Abstract: An electrical unit mounting structure is provided to dispose an electrical unit that emits a large amount of heat such that cooling performance is ensured. In one embodiment, an injector drive unit (IDU) 7 is mounted to an upper wall of a collector 6, which is disposed on an uppermost part of the engine 1 between the banks. The injector drive unit 7 is equipped with the cooling fins 7b on the lower surface thereof and is cooled with good efficiency by cooling air flowing in the longitudinal direction between the engine cover 10 and the collector 6. The electrical unit mounting structure can be used in a variety of engine arrangements such as a longitudinally arranged V-type engine, a transversely arranged V-type engine, a longitudinally arranged inline engine, or a transversely arranged inline engine.

Abstract: An automotive engine-cooling fan assembly uses pairs of overlapping fans to improve flow uniformity through the heat exchanger cores and to maximize the amount of fan power that can be achieved with limited motor sizes. One fan of each pair has upstream supports and the other has downstream supports, and these supports are so configured to minimize the axial dimension of the assembly. The use of banded fans maximizes fan performance, and blade skew minimizes fan noise.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder valve engine (1) comprises an engine housing (2) that contains an annular timing ring (3), a rotatable cylinder (4) formed with a closed end (6) and an open end (8); and a piston (10) disposed within the cylinder (4). The cylinder (4) is mechanically driven by the piston (10) via transmission assembly that comprises a con rod (12) that drives a gear (14) that in turn engages a bevel gear (16) formed at the open end (8) of the cylinder (4). At the closed end (6) of the cylinder (4) there is an integral central rod (7) that extends axially away from the cylinder (4). There is an annular ball hearing (9) disposed at the one end of the rod (7).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic actuator for operating a gas exchange valve, this actuator being situated on a cylinder head. The actuator includes a switchable electromagnet which is situated between two armatures. The armatures are axially set apart on a common armature shaft. A cavity is configured in the cylinder head, in which the actuator armature on the cylinder head side is at least partially accommodated, and the electromagnet at least partially delimits the cavity on the actuator side. This results in a compact internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Controlling of a CVVT can be improved by controlling the CVVT based on an estimated oil temperature, the estimated oil temperature being calculated on the basis of a coolant temperature at starting of the engine and a period of time that has elapsed after the starting of the engine.

Abstract: A damping assembly for an engine valve, the engine valve being an intake/exhaust valve, the engine valve admitting/exhausting a fluid mixture into/from a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes damping apparatus having a damping chamber being selectively in fluid communication with a source of pressurized actuating fluid and being in fluid communication with a substantially ambient actuating fluid reservoir and being operably coupled to the engine valve. The chamber is floodable with a volume of actuating fluid, venting of actuating fluid from the chamber being selectively restricted. The restriction imparts a force to the engine valve acting to moderate engine valve landing speed during a closing stroke of the engine valve. A method of control is further included.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary piston adjuster for adjusting the angular position of the camshaft of an internal combustion engine, said adjuster comprising an outer rotor having at least one hydraulic chamber, and an inner rotor comprising at least one pivoting vane that can pivot hydraulically in the hydraulic chamber between a retard stop position and an advance stop position. A locking device suitable for detachably connecting the outer and inner rotors to each other and at least one compression spring acting in opposition to the frictional torque of the camshaft are arranged between the two rotors.

Abstract: An engine has an engine body having an outer surface that defines an outer area next thereto. An air intake system has an intake valve movable between a closed position and an open position. An intake camshaft that actuates the intake valve extends through the engine body and toward the outer area beyond the outer surface. A drive mechanism drives the camshaft. A portion of the drive mechanism is disposed in the outer area. A hydraulically operated change mechanism changes an angular position of the camshaft relative to a crankshaft. A control valve unit controls the change mechanism. The control valve unit at least in part is disposed within the outer area.

