Abstract: Disclosed is a technology capable of efficiently supplying a heater core 12 or a heat accumulation system 15 or an internal combustion engine body 1 with cooling water heated by a cooling water heating mechanism 20 by restraining an unnecessary heat radiation from the cooling water in an internal combustion engine including the heat accumulation system.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine with variable gas exchange control times and with variable control times for the inlet and outlet valves includes, in various operating modes, direct exhaust-gas recirculation by the retarded closing of the outlet valve, exhaust-gas retention by the insertion of a compression and expansion phase with closed gas exchange valves, exhaust-gas filling of the combustion space by the opening of the outlet valve in the gas intake phase, with the inlet valve closed, and/or an apportionment of the combustion action, if appropriate combined with an exhaust emission control measure, to a plurality of working strokes of a working cycle. The various operating modes may be set individually for each combustion space and each working cycle. The method may by used, for example, for gasoline and diesel engines of motor vehicles.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder with a piston movement area; a piston movably mounted in the cylinder; an ignition system connected to the cylinder; and a fuel delivery system connected to the cylinder. The fuel delivery system has a combined fuel and air injection port extending into the cylinder. The injection port has an end at the piston movement area with a top surface and a different shaped bottom. The bottom surface has an inwardly tapering shape to form a bottom portion of the end of the injection port with a generally semi-conical shape.

Abstract: A compact low emission, two-cycle, crankcase scavenged, spark ignited internal combustion engine with stratified scavenging is provided. The two-cycle engine including a cylinder block containing scavenging ports and a fresh air supply port. Said scavenging ports are formed as a blind pocket inside the cylinder walls. A piston having passages for alternatively communicating the transfer ports with the fresh air intake port and with a crankcase chamber in unison with the engine. By this method, the air trapped into the piston chambers creates an air mass, which is used as a buffer to evacuate the residual gases out of the cylinder chamber. This stratified “air head” substantially reduces raw fuel losses through the exhaust port, therefore, HC emissions are greatly reduced and fuel economy is enhanced.

Abstract: This invention concerns a two-stroke cycle engine, more specially it concerns a two-stroke cycle engine using a preceding air-layer for scavenging. It has a scavenger passage connected to a branching scavenger passage opened to said scavenging port. The engine has a connecting passage to link the air passage and the fuel passages so that negative pressure in the air passage forces the fuel-air mixture in the fuel passage into said air passage. Further, the engine according to this invention has a removable guide with a surface forming a curved smooth channel which is attachable to the scavenger passage in the crankcase from the mounting surface, and forms a portion of said scavenger passage with the curved channel. The blow-up angle of the scavenger passage varies along the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A drive mechanism can be utilized either as a pump or an engine. The device has a piston and cylinder. The piston has a rod that connects with a power gear via a link pin that joins the power gear at a point offset from the power gear shaft. The power gear orbits about a rim gear. A crankshaft gear mounted to a primary shaft is rotated by the orbital movement of the power gear. The rim gear and power gear can be placed in position to constrain the rod to move along the axis of the cylinder. Also, the rim gear can be rotated to a different position so as to cause the end of the rod to orbit with the power gear. This position can be selected to change the stroke length and thus the torque.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine control system for controlling an internal combustion engine, comprising a fuel injection control means for controlling fuel injection quantity to be injected by a fuel supply system for supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine, and fuel injection timing, and a variable valve control means for continuously or gradually varying at least opening timing, closing timing or lift of a intake valve or an exhaust valve for sealing up a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the fuel injection control means controls at least fuel injection quantity or fuel injection timing on the basis of a value of a controlled variable provided by the variable valve control means. Since air quantity can be regulated by a variable valve timing mechanism, pumping loss and fuel consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: A switchable tappet for directly transmitting a cam lift onto a tappet push rod, includes a housing having a push rod distal end which is formed with a ramp surface for contact by a cam. An inner element is placed in a recess of thehousing and has a push rod proximal end formed with an abutment for the push rod. Secured to the push rod proximal end of the inner element is an attachment to extend the inner element beyond the recess of the housing, wherein the attachment has a housing-distal end formed with a shoulder. A helical compression spring extends between the shoulder of the attachment and a rim of the housing for urging the inner element in a direction of the push rod, and conically expands, at least partly, in the direction of the push rod and is wrapped around the attachment of complementary conical configuration.

