Abstract: An output cam for a variable valve mechanism includes a body configured for being pivotally associated with and driven by an input shaft. A lift profile of the output cam includes a base circle portion, a cam portion and a fixed radius portion. The base circle portion is adjacent to and continuous with the cam portion, and the cam portion is adjacent to and continuous with the fixed radius portion. The base circle portion has a base radius, the cam portion has a cam radius and the fixed radius portion has a fixed radius. The base and fixed radii are substantially constant. The fixed radius is a predetermined amount greater than the base radius. The cam radius increases from a value approximately equal to the base radius adjacent the base circle portion to a value approximately equal to the fixed radius adjacent the fixed radius portion.

Abstract: A valve-lash adjuster equipped valve operating device for an internal combustion engine includes a biasing device biasing an engine valve in a valve-closing direction, and a valve drive mechanism opening the engine valve against the spring bias of the biasing device. A hydraulic zero lash adjuster is disposed between the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to provide zero valve lash. A restriction device is provided to restrict a compressive force applied from each of the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to the zero lash adjuster, when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes two pin members. The pin members are biased radially outward relative to each other. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing.

Abstract: A roller finger follower includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A first side member and a second side member are generally parallel with the longitudinal axis and interconnect the first and second ends. A roller seat is defined at least in part by the first and second side members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for an intake valve or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine comprising an adjusting element and a control element. According to the invention, the adjusting element comprises a base body (2) and is displaceably arranged between the control element and the valve. The control element rotates during the operation of the control device. Rotating control element circumferential areas with contours that vary in the circumferential direction are provided as control cams throughout the rotating control element. Force introduction areas KEB (6, 7), which are positioned in a non-uniform manner, and a force transfer area KUB (3) are provided on the base body (2) of the adjusting element. Switching means for the alternately contacting assignment of the KEB areas (6, 7) are provided on the different control cam areas of the control element. The aim of the invention is to enable the largest possible number of different controls for an engine valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1), in particular of a motor vehicle, in the forward direction, wherein the position of a piston (2) in a cylinder (3) of the engine (1) is ascertained, and fuel is injected into a combustion chamber (4) of the particular cylinder (3) whose piston (2) is in a working phase.

Abstract: An improved air intake manifold for a V-style internal combustion engine comprising three individual injection molded sections joined by friction welding of flanged mating elements. Each section is formed of a high-melting temperature composite polymer. The welds are all on the exterior of the manifold. The mating surfaces are formed to be directly accessible to welding apparatus and are so oriented that friction welding may be carried out by relative motion between the components in the axial direction. When joined, the lower and middle sections form the individual air distribution runners from the plenum to the intake ports in the engine heads. The lower and middle sections are so configured that each such runner crosses the valley of the engine, providing great strength and rigidity to the module. All runners are identical, so that air flows from the plenum to the individual cylinders are substantially identical.

Abstract: A mechanism for sealing gaps between a piston assembly and a cylinder for an internal combustion engine is provided. A sealing member inserted into an upper wall of a groove holding the oil ring to block a gap between them. The oil ring has two rails on its outer periphery. The upper rail is radially bigger than the lower rail and conforms better to the shape of the cylinder. The oil ring has a recess on its inner periphery to hold a pressing member that forces the oil ring against the cylinder. The recess is extended beyond the pressing member to provide a larger contact area between the oil ring and the groove.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an improved lubrication system. Upper and lower seals are mounted around the piston to define an annular oil chamber in cooperation with the piston and the cylinder. For four-cycle engines, a compression ring may act as the upper seal. In two-cycle engines, upper and lower seals are provided in addition to any compression rings. The annular oil chamber is connected by conduits to an oil reservoir. A pump circulates oil through the annular oil chamber to lubricate at least the cylinder and piston. Conduits adjoining the annular oil chamber may be provided to lubricate the wrist pin, piston rod, crank bearing and/or main bearing. Accordingly, the reservoir may be segregated from the crankcase, resulting in a reduction in noxious emissions due to oil combustion.

Abstract: An oil feed pump for feeding oil in an oil tank to an engine, an oil recovery pump for feeding oil in a crankcase into the oil tank, an oil drain pipe connected to the lower portion of the crankcase and extending upward, and an opening provided on top of the oil tank are provided in a lubrication system. An opening of the oil drain pipe opens at the position upward of the oil level in the crankcase at a moment when the oil in the oil tank is returned into the crankcase. A cap is provided with a dip stick. The engine can be mounted on a small planing boat with the crankshaft oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. The oil tank is integrally formed with the front portion of the engine so as to be elongated in the vertical direction and is formed with the opening on top. The aforementioned lubrication system enables oil changes to be performed easily.

