Abstract: A solid-state Hall effect ignition system which requires connection to only a single ignition coil lead wire. The lead wire connects to both an output transistor and to power supply circuitry arranged to provide an internal bias or supply voltage for the solid-state ignition circuitry. Current limiting and automatic shut-off features dwell control, and polarity protection are also provided.

Abstract: A system for firing a spark plug is disclosed. The system includes a timing controller configured to send a first timing signal and a second timing signal. The system also includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding and a spark-plug that is operably associated with the secondary winding. A first switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The first switching element controls a supply of power to the primary winding based on the first timing signal. Also, a second switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The second switching element controls the supply of power to the primary winding based on the second timing signal. A method for firing a spark plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, permitting a differentiation between an air error and a fuel error as part of mixture adaptation. In at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine a deviation in an air-fuel mixture ratio from a setpoint value is corrected. For this correction in the at least one operating state the particular deviation in the air-fuel mixture ratio is determined for at least two setpoint values. From these deviations an air error and/or a fuel error is determined.

Abstract: When an internal combustion engine is in a low load and low rotation operation, and also an elapsed time after the starting of engine operation is less than a predetermined period of time, a heater heating an air-fuel ratio sensor is turned OFF, to stop an air-fuel ratio feedback control. When the internal combustion engine is in the low load and low rotation operation after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a low voltage is applied to the heater and also a gain is lowered, to perform the air-fuel ratio feedback control.

Abstract: A portable electric motor driven air gun powered by a power source. The motor is coupled to a lead screw, which drives a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston a valve opens which releases the air to act on the projectile. The compressed air is used to push a projectile such as a paintball, an airsoft ball, a “bb”, or a pellet through a barrel. The lead screw is then reversed and the piston is reset for the next shot. The piston is preferably coupled to a feeding mechanism to facilitate positioning of the projectile for firing. The direction speed and operative modes of the gun are preferably controlled with an electric circuit. The power source is preferably rechargeable and allows the air gun to be operated completely independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.

Abstract: A container assembly heats or cools a product inside an inner container. An outer jacket at least partially surrounds the inner container, with a first internal volume and a second internal volume in the space between the outer jacket and the inner container. A first temperature-change reagent is contained inside the first internal volume, and a second temperature-change reagent is held in the second internal volume, with a reagent separator between the two. Several penetrators are disposed to penetrate the reagent separator to produce openings through the separator and through which the two reagents can mix. Steel wool inside the first internal volume acts as a steam condenser. The outer jacket includes a jacket top ring secured around an upper surface of a standard can, a jacket body secured to the jacket top, and a flexible jacket bottom that carries several spikes molded onto the jacket bottom.

Abstract: A container assembly heats or cools a product inside an inner container. An outer jacket at least partially surrounds the inner container, with a first internal volume and a second internal volume in the space between the outer jacket and the inner container. A first temperature-change reagent is contained inside the first internal volume, and a second temperature-change reagent is held in the second internal volume, with a reagent separator between the two. Several penetrators are disposed to penetrate the reagent separator to produce openings through the separator and through which the two reagents can mix. Steel wool inside the first internal volume acts as a steam condenser. The outer jacket includes a jacket top ring secured around an upper surface of a standard can, a jacket body secured to the jacket top, and a flexible jacket bottom that carries several spikes molded onto the jacket bottom.

Abstract: A container assembly heats or cools a product inside an inner container. An outer jacket at least partially surrounds the inner container, with a first internal volume and a second internal volume in the space between the outer jacket and the inner container. A first temperature-change reagent is contained inside the first internal volume, and a second temperature-change reagent is held in the second internal volume, with a reagent separator between the two. Several penetrators are disposed to penetrate the reagent separator to produce openings through the separator and through which the two reagents can mix. Steel wool inside the first internal volume acts as a steam condenser. The outer jacket includes a jacket top ring secured around an upper surface of a standard can, a jacket body secured to the jacket top, and a flexible jacket bottom that carries several spikes molded onto the jacket bottom.

Abstract: An exhaust hood is provided for filtering pollutants from exhaust air. The exhaust hood includes a light assembly and an air blower assembly for generating a stream of air in front of the light assembly.

