Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, the fuel reaches a combustion chamber via at least one fuel-injecting device. The fuel-injecting device includes a piezo actuator. The drive energy (U), which is necessary for a specific stroke (h) of the piezo actuator, is determined from at least one function (34 to 40) which couples the stroke (h), the drive energy (U) and the drive time (t) of the piezo actuator with each other. In order to more accurately adjust the stroke of the piezo actuator, it is suggested that a function (34 to 40) be used for the determination of the drive energy (U). These functions (34 to 40) were previously determined for a typical collective load (L1, L2) to which a piezo actuator is subjected.

Abstract: An air intake cooling system for an outboard motor equipped with a V-type engine. In one embodiment, the air intake cooling system has an air intake manifold and a water-cooling passageway positioned in the air intake manifold for cooling air in the air intake manifold. The system further has a water sleeve for cooling a main oil reservoir located inside the V-type engine, the water sleeve positioned next to the main oil reservoir and connected to the water-cooling passageway. The system uses water in the water-cooling passageway for cooling the air intake manifold and in the water sleeve for cooling a lubricating oil in the main oil reservoir, the water used to cool the intake manifold being the same as the water in the water sleeve.

Abstract: A state quantity &sgr;(n) of a switching function is calculated based on a predetermined target air-fuel ratio TGABF, a detected air-fuel ratio AFSAF detected by a sensor (16), and a state equation derived from a transfer function Geng(q) of a secondary discrete system, representing the correlation between an air-fuel ratio of an air fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (1A) and the detected air-fuel ratio (S14). The air-fuel ratio is feedback corrected by applying a sliding mode control process based on the difference between the target air-fuel ratio TGABF and the detected air-fuel ratio AFSAF, and the state quantity &sgr;(n) (S14-S21). The response and robustness of the air-fuel ratio control are enhanced by using a physical model of the secondary discrete system.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical cell for measuring the concentration of a component of a gas mixture includes a first semiconductor electrode and a second semiconductor electrode, the electrodes formed from first and second semiconductor materials, respectively. The materials are selected so as to undergo a change in resistivity upon contacting a gas component, such as CO or NO. An electrolyte is provided in contact with the first and second semiconductor electrodes. A reference cell can be included in contact with the electrolyte. Preferably, a voltage response of the first semiconductor electrode when exposed to the component is opposite in slope direction to that of the second semiconductor electrode to produce a voltage response equal to the sum of the absolute values of the individual voltages generated. A combustion engine includes an emission sensor for measuring pollutants and a feedback and control system uses measured pollutant concentrations to direct adjustment of engine combustion conditions.

Abstract: A paint ball gun includes a body portion, a handle, and a triggering mechanism mounted within the body portion and the handle, improvement wherein the triggering mechanism comprises a trigger pivotally mounted in the body portion, a micro-switch mounted within the handle and having a contact button disposed behind the trigger, a solenoid valve having a valve rod, means for controlling the valve rod of the solenoid valve by way of the micro-switch, a magnet mounted within the handle for attracting the valve rod to original position, a lever having a lower portion aligned with the valve rod and an upper end extending into a passage of the body portion, a first spring urging the upper end of the lever into the passage, a striking rod slidably fitted in the passage and having a bottom formed with a recess, and a second spring fitted in the passage and having an end urging against an end of the striking rod.

Abstract: A cooking grill has a bottom for accommodating a fire producing source, a plurality of legs turnably connected with the bottom and turnable between a storage position in which they are substantially coextensive with bottom and an operative position in which they extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom and upwardly from the latter, elements for fixing the legs in each of the positions, and a grate arrangeable between the legs and connectable to the legs, elements for holding the grill on the legs.

Abstract: A gas grilling apparatus includes a cart, a grill housing attached to the cart, and a grill and a main grill burner contained in the grill housing. An auxiliary burner unit is also attached to the cart, and the auxiliary burner unit is located, or is placable at a level below the main grill burner. The auxiliary burner unit may be made height-adjustable, and enhances the ability of the user to view or remove the contents of a pot or pan having high side walls.

