Abstract: The herein disclosed Compression Ignition By Air Injection (CIBAI) cycle and internal combustion engine has following advantages over Otto and Diesel cycles: higher thermal efficiency and operating like a stratified charge engine on lean mixtures. More reliable by lack off: spark ignition, high-pressure fuel pump and injectors; throttle valve and cold starting problems. Only one valve is required in addition to the usual I.C. engine components. However the CIBAI cycle requires one or more pairs of piston/cylinders to operate together in phase. During the compression stroke a closed cylinder-connecting valve isolates the cylinders. One cylinder compresses an air-fuel mixture to below knock level. The other cylinder compresses only air to high pressure and temperature. Near top dead center, the cylinder-connecting valve opens allowing the high-pressure air to compress, heat and ignite the pre-evaporated air-fuel mixture. This valve remains open during following power stroke and scavenging of exhaust products.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is used for on-board power supply in a motor vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine. The blower fan that is used to cool the radiator of the engine also cools the fuel cell module and/or it provides the air feed for operating the fuel cell module.

Abstract: A cylinder head for a multi-cylinder liquid-cooled internal combustion engine having a cooling chamber configuration adjacent to a fire deck which is divided by an intermediate deck essentially parallel to the fire deck into a lower cooling chamber next to the fire deck and an upper cooling chamber adjoining the lower one in the direction of the cylinder axis, the lower and upper cooling chamber communicating with each other via at least one first transfer opening, where at least one first transfer opening is provided in the area of an opening receiving a preferably centrally disposed fuel injection device, where at least one coolant inlet per cylinder (A,B,C), which is preferably located in the fire deck, opens into the lower cooling chamber, at least one coolant outlet departs from the upper cooling chamber, where a lower cooling chamber is associated with each cylinder (A,B,C), the lower cooling chambers of at least two adjacent cylinders (A,B,C) are essentially separated from each other by a partitioning

Abstract: A cylinder block has a number of cylinder bores and a water jacket at least partially surrounding the bores. When casting a cylinder block the water jacket is formed by a slender wall of a sand core. To enable the wall to be removed from the core box the wall must taper over its entire height. Prior art water jackets therefore taper from a minimum sand core wall width at the base to a large width at the top. The cylinder block of the invention has a water jacket which, when viewed in transverse section, is wider in an intermediate portion than at either its top or base. In providing a water jacket which is narrower at the top, there is more room for the addition of machined features on the top deck. Furthermore, a water jacket which is narrower at the base can have a greater depth than conventional water jackets.

Abstract: A barrel engine has an elongated power shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A plurality of cylinders surround the longitudinal axis, with each having a closed end and an open end. An intake system introduces a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. The power shaft has an intake lobe and an exhaust lobe extending therefrom. The intake system includes an intake valve and an exhaust valve for each of the cylinders. A valve actuation mechanism includes an intake rocker arm with one end in mechanical communication with the intake lobe, the other end in mechanical communication with the intake valve, and a mid-portion that is pivotally supported. The mechanism also includes an exhaust rocker arm with one end in mechanical communication with the exhaust lobe, the other end in mechanical communication with the exhaust valve, and a mid-portion that is pivotally supported.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a motorcycle engine including a valve body and a plurality of reed valve constructions. The valve assembly is configured for receipt within an aperture of an engine wall extending between the crankcase and the cam chest of the engine. In particular, the valve assembly is configured to fit within a bearing support structure and seal around a pinion shaft.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine, especially for a portable handheld work apparatus, includes a combustion chamber configured in a cylinder. The combustion chamber is delimited by a piston which moves upwardly and downwardly. Combustion air is supplied to the engine via an air channel. The air channel opens with an air channel window into the cylinder. The crankcase of the two-stroke engine is connected at pregiven piston positions to the combustion chamber via transfer channels. The transfer channels open with inlet windows into the cylinder. An injection nozzle opens into at least one transfer channel. In the region of top dead center of the piston, the air channel is connected via a piston window to a transfer channel. An injection nozzle is arranged in the transfer channel and injects fuel into the transfer channel during the induction of combustion air into the crankcase.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an actuation assembly having a body, a slidable piston, and first, second, and third chambers defined between the piston and the body. Low pressure and high pressure fluid sources may be included. A first fluid passage may connect the low pressure fluid source to the second chamber. A second fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the second chamber, and a third fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the third chamber. A control valve may be connected to the low pressure fluid source, to the high pressure fluid source, and to the first chamber. The control valve may be configured to move between a first position at which the high pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber, and a second position at which the low pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, in particular in an injection valve of an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing (20), in which housing a system region (21) is embodied, in which region a piezoelectric actuator module (22) and a hydraulic coupler module (23) are disposed, which has both an adjusting piston (24), on which the actuator module (22) acts, and an actuating piston (30) that is operatively connected via a hydraulic chamber (29) to the adjusting piston (24) and that is connected to a valve closing member (31) cooperating with a valve seat (37), and the adjusting piston (24) and the actuating piston (30) define the hydraulic chamber (29), and a system pressure for refilling the hydraulic chamber (29) prevails in the system region (21), from which a diversion conduit (38) branches off. The system region (21) is acted upon by a fluid via the diversion conduit (38).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders containing pistons connected with a crankshaft for transmitting power. The cylinders have closed ends, intake and exhaust ports communicating with the cylinders through the closed ends, valves operable to open and close the ports to air and exhaust flow to and from the cylinders, and a lower end pressure oil lubrication system operative to lubricate at least the cylinders, pistons and crankshaft of the engine. The engine includes hydraulic actuators operable to actuate the valves and forming part of a separate upper end hydraulic oil actuation system operative to selectively supply high pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuators to actuate the valves in a predetermined manner. Optionally, the hydraulic system may have an oil reservoir within the engine block, such as in the valley between the cylinder banks of a V type engine.

Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which can maintain stable valve lift. An adjuster screw is mounted into a threaded hole formed in the bottom of the end plate of a lifter body. An elastic member is mounted in the threaded hole to bias the adjuster screw axially downwardly. The female threads of the threaded hole and the male threads of the adjuster screw are serration-shaped. A plurality of axial grooves are formed in the inner periphery of the threaded hole to circumferentially divide the female threads into many separate portions, and satin-finished rough surfaces are formed on the pressure flanks of the male threads by shot-peening to enable quick expulsion of oil film disposed between the opposed pressure flanks, thereby stabilizing the valve lift.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated choke system for use with an internal combustion engine and method of using the same including a vacuum actuator for moving an actuating arm for connection to a choke valve of an internal combustion engine from a first position to a second position, an air valve in communication with the vacuum actuator, and a vacuum mechanism in communication with the vacuum actuator and the air valve for causing air to discharge through the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the first position to the second position and whereby the air valve is operable to allow air to enter the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A decompression device is provided for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head provided with a pair of left and right camshaft bearings sandwiching intake valves and exhaust valves with a structure that is both simple and small. A camshaft is provided having cam projections for at least a pair of intake cams between camshaft side bearings corresponding to the pair of left and right bearings, and a decompression member with a decompression cam with a centrifugal weight arranged at a camshaft end passing through the bearing close to the camshaft end so that a tip thereof is arranged in the vicinity of the cam projections, with the decompression member comprising the centrifugal weight, the decompression cam, and a rotatable shaft coupling the centrifugal weight and the decompression cam in an integral manner.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a temperature regulating system (1) in a vehicle. The system includes an hydraulic arrangement (6) that is adapted to provide components intended for rotation belonging to a gearbox (5) of the vehicle and at least one of the axles (2, 3) of the vehicle with hydraulic oil from the same container (7). The system also has an arrangement (22) for regulating the temperature of the oil in the hydraulic arrangement (6) via a heat exchanger unit (21). The temperature regulating arrangement (22) is also adapted to cool the engine (4) of the vehicle.

Abstract: The Quasiturbine (Qurbine in short) uses a rotor arrangement peripherally supported by four rolling carriages, the carriages taking the pivoting blade pressure-load of the blades forming the rotor, and transferring the load to the opposite internal contoured housing wall. The present invention discloses a central, annular, rotor support for the rotor geometry defined by the pivoting blades and associated wheel-bearings, while still maintaining the important center-free engine characteristic. The pressure-load on each pivoting blade is taken by its own set of wheel-bearings rolling on annular tracks attached to the central area of the lateral side covers forming part of the stator casing.

Abstract: A swirl chamber used in association with a combustion chamber for diesel engines, includes a pair of sub-nozzle holes on the opposite sides of a main nozzle hole to supply a secondary air into the swirl chamber, the sub-nozzle holes being positioned such that the secondary air ejected therethrough is fully utilized for the combustion in the swirl chamber, thereby securing the complete combustion and the reduction of environmental contaminants such as NOx and fumes.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce exhaust emission during the staring phase of a direct-injection internal combustion engine. For this purpose, at least one first injection per working cycle takes place when the internal combustion engine is cold, especially during the starting and/or warm-up phase, thereby producing a substantially homogeneous, combustible fuel/air mixture (56) in the combustion chamber (12). In the same working cycle at least one further injection is supposed to take place which produces a substantially rich fuel/air mixture (64) in the zone of the ignition device (34). The lambda value of the fuel/air mixture (64) produced by the second injection in the zone of the ignition device (34) is smaller than the lambda value of the fuel/air mixture (56) present in the remaining combustion chamber.

Abstract: A starting device for an internal combustion engine is capable of increasing starting torque as well as supplying air to a cylinder that is on the expansion stroke without separately providing a means for supplying high-pressure air. Communication control valves control the states of communication between cylinders of the engine. A crank angle detector detects the crank angle of a crankshaft of the engine. A compression/expansion identification part identifies the compression stroke or the expansion stroke of each cylinder. Fuel is injected into a cylinder on the expansion stroke and ignited therein, and the expansion stroke cylinder is placed in communication with a cylinder on the exhaust stroke by a communication state control part for a prescribed time after the ignition thereof, after which the expansion stroke cylinder is further placed in communication with a cylinder on the compression stroke for a prescribed time.

