Abstract: A combination of a fireplace and a decorative removable cover therefor is provided. The fireplace may include an enclosure having a front access opening and a frame positioned within the front access opening. Further, the decorative removable cover may include an opaque substrate and decorative indicia thereon. The opaque substrate may have a size and shape to be received within the front access opening of the fireplace. The cover may also include at least one fastener for removably attaching the opaque substrate to the frame within the front access opening of the fireplace for display of the decorative indicia.

Abstract: A nebulizer apparatus to atomize liquid solutions or suspensions. The nebulizer is typically used in conjunction with a breathing circuit to deliver atomized medicine to a patient. A housing with an opening covered by a thin mesh plate is supplied with the liquid to be nebulized on an “on-demand” basis. The mesh plate or liquid is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies to atomize the liquid as it passes through the plate into the breathing gases flowing through the breathing tube. The vibration is produced with a piezoelectric element. The most efficient point to produce vibrations is found by measuring current, voltage or phase angle taken by the piezoelectric element or by measuring the resistance of the strain gauge attached to vibrator.

Abstract: An improved maximum expiratory pressure device and cough simulator including a flow tube having an integral mouthpiece at a patient input end, and a hinged door at an opposite or discharge end for sealing off the flow tube. The hinged door is held closed by a releasable trigger operable by the patient to release the door after pressure build up to simulate a cough. A foldable pressure monitoring port is provided to connect the maximum expiratory pressure device to a pressure gauge, if desired, for monitoring the expiratory pressure developed within the flow tube.

Abstract: A breathing support system comprises a housing, a plate with a central aperture forming an annular bearing surface and with peripheral air passageways and a cap with a base and a wall slidably extending into the distal region. Air ports have a tubular guide extending proximally from the base. A valve assembly includes a disc formed with a periphery selectively positionable in contact with the bearing surface and passageways and also includes a thin rod with a distal end adjustably received within the guide. A resilient member is positioned between the base and plate urging the base and cap distally and the disc into contact with the bearing surface and passageways. An exhaust valve adapted to allow the exhaling of air is located on an upper radial extent of an intermediate region of the housing. A primary port is adapted to receive and support a bottle of primary medication.

Abstract: An improved methodology and systems for delivery of breathing gas such as for the treatment of obstructive sleep apena through application of alternating high and low level positive airway pressure within the airway of the patient with the high and low airway pressure being coordinated with the spontaneous respiration of the patient, and improved methods and apparatus for triggering and for leak management in such systems.

Abstract: A portable bag valve mask resuscitator including an air intake adapter for attachment of an air filter cartridge for filtering air administered during manual resuscitation procedures and a method for converting bag mask resuscitators.

Abstract: A device for facilitating intubation including an elongate tube inserted in a conventional endotracheal tube. An imaging device (e.g., a nasopharyngoscope) is inserted through the device, and the device is then inserted through an endotracheal tube. The device includes a control wire and handgrip to curve the distal end of the device into an L-shaped configuration, which is produced via a series of interlinked, truncated ring-like elements disposed along the distal portion of the tube. The amount of force applied to the handgrip controls the degree of bend in the distal end of the device. The L-shaped configuration facilitates the proper visualization of the vocal cords by the imaging device.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: Methods are presented for the dissolution of a thrombus which occludes a blood vessel. The methods utilize the vasodilation effect produced by irradiating a blood vessel with UV laser light. The laser-induced vasodilation leads to stretching of the occluding thrombus, which becomes infiltrated with blood and quickly dissolves without the emission of emboli. Some of the methods involve combination of UV laser irradiation with thrombolytic agents, dethrombosing agents, or antiplatelet agents to enhance their effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Abstract: A minimally invasive approach for surgery on portions of the heart and great vessels. A parasternal incision is made extending across a predetermined number of costal cartilages, e.g., a right parasternal incision extending from the lower edge of the second costal cartilage to the superior edge of the fifth costal cartilage. One or more costal cartilages, e.g., the third and fourth, are then excised to provide access to the portion of the heart or great vessels of interest, for example between a point approximately three centimeters above supra annular ridge and the mid ventricular cavity, and a desired procedure completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of improving the bodily appearance in the case of cellulite. In order to achieve an effective improvement without the direct contact of sound heads, electrodes or winding foils on the skin the invention suggests that the body or a part of the body of a person is received by a known chamber provided with at least one pump which chamber is subsequently sealed in a gas-tight manner and exposed to the action of an alternating pressure. If the pressure in the chamber is lowered (negative pressure) relative to the atmospheric ambient pressure the lymph vessels widen and receive tissue fluid and residual metabolic products associated with the lymph. The subsequent raising of the pressure in the chamber either to the atmospheric ambient pressure or an excess pressure [superpressure] in the range of a maximum of 20-60 mbar produces a directed flow of lymph and a removal of the residual metabolic products to the filtering organs.