Abstract: A flue connection system for an appliance provides a flue connection member. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and an appliance, including a fireplace. An appliance connection member may also be provided for attachment to the appliance. The flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to one another with the flue connection member positioned in contact with the appliance connection member.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved prefabricated air circulating fireplace. A separate air distribution assembly is positioned generally above the fireplace and a removable hearth is positioned above the fireplace circulation air inlet opening. The air distribution assembly and removable hearth conceal the fireplace circulation air inlet and outlet grilles. The air distribution assembly is adapted to convey convection heat generated by the fireplace. During fireplace operation convection heat is conveyed behind the decorative fireplace facing and discharged at or along the ceiling providing additional opportunities for the use and positioning of combustible mantels and materials on the decorative facing of the fireplace.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A fluid discharge pump comprises: an outer cover connected to an upper portion of the fluid-storing portion; a nozzle head provided with a fluid discharge nozzle; a bellows member disposed between the fluid-storing portion and the nozzle head; a first valve mechanism for inflow coupled with a lower end of the bellows member; a second valve mechanism for outflow coupled with an upper end of the bellows member; and a third valve mechanism for anti-leakage disposed between the nozzle and the second valve mechanism inside the nozzle head.

Abstract: A method and device for intradermal delivery of a reconstituted powdered medicament. The device includes a chamber, which is in fluid communication with a microdevice, e.g. microabrader or one or more microneedles. A cartridge containing the powdered medicament may be located within said chamber. At least one burstable membrane retains a powdered medicament within the housing. The method involves the steps of positioning the device at a delivery site on the skin of a patient and intradermally administering the medicament by dispensing a diluent from a diluent source an through inlet port to rupture the membranes, reconstitute the powdered medicament and deliver the reconstituted medicament through the microdevice to the dermal region of the skin.

Abstract: A swimming snorkel and oxygen supplement apparatus that includes a mask and a headband strap to which is mounted a snorkel device, including a snorkel tube and a mouthpiece for inspiration of atmospheric air therethrough, and an oxygen supply system for communicating supplemental oxygen to the snorkel device.

Abstract: An underwater diving system including at least one breathable air tank that remains at the water surface, the air tank being flexible and integrated into a bag, such as a backpack. The flexible air tank is entirely contained within the bag when the air tank is empty, and is partially deployed outside the bag when the air tank is inflated with breathable air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement in the ventilatory treatment of the lungs of a living creature (2) under a state of anaesthesia, comprising valve equipment (4) devised to carry an insufflation gas and/or an insufflation gas mixture from a lung ventilation unit (3) into the lungs and airways (2a) of the living creature (2) and allow expiration of gas and/or gas mixture held in the airways. The said valve equipment (4) and a combination of sensor units (61, 61A, 62) are arranged in close proximity to one another. They are inter-connected by an end section for a bundle of tubing (30) from the lung ventilation unit (3), and the said sensor units (61, 61a, 62) are located closer to the said living creature (2) than the said valve equipment (4).

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having one or more air inlets. The chamber is sized to receive a capsule which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a puncturing mechanism within the housing. The puncturing mechanism comprises an alignment guide and a puncture member, wherein the alignment guide comprises a surface adapted to contact the capsule while the puncture member is advanced into the capsule to create an opening in the capsule. At least a portion of the surface is sloped relative to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the surface may comprise one or more protrusions. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the capsule through the opening created in the capsule.

Abstract: The invention refers to a new type of ventilator, which has a compact block made of plastic or metal and includes an electrical computer interface, in which rigid pipes and a gas supply container are integrated. The new structure is more compact than conventional superstructures. In addition to this, improvements have been made to the therapy gas delivery and nebulization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for reducing middle ear fluid and equalizing middle ear pressure in infants and toddlers. The apparatus coordinates the act of swallowing and the forcing of air into the nostril of the child. The coordinated actions allow air forced into the nostril to traverse the Eustachian tube when in its open state. A flexible member and a main flexible tube, connected accordingly, are both adapted to be inserted into the child's mouth and nostril, respectively, to achieve such coordination and allow air to enter the Eustachian tube when in its open state, ultimately allowing air to reach the middle ear.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming airway obstruction which is made of a flat rectangular plate that has a first and a second portion wherein the first portion has a length that is at least a distance that allows a patient's head to rest on and act as an anchor to the plate and the second portion has a length that is at least a distance that allows a band to be placed under a patient's chin and encircle the second portion so that an upward pull can be generated on the chin by the band when the second portion is placed in a perpendicular position to the first portion, and the plate's width is at least a distance that allows for the clearance of a patient's side facial features when the patient's head rests on the first portion of the plate and a band is made to encircle the chin of a patient and attach to the second portion of the plate; and a band that attaches to the second portion of the plate when the second portion is perpendicular to the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable pad apparatus for backboards. The pad apparatus releasably attaches to backboards using an adhesive mechanism. The pad apparatus is applied to the backboard prior to patient use and disposed of after patient use.

Abstract: A device for placing a reinforcing tape in a tissue of the human body includes an introducer having an elongated flexible body, at each of both ends of the body, pulling means, between both ends, a cavity for receiving the tape, and, at the cavity, means for cutting the body into two portions separable by pulling exerted on the pulling means. The cutting means includes at least one aperture provided in the wall of the cavity and intended for the passage of a cutting tool. This device is applicable to the treatment of cystoceles.