Abstract: A sugar/additive blend useful as a binder or impregnant for carbon products. Simple sugars as well as sucrose are combined either in solution or in solid form with reactive additives such as ammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium chloride and para-toluene sulfuric acid. The sugar/additive blends form more and denser carbon residue than sugar alone when subjected to pyrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active-substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs) having part or all of their internal surfaces consisting of stainless steel, anodized aluminum or lined with an inert organic coating; and to compositions to be delivered with said MDIs.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber.

Abstract: A face mask includes a fan device for drawing air into the mask and for facilitating the breathing of the users. A holder is secured to the mask and has a chamber for receiving the fan device. A motor may be used for driving the fan device. A canister is disposed in front of the fan device for filtering air. The holder includes a conduit having a mouth engaged into the mask. A check valve is disposed in the mouth for preventing air from flowing backward from the mask to the conduit. A guard member is disposed in front of the fan device for protecting the fan device.

Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting disordered breathing in a patient and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for detecting patient snoring and/or for dynamically determining a snore detection threshold, and to a pressure support system and method of providing pressure support that uses this unique snore detection and/or snore detection dynamic adjustment technique to control the pressure provided to at patient.

Abstract: A valve for use in a CPAP system or any stem at a pressure above ambient which vents the pressurised gases from the blower during expiration. Due to the pressure-flow characteristics of the blower this results in the patient having a much lower airway pressure during expiration making breathing easier. The valve includes a movable member which blocks flow from the blower to the patient during exhalation and vents externally. During inhalation gases flow normally from the blower to the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface for CPAP is described, with deformable cushions for the forehead rest. Each cushion providing a substantially even load bearing surface and progressive deformation. Several embodiments are disclosed for achieving desired mode(s) of deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal ventilating device, especially a tracheal tube or tracheal cannula which obturates the trachea as hermetically as possible for ventilating a patient, the device comprising a cuffed balloon which blocks the trachea below the glottis and through which a ventilating cannula is passed, with the cuffed balloon when filled or inflated and freely unfolded without any limitation, being larger than when placed in the trachea in an inflated state, and being made from a soft flexible foil material. To intubate a patient with said device as gently as possible at low pressures over a long period of time and with a low risk of infection, the invention suggests that the draped fold of the cuffed balloon should rest on the trachea and be designed in such a way that the loop created at the dead end of a fold has a small diameter which inhibits the free flow of secretion through the loop of said fold.

Abstract: A removable fallopian tube plug includes an elongated shaft member that has a diameter dimensioned for insertion into a mammalian fallopian tube. The shaft has an imagable portion located at each of a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of flexible disclike protrusions are affixed in generally normal fashion to at least a portion of the shaft, wherein in a first position a periphery thereof is generally adjacent the shaft and in a second position the periphery extends radially outward therefrom. The protrusions are biased to the second position and are adapted for closely engaging the fallopian tube when in the second position, and they are further arrayed axially so as to form a barrier sufficient to prevent a passage of an ovum or a spermatozoon in an axial direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument arrangement includes an operation microscope system (100) and a carrier unit (101) carrying the operation microscope (102). The medical instrument arrangement is at least partially covered by a drape (110). The air inside the drape (110) is removed by a suction unit. The drape (110) is fixed to a portion of the carrier unit (101) at a collar (115). By operating the suction unit at different suction rates, disturbing vibrations of the system during a surgical procedure can be minimized.

Abstract: An inventive restraint connection system and method of use thereof are provided. The inventive restraint connection system consists of a number of point connector elements that releasably attach to wrist and ankle cuff elements of an existing mechanical restraint system already applied to a subject, that also releasably attach to a stationary or mobile structure, such as a bed or wheelchair. Four point connector elements are typically utilized (two for the wrists and two for the ankles) with an optional fifth leg connector element that releasably centrally attaches to an interlink between ankle cuffs. The point connector elements may be utilized in conjunction with any mechanical restraint system where at least the wrist and ankle cuff modules are supplied with releasable connectors that correspond to the releasable connectors utilized in the point restraint connector elements.

Abstract: A food intake restriction apparatus and method includes and uses an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the stomach or esophagus to form a restricted stoma opening in the stomach or esophagus. A source of energy for energizing the restriction device, and a control device for releasing energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device to vary the size of the stoma opening to allow or substantially prevent the passage of food therethrough.

