Abstract: An oil supply structure for an engine cylinder head is disclosed. In an engine having a variable valve timing apparatus utilizing oil pressure as an operational power source to smoothly supply lubricating oil for the cylinder head and an operational oil for the variable valve timing apparatus in a clean state, the arrangement of passages allows for ease of installation and maintenance of the components of the oil temperature sensor and oil control valve comprising the variable valve timing apparatus.

Abstract: The current invention provides an inexpensive variable valve mechanism that includes a first intervening member which rotates a small angle rotation about an axis of a support shaft by being pressed by a rotating cam and a second intervening member which lifts a valve by making a small angle rotation about an axis of the support shaft together with the first intervening member thus pressing a cam corresponding part of a rocker arm.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method of an internal combustion engine performs a predetermined stop control of the engine that includes a control to stop the supply of fuel to the engine upon establishment of a predetermined stop condition, and a re-start control that includes a control to restart the supply of fuel to the engine in response to the establishment of a predetermined re-start condition. The apparatus has a stop control discontinuing device for discontinuing the stop control if the re-start condition is established within a predetermined period between establishment of the stop condition and a stop of the engine.

Abstract: A dry-sump lubrication unit for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. A crankshaft of the vehicle is disposed so as to be parallel with the direction of travel of the vehicle, and in a position offset from a center of the vehicle when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle. A transmission shaft is disposed on the other side thereof. An oil tank is disposed in a crankcase located substantially at the lower center of the crankcase when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle on the rear side with respect to the traveling direction, and/or in a space between the crankcase and a rear case cover. Oil pumps are disposed forwardly of the oil tank. An oil injection pipe extends from the oil tank toward the side surface thereof on the transmission side. The resulting configuration prevents variations in liquid surface of lubricating oil of the vehicle internal combustion engine due to shaking of the vehicle body, and makes it possible to downsize the entire power unit.

Abstract: A dry-sump lubrication type four-stroke cycle engine includes an oil feed pump for feeding oil by pressure to parts needing lubrication, and a scavenging pump for returning the oil lubricated the parts needing lubrication into an oil tank. The respective rotors of the oil feed pump and the scavenging pump are fixedly mounted on a single rotor shaft. The oil feed pump and the scavenging pump are mounted on a clutch cover which is configured to cover one side of a crankcase and contain a clutch.

Abstract: A cylinder disabling control apparatus for a multi-cylinder engine is provided which is capable of efficiently reducing the exhaust gas of the engine immediately after the starting thereof. The cylinder disabling control apparatus includes a variety of sensors (2, 3, 12-14, and 16), a catalytic converter (17) and a cylinder disabling control element (21) for inhibiting or stopping fuel supplied to the at least one specific cylinder in accordance with the engine operating conditions. The variety of sensors includes a water temperature sensor (14) for detecting a temperature of cooling water (WT). When the temperature (WT) upon starting of the engine 6 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature (WT1), the cylinder disabling control element (21) performs cylinder disabling control on the at least one specific cylinder until a predetermined time has elapsed immediately after the starting of the engine (6).

Abstract: A flame arrestor for a fuel pump having housing extending intermediate an upstream end defining an inlet port and a downstream end defining an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with the outlet port along a fluid flow path. The fuel pump further has a motor operably coupled to a pumping element. The arrestor is provided as a body received within the housing intermediate the outlet port and the motor. The arrestor body, which is formed of an open-cell foam material having an average pore size and thickness selected as being both fluid permeable and adapted to prevent an ignition source from propagating therethrough, is disposed in the fluid flow path such that fuel from the pumping element tank may be pumped to the outlet port through the body with the ignition source being prevented from passing into the outlet port.

Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling the injection of fuel into an internal combustion engine, a distinction is made at least between a first state and a second state. Immediately before the transition from the first state to the second state, the injection data is altered so that the emissions, in particular the production of noise, are gradually made to approximate the emissions in the second state.

