Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, an intake air passage communicated with the combustion chamber, an intake valve having a thermal insulator at an air-exposure portion thereof which is opposed to the intake air passage, a fuel injector disposed within the intake air passage and operative to inject an amount of fuel toward the air-exposure portion of the intake valve at a fuel injection timing, and a controller in communication with the fuel injector. The controller is programmed to set the fuel injection timing of the fuel injector to an engine intake stroke.

Abstract: The abnormality diagnosis apparatus includes an oxygen sensor for detecting a concentration of oxygen in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, an injector for injecting fuel into the internal combustion engine, a feedback control element for driving the injector according to the concentration of oxygen to control an amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine in a feedback manner, a forced fuel correction element for correcting an amount of fuel controlled by the feedback control element in a forced manner, and an abnormality determination element for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the injector. The abnormality determination element determines the presence or absence of abnormality in the injector based on the concentration of oxygen detected by the oxygen sensor in the course of a forced fuel correction control operation carried out by the forced fuel correction element.

Abstract: A paintball gun includes a touch-activated trigger system. The touch-activated trigger system preferably can cause the initiation of a firing operation of the paintball gun in response to contact with human flesh or a specialized glove.

Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly includes aside rack mounted foldably on a main frame, which has a mounting seat formed with an insert hole for access to a slide passage and installed with a resilient locking pin and an operating shaft coupled to the locking pin. The side rack has an insert rod extending slidably into the slide passage and formed with an engaging groove for engaging the locking pin so as to retain the side rack at a horizontal unfolded position. The insert rod extends through a side hole portion of the insert hole when in the unfolded position. The operating shaft is operable against restoring action of the locking pin so as to disengage the locking pin from the insert rod. The insert rod is slidable outwardly and is turnable downwardly to extend through a bottom hole portion of the insert hole when disengaged from the locking pin.

Abstract: A barbecue grill includes a base on which a first expandable unit and a second expandable unit are uprightly mounted such that the first expandable unit is fastened to two first cross bars of a stand, and such that the second expandable unit is fastened to two second cross bars which are rested on the first cross bars. A charcoal holder is supported by the first cross bars. A cooking grid or plate is supported by the second cross bars. As the stand is adjusted in height by the first expandable unit, the charcoal holder and the cooking grid are simultaneously raised or lowered. As the second expandable unit is adjusted, the second cross bars are caused to move away from or toward the first cross bars, thereby resulting in an adjustment in distance between the cooking grid and the charcoal holder.

Abstract: A method for heating a liquid or food. The method includes the steps of (1) obtaining a tool including an interconnected combination of a clip, a handle, and a hook; (2) inserting a vessel capable of holding a liquid within the clip; (3) placing a liquid within the vessel; and (4) heating the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support apparatus for a fuel tank used in connection with a gas barbecue grill assembly. The support apparatus is connected to a portion of the frame assembly of the grill assembly. The support apparatus comprises a housing member with a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank and a releasable member operably connected to the housing member. At least one pivot axis member operably connects the support apparatus to a portion of the frame assembly. The support apparatus is rotatable about a generally vertical axis between a first position wherein the fuel tank is substantially within the frame assembly and stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is substantially beyond the frame assembly and accessible for removal and replacement. The releasable member is adapted to secure the support apparatus in either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A multi-oil fired furnace having a heat exchanger that extends rearwardly of the combustion chamber and utilizes laminar air flow around the combustion chamber to minimize the width and height dimensions of the cabinet shell for the furnace. The heat exchanger includes an exhaust header having a central opening and a cluster of concentrically arranged exhaust tubes connected to the combustion chamber. A vertical baffle forces the flow of air through a central opening that is concentric with the combustion chamber into a group of horizontal baffles directing the air into a generally laminar flow pattern against the outer surface of the combustion chamber before being discharged from the cabinet shell in a selected one or more of three possible directions. The fan control switch is mounted on a mounting plate that is welded to the combustion chamber to provide a planar contact surface for the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A method for improving oxygenation in subjects having essentially healthy lungs, as evidenced by the absence of a diagnosis of lung disease or injury, but having reduced alveolar gas exchange area. This reduction may be caused by such acute circumstances as an unnatural body position, or may be, for example, chronic as caused by obesity. The method employs the administration of nitric oxide (NO) into the breathing gases of such subjects. NO provided to alveoli collapsing during expiration is small compared to those remaining open, thereby to provide net reduction in the shunt and thus an oxygenation improvement. This result may be gained either by precise control of the inspired NO concentration or by pulsed administration of the NO.

