Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a housing defining an interior chamber, and a poppet movable along an axis. The poppet includes a perimeter that has a plurality of notches. Interposed between each adjacent pair of the notches is a corresponding tab, and each tab includes a radially outer edge that is adapted to cooperate with the housing so as to guide movement of the poppet that is associated with the performing excess positive pressure relief.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling the charge air of an internal combustion engine. The charge-air cooler is arranged with a pump and a heat exchanger in a coolant circuit. The temperature of the charge air is detected via a temperature sensor and passed on to a regulating unit. As a function of this temperature and, if appropriate, of further engine operating parameters, the regulating unit controls the pump and, if included, the fan of the heat exchanger. Thus, in particular, when the engine is started cold or at a partial load, a higher charge-air temperature can be permitted by switching off or throttle the pump and/or the fan. This not only better matches the charge-air temperature to the engine operation, but also saves on energy for the operation of the pump and/or the fan.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system is capable of generating intense continuous electrical discharge at a spark gap for a desired duration and may include a second controllable power switching circuit with its input terminal connected to an output terminal of a high voltage DC source device. An output terminal of the second controllable power switching circuit is connected to an input terminal of a first power switching circuit. The second controllable power switching circuit may also have a control terminal connected to an output of a controller. The first controllable power switching circuit may be used for discharging a discharge capacitor, and the second controllable power switching circuit may cause charging of the discharge capacitor. As such, an ignition current through an ignition coil of the system is enabled for any desired number of cycles during both the charge and discharge cycles of the discharge capacitor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, is described wherein fuel can be injected into an intake manifold or into a combustion chamber during warm up. A control apparatus is provided for determining a warm-up factor (fWL) for increasing the injected fuel quantity below an operating temperature of the engine. With the control apparatus, the warm-up factor (fWL) is determined from a base factor (fG) and a load-dependent factor (fLA).

Abstract: A slingshot device having an improved target hitting rate. The slingshot device includes a slingshot, which is provided with a front sight and a handgrip, and a releaser, which is provided with a rear sight. The releaser is used to stretch an elastic band of the slingshot. The drawing distance of the elastic band is adjusted by changing the position of the handgrip. The front sight is movable in directions that are perpendicular to the shooting direction of a pellet. The rear sight has a sight slit, which is used to determine the drawing direction of the elastic band.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing, material-containing, launching apparatus has a bore in which a projecting or launching wall releasably seats a canister of fire-extinguishing material. The apparatus includes a hollow tube which is disposed the launching wall and biasing member such as a spring, which normally urges the wall toward an open end of the tube. The wall is restrained from movement through an actuator rod, the forward end of which defines a retention member. Guide slots provided in the tube limit the movement of the launching wall.

Abstract: The present invention of a high capacity bullet cartridge, more specifically, a bullet cartridge provided for a gun with color paint bullets, mainly comprises a cartridge body disposed with an U-shaped bullet channel inside the said cartridge body; the said U-shaped bullet channel is disposed with an orientation throat on one side adjacent to an open end where a bullet is released; the said orientation throat is provided for the bullet to change direction and is advantageous for assuring the smooth movement of the bullet encircling an arch portion of the U-shaped bullet channel.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun provides recoil simulating the recoil of a gun firing gunpowder propelled projectiles. The valve assembly provides both consistent shot to shot pressure, and rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the compressed gas powered gun may include means for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semiautomatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The air gun provides consistent gas pressure behind the projectile from shot to shot. A magazine and magazine indexing system for loading projectiles into the firing chamber in a manner contributing to the accuracy of the air gun is also provided.

Abstract: A traveling bowstring vibration dampener for use in a compound bow is moveable in response to the draw and release of the bowstring.

Abstract: A traveling bowstring vibration dampener for use in a compound bow is moveable in response to the draw and release of the bowstring.

Abstract: A Infrared or mesh burner having a flat sheet (or cover sheet) of heat resistant glass or metal is positioned between the food to be cooked and the mesh burner. The cover sheet is held in position with brackets that have grooves that allow the cover sheet to be frictionally held in position in a generally vertical position. The brackets can have the ability to allow the cover sheet to be rotationally positioned providing a more directioned heat source.

