Abstract: A pet training device comprises a wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, a stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the use of one-touch digital switches located on the wireless training device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on an LCD. Stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or a shock and vibration. When the wireless receiver module is placed in a no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the training devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying natural gas fuel to heat the boilers of an ocean-going tanker for the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) comprises a compressor having an inlet communicating with the ullage space of at least one LNG storage tank and an outlet communicating with a conduit leading from the compressor to fuel burners associated with the boilers, and a forced LNG vaporiser having an inlet communicating with a liquid storage region of the said tank and an outlet communicating with the same or a different conduit leading to fuel burners associated with the boilers.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature of an engine by controlling the flow of a liquid engine coolant to a radiator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermostat having a thermally responsive valve for substantially blocking or opening the flow of coolant to the radiator to maintain the engine at or about a preferred engine operating temperature. Also included is a thermally activated actuator for opening the valve in response to an engine condition such as load or a need for power. The actuator is activated at a temperature different than the thermostat. A source of electro thermal energy is provided to motivate the actuator so the valve may be opened on demand. In one aspect the invention provides a method of controlling the temperature of the engine by opening the valve in response to engine monitoring.

Abstract: In a water-cooled outboard marine engine, a heat transfer portion is provided in an exit passage located between an outlet end of a cylinder water jacket and a cooling water outlet passage at a position upstream of the thermostat valve. Thus, when the thermostat valve has opened and the cooling water expelled from the water jacket via the thermostat valve has been replaced by freshly introduced cooling water, the heat transfer portion having a certain heat capacity warms the freshly introduced cooling water so that the rapid change in the cooling water temperature at the thermostat valve and the resulting hunting of the thermostat valve can be avoided.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010) having an adjustable compression ratio is disclosed. The engine includes a housing (1013), a piston assembly (1012) adjustably coupled to the housing, and a cylinder(1014) reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The cylinder reciprocates relative to the piston assembly during operation of the engine. The engine further includes a compression ratio adjustment mechanism (1300) in communication with the piston assembly. The compression ratio adjustment mechanism is adaptable to adjust the compression ratio of the engine during operation. In another aspect of the present invention, the engine includes an exhaust valve (1052) in fluid communication with the cylinder and a crankshaft (1016) coupled to the cylinder, wherein the crankshaft includes a lobe (1054) for actuating the exhaust valve.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine having charge stratification for portable, manually guided implements is provided. Formed in a cylinder is a combustion chamber that is delimited by a reciprocating piston that by means of a connecting rod drives a crankshaft in a crankcase. The combustion chamber has an exhaust port for exhaust gases and an intake port for rich mixture. The intake port forms one end of a feed channel, the other end of which opens into the crankcase. Between its ends, the feed channel is connected with a mixture-forming device. The crankcase has an air inlet for pure combustion air, which passes via a transfer channel from the crankcase into the combustion chamber. The intake port of the feed channel into the combustion chamber is, in the stroke direction of the piston, provided above the air inlet into the crankcase. At least a portion of the feed channel is embodied as an external component of the engine.

Abstract: To an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves, there is applied a variable valve timing device. The timing device comprises a first mechanism which varies a working angle of the intake valve within a first given range from a minimum working angle to a maximum working angle; a second mechanism which varies an operation phase of the exhaust valve within a second given range from a most retarded phase to a most advanced phase; and a control unit which controls both the first and second mechanisms in accordance with an operation condition of the engine.

Abstract: A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine has a plurality of valves provided for one cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The plurality of the valves are disposed on one of an intake side and an exhaust side of the one cylinder. The plurality of the valves has a first valve, and a second valve. The variable valve system further has a first variable gear for variably controlling at least a lift of a valve lift characteristic of the first valve, and a second variable gear for variably controlling at least a lift of a valve lift characteristic of the second valve. The first variable gear and the second variable gear operate independently of each other.

Abstract: The cam follower with roller according to the present invention includes a cam follower body having a roller supporting portion integrally formed therein, a supporting shaft of which both ends are fixed to the roller supporting portion, and a roller rotatably supported to the supporting shaft with a plurality of needle rollers interposed. At least one of the supporting shaft, needle roller and roller is formed of heat-resisting steel, and the both ends of the supporting shaft is caulked to be fixed to the supporting portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf spring ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.