Abstract: A Divided Chamber combustion system comprising an energy-cell built in the bottom of a deep piston bowl; aligned in the cylinder's centerline; in fluid communication with the main combustion chamber through one main transfer passage disposed in its centerline and a plurality of auxiliary transfer passages circularly disposed around it. Each auxiliary transfer passage is at least inclined on a plane parallel to the cell's centerline. The injection nozzle, centrally-located in the fire deck of the cylinder head, includes a central pintle discharging fuel on the cylinder's centerline; and a plurality of small auxiliary orifices circularly surrounding the central pintle; discharging at a radial angle to the cylinder's centerline.

Abstract: A unit fuel injector (10) is used to inject fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. This is accomplished by opening a valve element (28) counter to a valve prestressing force by means of increasing a system pressure. Moreover, the system pressure is raised to a value above a normal valve opening pressure, so that the valve element opens for a main injection counter to the valve prestressing force. While the system pressure is being raised, the valve prestressing force is also increased, in such a way that a valve closing pressure that is increased because of the increased valve prestressing force is always below the system pressure. The system pressure is then lowered and to a value below the valve closing pressure, so that the valve element closes. Next, the system pressure is increased again, so that the valve element opens for a postinjection, at a valve opening pressure that is increased because of the increased valve prestressing force.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system for internal combustion engines has at least one fuel injector injecting fuel into a combustion chamber, which is delimited by a cylinder wall in which a piston is guided. A spark plug projects into the combustion chamber, and the fuel injector is located in the combustion chamber in the region of a gas-intake valve toward the cylinder wall. The fuel injector produces a plurality of fuel jets at least one of these fuel jets being tangentially oriented to the region of the spark plug.

Abstract: A device for use in an intake path of an internal combustion engine may include a body portion, e.g., an insert body portion sized to be received within an opening defined in an intake path of an internal combustion engine, and at least one passage surface defining at least one passage about an axis through the body portion. The passage surface may define at least one channel. At least a portion of the passage surface may be tapered. Further, at least a portion of the passage surface may form at least a part of a venturi.

Abstract: In a system for controlling opening of a throttle valve installed at an air intake system of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, a fully-closed value of the opening of a throttle valve is learning-controlled based on a detected opening of the throttle valve to update the learned fully-closed value, when operating state of the vehicle is under a prescribed operating state such as the operator rides the accelerator pedal; and the updating of the learned fully-closed value is inhibited in valve opening direction until the operating state of the vehicle moves outside the prescribed operating state and then again returns to the operating state. In addition, an amount for updating in the opening direction is set smaller than that in the closing direction. With this, it becomes possible to avoid engine speed destabilization and other various problems even if the learned value in effect during pedal riding is used for engine idling speed control.

Abstract: A device having a monitoring circuit for a knock control and a control circuit (10) which initiates substitute measures in the event of a fault in the knock control, depending on the output signal (f) of the monitoring circuit, is described. The control unit is designed, for example, so that the number of fuel injection operations per operating cycle of a cylinder of the engine is increased as the substitute measure.

Abstract: A hydraulic system, such as a fuel injection system, includes a fixed displacement pump with at least one pump piston. A sleeve surrounds each pump piston and provides the method by which fluid displaced by the pumping stroke of the pump piston is directed either to a high pressure area in the pump or a low pressure area. The sleeves are a portion of an electro-hydraulic controller that includes a mechanical bias to bias the pump to a high output position when a pressure differential between the outlet area and the inlet area is relatively low, such as at cold start up. This aspect facilitates priming of the system. In addition, the controller includes a biasing hydraulic surface in opposition to the mechanical biaser that serves to bias the pump to its low output position when the pressure differential between the outlet area and the inlet area is relatively high. This aspect prevents over pressurization in the event that electric current to the controller is disrupted.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a pressure booster. The pressure booster has a displaceable piston (24), which can be subjected to pressure via a pressure booster chamber on the low-pressure side, for compressing the fuel, to be delivered to an injector, in a pressure booster chamber on the high-pressure side. The stroke of the piston (24) is controllable essentially by the pressure in a differential chamber of the pressure booster and is used to vary the fuel pressure delivered to the injector. Means (24, 25) for continuously variable definition of the inlet cross section to the pressure booster chamber of the pressure booster on the low-pressure side or of the outlet cross section from the differential chamber of the pressure booster are provided.