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 suction band, for use in a cigarette making machine for conveying a cigarette filler stream, comprising a tape of heat-softenable plastics material wound so as to produce a multi-layer endless band and having perforations of which the edges of the adjacent perforations in adjacent tape layers are welded or fused together so as to join together the tape layers to form a cohesive perforated band.

Abstract: A device for applying a thin, even layer of a liquid medicament to the scalp or other hair-covered skin surface while minimizing the amount of liquid wetting the hair is disclosed. The device includes a liquid reservoir and an applicator body having at least one downwardly extending tooth, each tooth having an internal fluid channel in communication with the reservoir, and having orifice ports adjacent to but above the tooth end. Metered doses of liquid are delivered to the orifice ports by operation of a manually operated pump or other fluid transport means.

Abstract: An applicator, applicator system and method of using an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes include an application element disposed on an end of a stem. The application element includes at least one row of consecutive teeth alternately disposed at least partially on opposite sides of a geometric separation surface. The consecutive teeth have portions substantially contiguous with one another. Interstices, such as V-shaped notches, are defined by consecutive teeth above the substantially contiguous portions. Three consecutive teeth define a volume configured to contain the product to be applied.

Abstract: A dental floss comprising a porous PTFE fiber having a density of less than about 0.7 g/cc. The inventive floss is abrasion resistant, grippable and has a soft feel to the hands and a rough feel in the mouth. The floss is made by an extrusion process with non-contact heating during subsequent expansion with amorphous locking.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cleaning or etching wafers. The invention further provides a megasonic transducer designed to apply mechanical vibrations to a layer of fluid in contact with a wafer. The electromechanical transducer is housed in a quartz or sapphire lens which is chemically compatible with the layer of fluid, and sealed to protect the housing interior from fluids and chemical fumes. An electrical power source produces a signal that is sent to the transducer to generate a megasonic wave. The wave travels between the lens and the wafer, through the layer of fluid, dislodging small particles from the wafer which are then removed in the fluid stream. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wafer to be cleaned is placed on a rotatable support below a transducer assembly. A fluid is introduced through the transducer assembly to provide a layer of fluid between the lens and wafer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cleaning a heater bellow in a chemical vapor deposition chamber by utilizing a plug and a plug base specifically designed for such cleaning are disclosed. The apparatus consists of the plug and the plug base which can be advantageously mounted in a heater bellow for the filling of the bellow with an oxidizing fluid such as H2O2. After a suitable soaking period of the oxidizing fluid, the fluid is drained away and then deionized water is used to fill the bellow to rinse the bellow wall and to remove the oxidized compound of metal, such as WO3. During the soaking process by H2O2 or by deionized water, an inert gas such as argon may be purged through the fluid to improve its uniformity and to improve its interaction with the metal oxide deposition on the bellow wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid to paste machine dishwashing detergent which, in addition to customary machine dishwashing detergent ingredients, comprises a crystalline, layered silicate of the formula aA2O.bBO.cC2O3.dD2O5.eSiO2.fH2O, in which A is an alkali metal and/or hydrogen, B is an alkaline earth metal, C is an element from the third main group of the Periodic Table, and D is an element from the fifth main group of the Periodic Table, and the following also apply: 0≦a≦1; 0≦b≦0.5; 0≦c/e≦0.05; 0≦d/e≦0.25; 1.9≦e≦4; 0≦f≦20. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this machine dishwashing detergent and to its use.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing having a washing chamber and a door for gaining access to the washing chamber. A washing nozzle is provided in the washing chamber for directing a fluid stream against dishes held in the washing chamber. A circulation pump circulates fluid under pressure through the washing nozzle. A supply line delivers fluid to the circulation pump while a drain line discharges fluid from the washing chamber. Additionally the dishwasher includes an acoustical insulation blanket of thermoplastic material. That blanket extends around the washing chamber and the circulation pump and is precisely cut to fit snugly around the fluid supply line and the drain line so as to eliminate gaps therebetween and the acoustical leaks associated therewith. A method is also disclosed for enclosing the noise-generating components of the dishwasher in an acoustical insulation blanket of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: In a method for drying substrates, in particular, semiconductor wafers, an especially residue-free drying of the substrates results when, during removal of the substrates from a liquid, a meniscus of the liquid forming at the transition between the substrate surface and the liquid surface is heated. A device for performing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: An eyewear cleaning apparatus for removing particles from the lenses of eyewear includes a housing having a bottom wall, and an outer wall including a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A compartment is positioned in the housing adjacent to the first end wall. A pump is positioned in the compartment. A container is positioned in the compartment and is fluidly coupled to the pump. A delivery pipe is fluidly coupled, to the pump and extends around the interior of the housing. A first pair of nozzles is in communication with the delivery pipe and extend toward the second end wall. A second pair of nozzles is in communication with the delivery pipe and extend toward the first end wall. A first mount is positioned in the housing and is adapted for receiving a bridge portion of eyewear.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for servicing a vehicle's transmission cooling system, where the apparatus includes a source valve with inlet and outlet ports, a pump with inlet and outlet ports, and a return valve with inlet and outlet ports. The pump inlet is connected to the source valve outlet. The pump pumps fluid from the source valve inlet through the source valve outlet and the pump inlet to the pump outlet for servicing the transmission cooling system. The fluid returns from the return valve inlet to the return valve outlet and the pump then re-pumps the fluid into the transmission cooling system. The service apparatus may also include a fluid source and a filter interposed between the fluid source and the source valve, where the fluid returns to the fluid source prior to re-pumping the fluid. The service apparatus may also include a flowmeter interposed between the return valve and the fluid source and a filter interposed between the return valve and the flowmeter.