Abstract: Surgical implements used during an operating procedure are detected in human tissue. Markers attached to the surgical implements change their impedance at a preselected frequency in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Each of the markers is thereby provided with signal-identifying characteristics. The signal-identifying characteristics are detected outside the operating room in an accurate, reliable manner. Potential interference with operating room electronic instrumentation is avoided, the possibility of operator error is reduced and system cost and space requirements are substantially lowered.

Abstract: An integrated surgical anchor/localization sensor is disclosed. The anchor is adapted to be secured to an anatomical structure and contains a sensor housing. A receiver is located within the sensor housing and is adapted to sense reference signals generated by a surgical guidance system. A transmitter, connected to the receiver, conveys to a processor signals received by the receiver, so that the signals transmitted by the receiver are indicative of a current position of the anchor. Various other structures and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigarette filter that includes a multiple section filter which reduces the level of predetermined smoke constituents. The filter consists of a fibrous filter plug located at the mouth-end of the cigarette, a section containing a selective adsorbent material, and a section containing a general adsorbent material. The selective adsorbent material, such as a phenol-formaldehyde resin matrix surface-functionalized with mainly primary and secondary amine functional groups, removes specific smoke constituents from the tobacco smoke. The general adsorbent material, such as activated charcoal, is preferably capable of adsorbing a range of chemical compounds without a high degree of specificity. Structurally, the fibrous filter plug, the selective adsorbent section, and the general adsorbent section are in tandem and are circumscribed with a plug wrap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new process of cleaning of objects that relate to semiconductor fabrication processes, such as, for example, conductive paste screening in the production of multilayer ceramic substrates and composite solder paste by stencil printing in electronic circuit assembly. Specifically, this invention is concerned with removing a metal/polymer composite paste from screening masks and associated paste making and processing equipment used in printing conductive metal pattern onto ceramic green sheet in the fabrication of semiconductor packaging substrates. This invention is also concerned with cleaning of solder paste residue from stencil printing equipment used in electronic module assembly surface mount technology for SMT discretes, solder column attachment, and BGA (Ball Grid Array) attachment on ceramic chip carrier or for screening solder paste onto printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system for processing substrates within a chamber and for cleaning accumulated material from chamber components is provided. The system includes a reactive species generator adapted to generate a reactive gas species for chemically etching accumulated material from chamber components, and a processing chamber having at least one fluoropolymer coated component which is exposed to the reactive species. Preferably to have the greatest impact on chamber cleaning efficiency, the fluoropolymer coated component(s) are large components such as a gas distribution plate or a backing plate, and/or a plurality of smaller components (e.g., a shadow frame, chamber wall liners, a susceptor, a gas conductance line) so as to constitute a large percentage of the surface area exposed to the reactive species. Most preferably all surfaces which the reactive species contacts are coated with fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for removing dopant ions from a semiconductor substrate includes exposing the substrate to a non-aqueous organic solvent in liquid and/or vapor form.

Abstract: Apparatus including

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with a cleaning medium that is maintained at a single fluid phase. The apparatus comprises means for providing the cleaning medium; a pressurizable cleaning vessel for receiving the cleaning medium and the workpiece; and means for maintaining a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium in the cleaning vessel. The present invention further provides a process for cleaning the workpiece with cleaning medium under conditions such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium. The present invention further includes a process for a storage media that includes instructions for controlling a processor for the process of the present invention. The storage media comprises means for controlling the processor to control contacting conditions of the workpiece and the cleaning medium such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing acidic contamination on a process wafer following a plasma etching process including; providing an ambient controlled heating chamber for accepting transfer of a process wafer under controlled ambient conditions; transferring the process wafer to the heating chamber under controlled ambient conditions following plasma etching of the process wafer; providing a heat exchange surface within the heating chamber for mounting the process wafer in heat exchange relationship thereto; mounting the process wafer on a heat exchange surface contained within the heating chamber; and, heating the process wafer to a temperature sufficient to vaporize an acidic residue thereon to form acidic vapors; and, removing the acidic vapors from the heating chamber.

