Abstract: An ignition system including an improved power circuit and a timing circuit. The timing circuit includes a microprocessor or microcontroller to provide for engine control. The microcontroller supervises, for example, multispark, revlimit and retard controls. The power circuit includes a variety of overvoltage protection circuitry and employs a reduced size toroid flyback transformer and employs an IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) ignition coil switch.

Abstract: A gas concentration detector includes a detector element measuring a constituent gas concentration in exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine and a heater for activating the detector element. During a cranking period of the engine, the heater is pre-heated by electric current supplied thereto in a controlled manner to increase a heater resistance to a certain level. After the engine cranking is completed, a full voltage is supplied to the heater, and thereafter the heater current is supplied in a controlled manner to keep the detector element activated. Since the heater resistance is increased to a certain level by pre-heating, an amount of heater current is limited to a certain level when the full voltage is supplied, and thereby the detector element is prevented from being damaged by an excessive heat stress.

Abstract: A gas regulator including a microcontroller, preferably but not exclusively for use with paintball guns or other projectile firing devices, is disclosed. The microcontroller provides advanced features including a “shots remaining” feature.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pneumatic paintball gun, comprising means for monitoring and/or controlling one or more parameters of the gun's operation and alphanumeric display means for displaying data related to said monitoring or control on a display panel integral with the gun.

Abstract: In a cooking chamber for a cooking device with at least one opening discharging into at least one pipe to a discharge and/or exhaust, at least one blower for generating excess pressure and/or low pressure in the cooking chamber is arranged in the at least one opening and/or in the at least one pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved barbecue cooking device. The barbecue cooking device has particular application for use with wood or charcoal fuels and enables the cooking platform to be raised and lowered towards the heat source.

Abstract: A high temperature grill structure with all the capabilities of a conventional outdoor cooking grill but which may easily be adapted for outdoor baking of pizza or bread or other such goods, which grill can utilize gas or charcoal or the like for flame generation, wherein the grill comprises a fire box and lid, a conventional flame source within the fire box, a removable oven insert, a removable grill element, a removable conventional briquette or baffle type flame diffuser, and wherein the diffuser and grill element are useable with or interchangeable with the oven insert by way of quick-change structure.

Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A closure (30) closes the external cavity (20). When the heating mechanism is operated to mix the chemicals and cause an exothermic reaction, vapor, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The vapor is constrained to flow to the exterior of the closure (30) through grooves (62) therein. A sleeve (60) is arranged around the container (10) contiguous to the closure (30) such that the exiting vapor is constrained to flow between the sleeve (30) and the can (10). By this means, a user of the can is protected from coming into contact with the hot steam and air and the heat in the vapor generated can enhance the heating process.

Abstract: A patient recovering from major surgery often suffers from cracked lips and parched palate. The patient usually frequently contacts the nursing staff and requests that they provide the patient with cool water and/or cracked ice. The amount of water and/or cracked ice which the patient can have has to be very limited in order to prevent debilitating vomiting by the patient. The patient's discomfort and suffering is greatly reduced by the mouth moisturizer which via an atomizer supplies a controlled amount of water mist to the lips and palate of the patient. Also, the nurses have more time to devote to their other duties.

Abstract: An inhalation device has a container 2 for an aerosol volume inhaled via a channel 15 and a mouthpiece 14, the container being located within a housing 12. The aerosol, in particular vitamin A, is introduced from a cartridge 17 into the interior of the container 2 via a nebulizer 18. The breath flow in the inhalation device is controlled via a control means 5 that keeps the inhalation flow essentially constant during the entire inhalation period.

Abstract: A pump-type dispenser for dispensing predetermined doses of medicament in droplets or in spray form to the nasal area incorporates a rigid vial for medicament, an expandable pouch located within the rigid vial, a nasal screen, a one-way actuation mechanism, a one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area and a spring element, both the valve mechanism and the spring element being formed as integral portions of the pump body. The nasal screen aligns the dispenser nozzle with the nasal passage and also allows the user to discreetly hide the nasal area from public view. The one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area ensures a one-way movement of medicament from the dispenser, thereby preserving substantially perfect sterility of the medicament in the dispenser regardless of the environment surrounding the dispenser, without requiring the use of preservatives.