Abstract: At a time of cleaning a plate-like part such as a wafer or the like while rotating, for the purpose of reducing a contamination, a damage and an unevenness of process of the plate-like part which are caused by an amount of charged electricity of the plate-like part, chuck pins (chuck members) 201 which chuck the plate-like part 1 such as the wafer or the like and upper and lower cleaning plates 101 and 121 which oppose to the plate-like part 1 are constituted by a resin material containing carbon powders, and a desired potential difference is applied to a portion between the plate-like part and the cleaning plates by a voltage control unit 601 which is provided in an outer portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning system for removing ink from the surface of a semiconductor wafer. The cleaning system comprises a first cleaning station, a second cleaning station and a drying station. The first cleaning station spins the wafer and uses an N-Methyl-Pyrolidone (NMP) solution to dissolve the ink on the surface of the semiconductor wafer. The second cleaning station also spins the wafer and uses another cleaning solution to clean the ink off the surface of the wafer. The drying station spins the wafer and uses a gas to blow the surface of the wafer so as to remove residue from the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cleaning a pressurized container having at least one chemical contained therein. The pressurized container may be any type of container able to store chemicals under pressure. Preferably, however, the container may be a rail tank car. Generally, the system includes the container that may have a plurality of valves for adding or removing gaseous or liquid material to or from the container. The container may be connected with a nitrogen tank that may be heated via a heater. The container may further be connected to a flare for incinerating residual chemical material that may be removed from the container.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device which can be used to remove waste material and debris from the holding tank 26 of a recreational vehicle 14. The present invention 10 comprises an outlet element 36 being T or Y-shaped having an end cap 34 on one end and a locking cap 38 on the other end which locking cap 38 connects by using a locking element to the tank coupling valve 22 of the recreational vehicle. An extension wand 32 which is connected to an inlet water hose 20 at the inlet hose coupling element 24 passes through O-rings 44 disposed in the end cap 34 and the locking cap 38 whereby the extension wand travels or passes into the inner area of the holding tank 26. The extension wand 32 has water outlet perforations 35 on its end which are disposed interior of the holding tank so as to disperse the pressurized fluid throughout the inner tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser for wet processing systems involved in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers. The diffuser includes a plenum section and a slitted section. Pressurized fluid from the plenum section is forced through the slitted section and across a plurality of wafers mounted in the wet processing system. One advantage is that by “diffusing” pressurized fluid through the slitted section, a generally uniform and/or laminar flow is achieved. Desirably, the diffuser provides a more reliable, and hence more cost-effective, technology for wet processing fabrication of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure of a manual folded umbrella, which includes an engaging hook being connected under an upper joint and being formed with an inward step at bottom end, and a runner having an elastic connector with a lower projection at a side. The inward step can engage with the connector for positioning the umbrella in opening state and the projection can be directly pressed to release the runner from the engaging hook for closing the umbrella easily and safely.