Abstract: A needle cleaning system, for use with a liquid dispensing system that dispenses a quantity of material through a dispensing needle or transfer pin, includes a vacuuming device coupled with a residual material collection device, wherein the collection device includes at least one appropriately shaped orifice for receiving an end of the dispensing needle or pin. The liquid dispensing system further includes control means for periodically positioning the dispensing needle or pin relative the orifice in the collection device. The vacuuming device creates an airflow, which passes around the exterior of the needle or pin and into the collection device, thereby removing residual material from the exterior of the dispensing needle or pin without contact.

Abstract: A fiber coating stripping apparatus and method for removing an outer coating of an optical fiber including a fiber stripper with a nozzle adapted to spray a stripping medium toward an outer surface of the optical fiber to remove the outer coating, a stripper exhaust including a liquid injection mechanism that provides a liquid to an interior of the stripper exhaust, and a vacuum generator fluidically connected to the stripper exhaust that creates an airflow through the exhaust opening to vacuum the removed outer coating of the optical fiber and to vacuum the liquid provided by the liquid injection mechanism. The liquid is a coolant that cools the removed outer coating and rinses the interior of the stripper exhaust. In one embodiment, the liquid is provided by the liquid injection mechanism with a distribution ring having a plurality of spray openings.

Abstract: A system of cleaning a CMP pad used for removing copper from a substrate, the system comprising an abrasive cleaning pad, a cleaning solution delivery system that delivers a cleaning solution, an analyzing system that monitors the characteristics of the cleaning solution optically and chemically, and a carriage that allows the analyzing system to monitor the cleaning solution at a plurality of locations on the CMP pad. The use of the abrasive cleaning pad and the cleaning solution removes contaminants from the CMP pad, and the contaminants are dissolved in the cleaning solution. By measuring the concentration of contaminants in the cleaning solution, the condition of the CMP pad can be monitored. To measure the concentration of the contaminants, changes in the refractive index and absorption of light in the cleaning solution are measured, wherein the refractive index and absorption depend on the concentration of the contaminants.

Abstract: There is provided a process for treating a substrate by removing organic pollutant on the surface of the substrate using mixed gas of wet ozone-containing gas and basic gas, wherein the introduction amount of basic gas is controlled, thereby achieving complete prevention of corrosion of metal wiring previously formed on the substrate, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable shelter has a quarter-spherical arcuate shape with an open face. A lightweight frame and covering allow for quick set-up and take-down. The shelter is suitable for protection from the sun and other elements, and also provides a degree of privacy to its occupants.

Abstract: Novel slidable doors and sidewalls are adapted for use with collapsible protective enclosures (e.g., frame structure associated with a collapsible tent) such as tents, awnings, and restaurant patio shielding. The slidable doors and sidewalls, in addition to being flexible, may also be foldable, and, generally, slidably engage a slide track incorporated in such an enclosure. Further, the slidable doors and sidewalls generally comprise a flexible sheet that, in some embodiments, may also define openings therethrough and further comprise windows provided by semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheets. The present invention is also directed to collapsible protective enclosures comprising the above slidable doors and sidewalls, and to methods for retrofitting such enclosures with the above slidable doors and sidewalls, and to kits for accomplishing the same.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A thermoelectric semiconductor couple or module (10) includes a plurality of semiconductor pellets (14, 18) having Peltier characteristics are mechanically interconnected and arranged in an electrical series circuit with heat transferring means (12, 16, 20) with all interconnections being directly made. The means (12, 16, 20) can be of platelike construction with an L-shaped cross-section or, alternatively, with a U-shaped cross-section. A large number of modules (10) can be arranged in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional stack (30) with adjacent lines or planes of modules electrically interrelated by end segment connectors (32). In a further version, one side of a modular plane has heat exchanger fins (44-50) while the other side is electrically connected by ceramic segments (58) with deposited conductors (56). In yet another version, the modules are mounted onto rotating discs (94, 96) so as to act as a fluid impeller moving therepast enhancing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for tracking the maximum power point of a solar panel. A pulsewidth-modulated converter, for example a SEPIC or Cuk converter, is provided between the output of the panel and the load, and a perturbation is introduced into a switching parameter of the converter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic strip assembly is disclosed comprising a polyimide substrate, a thin film voltaic strip, and a transversely grooved, protection covering of a chlorofloural polymer. The grooves are provided to increase the flexibility of the strip, and may be V-shaped, flat bottomed with splayed sides, or rounded to provide dome shapes between them. Similar grooves may be provided in the exposed surface of the substrate to further increase the flexibility of the strip. The grooves of the substrate may be aligned with ridges between the grooves of the protective covering, to receive these ridges when the strip is wound around a rechargeable battery or energy cell. In a different embodiment the grooves are between rows of hump-shaped protuberances. The protuberances of adjacent rows may be staggered.

