Abstract: A valve flow characteristic line is adapted by weighting the valve position as an input variable using a variable offset value. To calculate a robust model of the intake manifold pressure, a modeled partial pressure of the recirculated exhaust gas is determined so that it differs as little as possible from the actual partial pressure of the recirculated exhaust gas. To do so, a modeled partial pressure of the recirculated exhaust gas is derived from a flow characteristic of a valve in an exhaust gas recirculating line as a function of the valve position. The modeled partial pressure of the recirculated exhaust gas derived from the flow characteristic is corrected adaptively as a function of the difference between the modeled intake manifold pressure and a measured intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: An EGR valve apparatus (16) regulates the amount of exhaust gas recirculated in an EGR system. The EGR valves (28) are opened or closed by a rotatable shaft (30) which is actuated by a motor (14). Alternatively, the valves can be balanced on the shaft, the valves moving in opposing direction during rotation. An inline poppet can be employed to overcome pressure in the system prior to movement of the valves. In another alternative embodiment, the motor rotates threaded shaft to move a pintle towards and away from an orifice.

Abstract: A magazine for a bullet-shooting pneumatic firearm comprises a casing 1. Inside the casing 1 a closed passage 2 is provided, equipped with containers 3 with bullets 5. The magazine has a bullet opening 11 in a wall 9 of the casing 1, through which the bullet 5 during the shot, under the action of a portion of gas, gets from the container 3 into a bullet passage 12 of a barrel 10 of the firearm. The opening 11 is disposed coaxially with the bullet passage 12 of the barrel 10 of the firearm and with a through opening 4 of the container 3 occupying such position before each shot. In the wall 9 of the casing 1 above the closed passage 2 above the through opening 4 of the containers 3 a port 14 is provided for receiving an external arm 15 of a striker-and-trigger mechanism 16, under the action of which the containers 3 move along the closed passage 2, each container 3 being positioned sequentially to the shooting line.

Abstract: A paint ball gun with typical gun body bolt chamber, air chamber, hammer chamber and trigger plate aligns the trigger plate with a timing plate and air valve to eliminate torques otherwise incurred between the valve and a trigger integral with the trigger plate as the trigger pulls the valve between effective positions during firing and recocking of the gun. The timing plate reciprocates with movement of the trigger plate in a timing plate groove in the gun body, shielding the timing plate from external damage and dirt. The air chamber and the hammer chamber, typically rearward of the air chamber, together lie below the bolt chamber and above the timing plate groove in vertical alignment further stabilizing the gun during recocking and firing of the gun.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning dicing saw blades at a fixed axial distance from one another independent of the thicknesses of the saw blades, where the saw blade thickness varies within a range. Flanges, spacers, and retention spacers may be employed to achieve desired spacing of dicing saw blades in the assembly. At least one biasing element that is at least partially constrained about its outer radial periphery may be employed to achieve axial positional independence of each dicing saw blade with respect to other dicing saw blades of the assembly. Further, at least one retention feature may also be used to fix the position of the at least one biasing element in the assembly. Machining techniques may be used to form the components and features of the present invention.

Abstract: A blade for a saw comprising a generally planar member having a rim with a plurality of teeth, wherein the improvement comprises a carbon composite material reinforcement positioned on at least one of the teeth. A method of using such a saw blade to cut a cement, ground sand and cellulosic fiber material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Atmospheric gas burner for a cooking appliance comprising: a burner head with a lateral perimeter wall defining a distribution chamber provided with flame orifices; a gas injector; means for conveying primary air to downstream of the injector; and a venturi directing the gas/air mixture towards the distribution chamber; at least one region of the lateral wall, free of flame orifices, is pierced with a through-aperture and a passage isolated from the distribution chamber is established in the burner head to connect the aperture to the injector, this aperture and this passage having cross sections which ensure a stream of primary air from the outside of the burner head with a flow rate appropriate to the operation of the burner.

