Abstract: During the starting of an internal combustion engine with fuel injection, so-called preliminary injections (I) are dispensed according to a certain preliminary injection strategy in order to build up a wall film in the cylinders and simultaneously provide an ignitable mixture for the initial combustion. To avoid a situation where the preliminary charges during the starting phase are too rich or too lean, different quantities of fuel are chosen for the preliminary injections (I) in the case of the method according to the invention, depending on the charges to be expected in the relevant cylinders.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel supply unit has a reservoir mounted on the floor of a fuel tank, and a fuel pump mounted in the reservoir. The fuel level in the reservoir is maintained by means of a jet pump which is supplied with fuel through a passage. The jet pump has a nozzle which directs a flow of fuel upwards into a venturi passage which has a converging section, a parallel section and a diverging section.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus maintains a level of fuel within a sub tank and, even if the fuel within the sub tank becomes low in volume, maintaining fuel coverage on a fuel filter is possible. A cylindrical member is formed integrally with the cover and has, at its inner bottom surface, opposite a jet pump, a fuel receiving portion for receiving fuel introduced from an introducing pipe. Above the fuel receiving portion is formed a slit-shaped opening portion which opens toward the fuel filter. The fuel fed from the jet pump passes through the introducing pipe, along the inner bottom surface, and then strikes the fuel receiving portion. The fuel then crosses over a partition wall through the opening portion located above the fuel receiving portion, and changes its direction to flow laterally to reach the top of the suction filter.

Abstract: An engine includes an air induction system, a fuel supply system, a lubrication system and a ventilation system. The fuel supply system has a fuel reservoir in which a space for fuel vapors is defined. The lubrication system lubricates a component of the engine with lubricant. The ventilation system couples a crankcase of the engine with the air induction system so as to deliver oil vapors in the crankcase to the air induction system. A fuel vapor passage is arranged to couple the space of the fuel reservoir with the ventilation system.

Abstract: An aeration and deaeration device for the fuel tank (1) of an internal combustion engine (6) in which

Abstract: An integrated intake manifold assembly including a poppet valve disposed at the air inlet to the manifold to regulate air flow into the manifold; a poppet valve disposed on the manifold to regulate exhaust gas flow into the air intake system; and a bi-directional camshaft with cams for operating simultaneously the manifold vacuum regulating (MVR) valve and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The valve bodies are integrally formed in the wall of the intake manifold. The camshaft is driven by a DC motor and gear train. The cams are arranged on the shaft to provide optimum synchronized opening and closing of the related valves. When used on a diesel engine, the assembly may further include a swirl valve plate disposed between the manifold and the engine head and having a plurality of ganged swirl valves actuated by levers connected to the camshaft for coordinated motion with the MVR and EGR valves.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus for an internal combustion engine mounted with a turbocharger in which a turbine is disposed in an exhaust passage and a compressor is disposed in an intake passage, when the exhaust gas recirculation is carried out, a port formed at the intake passage on the downstream side of the compressor is opened. As a result, since an intake air on the downstream side of the compressor is released to the atmosphere and a negative pressure in the exhaust passage is lowered, a differential pressure between an exhaust pressure in the intake passage and the negative pressure in the intake passage is increased, to improve an exhaust gas recirculation rate, so that a NOx discharge amount can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved crankcase ventilation system including an improved blow-by gas separator wherein it will be insured that oil cannot accumulate in the separator chamber under any running conditions so that the oil is totally precluded from being able to pass into the induction system.

Abstract: A bi-fuel engine has a gaseous fuel mode engine start strategy that delivers a calibrated amount of supplemental gasoline during engine starting and initial gaseous fuel engine runs. The strategy is embodied in an algorithm employing variables including start of supplemental gasoline fueling, end of supplemental gasoline fueling, ramp-in period of supplemental gasoline fueling, ramp-out period of supplemental gasoline fueling, and the fraction of supplemental gasoline fuel to be delivered relative to that which is normally delivered during a conventional gasoline start. The algorithm differentiates between hot and cold engine starts for determining how much supplemental gasoline is to be delivered during gaseous fuel starts, wherein hot starts occur before substantially complete diffusion of gaseous fuel in the intake system, and cold starts occur after diffusion of gaseous fuel in the intake system is substantially complete.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which an air-fuel ratio is always controlled to be a target value with accuracy when purge air is introduced is obtained.

