Abstract: In a valve-controlled internal combustion engine having a cylinderhead with an exhaust gas passage extending from a combustion chamber and a secondary air duct for supplying secondary air to the exhaust gas passage downstream of an exhaust valve opening, the exhaust gas passage includes a projection just downstream of the exhaust valve opening, which projection extends in the direction of flow of the exhaust gases and forms, with the exhaust passage wall, a pocket which is open towards the exhaust passage and into which the secondary air passage opens for supplying secondary air to the exhaust gas.

Abstract: At least two rotors are mounted in a chamber and rotate synchronously to compress and/or transport fluid. The chamber has the shape of partially overlapping circles with each circle intersecting the center of the adjacent circle. The rotors are non-eccentric and have curved sides with the same radius as the circles. In exemplary embodiments, the rotors are trochoidal and the chamber is epitrochoidal. Also provided are compressors, pumps, actuators, and engines incorporating the rotary machine.

Abstract: With a cylinder direct injection engine in which fuel is injected directly into combustion chambers and air-fuel mixture is guided by an air flow, it is difficult to secure combustion stability under low engine speed and low load conditions such as during idling. Furthermore, there are needs for improvement of emission characteristics and fuel economy in other operation modes as well. An engine according to the invention injects fuel while dividing the same in plural parts during a compression stroke. The first injection forms a lean air-fuel mixture around an ignition plug, and the second injection makes a flammable air-fuel mixture reach an area around the ignition plug. This ensures efficient stratified combustion and allows improvement in emission and fuel economy performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector, particularly a high-pressure injection valve for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having external ignition, which is distinguished in that an outlet orifice (23) is provided downstream from the valve seat (20) which, at its downstream end, has a slot-forming element (30) that largely closes off the outlet orifice (23). Between it and a front face (34) of the valve-seat member (16), the slot-forming element (30) leaves open a slot-shaped flow outlet (35), through which a fuel spray may be spray-discharged in a fan-jet pattern.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method that calculates parameters for ignition control with respect to a reference cylinder every 180° of crank angle and actuates a dwell-on period and the ignition of the ignition cylinder based on those parameters. A timer-monitored period between crank-position sensor pulse is minimized by setting a reference angle, and misfires are prevented by forcing the dwell-on period and the ignition of the ignition cylinder based on a number of crank-position sensor pulses corresponding to a pre-dwell-on period. Errors relating to missing pulses are also prevented.

Abstract: A pressure control valve for a high-pressure diesel pump of an injection device of a motor vehicle has a valve body and a piezo drive with a tappet securing the valve body in a closed position. The valve body in the closed position closes off a bore, containing a medium under pressure, relative to a pressure-relief bore. The piezo drive has at least one piezo element connected to the tappet. The piezo drive is mounted in a pump housing of the high-pressure diesel pump. A screw element receives the piezo drive and is used to screw the piezo drive into the mounting chamber of the pump housing.

Abstract: A fuel pressure detector and a pressure accumulator are disposed in a fuel distribution line, an engine control apparatus controlling activation of a fuel pump based on output from the fuel pressure detector. The fuel pump is activated at maximum capacity to fill the fuel distribution line with fuel at a controlled pressure controlled by a fuel pressure regulator, then stopped. In this state, fuel accumulated under pressure in the pressure accumulator replenishes the fuel distribution line until fuel pressure inside the fuel distribution line drops to a predetermined value due to fuel injection by fuel injection valves.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an accumulator fuel injection system comprising a pressure increasing unit 7 and a pressure increasing common rail 6, in which leaked fuel is recirculated from a high pressure side to a low pressure side, and which is capable of reducing the amount of fuel that must be delivered under pressure by a low pressure pump 3. The focus of the present invention is to return high pressure leaked fuel to between the low pressure pump 3 and a high pressure pump 5.

Abstract: During assembly, shipping and handling before a mechanically-actuated fuel injector is installed into an internal combustion engine, the fuel injector tappet often accidentally disconnects from the fuel injector body. This separation of the tappet from the fuel injector body is caused by a force placed upon the tappet by a biasing means, such as a spring, that pushes the tappet away from the injector body. The fuel injector of the present application solves this problem through the interaction of a retention clip, a retention opening in the fuel injector body, and a retention slot in the fuel injector tappet. The retention clip has a body and a protrusion. The retention clip body is contained within the fuel injector body, and the protrusion extends through the retention opening and into the retention slot. After it is assembled, the fuel injector of the present application remains connected during shipping and handling and permits easy installation into an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a drop ejector for discretely ejecting drops of combustible liquid in a digital manner. An electronic circuit controls the operation of the drop ejector, and, in particular, the amount of fuel supplied by the drop ejector by adjusting the number of ejected drops during a given time frame.