Abstract: A gas-heatable appliance for personal use receives an inflammable gas reservoir and comprises a combustion chamber and a valve assembly mounted between the inflammable gas reservoir and the combustion chamber. The valve assembly comprises a valve housing defining a gas passageway, a sealing member mounted in the gas passageway and movable between a first position allowing flow of the inflammable gas and a second position blocking the gas passageway, a movable member mounted in the gas passageway in a position other than the sealing member, and a temperature-responsive member disposed in the valve housing. The movable member is movable by the temperature-responsive member in response to a temperature of the combustion chamber to thereby vary an area of cross section permitting gas flow.

Abstract: A free standing firepit comprises a base support member that holds the firepit in an upright position. The base support member is fully enclosed about its periphery by a meshed screen to prevent sparks or other combustible debris from inadvertently exiting the firepit. An access opening is disposed on the screen to provide user access to the firepit enclosure. A middle grate having a cooking grill is removably mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation adjacent and contiguous to the access opening of the screen. Accordingly, the firepit may be contained within an attractive chimeneas providing outside warmth and providing a removable grill for cooking purposes.

Abstract: This invention consists in a nonimaging device for concentration or collimation of radiation on a receiver or from an emitter (14), depending on the case. The device is made up of the lens (50), which surrounds the receiver and consists of the aspheric surface (21), and the lens (15), whose upper refractive surface (16) may be aspheric, while the lower surface is aspheric (17) in its central portion (between points 18 and 19) and has a structure with discontinuous slope (20) in its external portion, in which the faces (22) fundamentally refract the rays while the faces (23) reflect them by total internal reflection. The design method provides that the device properties of concentration/collimation are noticeably superior to those of the existing inventions.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device is provided for delivering substances such as liquid drugs, vaccines and the like to a nasal passage. The nasal delivery device preferably comprises a drug container such as syringe and a separable spray nozzle. The spray nozzle includes a rigid plastic cap having a spray aperture at a distal end of the nozzle for delivering the liquid substance to the nasal passage. Attachment means is provided for attaching the spray nozzle to the syringe at the time of the delivery of the liquid substance to the nasal passage. The nozzle defines a conduit that allows fluid communication from the syringe to the spray aperture. The nozzle includes an internal valve between the spray aperture and the syringe for allowing only pressurized liquid substance to flow through the conduit and the aperture so that a mist or spray is delivered through the spray aperture.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a housing for a dispenser suitable for dispensing medicament, particularly for use in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The housing comprises a body; said body including a support for receipt of said aerosol container; a first outlet port connectable to a first pressure recorder for recording change of pressure on firing of said aerosol container; and a second outlet port connectable to a second pressure recorder for recording air pressure within the body; wherein said first outlet port and said second outlet port are separate such that the change of pressure on firing and the air pressure within the body are individually recordable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of medication includes providing first and second medicament on a medicament pack in separate containers for preventing either medicament from interfering with the stability of the other. In accordance with the method, the medicaments are preferably delivered in a single inhalation.

Abstract: Breathing apparatuses for protecting users from inhaling contaminated air through their mouth and nose. One of the exemplary breathing apparatuses utilizes a filtering unit, whereas another exemplary breathing apparatus utilizes a air source in conjunction with a filtering unit. A nose plug prevents the contaminated air from entering the users' nose and a transparent bag prevents the contaminated air from entering the eyes, ears and noses of the users.