Abstract: The present invention employs cylinder deactivation hardware and control systems to increase the heat rejected to the engine cooling system to improve heating of an internal combustion engine and a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The heat rejected to the cooling system is a result of an increase in combustion temperatures in the non-deactivated cylinders, due to increased work. The invention also includes a system to reduce the cooling system heat capacity. The invention provides heat quickly after a cold start and while operating at low engine operating points. This method and system are particularly suited to compression-ignition engines and direct-injection spark ignition engines that primarily operate lean of stoichiometry.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary internal combustion engine (20) comprising a plurality of rotors (21) each having a plurality of lobes (22) for intermeshing with lobes of other rotors to form successive combustion chambers. Axial seal elements (60, 61) are provided at the rotor tips and trailing tips of the rotors respectively. Circumferential axial edge seals (59) are also provided to interconnect the axial seals. The seals engage sealing plates (30) on each axial side of an engine housing (29) so as to effect the combustion chambers. Fuel inlets and ignition means are provided at suitable locations, as are exhaust means.

Abstract: A method for compensating for faulty adaptations of the pilot control of fuel metering for an internal combustion engine which is operated in the at least two different operating modes, homogeneous mode and stratified charge mode, is described with

Abstract: A method and system of fuel injector operation is provided in which the electronic control module (ECM) reduces the number of injection signals sent to the fuel injectors. Specifically, the ECM selects certain injectors to perform a post injector during a specific engine cycle and increase the quantity of fuel injected by the selected injectors to compensate for the other injectors that are not performing post injections during that engine cycle.

Abstract: An integral lash adjustor for an engine braking system is provided for quick and easy access to adjust and maintain a lash. The integral lash adjustor is located on the top portion of an engine brake stand to eliminate additional steps of removing engine components to access the lash adjusting site. An adjusting screw is threadably fixed inside a plunger body and secured to a plunger. The adjusting screw may be turned in a first direction a predetermined number of turns until abutment against a valve bridge pin, which is in contact with an engine exhaust valve. Next, the adjusting screw is turned in the opposite direction a predetermined number of turns to set the lash, and is then mechanically fastened. In certain embodiments, a pin running from the plunger body into the plunger prevents rotation of the plunger but allows the adjusting screw to turn.

Abstract: The butterfly valve of the invention is provided with a valve shaft to which a valve body is mounted, and a pair of slide bearings which rotatably support both ends of the valve shaft. Inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings being in contact with the valve shaft are formed in a convex curved surface protruding to an inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings are formed in a circular arc shape in cross section along an axial direction. The inner peripheral surfaces in the slide bearings in both sides being in contact with the valve shaft are formed in a convex curved shape protruding to the inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings are formed in a circular arc shape in cross section along the axial direction. Accordingly, the inner peripheral surfaces of the bearings are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft in a substantially line contact manner.

Abstract: Inclusion of a direct control needle valve in fuel injectors can allow for independent control of injection pressure and timing. Engineers have learned that it is desirable to position the control valve assembly in close proximity to the needle valve member to improve response time. However, by placing the control valve assembly in a central portion of the fuel injector, at least one fluid passage must often be routed through the electrical actuator included in the valve assembly. The present invention seeks to address this problem by providing a direct control valve assembly for a fuel injector that directs fluid around the electrical actuator without increasing the size of the fuel injector. Thus, the present invention includes an electrical actuator having an actuator centerline that is oriented at an angle, which is preferably perpendicular, with respect to a centerline of the fuel injector.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has one high-pressure fuel pump and one fuel injection valve for each cylinder of the engine. A pump work chamber can be made to communicate with a pressure chamber of the injection valve which has a valve member movable in an opening direction by the pressure in the pressure chamber, counter to a closing force. A first control valve, controls a communication of the work chamber with a relief chamber, and a second control valve, controls the pressure prevailing in a control pressure chamber urging the injection valve closed. In a first switching position of the first control valve the work chamber is made to communicate with the relief chamber, while the pressure chamber and the control pressure chamber are disconnected from the work chamber, and for a second switching position, the work chamber is disconnected from the relief chamber by the first control valve, while the pressure chamber and the control pressure chamber communicate with the work chamber.