Abstract: A fugitive hydrocarbon treatment module and system for controlling the emission of hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an engine includes a zeolite adsorber unit positioned in the air intake system such that all gases flowing to and from the engine through the air intake system pass through the adsorber, so as to allow hydrocarbons borne by the gases to be adsorbed upon the substrate of the adsorber unit when the engine is shut down and desorbed from the adsorber unit when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A separate metering and metering unit for a diesel and/or propane or similar gas/liquid fuel powered internal combustion engine such as a dual fueled engine incorporates an intake filter, a lockout solenoid, and a metering device into a single integrated unit remote of the carburetor of the engine. The metering unit includes a heater immediately adjacent to the output of the injector metering device in order to provide heat necessary to prevent any freezing of the unit injector or gaseous fuel or oxidizers downstream of the metering unit. The injection of the propane allows for correct operation of a catalytic converter.

Abstract: A fuel conditioning assembly, structured to be positioned between a fuel supply and a fuel combustion assembly, and including an elongate tubular housing having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage extending there between. The inlet end is coupled with the fuel supply so as to receive fuel flow there through into the flow through passage, wherein a turbulent flow of the fuel is initiated and the fuel is influenced by a combination of elements, in compound or elemental form such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, barium, calcium, iron, zirconium, cerium, platinum, and/or palladium which chemically condition the fuel flowing through the flow through passage by rearranging the molecular bonds of the fuel with a catalytic effect. The fuel, regardless of its type is further dispersed into very small droplets having high surface areas thereby lowering the vapor density of the fuel and substantially increasing a fuel burn efficiency.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is disclosed that includes an internal drive mechanism which embodies the present invention. A pair of sprockets are connected to parallel input and output drive shafts and drivingly connected by a taut, high tension, endless cog-belt seated and running on the two sprockets. A plurality of belt stabilizing components are incorporated therein to provide maintenance-free, low-temperature operation of the drive mechanism. These stabilizing components include air ducts formed in the output sprocket, tensioning members formed in the belt, heat-resistant and high-speed ceramic ball bearings and shock absorbing springs that alone and in combination provide a highly efficient drive mechanism.

Abstract: A system for protecting an internal combustion engine employing cooled recirculated exhaust gas (EGR) from excessive condensation includes an auxiliary emission control device (AECD) operable to determine when engine operating conditions correspond to a condensing condition resulting in condensation of water at the outlet of the EGR cooler and/or within the intake manifold or intake conduit of the engine. When such conditions occur, the AECD is operable to close the EGR valve and monitor engine operating conditions. When engine operating conditions no longer correspond to the condensing condition, control of the EGR valve is restored to an air handling system associated with the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling a diesel engine exhaust gas recirculation system is described. In particular, a simplified diesel engine system is provided where presence of exhaust gas recirculation of flow is controlled via a two-position valve, while a quantity of exhaust gas recirculation is adjusted by varying the throttle valve. In this way, a reduced cost diesel exhaust gas recirculation system is achieved that provides the functionality of having variable amounts of exhaust gas recirculation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one automatically controllable airflow actuator and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system including an EGR valve include determining a desired manifold pressure based at least in part on position of the automatically controllable airflow actuator and controlling the EGR valve such that a measured manifold pressure approaches the desired manifold pressure. In one embodiment, the automatically controllable airflow actuators include a charge motion control valve and a variable cam timing device. In other embodiments, the automatically controllable airflow actuators may include variable valve lift devices, variable valve timing devices, or any other device that affects the residual exhaust gases within the cylinders.

Abstract: An external connection terminal connector as a separate part that mounts the igniter is abolished, and the external connection terminal is integrated with the igniter itself. The igniter has the electronic components mounted on an internal wiring substrate, and the electronic components within the igniter and the external connection terminal are directly connected by wire bonding.

