Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one engine cylinder, the cylinder includes a cylinder cavity with first and second cylinder heads which are interconnected by a cylinder wall, the cylinder further includes a piston member which is slidably movement within the cylinder cavity and between a first and a second extreme position intermediate between the first and second cylinder heads, the piston member partitions the cavity into a first and a second combustion chambers which are in alternate combustion when in normal engine operation. This engine cylinder configuration substantially increases the usable cylinder volume to enhance efficiency and reduces the weight to power ratio.

Abstract: A V-type engine for vehicle of the present invention includes: a crank shaft; a cam driving intermediate shaft arranged above the crank shaft; a power transmitting mechanism interconnecting the cam driving intermediate shaft and the crank shaft; cam driving chain mechanisms respectively interconnecting the cam driving intermediate shaft and each of front and rear cam shafts; a change gear input shaft; a change gear output shaft arranged in a back part in a mission chamber; and a tensioner for the cam driving chain mechanism for the rear cam shaft. The change gear input shaft and the tensioner are positioned within a range between a line connecting an axis of the change gear output shaft and an axis of the crank shaft and the rear cylinder unit.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a marine engine includes an improved construction that, by the introduction of lubricant into the fuel, inhibits components of the system from rusting in the event that water, particularly salt water, is mixed with the fuel. The engine includes a lubricant delivery system to deliver lubricant to at least one portion of the engine that needs lubrication. A premix lubricant pump is provided for supplying lubricant with the fuel injection device from the lubricant delivery system so as to mix the part of the lubricant to the fuel. An ECU controls an amount of the part of the lubricant so as to be in a proper and extremely small range.

Abstract: In a constitution to control a valve lift amount of an intake valve to achieve a target intake air amount, a target valve overlap amount is calculated based on an engine load and an engine rotation speed, and target valve timing is calculated based on a target valve lift amount and the target valve overlap amount, so that the valve overlap amount is maintained at a requested value corresponding to operating conditions.

Abstract: A variable lift cylinder valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a poppet valve operated by a rocker arm which is articulated about a translational pivot having its placement determined by a control shaft which operates a control arm in contact with the translational pivot such that rotation of the control shaft produces translational motion of the pivot so as to control the lift ratio of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A device for an internal combustion engine includes a cell wheel and a blade wheel, which is mounted in the cell wheel so as to be relatively moveable and is actuated hydraulically by oil and via pressure chambers. The oil flows through axial lines into the pressure chambers, which are designed, on the one hand, between a shaft of an axial fastening screw, inserted from one face side of the camshaft, and a control sleeve, which envelops the shaft and rests in at least one receiving borehole, and is designed, on the other hand, between the control sleeve and a borehole, which is arranged coaxially to the latter and belongs to a hub. For an optimal design of the lines by the control sleeve and a simple assembly of the control sleeve, the control sleeve and the fastening screw, exhibiting the shaft, are inserted starting from the same face side, which control sleeve rests in corresponding receiving boreholes of the hub.

Abstract: In a dual dependent variable cam timing system, the desired intake global phase is reached by directly controlling the global phase of exhaust VCT phaser and controlling the local phase of intake VCT phaser. The global intake set point specified by an engine controller is converted into a local intake set point first, then passed through a set point filter, and compared with the measured local intake phase. The difference (error signal) is passed through a PI controller and a phase compensator, which have the same control structures as those of exhaust VCT phaser control, to form a control signal.

Abstract: A locking pin mechanism disposed in a bore in a cam phaser rotor vane for controllably engaging the camshaft sprocket to rotationally lock together the rotor and stator of a vane-type camshaft phaser. A lock pin sleeve in the bore extends from the vane through a slot in the cover plate. Disposed within the sleeve is a slidable lock pin having a locking head for engaging the sprocket and a tail portion extending through the outer end of the sleeve. The tail portion of the lock pin may be manually retracted by an operator while the phaser is being installed or removed from the engine, thus preventing damage from high torque exerted via the phaser attachment bolt in bolting the phaser to the engine.

Abstract: A central bolt for attaching a camshaft phaser to a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The bolt also functions as oil supply means and is provided with a first longitudinal passage, for supplying engine oil under pressure from a front camshaft bearing to an oil control valve disposed in an outer cover of the phaser, and with second and third longitudinal passages for supplying phaser control oil from the oil control valve to advance and retard chambers within the phaser.

