and environmental use of high sulfur coal by removing the sulfur at the power generating plant. This process reduces the risk of fire, explosion, and freezing in storing and transporting reclaimed, ground coal, and moves the reclamation process to the site of the power plant, while providing electronic controls to monitor and adjust the reclamation process to produce controlled feedstock for the power plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for discharging ash from a plurality of fossil-fuel boiler hoppers through actuator opened gate valves by opening only selected gate valves during a given discharge cycle and bypassing other hoppers. The time required to discharge a given hopper is determined and compared with a desired time range that would be required to discharge the hopper, if the hopper was filled to a desired percentage. Opening of a given hopper during subsequent cycles is based on a comparison of the actual discharge time with a desired discharge time range. If the actual discharge time is less than the minimum time of the desired time range, a time increment is assigned to the given hopper, and the hopper is bypassed on subsequent cycles until the assigned time increment has expired.

Abstract: A sea friendly hull shape invention provides the benefit of water ballast without the penalty of carrying that ballast. There are open ballast passages which can be in the shape of pipes, or other similar shapes, through which water flows continuously when the vessel is in motion or at rest. The passages are connected to a main hull by thin wave piercing hull shapes. As a wave passes under the vessel, there is little area presented to increase the hull's displacement and any hull movement up or down will be countered by the force of the water going through the ballast passages. In this manner there is a reaction similar to one offered by static ballast, but without the power demand needed to carry it.

Abstract: This invention provides a keel device for moving and controlling the keels of sailing yachts, in which each of the keels, which preferably are positioned one behind the other, can be swung out to either side by max. 90°. It is the object of the invention to provide the motion and control devices at the lowest point, so that their weight does not have to be balanced by additional ballast. Further, the device will not require installations inside the boat. The foregoing object is achieved in that the keel bomb includes right and left elements of motion arranged in pairs opposite each other, which are driven by a drive unit, the lift of which is transferred directly or via lifting systems to the power transmission devices located inside the keel shaft and are movable in the longitudinal direction. Under the hull of the boat are provided left and right joint systems for converting the longitudinal motion into a swiveling motion of the keel, which is directed either towards the right or left.

Abstract: An improved bilge drain system for an inboard motorboat is disclosed having a drain closure assembly that is operated from a position external to the engine compartment. The drain closure can be a valve operable by a handle, wherein the handle is accessible outside of the engine compartment when closed by an engine compartment cover. The handle, which may be located adjacent to the engine compartment or on a dashboard of the motorboat, may also be configured to provide the user with a visual indication of the open and closed status of the drain closure.

Abstract: A novel rotatable seating arrangement for a motorized watercraft has an integral console with instrumentation and watercraft controls thereon to allow the watercraft's operator to control operation of the watercraft from one location, and to perform other functions, such as fishing without obstruction from the console and from the same position while retaining the ability to control the watercraft. The seating arrangement has a generally upright pedestal fixed to the watercraft's deck and a platform pivotally mounted atop the pedestal. A seat is fixed to the platform for supporting the operator in an upright seated position, the seat and platform being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of said pedestal to make available to the operator a 360 degree viewing area while operating the watercraft from the seated position. A locking system on the platform engages the pedestal for controlling rotation of the seat.

Abstract: A telescopic roadblock comprises a base and a cone on the base. The cone is of telescopic structure defined by a plurality of inter-linked concentric hard conical sleeves having the same height and decreasing diameters with two adjacent hard conical sleeves being connected together by a soft material, whereby the cone can be easily compressed up to the same height as a hard conical sleeve. The hard conical sleeve with the smallest diameter is set on the topmost end. The outer surface of the cone is coated with reflectorizing material. The roadblock is small, convenient, eye-catching and easy to carry.