Abstract: An arrow rest comprises an arrow rest support arm pivotally mounted to the riser of a bow. The support arm is coupled to a cable guide of the bow through linkage that causes the support arm to rise relative to the riser of the bow as the cable is drawn to launch an arrow. As the cable is released to launch an arrow, the arrow rest drops to allow the fletching to pass the arrow rest without contact. In addition, as the arrow rest moves from a first resting position to a second pre-launch position and back again, a clamping mechanism grasps the shaft of the arrow when the support arm is in the resting position. As the support arm moves to the pre-launch position, the clamping mechanism releases the shaft of the arrow so that the arrow can be freely launched from the support arm without interference from the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and discharging gas includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A floating differential piston is mounted to reciprocate in the housing and divide the housing into a storage chamber adjacent the housing inlet and a discharge chamber adjacent the housing outlet. A check valve in the housing inlet admits gas to the storage chamber. A conduit extends through the piston from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber. A pressure relief valve in the conduit is set to maintain a higher pressure in the storage chamber than in the discharge chamber. A first sliding seal is disposed between the housing and an end of the piston adjacent the housing inlet. A second sliding seal is disposed between the housing and an end of the piston adjacent the housing outlet.

Abstract: A shuttlecock-throwing machine is provided to permit delivery of successive shuttlecocks at different frequencies, trajectories and speeds. The machine includes a shuttlecock dispenser, a feeding mechanism and an ejecting unit. The ejecting unit consists of two motors-driven recoiling counter rotating wheels being fed successively by the feeding mechanism therein gripping the shuttlecock's cap or nose and propelled the shuttlecock in the path of wheels plane. The shuttlecock dispenser comprising a pair of parallel or spiral bar, spaced apart and set at an incline to queue shuttlecocks with the noses side down over the feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism consists of a motor-driven four-spoke rotor which draw the shuttlecocks from its dispenser and deliver one by one into the ejecting device.

Abstract: A container has article-holding cells, holding articles, each cell being closed along a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more longitudinal closure side walls, as well as having one or more open sides. The cells pivot with respect to each other, on hinges. The containers 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 contained articles about substantially a full circle about the longitudinal axis of the container, or the container exposes more than 180 degrees of open wall, and/or article holders hold the articles against unintended falling out at any orientation of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing radiused corners on a crack control groove is provided. A radius on the two opposing corners of the crack control groove is simultaneously formed by inserting a pilot segment of a rotating cutting blade into the groove to chase the groove with the blade. The cutting blade has side cutting segments on opposing sides of the pilot segment. The side cutting segments have a concave shape with abrasive material thereon and are located and sized to cut a predetermined radius on the opposing corners 32. Convex shaped shoulder segments inhibit the formation of a well if the blade cuts too deeply. The pilot segment advantageously has no abrasive on its sides so it does not widen the groove, and the pilot segment is shorter than the depth of the groove so it does not deepen the groove.

Abstract: A chafing dish having a depending shelf of unique configurations so as to receive a conventional heating unit in sufficiently retained relationship to make the assemblage easily asportable.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is provided comprising a fire bowl comprising an exterior undersurface and an internal chamber; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand to be locatable against the exterior undersurface of the fire bowl for support during a usage position, and during a non-use position, the stand is situated atop the lid while the lid is situated atop the fire bowl to thereby enclose the internal chamber of the fire bowl.

Abstract: A wood burner includes a wrapper. A firebox is positioned in the wrapper that defines a combustion chamber. An air inlet is placed in communication with an external air supply. The air inlet includes a conduit to conduct the external air to the combustion chamber and a second conduit. A manifold is positioned above the firebox. The manifold is in communication with the second conduit, and includes one or more manifold chambers for permitting the external air received thereby to become heated. A plurality of air tubes connect to the manifold to receive the heated external air from the manifold, each plurality of air tubes including a plurality of apertures to direct the heated external air into the combustion chamber adjacent an upper inner surface of the firebox.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating oily smoke, fumes, vapor or odors produced when cooking. According to this method, the oily smoke, fumes, vapor or odors coming from cookers placed over an oven will be drawn and mixed with a part of air to form gaseous mixture under the action of drawing fan. Then, the formed gaseous mixture will be forced to enter at least one preheating region. In the said preheating region, the said gaseous mixture is preheated. After preheated, the said gaseous mixture is forced to enter at least one heating source region of the said oven. A part of thermal energy provided by the heating source located in the center of the said heating source region is used for preheating the said gaseous mixture filling in the said preheating region.