Abstract: A portable gas burner in which the base is comprised of a hollow disk-like shell and a plurality of sector plates detachably fastened to one another and to the periphery of the disk-like shell by screws; the reflector is comprised of a reflector disk and a plurality of sector plates detachably fastened to one another and to the periphery of the reflector disk by screw rods and wing nuts, which screw rods being respectively formed integral with the sector plates of the reflector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dome guard for a dome cover having an inside surface, an outside surface and a rim. The dome guard includes a heat resistant grid, at least one standoff for holding the dome guard a first predetermined distance from the dome cover, and a clip for engaging the inside rim of the dome cover. Contact of human skin with the rim of the dome is limited by the clip, which holds the dome guard a second predetermined distance from the inside rim of the dome.

Abstract: A range hood having a grease collecting motor housing and integrated grease tray and fan grill. The motor housing intake openings are defined by circular walls projecting vertically into the motor housing that act to prevent grease from passing back through the air intakes. Condensed liquids within the housing are directed to drain holes in the lower surface of the housing for transport out of the range hood. The tray (with attached grill) is releasably connectable to the housing through the air inlet in the range hood lower panel. The tray may be removed without removal of the lower panel of the range hood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device which prevents loud snoring and apnea during sleep so as not to cause discomfort to a user as much as possible. Stoppers 4 such as belts or straps having predetermined elasticity are attached to both right and left sides of a lower jaw fitting piece 3 which fits the both sides of the lower jaw, the lower jaw 2 is pushed forward via the lower jaw fitting piece 3 by setting and hanging the stoppers 4 on the nose or head of the face side, whereby occurrence of apnea and loud snoring during sleep is prevented.

Abstract: A variable limits setting dive computer for SCUBA divers which permits individual diver selectable time values for different diver physiology for commencing the ascent on the dive time remaining display, with diver controlled overrides, together with a tissue loading bar graph with diver pre-determined and variable visual and audible alarms actuated by the selected setting on said bar graph.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling arrangement for a system for endotracheal ventilation of a patient, which system comprises an endotracheal tube and a manifold (100) configured for allowing ventilation of the patient via said endotracheal tube, which manifold (100) has a first coupling means (300) with an axial extent (400) and with engagement means (330); and which endotracheal tube has a second coupling means (400) with an axial extent and with engagement means (420); wherein the coupling 312 arrangement is configured to produce, when the first (300) and the second (400) coupling means are moved together in the axial direction, a locking engagement between the engagement means (33, 420).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.

Abstract: An inhaler has a tubular case defining inside a flow route for medicament. A capsule containing the medicament serving as its source is on the upstream side and a mouthpiece is on the opposite downstream side. A rotor with a convex surface on the upstream side is rotatably placed in the flow route inside the tubular case. A motor rotates the rotor when a patient breathes in the medicament such that a shearing force will operate on the medicament particles and the medicament is separated from lactose.

Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol and includes first and second capillary tubes connected electrically in series by providing separate electrodes at the inlet ends of each capillary tube, and connecting the outlet ends of the capillary tubes by an electrical connection that connects the outlet ends both electrically and thermally. The capillary tubes are heated by the flow of electricity therethrough, and liquid flowing through the tubes is vaporized. The outlet ends of the capillary tubes are easily maintained at a temperature for optimizing aerosol generation since there is minimal heat loss through the connection connecting the outlet ends.

Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol includes a capillary tube made from an electrically conductive material, an upstream electrode connected to the tube, and a downstream electrode connected to the tube and provided with an electrical resistivity sufficient to cause heating of the downstream electrode during operation to approximately the same temperature as the tube at the point of connection. The upstream and downstream electrodes connected to the capillary tube divide the tube into an initial feed section, a heated section, and a tip. A source of material to be volatilized is provided to the tube at the feed section, passes downstream into the heated section, is vaporized, and then exits from the tube through the tip. The temperature profile of the tube along the heated section is controlled by varying parameters to substantially eliminate any effect of the downstream electrode as a heat sink.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support comprises a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A hand, wrist and forearm device for patients during surgery, comprising a pair of mating shells which fit about the patient's hand, and wrist and forearm. Each shell has a generally accurate lateral section wrist and forearm channel and a larger, generally accurate longitudinal section hand enclosure. The two shells are loosely hinged together along one edge, with a mutually mating closure provided along the edge generally opposite the hinges. The interior is preferably lined with removable padding, such as gel packs, visco-elastic material in order to apply light pressure to the hand and stabilize the position of surgical device on the hand. The pressure of the removable padding also provides a light outward pressure to stabilize the two halves of the assembly during use.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting implanted and/or transdermal medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an a protective layer including an outer pocket formed from moisture resistant adhesive material located on one side along the peripheral edge of the protective layer. In an embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner pocket to contain and provide added protection for an implanted and/or transdermal device. In an alternate embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner bag having an opening therethrough, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device is inserted into the bag through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face support device specifically for the purpose of facilitating surgery on humans in the prone position providing for the complete relief of pressure to the areas of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of a patient. The face support has a concave curved upper portion, a concave lower surface and a central opening for avoiding pressure on the eyes, nose and lips of the patient, while providing for increased support with decreased pressure and skin shear experienced by the patient's face in contact with the face support.

