Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a leak down land and a support land that are substantially cylindrical. The support land is substantially coaxial relative to the leak down land, and at least a portion of the support land is disposed radially opposite the leak down land.

Abstract: An engine output shaft drives an engine driven pump. The engine driven pump pressurizes oil. An accumulator accumulates the pressurized oil. An electric motor drives a motor driven pump. When the engine rotates low speed, both the engine driven pump and the motor driven pump supply oil to an oil chamber of a belt type continuously variable transmission. If it is required to enlarge a capacity of the oil chamber quickly, the pressurized oil in the accumulator is supplied to the motor driven pump. The motor driven pump further pressurizes the pressurized oil in the accumulator and supplies it into the oil chamber. It is possible to supply a sufficient amount of oil to the continuously variable transmission. Additionally, since the system may be constructed by using a small type engine driven pump, it is possible to improve fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine which includes an engine block; a plurality of cylinders formed in the engine block; a piston moveable within each of the cylinders; a spark plug providing ignition to fuel within each of the cylinders for moving the cylinders along an engine cycle; a rod with a central longitudinal axis connecting each of the pistons at a first end of the rod to a crankshaft at the second end of each of the rod; the connection point between the second end of each of the rods to the crankshaft being offset from the longitudinal axis sufficiently to increase engine torque and horsepower, as each of the pistons travel within their respective cylinders, but not to affect the engine stroke.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) comprises a flow body (14) and a filter housing (16). (FIG. 1). The filter housing (16) has an opening (26) of a first shape. (FIG. 1). A filter support (34) has an outer periphery (38) of about the first shape and an inner periphery (42) of a second different shape. The support is operatively connected to the housing (16). (FIG. 1). A symmetric filter (46) is also connected to the support (34). (FIG. 1). The air induction system attenuates engine noise for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Under a partial load, a pumping loss is reduced by a stratified combustion to enhance a fuel consumption, and during the maximum output operation, the output is increased by a premixture combustion, and the output of an engine is controlled, thereby enhancing the drivability. Under the partial load, an ignition source is provided in the vicinity of a fuel injection valve, and after the fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, and a resulting flame is caused by a spray of the fuel to spread into a cylinder, thereby effecting a stratified combustion. When the load increases, so that soot and so on are produced in the stratified combustion, the fuel injection is effected a plurality of times in a divided manner, and a premixture is produced within the cylinder by the front-half injection, and a flame, produced by the latter-half injection, is injected into the cylinder to burn this premixture.

Abstract: A method for improving the response relationship of an exhaust gas turbo charger during intermittent operation of a combustion engine having compressed air includes injecting a follow on injection after a principal injection. During a positive load change, an idling operation, or a partial load operation, the follow on injection is delayed to a relatively late time point such that a complete vaporization of the combustion fuel in the cylinder is accomplished without effecting as well a combustion of the mixture of combustion fuel vapor and oxygen remainder of the exhaust gas in the cylinder. The mixture of combustion fuel vapor and exhaust gas is oxidized first upon passage of the mixture through an exhaust gas handling component between the outlet valve and the inlet of an exhaust gas turbine of an exhaust gas turbo charger.

Abstract: A representative version of a combustion system for spark-ignition engines adapts the classic four-valve pentroof combustion chamber to stratified charge operation by (1) restricting fuel delivery to one of the two intake passages serving each combustion chamber and (2) initiating combustion at an offset spark plug location with a sufficient lead in spark timing for fueled mixture to be pushed into the vicinity of a central spark plug before it is fired according to a second spark timing schedule with less advance. In a wide range of higher BMEP which makes a transition to homogeneous charge operation, central fuel metering components become active and the engine throttle stays at least effectively wide open.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.

Abstract: A control mechanism functions as a dual stage controller that is alternately and independently responsive to engine oil pressure and intake manifold pressure to adjust fuel delivery by one or more unit pumps. Engine oil pressure is delivered as a control input to one end of a piston bore. Manifold air pressure acts on a diaphragm to deliver another control input which acts on a control piston disposed for reciprocation in the bore. The diaphragm and associated control rod are axially opposed to the end of the bore to which engine oil pressure is delivered. During engine start up, oil pressure is low and a spring bias moves the control piston in a direction to increase fuel delivery. During start up, the control piston position is dependent upon engine oil pressure independent of manifold air pressure. After start up, the control piston position is a function of manifold air pressure independent from engine oil pressure.