Abstract: A range hood cleaning assembly utilizes compressed air to drive accumulated grease on range hood surfaces towards drainage holes. A plurality of air dispensers, preferably air hoses and directional nozzles, through which compressed air from at least one source of compressed air is blown, direct compressed air against surfaces within a motor housing interior, on the fan(s) and within grease trays to drive accumulated grease towards drainage holes. The air dispensers may be attached to a plate mounted within the motor housing interior about a motor and above a fan, may be integral or releasably attachable to the motor housing or may be integral or releasably attachable to grease trays. The compressor may be set to activate automatically or may be activated manually.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a gas-powered cooking device including an actuator for moving a closure disposed in the gas feed conduit of a burner to an open state and of igniting gas emitted from the burner by an ignition electrode to form a burner flame, the ignition electrode being connected to an ignition voltage for a predetermined first interval of time, a sensor thermo-conductively connected to the burner flame for generating a sensor voltage for maintaining the closure means in its open state if the sensor voltage attains a predetermined level and of initiating subsequent ignitions after a predetermined interval of time where the predetermined level is not attained within a predetermined further interval of time.

Abstract: A proximity warning system for a fireplace including a monitor module and an alarm module. The monitor module is configured to sense when an object, such as a person, enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace. The monitor module may use a variety of techniques to sense when an object enters the defined zone. For example, the monitor module may use capacitance or pulse infrared light to detect when an object enters the defined zone. The alarm module is coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone. The alarm may be audible or visual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nebulizer comprising an electrically energizable ultrasonic transducer having an oscillation frequency dependent current and voltage characteristic exhibiting the occurrence of a minimum magnitude of current through the transducer at an anti-resonance frequency of the transducer, the voltage across the transducer increasing with an increase in frequency within a range of frequencies including said anti-resonance frequency. The nebulizer further comprises a transducer drive system for generating a drive signal for energising the transducer, the drive system comprising oscillation frequency control means operable to maintain the frequency of the drive signal at a specific frequency within said range of frequencies by reference to the variation of both current through the transducer and voltage across the transducer with a change of frequency within the said frequency range.

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: The invention relates to a medicament dispenser including a dosing device and an indicator device. The indicator device sums up a use-related value that is associated with every actuation of the dosing device, calculates a value indicating the total number of uses, and displays the value.

Abstract: An inhaler such as a breath-actuated inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising a housing for receiving a canister of medicament actuatable to deliver a dose of medicament, a detector for detecting actuation of a received canister, a timer responsive to the detector to measure the elapsed time from actuation of the canister, and an indicator means responsive to the timer to indicate when a predetermined time has elapsed during which the user should maintain inhalation or delay exhalation. This allows the inhaler to provide an indication of how the user should breath to properly receive a dose of medicament. The indicator means may be further responsive to the timer to indicate when a second predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: A personal containment system is disclosed. The personal containment system includes a generally fluid-tight barrier having an inner surface and an outer surface. The generally fluid tight barrier is adapted to at least partially define an inner environment interfacing with the inner surface, and an outer environment interfacing with the outer surface. The personal containment system also includes an air delivery system powered by a blower connected through the generally fluid-tight barrier. The blower is generally isolated from the outer environment and draws purified air from a filter in fluid communication with the blower that is located outside of the containment. Air from the outer environment is passed into the inner environment by the blower through a filter and exhausted through a one-way valve or a exhaust filter.

Abstract: A personal containment system includes a generally fluid-tight barrier and a powered air delivery system. The blower is generally isolated from the outer environment and draws purified air from a filter in fluid communication with the blower and generally located outside the containment system. A sealed port between the blower and filter provides a generally fluid tight connection to the barrier and blower during filter replacement. Leakage of contaminants into the system is minimized, and limited to materials that might enter the blower inlet. The blower inlet remains accessible during filter replacement, thereby speeding and simplifying the filter replacement process.

Abstract: A device and an arrangement are disclosed, which create a powder Air-razor, which into an inhalation air volume de-aggregates and disperses a finely divided medication powder. The powder is generally loaded onto a dosing member intended for use with an inhaler. By sucking air through a mouthpiece connected to a nozzle, particles of the load of powder are gradually de-aggregated, dispersed and continuously released into the sucked air during a defined interval. The gradual de-aggregation and dispersal of the medication powder is generated by a relative motion introduced between the nozzle and the dosing member. The powder is generally loaded onto a larger area than the area of the air nozzle inlet. The nozzle may be positioned outside the dose area until an air stream has begun to flow into the nozzle by suction of air in an inhaling operation.

Abstract: A method based on an Air-razor tool is disclosed thereby providing de-aggregation and dispersal into air of a dose of finely divided medication powder. In sucking air through a nozzle, particles of a powder dose made available to the nozzle, are gradually de-aggregated and dispersed into a stream of air entering the nozzle. The gradual de-aggregation or dispersal is produced by a relative motion introduced between the nozzle and the dose. In a preferred embodiment, the powder is deposited onto a substrate, occupying a larger area than the area of the nozzle inlet. The nozzle is preferably positioned outside the powder area, not accessing the powder in its relative motion until a created air stream entering the nozzle, exceeds a threshold flow velocity.