Abstract: A clamping element for a fuel injector (18) that is insertable into a mounting hole of a cylinder head (26) of an internal combustion engine and directly injects fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine has a first step ring (19). This at least partially surrounds the fuel injector (18) and has a valve pressure surface (20) that may rest on the fuel injector (18). The first step ring (19) has at least one circumferential slope surface (21) on its side facing away from the valve pressure surface (20), which engages with a corresponding circumferential slope surface (24) of a second step ring (22), which has a counterpressure surface (23). The slope surfaces (21, 24) are arranged so that the first step ring (19) and the second step ring (22) are pressed axially apart when they are rotated relatively to one another.

Abstract: In a fuel injection pump, fuel discharged from a feed pump assembly is supplied to each pressurizing chamber through a corresponding metering valve. A portion of the fuel is supplied to a receiving chamber, which receives a drive mechanism that drives plungers, through a space defined between a drive shaft and a bush, which supports the drive shaft. A fuel groove is formed in an inner wall of the bush, so that fuel supplied from the feed pump assembly to the receiving chamber through the fuel groove is also supplied to lubricate between an outer wall of the drive shaft and the inner wall of the bush.

Abstract: A grounded fuel delivery module for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel reservoir and a fuel pump disposed in the fuel reservoir and adapted to pump fuel from a fuel tank of the fuel system to an engine of the vehicle. The grounded fuel delivery module also includes a fuel component disposed in the fuel reservoir and at least one grounding clip contacting the fuel pump and the fuel component to complete an electrical circuit used for grounding the fuel component.

Abstract: A fuel sensor system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump adapted to be disposed in a fuel tank to pump fuel from the fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle. The fuel sensor system also includes a fuel sensor adapted to be disposed in the fuel tank to measure a property index of the fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically conditioning incoming air and fuel to an internal combustion engine to improve engine operation. Magnets are applied in a bipolar arrangement to the fuel system and air intake apparatus of an internal combustion engine system for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Magnets may also be applied in a bipolar arrangement to the exhaust system and catalytic converter of an internal combustion system of automotive type for reducing exhaust emissions and improving the performance of a catalytic converter. Furthermore, a combination of magnetizing apparatus that, in conjunction with air and fuel magnetizing apparatus, will improve engine efficiency by introducing a magnetic charge to engine exhaust, coolant water, engine oil, transmission fluid, and gear box fluid, in combination with the above embodiment.

Abstract: For reduction of toxic components in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly of nitrogen oxides in motor vehicles, a portion of the exhaust gases, essentially operating as inert gases, are recirculated into the combustion chamber of the engine for the purpose of reducing the peak combustion temperature. In the air intake region the engine is fed an adjustable mixture of partially recirculated exhaust gas and air, wherein the mass of in-flowing air and the mass of exhaust gas recirculated from the engine following its cleaning and cooling are fed respectively to its own flow rate sensor. From the determined mass flow amounts of in-flowing air and recirculated exhaust gas, an actual value signal is formed and compared with a target value signal dependent upon the respective performance specification. A regulation deviation of the actual value signal leads to an adjustment signal, which intervenes into the exhaust gas recirculation for the purpose of adjusting the amount recirculated.

Abstract: The present invention is constituted so that an actual air-fuel ratio is detected by an exhaust state by an air-fuel ratio sensor, parameters of transfer functions are calculated while sequentially identifying a plant model representing a plant between a fuel injection valve and the air-fuel ratio sensor by the transfer functions, a feedback control amount of said air-fuel ratio control signal is set using the parameters of the identified pant model, an offset correction amount of the air-fuel ratio control signal is set, and the plant model is identified using a valve obtained by adding the offset correction amount to the feedback control amount, and the actual air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball projecting apparatus having a ball singulator with a fork-and-actuator mechanism that is adjustable to allow the apparatus to be used for a variety of different sports. A fork assembly is adjustable or replaceable to convert the apparatus from use with balls of one sport to use with balls of a different sport. Each fork may be referred to as a “rocker,” since it is pivoted from a first position in which a foremost ball is impeded from advancing to a second position in which the foremost ball is released, but the next ball is impeded. The rocking motion alternates which of two prongs is within the ball-supply path. When the forward prong is in the ball-supply path, all balls are prevented from advancing. Alternatively, when the rearward prong is in the ball-supply path, the foremost ball is allowed to advance.

