Abstract: A product, product by process, and process according to the present invention integrates an ignition coil driver electronics or ignitor into a plughole coil housing. Electronic components are mounted directly to a printed circuit board serving as a direct connection to connector terminals and/or coil leads via plated-apertures. If required, at least one protective layer can be applied directly to an external surface of at least some of the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board to compensate for differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion. The protective layer is selected from a group including a conformal coating, a soft buffer material, a hard epoxy globtop, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine is capable of expanding a correction allowable range employed in correcting a fuel injection quantity when refueling is detected. The fuel injection control system estimates a fuel property of fuel injected into the internal combustion engine after the correction allowable range is expanded and sets the correction allowable range on the basis of the estimated fuel property.

Abstract: A control method adjusts fuel injection into an engine having a variable compression ratio. The method determines the cylinder air amount based on various sensors and the current compression ratio. The disclosed fuel injection method can perform both open loop and closed loop control. A method is also disclosed for putting the compression ratio to a base value during engine shutdown so that subsequent engine starts occur with a consistent compression ratio.

Abstract: An automatic and consecutive clay target firing structure includes two driving sources to drive respectively a rotary mechanism and clay targets to rotate, a target feeding unit located on the rotary mechanism having two target barrels located on two sides for housing a plurality of the clay targets, a lifting unit located in the center of the rotary mechanism movable upwards to enable one of the driving sources to couple with the clay target, and a control unit located outside the target feeding unit and transversely connected to the target feeding unit to control flying of the clay targets, and connected through a trigger unit through a circuit so that the clay targets may be fed consecutively into the target feeding unit to be driven by the driving source for rotation, and may be activated to achieve rapid firing and flying to be used in shooting game.

Abstract: A compound bow with a short axle to axle length is disclosed. The bow has a relatively long brace height and a relatively short power stroke. The bow includes a riser with a forwardly disposed grip, a rearwardly disposed vertically extending portion, which makes up most of the length of the riser. The riser further includes a limb-engaging portion extending forwardly from each end of the vertically extending portion so that the limb-engaging portions are substantially in vertical alignment with the grip. A resiliently flexible limb extends at a steep rearward angle from each of the limb-engaging portions. In addition, the riser can be made with slideable end portions so that the brace height and draw length of the bow can be adjusted to an individual user's preference.

Abstract: Dampener device for archery bows of wedge shape form, with one or more of such devices (10) placed on a bow and dampening a wide range of frequency oscillations, each device made of elastomeric material (or combination of various materials) and having a base portion (12) adhered to the bow and or extension triangular portion (14) suspended from the base.

Abstract: A range includes a cabinet, defined by at least a front, side, bottom and top portions, as well as upper and lower oven cavities each having a respective gas burner assembly. At least one passageway is formed to create an airflow path enabling a portion of an ambient airflow introduced into the cabinet to reach the gas burner assemblies of the upper and lower oven cavities for combustion purposes, preferably through natural convection, while the remaining portion of the airflow passes over and cools portions of the range. In a preferred form of the invention, insulation is maintained in a desired position below a respective oven cavity by a holder through which the airflow passes to the burner assembly.

Abstract: A gas-fired cooking device includes a braising cavity defined on its lower side by a heated surface. A more uniform heating of the heated surface is provided by a plurality of heating chambers disposed below the heated surface, with each of the heating chambers heated by at least one naturally fed gas burner. A portion of the hot combustion gases rise into upper zones associated with each heating chamber that have relatively low average front-to-back air flow therein. The upper zones have sidewalls and downwardly extending dam walls that cooperate to create the low flow zones beneath the heated surface. The relatively low flow rates within the low flow zones allow a more uniform layer of hot combustion gases to be formed along the underside of the heated surface, thereby more evenly delivering heat to the heated surface. There may be two or more such heating chambers.