Abstract: A safety system for a mobile anhydrous ammonia fertilizer application system is adapted to be remotely actuated closed by the operator in the event of a leak in the system.

Abstract: In a vent valve structure including a cut valve that shuts off the flow of fuel vapor and fuel liquid, a positive pressure adjustment valve that opens when positive pressure is applied, and a negative pressure adjustment valve that opens when negative pressure is applied, the negative pressure adjustment valve is provided in a row arrangement with the cut valve in a position linking a ventilating passage and a fuel tank so as to bypass the valve opening of the cut valve.

Abstract: An inflate/deflate valve of a heavy duty design for use during inflation of inflatable devices such as dunnage bags. Such dunnage bags are used in hostile or rough environments where when deflated the dunnage bags are stacked and compressed into storage drums where the inflate/deflate valves may be crushed or forced against the cuttable or ripable dunnage bag material. As a result, a novel and unique design is provided including a valve body, a spring, an optional washer, a spring retainer, a poppet, poppet seal and an o-ring.

Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable regulating device that permits liquids, such as fuel oils, to be drained into the enclosure while preventing the flow of gases into the enclosure. The device includes a valve housing having a chamber for receiving the liquids and the gases and a drain valve means in open flow communication with the liquids and gases. The drain valve means includes a valve seat and a float member both located within the valve housing. The float member has a specific gravity less than the liquids passing through the device. The float member floats off the valve seat when the liquids flow through the valve housing and engages the valve seat when gases are present in the chamber preventing the gases from entering the enclosure.

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a disc spring. The pressure regulator comprises a valve having a movable device that is positioned to control fluid flow through the pressure regulator. Downstream fluid pressure produces a first force acting on the movable device to close the valve to block fluid flow through the pressure regulator. The disc spring produces a second force that acts on the movable device to open the valve to enable fluid to flow through the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for a hermetic compressor including a valve plate having a refrigerant discharging hole for discharging a refrigerant, a discharging valve having one end fixed at the valve plate and another end for opening and closing the refrigerant discharging hole, a stopper having one end fixed at the valve plate in order to support the discharging valve, a keeper disposed at an upper part of the stopper at a predetermined distance from the stopper and fixed at the valve plate, a first shock absorbing means for buffering an opening and a closing of the stopper by being disposed at the keeper, and a second shock absorbing means disposed at the keeper in order to move up and down. The second shock absorbing means is for buffering the opening and the closing of the stopper together with the first shock absorbing means.

Abstract: When supplying pressurized oil from a first port (51) to a second port (78), first, a pallet (2) is lowered to a table (1). And a first stop member (45) of a socket (21) is brought into butting contact with a second stop member (67) of a plug (22), thereby forming a contact gap (B) between the second stop member (67) and a check member (72) within a check valve chamber (70) of the plug (22). Next, the pallet (2) is fixed to the table (1) by a locking device (3). Subsequently, the pressurized oil at the first port (51) is supplied to the second port (78) via the check valve chamber (70) and thereafter is discharged to an exterior area.

Abstract: A fuel-control manifold has a non-integral body with at least three pieces joined together. The fuel-control manifold has a tank port, an engine supply port, a fueling port, and a shutoff valve, all in the upper body segment. The shutoff valve includes a controllable shutoff valve closure having a shutoff-valve first side in fluid flow communication with the tank port and a shutoff-valve second side in fluid flow communication with the engine supply port and with the fueling port. There are a defueling port in a lower body segment, a vent port in the upper body segment, and a defuel/vent valve in a middle body segment.