Abstract: A flywheel magneto generator comprising a flywheel driven by an internal combustion engine and having a permanent magnet, an ignition unit having an ignition coil and electronic devices mounted on a core having magnetic pole portions faced to an outer periphery of the flywheel, the flywheel having a plurality of blower blades provided on the outer faces of the bottom wall thereof and at lease one recess provided in the bottom wall portion of the flywheel and opened between the adjacent blower blades to both of the outer face of the bottom wall portion and the outer face of the peripheral wall portion of the flywheel whereby a cooling wind sent out outwardly in a diametrical direction by the blower blades when the flywheel rotates is blown through the recess against the ignition unit.

Abstract: In a current supply circuit for starters, an inductance coil is connected in series or a capacitor is connected in parallel with a starter motor to slow down the rise of a current supplied to the starter motor. The current, which flows in a magnet switch upon occurrence of bouncing of the magnet switch, is lowered. Thus even if the time of occurrence of bouncing delays due to increased inductance of a pull-in coil, the magnet switch turns on and off a small current by bouncing and hence generation of noise arising from bouncing can be suppressed. Generation of arc in the magnet switch due to bouncing can be suppressed, and the reliability of the magnet switch can be increased.

Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.

Abstract: An air intake channel system for internal combustion engines, particularly V engines, comprises a plurality of air intake channels. The air intake channels are respectively formed by two channel portions. The second channel portions are pivotal about a respective pivot axis, to vary the length of the air intake channel. The pivotal channel portions are supported in recesses of the stationary channel portion. According to the invention, a slide element is arranged in the recess in such a manner that it abuts on a radial and an axial abutment surface.

Abstract: An intake valve includes a floating seat for attaining variable valve timing. A valve stem is integral with a valve head base. The valve head base includes a region for accommodating a peripheral ring in vertically-actuable relationship. The region of the valve head base for accommodating the peripheral ring includes a vertical locking portion and an upwardly-convex portion that mates with an downwardly-concave portion of the interior of the peripheral ring. A port may be arranged to vent gases at an upwardly-sloping portion of the bottom of the interior of the peripheral ring, thereby preventing instantaneous gas seepage while the peripheral ring is elevated. The vertical locking arrangement is positioned at the inner circumference of the peripheral ring to permit adjustment of peripheral ring travel without adding to the mass of the valve head.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a rocker shaft holder which comprises a plurality of shaft-supporting sections connected together and disposed at distances in a direction of arrangement of cylinders and which is fixed to a cylinder head, and rocker shafts each of which swingably carries thereon a plurality of rocker arms and which are supported by the shaft-supporting sections, an oil sump is defined in an upper surface of the rocker shaft holder, and lubricating oil passages are provided in the rocker shaft holder to communicate with the oil sump, so that a lubricating oil can be supplied to slide portions of at least some of the rocker arms. Thus, an increase in number of parts can be avoided in the lubrication of the slide portions of at least some rocker arms.

Abstract: A fuel injector pump in a direct-injection fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a solenoid valve for controlling the transfer of fluid from the high pressure chamber of the camshaft driven pump pressure chamber to a fuel injector nozzle. A supply passage accommodates fuel delivery and return for fuel supplied by a fuel pump. A second independent leak flow path is provided to accommodate fuel leaking past a plunger of the high pressure pump, the fuel leak path extending to the fuel supply rather than leaking past the high pressure plunger of the pump to the engine lubrication oil circuit.

Abstract: An insert filter 10 for cleaning a gas stream, particularly for the intake air of an internal combustion engine or an air-conditioning unit, which includes a filter frame 11, a filter element 12 placed in the filter frame 11, and a shaft cover 13 and which is placed in the shaft 14 of a duct system 15 that guides the gas stream such that an unfiltered side 16 is separated from a clean side 17 by the filter element 12 and the filter frame 11. The shaft cover 13 closes a shaft opening 24 through which the insert filter 10 is inserted in the shaft 14. The filter frame 11 is connected to the shaft cover 13 so that the filter frame 11 can be removed from the shaft 14 without any need for additional removal aids by simply pulling on the shaft cover 13.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component for an internal combustion engine of an automobile having reduced NVH properties. The component has a shell formed with a plastic composite material. The shell defines an inlet port, an outlet port, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an inner cavity to allow air passage to the internal combustion engine. A damping layer is disposed on the outer surface such that damping layer substantially dampens the noise emitted from the component.

Abstract: An enclosed chamber external combustion rotary engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, comprising of a tapered rotary disc with at least one perimeter quadrilateral vane oscillating inside enclosed expansion chambers formed on alternating sides of the rotary disc. The quadrilateral vane remains centered on the rotary disc, except for the transitional area, allowing fluid to provide force to the top and bottom sections of the quadrilateral vane for the length of the non-transition area. Fluid enters expansion chambers through one or more intake passages. Intake passages are formed with shut-off valves, which control the flow of fluid entering expansion chambers. Fluid pressure propels the vane through the expansion chambers causing the disc to rotate about an axis. Incorporated in the rotary disc is an output shaft from which work can be derived.