Abstract: An ion implantation process system, including an ion implanter apparatus for carrying out an ion implantation process. A supply of source gas for the ion implantation process is arranged to flow to the ion implanter apparatus, which discharges an effluent gas stream including ionization products of the source gas during the ion implantation process. The system includes an effluent abatement apparatus for removing hazardous effluent species from the effluent gas stream. The source gas may be furnished from a low pressure gas source in which the source gas is sorptively retained in a vessel on a sorbent medium having affinity for the source gas, and desorbed for dispensing to the process system. A novel scrubbing composition may be employed for effluent treatment, and the scrubbing composition breakthrough of scrubbable component may be monitored with a device such as a quartz microbalance monitor.

Abstract: A cluster tool for providing plasma treatment to a substrate includes a plurality of chambers to provide plasma treatment to the substrate. At least one of the chambers performs ion implantation to the substrate. A dielectric window is provided on a surface of the chamber which performs ion implantation to the substrate. A plasma source is provided external to the chamber which performs ion implantation to the substrate. The plasma source is at a distance proximate enough to provide a plasma within the chamber.

Abstract: A bed for receiving domestic animals comprises four legs and elongate rod members which are disposed in interconnecting relation with one elongate rod member between each adjacent pair of legs. A first web of flexible material is securely attached at each of its opposed ends to the frame so as to span thereacross and present an animal receiving surface. A second web of flexible material is securely attached at each of its opposed ends to the frame so as to span thereacross, and is oriented substantially transversely to the first web of flexible material in supporting relation to the first piece of flexible material. Alternatively, a single web of flexible material presenting an animal receiving surface is securely attached at each of its opposed ends to elongate rod members disposed along the first and second ends of the frame so as to span thereacross. The single web of flexible material passes under reinforcing rods so as to span therebetween.

Abstract: A feeder container for live insects which is made from transparent material, and the feeder container has mounting elements for mounting the feeder container on an enclosure for a pet. In addition, the feeder container has a self closing opening for capturing insects from the feeder container.

Abstract: An integral one piece injection molded drawer for carrying live poultry on a road vehicle, having side walls and end walls, formed integrally together and meeting at radiused corners, and a floor formed integrally with the side walls and end walls, and intersecting ribs extending downwardly from the floor and extending from end to end and side to side of the drawer and defining generally rectangular spaces there between, and a plurality of intersecting bars located within the rectangular spaces, defining together an integral generally honeycomb floor structure the floor being shaped with a generally shallow upwardly convex profile, extending upwardly between the side and end walls.

Abstract: A animal shelter for providing an animal protection from the elements while using the advantages of soil temperature as the seasons change. The animal shelter includes a bottom wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The bottom wall and the side walls each has a front edge, and the side and back walls each has a top edge. The bottom wall has a depression therein. The depression is generally positioned in a central area of the bottom wall. A cover portion may be abutted against the top edges of the back and side walls such that the cover portion is spaced from the bottom wall.

Abstract: A combination cat carrier and cat organizer device for supporting a litter box above a ground surface, for organizing a plurality of cat-related paraphernalia, and for transporting a cat has a cat carrier and at least one drawer matchbox unit. The cat carrier has a carrier top and a carrier bottom connected by a carrier sidewall. The carrier sidewall has a carrier opening through which a cat can enter and exit the cat carrier, except as restricted by a gate hingably attached to the cat carrier. The at least one drawer matchbox unit has a drawer and a drawer sleeve. The plurality of cat-related paraphernalia is placed into the at least one drawer and the drawer is inserted into the at least one drawer sleeve, thereby creating at least one drawer matchbox unit, which can be inserted into the carrier opening for storage.