Abstract: The swirl injector for an internal combustion engine is an electronic fuel injector for a direct injection engine, either gasoline or diesel. The injector has a housing defining a fluid channel, a needle valve disposed in the fluid channel with a spring biasing the valve to a closed position, and a solenoid disposed in the housing encircling the fluid channel. The injector has a nozzle with a conical valve seat and a cylindrical discharge orifice. The needle tip is ball shaped, and the needle body has a plurality of helical grooves which are rectangular in cross section having a width to depth ratio of 1.5:1 at about a 46° angle adjacent the tip. The valve lift is 50 &mgr;m in 60 &mgr;s. The penetration, swirl speed, and pitch angle are controllable through the injection pressure, providing an enhanced fuel injector for dual mode fuel injection.

Abstract: A system for estimating an auxiliary-injected fuel quantity includes a fuel injector for injecting fuel into an engine, a fuel pump supplying fuel to a fuel collection unit that then supplies fuel to the fuel injector, and a control circuit that generates an auxiliary-injected fuel quantity estimation model by disabling the fuel pump prior to fuel injection, and enabling the fuel pump to resume fuel pumping following fuel injection, by the fuel injector, determines a first pressure in the fuel collection unit after stabilization of the fuel pressure therein following disablement of the fuel pump and prior to the fuel injection, determines a second pressure in the fuel collection unit after the fuel injection and prior to resuming pumping of fuel by the fuel pump, and forms the model as a function of the first and second pressures and an injector on-time for a number of different engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A diesel engine, having a plurality of individually controllable fuel injected cylinders, is operated in a skip firing mode to reduce smoke emissions during low power operation. The system senses certain identified engine operating parameters and when these parameters exceed predetermined thresholds for a predetermined time, then the skip firing is implemented. In another embodiment, it is possible to implement several different skip firing patterns dependent upon engine performance. Upon implementation of skip firing, the engine timing angle is reset by a fixed angle and a multiplication factor is included in the speed loop integrator to ensure that the appropriate fuel volume value is injected into each cylinder immediately upon initiation of skip firing. Skip firing is then disabled when another set of predetermined conditions is satisfied.

Abstract: A supplementary brake for a vehicle adapted for use in a heavy duty vehicle to supplement the capacity of a main brake system for obtaining sufficient braking efficiency. The brake comprises an oil pressure supplying unit, an oil pressure control unit for controlling oil pressure, a pulsatory pressure forming unit for forming a pulsatory pressure to the oil pressure supplied from the oil pressure control unit to the profile of an engine injection cam, a valve opening and closing unit for opening an closing an exhaust valve of an engine according to the pulsatory pressure formed by the pulsatory pressure forming unit, and a controller for controlling the oil pressure supply unit according to the operating state of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is an ignition control system for an engine having at least one combustion chamber and an ignition element for initiating combustion in the chamber. As one aspect of the ignition control, a switching circuit is provided for controlling the firing of the ignition element based upon either a signal received from a mechanism which detects and outputs a first firing timing signal or a computing mechanism which outputs a second firing timing signal based upon the first firing timing signal. As a second aspect of the ignition control, ignition elements are paired and fired together. In this arrangement, the ignition control includes a mechanism for counting outputted firing signals and assigning them values. These values are used to control the firing of the pairs of ignition elements, permitting the pairs of elements to be fired such that combustion initiation in individual combustion chambers corresponding is controllable.

