Abstract: The invention relates to a variably adjustable mechanical valve gear for at least one gas-reversing valve (1) provided with a closing spring (2) on a piston-type internal combustion engine having a drive mechanism (13) for generating a lifting movement that is effective counter to the force of the closing spring (2) on the gas-reversing valve (1) and with a stroke transfer means (4) in the form of a pivoting element (8), arranged between the driving mechanism (13) and the gas-reversing valve (1), which acts upon the gas-reversing valve (1) in the direction of its movement axis (14) and for which the lifting distance in the direction of the movement axis (14) can be changed via an adjustable guide element (11), wherein the pivoting element is connected to the gas-reversing valve with its end that is effective in the direction of the movement axis (14) and to the driving mechanism (13) with its end opposite the gas-reversing valve (1) and is guided to pivot back and forth on the guide element (11) designed as c

Abstract: A linear control valve is disclosed regulating the flow of fluid to hydraulically activated devices, preferably a fuel injector and an engine compression release brake. The valve includes a valve member that is moveable between a first position in which the fuel injector is, at least partially, activated, a second position in which neither the fuel injector nor the engine compression release brake is activated, and a third position in which the engine compression release brake is activated. An electrical actuator providing two permanent magnets and two oppositely wound solenoid coils moves the valve member between its three positions. The polarity of the permanent magnets are oriented such that when the solenoids are energized, one solenoid coil pulls the valve member while the other solenoid coil pushes the valve member in the same direction.

Abstract: A main CPU determines whether or not there is a request for one valve driving based on an engine operating state such as an engine speed and a load factor, with reference to a control map. When it is determined that there is a request for one valve driving, it is determined whether or not there is an overlapping period between opening periods. When it is determined that there is no overlapping period, a high speed control is performed for controlling electromagnetically driven valves. When it is determined that there is no request for one valve driving, or when it is determined that there is the overlapping period, a low speed control is performed for controlling electromagnetically driven valves.

Abstract: A device is indicated for controlling at least one gas exchange valve (10) for an combustion cylinder of an internal combustion engine, having an hydraulic actuator (12) for valve actuation and having a high-pressure pump that supplies the actuator (12) with a pressure medium. In order to reduce the production costs, the high-pressure pump is formed as a control-sleeve pump (13) having a stroke-driven pump plunger (22) that limits a pump chamber (24), and having a spool valve (13) surrounding this plunger. In the pump plunger (22) and spool valve (13), on the one hand a control groove (27) that runs obliquely to the stroke direction is provided, and on the other hand a spill opening (30) that cooperates therewith is provided, which together bring about a relief of pressure of the pump chamber (24) when they overlap.

Abstract: A lock-pin cartridge for a valve deactivation rocker arm assembly. The cartridge comprises a body having an axial bore having first and second ends, the second end having a closure and a passage therethrough. A piston assembly comprising a locking pin and a piston is disposed in the bore. The locking pin extends through the second end passage to provide latching and unlatching of rocker arm elements. The piston is spaced apart from the ends to define a hydraulic chamber and a spring chamber within the bore on opposite sides of the piston. A spring is disposed in the spring chamber for urging the piston assembly toward one of the first and second ends. The hydraulic chamber includes means for communicating with a supply of hydraulic fluid for actuating the piston assembly.

Abstract: Engine accessory drives are used with internal combustion engines to drive one or more accessories and are conventionally driven off a front end drive assembly. However, driving the accessories off the front end drive assembly has implications in respect of both increased engine noise and extended engine length. An engine accessory drive in accordance with this invention reduces engine noise and engine length. An engine accessory drive for transmitting a force between a first end (2) and a second end (3) of an engine (1) comprises a primary drive (18) locatable at the first end (2) of the engine.

Abstract: A cylinder block, a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover are stacked in order to form a four-cycle engine. A valve train of a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) type provided with an intake valve and an exhaust valve is provided in the cylinder head. A line extending parallel with a joint between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover is inclined forward and downward toward a line parallel with a joint between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. An axis of an exhaust valve and/or an axis of a plug tube is/are perpendicular to the line extending parallel with the joint between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. A cylinder head hanger is integrally formed at an uppermost end of a rear portion of the cylinder head over an intake port.