Abstract: A compact, highly flexible and efficient, multi-positionable, multi-dimensional and multi-stage gas-fired heat exchanger system as described. The system is connectable in a forced air duct regardless of the angular position and size of the duct. The heat exchanger comprises one or more heat transfer tubes which are shaped and dimensioned as dictated by the customized use of the heat exchanger. The tubes are secured to a support panel as well as the gas burner associated with each of the inlet openings of the tubes. A position orientable gas valve is secured to a gas distribution manifold. A turbulator may be associated with at least some of the tubes to cause turbulence in the hot combustion flow in each of the tubes to modify the efficiency in heat transfer along one or more sections of the tubes by directing hot combustion gas along an inner circumferential wall of the tubes.

Abstract: A liquid heating cooker comprises a container having an access portion that is covered by a removable cover. A vat containing a heating medium is positioned within the container, and a combustion burner, provided to heat the medium, is positioned within the container such that a combustion surface of the burner opposes an outer wall surface of the vat. Guide means are also provided for sliding the burner in and out of the container via the access portion, such that the burner is removable and attachable with respect to the container. A combustion chamber is defined by the combustion surface of the burner and the opposing outer wall surface of the vat, and a portion of the burner defines a partitioning wall partitioning the combustion chamber into left and right chambers with respect to the sliding direction of the burner.

Abstract: A fireplace grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the underside of the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The grate includes at least one shelf that is connected to and lies beneath the underside of the cradle. The shelf includes a strut which has a cross-sectional shape configured to interlock with a groove in the bottom surface of a fire starter. When the fire starter is interlocked with the strut, it is held a spaced distance underneath the firelog to be ignited.

Abstract: A transparent thermal insulation arrangement for heating buildings with solar energy includes a glass plate, and absorber and an edge bond between the glass plate and the absorber. The absorber has an absorber plate which is inherently rigid and is assembled with the glass plate by the edge bond. An intermediate space is formed between the glass plate and the absorber plate and is filled with an inert gas. In addition, a space is formed between the absorber plate and the wall of the building which may be filled with air.

Abstract: The breathing system includes an elastic, non-porous body housed within an outer protective shell. The body terminates at its forward end in a protective cap and an air inlet passage and at its inner face in oral and nasal cavities. An air filter is disposed in the body and a mouthpiece, including a bite block, is provided for communicating filtered air into the individual's mouth. The bite block has converging surfaces for biasing the mask toward the individual's face when the individual bites down on the block. A hood attached to the mask surrounds the individual's head and receives exhaled air through exhalation ducts communicating between the mouthpiece and the hood.

Abstract: The drinking device for a diver can be mounted in a helmet or in a hollow-nasal mask mounted on the helmet. The drinking device includes a supply line which can be connected to a mouth piece within the helmet or mask to supply liquid under a slight pressure. In addition, a stopper arrangement is provided for regulating a flow of liquid through the supply line to the mouth piece. This stopper arrangement may be controlled manually by the diver.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system for delivering nitric oxide to a patient to treat a medical condition includes a container, a nitric oxide generation chamber, and a pump. The container is designed to contain a nitrogen-containing compound. The nitric oxide generation chamber includes a heat source and is designed to generate nitric oxide from the nitrogen-containing compound. The pump is designed to transfer at least a part of the nitrogen-containing compound from the container to the nitric oxide generation chamber.

Abstract: An aromatic travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield with an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head, the retainer having slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The face shield also has foldable eye flaps for blocking light when the flaps are extended, the flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area during use.

Abstract: An optical sensor mountable on a patient and targets the supranasternal notch for detecting skin movement by dint of reflected light indicating respiratory effort. The sensor is used in conjunction with a ventilator to provide artificial ventilation support.