Abstract: Respirator having a transparent bag for covering a head of a user and at least one filter for filtering air from outside the bag. The at least one filter is attached to the bag and located away from a line of sight of the user. A band attached to the bag is located around the top of the head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device for use with an inhaler (5) comprising a dispersion chamber (18) for fluid communication with the inhaler (5) and a suction chamber (19) in fluid communication with the dispersion chamber (18). The suction chamber (19) is constructed to enable the internal volume of the suction chamber (19) to be increased during use thereby producing a negative pressure in the dispersion chamber (18). In this way, the substance to be inhaled can be drawn from the inhaler into the dispersion chamber (18) for subsequent inhalation.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing waste fluid from a fluid supply and removal system that alternately supplies supply fluid to a user and receives the waste fluid from the user. The supply fluid and the waste fluid flow along a flow path, the supply fluid being supplied to and the waste fluid being received from the user by way of a supply tube. The system has a dead space. The device has a flow passage operatively associated with the supply tube and the dead space and directs the supply fluid and the waste fluid. An exhaust tube exhausts a portion of the waste fluid from the system and has a first end operatively associated with the flow passage. The exhaust tube is attached to the system at a location along the flow path between the user and the dead space.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device includes a reservoir of pressurized gas delivered upon inhalation through a single-lumen cannula. Gas flow is interrupted by a series of interconnected passages and chambers, including a check valve which is acted upon by the flow of gas being delivered through the delivery outlet of the device. The device is self regulating to the extent that oxygen pulses of appropriate volume are delivered irrespective of the breathing rate of the user. The device includes a plate with various passages and chambers defined therein in such a way as to reduce the overall length of the device.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for use in the delivery of non-invasive positive airway pressure to a user. The assembly includes a rigid shell having a channel portion defined by an inner wall, an outer wall and a channel floor, a face-contacting cushion acting to space the shell away from the user's face and a sealing tab extending from the cushion to engage a portion of the shell to provide a continuous airtight seal between the cushion and the shell. A retaining ring within the mask assembly is configured to secure the cushion to the shell. The retaining ring has a first portion including at least one clip configured to pass through at least one slot portion such that an underside surface of the at least one clip engages a section of the shell when the retaining ring is positioned within the channel.

Abstract: A customizable face or nose mask for the noninvasive ventilation of patients in general, which comprises a mask body forming at least one surface portion which can be coupled to the face of the patient. The peculiarity of the invention consists in that it comprises, at least at the surface portion, a chamber for containing at least one product without shape memory which can be activated to produce a chemical and/or physical reaction for the transformation of the at least one product without shape memory into a product having shape memory which spontaneously models itself on the patient's face.

Abstract: An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device is disposed over a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may either heat or congeal the sterile medium. The sensing device is typically disposed through the drape to provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device may be affixed to a plural basin drape utilized for a multiple basin thermal treatment system. The drape forms a drape receptacle within each basin, while a sensing device is typically disposed within each drape receptacle to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle to facilitate control of system operation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A user-formable, wax based mouthguard and methods for preparing and using the mouthguard.

Abstract: A monolithic earplug is provided, which is compressible or deformable. Individual earplugs are cut from an extruded elastomeric thermoplastic material, providing for a relatively rapid and efficient fabrication method. Decorative and/or promotional markings may be disposed on a surface thereof either before or after cutting.

Abstract: An oral appliance device and method are provided for slowing the ingestion of food thereby triggering an increase in the feeling of satiety for a given amount of food. The appliance affixes to the maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth, and restricts the distance the wearer can open the mouth. The appliance includes upper and lower attachable portions which affix to the upper and lower teeth, and a flexible element that connects the upper and lower parts. The restricted opening distance can be adjusted, by either lengthening the flexible part of the appliance, or re-positioning the upper and lower affixable part(s). The appliance allows the patient to perform oral hygiene and speak normally. The appliance allows patients to chew food, but at a slower rate. The appliance decreases the amount of food a wearer can put into his/her mouth at any single time, increasing the amount of time it takes to eat.

Abstract: A method of inducing tolerance without whole body irradiation.

Abstract: A non-combustible smoking article is provided in which a flavor generating medium, such as a commercially available cigarette, is heated with a fuel element including a liquid fuel therein to generate flavors or other components in vapor or aerosol form. A reusable fuel element is inserted in one end of a tubular member and a flavor generating medium, such as a cigarette, is positioned in the opposite end of the tubular member. Spacing between the fuel element and the cigarette is sufficient so that the cigarette is not lit but hot gases come into contact with tobacco or the like in the cigarette to vaporize the flavor components therein.

Abstract: A protein-based composition for application to the mouth end of a smoking article to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide, tar and nicotine inhaled by a smoker. Also disclosed is a method for the cessation of smoking by applying the protein-based compostion to the mouth end of a smoking article.