Abstract: A device for opening nasal passages is provided. The device including: a strip of material having an adhesive on one surface thereof for applying the strip across a human nose; at least one biasing member attached or embedded in the strip, the at least one biasing member being fabricated from a material which exhibits a shape memory effect upon being heated toward a human body temperature, the at least one biasing member having a shape upon being heated toward the human body temperature which biases the nasal passages of the human nose toward an open position. In a variation of the device, the strip itself is at least partly fabricated from the material. In another variation, the shape memory material is replaced with a biasing material, which does not need the application of heat to bias the nasal passages open, such as spring steel or a resilient thermoplastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of a face in general, and in particular the eyes, ears, nose, and respiratory system of a user includes a flexible material that is adapted to be disposed over a portion of the face. The flexible material includes a first end of an upper band or cord that extends from one side thereof and enters into a first seam of the flexible material. The first seam extends along an upper perimeter of the flexible material under the ears and around the back of the neck of the user and to the opposite side of the flexible material. A second end of the upper cord exits from the seam and passes through a first hole in a shield, the shield being formed of a transparent material, for example, a clear plastic. The first end of the upper cord passes through a second hole in the shield. The first and second ends can be displaced with regard to the first and second holes and retain the shield in an upper position relative to the face of the user.

Abstract: A protective neck and shoulder shroud assembly for use with a self contained breathing apparatus, the assembly including a neck curtain including a head portion, a left flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion, and a right flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion. The neck curtain further includes a fastener for releasably coupling the left and right flaps together such that when the flaps are coupled together. The neck curtain has a front opening located above the flaps, the front opening being located to expose at least a portion of a wearer's face or to expose at least a portion of an mask worn on the wearer's face when the neck curtain is worn by a wearer. The assembly includes a generally cylindrical enclosure shaped and sized to receive a gas canister therein, and a fastener for coupling the enclosure to an inner surface of the neck curtain.

Abstract: A nasal mask for use with a system for supplying air with a therapeutic gas to the airways of a patient includes a mask shell which is adapted to be put over the nose of the patient using the nasal mask; an air inlet port through which air is supplied from an air source; an exhaust port, provided in the mask shell, for discharging the exhalation gas to atmosphere; and a therapeutic gas inlet port, provided on the mask shell adjacent to the exhaust port. The therapeutic gas port is fluidly connected to a therapeutic gas source which supplies a therapeutic gas at a constant flow rate. The therapeutic gas port is oriented toward a portion of the inside volume of the nasal mask over the nose of the face of the patient using the nasal mask.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: An artificial respiration apparatus includes a frame having a positive pressure input port, a negative pressure input port, an atmospheric port and an output port. A switching member switches between a first state in which the positive pressure input port is connected to the output port while the negative pressure input port is connected to the atmospheric port, and a second state in which the positive pressure input port is connected to the atmospheric port while the negative pressure input port is connected to the output port. A drive unit successively drives the switching operation of the switching member such that the connection between the negative pressure input port and the atmospheric port slightly precedes the connection between the positive pressure input port and the output port.

Abstract: A novel technique for ventilation and heat exchange is disclosed called Mixed-mode Liquid Ventilation (MMLV). This technique uses an endotracheal catheter to add and remove liquid from the lungs continuously and/or cyclically, and deliver gas at a rate independent of the delivery of liquid. This technique produces small-scale mixing of gas and liquid in the airways, allowing for efficient gas and heat exchange. Medical uses for the technique are disclosed. These uses include induction and reversal of hyperthermia, and hypothermia.