Abstract: A switching assembly (10) having closure elements such as switch valves (18), for example, for closing intake lines (24b) and an intake manifold (28) in which the switching assembly is installed. The switching assembly (10) advantageously is composed of assembly injection-molded valve modules including switch valves (18) and a frame (14b). Alternatively, the switch valves (18) may also be injection molded directly in place in the support component (17). Because it may be pre-assembled, the entire switching assembly (10) may be easily installed in the intake manifold. In addition, the switching assembly preferably has rotational axes (15) which lie at a right angle to the alignment of the valves. It is advantageous that each switch valve (18) has its own rotational axis, thereby avoiding additive tolerances. In this way a part is provided which is economical to produce and which satisfies the sealing requirements for the switching assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the temperature of an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. An exhaust gas temperature estimating unit sequentially estimates the temperature of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage, using at least a parameter representative of an operating state of the internal combustion engine. A heater control unit controls a heater for heating an active element of the exhaust gas sensor to a predetermined target temperature, using an estimated value of the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas temperature estimating unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling manifold absolute pressure in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine in parallel with an electric motor/generator. The method includes the steps of monitoring the torque demand on the hybrid electric vehicle, monitoring the manifold absolute pressure magnitude and change rate of the internal combustion engine, supplying torque from the internal combustion engine to meet the torque demand; and supplying torque from the motor/generator to load-level the torque supplied from the internal combustion engine and to maintain the manifold absolute pressure of the internal combustion engine within an acceptable range and rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition system for a 14 V or 42 V on-board power system voltage which is connected to the ignition transformer directly via the semiconductor power output stage without an intermediate power unit. After an input signal from a superordinate engine control device, the semiconductor power output stage is switched on by an ignition control device. As a result, a current is built up at the primary side of the ignition transformer. After the predefined maximum current value is reached for the first time, the primary side of the ignition transformer is switched off for a predefined time period. In this time period, a maximum voltage for the spark breakdown is built up at the electrodes of the spark plug according to the principle of self induction. After the spark discharge, the primary side of the ignition transformer is timed and current-limited until the end of the ignition process which is predefined by the superordinate engine control device.

Abstract: A method for controlling spark timing. A plurality of tables provides borderline timing data contributors for each of a corresponding one of a plurality of different engine operating conditions. The contributors in each table are a function of engine speed and air charge. Background borderline spark timing is determined at a background computational rate from a summation of the borderline timing data in the plurality of tables data in the plurality of tables at engine speed measured at the borderline computational rate and air charge determined at the borderline computational rate. A one-dimensional table has borderline timing data contributors extracted from the provided tables. The extracted borderline timing data contributors are the engine sped measured at the borderline computational rate and the air charge determined at the borderline computational rate. From the one-dimensional table, foreground borderline spark timing is determined at a higher, foreground computational rate.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling lean and rich operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap. In one example, the termination of the lean air-fuel mixture is based on an oxygen storage capacity and temperature of the NOx trap. In another example, the level and duration of rich air-fuel ratio purging operation is also controlled based on the oxygen storage capacity of the NOx trap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a fuel metering system (11) of a direct-injection internal combustion engine, having a fuel supply container, at least one prefeed pump a high-pressure pump assembly having at least two high-pressure pumps for pumping fuel out of the low-pressure region into at least one high-pressure reservoir, a control unit for regulating an injection pressure prevailing in the high-pressure reservoir, and having fuel injection valves for injecting fuel out of the high-pressure reservoir into combustion chambers of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel system is disclosed in which high-pressure fuel pump with a prefeed pump is proposed, in which the fuel quantity pumped by the prefeed pump is distributed for cooling and lubrication purposes, via a continuously adjustable multiposition valve, to the pump elements of the high-pressure fuel pump or to the low-pressure region of the high-pressure fuel pump. The multiposition valve is controlled by the control unit of the engine. An advantageous feature of the high-pressure fuel pump of the invention is that depending on the operating state of the engine and of the high-pressure fuel pump, an optimal distribution of the fuel quantity pumped by the prefeed pump can always be accomplished. Moreover, the energy demand by the prefeed pump is reduced and its service life is lengthened.

Abstract: The fuel injection device has a high-pressure pump that supplies highly pressurized fuel to at least one high-pressure reservoir connected to injectors disposed in cylinders of an engine, wherein the injectors are connected to a common low-pressure reservoir. A pressure holding valve maintains a predetermined low pressure in the low-pressure reservoir. A pressure regulating valve regulates the pressure in the high-pressure reservoir by diverting fuel from the at least one high-pressure reservoir through a diversion connection into a low-pressure region. The diversion connection of the pressure regulating valve is connected to the low-pressure reservoir so that the low-pressure reservoir is filled with fuel.