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: An apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically is provided with an adapter for imparting spin to the ball. In a further aspect, the apparatus can be provided with a position adjuster that cooperates with a ball exit tube of the apparatus. A further aspect is directed to a platform that allows the apparatus to be supported on a ladder-like device. A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus is capable of achieving high speed with a simple and practical structure.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas burner particularly suited for gas heating applicances for cooking food. In particular the present invention comprises a generally circular moulded body (100) including gases inlet (106) and an internal cavity (114). The internal cavity (114) is covered by a substantially transparent glass cap (108), which also bounds on the gas outlets (116). In this fashion, due to the transparency of the glass cap (108) at low flame improve controllability and safety are achieved by visual feedback of the flame size.

Abstract: The invention is a device for reducing the concentration of heat to a smaller area in a gas or charcoal grill, the device being a formed metal hood fitting within the grill directly over a heat source having a chimney which reduces and concentrates the heat to a smaller area on the cooking grill surface, reducing the amount of fuel required to cook food.

Abstract: A barbecue device includes a support unit with opposite first and second connecting rods that interconnect U-shaped first and second support members, and a cook unit supported removably on horizontal bars of the support members. The support unit is turnable upside-down, and confines a receiving space which opens upwardly when turned upside-down for receiving the cook unit therein. A looped retainer frame is pivoted to the second connecting rod, and engages releasably the first connecting rod. The retainer frame is turnable away from and toward the horizontal bars for moving between an open position, in which the cook unit can be placed in the receiving space, and a closed position, in which the retainer frame engages releasably the first connecting rod for retaining the cook unit in the receiving space.

Abstract: A single burner, heat exchanger combination for particular use in a hot air furnace, includes a plurality of spaced heat exchangers, each heat exchanger having an inlet port for receipt therein of combustion gases. A unitary burner for producing combustion gases includes a burner face defined by a plurality of spaced fins for passing therethrough a combustible gas. The inlet ports of each of the heat exchangers are disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with the passages defined by the burner face fins. A hot air furnace comprising the single burner, heat exchanger combination also includes a blower adapted to blow air over the heat exchangers and an induction blower in fluid communication with the outlets of the heat exchanger adapted to draw the combustion gases through the heat exchangers and to discharge such combustion gases outwardly from the furnace.

Abstract: Reaction mixtures that include exothermic generating particles having a water soluble coating encasing a portion of the particles and, optionally an aqueous solution, and a buffer. The reaction mixtures are especially suited to generate heat in a controllable manner. In one such controlled reaction, the reaction components are mixed together and the mixture increases in temperature to a Set Temperature within a predetermined time, and the mixture remains at the Set Temperature for a longer period of time. Apparatuses and methods that use these reaction mixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A smoke exhauster includes a motor and a fan device attached to a housing. The fan device includes an upper and a lower plates each having an outer peripheral portion, and a number of fan blades secured between the outer peripheral portions of the upper and the lower plates for forming a chamber in the fan device. The lower plate has a bore for air to flow or to be drawn into the chamber of the fan device. The fan blades each has an inner section partially extended inward of the bore of the lower plate and has a curvature smaller than the other portion of the blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air extraction device (12) for a work station (14), especially one where food is subjected to heat, for example a grill. One air inlet (36, 38) each is provided on each side of the work station (14), said inlets being connected to a fan (26) and a filter system (28) and communicating with them and with an area (42) disposed above the work station (14) in a closed air cycle (48) that produces an air blast (44) in said area. About 75% of the air are continuously discharged from the air cycle via an air discharge (50) so that only 25% of the air form the air blast (44). The discharged portion of the air is continuously replaced by taking in ambient air via the down-stream air inlet (38) and/or via a separate, additional air inlet (63). The filter system (28) is provided with a grease trap filter (30) upstream of the fan and an odor filter (32) downstream of the fan.

Abstract: A kitchen smoke exhauster includes a driving device, a pressure-control device, a time-control device, an enzyme-containing device and a spray device assembled together therewith. A natural and harmless enzyme composition contained in a reservoir of the enzime-containing device is atomized via the spray device to well mix with the discharging oil vapor for decomposition under the control of the driving device and the pressure-control device. Thus, it is capable of preventing the air of our environment from pollution of cooking fume and avoiding the cooking oil residues therein to cause the danger of a fire so as to further protect the health of our lives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: A crystalline mixture solid composition comprising &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-1,1-mannitol (GPM), &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-sorbitol (GPS-6) and a small amount of &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-1,1-sorbitol (GPS-1) and a production process therefor.

