Abstract: In a common rail gasoline fuel injection system having a high pressure fuel supply pump (14) in which fuel is pressurized in a pumping chamber and delivered through a high pressure passage (16) to the common rail (18), the improvement comprising a flow volume intensifier (22) situated in the high pressure passage (16). Preferably the intensifier has a cranking configuration in which a primary piston (32) of relatively low effective cross sectional area on which only the primary pressure of the pumping chamber is imposed, and a secondary piston (44) contacting the primary piston (32) and having a relatively large effective cross sectional area on which only the common rail pressure is imposed, whereby when the primary piston (32) is displaced a primary volume toward the secondary piston (44) by the primary pressure from the pumping chamber, the secondary piston (44) displaces a secondary volume of fuel into common rail (18) that is larger said primary volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) especially of a motor vehicle, wherein fuel, which is to be injected into a combustion chamber (4) or into an intake manifold (7) of the engine (1), is present in a pressure store (13) at a variable injection pressure (p). The injection pressure (p) in the pressure store (13) is adjusted in dependence upon the temperature (T) of the engine (1) in order to obtain an optimal operation of the engine (1) with respect to the lowest possible consumption of fuel and a lowest possible exhaust-gas emission in specific operating states of the engine (1), for example, after a cold start or during a warm-up phase. Preferably, the injection pressure (p) is increased at a temperature (T) of the engine (1) below the operating temperature thereof. In addition, the injection time point can be adjusted to later time points at low temperatures (T) of the engine (1).

Abstract: An alignment element for securing a fuel injector (1), for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, to a cylinder head (2) of the internal combustion engine in a manner to ensure locking against rotation includes a ring (10) that is slipped onto the fuel injector (1); provided on the ring (10) is at least one plug (11) that is disposed on the ring (10), slipped onto the fuel injector (1), in such a way that it is able to snap into a recess (12) in a plastic coating (9) of the fuel injector (1).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an injector that injects fuel into a cylinder. A plunger-type fuel pump pumps the fuel to the injector from a fuel tank. A control system for the fuel pump includes a unit for determining an injection start timing of the injector, and a drive unit for driving the fuel pump for a second predetermined time that starts a first predetermined time earlier than the injection start timing. This control system makes stable combustion possible even when there are pressure variations in the fuel pumped to the injector.

Abstract: A fuel pump module (10) includes a fuel reservoir (R), fuel pump (26), manifold (32) connected to a pump outlet (30), a fuel line (FS) for supplying fuel to an engine (E), and a return line (FR) returning unconsumed fuel to the reservoir through a return valve (100). An external jet manifold (20) includes a nozzle (68) through which fuel is directed from the manifold, and a venturi (70) by which a low pressure region is created to draw fuel from a fuel tank (T) into the jet manifold where it is entrained and intermixed with other fuel and discharged into the reservoir. The return valve includes a plunger (122) biased to close the return valve when the fuel pump is shut off. High pressure fuel from the fuel pump acts on the plunger when the engine is running to open the valve.

Abstract: The fuel supply apparatus has a fuel tank (12), which has a number of partial regions (14, 16) whose bottoms (15, 17) are separate from one another and which contains a delivery unit (20) that supplies fuel at least indirectly from a first partial region (14) of the fuel tank (12) to an internal combustion engine (10) of the motor vehicle. A jet pump (40) delivers fuel from another partial region (16) of the fuel tank (12) into its first partial region (14), wherein the jet pump (40) has a propellant quantity supply unit (50) that supplies a propellant quantity of fuel to the jet pump (40), and wherein the jet pump (40) has a supply line (42, 56) through which the fuel supplied by the jet pump (40) travels into the first partial region (14) of the fuel tank (12).

Abstract: A fuel delivery system containing a plurality of components that cooperate to provide improved fuel economy and reduced environmental pollution. These components include elastomeric check valve body members having a shaft and a cylindrical head, and an electrical heating system to recondition the fuel. A water separator designed to eliminate the flow restriction to the device that could negate the operation of the system through the usage of synthetic or wire screen in the element. A groove so positioned in the face of the transfer pump gear cavity so as to relieve the pressure on the powering shaft seal. A divider wall protruding from the filter head base into the upper area of the filter to divide the top portion of the filter that is normally a common area of incoming fuel into two separate chambers, an inlet chamber for the incoming liquid and an outlet chamber for the exiting air bubbles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid-actuated charcoal canister purge valve to control the flow of purge fuel that is supplied via the purge valve to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The method includes generating a preselected input duty cycle for use in energizing the solenoid-actuated purge valve that is registered by a microcontroller. The solenoid-actuated purge valve is energized using the input duty cycle to generate an output duty cycle from a current driver in operable communication with the microcontroller. The output duty cycle dictates the quantity of purge fuel flow to the cylinder by controlling the active period of energizing the solenoid. A feedback voltage (Vfb) from the solenoid-actuated purge valve is measured, wherein the feedback voltage (Vfb) corresponds to a feedback duty cycle (DCfb).