Abstract: A system for automatically stopping and starting an engine of a vehicle which enables proper determination of whether the stopping of the engine is possible, in accordance with the state of a battery. A power brought out from the battery by auxiliaries is subtracted from a power generated by a generator, thereby calculating a difference corresponding to a power for actually charging the battery. By sequentially adding the value, an integrated value of power charged in the battery is calculated. Meanwhile, a value of a known power WBRK consumed by a brake lamp plus a current power consumed by the auxiliaries is multiplied by a beforehand determined target value of idling-stoppage duration, thereby evaluating an evaluated integrated value of power consumed by the battery during stoppage of an idling. If the integrated value is not less than the evaluated integrated value, the stopping of the engine E is permitted.

Abstract: An improved air box lid and an improved air conveyance tube may be used alone and/or in combination to improve engine performance. For example, the improved air box lid and the improved air conveyance tube may be used together in an air induction system to increase the flow of ambient air from an air intake box to the motor throttle body. The improved air box lid and the improved air conveyance tube are preferably provided with interior walls that are smooth and continuous and define only obtuse interior angles.

Abstract: A method for tuning input/exhaust primaries in a multi-chamber spark ignition internal combustion engine. This method improves engine performance by correlating the timing of wave pulses in the input or exhaust system to combustion events in the combustion chambers. This has the effect of increasing the volumetric efficiency of the engine, resulting in increased brake specific fuel consumption and increased specific volume output.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which includes a first air intake 10, which is arranged at a point in the motor vehicle that is advantageous for air intake, and a second air intake 11, which is arranged at a point that is protected from road spray and splashes of water. The two air intakes 10, 11 end in a common line 12 that communicates with the internal combustion engine. In the first air intake 10, a moisture sensor 14 is arranged. When water enters into the first air intake 10, this moisture sensor emits a signal that actuates a solenoid 23 to move a pivotable valve 13. In a first switching position pivotable valve 13 closes the second air intake 11 so that no air reaches line 12 from the second air intake 11. In a second position (shown in broken lines) pivotable valve 13 closes the first air intake 10 so that air reaches line 12 only through the second air intake 11.

Abstract: A method of operating a variable compression, direct injection spark ignited internal combustion engine includes the steps of determining a demanded torque output of the engine, determining a current combustion mode and a current compression ratio mode of the engine; transitioning operation of the engine from the current combustion mode to a new combustion mode to produce the demanded torque output, and transitioning operation of the engine from the current compression ratio mode to a new compression ratio mode so as to minimize torque disturbances during the transitioning of engine operation from the current combustion mode to the new combustion mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fuelling an internal combustion engine by injection of a fuel-gas mixture to a combustion chamber of the engine comprising delivering a metered quantity of fuel from a fuel metering means to a delivery injector operation, the delivery injector being in communication with both the combustion chamber and a supply of pressurized gas for effecting delivery of the metered quantity of fuel to the combustion chamber, wherein at least one of the fuel metering means and the delivery injector are controlled in multiple events and a predetermined fuel distribution in the combustion chamber at ignition during that cycle of engine operation.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, having at least two cylinders, the fuel injection system having at least two actuator elements and at least one actuator element being assigned to each cylinder in order to inject fuel into the cylinder, and the fuel injection system having an injection control system for monitoring and/or resolving a conflict in triggering of the actuator elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a the tip structure of a fuel injector as used in a internal combustion engine. Internal combustion engines using Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) technology require a tip structure that directs fuel spray in a downward direction. This requirement necessitates a tip design that is capable of withstanding mechanical stresses associated with the design.

Abstract: A multi-valve engine comprises a plurality of intake and exhaust valves on a cylinder. Depending on use, one of the valves is made of higher heat-resistant material, and another is made of lower heat-resistant material, thereby decreasing cost and improving durability and reliability.