Abstract: A replacement bolt action assembly useful for converting a gas operated paintball marker gun having an open bolt type action to a closed bolt type action is provided. The open bolt type action includes a combination open bolt and hammer assembly releaseably containable in the marker gun body, an actuator (trigger) assembly disposable in the marker gun frame in mechanical communication with the bolt and hammer assembly, for releaseably holding the bolt and hammer assembly in a cocked configuration; and a pressure control assembly in mechanical communication with the actuator assembly and in gas flow communication with the bolt and hammer assembly. The present invention can be provided as a kit for converting or replacing the actions of certain existing paintball marker guns to close bolt type actions without having to modify the structure of the existing gun's receiver or marker body.

Abstract: Gas burner for a cooking hob, comprising a burner body provided with a plurality of openings for entry of primary air, a flame-dividing element which defines together with the burner body and air/gas mixing chamber, a gas injector which is mounted on the cooking hob, for injecting gas inside the mixing chamber, and a converging/diverging duct which defines a Venturi tube located downstream of the gas injector for drawing air into the mixing chamber. In accordance with the present invention, the burner body, the flame-dividing element and the converging/diverging duct consist of a single monolithic structure in the form of a pressed sheet-metal casing.

Abstract: A convection oven having a gas combustion system that is switchable between a direct-fired combustion system and an indirect-fired combustion system by a damper moveable between a closed position and an open position. In one preferred embodiment, a separate heat exchange element supplies combustion products to the convection oven.

Abstract: A convection oven having a high pressure duct distribution system to produce airflow within a cooking chamber of the convection oven. The high pressure airflow is easily tuned to produce a precise airflow pattern within the cooking chamber by opening and/or closing individual nozzles which extend from a duct of the duct distribution system into the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A convection oven having multiple airflow patterns within a cooking chamber during a baking cycle. In one embodiment, at least one reversible blower wheel rotatable at varying speeds produces separate airflow states to create multiple airflow patterns within the cooking chamber during a baking cycle. In another preferred embodiment, at least one adjustable airflow control surface mounted within the cooking chamber creates multiple airflow patterns within the cooking chamber during the baking cycle.

Abstract: A foldable supporting frame, comprising left and right supporting rods and a connecting rod in the middle; the supporting rods and the connecting rod can be pivotally connected. When folded, the supporting rods can be superposed on the connecting rod, forming a folded structure occupying limited space. When stretching the foldable supporting frame, the user only needs to stretch the supporting rods pivoted by the connecting pivots toward the two sides, thus the foldable supporting frame can be fully stretched and ready to be used. A grill body can be placed on top of the foldable supporting frame of the present invention, forming a grill with foldable supporting frame. The foldable supporting frame of the present invention, after using, can be fully folded through procedures in reverse of the aforementioned procedures for stretching.

Abstract: A flexible temperature changing package for heating or cooling a contained item or product including a temperature changing element adjacent to the item and an offset activation point that prevents damage to item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing NSAIDs that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an NSAID. In a method aspect of the present invention, an NSAID is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an NSAID, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: A dressing and an epidermal lifting mechanism for use with an application to a predetermined epidermal surface and methods of using same. The epidermal lifting mechanism comprises a strip of material having a first end portion of a predetermined shape, a second end portion of a predetermined shape, and middle portion coupling the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion each include a side including an adhesive layer. An overlaying, non-adhesive barrier layer may be located between a portion of the adhesive layer and an end portion.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in a centralized hospital critical care monitoring system for the monitoring of a plurality of patients in at least one of a critical care, step down, and cardiac ward by telemetry. The system includes a central processor having a display, and a plurality of telemetry units for mounting with patients, each of the telemetry units has a plurality of sensors for connection with each patient, the telemetry unit is capable of the transmission of multiple signals derived from the sensors to the central processor, in one preferred embodiment the method comprising steps of programming the system to analyze the signals and to automatically identify the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea and to provide an indication of the identification.