Abstract: A water heater having a water-tight tank and a sealed combustion chamber in which the fuel burner is mounted. A flame arrestor is mounted in the bottom wall of the combustion chamber. The arrestor functions to allow combustion air to flow from the atmosphere into the water heater combustion chamber and further functions to prevent flashback through the arrestor caused by the addition of a flammable material which may have been spilled in the area in which the heater is installed. This function of the arrestor is due to the provision of a pressure drop between the inlet and outlet faces of the arrestor sufficient to prevent a flashback of burning gasoline or other flammable material. The arrestor is of sufficient mass so as to function as a heat sink to thereby prevent the heat in the combustion chamber from passing through the arrestor by conduction to a degree sufficient to cause ignition of a flammable material located exteriorly of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulically-assisted engine valve actuator and method for assisting in the actuation of an engine valve includes a translatable pilot valve that is operably coupled to and controlled by a pilot valve positioning system. A servo piston is in fluid communication with the pilot valve and is operably coupled to the engine valve. The pilot valve positioning system controls translation of the pilot valve to meter hydraulic fluid under pressure to and from the servo piston. The hydraulic fluid under pressure causes the servo piston to closely follow the translation of the pilot valve to effect a desired profile of translational opening and closing motion of the engine valve.

Abstract: An electronic arrangement for controlling gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine with variable valve control is presented. The valve control makes possible to completely hold closed at least the inlet valves and the electronic arrangement is equipped with means for detecting the air quantity, which is inducted by the engine, and with means for detecting the valve stroke. The electronic control arrangement changes the opening function in overrun operation starting from the fully closed inlet valves so that an opening of the inlet valves takes place and the arrangement detects the index of the valve opening at which a reaction of the air quantity detection takes place and uses this index as a reference point for determining the actual opening cross section.

Abstract: A valve timing control device incorporates a rotary member which rotates with one of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and a camshaft thereof, a rotational transmitting member which rotates with the other of the camshaft and the crankshaft; a vane provided on the rotary member; a pressure chamber formed between the rotary member and the rotational transmitting member, and divided into an advancing chamber and a delaying chamber by the vane; an oil retainer disposed between one axial end of the rotational transmitting member and one axial end of the rotary member; and a pressurized portion disposed between the other axial end of the rotational transmitting member and the other axial end of the rotary member.

Abstract: In a vane type variable valve timing control apparatus, a neutral control value for retaining a rotation phase of a cam shaft is set in accordance with a target rotation phase, and the supply and discharge of oil to respective hydraulic chambers is performed at a balance corresponding to a change in an urging force of a resilient body for urging the vane.

Abstract: An intermittent oil supply system is provided that discharges intermittently some of the oil supplied to the cam bearing 53 from the oil supply path 71 formed on the axial center of the camshaft 4 and via the journal path 73 toward the side of the cam 68 and the tappet 48 in line with the rotation of the camshaft 4. The intermittent oil supply system is structured so that an oil groove 77 along the axial direction of the camshaft 4 is formed, for example, on the bearing surface 59a of said cam bearing 53, and at least one end of this oil groove 77 opens on the end face 59b of the cam bearing 53 (bearing housing 59).

Abstract: To operate a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine, a valve operating mechanism comprises a valve spring retainer which has a taper bore, a pair of cotters which is inserted in the bore to support the poppet valve, and a valve spring between the valve spring retainer and a cylinder head. There is provided means for preventing the cotters from falling out the bore.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting exhaust-gas-impairing and catalyst-damaging misfires in an internal-combustion engine, having a lambda probe arranged behind a catalyst, combustion misfires in at least one cylinder of the internal-combustion engine are detected by analysis of rotational engine speeds (or by another technique for detection of the erratic running of the engine). To improve the diagnosis of exhaust-gas-impairing of catalyst-damaging misfires a two stage method is provided to determine the lambda probe voltage, to assign it to the detected combustion misfires and to determine the respective type of misfire as a function of the probe voltage.

Abstract: In an in-cylinder fuel injection two cycle engine, a combustion chamber dome and a piston cavity are provided in an offset position from a cylinder bore center axis to an exhaust port side, respectively. A spark plug is mounted in a cylinder head such that its electrode is positioned in vicinity of the cylinder bore center axis in the dome. Further, a fuel injector is mounted in the cylinder head such that its injection nozzle is positioned around an outer periphery edge of the dome on the exhaust port side and fuel is injected from the injection nozzle toward the piston cavity. The piston cavity is shaped into a concavely spherical surface so as to direct injected fuel toward the electrode of the spark plug, thereby locally rich, combustible mixture being formed around the spark plug.