Abstract: A therapeutic dry powder preparation and a method of administering such a preparation are disclosed for effectively de-aggregating and dispersing into air a dose of medication powder in an administration the dose to a user. The present dry powder preparation and method do not require other sources of energy besides the power of an inhalation effort by a user to produce a very high degree of de-aggregation and efficient dispersal into air of the dry powder medication dose. Utilizing an effort of sucking air through a nozzle, the particles of the therapeutic powder dose, made available to the nozzle, are gradually de-aggregated and dispersed into a stream of air entering the nozzle.

Abstract: A pouch is provided for the blower unit of a powered air-purifying respirator system, to isolate the blower unit from hazardous material such as potentially-explosive dust or gas. The pouch has an opening at one end through which the blower unit can be inserted into the pouch, and is shaped at the other end to receive the blower unit. It also has air inlet openings positioned to register with air inlets of the blower and permit the connection of the filter cartridges thereto, and an air outlet opening positioned to register with the air outlet of the blower unit and permit the connection thereto of a breathing tube of the respirator system. When the blower unit is inside the pouch, sealing means at the pouch openings inhibit or prevent particulate or gaseous material from entering the pouch through the openings.

Abstract: A parameter of interest being measured by a sensor is estimated from output response data from the sensor and the known transfer function of the sensor, allowing fast and accurate sensor data from sensors having a dynamic characteristic otherwise precluding assessment of the sensor input. A parameter of breathing gas from a ventilator is determined based upon the known transfer function and a plurality of the sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time, to provide an estimation of the parameter of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for relaxing an apneic obstruction in a nasopharyngeal airway of a patient. A bolus chamber and a rearward chamber are defined within a housing. A movable piston within the housing is actuated using a pair of magnets. When an impeller, mounted within the rearward chamber, rotates as a result of patient exhalation into the rearward chamber, the repulsive force between said magnets causes said piston to move and drive a bolus of air into the airway of the patient.

Abstract: The invention is a ventilator whose servo-controller adjusts the degree of support by adjusting the profile of the pressure waveform as well as the pressure modulation amplitude. As the servo-controller increases the degree of support by increasing the pressure modulation amplitude, it also generates a progressively more square, and therefore efficient, pressure waveform; when the servo-controller decreases the degree of support by decreasing the pressure modulation amplitude, it also generates a progressively more smooth and therefore comfortable pressure waveform.

Abstract: A high frequency pressure oscillation device that selective restricts the flow of breathing gas to or from a patient to produce pressure spikes in the patient's airway that facilitate clearing secretions from the patient's airway. The device includes a patient circuit that defines a closed path between a source of breathing gas and the patient's airway. A valve is disposed in the patient circuit such that in an open position the path between the source of breathing gas and the airway of the patient is substantially unobstructed. When the valve is in a closed position, the path between the source of breathing gas and the patient's airway is at least partially obstructed to create the pressure spikes. An actuating system associated with the valve alternatively places the valve in the open position and in the closed position at a predetermined oscillation rate that is independent of patient effort.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.

Abstract: A facial mask comprises a mask body that is adapted to be coupled to a patient's face. A valve system is coupled to the mask body to permit the inflow of respiratory gasses into the mask body and to permit the outflow of respiratory gasses from the mask body. A metronome is coupled to the mask body to produce a repeating chest compression signal to facilitate the performance of regular chest compressions when performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The metronome may also produce a ventilation signal to facilitate the proper ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask tube consists of a dual-airway tube (10), a mask (20) with an inflatable bladder (24) and an inflation indicator device (30). The dual-airway tube (10) comprises a simplified primary tube (12) and secondary tube (14) integrally combined together. The primary tube (12) communicates with the mask (20) to guide gas into the body of a patient and the secondary tube (14) communicates between with the bladder (24) and the inflation indicator device (30) to monitor and inflate the bladder (24). Moreover, two ribs (26) are formed in the mask to prevent blockage of the primary tube (12) and a tongue (242) is formed inside the bladder (24) to prevent the bladder (24) from folding and preventing a seal around the larynx. Whereby, the laryngeal mask airway is convenient and efficient to use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a curved tubular body (2), designed to be inserted in the mouth (10) and whereof the curvature corresponds at least approximately to that of the tongue (11).

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.