Abstract: A patient ventilator system has a high-frequency oscillation ventilator connectable to a patient circuit and operable to induce oscillations within gas in the circuit at a predetermined high-frequency and a gas supply connectable to the patient circuit for supplying breathing gas thereto. A detection device is also included within the ventilator system and is adapted to monitor during the operation of the high-frequency oscillator ventilator, gas pressure and/or gas flow to detect a variation therein not derived from the induced high-frequency oscillations and to output a trigger signal dependent on the detected variation indicating a spontaneous breathing effort. The gas supply is operable on receipt of the trigger signal to supply breathing gas into the circuit at a level to assist the spontaneous breathing effort.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: A prophylactic system or kit that prevents the transmission of disease-producing microorganisms and spermatozoa by acting as a sexual barrier and sexual aid. The invention comprises an undergarment that allows sex acts while the garment is worn and that absorbs the fluids associated with the sex act, at least one pocket, sexual aids, and safer-sex information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a surgical drape having a base sheet and an absorbent sheet with at least one opening. A transparent or clear sheet is attached to the edges of the opening and has at least one fenestration for performing surgery when the drape is covering a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in fitting around a stomach wall.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and apparatuses for delivering stents or conduits and other devices into the myocardium of a patient. One preferred stent delivery system provides access to the insertion site in the myocardium by advancing a delivery catheter through a blockage in a coronary artery, or around the blockage through a coronary vein or through a channel or tunnel formed around the blockage. In one embodiment, once the distal end of the delivery catheter is adjacent the myocardium, an angled bend is created in the catheter by actuating expandable steering guides mounted to the catheter which cooperate with the walls of the blood vessel to cause the catheter to turn. Then, a guidewire is advanced through the delivery catheter and into the myocardium. In another embodiment, a tip-deflecting pull wire extends from the distal end of the delivery catheter which may be actuated to turn towards and then inserted into the myocardium.

Abstract: Blood loss during solid organ surgery where diseased tissue is removed from the solid organ by delivery of thermal energy by one or more probes. The blood loss is stemmed by effecting coagulative necrosis of solid organ in the zone adjacent the probe(s). The or each probe can have means for cooling tissue in the vicinity of the tip of the probe. The method can be applied, inter alia, to liver and spleen surgery.

Abstract: A process for lowering toxic substance including nicotine in tobacco is disclosed. The process of the present invention comprises treating tobacco leaves with water, alcoholic drink, or a mixture thereof. It is also possible to lower the nicotine contents of tobacco by using licorice vinegar. Loess water, licorice, black beans, other vinegar than licorice vinegar, or salt can be added or as a mixture thereof in order to maintain the unique flavor and taste of tobacco.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a fluid to hair is provided. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing a fluid, sidewalls for defining the reservoir. The sidewalls form an elongate curvilinear cavity along an interior surface and forming an exterior surface, wherein the cavity includes the reservoir and having a top portion and a bottom portion and the cavity having a longitudinal axis. The applicator also includes a top endwall located at the top portion of the sidewalls and the endwall includes an elongate cavity for dispensing a fluid. A flexible lip is located adjacent the cavity for assistance in dispensing a fluid from the elongate cavity is also included in the applicator. The applicator includes a movable bottom endwall for containing the fluid within the reservoir and advancing fluid and a rotatable smoothing rod attached to the exterior surface of the sidewalls.

Abstract: The present application may include an applicator unit comprising an application member and a first part defining at least a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment may be configured to accommodate a product to be applied and may comprise a first opening extending substantially in a plane. The second compartment may be configured to accommodate an application member via a second opening. The applicator unit may further include a second part comprising a handle. The application member may be located at an end of the handle. The applicator unit may also comprise a retainer configured to releasably retain the first and second parts in an assembled position. The first part and the second parts may be configured so that, in the assembled position, the first and second openings are closed and the handle is arranged at least partially over the first opening.

Abstract: The file, the body of which is provided on at least part of its surface with a roughness varying from 10 to 100 &mgr;m, is made of flat, pressed or hardened glass. The file can have a variety of geometrical shapes and cross sections.

Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a dishwasher in a variable dry cycle mode is provided. The dishwasher includes a wash chamber, a heater element located within the wash chamber, a rinse aid product dispenser, and a fan unit for circulating air. The method comprises determining a temperature of the wash chamber, determining an amount of rinse aid product in the dispenser, and, based upon the determined temperature and the amount of rinse aid product, determining an optimized heater element cycle and an optimized fan unit cycle.

Abstract: The present ball/roller bearing cleaning method is a method which, using cleaning liquid 24, cleans a bearing to be cleaned 1 composed of an inner ring 1b, an outer ring 1a, a rolling bodies 1c and a retainer. In the cleaning method, the cleaning liquid 24 is made to flow through the bearing to be cleaned 1 from the axial direction of the present bearing 1 into spaces in which the raceway surfaces of the inner and outer rings 1b and 1a of the bearing to be cleaned 1 surround the rolling bodies 1c and retainer. For example, a cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2 having spiral grooves 2a is interposed into a cleaning liquid supply passage, and the cleaning liquid 4 is supplied to thereby rotate the cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2, whereby the cleaning liquid having high pressure can be supplied to the bearing to be cleaned 1 from the cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2.