Abstract: A custom made bite guard construction (10) for relaxing a patient's temporal muscles (105) and providing relief from the strain of teeth clenching in the molar region (103) wherein the construction (10) includes a custom fit upper portion (11) and a custom fit lower portion 12 that partially cover only the bicuspid and anterior teeth of the upper (101) and lower (102) teeth arches and which are joined together by an intermediate bite portion (13) that creates a space (103) between the opposed teeth in the patient's molar region; and, the invention also includes the method employed in the fabrication of the bite guard construction (10).

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has maxillary and mandibular bite forms with outwardly extending pivots which are mounted to the bite forms by frameworks which are at least partially embedded in the bite forms. This retains the pivots securely in place even in the face of extensive bruxing. In constructing the device, a jig may be used for positioning the pivots. The method of manufacturing the device involves casting the frameworks, such that each framework has a pair of pivot mounts, mounting pivots to the pivot mounts, and at least partially embedding the frameworks in the bite forms.

Abstract: Protective tube and harness for the masculine member. The tube continues with a hinge with a hole at their end. The member is placed into the said tube, fixed with adhesive tape to the hinge. This hinge is introduced in an external tube with another hole which matches with the hinge hole. A padlock fixes the hinge and the external tube. Two rings are added to the external tube in their ends being fixed to the human body with a harness by a cable or chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for segmentation of an object in a 2D or 3D image data set by extracting a path along the object.

Abstract: A hole-drilling device for a cigar is disclosed. The device comprises a rotating shaft having a screw threaded top portion and a holding section, a tubular cutter having a ring blade at the edge of the top portion and a bottom portion which is threaded, a shaft cover having a cutter opening at the top portion and a plurality of screw threads at the internal wall of the cover, and a screw nut which is screwed to the screw threaded top portion of the rotating shaft. The turning of the rotating shaft cause the ring blade to protrude via the cutter opening of the shaft cover to cut a hole on a cigar.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for reducing tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) content in cured tobacco by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the tobacco prior to harvesting. Methods to be used in the present invention include root pruning of the tobacco plant prior to harvesting; severing the xylem tissue of the tobacco plant prior to harvesting; and administering antioxidants and/or chemicals which increase antioxidants to the tobacco plant after harvesting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cigarette having a filter (1) that is surrounded by a filter wrapping paper (2) which is enclosed by a coating (3) of the tip. The inside of the filter wrapping paper (2) is coated with a metal, especially aluminium. The coating is only applied to a part of the filter wrapping paper (2) in such a way that air can penetrate through said paper and into the filter (1).

Abstract: A hair-curling appliance has a first end and a second end that is rotatably connected to the first end. When the operator moves the hair-curling appliance downward, the first end of the appliance held by an end of an operator is turned to curl the hair of another person, and the second end of the appliance held by other hand of the operator is not turned during the downward travel of the appliance, thereby keeping a longitudinal axis of the appliance parallel to a horizontal axis and thus preventing deviation of the appliance. A satisfactory hair-curling result is thus obtained.

Abstract: The handling of a cosmetic puff is improved, and soiling of user's fingers holding the cosmetic puff is prevented. Accordingly, cosmetic puff 1A is formed with a bottom surface 3 and a slant surface 6, which has no unevenness and is used as the cosmetic applicator surface, and the thickness of cosmetic puff 1A increases gradually along slant surface 6 from the peripheral portion of bottom surface 3 towards the center part of the puff.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic cell, which can efficiently produce, charged water having an excellent performance of improving surface cleaning or treatment of an object, e.g., semiconductor, glass, or resin and of cleaning and sterilizing medical device.

Abstract: A method of cleaning damaged layers and polymer residue on semiconductor devices includes mixing HF and ozone water in a vessel to form a solution of HF and ozone water, and dipping a semiconductor device in the vessel containing the solution of HF and ozone water. Preferably, ozone water is subsequently introduced into the vessel to replace the solution of HF and ozone water in the vessel.