Abstract: An inhaler device comprises an inhaler body defining a recess for a capsule holding herein a substance to be inhaled, and a nosepiece communicating with the capsule, and a perforating element coupled to the inhaler body and provided for perforating the capsule for allowing an outside air flow to be mixed with the capsule contents and inhaled through the nosepiece.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a medicament container having a dispensing mechanism, a container seat for receipt of the container; an anchor station; and a coupling between said container seat and said anchor station capable on deformation of moving the container seat relative to the anchor station to actuate the dispensing mechanism. The coupling is reversibly deformable in response to the application of non-mechanical energy thereto, The non-mechanical energy may comprise heat energy, electrical cur-rent energy, electrical field energy or magnetic field energy.

Abstract: A portable isocapnia circuit and an isocapnia method. A breathing port of the circuit allows a subject to inhale and exhale. Connected to the breathing port, a bifurcate conduit has a first conduit branch and a second conduit branch. The first conduit branch has an atmospheric air inlet, from which the atmospheric air is provided for inhalation, an inspiratory check valve to allow a one-way flow of the atmospheric air, and an atmospheric air aspirator. The second conduit branch has a one-way expiratory check valve and a expiratory gas reservoir. A one-way check valve is used to interconnect the first and second conduit branch, from which the expiratory gas stored in the expiratory gas reservoir flows to the first conduit branch to mix with the atmospheric air when the minute ventilation exceeds the atmospheric air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the breathing gas flow of a ventilator for assisted or controlled ventilation of a patient as a function of the tracheobronchial airway pressure of the patient, having a ventilator tube, such as a tracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, that can be introduced into the trachea or the patient and subjected to the breathing gas and that is equipped with an inflatable cuff and at least one lumen that is continuous from the distal end of the tube to the proximal end of the tube, and with an apparatus for detecting the airway pressure, in which the tracheobronchial airway pressure is ascertained by continuous or intermittent detection and evaluation of the intra-cuff pressure prevailing in the cuff of the tube inserted into the trachea, and the breathing gas flow of the ventilator is controlled as a function of the intra-cuff pressure detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for administering CPAP to a patient are disclosed. The method includes providing a controllable flow of gas from a source to a patient creating a continuous positive airway pressure and controlling the flow of gas so that it is periodically modified to inject a sigh cycle into the CPAP. The administration of sigh cycle inclusive CPAP is useful for the treatment of respiratory dysfunction and for stimulating the release of surfactant in immature lungs. It is preferred to monitor the airway pressure and to inject the sigh cycle when a drop in pressure is detected. The apparatus centers on a driver used in conjunction with a gas delivery. The driver includes a valve, adapted to receive gas from a source, for regulating the flow of gas to the delivery device in response to a control signal. A controller, connected to the valve, generates the control signal so that the valve periodically modifies the flow of gas, thereby injecting a sigh cycle.

Abstract: A method for the detection and treatment of disordered breathing during sleep employs an artificial neural network (ANN) in which data related to breathing gas flow are analyzed. A respiratory circuit is established by connecting the patient to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system with pressurized breathing gas supply, the gas flow in the circuit is periodically sampled, one or several cepstrum parameters distinctive of various breathing patterns are periodically calculated; the parameter values are periodically fed to an ANN trained to recognize breathing patterns characteristic of sleep disordered breathing and are analyzed in the network, the CPAP pressurized breathing gas supply is controlled in response to the ANN output. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: A supplemental gas assembly (10) such as used for aircraft crews is provided which includes a mask (12) adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a wearer, together with a flexible, self-elongating hose assembly (14) and a stowage box (16) for receiving the mask(12) and hose assembly (14); the assembly (14) is designed so that when the mask (12) is pulled from the box (16), pressurized gas passing through the hose assembly (14) serves to inflate and axially expand the assembly (14) to a deployed length greater than the relaxed length thereof. The assembly (14) preferably includes an inflatable elastomeric inner tube (30) together with an exterior sheath (36) of woven or braided material which restricts radial expansion of the tube (30) while permitting axial expansion thereof. In preferred forms, the deployed length of the assembly (14) is up to three times greater than the relaxed length thereof.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a high pressure gases source: for example a compressor, a low cross section conduit adapted to convey gases from the compressor, and a patient interface delivering gases to the patient. The patient interface includes valve member which is substantially closed during inspiration and venting externally during expiration. The combination of the low cross section and lightweight conduit and the valve member result in increased patient comfort.