Abstract: A endotracheal tube for patient ventilation is modified to permit measurement of pressure at the patient trachea by providing a chamber in the end of the ET tube to be located in the patient, airway. This chamber has a highly pliant external wall with a degree of redundancy and is connected to a pressure measuring device exterior of the patient by a lumen in the wall of the ET tube. In addition, apparatus for controlling airway pressure during exhalation comprises valve means connected via a first inlet to an exhalation tube from a patient airway, connected to a source of negative pressure through an outlet and having a second inlet with a variable flow control means for controlling the flow of gas therethrough. Gas pressure is controlled within the valve by varying the pressure gradient between the upstream and downstream sides of the second inlet so that it equals the pressure gradient between the patient airway and the downstream side of the second inlet.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a fluid suspended, inner member, which has printed upon it a series of position bull's eyes, which are connected by a path printed on the inner member. The inner member is contained within a transparent, watertight outer housing, which has a sighting marking printed upon it. The device is attached to the user's head in a manner such that when the user moves his head, the outer member can move relative to the inner member. This allows the user to follow the path to visually track his correct head position through the posterior canalith repositioning maneuver sequence. Also attached to the user apparatus is an assistant apparatus which includes a hollow ball containing a liquid sufficient to form a small bubble which allows an assistant to follow a second path which corresponds to that seen by the user when he follows the user path.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved gastric bypass, a surgical method to treat clinically significant obesity, in which the likelihood of post-surgical complications is reduced.

Abstract: An artificial nail remover device that consists of a thin, squared head at one end, and is buffered at the opposite end. The length of the device has grooved gripping apertures along the elongated body. The body is made of a flexible plastic that allows for maneuvering without fracturing after repeated use when removing artificial nails and nail tips. The artificial nail remover device eliminates the need to soak the natural nails in any solution that could cause damage to the natural nail. The handle is versatile, for use with either the right or left hand with ease. The artificial nail remover device interfits between the artificial nail and the natural nail allowing one to remove the artificial nail with ease.

Abstract: The current invention is for a device, a method and a system for styling hair. The preferred device of the instant invention is a hair pin that spirals with two or more rotations from a larger bottom section with a pointed end to a smaller top section with a blunted or enlarged end. The hair pin is preferably elongated and forms a substantially uniform cone shape with an inner spiral region. In the preferred method of the invention, a portion of hair is secured within the inner spiral region of the hair pin by placing the tapered or pointed end of the spiral hair pin into a section of hair and twisting the hair pin in a direction opposite to the spiraling direction of the hair pin, such that the hair pin passes through the hair at least twice and captures or gathers the portion hair within the inner spiral region.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate resists unwanted generation of plasma within a waiting chamber of a processing apparatus. The waiting chamber and a processing chamber are depressurized, and an untreated substrate is placed into the processing chamber, by raising a mounting table. A lower opening of the processing chamber is air-tightly closed by an edge portion of the mounting table. Thereafter, gas is introduced into the waiting chamber to increase the pressure therein, and in parallel with this, reactive gas is introduced into the processing chamber, but at a much lower pressure than that of the waiting chamber. Under this condition, high frequency power is applied to electrodes of the processing chamber to generate plasma therein. The likelihood of unwanted plasma generation in the waiting chamber is significantly reduced by the higher pressure therein, relative to the processing chamber.

Abstract: A method for removal of post reactive ion etch by-product from a semiconductor wafer surface or microelectronic composite structure comprising: supplying a reducing gas plasma incorporating a forming gas mixture selected from the group consisting of a mixture of N2/H2 or a mixture of NH3/H2 into a vacuum chamber in which a semiconductor wafer surface or a microelectronic composite structure is supported to form a post-RIE polymer material by-product on the composite structure without significant removal of an organic, low K material which has also been exposed to the reducing gas plasma; and removing the post-RIE polymer material by-product with a wet clean.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a CVD vacuum vessel which has an electrically conductive partition plate which divides an interior of the vacuum vessel into a plasma generating space and a film-deposition processing space, and in the electrically conductive partition plate there is a plurality of through-holes connecting the plasma generating space to the film-deposition processing space, the method includes the steps of feeding a cleaning gas into the plasma-generating space; generating active seeds by applying high-frequency electric power to electrodes arranged in the plasma-generating space; feeding the generated active species into the film-deposition processing space through the plurality of through-holes in the electrically conductive partition plate; and cleaning the film-deposition processing space by the active seeds which have been fed into this film-deposition processing space.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and methods for cleaning bins including a lance provided with a nozzle assembly for discharging cleaning fluid (and optionally drying air) towards the inner wall surfaces of a bin. The lance can be advanced into and retracted from the bin while undergoing lateral displacement to maintain the nozzle assembly in close proximity with the inner wall surfaces during cleaning (and optionally drying). The lance can have a rastering mode of operation which is used when the forward end of the lance is adjacent the base of the bin.