Abstract: A valve clearance adjustment mechanism for use in small internal combustion engines such as, for example, side valve engines and overhead valve engines, which generally include intake and exhaust valves actuated by lifters pivotally mounted within the engine housing, which in turn are actuated by cam lobes driven in timed rotation with the crank shaft. An adjustment member is provided for mounting each lifter to a shaft, wherein the adjustment member is eccentric relative to the shaft, such that rotation of the adjustment member modifies the position of the lifter and in turn modifies the valve clearance between the lifter and the valve. After the valve clearance has been properly set, the adjustment member is fixed in position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle during the running of the vehicle. When an engine start request is made in order to use an engine as a drive power source during the running of the vehicle in an engine stopped state, the engine is cranked by a starter without supply of fuel to the engine. The torque of the starter is controlled so that the engine revolution speed becomes equal to the input shaft rotation speed to create a synchronous rotation speed. After synchronization is achieved and the engagement of a clutch is completed, the fuel injection control of the engine is started to cause self-driven revolution based on explosion. The process reduces the wasteful consumption of fuel and the production of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A watercraft has a throttle position sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a start switch. The sensors communicate with a controller. The controller can regulate engine speed. The controller regulates or limits the engine to a low speed when the throttle angle is above a predetermined value during startup, and/or when the engine temperature is too low.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for automatic starting of a diesel engine, actuation of the ignition key (1) initiating preheating (2) and turnover of the engine by the starter (3) and fuel injection (4) being triggered at the earliest when the minimum temperature of the glow plugs (2′) required for starting of the engine has been reached. The object pursued is further development of the method and device so that duration and/or energy requirement for automatic starting is/are reduced. The object is attained in that, when the ignition key (1) is actuated, the throttle valve for delivery of air to the combustion chamber is also closed and is opened again at the earliest shortly before triggering of fuel injection (4). The device comprises a suitably designed control unit (6).

Abstract: Air intake manifolds (32) for vehicle engines (50) may include a plate-shaped short runner valve (16) that is rotatably disposed within an aperture (19) of a wall partition (42). The valve (16) may be operated to open and close the aperture. A flange (22) may extend from an inner surface of the aperture and the flange may define a sealing face (22b). An elastic sealing member (21) may be disposed along a peripheral edge of the valve. The sealing member may include first and second projections (21a, 21b) extending from the peripheral edge of the valve. The first and second projections may be arranged in a substantially V-shape. Further, the terminal ends of the first and second projections are preferably disposed so as to closely contact the sealing face when the valve is rotated to the closed position.

Abstract: A recoil starter having a driving member and a driven member, wherein the driving member further includes recoiling unidirectional rotating means. The recoiling unidirectional rotating means includes a movable locking claw member which is supported by one of the rope reel and the interlocking rotor in such a manner that it is rotatable therewith and movable in a direction along the rotational axis thereof, an urging member for urging the movable locking claw member toward the other of the rope reel and the interlocking rotor, and an engaging member mounted on the other of the rope reel and the interlocking rotor.

Abstract: A spark ignition internal combustion engine (1), in particular an Otto-cycle gas engine, with at least one ignition device (14) per cylinder (2), wherein at least one piston (4) has a recess (8) in the piston head and wherein the recess (8) in plan view on to the piston head is of a substantially heart-shaped shape which differs at least in a region-wise manner from a circular shape, wherein the shape of the recess (8) in a plan view on to the piston head has precisely one axis of symmetry (10).

Abstract: An engine for a motorcycle having dummy covers for covering at least part of cylinder heads from the sides and overhead covers for covering at least part of head covers coupled to the cylinder heads from above and the sides. This configuration is provided in order to enhance the functional beauty of the engine wand to eliminate the need to provide specially shaped parts for cylinder heads, or the need provide a special surface treatment for the cylinder heads. At least one spot of dummy covers is fastened to an engine main unit including a cylinder head and a head cover with bolts. A plurality of engaging protrusions provided in overhead covers formed in a shape to cover the bolts are resiliently engaged with the engine main unit or the dummy covers so that the overhead covers are detachable or attachable.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel ram-injector and improved ignitor.