Abstract: A crankcase inducted self-supercharging four-cycle internal combustion engine that uses cylinder pairs as an induction pump. The cylinder pairs are arranged in a 360-degree crank throw so that both pistons rise and fall together. The cylinders are synchronized so that when one cylinder is on the intake stroke, the other is on the power stroke. A two-cycle reed valve is installed on a crankcase inlet port to draw air into the crankcase on the upstroke of the pistons. Since both pistons rise and fall together, each upstroke draws a volume of air equal to the volume of two pistons into the crankcase. When both pistons are on the down stroke, this air is compressed and, then moved into a manifold connecting the crankcase to the inlet valves of the cylinders. Thus, it is possible to double the air available for each cylinder without using storage tanks or other devices.

Abstract: A blow-by gas passage abnormality detecting system for an internal combustion engine detects, only under the condition that the running state of the engine is idle, a leakage of a blow-by gas coming from a blow-by gas passage for returning the blow-by gas produced in the engine to an intake passage, on the basis of a parameter varying with a change in the air flow to be sucked into the engine. The abnormality such as leakage or clogging in the blow-by gas passage is detected if the ISC opening of an idle speed control valve measured as a load amount at an idle time of the engine is smaller than a predetermined value. Alternatively, the abnormality may be detected by detecting the blow-by gas pressure in the blow-by gas passage downstream of a PCV valve by a gas pressure sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a valve flap, especially in the air intake duct of an internal combustion engine, including a vacuum box (20) which executes a longitudinal movement in dependence on the application of a negative pressure or vacuum, and the longitudinal movement of the vacuum box is transmitted via a coupling rod (16) to a traverse rod (15), which in turn is connected to an actuating lever (13) for the valve flap (11). The coupling rod (16) and traverse rod (15) system allows the vacuum box to be arranged in any position relative to the valve flap (11). The apparatus can be simplified further by combining the diaphragm disk (27) with the coupling rod (16) to form a single, integral part. In this case, a force is exerted eccentrically on the vacuum box. The eccentrically exerted force can be compensated by the diaphragm having a shape other than a round contour.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an intake passage that is closed at the time of engine starting operation wherein a holding time for completely closing a throttle valve is made as long as possible within such a range that the engine does not fail to be started. The throttle valve is held at its full-closure position when an ignition switch is turned on. Then, at the time of engine starting operation, an amount of air consumed by the engine is calculated based on a cumulative rotational speed of the engine, a cylinder volume of the engine, and a parameter of volumetric efficiency corresponding to an engine rotational speed, and, if so, the throttle valve is opened to a predetermined opening degree.

Abstract: A quick attach-detach carburetor linkage (10) is provided to allow connection between an automobile throttle linkage (16) and a carburetor (14). The linkage (10) includes an elongated rod (18) with attachment assemblies (20, 22) at the forward and rearward ends thereof. The assembly (20) includes a shaft (28) having a reduced diameter extension (36) with a socket (38) formed therein, together with a throttle connector (12) including a ball screw (60) which is received within the socket (38). A tubular keeper (42) is supported on the extension (36) and has a generally U-shaped slot (46) formed therein and presenting differently sized ends (48, 50). A spring (54) engages the keeper (42). When the keeper is in its locking position, the smaller slot end (50) is disposed adjacent socket (30) and prevents separation of the ball screw (68) and socket (38).

Abstract: A fuel delivery module integrates a fuel rail, with its associated connections, features and components, with the injectors for one bank of a direct injection engine. When the module is secured to the engine, loading springs between the inlet ends of the injectors and abutments in the mounting recesses accommodate variations in manufacturing and assembly tolerances to provide adequate but not excessive loading of the injectors against associated seats of the engine. Manufacturing and assembly costs are reduced by the use a module with injectors pre-installed. Also, the module may be pretested in a suitable test fixture prior to installation to assure proper flow and spray development from each of the injectors. The module may integrate other components also, such as intake air passages, EGR passages and coolant passages and their associated components. Various examples of injector loading springs are described.

