Abstract: The invention relates to internal combustion engine, with an engine block with at least one cylinder, with a cylinder head which is fastened to the cylinder, with cooling ribs which are disposed on the outside of the cylinder and the cylinder head in order to discharge the heat produced during the operation of the internal combustion engine, and with an oil pump for conveying the engine oil through oil lines to the parts to be lubricated of the internal combustion engine and to an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil. An effective and even cooling of the internal combustion engine is ensured in such a way that the oil cooler is integrated in the cooling ribs of the internal combustion engine and two mutually separated oil conduit systems are provided in the cylinder head, namely a lubricating oil system and a cooling oil system.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus and method control driving of an engine valve of an internal combustion engine based on electromagnetic force generated by a certain electromagnet. A controller of the apparatus sets a target drive velocity in accordance with a displacement of the engine valve, such that the target drive velocity corresponds to a velocity of the engine valve when there is no engine load. The controller then controls a magnitude of the electromagnetic force by controlling current applied to the electromagnet, depending upon a degree of separation between an actual drive velocity of the engine valve and the target drive velocity, so that the actual drive velocity is made substantially equal to the target drive velocity.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an outboard motor that comprises at least one combustion chamber formed by at least a engine body, a cylinder head assembly and a piston that moves relative to the engine body and the cylinder head assembly. A crankshaft extends in a generally vertical direction and is coupled to the piston such that movement of the piston causes the crankshaft to rotate. A port is in communication with the combustion chamber. A valve is moveable between open and closed positions of the port. A camshaft is journaled for rotation and extends generally parallel to the crankshaft. The camshaft includes at least one cam configured to open and close the valve. A rotor is attached an upper end of the camshaft and is positioned for at least partial rotation within a housing. The rotor defines at least a first space and a second space within said housing. A driven member is coupled to the housing. A drive member is coupled to an upper end of the output shaft.

Abstract: During a course of stopping an engine, the oil pressure in a timing advance-side hydraulic chamber and the oil pressure in a timing retard-side hydraulic chamber of a variable valve timing mechanism are adjusted so that the relative rotation phase of an intake camshaft changes to the timing advanced side of a phase (predetermined advanced state) corresponding to the engine start-up timing. After the relative rotation phase has changed to the advanced side of the predetermined advanced state, the duty ratio D, that is, a control quantity used to adjust the oil pressure, is fixed to a value that holds the relative rotation phase.

Abstract: The control device for a starter of an internal combustion engine includes an engaging and holding coil for a starter pinion; a main connecting bridge for the starter, terminals for a starter motor winding of the starter, a ground terminal connected to ground, an operating voltage terminal, a main switching device for starter motor operation, a switching transistor (T1), especially a MOSFET, having a collector-emitter path between the engaging and holding coil and the ground terminal and an electronic starter controller for controlling the switching transistor.

Abstract: The invention is a valve deactivator assembly (15) for use in connection with a valve train of an internal combustion engine. In application, a pre-selected number of the engine cylinders would each be equipped with a deactivator connected to its intake engine valve. Upon driver selection or predetermined road conditions, sufficient lost motion would be introduced into the valve train so that the valve would remain closed and the cylinder deactivated as the engine is in operation. The deactivator has in its inner body (19) a latch assembly that is in a latched condition for normal operation of the valve train. When it is desired to retain the valve in the closed position and deactivate a cylinder, the latch assembly is caused to be moved to the unlatched condition by increase in the pressure of the engine oil. When the latch assembly is unlatched, significant lost motion is introduced into the valve train causing the valve to remain closed and the cylinder is deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a rotary combustion motor and method of operation. The rotary combustion engine has a large rotor and two smaller rotors that intersect therewith to form combustion chambers between the large rotor and the two smaller rotors. Gears control the timing between each of the rotors and give one rotation output. Blocks may be stacked and connected together to give additional output, each block containing a large rotor and two smaller rotors. The small rotors are crescent shaped, stacked, and connected together on each side of the large rotors.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection-type spark-ignition internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine comprises a fuel injector for injecting fuel as a spray in nearly the shape of a fan having a relative small thickness, a spark plug and a cavity formed on the top surface of a piston. The cavity has a long and narrow groove-like shape. The spray is injected by the fuel injector such that the spray is almost parallel with the center axis of the piston, and impinges in the cavity. The spark plug is arranged in the upper portion of the cylinder to face the cavity.