Abstract: An method for increasing the permeability of tubular wrappers of a succession of cigarettes by at least one pulsed beam of coherent radiation issuing from a laser has a hollow drum-shaped conveyor cooperating with a rolling member to define an arcuate channel wherein successive cigarettes roll while advancing sideways past a perforating station. Each beam of coherent radiation is generated in or is caused to enter the interior of the conveyor prior to being influenced by one or more deflecting and/or focussing elements to be propagated substantially radially and through an opening of the hollow conveyor and to impinge upon the wrapper of a cigarette rolling at the perforating station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the fillability of tobacco, as cut tobacco leaves or ribs and/or plant-based tobacco additives with cellular structure, by treating the tobacco material which has 8 to 16 wt. % initial moisture with a treatment gas consisting of nitrogen and/or argon at pressures of 50 to 1,000 bar in either one autoclave or with cascade-type switching in several autoclaves, followed by thermal after-treatment of the tobacco material discharged after decompression has occurred, which is characterised in that the decompression is carried out with at least one holding stage whose pressure corresponds to 3 to 60%, preferably 3 to 30% of the original maximum pressure and that the heating of the system whilst it is under residual pressure is carried out in such a way that the tobacco discharge temperature after pressure reduction is completed lies within the range 10 to 80° C.

Abstract: A smoking accessory that protects the felt along the interior of a vehicles window from the damages of hot ash being thumped out the window by the vehicles occupants. Once installed in the vehicles glass groove, the accessory is self-supporting and gives continued protection to the felt behind it from the constant abuse that it is subjected to by smokers.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of nanoparticle additives capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cut filler compositions are described which comprise tobacco and at least one nanoparticle additive. Cigarettes are provided, which comprise a tobacco rod, containing a cut filler having at least one nanoparticle additive. Methods for making a cigarette are provided, which involve (i) adding a nanoparticle additive to a cut filler; (ii) providing the cut filler comprising the additive to a cigarette making machine to form a tobacco rod; and (iii) placing a paper wrapper around the tobacco rod to form the cigarette.

Abstract: A device and a method for applying hair dye to hair. The device comprises a housing, a reservoir for said hair dye, at least one opening for said hair dye to pass through, and means for moving the hair dye from said reservoir to the hair via said at least one opening for the hair dye, wherein first heating means are provided for heating the hair dye before said hair dye passes through said at least one opening for the hair dye. The method comprises the heating of the hair dye prior to the application of the hair dye to the hair.

Abstract: An applicator for use in applying cosmetics. The applicator includes a body having at least one reservoir configured to contain cosmetics and an ejection head having a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the cosmetics. The applicator further includes a control circuit operably coupled with the ejection head to control ejection of cosmetics from the plurality of nozzles onto an application surface.

Abstract: A hair weave attachment device has a plurality of pin-like protrusions extending from a flexible band. The flexible band provides a method for attaching the hair weave attachment device to a commercial hair weave. The pin-like protrusions provide a method for attaching the hair weave attachment device, having the hair weave attached thereto, to a wearer. The resulting hair weave can be easily attached and removed from the wearer. This provides a quick and easy method for changing hair styles without requiring any messy glue removers or the cutting of threads, which are required to remove hair weaves attached in the conventional manner.

Abstract: The two-component hair treatment product consists of one component (A) and another component (B). Component (A) contains an acid and component (B) contains a base. Less than 3 g of the base and/or acid are soluble in 100 ml of water at 20° C. The acid is preferably a dicarboxylic acid, such as sebacic, dodecanoic dicarboxylic acid or tetradecanoic dicarboxylic acid. The base is preferably ammonia, an alkyl amine or an alkylol amine. Prior to use in a method of permanent hair shaping or hair care, the components are mixed with each other to form a ready-to-apply mixture having an automatically continuously or gradually changing pH that changes within from one to 60 minutes so that damage to the hair due to high pH is avoided. For permanent shaping of hair the initial pH of 8 to 13 falls from about 1 to 4 pH units within from 10 to 30 minutes after mixing the components.

Abstract: The present invention includes a braiding machine having three or more vessels, each vessel having an outer housing and an internal telescoping mandrel, the vessels being removably mounted on a portion of two wheel drums, the drums rotating and the direction of each vessel around the drum being altered by a toggling detent. To use the device, hair is wrapped onto an extended telescoped mandrel, the mandrel is collapsed, and a housing is placed on the mandrel to provide a vessel; three or more vessels are then mounted onto the drums and, when the device is powered, the hair on the mandrels emerges from the device as a braid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (9) for cosmetic products in general constituted by an extractable cartridge (1), by an outer body (3), and by a cap (5). Removable locking means (8) are provided between cartridge and outer body.