Abstract: Methods for inhalation are provided. The formulations for inhalation are engineered to be highly dispersible and provide rapid absorption of the active agent so delivered, as well as substantially independent emitted doses and lung deposition as functions of device resistance and inspiratory flow rates, respectively. The present invention also provides reductions in the flow rate dependence in lung deposition and improvements in patient reproducibility.

Abstract: A care system and associated methods are provided for alleviating patient pain, anxiety and discomfort associated with medical or surgical procedures. The care system facilitates a procedural physician's safely and efficaciously providing conscious sedation to a patient by providing a responsiveness monitoring system which monitors the responsiveness of the patient and generates a value representing the level of patient responsiveness. In further aspects of the invention, the responsiveness monitoring system is an automated system which includes patient query and response devices. Additional embodiments of the system and methods are directed to alleviating patient pain or discomfort while enabling safe patient controlled drug delivery in correlation with the monitoring of patient health conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.

Abstract: An evaporator chamber for mixing water vapor with respiratory gas has a supply opening for the respiratory gas, an inlet opening for the water vapor and an outlet opening for the humidified respiratory gas. With the evaporator chamber, an excellent mixing is achieved with the smallest possible structural volume. The evaporator chamber is configured as a hollow body (1) having an essentially circularly-shaped inner wall surface (5). The supply opening (4) on the upper end of the hollow body (1) is arranged in a manner which conducts in the respiratory gas essentially tangentially to the inner wall surface (5). The outlet opening (6) is located at the lower end of the hollow body (1) and the inlet opening (9) lies between the supply opening (4) and the outlet opening (6).

Abstract: A care system and associated methods are provided for alleviating patient pain, anxiety and discomfort associated with medical or surgical procedures. The system comprises: at least one patient health monitor device generating a signal reflecting at least one physiological condition of a patient; a drug delivery controller supplying one or more drugs to the patient; a memory device storing a safety data set reflecting parameters of at least one patient physiological condition; and an electronic controller interconnected between the patient health monitor, the drug delivery controller and the safety data set. A method of electronically tracking recurring revenues generated by the use of the care system where the system is at the location of its user is also provided. Additional embodiments of the system and methods are directed to alleviating patient pain or discomfort while enabling safe patient controlled drug delivery in correlation with the monitoring of patient health conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the delivery of inspired gas, e.g., supplemental O2, to a person combined with gas sampling, including for the purpose of monitoring of the ventilation of the person. In the invention, the delivery of inspired gas and gas sampling are accomplished without the use of a sealed face mask. The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention comprises an oxygen delivery device, nasal airway pressure sampling devices, optionally an oral airway pressure sampling device and at least one pressure analyzer connected to the sampling devices which determine the phase of the person's respiration cycle and the person's primary airway. The oxygen delivery device is connected to a controller such that it delivers a higher flow of oxygen to the person during the inhalation phase of the person's respiratory cycle. The invention thus increases end tidal oxygen concentrations.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief valve has an aperture for the flow through of a fluid, the aperture being disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A movably mounted valve element is disposed for pressure communication with the fluid and is movable to unseal the aperture when an opening force exerted by the communicated fluid pressure on the valve element exceeds a counteracting threshold force. A biasing source provides a bias force for moving the valve element toward sealing the aperture. The valve element is disposed for pressure communication with the fluid such that a closing force less than and counter to the opening force is additionally exerted on the valve element by the communicated fluid pressure. This force in combination with the bias force generates the threshold force.

Abstract: A multilumen unilimb conduit for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The conduit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit has fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device including a first element for applying preferential pressure to the penis shaft between the lateral superficial veins and the central dorsal vascular group, and a second element for applying pressure ventrally to the penis shaft at the urethra and the corpus spongiosum thereby substantially or completely closing the urethra and preventing or limiting the flow of urine through the urethra.