Abstract: A lightweight walking stick for providing stability when used in water which includes a hollow shaft having an upper handgrip and which shaft defines a chamber which retains water to provide ballast by way of vertically spaced openings spaced from a lower ground engaging end of the staff, such that water is permitted to fill and add weight to the lower portion of the staff when the stick is in use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover for a hunting stand which can be removably attached to an existing hunting stand. The present invention is adaptable to fit many sizes and shapes of existing hunting stands; however, one of the common types that it is adaptable to fit is referred to as a tripod hunting stand which comprises an upper hunting stand mounted on a tripod set of legs. The present invention comprises a framework having means for attachment to the railing of the exising hunting stand. The present invention also has a canvas cover mounted thereon which cover has multiple windows provided therein.

Abstract: A distribution valve includes a fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, wherein the distribution valve includes a housing including a fluid inlet (3). The housing includes an upper section (15B) and a lower section (15B). A gear reduction assembly (2) located in the housing includes a gear reduction mechanism (2A) and impeller (2B) located near the inlet port and connected to a rotary input shaft of the gear reduction mechanism (2A). A cam device (6) engages a rotary output shaft of the gear reduction mechanism so as to rotate the cam device in response to rotation of the impeller. The cam device (6) includes a raised section (6A having their own a raised camming surface (6B) which rotates in response to rotation of an impeller of the impeller (2B). A plurality of valve assemblies disposed in the lower section (15A) are arranged to open or close fluid paths through the plurality of fluid outlet ports (4), respectively, in response to rotation of the camming surface (6B).

Abstract: A fluid mass flow controller, particularly adapted for controlling mass flow rates of toxic and reactive gases used in semiconductor device fabrication, includes a control circuit connected to pressure sensors for sensing the differential pressure across a flow restrictor in the mass flow controller for controlling a valve to control the fluid mass flow rate to a setpoint. The control circuit compares the differential pressure with the downstream pressure at a measured temperature with a data set of a gas passing through the flow controller for a range of differential pressures and downstream pressures and adjusts the flow control rate accordingly. The flow controller is mechanically uncomplicated including a two part body for supporting the pressure sensors, a remotely controllable flow control valve and the flow restrictor.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved gas cylinder and valve for filling or discharging a gas cylinder comprising a body having a first end, a second end, and an axial bore for providing a passageway for flow of fluid. A collar is provided having an outer surface for engaging an external member to the valve for accepting or discharging fluid. A core is provided having an axial bore for receiving a pin disposed within the body and providing a passageway for flow of the fluid. The first end of the body is adapted to removably mount and rotationally fix the collar. The first end of the body is further adapted to removably receive the core, whereby the core retains the collar on the body when the core is received by the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.

Abstract: A technique of assembling a solenoid operated valve to a hydraulic manifold in which the manifold has provided thereon undercut stanchions disposed on opposite sides of a cavity communicating with fluid valving passages. A U-shaped bracket with a central aperture is received over the solenoid and a first pair of tabs which engage lugs disposed respectively on opposite sides of the valve body function to prevent relative rotation between the bracket and valve. The bracket has a pair of oppositely extending resiliently deflectable spring arms each having a pair of second tabs thereon; and, the spring arms are deflected on the stanchions upon user insertion of the valve body into the cavity. The spring arms resiliently engage the undercuts to prevent removal of the valve, and the second tabs engage the sides of the stanchions to prevent relative rotation of the bracket and valve.

Abstract: An arrangement of pipelines of a high-pressure distribution network for liquid operating media, such as lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic pressure media for control members or drives, for a roll stand having a roll housing. The pipelines are supply pipelines, discharge pipelines, and distribution pipelines, wherein the roll stand has several consumers connected to the high-pressure distribution network for the liquid operating media. The supply lines and the discharge lines are combined to form modules of groups of pipelines mountable on the roll stand. The nominal pressure of the operating media is standardized within the pipelines of the high-pressure distribution network to a value of approximately 290 bar.

Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a resilient pinch tube disposed in a conduit between a pressurized water source and a toilet flush tank and is pinched closed by a piston disposed in a cylinder formed in a bracket mounted on the conduit. The piston is engageable by a float which moves it between closed and open positions with changes in water level. A tube connects the source to the cylinder. When the float moves to the closing position it closes a drain port in the cylinder so that water pressure in the cylinder assists the piston. A manually adjustable screw on the float cammingly engages a bead on the conduit to yieldably arrest upward float movement and provide snap-action shutoff of the valve.

Abstract: The valve includes a valve seat (1) having passage channels (2) for the controlled medium which are arranged essentially in a ring-shape and concentrically, of a catcher (3) having flow-off channels (4), a valve plate (5) that is movably arranged, in particular it is movable back and forth, between the catcher (3) and the valve seat (1), having several individual ring plates (7) that are allocated to the passage channels of the valve seat (1), and a support plate (8) that is spring-loaded by the catcher (3) and rests on the ring plates (7).