Abstract: A prosthesis for correcting urinary stress incontinence in women including right and left para-urethral hemi-prostheses, each of the hemi-prostheses formed of a biocompatible material and in the form of a strip, one end of the strip having a bulged portion and another end of which is adapted to be attached to the aponeurosis of the rectus muscle of the abdomen, and means for attaching the another end to the aponeurosis of the rectus muscle of the abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment method to excise a cancerous lesion, such as in the breast, with subsequent ablation of the margin. The method provides for location and excision with ablation under open guidance or guided imaging and for diagnosis by cytology. The method may be a minimally, invasive same day method with diagnosis before or immediately after excision. Also provided is a method of treating close or positive margins of an excisional site of a cancerous lesion in a breast by ablating the margin while monitoring the fluorescence of a fluorophor at the site to determine when ablation of the close or positive margin has occurred.

Abstract: A basic amino acid or a basic amino acid salt is added to a cigarette or a cigarette filter. It is desirable for the basic amino acid or the basic amino acid salt to be added in an amount of at least 1 mg/cigarette. It is also desirable for the basic amino acid or the basic amino acid salt to be added to the cigarette or the cigarette filter in the form of an aqueous solution. Also, it is possible to add a surfactant to the cigarette or the cigarette filter together with the basic amino acid or the basic amino acid salt.

Abstract: Process and device for applying print marks to an article that includes conveying the article along a transport direction at a predetermined conveyor speed, during a printing procedure, reducing a relative speed between a printing element and the article conveyed along the transport direction, and applying print marks to the article by the printing element. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to a method and composition for mentholation of cigarettes. The tobacco rod of the cigarette contains a compound that decomposes upon exposure to elevated temperatures to yield menthol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to a method and composition for providing a cooling effect to cigarettes. The tobacco rod of the cigarette contains a compound that imparts a cooing effect and sensation of freshness to tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A low sidestream smoke cigarette comprises a conventional tobacco rod and a non-combustible treatment material for the rod. The treatment material has a porosity less than about 200 Coresta units and a sidestream smoke treatment composition. The treatment composition comprises, in combination, an oxygen storage and donor metal oxide oxidation catalyst and an essentially non-combustible finely divided porous particulate adjunct for said catalyst. In addition, the invention provides a low sidestream smoke cigarette unit that comprises a cigarette with conventional cigarette paper surrounding a conventional tobacco rod and a non-combustible treatment material surrounding and being substantially in contact with the conventional cigarette paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to a method and composition for mentholation of smoking articles, including microencapsulation of menthol or other flavorants in a material melting below the pyrolysis zone of the smoking article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to catalytic systems containing metallic or carbonaceous particles that reduce the content of certain harmful or carcinogenic substances, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, carbazole, phenol, and catechol, in mainstream cigarette smoke and in side stream cigarette smoke.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a tobacco portion having cut tobacco wrapped with a cigarette paper sheet into a rod shape. The cut tobacco has a cut width of 1.2 mm or more. Projections having a height which corresponds to ? or more of the thickness of the cigarette paper sheet are formed from the inner surface of the sheet in array partially or entirely on the surface of the cigarette paper sheet, and the sheet is arranged with the projections directed towards the cut tobacco side.

Abstract: A cuticle removing device includes a first set having a first handle and a first scrubbing stick connected to a first end of the first handle. A recess is defined in the first handle and communicates an opening defined in a second end of the first handle. A second set has a second handle and a second scrubbing stick connected to a first end of the second handle. The second set is removably received in the recess. A ring is mounted to an outer periphery of the second handle and engaged with an inner periphery of the recess.

Abstract: A hair fluid applicator includes a plurality of hollow teeth, with a threaded receiver top which can accommodate a standard plastic bottle. There is a vertical opening—instead of holes—at the tip of each tooth enabling quick fluid dispense in all directions within 180 degrees and 360 degrees range. Three layers of hollow teeth arranged in a zigzag position coat the same hair with hair fluid three times in one brush. Such design and arrangement of teeth allow deep penetration, and even and quick distribution of the fluid.

Abstract: Notorious Hair Designs is a series of templates and/or guides used in conjunction with an electrical or battery powered hair trimmer to produce specific designs in body hair. One of the templates/guides is placed over an area of body hair and the hair trimmer is used to remove all hair surrounding the template and not covered by the guide. Thereby producing the design of the template in the form of the remaining body hair.

Abstract: A flossing device has an internal supply of floss, a pair of tines between which a length of the floss is strung, and a vibration source that causes the floss to vibrate at a frequency of least 10 Hz. In another aspect, a dental cleaning device has three separable parts—a handle, a neck section, and a plurality of interchangeable cleaning heads. The handle has a power source that is in electronic communication with the neck section, and the neck section houses a vibration source that is received by the interchangeable cleaning heads.