Abstract: A lubricating oil supply system is provided for the connecting rod bearings of a crankshaft of a multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine. Oil ducts extend from the bearing journals to the crank pins of the crankshaft, the oil supply taking place by way of the main bearings of the crankshaft in that the oil ducts extend from one main bearing or bearing journal respectively to the crank pins or connecting rod bearings in each case adjoining on both sides. In the respective bearing journals of the crankshaft for the lubricating oil supply to the connecting rod bearings adjoining on the left and right respectively, two oil bores respectively are provided which extend at an angle and, converging to an oil bore, extend to the two adjoining crank pins. The two oil bores interact with oil supply grooves provided in the main bearings for the lubricating oil supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to two methods for controlling a fuel metering of a direct-injection internal combustion engine (10) in a multiple injection operating mode according to which at least two fuel injections into a cylinder (12) are carried out during a compression cycle of the cylinder (12) of the internal combustion engine (10) by means of at least one injection valve (22). The invention provides that a pressure (rail pressure, pR), under which the fuel is stored in front of the injection valve (22), is preset in such a manner and/or injected fuel portions of the individual injections of a combustion cycle and/or a total fuel quantity, which is injected during a multiple injection, are varied in such a manner as to prevent a forthcoming valve opening time (&Dgr;t) of the injection valve (22) from falling below a preset valve opening time (&Dgr;tK) during at least one injection of a combustion cycle.

Abstract: In the diesel engine of the present invention, an early-stage injection (A) is performed so that this injection is divided into a plurality of injections during the compression stroke of the engine, and a main injection (B) is performed following the completion of this early-stage injection. Furthermore, the early-stage injection is performed using an amount of fuel and timing which are such that the generation of heat caused by fuel of the early-stage injection occurs in the vicinity of compression top dead center, and the main injection is performed using an amount of fuel and timing which are such that the generation of heat caused by fuel of the main injection occurs after the generation of heat caused by fuel of the early-stage injection has been completed. Since the early-stage injection is divided into a plurality of injections, the adhesion of fuel to the inside walls of the cylinder is prevented, and pre-mixing of the fuel is promoted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fuel injection timing in a compression ignition engine is provided. The method includes monitoring a position of a piston reciprocating in a cylinder between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position and injecting a predetermined quantity of fuel into the cylinder when the piston is at least one of reciprocating from said TDC toward BDC during an intake stroke and at BDC reciprocating toward TDC during a compression stroke.

Abstract: This invention concerns an internal combustion engine, especially an Otto engine, especially of a motor vehicle, with a fuel injector (40), which is arranged and designed in such a way that it injects the fuel (42) directly into a combustion chamber (16) of working cylinders (14) of the internal combustion engine, and with at least one intake valve unit per working cylinder (14), which comprises an intake valve and an intake valve seat. In this regard, at least one intake valve unit is designed with means that hinder heat dissipation in such a way that increased surface temperatures of more than 380° C. develop in the area of the neck (68) of the intake valve (20) in at least one predetermined region (112) of the load-speed characteristic diagram.

Abstract: A nozzle for delivering fuel to an engine is disclosed which is profiled with adjoining converging and diverging sections to accelerate the flow of fuel to a supersonic rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engines having multiple hydraulic devices. For instance, in a typical multi-cylinder diesel engine, each cylinder includes an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a fuel injector and an engine brake. It is common for each of these devices to be controlled by an individual actuator. However, engineers have learned that decreasing the number of engine components can increase engine robustness. Therefore, the present invention utilizes a single rotary actuator to control multiple hydraulic devices for an engine cylinder.