Abstract: There is described a control method for controlling the fuel injection pressure of a common rail injection system of an internal combustion engine, the injection system having a high-pressure pump for supplying high-pressure fuel to the common rail, and for performing, at each engine cycle, a first and at least a second fuel delivery synchronously with respective fuel injections to the engine; a regulating device for regulating the fuel pressure in the common rail; and an electronic control unit supplying the regulating device with a control signal to regulate the fuel pressure in the common rail.

Abstract: A fuel injection system having a high-pressure pump and a fuel injection valve for each cylinder of the engine in which the pump has a work chamber, and the fuel injection valve has a valve member movable in an opening direction counter to the force of a closing spring braced between the injection valve member and a displaceable storage piston that is acted upon, on its side remote from the closing spring, by the pressure in the pump work chamber. The storage piston is movable into a storage chamber counter to the force of the closing spring and the deflection stroke motion of the storage piston is limited by a stop.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, a fuel injection system and method sets an amount of fuel injected into each cylinder sequentially in a first cycle of fuel injection during a normal engine start in which an engine speed increases, such that an amount of fuel to be injected into one of the cylinders where the last injection is to be performed within the first cycle is larger than an amount of fuel to be injected into another one of the cylinders in the first injection within the first cycle.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control and leak detection system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system is in fluid communication with a fuel tank, an engine, and a carbon canister and includes an integrated valve module that is connected to the carbon canister and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The module provides for venting of the system when the system is exposed to predetermined high negative and positive pressure conditions, and a predetermined low negative pressure condition. The module also includes a switch that is operable to indicate when the system is in a high or low negative pressure condition for leak detection verification of the system.

Abstract: When purge control of fuel vapor, which is released from a fuel tank and is then adsorbed and retained in a fuel adsorption layer of a canister, is performed through ON/OFF control of a purge valve, ON/OFF of a heater plate received in the canister is controlled based on a purge fuel vapor concentration estimated through air-fuel ratio control operation of an engine. In this way, a sensor for measuring the purge fuel vapor concentration of the fuel vapor conducted from the canister to an intake passage of the engine can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine under high charge dilution conditions using a hydrogen-rich fuel is disclosed. The high charge dilution conditions are attained by diluting the hydrogen-rich fuel with gases such as excess air or recycled exhaust gas. The mixture to be charged to the combustion chamber is thoroughly mixed before it is introduced into the combustion chamber while the combustion chamber maintains a substantially quiescent state such that the charge mixture is introduced with an angular momentum lower than that of a typical low emission engine. The result is an internal combustion engine with both high efficiency and low emissions, particularly, low NOx emissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercharger system and a method for thermal modeling of a switched reluctance motor for supercharging an internal combustion engine. The supercharger system comprising: A supercharger driven by an electric motor, the motor having a rotor that rotates at an angular speed &ohgr; to draw a mass airflow volume V; a controller that controls the operation of the supercharger; a sensor for sensing a measure of the rotor angular speed &ohgr; and a sensor for sensing the mass airflow volume V. The controller is adapted to calculate using the temperature T of at least one component of the supercharger.

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 slingshot device having an improved target hitting rate. The slingshot device includes a slingshot, which is provided with a front sight and a handgrip, and a releaser, which is provided with a rear sight. The releaser is used to stretch an elastic band of the slingshot. The drawing distance of the elastic band is adjusted by changing the position of the handgrip. The front sight is movable in directions that are perpendicular to the shooting direction of a pellet. The rear sight has a sight slit, which is used to determine the drawing direction of the elastic band.