Abstract: An automated power-driven pool cleaning apparatus is provided with a motion translating member that contacts the surface being cleaned, an associated signal transmitter and a sensor that is connected to the pool cleaner's programmed electronic control device, or chip, so that when the cleaner is moving, the mtm moves the signal transmitter past the sensor thereby providing an intermittent signal. When the cleaner stops moving, no intermittent signal is received and after a predetermined period of time, the control device causes the cleaner's drive means to move the cleaner in a different direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument washer is provided which includes a rack drawably fitted in a washing tub, for setting washing objects thereon, a flow passage having one end located on a rear side of the washing tub for supplying washing water to the rear side, and a washing duct on the rack having a washing water inlet in rear part thereof so as to be detachably connected to one end of the flow passage as the rack is drawn/pushed in. The medical instrument washer so constructed reduces washing water quantity, and pressure loss of washing water by improving a flow passage of the medical instrument washer.

Abstract: A tri-folded umbrella is disclosed. An enhanced frame of the umbrella comprises pivotably coupled first, second, and third yoke-shaped pivot members formed of plastic, first, second, and third latches, first, second, third ribs, first and second links, and a stretcher. The invention enables an easy assembly and a more compact size after folding.

Abstract: An umbrella frame device includes a runner slidably sleeved on a stem for spreading and collapsing a canopy. A retaining member has a retaining end which is movable radially in a slot in the runner and which is extendable inwardly of the runner to slidably contact a slideway on a protuberance disposed on the stem. The retaining end is brought to slip over an upper edge of the protuberance so as to be retained on a shoulder when the runner is moved to an engaging position. A sleeve member surrounds and is movable relative to the runner, and has a cam surface portion which can depress the retaining end radially with a friction force that arrests the runner in the engaging position.

Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilevered beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilevered beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut over the entire structure.

Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A steam conditioning system including a steam conditioning valve 1 for depressurizing and desuperheating steam S by supplying moisture W in the conditioning valve. A discharge pipe 3 connected to the steam conditioning valve 1 has a horizontal section 3a, and the horizontal arrangement section 3a is provided with a moisture drain 4 or at a portion near the bottom. Condensed moisture W1 is extracted from this moisture drain 4 and is recycled as moisture W to be supplied to the steam S in the conditioning valve 1. The steam conditioning valve 1 further has a reduced annular section 9 with a nozzle 5a disposed therein for injecting subcooled water mist W. A transport conduit 5 connects the drain 4 to nozzle 5a. Moisture W is drawn into steam flow S due to the Venturi effect caused by the pressure drop through the reduced annular section 9.

Abstract: A gas regulator (14) is provided for regulating the pressure of a gas flowing from a source (12) of the gas under pressure to a device (24) for using the gas. The regulator (14) includes a housing (26) and a pressure reducing valve (36) in the housing for controlling the flow of gas from an inlet (28) under pressure to an outlet (32) at a regulated pressure. The pressure reducing valve is controlled by a pressure responsive member (40, 44) which is displaced by operating feed and bleed valves (50) coupled to a control chamber (46) of the pressure responsive member. The feed and bleed valves are operated by a high speed solenoid actuator (68). The bleed valve is vented to the outlet of the housing from the control chamber which is maintained at a higher pressure. The high speed solenoid actuator (68) is operated by a controller (18) for controllably varying the output pressure as desired.