Abstract: Provided is a throttle control device having a throttle body (1) forming an intake passage (1a) inside the throttle body. A throttle valve (2) is rotatably arranged in the intake passage. A motor (4) rotates the throttle valve. The motor has a motor casing (28), which has one axial end portion and the other axial end portion. A first support device (5, 29) fixedly supports one axial end portion of the motor casing with respect to the throttle body. A second support device (6, 24) supports the other axial end portion of the motor casing with respect to the throttle body resiliently in the radial direction of the motor. The second support device includes a substantially ring-shaped resilient support member (6).

Abstract: An air flow sensor for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. An air flow rate measurement meter, a pressure gauge, electronically controlled throttle body, and the microcomputer, etc. are integrated as one body, and the correction of the air flow rate, the control, and the fault diagnosis, etc. are done in the integrated microcomputer.

Abstract: A method of controlling fuel injection timing in a compression ignition engine including at least one cylinder. The method includes monitoring a parameter indicative of a commanded operating speed of the engine corresponding to an engine throttle notch and monitoring a parameter indicative of the actual operating speed of the engine. When the commanded engine speed exceeds the actual engine speed, the fuel injection timing for the engine may be advanced to reduce emissions.

Abstract: A throttle control device includes a throttle body (1). In the throttle body, an intake passage (1a), a first space (24a), and a second space (44) are formed. In the intake passage, a throttle valve (2) is rotatably arranged. The throttle valve is rotated by a motor (4). The motor is accommodated in the first space. The second space communicates with the first space. In addition, the second space is adjacent to the intake passage through the intermediation of a wall portion (20a). This makes it possible for the heat generated in the motor to be effectively dissipated from the first space into the intake passage via the second space and the wall portion.

Abstract: The fuel injection device has a fuel-supply pump (10) that delivers fuel from a fuel tank (12) to a high-pressure pump (18), wherein the high-pressure pump (18) delivers fuel to a reservoir (24), which is connected to at least one injector (26) that injects fuel into the internal combustion engine. A fuel filter (20) is disposed between the fuel-supply pump (10) and the high-pressure pump (18), wherein a return (60) for fuel from the at least one injector (26) and/or from the reservoir (24) to a low-pressure region is provided. The return (60) is provided with an additional fuel filter (62) and downstream of the fuel filter (20), the return (60) feeds into the connection (16) between the fuel-supply pump (10) and the high-pressure pump (18).

Abstract: An outboard motor comprises an engine disposed inside an outer cover, an intake unit provided for the engine and including a throttle body disposed in a vicinity of a crankcase of the engine and an intake manifold disposed on a side of the engine so as to extend from the throttle body, the intake manifold having a plurality of intake pipes extending towards intake ports formed in a cylinder head of the engine, and a fuel injectors disposed in substantially intermediate portions of the respective intake pipes.

Abstract: A gasoline direct injection system of an engine has a high pressure pump with an output connected to a fuel rail that supplies a plurality of fuel injectors. A control valve is connected in parallel with the pump to maintain the fuel rail pressure at a consistent level as the fuel injectors open and close. A valve element engages and disengages a seat to control the flow of fuel through the control valve. The high pressure from the fuel supply rail acts on surfaces of the valve element which are designed to produce a force imbalance that serves to rapidly open the control valve. An electromagnetic actuator, that closes the control valve, has a low impedance coil and pole pieces made of soft magnetic composite material to minimize eddy currents that impede valve performance.

Abstract: A vacuum operated flow control valve is disposed in the vapor vent line from a fuel tank to a vapor storage canister connected also to the engine air inlet. The valve has a diaphragm operator of low permeability which is biased normally open to permit fuel vapor to flow from the tank to the canister during engine shutdown. Upon engine startup a vacuum is drawn in the canister and the flow control valve which closes preventing vacuum being drawn in the tank thereby preventing tank collapse. During engine shutdown, if an ambient temperature drop creates a vacuum in the tank, the flow control valve closes; however, an emergency umbrella relief valve opens permitting reverse flow of vapor from the canister to the tank preventing excessive vacuum in the tank.