Abstract: Methods, devices, and/or systems for controlling vibration and/or acoustic noise. An exemplary method senses noise and/or, for example, rotational speed of a rotating shaft, determines control parameters and actuates one or more actuators. An exemplary device includes a controller configured to receive information, determine control parameters and actuate one or more actuators. An exemplary system includes one or more sensors, a processor and one or more actuators. Various exemplary methods, devices, and/or systems are optionally suitable for use with turbochargers and/or other boost systems.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to maintain stable air-fuel ratio on a venturi type fuel supply device, irrespective of the external load such as air-conditioner and electrical load, and to provide stable engine speed on idling state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prevent abnormal increase in temperature of an IGBT of an ignition device or the like caused by rise in a low-level signal, while maintaining small size and formation of the IGBT, a thermal shutoff circuit, a current limiting circuit, and the like on one chip. An ignition device for an internal combustion engine is provided with a shutoff circuit for forcedly shutting off passage of a current to an ignition switching element (IGBT) when abnormal increase in temperature of the IGBT is detected or the high level of an ignition signal continues for predetermined time or longer. As a power source of the shutoff circuit, a high-level voltage of the ignition signal is used. Until the voltage of the ignition signal becomes the level at which the shutoff circuit operates, agate of the IGBT is short-circuited to the ground by an operation level setting circuit. Thus, the IGBT has a dead zone of the ignition signal.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a control circuit that generates an ignition signal for allowing or interrupting the supply of a primary current of an ignition coil under control, a waveform shaping circuit that waveform-shapes the ignition signal, a switching element that allows and interrupts the supply of the primary current on the basis of the ignition signal that is waveform-shaped to generate a high voltage on a secondary side of the ignition coil, and an over-current protection circuit that forcedly interrupts the supply of the primary current and holds an interrupt state until the ignition signal turns off when the primary current of the ignition coil exceeds a given value.

Abstract: A paintball marker comprises a main body 110 and a barrel 112 defining a firing axis X-X, a trigger 122, and a grip 120 arranged to be held in a hand of a user which operates the trigger. The grip 120 has a rear edge 134 arranged to engage the palm of the hand of a user, the rear edge 134 being substantially vertical so as to enable the marker to be held in a comfortable and controlled manner during use.

Abstract: This bow release accessory or “bow string loop” attaches to a bow string and is used with a trigger-style release aide device for smooth, predictable, properly-angled, and non-damaging release of the bow string after drawing and aiming. The string loop comprises two spaced-apart ends for attachment to the bow string, connected by a durable center portion around which clamp the jaws of the release aide clamp. The preferred string loop is made of bow string material or other durable, multi-filament string, for example, by coiling the string material in a figure-8, then tightly wrapping the center of the figure 8 multiple times to form and reinforce the string loop center portion, and then sealing or otherwise securing the end of the string material to the center portion. The ends of the string loop are then attached to the bow string in half-hitch-style, with the center portion extending out from the bow string in a half-circle.

Abstract: A patio heater with a outer shrouding of the functional upright fuel line formed to resemble the trunk of a palm tree, with an access means to reach the control but otherwise keep them from sight, and with a secondary heat distribution shield topped by decorative metal leaves resembling the leaves of a palm tree distributed in a balanced fashion around the circular trunk, embodies a functional aesthetic that will keep it both on display and in use in more circumstances than traditional, bare-bones functional patio heaters.

Abstract: A motorized door latch assembly for locking an oven door in a locked and sealed position for purposes of cleaning the oven. A motor assembly causes a latch rod to translate, causing a latch plate to move between different positions. In a first position, the latch plate allows the oven door to open. In a second position, the latch plate prevents the oven door from opening. In a third position, the oven door is pulled inwardly to a locked and sealed position. During shipment, the latch plate is locked in its first position by a fixer. The distance between the latch plate and the motor assembly may be adjusted for ranges of different sizes.