Abstract: At least two torque paths between a driver and a camshaft distribute dynamic torque applied to the camshaft, allowing for cancellation of undesirable torque components. The second torque path has a greater number of gears than the first torque path, and acts as a constraint on the camshaft, ameliorating discontinuities in camshaft rotation due to sudden changes in load on the camshaft.

Abstract: A fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine has a supply container, at least one feed pump for supplying a fuel from the supply container, a high pressure pump to which the fuel is supplied from the supply container by the feed pump, so that the fuel is supplied under high pressure at least indirectly to injection points of an internal combustion engine, the feed pump being driven mechanically by the internal combustion engine, and a further feed pump provided additionally to the mechanically driven feed pump and supplying the fuel from the supply container to the high pressure pump, the further feed pump having an electric drive and being operable independently from the mechanically driven feed pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for conveying a cryogenically-stored fuel to an internal-combustion engine for providing a combustible working gas. In accordance with the invention, the cryogenically-stored fuel is drawn, in the liquid state, from a thermally-insulated fuel tank, and forced into a fuel line by a conveying device. At least from time to time, within the scope of the operation of the conveying device, the pressure in the fuel tank is increased by an amount that is larger than the difference between a drop in the supply-flow pressure occurring on the intake side of the conveying device and the difference between the dominant tank pressure at a pump-inlet point and the boiling pressure dictated by the instantaneous fuel temperature.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is disclosed that includes an internal drive mechanism which embodies the present invention. A pair of sprockets are connected to parallel input and output drive shafts and drivingly connected by a taut, high tension, endless cog-belt seated and running on the two sprockets. A plurality of belt stabilizing components are incorporated therein to provide maintenance-free, low-temperature operation of the drive mechanism. These stabilizing components include air ducts formed in the output sprocket, tensioning members formed in the belt, heat-resistant and high-speed ceramic ball bearings and shock absorbing springs that alone and in combination provide a highly efficient drive mechanism.

Abstract: A self-ignition combustion engine has a control unit that controls the temperature of the intake air such that the operating load range of compression self-ignition combustion is expanded. In operating regions where cooling the intake air results in an intake air temperature that is too low and an inability to conduct self-ignition operation, the temperature of the intake air is raised by directing intake air that has been supercharged by a supercharger to a bypass passage so that it does not pass through an inter-cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine, comprising a cylinder block with at least one cylinder barrel, a cylinder head with at least one inlet channel and exhaust channel with related inlet and exhaust valves to a combustion chamber situated above a piston moveable in the cylinder barrel and a crank case for lubricating oil situated below the piston, wherein the piston has at least two grooves situated at a distance from each other, each having a piston ring and a piston collection chamber contained between the rings. The engine has an expansion chamber commonly connected to each cylinder barrel via an individual evacuation port, said port opening out into the respective cylinder barrel, the expansion chamber forming a communicating connection between the cylinder barrel and the inlet channel via the evacuation port and an evacuation channel, said evacuation channel opening out into at least one inlet channel or inlet manifold.

Abstract: An improved engine emission control for controlling both nitrous oxide emissions through an exhaust gas recirculation system and evaporative fuel emissions. These gases (exhaust and evaporated fuel) are mixed with the intake charge in a mixing chamber that surrounds the intake passage so as to insure good mixing at an upstream point removed from the combustion chambers so that a uniform mixture will be delivered to each chamber and there will be uniformity in the added mixture between the chambers.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a combustion air supply, an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas recirculation system having a venturi assembly. The venturi assembly includes an outlet, a combustion air inlet connected and in communication with the combustion air supply, and an exhaust gas inlet connected and in communication with the exhaust manifold. A bypass fluid line and a bypass valve in the nature of a check valve are provided to bypass the venturi assembly. The check valve is responsive to changes in pressure drop across the venturi assembly, to open and close the bypass fluid line and limit the pressure drop across the venturi assembly.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for connection to the intake of an exhaust gas recirculation valve. The baffle assembly has a central intake chamber which is protected from the inflow of contaminants. The baffle assembly provides drain paths for any water or contaminants which may get into the inner chamber.