Abstract: A requested volume flow ratio calculated based on a requested torque, an amount of two times a spit-back gas amount at the valve overlap time calculated based on a requested residual gas rate, and a spit-back gas amount of the time when an intake valve is closed are added together, to set a requested valve passing gas amount of the intake valve, thereby determining a target operating characteristic of the intake valve based on the requested valve passing gas amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas recirculation device for an internal combustion engine, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising an exhaust gas recirculation line for recirculating exhaust gas, the line branching off from the exhaust line and running into an unburned gas line. The exhaust gas recirculation line includes a valve having a closing element which can be displaced between a closing position and an opening position by means of an actuator. One aim of the invention is to especially reliably prevent the closing element of the valve from sticking to the valve seat after the operation of the internal combustion engine. To this end, the closing element of the valve is placed in an idle position by means of the actuator, when the internal combustion engine is not in operation.

Abstract: A breather apparatus includes a first oil separation chamber disposed in a case and extending substantially in a vertical direction. The case constitutes a part of a vertical wall of an internal combustion engine, and blowby gas flows inside the case. A second oil separation chamber is superposed upon the first oil separation chamber. An opening formed in the lower part of the first oil separation chamber is communicated with the inside of the case. An upper part of the second oil separation chamber is communicated with the first oil separation chamber via a through hole. The blowby gas which has flown into the second oil separation chamber is supplied into an intake system via an outflow port formed in the lower part of the second oil separation chamber. In the separation chambers, oil in the blowby gas is separated by mutually different flow characteristics.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of appropriately and promptly correcting variation in the air-fuel ratio of a mixture between cylinders and realizing a very robust air-fuel ratio control, even with a complicated exhaust system layout. The ECU of the system for control of the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to first to fourth cylinders determines a feedback correction coefficient, calculates a cylinder-by-cylinder variation coefficient indicative of variation in air-fuel ratio between the cylinders, based on a model parameter of a model having the input of the feedback correction coefficient thereto and the output of the detected air-fuel ratio, identifies the model parameter, corrects a basic fuel injection amount such that the cylinder-by-cylinder variation parameter converges to a moving average value thereof, thereby calculating a cylinder-by-cylinder final fuel injection amount.

Abstract: A barbecue (1) comprises the lid (2), a food supporting compartment (3), a fuel supporting compartment (4) and a vertical support (5). The food supporting compartment (3) can be moved between a first position above the fuel supporting compartment (4) and a second position away from said fuel supporting compartment (4).

Abstract: Providing a hot air heater and an expansion in the air blowing passage of the hot air heater and suppressing increases in air trunk resistance even if electric heaters are arranged in this expansion in a plurality of stages prevents increases in the rotation speed of the air blowing fan in order to obtain a target air flow which in turn causes the operating noise to grow louder. Therefore, an expansion 35 was formed along the air blowing passage 32. This expansion 35 has an entrance opening 351 and an exit opening 352 and functions as a storage portion that contains the electric heaters 34. The electric heaters are arranged in a plurality of stages in such a manner as to face said entrance opening and a distance between the entrance opening in the expansion and one of the electric heaters that has a highest wind speed at the entrance opening in the expansion of distances between the entrance opening in the expansion and the respective electric heaters is set farther.

Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a colouration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A device for exchanging gas volumes in an anesthetic system has an inlet, an outlet, a first chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet, a second chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet, a switching valve for selective connection to the first chamber or the second chamber for forming a flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a controller for controlling the switching valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for supplying low pressure oxygen-enriched gas to a patient and at a moderate pressure to a radial compressor, whereupon it is compressed and fed to a high pressure storage tank. The oxygen-enriched gas is prioritized so that it is continuously supplied via a patient flow line to the patient.

Abstract: A medical ventilator system and method that triggers, cycles, or both based on patient effort, which is determined from cross-correlating patient flow and patient pressure. The medical ventilator is also controlled such that sensitivity to a patient initiated trigger increases as the expiratory phase of the breathing cycle progresses. The present invention also provides adaptive adjustment of cycling criteria to optimize the cycling operation.