Abstract: In a gasoline direct injection engine, the sloping surface formed on the top of the piston and the opposing roof surface of the cylinder head form mutually different angles with respect to a plane perpendicular to a cylinder axial line so that the intake air caught between the sloping surfaces of the piston and the opposing roof surface is gradually squeezed out of the gap between them, and is prevented from directly flowing into the recess at high speed. As a result, the mixture in the recess is kept at a favorable air/fuel ratio and the engine is enabled to operate in a stratified charge lean burn mode over a wide operating range.

Abstract: Pilot fuel injection and/or ignition are controlled in a pilot ignited, gas-fueled, compression ignition engine so as to maintain a relationship Dp/Di of <1, where Dp is the duration of the pilot injection event and Di is the ignition delay period as measured from the start of initiation of pilot fuel injection (Tp) to the start of pilot fuel autoignition (Ti). Dp/Di is less than 1 when a mixing period Dm exists between the end of pilot fuel injection and the start of autoignition. This mixing period permits the injected pilot fuel to become thoroughly distributed through and mixed with the gaseous fuel/air charge in the combustion chamber and vaporized prior to ignition, resulting in improved premixed burning of a heterogeneous mixture of the pilot fuel, the gaseous fuel, and air and dramatically reduced NOx emissions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable swirl generating intake manifold with at least one longitudinally oriented partition wall that forms at least one swirl generating first manifold section and one swirl stopping second manifold section, said manifold sections only meeting again in the valve area, at least the second manifold section being, for the purpose of increasing the swirl, at least partially closable in the entrance area by means of a control flap that is pivotal about an axis, said axis being substantially arranged in the plane of the partition wall, said control flap having two arms and said two manifold sections being at least partially closable in a first rotational end position and open in a second rotational end position.

Abstract: A choke and throttle control arrangement for a small engine includes a base plate to which a pair of levers are pivotally joined. One includes a governor spring arm connected to the engine's speed governor, and the other is provided with an arm which serves as a choke actuator. A spring interconnects the two levers to permit them to rotate in unison at low engine speed in response to operator actuation of a throttle control handle. An adjustable stop member is positioned to interrupt the rotation of the governor spring arm when a selected less-than-maximum engine speed is reached. Further throttle control handle advancement permits the choke actuating arm to move to the closed choke position. As the throttle control handle is moved towards a low speed setting, the lever containing the choke actuating arm returns to the position at which the selected less-than-maximum speed was reached.

Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.

Abstract: An ignition-timing controlling apparatus for an internal combustion controls a basic ignition timing during cranking of the engine so as to correctively shift the basic ignition timing toward a retard angle side when the number of times of ignitions occurring in the combustion chamber of the engine are detected to have reached a predetermined number of times after the start of cranking operation. The amount of corrective shifting of the basic ignition timing toward the retard angle side is set by the ignition-timing controlling apparatus, on the basis of a temperature rise in the combustion chamber that is estimated by the detection of the number of times of ignitions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of fuel used in combustion during open-loop run mode of a internal combustion engine. A lookup table calibrated to a fuel with a low driveability index is used to make a fueling decision for open-loop run mode. Then, at least one of the following indicators of fuel problems is monitored: the engine misfire detection system, the engine speed and the manifold absolute pressure. If any of these indicators detect a problem with the amount of fuel the engine is receiving, a fuel increase is calculated and implemented in one or more steps. A problem is indicated if an engine misfire is detected, the engine speed drops below a predetermined threshold value, or the manifold absolute pressure rises above a predetermined threshold value. The fuel increase is limited by a calculation based upon a fuel with a high driveability index.

Abstract: In a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, having at least two different, high system pressures, in which a first pressure reservoir, supplied by a high-pressure pump, is provided for the higher system pressure, and a second pressure reservoir is provided for the lower system pressure, and at least the first pressure reservoir can be made to communicate by line for a fuel injection with the injectors of the individual cylinders of the engine, the pressure level of the high-pressure pump is greater than the higher system pressure, and the first pressure reservoir has an overpressure valve leading to the second pressure reservoir, and the second pressure reservoir has an overpressure valve leading to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A valve using a pressure control cavity to control valve position can implement a pressure to sensor to determine the pressure within the control cavity to determine whether pressure is presently acting upon the valve. The pressure sensor can provide a feedback signal to a control module allowing the control module to control timing of the valve.