Abstract: A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine, in particular, to ophthalmology. The technical result of the invention is reduction of the loss of endothelium in the post-operation period, and during post-operation keratopathy and the initial stage of secondary endothelium-epithelium dystrophy—reduction of the edema and normalization of the thickness of the cornea.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: A shower of tobacco particles is fed into the upper end of a downwardly sloping and downwardly tapering funnel-shaped part of a conveyor wherein the particles gather into a flow of interlaced particles. Successive increments of the flow are acted upon by one or more jets of air issuing from at least one nozzle which loosens successive foremost increments of the flow prior to admission into a tobacco filler rod forming unit in a cigarette rod making machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring harvested tobacco leaves from an amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves to a bulk curing container component for subsequent transfer to a bulk curing site. According to the method, the bulk curing container component is positioned adjacent a tobacco discharging end of a tobacco transferring system. The transferring system has the discharging end, a tobacco receiving end opposite the discharging end, and a generally upwardly facing tobacco conveying apparatus for supporting and moving the leaves between the discharging and receiving ends. The amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves is supplied to the tobacco conveying apparatus at the tobacco receiving end of the transferring system in such a manner that the harvested tobacco leaves of the amorphous mass are randomly arranged and stacked on top of one another in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: A hair tie and fastener device has a cord formed into a loop, with one end of the cord stopping at the loop and the other end extending outward. The short end is formed into or connected to a restraining mechanism which controls reversible movement of the longer portion of the cord. The restraining feature may be a noose or slipknot formed into the cord, a keeper plate for use with a compressible cord or a spring-biased pawl mechanism. Movement from a hair-grasping position to a hair-releasing position is thus enabled.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface including a first side having a first internal surface and a first external surface, a second side having a second internal surface and a second external surface, an internal cavity between said first and second sides, at least one externally accessible opening, and a flexible film reservoir containing a product. At least a portion of the flexible film reservoir of said flexible film reservoir is disposed between said external surfaces of said first side and said second side.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treating a semiconductor wafer includes a surface treatment chamber and a source of radiation. The semiconductor wafer disposed inside the chamber is illuminated with radiation sufficient to create a plurality of electron-hole pairs near the surface of the wafer and to desorb ions and molecules adsorbed on the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a smooth-top kitchen ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop cooking surface of a smooth-top kitchen ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop or a stove having a ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop cooking surface on its cooking surface, and a device therefor.

Abstract: A transfer line for the transfer of fluid or powder-like substances from one or more sources to an outlet characterized in that the transfer line comprises at least one movable section, optionally including associated equipment such as one or more pumps or filters. The movable line section to be cleaned is coupled to a cleaning station. Water for a first washing is transferred through the movable line section and preferably at least for a part recirculated a number of times. The used water is drained off. Fresh water for a second washing is transferred through the movable line section. After transferring the used water from the second wash tank into the first wash tank, water from a third wash tank is transferred through the movable line section to the first wash tank. The washings collected in the first wash tank can be reused as a first washing for a next movable line section to be cleaned.

Abstract: Provided is a system for parts washing that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid that biodegrade the organic matter removed from the parts. “Parts” include objects such as automotive parts befouled with organic matter and particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. The cleaning fluid is both in a cleaning area and in a housing for microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and a level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. The fluid recirculates from the microorganism housing to the parts cleaning area.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an object to be processed in which the atmosphere in a drying chamber is replaced by an inert gas prior to placing an object to be cleaned from an external environment into the chamber. The object is then transported by an elongated retaining member from the drying chamber through a lower opening in the chamber into a processing bath disposed below the chamber. The object is then cleaned in the processing bath. The object is then transported from the processing bath to the drying chamber where it is dried by filling the atmosphere of the drying chamber with organic solvent. The cleaning process in the cleaning bath is carried out while the bath is screened by a nitrogen-gas curtain. The method also includes opening a lid of the chamber prior to insertion of the object into the chamber and closing the lid after insertion of the object, as well as the opening and closing of the lower opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning tube into which an endoscope is inserted for cleaning is formed with a flexible tube and curled like a loop. A bypass channel is used to link a first end of the cleaning tube and a second end thereof. A cleaning solution present in the cleaning tube is forcibly refluxed from one end of the cleaning tube to the other end over the bypass channel, whereby a circulation of the cleaning solution is produced in the cleaning tube. The endoscope is cleaned with the circulation.