Abstract: An intake air quantity detected by an air flow meter is corrected based on a change speed of an engine load and on a change speed of an engine rotation speed, and an oxygen quantity stored in a catalytic converter is estimated based on the corrected intake air quantity and an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A foldable or collapsible cart for a barbecue grill and cart assembly which includes a frame assembly and first and second folding or collapsible leg assemblies. The leg assemblies are pivotally connected to the frame assembly at opposite ends thereof. The frame assembly mounts a barbecue grill casting. The frame assembly, barbecue casting and first and second folding leg assemblies are preferably preassembled by the manufacturer prior to shipping the barbecue grill and cart assembly. In this manner, less assembly is required on the part of the end user.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided comprising a fire bowl having an internal chamber, a grill located within the internal chamber and at least one shelf pivotally mounted to the fire bowl. The shelf is movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located externally of the fire bowl.

Abstract: A barbeque grill arrangement is provided having a grill unit removably mounted on a rack which attaches to an exterior vehicle wall to form a stable grill support solely by the vehicle connection. At least part of that connection can utilize a standard indoor/outdoor stove support bracket. The rack maintains all elements of the grill at least predetermined distance from the vehicle wall, sufficient to avoid heat-induced damage to the wall. The grill is connectable to the same fuel supply as is used by an interior stove. Grill heat is vented away from the vehicle. A cover stop is mounted within the cover hinge.

Abstract: A water heater adapted to be mounted on the rooftop of a building includes a substantially cylindrical tank having a horizontally-oriented longitudinal axis. A U-shaped flue tube has a burner end and an exhaust end, both ends being mounted in a head portion of the tank. The legs of the flue tube define a flue plane that is preferably angled 30°-60° with respect to vertical. An inlet tube and an outlet tube also extend through the head of the tank. The inlet tube is positioned at the bottom of the tank and has holes that open downwardly only; the outlet tube is positioned at the top of the tank and has holes that open upwardly only. The tank is weather-tightly enclosed by a cabinet. A base member of the cabinet is supported by a roof curb and supports the water tank. The base member includes a drain opening for draining water from the inside the cabinet to the sewage system of the building, and a water pipe opening through which extend a plurality of pipes communicating with the tank.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient expires suitably to permit proper medicant absorption.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient exhales suitably to permit proper medicant absorption. A conventional metered dosage inhaler having an approved FDA canister provides proper dosage to the patient and is joined to the collapsible reservoir by a connector having a plurality of apertures for receiving the MDI and an accessory T-fitting.

Abstract: A speech transmission adapter for use with a respirator mask. The respirator mask has an associated clean air source and defines a clean air envelope between the body of the respirator mask and the face of the wearer and is bounded by a sealing portion of the respirator mask, the clean air source, and an exhalation port. The speech transmission adapter comprises a peripheral housing, a speech reception device supported by the peripheral housing, a speech transmitter coupled to the speech reception device, and a port defined in the peripheral structure for enabling the passage of air therethrough. The peripheral housing is adapted to mate to the respirator mask in a manner that expands the clean air envelope defined therein to include the speech reception means within the clean air envelope without requiring structural modification to the respirator mask.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for nasal delivery of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to a user. The system includes a variable speed fan unit to pressurize the gases, and a humidification unit to provide a controllable level of humidity to the gases. The pressurized humidified gases are transported through a conduit to the user, and arc delivered through a nasal mask to the nasal passages. The oral cavity is sealed against “mouth leak” by insertion of a sealed mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes an intra-oral sealing means and an extra-oral sealing means substantially sealing the oral cavity of said user. The extra-oral sealing means may be adjusted into one of two conditions, a first condition when said mouthpiece is inserted into said user's mouth being, substantially unengaged with said user's face, and a second condition when correctly positioned in said user's mouth being substantially engaged with said user's face and under compression thereupon.