Abstract: A gas container has a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a variable-volume chamber connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet and a constant force applicator acting on the variable-volume chamber so that constant gas pressure prevails in the variable-volume chamber, regardless of variations in the chamber's volume. The constant force applicator is formed by a spring and a force transfer mechanism that interact with each other through a center of rotation (14) and an application point. The force transfer mechanism varies the distance between the center of rotation and the application point according to the variation in the volume of the variable-volume chamber.

Abstract: A water hammer arrestor having an insert molded plastic body with a metal attachment at one end to install to the supply line. A piston disposed inside the bore of the plastic body includes a flexible skirt that faces the water supply. The skirt includes a sharp edge that provides a scraping/cleaning action.

Abstract: Drainage is enhanced in an orifice formed inside the internal passage of a pneumatic line by providing the orifice with first and second portions. The first portion defines a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the internal passage, and the second portion defines a progressively increasing diameter. Generally, a first end of the second portion has a diameter that is equal to the first portion diameter, and a second end of the second portion has a diameter that is equal to the internal passage diameter.

Abstract: A lining method for a host pipe (10) including lubrication of the host pipe prior to insertion of a thermoplastic liner (11) using tight fit techniques. After allowing the inserted liner to relax, the liner is partially pulled from within the host pipe using puller (20) and clamped with an internal clamp (30) to allow fitting of a special flange (40) to the liner (11) by butt fusion, for example. Threafter the liner is allowed to revert so as to abut a flange (12) fitted to the host pipe (10). The technique is repeated at the other pipe end.

Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating an eversion bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The bladder is stored in a pressure bladder canister coupled to a pressurized downtube and eversion elbow. The bladder is everted by introducing pressurized air into the canister As the bladder reaches the distal manhole, it enters a receiving canister where it is punctured while maintaining air pressure within the bladder a pinch valve between the downtube and elbow isolates the inverted bladder so that steam can be introduced into the bladder to cure the resin and exhaust through the receiving canister. The bladder is then removed and lateral service reinstated.

Abstract: The flexible tube is filled with a substance which expands on contact with water. The tube is wholly or partly of a material which loses consistency on contact with water, enabling the substance to expand. The filled tube is insertable into an energy transportation or telecommunications cable.

Abstract: A flow tube has a metal outer tube and is lined with an ETFE fluoropolymer that is resistant to corrosive chemicals and mechanical damage even at high temperatures. The inner surface of the metal tube is coated with a bonding metal that can be securely bonded to the outer metal tube and also forms a strong bond with ETFE fluoropolymer. After the bonding metal has been applied, a layer of a desired thickness of the ETFE fluoropolymer is molded in place to form an inner liner for the flow tube.

Abstract: A loom with an insertion brake disposed between a yarn feeder and the shed of the loom, which insertion includes a movable brake element, which is capable of movement between two fixedly disposed yarn guides from a position of rest on one side of the yarn to an operative position on the other side of the yarn. The movable brake element is connected to a driving motor, the excitation of which is controlled by an electronic system, in which at least one program for the time and the position of the movable brake element is incorporated. The electronic system includes a position detection sensor for sensing the instantaneous position of the brake element.

Abstract: The present invention concerns weaving. In particular, it is a woven material produced using tape-like warp and tape-like weft through the employment of a rotary type shedding device which also functions as a direct specific-weave patterning device and a pick guiding device. The material according to the invention has a constructional constitution of at least some of the warp and weft that is non-homogenous. The invention also relates to a weaving device for producing woven material with tape-like warp and weft, comprising a rotary device, which is capable of producing more than one fabric simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a three-dimensional wireform for heart valves from a two-dimensional starting shape. The wireform has multiple arcuate cusps and oppositely directed commissure tips therebetween, the cusps and commissure tips being oriented generally in a tube about an axis. The two-dimensional wire has three cusps and two commissure tips, with two free ends having bent segments. The wireforming system and process holds the commissure tips, or one commissure tip and one bent segment, and forms the cusp therebetween. The wire is held by two axially-parallel mandrels and cooperating clamps which axially rotate and move toward one another. A forming surface on each mandrel bends one half of the cusp, the forming surfaces being mirror images of one another. The forming surface has a complex curvature specifically designed to shape a particular size of wireform into a desired final three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: Ink is filled in an ink cartridge having a housing communicating with ambient air through an air communicating hole, a porous member impregnating with ink, an ink supply port, and a valve device including a valve body always urged by a spring and a valve seat abutting against the valve body, and ink is filled in the housing of the ink cartridge through the ink supply port.