Abstract: A device for applying a product may include a container configured to contain a product. The container may include an opening and a valve associated with the opening. The device may also include a structure configured to be removably fitted to the container, and the structure may include a closing element and a housing at least partially defined by the closing element. The housing may include at least one passage configured to provide flow communication between the container and the housing via the opening of the container when the structure is in a fitted position on the container. The structure may also include an applicator configured to be at least partially received in the housing. The device may be configured so that the valve is placed in an open position in response to fitting of the structure to the container.

Abstract: An applicator suitable for applying various powders and liquids in the fields of cosmetics, writing, painting, and medical treatment etc, which is particularly preferred as a make-up instrument such as a chip or a brush for applying eye shadow, and to a method of producing the applicator. The applicator has one or two coating parts obtained by grinding the peripheral part of either or both ends of an applicator main body which is made by bonding a fiber bundle with a synthetic resin solution, and a holding part being the unground middle part of the applicator main body, wherein the applicator main body impregnated with the resin solution is dried by hot air and the solvent in the resin solution is removed, thereby the resin is unevenly distributed and exists more in the peripheral part, and the peripheral part becomes harder than the central part.

Abstract: An adjustable brush for cleaning a drive or sprocket chain has a C-shaped toolhead fixed to a handle with an opposing cleaning element. The length of the handle sufficiently keeps users hands away from the chain during cleaning, and provides a means for the opposing cleaning element to clean generally inaccessible areas. The toolhead defines a chain passage recess having a plurality of inner sides. Each inner side has projecting retaining members to define a brush block cavity adapted to removably receive a brush block element such that a cleaning member formed thereon projects into the recess. Likewise, the opposing cleaning element has a pair of retaining members projecting therefrom to define a brush block cavity adapted to removably receive a brush block element.

Abstract: An extraction cleaning machine comprising dispensing and recovery systems, the dispensing system including a system for generating heat with an exothermic reaction upon activation for heating the cleaning solution prior to dispensing of the cleaning solution onto a surface. The cleaning solution dispensing system comprises a cleaning solution reservoir to which the heat of the exothermic reaction can be added and a dispenser. The heat of the exothermic reaction can also be added in line to the cleaning solution between the cleaning solution reservoir and the dispenser. The recovery system includes a suction nozzle, a recovery tank and a vacuum source for drawing recovered liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. A method of cleaning a surface comprises the steps of heating a cleaning solution by an exothermic chemical reaction, applying the cleaning solution to the surface and recovering the cleaning solution from the surface.

Abstract: A method for preparing a semiconductor wafer surface is provided which includes providing a plurality of source inlets and a plurality of source outlets and applying isopropyl alcohol (WPA) vapor gas through the plurality of source inlets to the wafer surface when the plurality of source inlets and outlets are in close proximity to the wafer surface. The method also includes applying a fluid through the plurality of source inlets to the wafer surface while applying the IPA vapor gas, and removing the applied IPA vapor gas and fluid from the wafer surface through the plurality of source outlets.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that is to be inserted into a toilet bowl that will assist in the cleaning of the toilet bowl. The device is a hollow tube with a stopper at the lower end to cover the drain of the toilet bowl. As water enters the toilet bowl, the stopper causes the water to rise. Cleaning fluid in the water cleaning the surface of the toilet bowl as the water rises. The water will rise to the rim level of the toilet bowl and enable cleaning solution in the water to clean difficult to access areas of the bowl even around the rim of the toilet bowl. The device of the present invention is positioned in the toilet bowl such that the water does not overflow out of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A cookware washer includes a wash chamber, and a lower rack positioned within said wash chamber. The lower rack includes a substantially unobstructed bottom surface.

Abstract: One of two outlet openings of a compact pump and one of two outlet openings of another compact pump are communicated with a supply opening of each headlamp nozzle such that cleaning liquid discharged from the one of the two outlet openings of the compact pump is supplied to the supply opening of each headlamp nozzle, and cleaning liquid discharged from the one of the two outlet openings of the other compact pump is supplied to the supplied opening of each headlamp nozzle.