Abstract: A protective neck and shoulder shroud assembly for use with a self contained breathing apparatus, the assembly including a neck curtain including a head portion, a left flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion, and a right flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion. The neck curtain further includes a fastener for releasably coupling the left and right flaps together such that when the flaps are coupled together. The neck curtain has a front opening located above the flaps, the front opening being located to expose at least a portion of a wearer's face or to expose at least a portion of an mask worn on the wearer's face when the neck curtain is worn by a wearer. The assembly includes a generally cylindrical enclosure shaped and sized to receive a gas canister therein, and a fastener for coupling the enclosure to an inner surface of the neck curtain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining leak and respiratory airflow are disclosed. A pressure sensor (34) and a differential pressure sensor (32) have connection with a pneumotach (24) to derive instantaneous mask pressure and airflow respectively. A microcontroller (38) estimates a non-linear conductance of any leak path occurring at a mask (12) as being the low pass filtered instantaneous airflow divided by the low pass filtered square root of the instantaneous pressure. The instantaneous leak flow is then the conductance multipled by the square root of the instantaneous pressure, and the respiratory airflow is calculated as being the instantaneous airflow minus the instantaneous leak flow. The time constants for the low pass filtering performed by the microcontroller (38) can be dynamically adjusted dependent upon sudden changes in the instantaneous leak flow.

Abstract: A slip-proof ball-like pump adapted to a breathing apparatus has multiple securing devices formed on the outer periphery of the ball-like pump. The multiple securing devices enable the user to hold the ball-like pump firmly without worrying that a slip will happen during the holding to the ball.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying a medical apparatus with anesthetic is so improved that, when changing the anesthetic supply vessel (1), the new anesthetic is made available directly and, when there is a malfunction of an anesthetic metering device (2), an exchange is possible in a simple manner. The arrangement includes a supply vessel (1) for the liquid anesthetic (6), a metering device (2) for liquid anesthetic and a pin-and-socket connection (15) between the metering component (2) and a vessel receptacle (3) of a medical apparatus (4). The metering component (2) is electrically drivable and is connected to the supply vessel (1) so as to form a modular unit.

Abstract: A compact, portable transport system enables the application of high-frequency ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide therapy while providing real-time monitoring of the physiological state of the patient. The system includes a patient transport carrier having a patient chamber and an oxygen supply unit, as well as a high-frequency ventilator and a physiologic monitor. An inhaled nitric oxide delivery unit can also be included in the transport system. The nitric oxide system permits the reduction of pulmonary arterial blood pressure, with consequent improvement of patient oxygenation and reduced mortality and morbidity.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube retainer used to facilitate the removal of a laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening is provided. The endo-tracheal tube retainer includes a semi-rigid stylet having proximate and distal ends and a soft curved stylet cap secured to the proximal end. The endo-tracheal tube also includes a connection adapter that is tapered from front to rear for secure insertion within a range of endo-tracheal tubes, removably secured to the distal end.

Abstract: Supraglottic airway (laryngeal mask) structure specifically used for anesthesia, including a silicone mask and a main tube seat with diverging tube opening. The main tube seat is fitted through the silicone mask. The upper and lower faces of the silicone mask are formed with perforations. A rubber annular tube having different diameters is implanted in the silicone mask at the equator thereof. A soft sleeve is fitted on the silicone mask. The inner diameter of the soft sleeve corresponds to the profile of the main tube seat. The soft sleeve has an irregular profile corresponding to the configuration of inner side of the fauces. The soft sleeve is pushed forward to make an upper tube opening of the main tube seat protrude out of the soft sleeve. An anesthetic gas intake tube having an engaging flange is fitted through the diverging section of the main tube seat and engaged therewith.

Abstract: A condom applicator supports a condom in a substantially unstretched condition until just before use, and then expands the cross-section of the condom.