Abstract: A drop-away arrow rest having an arrow support arm that drops in a straight, non-pivotal and non-rotational path. The arrow rest has an arrow support arm that lifts the arrow from a first, relaxed, position to a second, actuated, position when the archer draws the bowstring. Upon release of the bowstring, the arrow support arm drops, with vertical, non-rotational and non-pivotal movement, in a straight line, to return to its relaxed state. Actuation and release of the arrow support arm is accomplished by an attachment to the bowstring, such as a cord, and by a biasing spring. The arrow rest includes various adjustments that allow lateral and/or horizontal positioning of the arrow in relation to the bow handle.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a pneumatic paintball gun includes a barrel body and a barrel insert. The barrel body has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel bore extending longitudinally through the barrel body from the breech end to the muzzle end. The barrel insert has a breech end, a distal end, and an insert bore, and is configured to be removably housed within a breech portion of the bore of the barrel body. The breech end of the barrel body is configured to attach to a breech end of the paintball gun. The barrel insert collaborates with the barrel body to provide a firing bore for the barrel assembly which guides a paintball fired from the breech end of the gun through the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel body. The barrel insert can be constructed having a thin, flexible wall so as to permit lateral deformation of the barrel insert.

Abstract: A foldable conduction oven comprises by a pedestal, a grill and a net. The pedestal comprises by two opposite outward plates, two opposite outward cover plates and a chassis. The riveting part of the four lugs, which are on the four edges of the chassis, and the four lugs, which are on the two outward cover plates, is the revolving central of the chassis and the two outward cover plates. It makes the two outward cover plates to revolve 90°. The riveting part of the four round holes, which are on the two side edges of the two long prominences of the chassis, and the four round holes, which are on the edges of the two outward plates, is the revolving central of the chassis and the two outward plates. It makes the two outward plates to revolve 90°. When unfold the two outward plates and the two outward cover plates, the prominent pellets on the inner side of the two outward plates, which are against the inner up sides of the two outward cover plates, are used to fasten the pedestal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel flat heating surface type gas stove which is capable of heating a heating substance across a heat resistance glass at practically applicable heating efficiency, overcoming any inconvenience resulting from the exposure of flame and facilitating the cleaning of the gas stove. This gas stove 10 comprises a heat resistance glass top plate 12 which is disposed over a burner 15, wherein a gas-permeable porous body 40 is disposed below said top plate 12, and a space between said top plate 12 and a surface of said gas-permeable porous body 40 is assigned to a combustion space S. Combustion gas generated is designed to be discharged through said gas-permeable porous body 40. As high-temperature combustion gas passes through said gas-permeable porous body 40, radiant heat B is generated from the surface of said gas-permeable porous body 40. Since the heating substance 4 is heated by both of heat conduction and radiation, high heating efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: An eye-use steam-generating heating sheet contains a steam-generating composition, which is covered with at least a first moisture-permeable sheet and a second moisture-permeable sheet in that order. The first moisture-permeable sheet has a moisture permeability of at least 600 g/m2/24 hrs, the second moisture-permeable sheet has a moisture permeability has a moisture permeability of 700 to 3000 g/m2/24 hrs, the first moisture-permeable sheet and the second moisture-permeable sheet are provided such that a steam accumulation space is formed therebetween, and at least one of the moisture-permeable sheets covering the steam-generating composition has a water resistance of at least 400 mm. This eye-use steam-generating heating sheet is sealed for storage.

Abstract: A wholly self-contained pond heater for use in preventing ice from forming on a pasture pond, comprising a heater assembly secured in a casing which is partially submersible in the pond. The heater assembly has a fire box from which intake and exhaust stacks extend upwardly. The stacks terminate in tips which face one another. The casing has louvers for the movement of air into and out of the casing, and an LPG fuel supply provided on the casing and connected to the heater assembly.

Abstract: A flow indicator (F) for an inhaler (I) comprises a housing (1) defining a mouthpiece (M2), an inlet (2) for connection to the product-dispensing chamber of the inhaler, a chamber (3) positioned between the inlet and the mouthpiece of the indicator, and an indicator member (4) movably mounted in the chamber in such a manner that inhalation at the mouthpiece of the indicator causes the indicator member to move within the chamber. The indicator member (4) is so mounted as to co-operate with a switch member (6, 9) associated with the housing (1) to provide an indication when inhalation is at an optimum rate for a given inhaler attached to the inlet (2).