Abstract: In an engine control system (10) for an industrial internal combustion engine (12) driving a load (14) and desired to run at constant speed as controlled by an engine control unit (16) including a governor controlling an engine throttle (18), a governing system is provided for holding the engine (12) at relatively constant speed, notwithstanding load changes, by anticipating load change with pre-set loop modification control.

Abstract: Injectors 105 (#1 to #3) are connected to a connector block body 130 and an external wiring connector 150 is formed on the connector block body 130. The external wiring connector 150 has external wiring independent connecting terminals 151 to 153 and an external wiring common connecting terminal 158. Wires are wound around wiring guides 158a, 161, 162, 165 to 170, 173, 174 and are hooked on wiring guides 163, 164, 171, 172, which wiring guides are provided in the connector block body 130. Wires 111 to 113 121 to 123 are installed without crossing each other between injector connecting terminals 101a, 102a, 103a, 101b, 102b, 103b of the injectors 105 and external wiring connecting terminals 151 to 153, 158.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel injection system, in particular a common rail system, for fuel delivery in internal combustion engines, in particular diesel engines of commercial vehicles, with a low pressure circuit in which at least one low-pressure feed pump supplies fuel from a fuel tank to a high-pressure pump which supplies the highly pressurized fuel to a central high-pressure fuel reservoir. In order to simplify the ventilation of the low-pressure circuit, a device is provided for intentionally decreasing the pressure in the low-pressure circuit.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring, and a magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field actuates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is comprises of a plurality of magnetostrictive actuator assembly is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and the portion of the needle comprising the needle tip, which contacts the valve seat, is formed from a different material that has higher through-hardness than that the non-ferromagnetic material. The portion of the needle formed from a non-ferromagnetic material prevents interference with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for controlling a fuel amount to be supplied to an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism comprising an exhaust gas recirculation passage connected between an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust gas recirculation valve provided in the exhaust gas recirculation passage, is disclosed. The fuel amount to be supplied to the engine is corrected according to a pressure difference between an intake pressure detected when opening the exhaust gas recirculation valve and an intake pressure detected when closing the exhaust gas recirculation valve.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment device in which performance of a canister can be improved, with the result that efficiency in treatment of evaporated fuel can be enhanced. In the evaporated fuel treatment device, a purge control valve, conventionally disposed on a purge passage, is removed, such that the canister is directly subject to a negative pressure generated on the side of an inlet pipe at the time of starting of an engine. Consequently, a great attraction force acts on the evaporated fuel adsorbed within the canister. Also, by restricting a flow of air introduced into the canister by means of a flow control valve, the negative pressure applied to the canister can further be increased. As a result, in the evaporated fuel treatment device of the invention, the amount of the evaporated fuel which can be desorbed from the canister is larger than that of a conventional device.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus and method for a fuel vapor purge system in which fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank trapped in a chamber is purged into an intake passage of an internal combustion engine through a purge path, a first change in a pressure of the purge path is measured after creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the purge path and sealing the purge path, and a second change in pressure that varies with an amount of fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is measured while the purge path is sealed for a first period of time after an atmospheric pressure is introduced into the purge path. Then, it is determined whether leakage is present in the purge path, based on the first change and the second change in the pressure of the purge path.

Abstract: An abnormality detecting apparatus for a fuel evaporative emission control system which ensures enhanced reliability includes a canister (9) disposed in a purge passage, a purge control valve (10), a control means (20) for controlling opening/closing of the purge control valve (10) in dependence on engine operation states, a means (18) for detecting an intake pressure (Pb), a means for detecting at least one of an atmospheric pressure (PA), an outside air temperature (TG), an intake air temperature (TA) and a fuel temperature (TT), a means (19) for detecting a fuel tank pressure (Pt), a means (20) for determining validity of abnormality decision enabling conditions in the case where concentration of fuel gas is lower than a reference value for comparison, a means (20) for regulating a purge rate in dependence on an intake pressure (Pb) when the abnormality decision enabling conditions are valid, a means (20) for detecting occurrence of abnormality in the fuel evaporative emission control system on the basis o