Abstract: A surface of a light-metal alloy is anodically polarized in a cleaning process. The surface is cleaned with a solution containing phosphoric acid, alcohol, and optionally fluoride. Additionally, the surface is passivated in an oxidizing process using, for example, fluoride ions or an aqueous oxidizing agent. Preferably, the light-metal alloy has a relatively high Al or Mg content. This method is suitable for preparing the surface for a subsequent coating operation.

Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.

Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.

Abstract: A tool for removing hair and other debris from a basin drain is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a mid-section. The first shaft end forms a handle and the second shaft end forms a hook. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.

Abstract: An air handling system is equipped with a system for cleaning the air handling evaporator core in situ. Water is distributed through an intake manifold consisting of a plurality valve or other flow control device. Here, the water picks up treating agents, such as microbicides and cleaning agents. In one of the valves or other flow control devices, the water does not pick up a treating agent, and is used for rinsing. The treated or untreated water flows through a connector to an outlet manifold for contact with an evaporator core of an air handler.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising multiple heating, cooling, and/or cleaning zones. The apparatus produces a jet flow of solvent/cleaning fluid onto an article to be cleaned without the need for a pump or compressor. The jet flow provides more effective contaminant removal. The multiple zones result in increased residence time for increased efficiency in separating the solubilized contaminant from the solvent/cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A process system for processing a semiconductor wafer or other similar flat workpiece has a head including a workpiece holder. A motor in the head spins the workpiece. A head lifter lowers the head to move the workpiece into a bath of liquid in a bowl. Sonic energy is introduced into the liquid and travels through the liquid to the workpiece, to assist in processing. The head is lifted to bring the workpiece to a rinse position. The bath liquid is drained. The workpiece is rinsed via radial spray nozzles in the base. The head is lifted to a dry position. A reciprocating swing arm sprays a drying fluid onto the bottom surface of the spinning wafer, to dry the wafer.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus for performing a substrate processing with a substrate being rotated, a ring-shaped motor is provided and a water pipe, a drainpipe and gas supply pipes are connected to a stationary part of the motor covered with a rotating part thereof. A gas from the gas supply pipes is supplied between the stationary part and the rotating part of the motor, thereby making the rotating part rotatable with a mechanism of a static pressure gaseous bearing (and a mechanical rotary). A group of induction coils are provided in a ring shape, and the water pipe and the drainpipe are connected to a duct for cooling water formed in the stationary part along the group of induction coils. This constitution allows removal of heat generated by the group of induction coils, to thereby achieving an adequate high-speed rotation of the substrate.

Abstract: A condenser tube cleaning nozzle which is cushioned with resilient washers. The present invention provides a stiffened nozzle adapted to handling high pressure, while at the same time providing cushioning at all contact points on a tube sheet and within a particular tube being cleaned.

Abstract: A canopy apparatus including a canopy element having a canopy material bounded by a canopy frame. The base frame element is removably attached to an object, and a connector element allows for the removal and attachment of the canopy element to the base frame element. The canopy element extends away from the base frame and reduces the glare on a screen resulting from direct lighting, such as sunlight, reduces eye strain and provides dust protection.

Abstract: A demountable, wind-resistant sun shade canopy for shading childrens' play areas or other actively used areas. The canopy cover, being removably secured over a metal support structure, is comprised of vertical columns upon which are mounted at the upper end thereof respectively, uniquely configured bracket fittings, each bracket fitting providing secure mounting for a cantilever beam extending outwardly toward the perimeter of the area to be shaded, and providing secure mounting for a hip beam extending upward and toward the inner portion of the area to be shaded.

Abstract: Compounds are expressed by general formula of AxBC2−y where 0≦x≦2 and 0≦y<1, and have CdI2 analogous layer structures; A-site is occupied by at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Pt, Au, Sc, rare earth elements containing Y, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sn, Pb and Bi; B-site is occupied by at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Ir, and Sn; C-site is occupied by at least one element selected from the group consisting of S, Se and Te; the compounds exhibit large figure of merit so as to be preferable for thermoelectric generator/refrigerator.

Abstract: A photocell device having enhanced conversion efficiency. The device is adapted to convert light energy to electrical energy in a semiconductor layer, to convert a first, monochromatic light, to a second light of different wavelength, in a fluorescent layer, to transmit the first light through a hot mirror layer, to reflect light from the hot mirror layer, and to reflect light from a mirror layer disposed at a second surface of the device.