Abstract: A fuel injector employed in a direct injection engine comprising a spark plug arranged on the top of a combustion chamber, a fuel injector located on said combustion chamber and an intake air control means installed on an intake manifold. A forward tumble air flow is formed in the combustion chamber by the intake air control means, and the fuel injector is available in two types; an annular (conical) spray type characterized by uniform density and a spray type characterized by high/low density. In the case of latter type, arrangement is made to ensure that the denser portion is placed face-to-face with the spark plug. Spray fuel rises along the wall surface of the combustion chamber on the intake side, and is carried to the spark plug by forward tumble air flow (called “tumble guide”) moving from the fuel injector to the spark plug.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system of a two-cycle in-cylinder direct injection engine, wherein: in a low speed area, an injection of fuel is started immediately after a scavenging port of the engine has been closed, and all fuel is injected during the time when an exhaust port is opened to stabilize an idling operation of the engine; in a middle speed area, fuel is injected even for a period of time deviated from a period between a timing of closure of the scavenging port and a timing of closure of the exhaust port; and in a high speed area, a timing of start of the fuel injection is advanced with an increase of a rotational speed of the engine thereby to inject a required quantity of fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for an internal combustion engine and an engine control unit, for accurately determining a fuel injection period and for performing accurate and optimum control of the actual fuel injection amount. An amount of fuel demanded by the engine is determined according to the detected operating conditions of the engine. An amount of fuel deposited on walls downstream of the fuel injection valve is determined according to the detected operating conditions. A net amount of fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve is determined based on the determined demand amount of fuel and the determined deposited amount of fuel. Pressure of fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve is determined. The fuel injection period is determined by correcting the determined net amount of fuel according to the determined pressure of fuel.

Abstract: Based on an ionic current intensity determined by ionic current intensity learning means for determining the ionic current intensity based on an output from an ionic current detection circuit, at least one of a comparison reference value of a comparison reference value setting means and a control parameter correction amount of control parameter correction request amount setting means is corrected, so that, even in a case where fuel is mixed with additives, and a case where a non-standard spark plug is mounted, the ionic current amount fluctuation is accurately determined even if the amplitude of a knock signal varies due to ionic current intensity fluctuation, and correction of the comparison reference value corresponding to the ionic current intensity, or correction of the control parameter, is performed, to thereby prevent erroneous control based on erroneous knock detection, and securely achieve an excellent knock detection status and knock control status.

Abstract: The invention comprises at least two independent intake ports 14a, 14b connected to a combustion chamber 15, two intake valves 12a, 12b, and two exhaust valves 13a, 13b. A first fuel injection valve 31a is provided in the first intake port 14a and a second intake control valve 26 is provided for opening and closing the second intake port 14b. When the engine is in the cold condition, the second intake control valve 26 is slightly opened and fuel is injected from the first fuel injection valve 31b. Air-fuel mixture from the first intake port 14a and a smaller amount of fresh air from the second intake port 14b are introduced [into the combustion chamber], and the overall air-fuel ratio inside the combustion chamber is controlled to become slightly lean.

Abstract: A fuel injection system carries out a multi-injection. A preceding injection affects a pressure in a combustion chamber at a succeeding injection. In order to ensure an amount and timing of a succeeding injection, the ECU carries out a compensating process. In one embodiment, an injection period for the succeeding injection is corrected by varying a corrective value in accordance with parameters indicative of a pressure deviation. In another embodiment, each of the injection amounts for preceding and succeeding injections is corrected in accordance with deviations from a standard pressure respectively. The deviation is determined based on an intake pressure.

Abstract: A connection for a feed line at a feed pump pumping fuel out of a fuel tank, includes a nonreturn valve disposed in a horizontal portion of a connection stub. The connection stub is held on the feed pump by a latching device. The connection permits a particularly compact configuration of the feed pump.

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: When detection of an abnormality in a fuel vapor treating system is executed, a vapor zone including a fuel tank and a canister is sealed. The sealed vapor zone is pressurized. Whether fuel vapor is leaking from the vapor zone is determined based on the pressure in the sealed vapor zone. A canister valve selectively connects a canister with and disconnects the canister from the atmosphere. During the abnormality detecting procedure, an electronic control unit (ECU) shuts the canister valve. After the abnormality detecting procedure is ended, the ECU sends a control signal having a predetermined frequency to the canister valve, thereby gradually increasing the opening size of the canister valve. Accordingly, the pressure in the vapor zone is gradually lowered to the atmospheric pressure. This prevents fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister from being released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An engine with an efficient valve actuator is disclosed. The engine employs a first force to hold a valve of the engine open during a normal valve event and a second force to hold the exhaust valve open during an exhaust gas recirculation event. The valve actuator may be operated using pressurized fluid adapted to extend an actuator plunger through a cylinder. The first force may be derived by a mechanically driven actuator, while the second force may be derived from a high pressure rail of the engine. A control valve may be employed to direct either low pressure or high pressure oil to the valve actuator cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, is described. The engine (1) is provided with a combustion chamber (4) into which fuel can be injected in a first operating mode during a compression phase and in a second operating mode during an induction phase. The engine (1) is provided with a control apparatus (18) for switching over between the operating modes. The engine (1) includes an exhaust-gas recirculation having an exhaust-gas recirculation valve (14). The engine (1) is switched by the control apparatus (18) into the first operating mode when the exhaust-gas recirculation valve (14) is jammed in the open state.