Abstract: A pressure-elevating type fuel injecting system selectively injects via injectors fuel stored in a common rail or fuel whose pressure is elevated by a pressure elevating mechanism into a combustion chamber, and comprises a crank angle sensor producing crank pulse signals in accordance with operating states of an engine, a pulse interval calculating unit calculating pulse intervals between respective crank pulse signals, and a determination unit determining the malfunction of the pressure elevating mechanism when a variation of the pulse interval is above a determination threshold.

Abstract: A fuel injection device (10) for internal combustion engines, in particular a common rail injector, includes a housing (12). A high-pressure fuel connection is also provided, as is a fuel return connection (16). The latter includes a plug part (20) for connection to a fuel return line. To make the fuel injection device (10) easier to assemble, it is proposed that the fuel return connection (16) includes a socket part (18), which is secured in fuelproof fashion in a fuel return opening (20) in the housing (12) and onto which the plug part (20) is placed in fuelproof fashion.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprises a pump, low pressure drain, high pressure rail, fuel injector, a gas exchange valve actuator, and a timing valve. The high pressure rail is connected to the pump with a supply line. A method of operating an engine comprises the steps of opening a gas exchange valve by connecting it with the outlet of the pump at a first chosen time, supplying pressurized fluid to a high pressure rail by connecting it with the outlet of the pump after the first time, and injecting fuel by supplying fluid from the high pressure rail to a fuel injector at a second chosen time. An engine comprises an engine casing that defines a plurality of cylinders. A fuel injector, gas exchange valve actuator, pump, supply line, and timing valve is provided for each of the cylinders. A low pressure drain and a high pressure rail are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector having at least two electrical actuators at least partially positioned within a fuel injector body, and a method for installing the fuel injector in an engine. Two pairs of electrical conductors are exposed on an outer surface of the fuel injector body and are arranged in a predetermined pattern relative to one another. Each pair of electrical conductors of the fuel injector is electrically connected to its respective electrical actuator. A wiring harness includes a connector that also has two pairs of electrical conductors. The two pairs of electrical conductors of the wiring harness are connected to the two pairs of electrical conductors of the fuel injector, at least in part, by attaching the connector to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a fuel injector (1) in a cylinder head (2) for direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, including a holding down device (10) which is attached to the fuel injector (1), the holding down device (10) being designed as a flat component which is supported by sleeve (11) which surrounds the fuel injector (1), and rests on a preferably metallic flange (16) of the fuel injector (1).

Abstract: A compensating element for a fuel injector, insertable into a receiving bore of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, is provided with a rigid first ring configured to be circumferentially placed against the fuel injector. A rigid second ring is configured to be inserted into the receiving bore. An elastic intermediate ring, positioned between these rigid rings, is permanently joined to the rigid first ring and the rigid second ring.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a control unit employed for an internal combustion engine and provided with air flow sensor output correcting means capable of correcting a detected voltage error to occur in the air flow sensor according to a surge voltage and a supply voltage at each actuation of the thermal type air flow sensor. The thermal type air flow sensor output correcting means includes surge time measuring means for measuring a surge time in a value detected in the thermal type air flow sensor at the time of the sensor power on and supply voltage detecting means. The output correcting means thus calculates a warming-up characteristic correction amount for the thermal type air flow sensor according to the measured surge time and the detected supply voltage.