Abstract: A combined fluid pressure reducing and relief valve having aligned inlet and outlet connections, a pair of abutting rotary disc valve sets each having an inboard stationary and an outboard rotary ceramic disc which are relatively rotatable against each other to expose and close openings therein. The sets are regulated by a pressure sensitive member comprising a diaphragm flush with a piston which is movable against a spring in response to low pressure fluid in the valve whereby one set opens until that pressure reaches a “set” pressure. If the low pressure increases to a “initial relief pressure,” further movement of the pressure sensitive member results. Finally with still further movement the low pressure side reaches a “relief pressure” whereby the other rotary valve set opens while the first is closed and remains open until the low pressure side is reduced to below the “set” pressure.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve for use in a vehicle fuel system is provided. The control valve has a rollover valve assembly with a valve member defining a point-bearing surface, a housing with an opening, and a chamber. The housing is mountable to a fuel tank. The valve member is movable within the chamber and a sealing element is movably located on the point-bearing surface of the valve member. The sealing element may be metallic and is configured to releasably seal the opening when the valve member is urged in a direction towards the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-acting valve, and it may specifically be used for air mattresses. This self-acting valve consists of a housing, a membrane and a base. After a quick inflation, the elastic airtight membrane positioned within the housing reverts to its original shape and instantly shuts off the outlets, which prevents air from leaking out. This valve is able to operate automatically to form a perfect airtight seal. The structure of this valve is simple, reliable, and practical, which makes it a new type of self-acting valve for an air mattress.

Abstract: A tapping valve having a housing which can be electrically welded to a pipe and which includes a connection piece (2) with a drill (24) therein for drilling the pipe. The connection piece has an inner surface (34). The drill or a bushing (70) in which the drill can be moved axially by a threaded connection (74, 76; 80, 82) is provided with an external thread which engages the inner surface of the connection piece. Inner surface (34) is constructed such that it is initially cylindrical adjacent the external thread (32) and an inner thread can be formed in the inner surface (34) using the external thread (32) by rotating the drill (24) or the thread (70) in an axially forward direction (30). The tapping valve is easy to manufacture and yet offers a high degree of functional reliability.

Abstract: A regulator valve has a housing with a seal member therein. First and second plungers are movable in the housing toward and away from the seal member. The plungers are sealed to the housing and have passages therethrough. The plungers are biased toward the seal member by fluid pressure at the housing outlet end. The plungers are biased away from the seal member by a spring. First and second diaphragms connected to the plungers engage the housing inner wall in sealing engagement so that fluid must flow through the passages. The diaphragms and housing define an expansion chamber. A port in fluid communication with the expansion chamber allows selectable introduction of pilot pressure into the expansion chamber to force the first plunger into engagement with the seal member and prevent flow through the passages. In an embodiment of the regulator valve, the water inlet may be oriented at some divergent angle with respect to a water outlet such as 90 degrees.

Abstract: A metal diaphragm structure for pressure regulators for increasing flow capacity, flow control, and pressure rating. The structure includes a specially shaped metal diaphragm installed and clamped on its periphery into the outlet cavity of a pressure regulator body. The diaphragm is a circular thin metal disc dome shaped with specifically controlled height and thickness values.

Abstract: A bias spring structure for pressure regulators for increasing flow capacity. The inventive device includes a specially shaped metal disc. The bias spring is a circular, thin, conically shaped, metal disc, with a center through hole, and having specifically controlled height and thickness values.