Abstract: An EGR valve apparatus regulates the amount of exhaust gas recirculated in an EGR system. The EGR valves are opened or closed by a rotatable shaft which is actuated by a motor. Alternatively, the valves can be balanced on the shaft, the valves moving in opposing direction during rotation. An inline poppet can be employed to overcome pressure in the system prior to movement of the valves. In another alternative embodiment, the motor rotates threaded shaft to move a pintle towards and away from an orifice.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an integrally connected pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system to provide oxygen-enriched air or oxygen-deficient air, in situ, to the mixing chamber of a spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine.

Abstract: A motorized beach vehicle with a safety remote control and emergency safety switch power shutoff device includes a CDI unit having an engine operation stopping line that is connected to a relay, a remote control unit, and a safety switch. The safety switch includes two lines connected to the relay. An electrically conductive seat is mounted on the two lines, and an elastic sleeve is mounted on the electrically conductive seat. A rubber cap is mounted on the safety switch, and is connected to a first end of a strap which has a second end that may be tied on a driver's body, so that the rubber cap may be detached from the safety switch by the strap in an emergency condition.

Abstract: An archery bow has a cable guard with at least one guide pulley rotatably carried by the cable guard to receive at least one harness string portion and maintain the harness string portion out of a user's way while using the bow. The archery bow has a body or riser with a handle portion and a pair of limbs each having a free end spaced from the handle portion. A separate pulley is rotatably carried adjacent the free ends of each limb and at least one string is trained around the pulleys and has a draw string portion and at least one harness string portion. The harness string portion is trained around at least a portion of a guide pulley, and if more than one harness string portion is provided, then each harness string portion may be trained around a separate guide pulley to maintain the harness string portions separate from each other and to maintain each harness string portion in a laterally spaced relation from the drawstring portion.

Abstract: A paintball container is provided having a semi-circular door for fast, efficient loading of paintballs. The container can be in the form of a gun magazine or can be in the form of a pod for supplying paintballs to the magazine. A semi-circular door of the magazine is biased closed with a spring and allows the magazine to be quickly loaded. The magazine includes a door tab attached to the door and a fixed tab attached to a stop which cooperatively engage respectively a fixed tab and a door tab of a paintball pod which is inverted thereon and rotated during magazine loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas valve of the type commonly used to connect a circular or non-planar gas manifold to the burner of a household cooktop. An adapter is provided for converting the gas valve for use with a non-planar profile gas manifold to a planar profile gas manifold.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of multiple parallel rows of solar panels, each said row being made of one or more building blocks with an east-west oriented torsion tube defining an east-west axis for the row, an array of flat generally rectangular solar panels, and a set of panel rails and rail claims attaching the panels onto the torsion tube. A row of piers aligned on the east-west axis each have a footing that is supported in the earth, and a pier cap affixed onto a top end of the pier. The pier cap holds the torsion tube non-rotationally such that the torsion tube and panels are held at a preset elevation angle. The torsion tube may serve as a conduit for power conductors from the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with ventilating a patient breathing in successive cycles, each of the cycles includes a phase of inhalation and a phase of exhalation. The apparatus includes a pressurized gas source, an outlet orifice of the gas source supplies a stream of pressurized gas. The apparatus also includes a gas stream distribution unit that has a transmission circuit which connects the gas source to a main inhalation pipe. The apparatus further includes an inhalation valve for regulating the gas stream and which is interposed in the transmission circuit and is controlled by a control circuit of the apparatus particularly as a function of the values of the flow rate inhalation valve is produced in the form of a rotary directional-control valve.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

Abstract: A positioning and bit-proof throat mask retainer is a flexibly and slightly hard tube capable of being adhered to an upper side of a throat mask respiratory siphon. A lower side of the retainer is matched with an arc shape of the respiratory siphon and has a hollow cambered structure and an upper side of the retainer is suitable for the upper side of the oral cavity. A front end of the retainer is bent upwards to be formed as a resisting portion for resisting against an upper jaw of the patient along the cambered shape of the upper jaw. By the supporting of the upper jaw, the retainer is fixed to the mouth of a patient, thereby, having a function of guiding and positioning the respiratory siphon.