Abstract: A method for producing sugar or sugar-containing products from sugar-containing vegetable raw materials involves production the sugar or sugar-containing products in the presence of added natural food-compatible resins. An extraction liquid containing the natural food-compatible resins is used in the method. As a result of the method, sugar or sugar-containing product is manufactured that also includes the natural food-compatible resins.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering a bioactive composition includes a jet dispenser having an orifice for ejection of droplets from the dispenser. The jet dispenser further includes a main body. At least partially insertable through the main body is a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding and delivering the bioactive composition to the orifice for ejection therethrough. A body orifice spacer is positioned between the orifice of the dispenser and a target during ejection of the bioactive composition to the target.

Abstract: A distribution valve for nasal spray allowing to distribute a drug inside the nasal cavities in a uniform and repeatable way is described. The distribution valve has a section of elliptical or oval shape, corresponding to the shape of the nostril and it has a distribution nozzle having elliptical or oval shape (or slot shape) in order to obtain a more uniform distribution of the medicament on the inner mucosa of the nasal cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in drug delivery devices, particularly devices for dispensing a metered dose of an aerosol drug formulation including a propellant and a medicament. An apparatus is provided for dispensing medicament. At least a portion of one or more of the internal surfaces of one or more components contact the aerosol drug formulation during storage or dispensing of the formulation. Such surfaces of the components include a layer of one or more cold plasma polymerized monomers bonded thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or minimizing decompression illness in a scuba diver, consisting of a first safety bar, at least one first cable attached to the first safety bar, and an oxygen delivery system. The first cable supports the first safety bar at a predetermined depth. The oxygen delivery system consists of an oxygen tank, an oxygen delivery line, a manifold attached to the oxygen delivery line, and a plurality of regulators attached to the manifold. When the oxygen delivery system will be used by only one scuba diver, the oxygen delivery line can be connected directly to a single regulator without the manifold. The first cable and oxygen tank are attached to a float, which is either secured to a boat or platform via a tether line or anchored to the sea floor. In an alternative embodiment, the first cable is attached directly to a boat or platform, and an oxygen supply is provided on the boat or platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dry powder inhalation system suitable for transpulmonary administration.

Abstract: A rechargeable breathing apparatus is disclosed including a closed breathing system for receiving exhaled air containing a CO2 adsorber for the inhaled air, a breathing bellows for receiving the inhaled air and delivery of the breathing air, and an oxygen accumulator connected to the breathing bellows and containing a reversably oxygen fixating agent and being rechargeable by bringing that agent into reaction with oxygen or air so that oxygen is fixated thereto. In one apparatus there is included a pressurized gas container and a hydrostatic valve for cooperation between the breathing bellows and the pressurized gas container.

Abstract: In order to protect the passengers of an airplane against the effects of depressurization of the cabin, breathing masks are fed with oxygen at a rate which is an increasing function of cabin altitude. Oxygen is fed via a constriction and an economizer bag, and an initial fraction only of the gases breathed out is caused to be re-breathed by collecting the initial fraction in a flexible re-breathing bag in communication with the mask. The re-breathing bag has a volume in inflated state which is not less than the total dead volume of the respiratory tract and the mask. A protective apparatus comprises a feed control unit supplying an adjustable flow rate to masks connected to a general pipe via respective economizer bags. A re-breathing bag retards re-breathing and stores only an initial fraction of the gases breathed out on each exhalation.

Abstract: A reversibly operable motor is mechanically connected to automatically position the piston of an air syringe that is pneumatically connected to the inflatable/deflatable seal ring or cuff of a laryngeal mask airway device (LMA) that is installed in a patient, who is being ventilated and/or anaesthetized via the airway of the LMA device. Ideally, (i) the air at the head end of the syringe, plus (ii) the air contained in the inflatable cuff of the LMA, plus (iii) the air contained in their interconnection, is a “substantially constant” volume which is shared at these three locations but which is automatically shifted by piston displacement, such that air pressure in the substantially constant volume is caused to correct as necessary for conformance to a predetermined level of set-point pressure.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A method of treatment of congestive heart failure comprises the steps of introducing an aortic occlusion catheter through a patient's peripheral artery, the aortic occlusion catheter having an occluding member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; positioning the occluding member in the patient's ascending aorta; moving the occluding member from the collapsed shape to the expanded shape after the positioning step; introducing cardioplegic fluid into the patient's coronary blood vessels to arrest the patient's heart; maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood through the patient's arterial system; and reshaping an outer wall of the patient's heart while the heart is arrested so as to reduce the transverse dimension of the left ventricle.