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

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask fame.

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 pouch is provided for the blower unit of a powered air-purifying respirator system, to isolate the blower unit from hazardous material such as potentially-explosive dust or gas. The pouch has an opening at one end through which the blower unit can be inserted into the pouch, and is shaped at the other end to receive the blower unit. It also has air inlet openings positioned to register with air inlets of the blower and permit the connection of the filter cartridges thereto, and an air outlet opening positioned to register with the air outlet of the blower unit and permit the connection thereto of a breathing tube of the respirator system. When the blower unit is inside the pouch, seals at the pouch openings inhibit or prevent particulate or gaseous material from entering the pouch through the openings.

Abstract: A 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 that preferably includes 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 has slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The travel mask also has a foldable eye flap or flaps for blocking light when the flap or flaps are extended, the flap or flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area of the wearer during use.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for use in the delivery of non-invasive positive airway pressure to a user. The assembly includes a rigid shell having a channel portion defined by an inner wall, an outer wall and a channel floor, a face-contacting cushion acting to space the shell away from the user's face and a sealing tab extending from the cushion to engage a portion of the shell to provide a continuous airtight seal between the cushion and the shell. A retaining ring within the mask assembly is configured to secure the cushion to the shell. The retaining ring has a first portion including at least one clip configured to pass through at least one slot portion such that an underside surface of the at least one clip engages a section of the shell when the retaining ring is positioned within the channel.

Abstract: A device for restraining patients using specially designed straps in various lengths and widths that positively and securely secure a portion or all of a patient's anatomy so as to facilitate securing patients while minimizing trauma and bruising to the patient's body during surgical procedures or in transportation in medical facilities. The invention includes a device with a length of non-allergenic fabric having a soft patient engaging surface and an opposed patient non-engaging surface, first and second opposed ends, opposed edges, and a fastener associated with the length for fastening the device to itself, the edges of the fabric being folded over to present a rolled side margin having a continuously smooth and curved margin face, with the device being sanitizable and reusable, thereby hygienically for minimizing trauma to the mobility limited body portion.

Abstract: Methods of performing opening wedge osteotomies are disclosed in which healing of the osteotomy defect is enhanced by packing the opening with pre-packaged, wedge-shaped bone grafts. The bone wedges are provided in sets of three: two larger outer pieces and a smaller inner piece that fits behind a bone plate. The wedge pieces are made of allograft bone or synthetic bone material. Outer surfaces of the two larger pieces preferably are cortical bone or cortical bone-like material.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to smoking articles having reduced carbon monoxide delivery. In order to reduce carbon monoxide delivery, the wrapping papers used to construct the smoking article has a fiber basis weight of less than about 18 gsm. Smoking articles constructed in accordance with the present invention can have a carbon monoxide delivery less than about 18 mg per smoking article.

Abstract: A cigarette includes an ignition element in contact with tobacco, surrounded by a composite outer wrapper. The outer wrapper is impervious to oxygen causing the tobacco to extinguish between puffs. The ignition element, however, has a longer static burn time than the tobacco and remains smoldering between puffs. Upon a subsequent puff, the smoldering ignition element re-ignites the tobacco. One or more initially-occluded perforations in the outer layer maintain the uniformity in combustion of the tobacco and ignition element.

Abstract: The present invention is a comb that includes curved or angular teeth placed perpendicular to a cylindrical handle in a straight or helical path. It can be drawn through a lock of hair to create a ringlet curl that hangs free from the scalp. It may optionally include a second row of teeth, or an individual tooth, that incorporates additional strands of hair into the curl. The comb may include an extension that smoothes hair over the teeth. In operation one uses the comb to dress wet or dry hair. The first row of curved teeth is applied to the hair at the root, and drawn through the hair with a rotating motion that is consistent with the direction of the curve of the comb's teeth resulting in a ringlet curl that hangs free from the head.