Abstract: A holder for wet articles such as umbrellas includes a liquid absorbent interior portion and a leak resistant exterior portion. The liquid absorbent interior portion includes a central cavity for receiving the wet article and access means for extending the interior portion from the exterior portion. A connector portion connects the interior portion to the exterior portion. The holder may also include an adjustment strap that restricts access to the central cavity within the interior portion.

Abstract: An improved collapsible frame structure for use on an outdoor sunshade or parasol which is equipped with a minor extension arm coupled to a main runner of a main mast and a main extension arm in pivotal connection to a top retainer of the main mast at one end and to a lower end of a secondary stretching strut at the other end. The main extension arm and the minor extension arm are mutually coupled to each other at their middle points. The secondary stretching strut is further pivotally coupled to an extended pivot end of either the minor runner or the top notch of the sunshade or parasol so as to permit the sunshade to be extended in an easier and smoother manner when the main runner is pushed up or pulled down by a user.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels chat are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.

Abstract: The specification discloses a rapidly-opening hunting blind comprising a fabric enclosure including an opening and moveable side panels at least partially defined by a resilient framework. The moveable side panels at least partially define a closure for the opening. The hunting blind has a closed condition, wherein free ends of the side panels are releasably connected to at least partially define a tent-like closure for the opening, and an opened condition, wherein the side panels extend radially outwardly and expose the opening. The resilient framework is biased towards the opened condition of the hunting blind such that when, in the closed condition of the hunting blind, the connected free ends of the side panels are released, the side panels tend spontaneously away from each other towards their radially extending configuration.

Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough. A valve assembly is disposed within the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough, and includes a valve seat communicating with the port. A clapper is pivotally mounted in the valve housing and moves between open and closed positions. A lever arm is pivotally mounted on the rocker arm for providing leverage against the rocker arm for positioning the clapper and rocker arm within the valve housing. A spring is captured in the valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position. A first pivot is carried by the spring for permitting unattached pivotal movement of the spring relative to the cover. A second pivot is carried by the spring for permitting the spring to pivot within the valve housing responsive to movement of the clapper.

Abstract: An automatically actuated regulation system for a natural gas pipeline having flow control unit, a vibration sensor, a gas flow meter, a trigger unit, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor actuates the flow control unit when two conditions are met. First, there must be a vibration which surpasses a predetermined threshold. Second, flow in the natural gas pipeline must have increased over the flow rate before the vibration. The system can be configured to store gas usage data and, in one embodiment, transmit the data to another location through the use of a modem or other communication means.

Abstract: A microvalve device includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The second plate is connected between the first plate and the third plate. The second plate contains a stationary element and a moveable plate valve slider element. The slider element variably restricts the flow of a fluid through the microvalve device. The second plate defines a first supply port, an output conduit, and a return port. In a pressure increase position, the slider element allows the fluid to flow from the first supply port to the output conduit. In a pressure hold position, the slider element isolates the output conduit from both the first supply port and the return port. The pressure decrease position allows fluid to flow from the output conduit to the return port. Pressure from the output conduit acts against a first axial end face of the slider element.

Abstract: Well gas collection systems and methods for improved efficiency, structural integrity, and convenient application provide a multiple well header system, a header element with upper and lower ends and a plurality of inlets in fluidic communication with the interior chamber through a sidewall and a gas outlet positioned through the header element in fluidic communication with the interior chamber wherein each inlet pipe comprises a merged fluidic flow path in fluidic communication with the interior chamber arranged to provide optimal collection of produced gas from wells.

Abstract: A valve with an integral means for bleeding internal pressure prior to separation of a bonnet for the valve from its engagement with the valve body, provided by a bore through the valve body. This allows the internal pressure of the valve to equalize with atmospheric pressure prior to complete disassembly of the bonnet from the valve body. The bore through the valve body also serves as a leak detector, by providing a path for fluids passing through the valve to leak to the exterior of the valve body in the event of a failure of the seal between the bonnet and the valve body, which can readily be detected by passersby upon inspection of the exposed end of the bore at the exterior of the valve body.