Abstract: During the starting phase of an internal combustion engine with fuel injection so-called pilot injectors (I) are used to establish a film on the cylinder walls and at the same time to provide an ignitable mixture for the first combustion. At this point in time the cam shaft and the crankshaft are not yet synchronized and the position of the pistons is unknown. The method according to the invention allows determination of the sequence of the pilot injectors (I) depending on the possible relative positions during the stop periods of the internal combustion engine, said positions being known beforehand.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) is operated by a method wherein the fuel is supplied via a magnetic valve (28) having a coil (34). The injected fuel quantity is influenced by the duration of the drive of the magnetic valve (28). In the method, the temperature (evtmod) of a region (26) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined and the drive duration is corrected in dependence upon temperature. In order to make the correction still more precise, a temperature (evtmod) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined from at least one usually measured temperature (tans, tmot) and the drive duration (ti_tvu_w) is so corrected (tvsp_w) that the temperature dependency of the characteristics of the magnetic coil (34) of the magnetic valve (28) is considered. Furthermore, a model is suggested in which (starting from an operating temperature) the temperature trace is simulated after shut-off of the engine and/or for the restart of the engine by means of two factors for the warmup and cool down.

Abstract: Each of two fuel tanks is disposed at a respective side of a chassis of a motor vehicle and has a respective sender for indicating the level of liquid fuel in the respective tank. A pump draws fuel from the tanks through a respective fuel draw conduit. Excess fuel is returned to each tank through a respective fuel return conduit. When the senders indicate an imbalance of fuel between the two tanks, a valve mechanism controlled by the senders disallows return fuel flow to the tank whose sender indicates that the level of fuel is greater than that indicated by the sender of the other tank by some defined amount while the pump continues to draw fuel from both tanks through the fuel draw conduits.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fuel injection device includes a plunger pump constituted by a cylinder, a plunger is slidably mounted within the cylinder to form a pressure chamber, and a solenoid coil for driving the plunger. At a lower section of a body that encases the plunger pump, an intake section is coupled to the pressure chamber to cause intake of fuel into the pressure chamber upon operation of the plunger. At an upper section of the body, a return section is arranged to return surplus fuel to a fuel tank. A circulation passage branches off from the intake section and is provided between the cylinder and the solenoid coil for guiding a portion of the fuel toward the return section. With this arrangement, penetration of vapor into the fuel injection device is suppressed, and an inexpensive and highly durable electronically controlled fuel injection device is provided.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel system is provided. The evaporative fuel system includes a fuel tank and a conduit having a first end connected to the fuel tank and a second end. A vent structure is connected to the second end of the conduit. The vent structure includes a housing and an air passageway defined in the housing wherein at least a portion of the air passageway is a sinuous path. A first port is formed in the housing for connecting the air passageway to the conduit. A second port is formed in the housing for connecting the air passageway to atmosphere.

Abstract: A charge air conditioning system, including a charge air booster, a refrigerant-to-air intercooler which is integral with the charge air booster, and a refrigeration system for supplying refrigerant to the refrigerant-to-air intercooler.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of intake air in a secondary intake air passage during a start-up period of an internal combustion engine. A main intake air passage extends to an intake port of the engine. A throttle valve is located in the main intake air passage. The secondary intake air passage connects to the main intake air passage at a position downstream of the throttle valve. The system includes a heater to heat a thermo-sensitive valve provided in the secondary intake air passage. A valve opening degree of the thermo-sensitive valve changes as the valve is heated by the heater. The system determines a duty ratio that controls a drive current supplied to the heater. The system supplies the drive current to the heater by applying a voltage pulse at a predetermined period. The voltage pulse has a pulse width determined by the duty ratio.