Abstract: A fuel evaporation control system is connected to an engine control system in which an air-fuel ratio in mixture gas supplied to an engine is controlled to an optimum level. Fuel evaporated from a fuel tank is absorbed by a canister, and the absorbed fuel is purged into the engine. Deterioration of the canister in its air-permeability is detected based on measured pressure in the fuel evaporation control system or calculated density in the purge gas, both the pressure and the density being measured or calculated under two different amounts of purge gas flow. Deterioration of the canister in its fuel-absorbing ability is also detected based on the purge gas density.

Abstract: A air supplying structure for multi-cylinder engine comprising six pieces of high-pressure stage superchargers 51, six pieces of low-pressure stage superchargers 52, two pieces of intercoolers 63 arranged between the high-pressure stage and low-pressure stage superchargers, and six pieces of aftercoolers 62 arranged between the high-pressure stage superchargers and cylinders, in which each high-pressure stage supercharger 51 is connected with three pieces of cylinders, each aftercooler 62 is connected with each high-pressure stage supercharger 51, the two pieces of intercoolers 63 are arranged at opposite sides of the engine body 2 along the arranging direction of the cylinders, each intercooler 63 is connected with three pieces of low-pressure stage superchargers 52, and the three pieces of the low-pressure stage superchargers 52 are connected to the three pieces of cylinders in the right bank and the six pieces of cylinders in the left bank, which cylinders are arranged near the associated intercooler 63.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation circuit, the efficiency of a turbocharger is raised in a wide engine rotational speed area and, even when a pressure in an intake circuit is higher than that in an exhaust circuit, an exhaust gas can be circulated. For this purpose, an openable intake throttle valve (12e) is provided on the more upstream side than an exhaust gas circulation position of the intake circuit (12), or a narrow portion (12b) is formed on the exhaust gas circulation position of the intake circuit and an intake bypass circuit (12c) for bypassing the narrow portion is provided. Further, an intake and exhaust bypass circuit (20) for connecting the intake circuit to the exhaust circuit (16) is provided.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for calculating a mass air quantity sucked into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, income and outgo calculations between a mass air quantity flowing into an intake manifold and that flowing out from the intake manifold is performed to calculate the mass air quantity within the intake manifold and calculates a mass air quantity sucked into a corresponding cylinder of the engine on the basis of the mass air quantity within the intake manifold and a volume of the corresponding cylinder; and the mass air quantity within the intake manifold calculated as a result of the income and outgo calculations of the mass air quantity during a stop of the engine is corrected on the basis of a crank angular position during a step of the engine to calculate finally the mass air quantity within the intake manifold during the stop of the engine.

Abstract: In the ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine according to the invention, during a period when spark discharge voltage is detected by a waveform detecting unit 20 and an ignition coil 12 supplies the spark discharge voltage by use of ignition detection 22, ignition in each of cylinders is detected in accordance with discharged voltage by the waveform detecting unit 20. When the ignition detection 22 detects the ignition by use of, for example, an ignition control unit 24, during a discharging period of supplying the spark discharge voltage having detected the ignition, the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped. Thereby, since the supply of the spark discharge voltage is stopped after having detected the ignition, it is possible to avoid the surplus supply of spark energy to the spark plug 10 after having fired.