Abstract: A respiratory mask having a variable flow venting is provided according to the invention, including a gas supply hose, a mask shell adapted to output a gas to a respiratory system of a person, the mask shell adapted to be connected to the gas supply hose, and an exhaust gas flow volume regulating device which maintains a substantially constant gas flow volume out of the respiratory mask independent of an internal gas pressure inside the respiratory mask.

Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.

Abstract: An oral airway (510) includes an elongate tubular member (512) having a distal (510) and a proximal end (514), the oral airway being configured to place the distal end in a supraglottic position when operatively placed within the hypopharynx of a patient. A temperature sensor (554) is operatively associated with the elongate tubular member to detect a core temperature of a patient with the distal end of the oral airway operatively placed in a superglottic position within the hypopharynx of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing physical space data used while performing image-guided surgery is disclosed. Physical space data is collected by probing physical surface points of surgically exposed tissue. The physical space data provides three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates for each of the physical surface points. Based on the physical space data collected, point-based registrations used to indicate surgical position in both image space and physical space are determined. The registrations are used to map into image space, image data describing the physical space of an ablative instrument used to perform the image-guided surgery, an ablation zone of the instrument, the surgically exposed tissue, and a particular portion of the tissue to be resected or ablated. The image data is updated on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A holder for temporarily holding smoking articles is made up of a grasping assembly and an attachment assembly. The grasping assembly, formed of two spaced-apart arms, functions to temporarily grasp the smoking article. The attachment assembly, formed from a Velcro strap, functions to attach the holder to golf cart or golf bag in a variety of selected orientations.

Abstract: A tobacco processing machine, comprising a frame that is cylindrical and hollow and has an inclined axis; the frame rotates axially so as to break up tobacco bales or slices and is internally provided with rods for moving the tobacco that protrude radially; the tobacco processing machine further comprising elements for feeding steam and/or water and/or another fluid, which are provided on the inner lateral surface of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to catalytic systems containing metallic or carbonaceous particles that reduce the content of certain harmful or carcinogenic substances, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, carbazole, phenol, and catechol, in mainstream cigarette smoke and in side stream cigarette smoke.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions.

Abstract: An artificial hair restorer has a trunk hair with plural restoring hairs fixed to at a certain point of the trunk hair, a loop formed by folding one or two trunk hair(s) in two through which the original hair(s) passes(pass) at one end, and a knot close to the tying point end of the restoring hairs but opposite to the loop.

Abstract: A device and method used for cold waving and straightening hair. The cold waving device helps create a natural sheen on the hair. The cold waving hair device includes a plurality of different size clear plastic hollow rods. The hollow rods have a smooth and soft outer circumference for receiving rolled hair thereon. The different size rods receive a standard hair roller therein. Each roller includes a hair engaging line which is received along the length of the rod. The hair engaging line includes an end cap for inserting into an end cap hole in the roller. The line is used for holding the rolled hair in place against the side and length of the outer circumference of the rod. The cold waving hair device also includes plastic end wraps with a plurality of holes therein. Each end wrap is used for engaging the hair ends and wrapping the hair around the smooth outer circumference of the rod. The end wrap is used for receiving a wave solution for saturating and relaxing the hair on the different size smooth rods.