Abstract: A contactless ignition system is provided with an ignition charge discharge condenser for charging an induced voltage of a generating coil, a first switching element, triggered to conduct when an induced voltage of a generating coil reaches a predetermined level, for supplying a charged voltage into an ignition coil, and a trigger control condenser for charging induced voltages of the generating coil and the trigger coil, and triggering of the first switching element caused by an induced voltage of the generating coil is inhibited by a second switching element during a specified discharge time following charging of the trigger control condenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for externally modifying the operation of a closed loop electronic fuel injection control system that is normally used with a standard oxygen sensor, which method and apparatus includes replacing the standard oxygen sensor with a wide band oxygen sensor. The signal from the wide band oxygen sensor is processed in a first signal-conditioning module and coupled to the input of the electronic fuel injection control system. The first signal-conditioning module simulates the appearance of a standard oxygen sensor to the electronic fuel injection control system. In a second embodiment, a method and apparatus for externally modifying the operation of a closed loop electronic fuel injection control system that is normally used with a wide band oxygen sensor, includes intercepting the signal from the wide band oxygen sensor in a second signal-conditioning module.

Abstract: A ball launching device for children that has an outer housing, an inner bowl and a launch assembly. The inner bowl has an inner surface with an outwardly curved cone shaped wall and a vertical linear wall. The launch assembly is connected to the bowl. When the bowl rotates at high speeds, the curved cone shaped wall enables balls to ascend up the inner surface and eventually propel out of the ball launching device.

Abstract: A foldable conduction oven comprises by a pedestal, a framework, an ash-collecting box, a grill and a net. The pedestal comprises by two opposite outward plates, two opposite outward cover plates and a box. The framework comprises by two opposite inner cover plates, two opposite inner plates, and a frame. When unfold the foldable conduction oven, the round prominent pellets on the two outward plates and the two outward cover plates, which are against the locational holes on the box and the locational holes on the frame, are used to fasten the foldable conduction oven. The foldable conduction oven provides convenience and practicability, because the invention is able to be folded or unfolded without any tools and easy to be carried or picked up.

Abstract: A foldable conduction oven comprises by a pedestal, two partition plates, a grill, a framework and a net. The pedestal comprises by two opposite outward plates and a chassis. When unfold the foldable conduction oven, the round prominent pellets on the outward plates, which are against the locational holes on the pedestal, are used to fasten the foldable conduction oven. The troughs on the pedestal are provided the two partition plates to plug into. The foldable conduction oven provides convenience and practicability, because the invention is able to be folded or unfolded without any tools and easy to be carried or picked up.

Abstract: A convertible grill and fireplace having a single firebox and lid, both of which may be used in both a grill configuration and a fireplace configuration. A detachable and foldable screen assembly is used in the fireplace configuration. The screen assembly fits between the firebox and the lid, and includes a series of panels that may be folded together to form a compact unit. Successive panels of the screen assembly are shorter in length so that they may be folded into one another. This feature permits the screens to be folded into a compact configuration, even if the screen assembly and the convertible grill and fireplace have a circular cross-section. The convertible grill and fireplace also includes retractable legs so that the firebox may be lowered or raised as desired.