Abstract: An improved elastomer driven slingshot device having an adjustably mounted laser beam source adaptable to accommodate both distance to the target and variations in the projectile velocity whereby target accuracy is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized toy gun including a bullet feeding device, a power set, and a trigger operation set. The power set includes a motor, a first drive gear, a second drive gear, and a force output gear. The trigger operation set includes a trigger, a connecting arm push plate, a trigger arm, a lift member, a connecting arm, a switch arm, a locking member, and a microswitch. Thus, forward movement of the piston cylinder may be accelerated by the restoring force of the piston spring and by a power provided by the force output gear and the rack, thereby increasing the pressure in the cylinder, so that the BB bullet may be ejected outward quickly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a BB bullet feeding device of a toy gun, including a cylinder, a piston cylinder, a front spring guide tube, a piston spring, a rear spring guide tube, a nozzle, a sealing tube, a bullet feeding spring, and a trigger operation set. Thus, the piston cylinder may be moved in the cylinder horizontally, and the BB bullet may be rapidly and stably pushed to a predetermined position by the restoring force of the piston spring and the bullet feeding spring during the single rearward stroke of the piston cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bow rests which are portable, lightweight and easily adjustable. The bow rests of the present invention generally comprise a plate wherein an opening is formed in a first end section of the plate and the second end section of the plate is bent such that an angle is formed between the plane of the first end section and the plane formed by the second end section. A mount, which is configured to be fixed to a bow is pivotally attached to the second end section. The opening is adapted and configured such that a shaft such as, for example, walking/wading sticks, staffs, canes and tree limbs can be inserted through the opening and the height of the bow rest above a surface can be quickly and easily adjusted. The bow rest is adapted and configured such that the weight of a bow is transferred to the bow rest and shaft thereby improving the accuracy of a sportsman shooting the bow.

Abstract: A quiver has arrow-holding cells, holding arrows, each cell closed along a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more longitudinal closure sidewalls, as well as having one or more open sides. The cells pivot with respect to each other, on hinges. The quivers have an enclosing configuration, and an open configuration, preferably a plurality of potential open configurations. In open configurations, closure side walls can have free edges adjacent each other, or closure side walls bearing free edges are adjacent each other, or open side walls provide access to arrows about substantially a full circle about the longitudinal axis of the quiver, or the quiver exposes more than 180 degrees of open wall, and/or arrow holders hold the arrows against unintended falling out at any orientation of the quiver.

Abstract: The device comprises an intake pipe which introduces dry external air into a cooking chamber through an intake. The humid air exits through an outlet pipe connected to an outlet of the cooking chamber; the outlet is located higher than the intake. The outlet pipe is provided with a butterfly valve for regulating a warm air flow. A single-acting valve is predisposed on the intake pipe for allowing a flow of air towards the cooking chamber. The device ensures aspiration of dry external air even where there are no means for forced air circulation.

Abstract: A rotating firebox cooking apparatus is disclosed. The rotating firebox may be constructed with a grilling apparatus, or it may be easily retrofitted to an existing conventional grilling apparatus. The firebox of the present invention is located within a chamber having a grill at or near the top of the chamber, and the firebox rotates the heat source within the chamber and underneath the grill, creating radiant and convection energy.

Abstract: In a furnace having a plurality of parallel heat exchanger panels over which circulation air is caused to flow, and which has a tendency for hot spots to occur at particular locations on its outboard heat exchanger panels, a diverter vane is placed on the outer side of each of the outboard heat exchanger panels to divert a portion of the circulation air to the hotspot locations for cooling them to acceptable temperatures. In one form, the diverter vane is integrally formed with, and extends normally inwardly from a side baffle that extends upwardly alongside the outboard heat exchanger panel. The diverter vane is obliquely disposed with respect to the side baffle, with its lower end located near a midpoint of the heat exchanger panel and its upper end located near the hotspot location.

Abstract: A clamshell heat exchanger panel has a pocket formed in an edge of a land portion of the panel so that a fastener can be inserted into the pocket, with its axis in the plane of the heat exchanger panel. This allows attachments to be made directly to the exchanger panel without affecting the integrity of the gas- carrying conduit portion of the panel. The pocket is made by forming mirror image indentions in the land portions of the two sides of a sheet metal workpiece such that, when the two sides are folded together, the indentions cooperate to form the pocket. Openings can also be formed through the land portions of the two sides so that, upon a folding together, the openings define an opening into the pocket.