Abstract: A housing for receiving a gas line, sized to fit behind the plane of a wall. The housing including a back member and a plurality of side members sealed along a plurality of seams to define a enclosure having an open face generally parallel to the back member. The enclosure defining an interior surface and an exterior surface and at least one of the interior surface and exterior surface including a fire resistant material. An orifice is located in at least one of the side members and the orifice is adapted to accept the gas line. At least one attachment member is adapted to permit the enclosure to be affixed to the wall.

Abstract: A collar for supporting or protecting pipes on an outside drop adjacent a manhole is provided. A plurality of stacked collar sections can protect pipes comprising the outside drop. Alternatively a plurality of collar segments having a circular wall within can form the pipe integrally with the collar. The collars can protect riser pipe sections or elbow piper sections. The collars may be split for ease of installation around pipes and fastened together around the pipe. The collars are easily attached to the manhole by drilling a hole into the manhole at designated places and using bolts through tabs on the collars to hold the collar in place adjacent the manhole. The collars can have several different standard heights and be stacked to the desired height of the manhole. Pipes having riser sections or elbow sections can have protective collars.

Abstract: A gas isolation box including an enclosure; a number of gas sticks contained within the enclosure, each gas stick including a process gas section comprising a first process gas inlet valve for gating the flow of a process gas into the gas stick; a purge gas section including a purge valve for gating the flow of a purge gas into the gas stick; and an evacuation section including a first evacuation valve for gating the exiting of a process gas or a purge gas from the gas stick, a bleed valve which in a closed position allows process gas to bleed through the bleed valve and in an open position allows purge gas to freely flow through the bleed valve, and a vacuum generator module which pulls a vacuum to evacuate a purge gas or any remaining process gas in the gas stick or the tool through the first evacuation valve and the bleed valve and out from the gas stick to an exhaust stream.

Abstract: A magnetic automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system has one magnetic element located in a float and another magnetic element located proximate a valve seat. As the fluid level in the container decreases, the magnetic field established between the float and the valve seat eventually overcomes the buoyancy of the float in the fluid and attracts the float into the valve seat at which position the flow of fluid from the container is stopped. The float is formed of two identical halves each of which has one half of an internal post. When joined together to make the float, the internal post is fully formed and extends from one end of the float to the other. One magnetic element is slid over the post during manufacture and is free to slide from one end of the float to the other.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve for controlling an upstream fluid pressure in relation to a reference pressure by regulating the fluid quantity let through the valve, comprising a housing (1) having an upstream inlet (2) and a downstream outlet (3) for the fluid, a pressure-sensitive element (5) for sensing the pressure difference between the upstream pressure and the reference pressure, and a spring-loaded regulating piston (7) which, in cooperation with a seat (8), is arranged to regulate a flow passage (9) between the inlet (2) and the outlet (3), the piston (7) being operatively connected to the pressure-sensitive element (5), to change its position relative to the seat (8) in accordance with the position of the pressure-sensitive element (5). The regulating piston (7) is slidably arranged on the outside of a guide sleeve (10) having openings (11) for the flow of fluid from the flow passage (9) to the outlet (3).

Abstract: A flow control includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting a variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in the flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.

Abstract: A suction valve including a valve seat and a piston movably joined to the valve seat. The piston has a head for engaging the top surface of the valve seat and a stem extending downwardly from the head through the valve seat. A valve guide is positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the valve seat and slidably receives the stem. A valve keeper is fitted upon the stem such that the valve guide is disposed between the valve seat and the valve keeper. A keeper pin is slidably positioned within a transverse aperture in the stem and abuts the bottom of the valve keeper. A compressed spring is positioned between, and exerts opposing forces upon, the valve guide and the valve keeper so as to normally retain the head of the piston in engagement with the top surface of the valve seat.

Abstract: The liquid distributor (1) for columns (6) has a main passage (2), a plurality of secondary passages (3) and an outflow system (5) of the main passage. The liquid (4) to be distributed can be fed into the secondary passages in accordance with a pre-set ratio by this outflow system. The outflow system (5) comprises apertures (20) in the side walls of the main passage and—associated with the secondary passages—guide elements (50) for the liquid (41) exiting through the apertures. The guide elements are designed with respect to a liquid guidance such that the liquid (42) can be led into the associated secondary passage.

Abstract: Methods of concentrating materials within microfluidic channel networks by moving materials into regions in which overall velocities of the material are reduced, resulting in stacking of the material within those reduced velocity regions. These methods, devices and systems employ static fluid interfaces to generate the differential velocities, as well as counter-current flow methods, to concentrate materials within microscale channels.

Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.