Abstract: An operating room drape for allowing the presence of a monitor or display panel close to a surgical field while maintaining a sterile field between the monitor and the surgical site. A window in the drape, or all of the drape, is formed of a high clarity material and at least the window is adapted to lie against the monitor screen to provide enhanced visibility. The window may be configured as a separate rectangular insert formed, for example, of a five mil EPV vinyl or other clear polymer medically acceptable material, and sterilized by a process such as ethylene oxide or gamma ray sterilization. The window material may be treated by a process such as corona discharge treatment to enhance its surface adherence properties, while a major portion of the drape, or a release portion, may be non-adherent to facilitate positioning of the window and also removal of the drape following use. The drape itself may constitute a bag.

Abstract: A device and method to protect a user's ear from changes in external atmospheric pressure and to treat middle ear disease by actively controlling (increasing, decreasing, oscillating or preserving unchanged) air pressure in the user's outer ear cavity. Preferably pressure is controlled using an earplug that fits tightly into the outer ear cavity with minimal air leakage. An axial channel through the earplug connects a pressure source which controls pressure to the outer ear cavity. Optionally the device also includes a conveyor and oscillator to supply controlled pressure oscillations to the outer ear cavity. A method to treat middle ear disease in a patient by transmitting vibrations to the patient's middle ear. Vibrations are transmitted by bone conduction or by pressure oscillations in the outer ear cavity. Vibrations reduce swelling and pain in the middle ear.

Abstract: Surgical methods and instruments are disclosed for performing port-access or closed-chest coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery in multivessel coronary artery disease. In contrast to standard open-chest CABG surgery, which requires a median sternotomy or other gross thoracotomy to expose the patient's heart, port-access CABG surgery is performed through small incisions or access ports made through the intercostal spaces between the patient's ribs, resulting in greatly reduced pain and morbidity to the patient. In situ arterial bypass grafts, such as the internal mammary arteries and/or the right gastroepiploic artery, are prepared for grafting by thoracoscopic or laparoscopic takedown techniques. Free grafts, such as a saphenous vein graft or a free arterial graft, can be used to augment the in situ arterial grafts. The graft vessels are anastomosed to the coronary arteries under direct visualization through a cardioscopic microscope inserted through an intercostal access port.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for monitoring and controlling bio-enhancement implants is provided. With the apparatus, system, method and computer program product, a user may control the operation of implantable devices within the user's body by operation of a personal digital device. The personal digital device may obtain operational settings of the various implantable devices based on information stored within the personal digital device and/or information obtained from a network. The settings of the various implants are established in view of the possible interactions of the implants with one another. The personal digital device further monitors the operation of the implantable devices and the user's biological indicia. Based on the monitoring, the operation of the implantable devices are modified to obtain a desired result.

Abstract: A smoking pipe of a stainless-steel, modular, slip-fit design having an external sealing system comprising a plurality of elastomeric sleeves which sealably interconnect the components of the modular design. The smoking pipe is compact, lightweight and can be readily dissembled for ease of transport and storage. Further, the smoking pipe is dishwasher safe, is easy to clean and can be safely sterilized by conventional means.

Abstract: Mugwart-moxibustion is widely used for curing many diseases in Asian countries. However, because of constraints on its usage, it could not be applied to the respiratory system. To solve this problem, this invention was devised. Through the use of a smoking pipe stuffed with mugwart, respiratory disease, such as inflammation, pharyngitis, and emphysema, can be cured. The embodiment of the invention, “Oral Mugwart-moxibustion pipe”, is comprised of three parts. One is a mouth filter for filtering harmful substances. The second is a connecting pipe to link the mouth filter and smoking part. The other is smoking part to hold mugwort to be smoldered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for improving the ash characteristics of a paper wrapper for a smoking article and for improving the ash characteristics of the smoking article itself. Specifically, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the ash cohesiveness of a paper wrapper is noticeably improved when carbon fibers having an average length less than about 0.75 inches are incorporated into the paper in an amount up to about 60% by weight. Paper wrappers made with carbon fibers in accordance with the present invention have superior ash characteristics in comparison to paper wrappers incorporating only flax or other cellulosic fibers. Further, the ash cohesiveness of the paper is improved without resulting in the decline in the quality of other ash characteristics.