Abstract: A drug delivery system is provided for use in a sedation and analgesia system. The drug delivery system can include a first bolus interface, a second bolus interface wherein the second bolus interface appears after the first bolus interface, a third bolus interface wherein the third bolus interface can appear after the second bolus interface, and a drug delivery display. The first bolus interface asks a user if he or she wants to give the patient a bolus from the drug delivery. If the user answers yes, then the second bolus interface asks the user to confirm the bolus. The third bolus interface can appear if the bolus is outside a predetermined range flagging the user that the bolus is outside a specific range asking for confirmation to continue.

Abstract: A tube for use in an anesthetic system has an essentially cylindrical housing. More effective take-up of carbon dioxide is achieved by an absorbent for carbon dioxide that is arranged within the tube.

Abstract: A gas administering method for administering gas to an airway of a patient having a nasal vestibule and for use with a gas administering apparatus comprises a primary gas source that is operable to provide gas and a nasal vestibular portion arranged so as to receive the gas from the primary gas source. Further, the nasal vestibular portion is capable of releasing the primary gas into the nasal vestibule. The method comprises inserting the nasal vestibular portion into the nasal vestibule, forming a seal between the nasal vestibular portion and an inner surface of the nasal vestibule, administering an amount of a gas from the primary gas source at a constant flow rate into the nasal vestibule via the nasal vestibular portion, and administering an anesthetic to the patient. The anesthetic induces depression of a portion of the nervous system of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel surgical instrument, and method of using same, designed for performing tracheotomy. According to specific embodiments, the subject surgical instrument comprises a novel foot plate that is anatomically curved to follow the contours of the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: A condom donning device (10) adapted for donning a condom (12) having a tubular wall that is rolled up into a hem ring (14) which is defined on the outside of the tubular wall in an initial configuration of the condom. The device (10) comprises two support formations (16) and (18) which together define an internal space through which a penis can extend and a separation axis A along which the support formations are separable. Each support formation defines a pair of hook-like holding formations (22) in which the hem ring of the condom can be received and held in an arrangement permitting unrolling of the hem ring when donning the condom. The invention extends to an assembly including the device (10), the condom (12) and a package in the form of a pouch of packaging film which is hermetically sealed to the support formations so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure surrounding the condom.

Abstract: A condom has an erectogenic compound immobilised on the interior surface and substantially at the head end thereof. The compound may be applied as a component of a composition comprising the erectogenic compound dispersed or dissolved in a gel carrier comprising a liquid medium including a thickening agent. The condom may include a lubricant which may be immiscible with the erectogenic compound or composition. Use of the condom sustains e penile erection following spontaneous initiation thereof, to prevent slippage of the condom off the penis while intercourse takes place.

Abstract: A system and method particularly useful in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a thin, flexible surgical film including a radiopaque grid to assist in x-ray visualization. The grid is also preferably visible to the human eye. The grid may be a Cartesian coordinate grid with distance markings, or may be based on an alternative coordinate system. The film preferably includes an adhesive backing and iodine for cut-through incisions.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an integrated drape for use in surgical procedures

Abstract: A sports guard 1 for placing in a mouth of a user is disclosed. The guard 1 includes generally a base member 2 having a generally U-shaped form corresponding to the outline of a jaw of a user defining an upper channel 10 within which an upper row of teeth of a user can be received. The guard also discloses a teeth engaging element 3, associated with the channel 10 which is made of a material able to be user conformed or user moulded to the mouth of the user. The guard also includes shock absorption means associated with the base member 2 for absorbing impact shock. The shock absorption means comprises open channels in the base member 2 that function much like air springs. Further the base member advantageously comprises polyethylene mixed with up to 10% of EVA. The addition of EVA gives the guard more flexibility. The teeth engaging element is made of EVA.

Abstract: A device configured for implanting beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. Devices in accordance with the invention are comprised of a sealed housing, typically having an axial dimension of less than 60 mm and a lateral dimension of less than 6 mm, having a non-circular, e.g., an oval or polygon shaped, cross-section containing a power source for powering electronic circuitry within including a controller, an address storage means, a data signal receiver and an input/output transducer. When used as a stimulator, such a device is useful in a wide variety of applications to stimulate nerves and associated neural pathways. Alternatively, devices of the present invention are configurable to monitor a biological parameter. Furthermore, a placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.