Abstract: A combination dental floss dispenser and key chain, with sanitary cover for floss and replaceable spool of floss. The dispenser is of a single plastic molding.

Abstract: An improved single-handed flossing device is provided which allows a user to use a high strength floss in order to obtain a relatively high floss tension between two tines of the device. The flossing device comprises a housing within which a floss supply, floss pathways, and a take-up mechanism are disposed. Actuation of the take up mechanism advances floss from the supply and through the pathways. The floss exits the housing and is exposed between a pair of housing tines. The exposed portion of floss is used by the user during flossing. A stop mechanism disposed between the supply floss and the take-up mechanism selectively restrains floss from being advanced. When the stop mechanism is engaged, actuation of the take-up mechanism applies tension to floss. The floss preferably has a relatively high strength, and the flossing device is configured in order to accommodate and capitalize on the characteristics of such high strength floss.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for removing particles from the surface of a substrate include determining respective position coordinates of the particles on the surface. A beam of electromagnetic energy is directed via an optical cleaning arm at the coordinates of each of the particles in turn, such that absorption of the electromagnetic energy at the surface causes the particles to be dislodged from the surface substantially without damage to the surface itself.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning screen printing frames, wherein the frame is contacted with a cleaning liquid which is capable of dissolving or washing out ink residues present in and/or on the screen fabric, and wherein cleaning liquid present in the screen fabric after dissolution of the ink residues is removed, environmental problems are avoided in that the removal of the cleaning liquid takes place by entraining it in a gas flow, and then the entrained liquid is preferably separated from the gas flow.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods of operating a cleaning solution system that automatically disposes of dirty water and provides new water to a mop bucket. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.

Abstract: A dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, performing a main washing cycle depending upon an amount of food residue on used dishes or a pollution level thereof, are disclosed. The method includes supplying washing water to the dishwasher, detecting for an N number of times a pollution level of the supplied washing water during a preliminary washing cycle, and comparing the detected pollution levels with a reference pollution level, and carrying out a main washing cycle depending upon a comparison result between the detected pollution levels and the reference pollution level.

Abstract: In the art of wet-cleaning a substrate by etching with a cleaning solution prepared by dissolving hydrofluoric acid as an active component in water, using the process of measuring the concentration of a predetermined component regularly and then replenishing the cleaning solution with a component for correcting the concentration at need on the basis of the result of measurement on the concentration in case of cleaning the substrate with an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride as the cleaning solution while controlling air in a cleaning draft at an exhaust rate within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A light weight vehicle adapted to conduct and assist cleaning and video inspections of sewer lines. The vehicle is configured to be light and maneuverable. The vehicle is equipped with inspection cameras and support equipment that are positioned such that the operator can conduct the inspection from inside the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a telescoping camera boom that enables an operator to inspect the inside of manholes. The vehicles includes sides and a roof that provides protection for the operators, equipment, and paperwork.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning internal passageways within a component, such as a component to be used in an engine. The device for cleaning the internal passageway includes a first probe having a longitudinal axis and at least one nozzle oriented at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the first probe has two nozzles, both oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and offset 180 degrees from each other. The device further includes a second probe having a longitudinal axis and a nozzle in a tip end, which nozzle is oriented along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first and second probes are connected to a common manifold.

Abstract: A method and system to represent surface temperatures. The method and system represent a surface temperature experienced by a medical device during a washing cycle in a medical washing machine. A temperature strip is positioned proximate a surface of the medical device to represent the surface temperature experienced by the medical device during the washing cycle in the medical washing machine.

Abstract: Described are methods of processing one or more semiconductor wafers wherein the one or more wafers are processed in the presence of a gaseous antistatic agent. The method generally comprises performing one or more chemical treatment, rinsing, and/or drying steps in the presence of a gaseous antistatic agent. Preferably, a gaseous antistatic agent is present during at least a portion of a drying step and more preferably, during at least a portion of both a rinsing step and a drying step. In one preferred embodiment, the gaseous antistatic agent comprises carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a plurality of injector needles is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the plurality of injector needles to a cleaning solution, removing the plurality of injector needles from the cleaning solution, and exposing simultaneously the hollow interior shaft of each injector needle to a gaseous stream. The gaseous stream removes any moisture and fine particles that remain in the plurality of injector needles after the injector needles are cleaned. In one embodiment the injector needle's hollow interior shaft is of a lesser diameter at the tip than at the head of the injector needle. The gaseous stream is directed into the injector needle through the tip and exits the needle through the head, thereby simultaneously backflushing the injector needles.