Abstract: A solar power generation device includes a power generation assembly having a light receiving surface and a reflector having a reflection surface. The power generation assembly generates power by receiving sunlight by means of the light receiving surface and the reflection surface of the reflector reflects sunlight toward the light receiving surface. The reflection surface of the reflector is disposed so as to be inclined downwardly toward the light receiving surface of the power generation assembly at a predetermined angle of inclination. The length of the reflection surface is defined by the angle of inclination and the height of the receiving surface of the power generation assembly as variables.

Abstract: A printing supply system for a plurality of coating substances. The system includes a first supply line for supplying a first fluid and a second supply line for supplying a second fluid. A first valve member is connected to the first supply line and to the second supply line for guiding flow therethrough. A supply tube is connected to the first valve member for providing a selected fluid to a press, the selected fluid being one of either the first fluid or the second fluid. A drain tube is provided for extracting the selected fluid from the press. A second valve member is connected to the drain tube for guiding flow therethrough. A first return line and a second return line are connected to the second valve member. A conduit is positioned between the supply tube and the drain tube for enabling draining of the supply tube and the drain tube between selection of the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A pump system for the selected injection of one or more fluids is disclosed where the system generally includes a flow meter including a means to translate the flow rate through the meter to one or more pumps coupled to the meter such that upon a selected introduction of fluid flow through the meter a selected amount of fluid is pumped through the one or more pumps.

Abstract: An aseptic product dispensing system generally includes a sanitary connection assembly interposed in fluid communication with a substantially conventional aseptic product source and a substantially conventional product dispenser. The sanitary connection assembly is provided with an automated cleaning system whereby a combination of pressurized gas, flushing fluid and/or sanitizing solution may be injected into, and thereafter evacuated from, the sanitary connection assembly.

Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve containing at least two air channels that deliver desired air mass amount from a single inlet to fuel cell(s) through at least one channel of the at least two air channels. Preferably, a single housing encloses the inlet, two air channels and actuating devices. Each air channel includes an actuating device that actuates an associated closure member to regulate air flow from the inlet through the air channel as a function of a signal from an air mass sensor or a controller signal. The signal from each air mass sensor can be directly coupled to the actuating device, or the signal can be used as an error correction signal to feed back control the actuating device associated with the air mass sensor and the air channel.

Abstract: A flow reversal control valve for use in a fuel cell. The valve includes a housing having a first end and a second end disposed along a longitudinal axis. The valve also includes a wall that defines a first passage in fluid communication with a second passage. The first passage is disposed proximate to the first end and the second passage is disposed proximate to the second end. The valve further includes a chamber in fluid communication with the first and second passages. There are flow flutes formed in the chamber. A seal is disposed in the chamber and coupled to at least one of the first and second passages. The seal has an elastomeric member disposed on a planar surface transverse to the longitudinal axis. There is a closure member disposed in at least one of the first passage, second passage and the chamber.

Abstract: A magnet 18 is embedded within a lower portion of a valve element 13, and a magnet 21 is provided on a drive member 15 to achieve a magnetic coupling between the driver member 15 and the valve element 13. When the drive member 15 is driven upward to its uppermost end position shown in FIG. 2, the valve element 13 is also driven upward to its open position, whereby a valve section 13a is spaced from a valve seat 17 to open a channel 11, allowing a vessel 4 to be filled with a liquid. A detected portion in the form of a magnet 34 is embedded in the upper portion of the valve element 13, while a magnetic force detector 35 for detecting a magnetic force from the magnet 34 is provided. The arrangement allows the opening and closing operation of the valve element 13 to be detected accurately by means of the magnetic force detector 35.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a valve position includes the step of providing a non-actuating alternating current signal (24) to a drive coil signal (22). As a valve plunger (14) moves within the coil, the non-actuating signal changes. By monitoring (26,29) the non-actuating signal a control can predict when the plunger reaches a particular position. This invention thus provides a simplified way of detecting an end of travel position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Device (10) to deliver and mix water for taps (12), said device comprising a mixer cartridge (30), able to be arranged inside the monoblock (11) of the tap (12), means to regulate the mixing of the water and actuation means arranged above said monoblock (11), able to determine the opening and closing of the flow of water, said actuation means being commanded electrically and comprising an interception element (20) able to cooperate with said mixer cartridge (30).