Abstract: A fireplace including a combustion chamber enclosure with an opening and an inner pane positioned to at least partially cover the opening of the combustion chamber. An outer pane is spaced apart from the inner pane, the outer pane and the inner pane creating a space through which air moves, the air cooling the outer pane. A blower may be provided to move the air through the space. The outer pane may be angled with respect to the inner pane to enhance air movement.

Abstract: An exhaust hood (125, 225, 325, 425) captures and contains a thermal plume (170, 370, 470) with a minimum of exhaust air by defining a short-throw vertical curtain jet (150,350,453) around a protected perimeter. The jet augments the formation of a vortex (135, 335) within the hood which extends beyond the hood protected by the curtain jet. The effect is the extension of the buffer volume of the hood recess. This reduces the fluid strain that generates the turbulent eddies that cause breach of containment Also, the curtain jet augments the vortical flow which is stable and contains less fluid strain than would otherwise occur. The hood recess is shaped to assist in defining the above vortex in terms of both its shape and its size. For example, the recess may be made smooth-walled according to an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A heating vessel comprises a chamber having enclosed sides, a thermally conductive bottom end and a top end forming an opening for the introduction and extraction of contents to be heated, the bottom end having an external bottom side. A heater comprises a heat exchanger and a heat source having a heat outlet disposed at a fixed distance from the external bottom side and configured to deliver heat to a central area thereof. The heat exchanger includes a series of thermally conductive radially disposed fins are coupled circumferentially about the central area of the external bottom side, the fins extending for a fixed distance to encase the heat outlet. A gas flow path is formed to allow intake of air and output of exhaust.

Abstract: A bread maker including an oven compartment, kneading drums spacedly disposed in parallel inside the oven compartment, and a drum driving part rotating one of the kneading drums in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Link shafts eccentrically project from the kneading drums and rotate about each respective rotation axis thereof. A connecting rod connects the link shafts and transmits a rotary movement between the kneading drums.

Abstract: A fireplace including a burner disposed to combust a combustible gas and air mixture within a combustion chamber. An exposed panel defining an exposed surface. A touch portion of the exposed surface isolated from heat generated within the combustion chamber to reduce a temperature of the touch portion. A control circuit coupled to the touch portion. The control circuit monitoring the touch portion and driving a component of the fireplace in response to a change at the touch portion.

Abstract: A fireplace including a burner disposed to combust a combustible gas and air mixture within a combustion chamber. An exposed panel defining an exposed surface. A touch portion of the exposed surface isolated from heat generated within the combustion chamber to reduce a temperature of the touch portion. A control circuit coupled to the touch portion. The control circuit monitoring the touch portion and driving a component of the fireplace in response to a change at the touch portion.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to framing systems and more particularly is concerned with systems adapted to mount panels or laminates in an array on a supporting roof structure of a building exemplified with the mounting of solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels. The framing system described uses extruded elongate elements with a sealing element to frame the PV panel as a weatherproof PV solar roof tile. Individual frame element profiles effectively embody the PV building integration, (BiPV) or mounting method, of the solar tile within the frame itself. Only a few additional flashing components are needed to complete the PV tile array as part of the roof, or with minor variations, as a PV wall cladding. Full BiPV panel mounting methods show potential to be used for co-generation (PV/T) of solar thermal energy capture in buildings.

Abstract: In a multi-lens hydrogen and/or electric/steam power plant there are mirrors 2, or equivalent, such as prisms, placed underneath lenses 1 directing ray bundles from several lenses 1 onto one focal point.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber, an inlet and an outlet generally coaxially aligned with the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a medicament cartridge having a body including a generally cylindrical passage extending through the opposed ends of the cartridge generally coaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet of the housing, such that fluid delivered to the inlet ruptures the membranes, entrains medicament contained within the cartridge passage which is delivered to the patient's respiratory system through the outlet.

Abstract: There is described an actuator comprising an inlet port and an out-let port and a valve member situated between the inlet and outlet ports, the valve member comprising a moveable apertured membrane such that in the open position an aperture in the membrane is coincident with the inlet and outlet ports and in the closed position the aperture is non-coincident with one or both of the inlet and outlet ports. There is also described an inhaler system using the actuator and a method of administering a medicament to a patient using such an inhaler system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: A heat exchange module comprising a number of substantially parallel and spaced apart heat exchange elements is provided. One or more surfaces of the heat exchange elements may be coated with a dessicant. The module can be manufactured so that first and second surfaces of the module are curved. The module may be used as part of a face mask or other garment that positions the module within the respiratory air stream of a user. The module may be inserted in a mesh sleeve provided as part of the garment. The module may also be used as part of other forms of clothing that protect the face and in protective helmets, or as part of outdoor or survival equipment.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures.