Abstract: An insufflation system that includes a first tube that inserts into a patient's airway for providing a primary flow of breathing gas to such a patient. At least one insufflation catheter is provided in or within the first tube for delivering a flow of insufflation gas to the patient. In one embodiment, the flow of insufflation gas is delivered in a first direction generally toward the patient's lungs and in a second direction generally opposite the first direction so that the flow in the second direction is greater than the flow in the first direction. As a result, a negative stagnation pressure is created that is sufficient to substantially cancel out the positive stagnation pressure generated by flow in the first direction in conjunction with a pressure drop induced in the first tube by the presence of the insufflation catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (V) for emptying powder-containing cavities (1) sealed by means of a covering foil (9) by means of a suction tube (11) which can be set by hand and whose leading end is positioned relatively to the cavity (1) and pierces in a guided manner the covering foil (9), leaving a free cross section for air to flow into the cavity (1), and, to achieve a solution which is beneficial for production and reliable in manipulation, proposes that the leading end of the suction tube (11) has, adjacent and axially projecting with respect to cutting edges (12) provided at that point, extensions (22/82) which are guided in slots (19 and/or 83, 55 or 25, respectively) of a carrier (T) adjacent to the cavities (1) in a shape-locked/rotationally fixed manner, in which carrier (T) the cavities (1) can be inserted as blister packs (2).

Abstract: A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

Abstract: A powder distribution device for transporting and mixing a fine powder with a gas is disclosed. The device presents a distribution member forming a connection between a source of fine powder and a discharge opening. The distribution member has a first inlet portion (10) and an outlet portion (12) for a stream of a first gas (1) mixed with the fine powder. The main body of the distribution member constitutes a porous body portion (16) being surrounded by a second gas (2). If a pressure gradient is created between the second gas (2) and the first gas (1), i.e. the first gas (1) being at a slightly lower pressure, the second gas (2) will leak trough the porous body (16) and thereby preventing powder, in the mix of the first gas and fine powder, from sticking or clogging within the distribution member, which thereby forms an active non-sticking wall relative to of the fine powder.

Abstract: A method of making a personal respiratory protection device. The method comprises: (a) forming a multi-layered structure that comprises a first cover web, a filtration layer that comprises a web that contains electrically-charged microfibers, and a second cover web; and (b) adapting the multi-layered structure into a first panel, a central panel, and a second panel such that the central panel is separated from each of the first and second panels by first and second lines of demarcation, and each of the first, second, and central panels is non-pleated. The first and second cover webs are disposed on first and second opposing sides of the filtration layer, respectively, and at least one of the cover webs comprises spunbond fibers. The resulting respiratory protection device is capable of being folded flat at the respective lines of demarcation for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer when in use.

Abstract: An outer cannula has a first port for orienting outside the neck of a wearer, a second port for orienting within the trachea of the wearer, a first passageway coupling the first port to the second port to permit the flow of gases from the first port to the second during inhalation by the wearer and from the second port during exhalation by the wearer, and a third port between the first and second ports. An inner cannula is configured for insertion into the first passageway via the first port when the wearer desires to be able to exhale through his or her pharynx. The inner cannula includes a fourth port for orienting adjacent the first port, a fifth port for orienting adjacent the second port and a second passageway coupling the fourth port to the fifth port to permit the flow of gases from the fourth port to the fifth during inhalation by the wearer and from the fifth port during exhalation by the wearer. A valve controls flow through the third port.

Abstract: An intubation device comprises an airway tube (10) a distal end of which is surrounded by an inflatable cuff (12) which is shaped and dimensioned to lie, in use, between the soft palate and the laryngeal inlet posteriorly of the palatopharyngeal folds. When inflated the cuff (12) has roughly the shape of the frustum of a four-sided pyramid with rounded corners and tapers away from its distal end. The distal end of the tube (10) is recessed ID into the distal end of the cuff so that the latter is an annular protrusion (13) adapted to straddle the upper region of but not to surround the elliptical epiglottis (14) and to fill the piriform fossae (15) on either side thereof.

Abstract: A holder for tracheostomy systems on a patient that can function as a tracheostomy tube holder or as a ventilator tube holder. The holder is a bifurcated strip of flexible material providing a principal portion and a pair of minor portions extending therefrom. The principal portion has a hole therethrough. The strip has portions of a hook and loop fastener adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: In general, the invention features methods for delivering a composition to the liver in a non-surgical, percutaneous approach by utilizing the portal vein. Also disclosed are methods allowing for the liver-specific delivery of a composition.

Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.