Abstract: In a single seat valve apparatus, a valve box has upstream and downstream fluid flow channels. A cage is fixed in the valve box and has a flow rate control window for controlling an amount of the fluid flowing from the upstream to the downstream flow channel. A valve seat is provided to the cage. A valve body is slidably fitted in the cage, closes the control window, when seated on the valve seat, to block a passage of the fluid from the upstream to the downstream flow channel, and forms a passage of the fluid, when separated from the valve seat, from the upstream to the downstream flow channel through the control window. An opening is formed in the valve body in an axial direction of the cage and allows a fluid space and a space on one side in the axial direction of the cage to communicate with each other, to equilibrate a pressure applied by the fluid. A valve stem is connected to the valve body and moves it in the axial direction of the cage.

Abstract: A stopcock including a stopcock body including a central axial opening, and first and second stopcock luer connectors extending radially and in fluid communication with the central axial opening. The stopcock includes a stopcock core axially disposed within the central axial opening. The stopcock core includes an engagement end axially connectable with a syringe, an axial port formed at the engagement end for fluidly communicating with the syringe, a first radial port, and a first passage extending between the axial port and the first radial port. The stopcock core has a first position with the first radial port in fluid communication with the first stopcock luer connector. The stopcock core has a second position with the first radial port in fluid communication with the second stopcock luer connector. The core is rotatable from the first position to the second position upon the syringe being axially rotated.

Abstract: An integrated gas control device has an elongated base having a pair of ribs longitudinally extending on the base to form a groove there-between. A plurality of passage blocks are mounted in the groove. Each of the passage blocks has a gas passage having openings opened at an upper surface at both ends of the block. A plurality of gas control equipments are mounted on adjacent passage blocks. Each of the gas control equipments is installed on the base.

Abstract: A double wall safety hose delivers water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance or plumbing fixture. The apparatus includes an outer and an inner hose that extends through the outer hose. The inner hose is communicably attached at each end to respective threaded connector. A closure in the form of a ferrule or bushing surrounds and sealably interengages each end of the inner hose. A corresponding end of the outer hose sealably interengages an enlarged outer surface of the ferrule. This seals each end of the safety hose apparatus so that water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose is retained within the outer hose. A drain port attached to the outer hose discharges water that has leaked from the inner hose to a drain line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible tube that includes a bellows having a plurality of convolutes formed in the wall of said tube and extending above the top surface of the tube, said convolutes being spaced from one another in the axial direction of the tube, wherein at least one of said convolutes comprises two opposing bending sections and two restrained elongation sections positioned between the bending sections, and wherein the height of the bending sections above the top surface of the tube is greater that the height of the restrained elongation sections above the top surface of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel brake hose capable of sufficiently satisfying the fatigue resistance and the corrosion resistance, with the excellent expansion resistance. In a brake hose comprising a first reinforcing fiber layer (2), an intermediate rubber (3), a second reinforcing fiber layer (4), and an external layer rubber (5) provided successively on the outer circumference of an internal layer rubber (1) for filling a brake fluid, the first reinforcing fiber layer (2) is made of a polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate fiber. Accordingly, all of the fatigue resistance, the corrosion resistance and the expansion resistance can both be realized at a high level.

Abstract: A self-grounding laminated dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the inner and outer walls. The innermost layer of the inner wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating continuous carbon fibers forming a continuous surface integrated with the inner surface of the innermost layer. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.