Abstract: A thermal panel (10) for passive temperature control includes a cell (28) having a transparent side (14) and a base side (24). The cell (28) has a heatable plate (12) contained therein. The heatable plate (12) is passively disposable between a warming position and a cooling position. The heatable plate (12) is heated by a plurality of light waves (34) when the plate (12) is passively disposed in the warming position. Further, the cell also has an insulating medium (30) contained therein. The insulating medium (30) shields the heatable plate (12) from the light waves (34) when the heatable plate (12) is in the cooling position.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an expiratory valve in a ventilator during expiration, including a stage in which the expiratory valve is opened almost completely for a first interval. Opening the expiratory valve almost completely results in a reduction in expiratory resistance. Thus in the first interval of flow or pressure in the expiratory part of the ventilator, a determination is made when the flow or pressure in the expiratory part meets a condition. A second interval is started when the flow in the expiratory part meets the condition and the expiratory valve is regulated during the second interval in order to attain a pre-set end pressure in the expiratory section.

Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A nasal air passage device is provided that includes connected tubes for insertion into the nostrils. The tubes support the nostrils' interior walls, allowing an increased amount of air to pass through the nostrils, particularly during sleep. Each tube has an exterior surface that has nonconformities, such as mound-shaped, including bubble-shaped, and ridge-shaped protrusions, and the like, that are distributed in a substantially uniform manner across the exterior surface. The nonconformities cause discontinuities between the exterior surface area and the nostril interior wall tissue, thus reducing the tendency to dry and stick. The nonconformities can be arranged in substantial alignment or randomly, can be uniform or varied in size, and can be resilient or inelastic. Each tube has a forward and rearward end that is inwardly tapered, thus eliminating the presentation of a right-angled forward or rearward end to the nostril interior wall tissues.

Abstract: A medical device for positioning a patient correctly in the sitting position when performing spinals or epidurals. The medical device is wedge shaped and inflexible. The device can have handles adjacent to the front wall of the wedge or can be used without the handles. The device is used by first placing it on an elevated surface, then having a patient sit on the device so that the patient's knees flex at the front and upper juncture of the device. The patient is then instructed to sit upright. By sitting upright, the pelvis will rotate backwards thereby promoting flexion of the lumbar/thoracic spine. On the medical device with handles, the flexion of the lumbar/thoracic spine can be augmented by having the patient push upward, palms up, on the handles. The upward pushing forces will force the lumbar spine posteriorly and further increase thoracic/lumbar flexion.

Abstract: A support for a disabled golfer removably attaches to a conventional golf cart without requiring modification to the cart, and provides support for a golfer during a golf swing. The present support essentially comprises a pair of telescoping tubes, with one end of an outer tube being pivotally clamped to one of the roof support uprights of the golf cart and the opposite end of the outer tube being retained within a guard clamped to the opposite roof support upright to allow limited vertical movement of the assembly for variations in golfer height, terrain, etc. An extension tube telescopes from the outer tube, and a support belt is removably attached to the distal end of the extension tube. The golfer need only position the cart as desired, extend the support as needed, and secure himself or herself using the belt for support during the golf swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable surgical drape (1) that includes a layer (2) of absorbent material and a layer (3) of plastic material. According to the invention, net material (4) extends between the respective layers of absorbent material and plastic material (2 and 3) over the entire drape (1) or over parts thereof.

Abstract: A face shield support assembly comprises: a frame member having a pair of resilient and biased memory-retaining temples at opposite ends and a face shield support member secured to the frame member having a pair of elbows spaced apart along the frame and a pair of protuberances each formed at an opposite end. One or more connection members secures the frame member to the face shield support member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for less-invasive surgical treatment of cardiac valves whereby the need for a gross thoracotomy or median sternotomy is eliminated. In one aspect of the invention, a delivery system for a cardiac valve prosthesis such as an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic valve includes an elongated handle configured to extend into the heart through an intercostal space from outside of the chest cavity, and a prosthesis holder attached to the handle for releasably holding a prosthesis. The prosthesis holder is attached to the handle in such a way that the holder, prosthesis and handle have a profile with a height smaller than the width of an intercostal space when the adjacent ribs are unretracted, preferably less than about 30 mm.

Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision without penetrating that volume. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Polar and tangential deployment configurations as well as a locator element that may be cold-formed by a die in the distal portion of the deployment tube into a permanent arcuate shape is also disclosed.