Abstract: A fuel system has a fuel injector directly mounted with a fuel rail. The fuel rail includes a first portion and a second portion that form a body. The body has an interior surface defining a volume, an exterior surface surrounding the interior surface, and at least one aperture disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces in fluid communication with the volume. The at least one fuel injector has an inlet tube with an inside surface defining a flow path through a portion of the fuel injector and an outside surface surrounding the inside surface. The fuel injector is disposed such that the flow path is in fluid communication with the volume. A rigid connection is disposed between the interior surface of the fuel rail and at least one of the outside surface and the inside surface of the inlet tube. The rigid connection secures and hermetically seals the fuel rail with the at least one fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus mounting structure in which a set plate for holding a fuel supply apparatus is not corroded or deteriorated by the exposure to salt for thawing snow sprayed in winter in cold districts or to salt particles contained in sea wind in coastal areas is provided. The fuel supply apparatus mounting structure comprises a fuel pump 2 disposed within a fuel tank for pumping fuel to an internal combustion engine, a set plate 3 made of a synthetic resin and holding the fuel pump 2 and closing an opening hole 1a in the fuel tank 1, a gasket for maintaining airtight between the set plate 3 and the fuel tank 1, and a plate 4 for fastening the set plate 3 to the fuel tank 1, and a protective member 6, 8 made of a material which is not reacted, dissolved or deteriorated by a reaction product generated by a chemical reaction occurring between the plate 4 and the set plate 3 is inserted.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus maintains a level of fuel within a sub tank and, even if the fuel within the sub tank becomes low in volume, maintaining fuel coverage on a fuel filter is possible. A cylindrical member is formed integrally with the cover and has, at its inner bottom surface, opposite a jet pump, a fuel receiving portion for receiving fuel introduced from an introducing pipe. Above the fuel receiving portion is formed a slit-shaped opening portion which opens toward the fuel filter. The fuel fed from the jet pump passes through the introducing pipe, along the inner bottom surface, and then strikes the fuel receiving portion. The fuel then crosses over a partition wall through the opening portion located above the fuel receiving portion, and changes its direction to flow laterally to reach the top of the suction filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breather device for a water-cooled V-type engine with a breather device in which a breather chamber effectively utilizes the available space in an engine. A water-cooled V-type engine includes a crankshaft that extends into a crankcase in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle. On a side wall of the crankcase that connects with the end of the crankshaft, there is a side cover that is located over a clutch mechanism in the rear of the crankcase. A breather chamber is formed within the space contained between the side cover and an oil separator and is positioned in front of the clutch mechanism. A shaft that rotates with and is parallel to the crankshaft is located between a set of front and rear cylinder assemblies and is right above the crankshaft. This shaft drives a cooling-water pump which is located outside the side cover.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical cell (10a) for measuring the concentration of a component of a gas mixture (12) includes first semiconductor electrode (14) and second semiconductor electrode (16) formed from first and second semiconductor materials, respectively. The materials are selected so as to undergo a change in resistivity upon contacting a gas component, such as CO or NO. An electrolyte (18) is provided in contact with the first and second semiconductor electrodes. A reference cell can be included in contact with the electrolyte. Preferably, a voltage response of the first semiconductor electrode is opposite in slope direction to that of the second semiconductor electrode to produce a voltage response equal to the sum of the absolute values of the control system uses measured pollutant concentrations to direct adjustment of engine combustion conditions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for cutting blocks of stone (12), by means of a gangsaw (1) provided with diamond sector blades (35), comprising, besides a reciprocal approaching movement between the blades (35) and the block (12) and a periodical reciprocating movement of the blades (35), also a cyclic movement of approaching and moving away of the blades (35) relative to the block (12) and a hunting movement of the blade-holder frame. (FIG.

Abstract: An improved charcoal grill having a cool base assembly for preventing burns and damage to a table top, comprising a casing with a refractory mass, below which is an upper free air space established by insulators, and a lower free air space created by a base plate having feet or openings. One version comprises a convex shaped grill part. Another version comprises an air diffuser to speed charcoal briquet ignition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hot air space heater that is capable of blowing hot air out of a whole wide hot air outlet provided at a front plate of a frame of the heater while making the heater smaller in depth. A burner is arranged so as to be close to one side of the frame. A heat-discharge portion is constructed on the burner. On the other side of the frame, an accessory-receiving space is defined side by side with the heat-discharge portion. Between the hot air outlet provided at the front plate of the frame and a wall portion positioned in front of the accessory-receiving space, an extended air feed space is defined. Air fed by a fan into a duct structure is heated while passing through between a plurality of heat-exchange pipes. The air is blown against a front wall of the duct structure and a plate-like member of an air guide provided on a rear side of louvers. Heated air blown against the front wall flows out forward through a first air flow path above the plate-like member.