Abstract: A safety valve for compressed air-operated consumers, including a valve housing having bores, and two direction control valves connected in parallel, each of the control valves having a working piston and a valve head connected to the piston. Two pilot control valves are operatively connected to the directional control valves so that each of the direction control valves is switchable by one of the pilot control valves. Each of the two valve heads is guided in a respective one of the bores in the valve housing. The housing has two cross-channels arranged to connect crosswise to each other. A first one of the pilot valves has a valve seat connected via a first pilot channel in the housing to one of the cross-channels which proceeds from the bore of one of the valve heads. A second of the pilot valves has a valve seat connected via a second pilot channel to another of the cross-channels which proceeds from the bore of another of the valve heads.

Abstract: A rotational limit stop comprising a substantially circular disc having an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter surface, the perimeter surface containing a plurality of teeth on one portion thereof, a central aperture passing through the center of the circular disc, and a plurality of resilient spring legs extending downwards from the lower surface of the disc, such that the resilient spring legs of the rotational limit stop flex to accommodate the compression forces as a faucet assembly containing the rotational limit stop is being assembled.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator has a housing having at least one pressure medium opening, a diaphragm chamber arranged inside the housing and having a side wall which is at least partially deformable, and a pressure medium chamber arranged outside of the diaphragm chamber, the pressure medium chamber at least partially being limited by a partially permeable material which allows an exit of gas from the pressure medium chamber but prevents an exit of a pressure medium from the pressure medium chamber.

Abstract: A thrust plug that performs the functions of both (i) reversibly capping an end of a length of pipe, a fitting, or the like and (ii) providing a surface against which a concrete thrust block can be cast, thereby facilitating thrust blocking. The thrust plug of the present invention comprises a plug affixed to a base for engagement with a thrust block and against which a concrete thrust block can be directly cast.

Abstract: A composite pipe includes a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner layer and a covering layer of fiber-reinforced plastics material which are joined to one another by force-locking and form-locking through an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a PFA layer and a layer of glass or carbon fibers, in order to improve adhesive and shear strength between the PTFE inner layer and the covering layer. The PFA layer is adjacent the PTFE inner layer and the layer of glass or carbon fibers is adjacent the covering layer of fiber-reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: A weft holder device holds the free weft thread ends in an air jet loom, using pressurized air and without requiring a suction device. The body of the device has a tapering opening through which the end of the inserted weft thread extends. The opening tapers into a narrower slot in the beat-up and drawing-off direction. An air flow channel communicates downwardly from the slot. Nozzles blow pressurized air downwardly through the slot and into the channel, to pneumatically push the weft thread ends into the channel, so as to hold the weft thread ends from when they are beat-up and bound into the woven cloth and a catch selvage, until the catch selvage is trimmed from the cloth. The weft holder device may be stationarily mounted at a location between a weft detector and a weft tensioner that are connected to the reed so as to move therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for binding an object, in particular a cable harness, having a tool, a band (9) and a lock (2), the band (9) being guided, in the form of a loop, through the lock (2), which has a band passage (23) and detents (21) arranged therein and engaging in the band (9), the tool having a clamp and a band guide (7), which opens out into a lock mount (5) on an end side of the tool, and also having a movable covering tongue (6), which temporarily prevents at least one of the detents (21) from engaging in the band (9), the covering tongue (6) being mounted in a pivotable manner. The covering tongue (6) is expediently arranged such that, in a deflected position, it projects into the band passage (23) of the lock (2) in the lock mount (5).

Abstract: In a device and a method for a tree harvester head for trimming tree trunks, the device includes a frame (1) supporting feed rollers (2), one or more trimming knives (4) that pivot towards and away from the tree trunk, as well as a trimming knife (6) permanently fixed to the frame (1) and with a radius of curvature that is essentially equivalent to the radii of curvature of the pivoting trimming knives (4).

Abstract: A support ring for a tire is disclosed. The support ring is to be mounted on a tire wheel for support of the underside of the tire when the tire is operated at underinflated conditions. The outer surface of the support ring is provided with a set of grooves that permit lubrication to freely travel over the surface of the ring during use.