Abstract: In a device (1) for applying an additive to hair comprising a longitudinally extending base part (2) for making contact with the hair during operation, which base part (2) comprises a distribution system (3) for additive, which distribution system (3) has an inlet (4) which is connected to an additive dispenser (5) and has outlets (6) for applying the additive to the hair during operation, a flowpath (7,7′) is present between the inlet (4) and each outlet (6), which flow path comprises at least one ramification point (8), said flow paths (7,7′) having a substantially identical flow resistance measured from the inlet (4) to each outlet (6). Additive originating from the inlet (4) during operation and following the flow paths (7,7′) to each outlet (6) will reach all outlets (6) practically simultaneously, and the additive flow-rate through each outlet is substantially the same.

Abstract: A method for changing hair lock color includes first placing a protective foil (7) on a flat hair lock support (4) and a hair lock (2) on the protective foil (7). Then a treatment composition (3) is applied to the hair lock (2) on the protective foil (7). After that a free portion of the protective foil (7) is folded and laid on the hair lock (2). Then a hot plate (6) is placed on and heats the hair lock (2). After that the treatment composition (3) is washed off the hair lock and neutralized. An apparatus for performing this method has a separate flat hair lock support (4) and a separate heating unit (5). The heating unit (5) has a hot plate (6) for heating the hair lock (2) placed on the protective foil (7). A timer device (17) for setting the heating time may be included in the apparatus.

Abstract: An application device for applying a wide variety of lotions and creams to the body. The application device includes a head portion that includes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the top and bottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wall includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution is positioned in the chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to a central portion of the top wall. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member for absorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in the bottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A device (1) for making up, or for a care treatment, of the user's lips (L) includes a support (2) at least a portion of which can be impregnated by a pulverulent or liquid-to-pasty product (P). The support (2) has a flattened shape and has at least one application surface (4, 6) capable of coming into contact with at least one of the user's lips, the portion impregnated with the product being capable of elastic deformation by compression of the surfaces by the lips and of assuming their shape, so that a transfer of the product to the lips is effected during the compression of the support between the user's lips.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (1) for cleaning the interior surface of a channel of a medical instrument includes an ultrasonic cleaning device having a cleaning catheter (2) provided with ultrasonic vibrators (4, 5) for separating undesired matter from the interior surface of the channel (12) of the medical instrument by ultrasonic vibration; and an ultrasonic oscillator (8) for operating the ultrasonic vibrators (4, 5). The cleaning apparatus (1) further includes a cleaning liquid discharge device (13) having a cleaning liquid feeding tube (10) into which the cleaning catheter can be inserted with the ultrasonic vibrators (4, 5) exposed and which expels a cleaning liquid from a front end thereof; a cleaning liquid storing tank (14); and a pump (16) for feeding the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning filters, the cleaning is efficiently performed by selecting cleaning steps according to the degree of contamination of the filter media. The degree of contamination of the filter media is analyzed before the filter is carried into the cleaning apparatus. Filters with heavily contaminated filter media are subjected to pretreatment before the cleaning process is performed, and the filters with less contaminated filter media are directly subjected to the cleaning process. The cleaned filter is subjected to a restoration process before reuse.

Abstract: In a substrate bath that processes substrate wafers using megasonic energy, a tank that is provided with reflecting surfaces that direct the megasonic energy to those portions of the substrates that would otherwise be sonically shadowed by the cassette that supports the substrates. In one aspect, a pair of curved wall surfaces are formed within the tank, each extending from one side wall to the bottom wall in curvilinear fashion and oriented longitudinally, the paired curved wall surfaces being disposed in laterally spaced, enantiomorpic relationship. The curved surfaces are arranged so that a significant amount of the megasonic energy impinges at an angle less than the critical angle, so that the energy is reflected in a diverging field that intersects the substrates and strikes those portions of the substrates that are shadowed by the cassette structure. Thus the megasonic cleaning (,etching or processing of the substrate) process is improved significantly.