Abstract: An exhaust duct orifice adjustment device for a gas-fired heater used to indirectly heat an oven communicating with a heat exchanger, wherein the exhaust duct includes a fixed annular orifice plate and a switch having a pressure sensor on opposed sides of the fixed orifice plate, turning off the burner if the pressure drop falls below a predetermined minimum. The orifice adjustment mechanism includes a moveable plate upstream of the fixed orifice plate having an opening communicating with the opening in the fixed orifice plate and an adjustment mechanism moving the orifice adjustment plate from a retracted position, wherein the opening through the fixed orifice plate is substantially unobstructed, to an extended position which restricts the opening through the fixed orifice plate, thereby adjusting the pressure drop.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of medicament from a canister which is compressible to deliver a dose of medicament. The inhaler comprises a housing (1) for holding a canister (2), the housing having a mouthpiece (5) for inhalation of a dose of medicament delivered by the canister (2) and a breath-actuated actuation mechanism (6) for compressing a canister (2) held in the housing (1) in response to inhalation at the mouthpiece (5). The actuation mechanism (6) includes a vane in the form of a flap (13) disposed across a duct (24, 32) extending from the mouth piece (5) arranged to lock the canister (2) in a compressed state and being responsive to the inhalation at the mouthpiece (5) to release the canister (2) when the level of inhalation at the mouthpiece falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier system for a patient includes a replaceable, closed water reservoir (1) with stable pressure, provided for receiving a water reserve for the breathing gas humidifier system. An intermediate storage unit (4) with water is closed from the environment and is located under the water reservoir. The water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) have a valve (16, 14) each, with one of the valves cooperating with the other valve, so that there is a flow connection between the water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) only when the water reservoir (1) is received in a connector (2) of the intermediate storage unit (4). The intermediate storage unit (4) is connected via a water connection line (5) located below the water level to a heated evaporator chamber (7), which opens above the water evaporating at the boiling point into the breathing gas line to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for generating a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP device), in particular a nasal CPAP device (nCPAP device), with a hollow body (10) in which an overpressure can be built up; with a first opening (20) provided in a first side wall of the hollow body (10) and used for introduction of a respiratory gas flow (A) directed into the hollow body (10) and for removal of the exhaled respiratory gas flow (B); and with an attachment piece (30) which can be fitted on the hollow body (10) in order to connect the hollow body (10) to a nosepiece and/or mouthpiece (100). A second opening (71) is provided in a second side wall of the hollow body (10) and is used for introduction of a medicament flow (M) directed into the hollow body (10).

Abstract: A breathing filter with a nose mask, strap(s), and a filter member. The strap(s) are elastic, and serve to hold the nose mask over the user's nose. The filter member is a plug-in device allowing removal of the filter member and replacement of the filter member cartridge or the filter material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating gas and liquid streams, especially in tracheal catheters of patients, comprising a housing having channels for the delivery and removal of sputum. The aim of the invention is to ensure unrestricted delivery and removal of respiratory air and reliable removal of sputum. To this end, the invention provides for the arrangement of an at least spherical segment-shaped closed housing (1) comprising tubular channels (4, 5) which are located a distance apart in the area of the end surface (2) of the housing (1), each leading to a connection to the tracheal catheter and guiding through respiratory air; and a tubular channel (6) for removing sputum to the exterior, the inner front end of this channel being sealed and a suction tube (7) consisting of highly flexible or resilient elastic material lying adjacent to the inside of the channel.

Abstract: A combination artificial airway device and esophageal obturator (10) includes a esophageal cuff (16) and supraglottic cuff (14) that are inflated in a sequence to provide quick isolation of the esophagus relative to the tracheal air passage. The supraglottic cuff is asymmetrical in shape with a wedge like or cone like shape that is ergonomically shaped for providing less trauma to the pharyngeal tissues. A pressure indicator (25) surrounds a pilot balloon (28) for continuous monitoring of the internal pressure within the cuffs (14 & 16).

Abstract: A medical device includes a radially expandable and contractible tubular element, having proximal and distal ends, sized to pass through the nostril and into the user's upper airway when in the radially contracted condition. The support element may create an air passageway therethrough when in a radially expanded condition. The tubular element may comprise a porous filter section for filtering air passing through the air passageway. The tubular element may comprise a body material and an agent releasable from the body material for delivery to tissue of the user when the tubular element is radially expanded.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.

Abstract: This contraceptive diaphragm is made with a ring or member made at least in part from a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy is superelastic at body temperature. When deployed this superelastic ring or member applies a declining but more constant force on the vaginal wall than the rings used in current contraceptive diaphragms. This more constant force enables a tighter fit in the event that the woman using the diaphragm was sized incorrectly. It also allows the physician a greater margin of error when sizing a woman for a diaphragm. Because the superelastic ring should provide a more consistent, snug fit than existing diaphragms, it should more reliably prevent the passage of sperm and seminal fluid.

Abstract: A practical joke device in the embodiment of a hazelnut which when broken open with object of user choice, will create an illusion of displaying the interior contents of a miniature condom.

Abstract: A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans is disclosed. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (˜400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with “jet-lag”, shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.

Abstract: A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.