Abstract: An engine brake application system for an internal combustion engine. The engine has at least one cylinder, at least one exhaust valve associated with the cylinder, and a rocker arm for activating the exhaust valve. The rocker arm is arranged on a hollow rocker means responsive to an increase in oil pressured in the hollow rocker arm shaft and incorporated into the rocker arm for taking up clearance between the rocker arm and the exhaust valve. To effect a reduction of engine speed during a gear shift, the system includes means responsive to a signal generated in response to a need to effect a gear shift for rapidly increasing the oil pressure in the hollow rocker arm shaft to thereby effect valve clearance take-up.

Abstract: A pressure limiter is connected fluid-tight between a common rail having an accumulator for storing high-pressure fuel delivered from a high-pressure fuel feed pump and a relief line. In a valve body of this pressure limiter, a damper chamber is provided on the downstream side of the sliding bore, for housing a large diameter portion of the piston and holding fuel, to thereby control the downward speed of the ball valve and the piston when the ball valve and the piston are shifted to the valve closing side by the force of the spring. Thus it becomes possible to prolong the downward-moving time of the ball valve and the piston.

Abstract: To perform with high accuracy the analog-to-digital conversion of signals of an air flow meter irrespective of fluctuation of a reference voltage of an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. A thermal type air flow meter including means for measuring an intake air flow rate by heating and controlling a heating resistor and means for performing analog-to-digital conversion of an air flow rate signal of the air flow rate measurement means, which inputs a reference voltage to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit so that the reference voltage can be converted from the analog signal to the digital signal by the analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and the air flow rate signal can be corrected in accordance with the value of the reference voltage. A/D conversion of the air flow rate signal can be executed accurately even when the voltage of the reference voltage source of the A/D converter in an electrical control unit is fluctuating.

Abstract: A method and device for driving an injector in an internal combustion engine in which a current wave which is variable over time, which comprises an initial section substantially of a pulse type and having a relatively high current intensity, an intermediate section during which the current intensity is rapidly reduced to substantially zero values and a final section having a substantially constant and relatively low current intensity, is caused to circulate through a control circuit of the injector.

Abstract: The flow meter is a device having a laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) which measures the instantaneous center line velocity of fluid flow in a pipe and processes the instantaneous velocity so obtained to compute the volumetric flow rate, mass rate, and other flow characteristics as instantaneous quantities and/or integrated over a time interval using an electronic processing method which provides an exact solution to the Navier-Stokes equations for any periodically oscillating flow. The flow meter is particularly adapted for measuring the flow characteristics of high pressure automotive fuel injection systems. Three embodiments of the flow meter are described, including a stationary stand for off-line bench testing flow rate in a fuel injection system, a portable flow meter for inline testing in a vehicle's fuel line, and an on-board flow meter sensor connected to an engine control module.

Abstract: A fuel supply unit includes a pump module in a fuel tank. The pump module has a cover member, a fuel pump, a fuel filter, and a suction filter. The fuel pump, the fuel filter and the suction filter are mounted on a lower portion of the cover member. Moreover, the fuel supply unit includes a chamber movably mounted to the pump module and disposed in a position to receive the suction filter for forming a fuel reservoir around the suction filter. The chamber has a suction pump for sucking fuel in the fuel tank to the fuel reservoir using fuel returned into the fuel tank. Furthermore, the fuel supply unit includes a spring between the pump module and the chamber. The spring biases the chamber toward a lower surface member of the fuel tank so as to maintain the chamber at the lower surface member of the fuel tank.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine adapted to use an environmentally clean multi-fuel composition, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C1-C12 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, ethyl malate, butyl malate, and the like, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel.

Abstract: A gas flow regulation module is provided comprising, a body, including a longitudinal axis, and including a first port and second port, a first fluid passage extending from the first port, and a second fluid passage extending from the second port; and a regulator, mounted to the body and disposed in communication with the first and second fluid passages, including a moveable pressure boundary member characterized by a transverse axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, and particularly a supercharged one that employs both an in-cylinder injector and a manifold injector. By using two fuel injectors, one in-cylinder and one in the intake manifold, it is possible to operate under light loads with stratified charge and obtain a good homogenous mixture for combustion in other engine speed and load ranges.

Abstract: An oil separating chamber for separating oil contained in blow-by gas is arranged outside a transmission member passage connecting a crank shaft with a cam shaft of a valve system and at an abutting surface between a cylinder block and a cylinder head. Partition walls perpendicular to the abutting surface for dividing the oil separating chamber into a plurality of small subchambers are alternatively arranged at the cylinder block and the cylinder head to form a labyrinth structure. The small subchamber at one end of the plurality of small subchambers is provided with a blow-by gas intake passage communicated with the transmission member passage. The small subchamber at the other end is provided with a blow-by gas exhaust passage for returning blow-by gas to an air cleaner. Each of the small subchambers not provided with the blow-by gas intake passage is provided with an oil return passage communicating with the transmission member passage.