Abstract: A cooking area cover panel that is to be applied separately for a cooking area is produced of a substantially breaking-resistant material and has a safety film on at least one flat surface of the cooking area cover panel. The safety film is configured such that in the event of a fracture of the cooking area cover panel the safety film essentially holds the fragments together.

Abstract: A solar collector has a distribution and collecting unit having a housing and a distribution channel and a connecting channel arranged in the housing. Collector tubes for heating a fluid medium are connected to the housing. The collector tubes have an adaptor, respectively, with a rotary closure for connecting the collector tubes to the distribution channel and the collecting channel of the housing. The adaptor is rotatably adjustable for aligning the collector tubes relative to the solar radiation in order to improve thermal output of the solar collector.

Abstract: A medical nebulizer has a reservoir for medical liquid, a capillary nozzle having a proximal end for receiving liquid from the reservoir and a distal end connectable to an inspiration gas flow path to deliver liquid droplets into an inspiration gas flow, a pump for supplying liquid from the reservoir through the capillary nozzle, and a regulator for regulating the delivery of the liquid to a predetermined amount. The pump supplies the liquid in a continuous flow throughout the delivery of the predetermined amount and a stimulator, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, is provided for vibrating the distal end of the nozzle to stimulate droplet formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of treating respiratory diseases, e.g., pediatric asthma, in a continuing regimen with not more than one daily dose of the drug budesonide using a nebulizer.

Abstract: A fault protection circuit for a respiratory conduit heater element in a respirator humidification system is disclosed. The circuit includes a spark detector as well as overcurrent detector. Several variations are included for the spark detector including a two winding transformer, a center tapped two winding transformer), and a high pass filtered inductor. A semiconductor switching configuration is also disclosed. Once the protection circuit detects a change in current over a certain level, or the average level raises above a threshold, then the current in the heater element is interrupted for a preset period.

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

Abstract: The vision of an eye having an impaired lens is stored with an artificial lens implant. The method involves replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

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: cosmetics sampling method and cosmetics sampler film. The cosmetics sampler film is a transparent film bearing cosmetics depiction(s) such as lips, eye shadow, eye liner, lip liner, rouge, face powder and fingernail polish. Each cosmetics depiction has associated indicia. When the cosmetics depictions are lips, eye shadow, eye liner, lip liner, rouge or face powder the indicia is reversed indicia whose mirror image is legible, conventional type. In the case of these cosmetics depictions, the cosmetics sampling method includes the steps of superimposing one of the cosmetics depictions over a corresponding consumer body part (e.g. superimposing a lip depiction over the consumer's lips), observing the superimposition in a mirror, and noting the reflected image of the reversed indicia corresponding to the cosmetics depiction thus superimposed for later reference in purchasing the cosmetic depicted.

Abstract: A device for holding a kit of items used for wet shaving has a razor-receiving section for storing a razor in an upright manner with the blade head protectively located, and a container-receiving section for storing a can of shaving foam or gel. The body of the holder has an internal storage space for storing one or more replacement blade cartridges, and a miniature mirror is removably and reversibly fitted in the base of the device.

Abstract: Thick dielectric films are deposited on a substrate by building up a plurality of layers by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) in a reactor, each layer having a thickness less than the final thickness of the film to be deposited. The reactor is cleaned between the deposition of each layer. In this way, it is possible to form high quality, optical films.

Abstract: Dishwashing machine comprising an outer casing (1) and a loading door (6) which is adapted to only close by means of sliding motions in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the open front face of the washing vessel of the machine. Within the thickness of the door (6) there are accommodated functional and hydraulic component parts (30, 15, 20, 25, 35, 5, 22, 36). Of some of these component parts, the portions requiring to be reached by the user are arranged along the upper edge (10) of the door (6).

Abstract: An easily deployed ridge pole is used, in combination with standard awning deployment hardware, to change the shape of the canopy fabric of an extended retractable awning. The ridge pole engages the underside of the awning fabric to impart a Mansard shape to the canopy. This shape incorporates first and second planes of canopy fabric wherein the plane closest to the RV has a less steep pitch than the plane furthest from the RV. The shape has airfoil qualities which stabilize the effects of high wind velocities on the awning. The shape also provides room under the relatively flat plane for doors under the awning to open without engaging the awning fabric. The ridge pole is supported by struts which in some embodiments provide foundations for fabric stabilizing clamps that are affixed to loose edges of canopy fabric.