Abstract: A fuel piping structure for a diesel engine, which is capable of cooling fuel which is flowing through a fuel circuit, especially, through a fuel return circuit, and capable of making the fuel circuit compact in size, is provided. For this purpose, in the fuel piping structure for the diesel engine in which the fuel circuit is provided between a fuel tank (5) and fuel injection nozzles (2) each for each cylinder head (1), a part of the fuel circuit is formed inside an intake manifold (3). Further, the part of the fuel circuit may be a part of a fuel return circuit running from the fuel injection nozzles (2) to the fuel tank (5), and/or a part of a fuel supply circuit running, from the fuel tank (5) to the fuel injection nozzles (2).

Abstract: A spacing block (12) having the grooved aperture(s) (10) that manipulate the incoming air charge of internal combustion engines for which it is retrofitted. The grooved aperture (10) consists of an opening of a minor diameter with a helical shape having a 45 degree slope and a flat bottom major diameter spaced at approximately 0.25″ itch diameter. This creates a 45 degree screw pitch through the thickness of spacing block (12). At the top and bottom of grooved aperture (10) consists of two chambers of 45 degrees starting at the major diameter and ending at the minor diameter of the helical shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine that prevents erroneous learning while properly setting a learning frequency to thereby execute highly accurate air-fuel ratio control. Fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank is temporarily adsorbed in a canister via a tank inner pressure-regulating valve, and the adsorbed vapor is discharged to an engine intake system via a purge solenoid valve. A sensor for detecting tank inner pressure is arranged in the fuel tank, and an ECU calculates a feedback correction amount based on an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas and executes air-fuel ratio feedback control by using the feedback correction amount. The ECU prohibits the air-fuel ratio learning value from being updated when the tank inner pressure exceeds a predetermined criterion value based on the tank inner pressure detected by the tank inner pressure sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel two-stage heat recovery submerged combustion heating system. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel submerged combustion heating system with a lowered self-cooling combustion chamber and a two stage heat recovery system. The system can be installed singly or in combination with other similar submerged combustion systems to heat large quantities of liquids and liquid-solid solutions.

Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for dispensing a product that includes a housing and an end cap axially slidable relative to the housing. The housing has a portion adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container and connected to a mouthpiece, and duct means communicating with the container-receiving portion for conveyance of product toward the mouthpiece. The end cap has a socket for engaging the pressurized dispensing container. The end cap has a collar with an inwardly directed rim. The housing includes an outwardly directed flange which fits within the rim. The end cap is movable between a first position in which the rim and flange have an axial overlap and there is no or a minimal flow of air through the housing, and a second position in which there is a maximum flow of air, the air flow being created by a user applying suction to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve case secured to a container that stores a pressurized fluid, and a valve pin moveable relative to the valve case and defining a fluid path in cooperation with the valve case. A seal separates the fluid path into an upstream portion communicating with inside of the container and a downstream portion communicating with outside of the container. The valve pin has a main passage always communicating with outside of the container, and a bypass passage. A valve pin adjuster, responsive to change in pressure acting on the valve pin within the container, shifts the valve pin between a first position where fluid communication between the main passage and the upstream portion of the fluid path is blocked to prevent the pressurized fluid from being discharged from the container, and a second position where fluid communication between the upstream and downstream portions of the fluid path is established through the bypass passage to allow the flow of the pressurized fluid from the container.