Abstract: A drive cone for use on a paintball loader loading paintballs into a conventional paintball gun. The drive cone is located at a bottom portion of the container and is rotated by a motor. The drive cone includes at least one fin which forms a gap for which a plurality of paintballs may fit. The drive cone feeds the paintballs into an exit tube located at the bottom of the container which feeds into the paintball gun.

Abstract: A stabilizer unit, or vibration dampening device, for hand-held implements, generally, and for archery bows, in particular. A closed container incorporated within or attached to the hand-held device is partially filled with a gelatinous mass which mass is attached to the interior of the closed container. A solid weight is suspended in the gelatinous mass.

Abstract: Cutting tools and machining tools are provided having PCBN tips and/or coatings bonded to their cutting or machining surfaces for cutting or machining cement and/or mineral based hard building materials such as Hardiplank®.

Abstract: A blower for a furnace is provided where the blower has an impeller that is configured to create a primary air flow of combustion air into the blower housing and a secondary air flow of cooling air through the blower motor. The primary air flow of combustion air into the furnace generates hot exhaust gases for a heat exchanger in the furnace. The secondary air flow cools the blower motor. The secondary air flow is mixed with the hot exhaust gases in the blower housing and cools the exhaust gases before being discharged from the blower housing. A control operates the blower for a time period after each combustion cycle to introduce ambient air into the exhaust flue and chimney to ensure the evaporation of any condensate forming from the products of combustion contained in the exhaust. The blower may be a variable or multi-speed motor so that a different motor speed may be used for combustion than for the run time after combustion.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for implementing hydro-acoustic therapy for the lungs on a patient and a method for the hydro-acoustic therapy (HAT) for the lungs. The HAT apparatus comprises a chamber filled with a fluid, particularly water. The HAT apparatus also has an acoustic generator for generating low frequency acoustic waves in the fluid. A patient is positioned in the chamber and partially submersed in the fluid for treatment. In another aspect, a method for implementing hydro-acoustic therapy for the lungs includes the step of placing a person in the apparatus described above such that a body of the person is immersed in said fluid. Then, introducing acoustic vibrations into the fluid. The vibrations, if properly tuned, cause the mobilization of respiratory secretions in the person.

Abstract: An arrangement with a control circuit for controlling a numerical value for patient respiration as well as to a process for controlling the numerical value. The numerical value is controlled on the basis of an evaluation of the EEG (electroencephalogram) of the patient (1) by an EEG sensor (2), e.g., by determining the so-called BIS (bispectral index). A control of the inspiratory gaseous anesthetic concentrations is cascaded to the control of the EEG value in the manner of a cascade circuit. This has the advantage that a metering device (6) belonging to the arrangement meters a gaseous anesthetic mixture directly according to the patient's needs. As an alternative, the control of the numerical value is performed on the basis of an evaluation of the expiratory gaseous anesthetic concentrations resolved for individual breaths at the Y-piece (19) of the respiration circuit (12) by a gaseous anesthetic sensor (8a), preferably an infrared optical gas sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for supplying low pressure oxygen-enriched gas to a patient and at a moderate pressure to a radial compressor, whereupon it is compressed and fed to a high pressure storage tank. The oxygen-enriched gas is prioritized so that it is continuously supplied via a patient flow line to the patient.

Abstract: A ventilation device comprises a ventilation tube having an inflatable occlusion cuff near its distal end. A deployable isolation barrier, such as secondary isolation cuff, is spaced proximally from the inflatable occlusion cuff on the ventilation tube. Deployment of the isolation barrier while the ventilation tube is in use creates an isolated region within a patient's trachea for capturing accumulated secretions and facilitating removal of such secretions. Usually, the isolated region will be irrigated to disperse the secretions and aspirated to remove the irrigant and dispersed secretions.

Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus (10) for assisting with ventilating a patient breathing in successive cycles, each of which comprises a phase of inhalation and a phase of exhalation, of the type comprising:

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of using same that includes a pressure generator adapted to provide a gas flow, a conduit coupled to the pressure generator to deliver a gas flow to a patient, an interface device coupled to the conduit to communicate the gas flow to an airway of the patient. An exhaust vent that provides a flow of exhaust gas to atmosphere is provided in the conduit or the interface device. A flow sensor detects a rate at which gas flows in the conduit and provides a first output indicative thereof, and a pressure sensor detects a pressure of gas at the patient and provides a second output indicative thereof. A control system receives the first and second outputs and determines whether a current flow of exhaust gas passing through the exhaust vent is below an alarm threshold based on the first and second outputs and provides a third output indicative of this determination.

Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for transient co-administration of rapamycin together with a gene therapy vector encoding a transgene. The present invention is directed to inhibiting the immune response of a host to the administered gene therapy vector and encoded transgene product, thus allowing persistent transgene expression and repeated administration of the gene therapy product to the host. The present invention is also of relevance in genetic disease patients that mount immune responses to protein replacement therapies in which case the present invention provides for transient co-administration of rapamycin together with protein replacement therapy. In a further aspect of the invention, co-administration of rapamycin could inhibit a secondary immune response in a host that has been pre-immunized with the gene therapy vector or pre-immunized with the protein product encoded by the transgene.

Abstract: The conveyor which converts an ascending shower of tobacco particles into a rod-shaped filler ready to be draped into a running web of cigarette paper in a cigarette rod making machine employs an endless permeable belt having a lower reach disposed beneath a suction chamber and at a level above a channel for advancement of the filler toward the wrapping mechanism. The channel and the marginal portions of the lower reach of the belt are flanked by walls which consist, at least in part, of a wear-resistant ceramic material capable of standing long periods of use due to a minimal wear as a result of sliding contact with tobacco particles, even if the belt is driven at an elevated speed to advance tobacco particles past a trimming device and thereupon into the wrapping mechanism of the cigarette rod making machine.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tobacco bale splitting apparatus for splitting a bale of compressed tobacco having a plurality of generally parallel tobacco leaves having stems. The present application also relates to a method of splitting a tobacco bale.

Abstract: A portable finger locating and supporting device for use during manicuring comprises an elongate body shaped and dimensioned to be held comfortably between the fingers and palm of one hand. The ends of the fingers pass around a corner portion of the body which extends along the length thereof. The body has a series of spaced recesses (2, 3, 4, 5) extending around the corner portion for receiving respective fingers of the hand to locate and support the fingers separated from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic brush assembly capable of having a cosmetic powder retaining tank on the other end thereof and injecting a cosmetic powder from the cosmetic powder retaining tank to a brush by the air pumping operation of an air pumping part, thereby increasing an injection force of the cosmetic powder and adjusting an amount of cosmetic powder injected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of shaving hair by spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to form a dispersed layer of the shaving preparation without the need for hand spreading and shaving the area with a razor. Also disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to be shaved. The shaving preparation may be an aerosol or a non-aerosol shaving preparation.

Abstract: A method of placing photographs, pictures, or lithographs on fingernails. The nail is measured, the picture is scanned into a computer, resized to fit the selected nail size and the image is printed. A substrate is applied to the film side of the printed paper sealing the ink and providing a colored backing. Then, a second coating is added which shields the image from damage during processing. The film is separated from the paper backing. A sealant is applied to the film on the opposite side of the image, followed by a covering that guards against wear when the picture is placed on the user's nail. The image is then punched out and an adhesive is applied to the original (printed) side. Finally, the product's adhesive side is applied to the fingernail, followed by at least one coat of clear nail polish that further secures the image to the nail.

Abstract: Method for producing a hair strip wherein hairs lying adjacent to one another are joined together striplike by fusing on and cooling of a strip of synthetic material. For secure cementing of the hairs these are joined together at a predetermined distance from one of their two ends by pouring on of a strip of synthetic material, following which the protruding ends are cut off after solidification of the synthetic material. For improving the hold of the hairs, they may be joined in the region of the strip of synthetic material either before or after this has been poured on by additionally stitching with a thread preferably consisting of the same material.

Abstract: An application member may comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a base portion extending between the first and second portions. The application member may also comprise at least one support element located at least partially between the first and second portions. The at least one support element may comprise a plurality of application elements for applying the product, a first part proximal to the base portion, and a second part distal from the base portion. The application member may also comprise a gap located between the base portion and the second part of the support element, wherein the gap extends along at least a part of a length of the support element.

Abstract: The present application relates to a device for applying a product to keratinous fibers. The device may include a plurality of applicator elements oriented substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the device and comprising a first applicator element and a second applicator element consecutive with the first applicator element. A first portion of a peripheral edge of the first applicator element may be at a first longitudinal distance from a corresponding first portion of the second applicator element. A second portion of the peripheral edge of the first applicator element may be at a second longitudinal distance from a corresponding second portion of the second applicator element. The second longitudinal distance may be less than the first longitudinal distance so as to define at least one narrowed section configured to engage at least one keratinous fiber between the first and second applicator elements.