Abstract: Self contained underwater breathing apparatus in which a first stage regulator comprises a body (15) defining an internal dry chamber (20), a first port (25) in the chamber for receiving high pressure gas from a supply cylinder, a valve assembly (12, 13, 26) to reduce the high pressure gas to medium pressure gas in the chamber, a second port (29) for delivering the medium pressure gas to a user, and a hydrostatic transmitter (5) responsive to an increase in ambient water pressure and adapted to move within the body (15) accordingly to increase the supply of medium pressure gas to the user, a pressure transducer (9) with a pressure module (4) and a liquid crystal display module (30) visible to the user to indicate the pressure of the medium pressure gas.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological defense masks, and more particularly, biological defense masks designed for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological defense masks wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological defense masks to a population at risk of biological weapons of mass destruction.

Abstract: Current methods of drug administration to the lungs are inefficient. ‘Endotracheal Tube with Aerosol Delivery Apparatus III’ is specifically designed for uniform intrapulmonary delivery of aerosolized medication in patients on mechanical ventilation. As opposed to the current methods of drug delivery where aerosol particles are generated at the proximal end of the ETT, with majority of the particles adhering to the endotracheal tube during delivery, this invention bypasses the endotracheal tube by generating aerosol particles at its distal end. The invention consists of two coaxial hollow tubes fused to each other. The inner coaxial tube and/or one or more secondary cannulation(s) in the wall of the outer coaxial tube terminate at proximal and as MDI adapters and at the distal tip as a single or multiple micrometric orifices.

Abstract: In a distal targeting system a hand-held location pad is integral with a guide section for a drill or similar surgical instrument, and has a plurality of magnetic field generators. A sensor, such as a wireless sensor, having a plurality of field transponders, is disposed in an orthopedic appliance, such as an intramedullary nail. The sensor is capable of detecting and discriminating the strength and direction of the different fields generated by the field generators. Control circuitry, preferably located in the location pad is responsive to a signal of the sensor, and determines the displacement and relative directions of an axis of the guide section, and a bore in the orthopedic appliance. A screen display and optional speaker in the location pad provide an operator-perceptible indication that enables the operator to adjust the position of the guide section so as to align its position and direction with the bore.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the SCU are dependent, in part, on the content of the data signals received by the SCU.

Abstract: A channeling device is provided for transferring and compressing a bundle of cigarettes formed into a rectangular configuration by a hopper into a preformed container. The channeling device includes a base having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal channel through the base The channel includes an entry portion having a lateral entry cross section which is rectangular and adapted to receive the bundle of cigarettes, and an exit portion having a non-rectangular exit cross section smaller than the entry cross section and adapted to deliver the bundle of cigarettes to a container having a matching non-rectangular cross section. An intermediate portion smoothly connects the entry portion to the exit portion. In one preferred embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is flask-shaped. In another preferred embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is polygonal, such as octagonal. In still another preferred embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is oval shaped.

Abstract: A cigarette comprises a tobacco section including a columnar tobacco filler material and at least one cellulose-based wrapping paper sheet for wrapping the outer circumferential surface of the columnar tobacco filler material. The outermost wrapping paper sheet among the wrapping paper sheets has a thermal conductivity not lower than 0.5 W·K−1·m−1.

Abstract: A low fire-spreading cigarette has a tobacco section including a columnar tobacco filler material, an inside wrapper paper sheer wrapping the outer circumferential surface of the columnar tobacco filler material and an outside wrapper paper sheet wrapping the outer circumferential surface of the inside wrapper paper sheet. The heat conductivity of the inside wrapper is 0.5 W·K−1·m−1 or more and the heat conductivity of the outside wrapper paper sheet is less than 0.5 W·K−1·m−1.

Abstract: A cosmetic container and packaged hair treatment composition comprising a receptacle having at least one opening and containing the hair treatment composition, an applicator for applying the hair treatment composition in the receptacle to the hair, which is attachable to the at least one opening of the receptacle, the applicator containing an internal channel feeding into at least one internal chambers having at least one external outlet surrounded by tines, a method for applying highlights to the hair using the package.