Abstract: A filter mask is provided for use in environments of smoke and toxic gas which includes a filter element having a filling of shiftable bodies coated with a flowable, aloe vera extract having a gel-like viscosity and a retainer for holding the filter element over the mouth and nose of the wearer. The coating has a pH level which is alkaline which aids in the reduction of toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein inhaled by the wearer. The filter element is preferably replacably mounted to the retainer, and may be provided as a bag-like flexible fabric container adapted to shift so as to conform to the face of the wearer. The filter element itself is adaptable to a variety of different uses for removing smoke particulates and toxic gases from air flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A protective breathing mask has a connector housing unit having a connector housing for accommodating breathing mask components. The connector housing unit has a flange-like collar extending from the connector housing. The flange-like collar has a connecting rim. A mask body made of an elastomer has a profile-reinforced portion defining a cutout for the connector housing unit and the profile-reinforced portion is shaped to match the peripheral rim. A clamping ring is provided for fixedly securing the profile-reinforced portion at the connecting rim. The clamping ring has a slot for holding the profile-reinforced portion. The clamping ring is shaped to match the connecting rim of the flange-like collar and has a connecting surface for connecting the clamping ring to the collar at the connecting rim.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses an over center latch pivotly attached to a yoke to control the tension in a pair of upper tension cords. In the latched position the upper tension cords traverse the yoke and together with a pair of lower tension cords support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension cords loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper and lower tension cords are attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer and a base portion fitting to the back of the head of the wearer. The headpiece is advantageously comprised of multiple layers wherein the outer layer is comprised of a rigid material and the inner layer is comprised of a compliant material.

Abstract: An airway device for sealing against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member has a distal portion with a pair of opposing lateral flanges for engaging the cricoid cartilage to laterally align the sealing member with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The sealing member has a compressible anterior surface that contacts and seals against the laryngeal inlet. A tubular extension of the distal end of the air tube projects through and beyond the compressible anterior surface. The sealing member has a pronounced sigmoid shape having a lower section which, together with the tubular extension, creates a hook that provides an end point for accurate cephalad-caudad depth placement of the sealing member against the rim of the laryngeal inlet.

Abstract: A chair device for facilitating sexual intimacy between a person and his or her sexual partner has a base attached to a back support frame and four legs. The chair device closely resembles and functions as an ordinary chair when resting in an upright position on its legs. When the chair device is turned over to an inverted position, the chair device is supported by the back support frame and an arm supporting means. In this inverted position, the base provides a padded reclining surface for supporting a person in a position that facilitates sexual intimacy with a sexual partner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery device for controllably delivering a prosthetic bulking device below a tissue surface such as below the mucosa to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The delivery device may be embodied in a deployment catheter, an endoscope, or an endoscope attachment. The bulking device cooperates with residual lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function to increase LES closing pressure. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Several kinds of metal members 6, 7 different in ionization trend are arranged to constitute an article worn on the body 1, and implementation of the different kind metal treatment can be made highly effectively and without a sense of incongruity even in the working place where one wears a suit, working clothes or the like and has to move the body. Preferably, the several kinds of metal members different in ionization trend are arranged in order of the magnitude of the ionization trend.

Abstract: A blood circulation stimulator is constructed to include a bottom cover shell, a top cover shell covered on the bottom cover shell and holding a battery set, a contact circuit board mounted inside the bottom cover shell to hold a plurality of spring-supported magnetic rod members and a plurality of electric current discharge rod members, and an electric current generator mounted in the top cover shell and controlled to output a low voltage electric current to the contact circuit board and then the electric current discharge rod members for stimulating the blood circulation of a person, the spring-supported magnetic rod members and the electric current discharge rod members each having a bottom end extending out of the bottom cover shell through a respective through hole on the bottom cover shell.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a customer to sample and select a customized cosmetic product, including a matrix representing different components and/or types of color, texture and applicators to allow the customer to sample at the point of sale a myriad of customized cosmetic products. Also provided is a system by which a customer can generate customized products by using one of a plurality of pure pigment color sticks together with one of a plurality of texturizers for producing a desired texturized product which can be applied with one of a plurality of applicators to achieve a desired customized color cosmetic product having a distinctive look.