Abstract: A container for liquids of the present invention, including a container body in which at least a part of an inner surface thereof, which defines an inner space storing therein a liquid using coloring matter, such as a pigment and a dye and/or containing a particulate or fibrous or similar additive element, is formed of a curved surface having an arcuate cross-sectional shape and a transparency; and a wiper unit inserted and housed in a liquid storage portion of the container body so that the wiper unit can be turned, and having at least one wiper element which extends along the inner surface of the container body, and which can be turned in a circumferential direction along the curved inner surface, the wiper element being formed of a comparatively rigid base portion, and a wiper member fixed to the base portion, adapted to elastically contact the inner surface of the container body during a turning movement of the wiper and capable of substantially completely wiping off a liquid deposited on the curved inner

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a lipstick compartment having a distal end adapted to removably engage one of a set of interchangeable attachments, such as a receptacle for a second cosmetic and applicator, a cosmetic pencil sharpener, or a receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble forming solution and an appropriate bubble blowing device. An attachment mechanism is provided at the distal end to engage/disengage a given attachment. The attachment mechanism has an outer surface provided with splines or the like for grippingly engaging an inner surface of the distal end of the lipstick compartment to achieve a friction-fit connection that resists undesirable rotational movement within the container.

Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product, the device comprises a reservoir containing said substance and an applicator endpiece for dispensing and applying the substance contained in the reservoir, said endpiece defining an applicator surface that is fed with substance via at least one orifice, wherein said orifice opens out into a cavity or groove at a distance from said applicator surface, said groove or cavity being arranged in such a manner that the applicator surface is fed with substance in privileged manner via a first fraction of said groove or cavity, said groove or cavity having a second fraction communicating with the first and suitable for collecting all or part of the substance present in excess on the applicator surface.

Abstract: A method for performing electrochemical processes using an array of dedicated cells is disclosed. Various construction details and steps of the method are developed which promote, in one embodiment, automating the method of performing the processes and cleaning the articles between electrochemical processes. In one embodiment, the array of dedicated cells includes rinsing cells which have a rinse chamber adapted to receive an article and flow rinse fluid such that the fluid impinges against the article at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A self-contained soap dispensing apparatus having a hollow body with an inner chamber for retainment of liquid soap, an outer surface, and passages or ducts connecting the inner chamber to the outer surface which has bristles thereon. A pump within the inner chamber allows soap to flow from the inner chamber to the outer surface on demand. The soap dispensing apparatus is readily portable and can be used in a wide variety of locations, such as an automobile, an airplane, an RV, and the like.

Abstract: A dry process for the cleaning of precision surfaces such as of semiconductor wafers, by using process materials such as carbon dioxide and useful additives such as cosolvents and surfactants, where the process materials are applied exclusively in gaseous and supercritical states. Soak and agitation steps are applied to the wafer, including a rapid decompression of the process chamber after a soak period at higher supercritical pressure, to mechanically weaken break up the polymers and other materials sought to be removed, combined with a supercritical fluid flush to carry away the loose debris.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of recycling and reusing an aqueous degreasing solution for further use as a component of a coolant solution which is itself recycled and reused in metal cutting machines. Also disclosed is a method of degreasing parts, and a degreasing apparatus which is controlled such that an appropriate amount of the aqueous degreasing solution is introduced into the coolant solution. Finally, disclosed herein is a method and system for preparing a coolant in which an aqueous degreasing solution is further utilized as a feeder solution for a coolant solution, with the resulting solution being able to be separated into its component parts and reused in the cutting and cleaning of metals to form metal parts.

Abstract: The brake and rubber residues of runways, race ways and roadways are removed by rubbing a solvent onto the surface and then flushing the surface with water and vacuuming up the resulting mixture. The rotating rubbing sprayers and solvent spray and the water sprayer and suction head can be provided on one vehicle or on two vehicles as required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher including, a circulating pump for pressing and then supplying wash liquid, an injection arm for permitting the wash liquid pressed and supplied from the circulating pump to be injected by a predetermined passage structure, an underdrain container for collecting the wash liquid injected from the injection arm and supplying the collected wash liquid to the circulating pump, during a washing stage, a soil collecting chamber having a micro filter with a fine mesh for ramifying and finely filtering the wash liquid supplied from the circulating pump and returning the same to the underdrain container, during the washing stage, a drain pump for allowing the wash liquid to be drained through a drain passage which is extended from the underdrain container, and through a connecting passage which is extended from the soil collecting chamber and connected to the drain passage, during a draining stage.

Abstract: A high-efficiency thermoelectric unicouple is used for power generation. The unicouple is formed with a plurality of legs, each leg formed of a plurality of segments. The legs are formed in a way that equalized certain aspects of the different segments. Different materials are also described.