Abstract: A spiral curling iron that consistently places helical curls in hair, the spiral curling iron including an elongated heating element having a helical groove, handle projecting from the heating element, elongated clamp that complements the heating element and helical groove. A pliers-like handle connects to the clamp. A hinge pivotally connects the clamp to the heating element. The hinge is located between the handle and the clamp. A thermally insulated tip can be connected to the heating element at the end opposing the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic container, and more particularly, to a cosmetic container which is constructed to facilitate elevating and lowering of a brush, and opening and closing of upper and lower caps through an interaction between the caps, in order to solve inconvenience where the brush is naturally deformed by the contents in a container (vessel) when liquid cosmetics such as lip gloss, eyeliner, eye shadow or manicure are put into and used within the container. The cosmetic container of the present invention comprises a container body having a threaded portion provided on an opening portion thereof, a packing body seated on the opening portion, an upper cap and an elevating holder for elevating and lowering the brush, and a lower cap for separating all the caps from the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foundation injector and a foundation filled cosmetic implement therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of semiconductor device manufacturing, and more specifically to a method for cleaning and preconditioning a dome in a chemical vapor deposition system. During cleaning, the direction of flow of cooling water through an induction coil in the dome is reversed. During preconditioning, the direction of cooling water flow is preferably reversed again, such that it is the same direction as during deposition. The preconditioning portion of the method comprises introducing a hydrogen gas into the CVD chamber, and then introducing a mixture of hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A method involving plasma cleaning of deposit residues in process chamber using duo-step wafer-less auto clean method is detailed. Specifically, the method involves cleaning the processing chamber by flowing a first gaseous composition with at least about 75% of fluorine-containing compound of the formula XyFz, into a processing chamber and then forming a first etchant plasma which removes silicon and silicon based byproducts from the interior surfaces of the processing chamber. The method then involves flowing a second gaseous composition into the processing chamber with a composition of at least about 50% O2 and forming a plasma from the second gaseous composition to provide a second etchant plasma which removes carbon and carbon based byproducts from the interior surfaces of the processing chamber. A system configured to execute the two step cleaning process is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing contaminate particulate matter from substrate surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The method and apparatus use a material, preferably a liquid curable polymer, which is applied as a sacrificial coating to the surface of a substrate containing contaminate particulate matter thereon. An energy source is used to dislodge the contaminate particulate matter from the surface of the wafer into the sacrificial coating so that the particles are partially or fully encapsulated and suspended in the sacrificial coating. The sacrificial coating is then removed. The coating is preferably formed into a film to facilitate removal of the coating by pulling (stripping) the film providing a cleaner substrate surface.

Abstract: The method for removing particles that adhere to the surface of semiconductor wafers is constituted so as to sequentially carry out a first cleaning process in which semiconductor wafers 100 are cleaned for a prescribed time in cleaning tank 104 containing a first cleaning solution consisting of ozone water, and, after said first cleaning process, a second cleaning process in which said semiconductor wafers 100 are cleaned for a prescribed time in cleaning tank 106 containing a second cleaning solution consisting of hydrogen water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple mechanical dual stage pressure control for a cleaning head operatively coupled to a cleaning vehicle for engaging a surface to be cleaned and to methods of engaging and using such a dual stage pressure control to perform surface cleaning, surface maintenance, surface conditioning and the like. While the present invention is described and depicted primarily with reference to a cleaning head having dual rotary scrubbing brushes, the present invention finds diverse application in the art of surface cleaning, maintenance, conditioning and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is readily adaptable to cleaning heads having one or more of the following applications, including without limitation, such cleaning heads designed and adapted to: burnish, polish, scrub, sweep, brush, treat and wipe a surface to be cleaned wherein an increased downforce is beneficially selectively applied to such cleaning head to increase the efficacy of such cleaning head.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus with a vertically extending spindle having a substrate supported on its upper end. A brush extends generally horizontally over the substrate, and a force measuring gage is mounted with respect to the spindle for detecting forces applied to the substrate. A spindle drive moves the spindle upward and downward directions, and a spindle control is electrically connected to the force measuring gage and causes the spindle drive to move upward and downward in response to cleaning forces being detected by the force measuring gage.