Abstract: A hair extension device has a skin-simulating layer of artificial skin material having an inner face for attachment to a wearer's scalp and an outer face. The skin-simulating layer has an opening through which a portion of a wearer's existing hair can be pulled. A plurality of hair strands are secured to the skin simulating layer around the opening to extend from the outer face of the layer in order to imitate naturally growing hair when integrated with the natural hair pulled through the opening.

Abstract: A method of attaching supplemental hair to natural human hair begins with selecting a plurality of strands of human hair growing from a scalp. A supplemental hair bundle includes a plurality of supplemental hair strands previously glued to one another at a glued portion by thermoplastic glue. The glued portion is fused using a heating element of an applicator. The glued portion of the supplemental hair bundle is then contacted to the selected plurality of strands of human hair. The heating element may be a heated jaw having a heating channel shaped to receive the glued portion of the bundle. A kneading jaw in opposing relationship to the heating jaw may be used to clamp the human hair and the supplemental hair bundle mix the glue into the strands of human hair. Bundles are made by placing supplemental hair strands in a film of fused glue on a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A hair treatment process comprises the following steps A or B, and includes conducting shaping of hair in at least one of the steps:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair gripping device to be mounted on a hair accommodating tube to grip a bundle of hair in a proper friction force during hair braiding by a hair braiding machine. The present hair gripping device comprises a tapered head portion having a nozzle for the bundle of hair to pass through; and a body portion, extended from the head portion in one piece, having a plurality of inner partition walls to give the bundle of hair a zigzag, spiral, or helical bends, thereby tensioning the bundle of hair properly during a braiding and/or releasing it smoothly at the end of braiding. Accordingly, a uniform and tidy, style of braided hair is obtained.

Abstract: A mascara brush serves to apply a mascara mass onto the eyelashes. It comprises a plurality of bristles that are secured between two twisted wire segments and extend out from the wire segments. The free ends of the bristles are tapered wedge-shaped in cross section. This serves to improve the combing result of the mascara brush.

Abstract: A single-use cosmetic applicator 1 has an applicator body 2 with a front surface 3 and a rear surface 4. The cosmetic applicator 1 contains a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product 5 on only a portion of its front surface 3.

Abstract: A single-use cosmetic applicator 1 has an applicator body 2 with a front surface 3 and a rear surface 4. The cosmetic applicator 1 has a sealed substantially impermeable membrane containing a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product 5 attached to an inner surface of a substantially impermeable cover, so that the membrane lies between the cover 7 and the applicator body 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to providing processes, methods and apparatus to produce and apply a variety of surface cleaning and modification spray treatments. More specifically, the present invention provides the simultaneous steps of 1) selectively removing one or more unwanted surface contaminants, including extremely hard coatings, 2) exposing a native clean surface layer and 3) modifying said exposed and cleaned native substrate surface layer to energetic radicals and radiation to improve adhesion, wettability or coatability. Reactive species in combination with non-reactive, but chemically or physically active, species provide a rich reaction control and surface treatment environment by which contaminants and surface interlayers are oxidatively, physically and/or chemically removed or modified to prepare an underlying substrate surface for subsequent bonding, deposition, coating and curing operations.

Abstract: In a chamber (11), a SiOF film is formed on a wafer W using a plasma CVD method. A film remaining inside the chamber (11) is cleaned up using a gas containing NF3. A manometer (28) is prepared for the chamber (11). An end point of cleaning of the chamber (11) is detected by moni-toring the pressure inside the chamber (11).

Abstract: A process for the removal of a substance from a substrate for etching and/or cleaning applications is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for removing a substance having a dielectric constant greater than silicon dioxide from a substrate by reacting the substance with a reactive agent that comprises at least one member from the group consisting a halogen-containing compound, a boron-containing compound, a hydrogen-containing compound, nitrogen-containing compound, a chelating compound, a carbon-containing compound, a chlorosilane, a hydrochlorosilane, or an organochlorosilane to form a volatile product and removing the volatile product from the substrate to thereby remove the substance from the substrate.

Abstract: A method using atomic hydrogen for removing carbon contamination from optical surfaces. The method is particularly useful for removing carbon and hydrocarbon contamination in-situ from the surface of the multilayer optics used for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) without degrading the quality of the optical surface. Atomic hydrogen at pressures in the range of about 10−3 and 10−4 Torr without the potentially detrimental heating of the optic is used to provide cleaning rates of about 6-60 Å/hr.