Abstract: A cigarette saver is a device having two end portions and an opening to a channel in the first end portion. A lit cigarette may be inserted into the channel of the cigarette, extinguished and stored for subsequent smoking. A cigarette saver may be sold inside a crush proof box or soft package along with cigarettes.

Abstract: Pre-determined and definite amounts of different Herbal ingredients, which are the different plant parts of Herbs, including roots, stem, leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits, that are in the form of powder, granules, leaves and seeds are mixed thoroughly together. Clarified butter and/or essential oil(s) depending on the flavor, in liquid form are added in small pre-determined amount to the mixture that is mixed again. Using automatic machines this mixture, which is dry and combustible, with ‘enough’ moisture, is filled inside the cigarette paper tubes to which filter tip is attached. Individual cigarettes are packed together in boxes to be sold in the market. Alternatively, these cigarette papers or filter tubes could be hand-filled with the Herbal mixture that can be stored in pouches.

Abstract: A hair-band comb fastener and method for securing sections of hair of a human being. The apparatus comprises a retaining comb with an attaching member toward an end of the comb base and a resilient band attached toward the other end of the comb base. The resilient band has an attaching means for mating with the attaching member on the comb base. Whereby, the comb can be placed in the user's hair, a hair section can be placed in front of the comb, the band can be stretched across the hair section, and the attaching member on the band can be secured to the attaching member on the comb base.

Abstract: An applicator for replacement hair strands, having hair embedded with one end in a U-shaped thermoplastic element, has a matrix having a recess for receiving the U-shaped thermoplastic element of the replacement hair strand. The applicator also has a stamp movable into the recess of the matrix. An actuating and heating device is provided into which the stamp and the matrix are inserted. The recess of the matrix is penetrated by a channel extending transversely to the movement direction of the stamp. The channel receives a magazine provided with receiving and storing spaces for replacement hair strands. The actuating and heating device has a step-by-step advancing device for the magazine.

Abstract: A hair ornament including a barrette having a device for attaching the barrette to a person's hair and having a barrette surface for receiving ornamentation on it. One or more ornamented leaves are glued to the barrette surface and one or more silk flowers are glued to the one or more ornamental leaves to form the hair ornament.

Abstract: A dental device (10) broadly comprises a center section (12) flanked by a first picking section (14) and a second picking section (16). The first picking section (14) and the second picking section (16) are relatively flat and may include a roughened surface (50). The device (10) is preferably constructed in one-piece and molded from semi-rigid thermoplastic which resists breaking. The first picking section (14) is thicker and stronger than the second picking section (16) in order to dislodge most any debris caught between teeth. The second picking section (16) is narrow enough to reach between closely spaced teeth. In use, a person holds the device (10) by the center section (12) and inserts either picking section (14,16) between their teeth. The person works the device (10) back and forth using the roughened surface (50) or angles of either section (14,16) to disturb bacteria and other foreign substances.

Abstract: Dirt, particularly of inorganic matter, attached to a substrate, such as a glass substrate for liquid crystal devices, is effectively removed by irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet rays including 184.9 nm and 253.7 nm in an oxygen-containing atmosphere in advance of wet cleaning with pure water. As a result, the wet cleaning time and the amount of pure water can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a plasma chamber after metal etching. First, a substrate having a metal layer thereon is placed in a plasma chamber. Next, the metal layer is etched. Finally, the substrate is removed from the plasma chamber to perform a dry cleaning which includes the following steps. First, the inner wall of the plasma chamber is cleaned by plasma etching using oxygen as a process gas. Next, the top and bottom electrode plates in the plasma chamber are cleaned by plasma etching using chlorine and boron chloride as process gases. Next, the inner wall of the plasma chamber is cleaned again by plasma etching using sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen as process gases. Finally, oxygen and helium used as purging gases are injected into the plasma chamber and exhausted from therein.