Abstract: A ball valve operable as an engine brake to resist high rpm operation of the engine on which it is installed. The ball valve has a noncontact seal and can include an aperture through a seal face to permit bypass of sufficient exhaust for operation of the engine at idle while the brake is engaged. If present, the aperture can be tuned, or sized, to provide a desired back pressure matched to a specific engine.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting one of a plurality of voltage signals generated by a plurality of sensors in response to a common sensor input. The method determines which sensor to use based on a comparison the of the output of the sensors to each other and to known values.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air induction system in a motor vehicle. The air induction system comprises an air filter, a clean air duct, a mass air flow sensor housing duct, a mass air flow sensor and a flow conditioning device. The flow conditioning device is disposed inside a mass air flow sensor housing duct. The flow conditioning device is located upstream from the mass air flow sensor. The air flowing through the clean air duct encounters turbulence near the walls of the duct. The flow conditioning device prevents the turbulent air from flowing into the mass air flow sensor.

Abstract: The ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition device and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to execute steps including: determining if a predetermined condition for ignition timing retardation control; calculating a basic ignition timing value based on a knocking learning value, an engine speed, an intake air pressure, and an intake air temperature, if it is determined that the predetermined condition exists; calculating an ignition timing retardation value based on engine speed and intake air pressure; calculating an ignition timing retardation coefficient based on engine coolant temperature; calculating a final ignition timing value based on the basic ignition timing value, the ignition timing retardation value, and the ignition retardation coefficient; and controlling ignition timing according to the final ignition timing value.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the combination of fuel rail pressure control at lower speed using high pressure regulation plus fuel rail pressure control at higher speed using any of a variety of forms of inlet metering. The partial filing control at high speed can in one embodiment include pre-metering the quantity of feed fuel delivered to each pumping chamber, for example by modulating the feed pressure at the pumping chamber inlet. Another embodiment includes passing the feed fuel from the inlet passage through a fixed, calibrated orifice sized to pass sufficient feed fuel to fill the pumping chambers in the charging phase during operation of the engine in the low speed range, while in the high speed range the flow resistance of the orifice prevents the pumping chamber from filling in the charging phase, thereby monotonically decreasing the quantity of high pressure fuel delivered to the discharge passage in the discharge phase per engine revolution, with increasing speed above the transition speed.

Abstract: In a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, there is provided a technology capable of keeping the pressure of fuel constant. Fuel pumps are provided in which the pressure of fuel to be discharged therefrom can be adjusted due to an increase and a decrease in the amount of the fuel discharged, and the discharge of fuel therefrom can be stopped. Fuel injection valves serve as a fuel pressure reducing device that reduces the fuel pressure raised by the fuel pumps. A fuel pressure adjusting section changes the number of operations of the fuel pumps and the amounts of fuel discharged from the fuel pumps in such a manner that an average value of the fuel pressure from after the fuel pressure has once been raised until the fuel pressure is again raised becomes substantially constant before and after the number of operations of said fuel pumps is changed.

Abstract: A common rail fuel injection system for a motor vehicle, comprising a distributor rail (16) fluidly connected to at least one fuel injector (18), an accumulator chamber (14) fluidly connected to the distributor rail, a high pressure fuel pump (10) that has an inlet for receiving fuel from a low pressure feed system (20, 22, 24) and an outlet chamber (12) for proving fuel at high pressure to the accumulator (14). A recirculation valve (52) is fluidly connected to the pump outlet chamber (12), the accumulator (14), and the low pressure feed system, wherein at a first position the recirculation valve fluidly aligns the outlet chamber (12) with the accumulator (14) and in a second position aligns the outlet chamber with the low pressure system for recirculation of fuel through the high pressure pump at the low pressure.

Abstract: Fuel accumulator (10) includes a segmented housing (12) that includes a front wall (34), rear wall (36), and a fuel delivery ring (38). The fuel outlet ports (40) and (42) are formed in the fuel delivery ring, and the fuel delivery ring can be detached, rotated and reattached at different angles about the housing. Flexible diaphragm (72) and the air behind it in the rear wall interior cavity (50) modulate the pressure of the fuel inside the fuel accumulation chamber (60), (70), as the fuel passes through the filter (76).

Abstract: A compensating element for a fuel injector, insertable into a receiving bore of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, is provided with a rigid first ring configured to be circumferentially placed against the fuel injector. A rigid second ring is configured to be inserted into the receiving bore. An elastic intermediate ring, positioned between these rigid rings, is permanently joined to the rigid first ring and the rigid second ring.

Abstract: In a common rail gasoline fuel injection system having a high pressure fuel supply pump (14) in which fuel is pressurized in a pumping chamber and delivered through a high pressure passage (16) to the common rail (18), the improvement comprising a flow volume intensifier (22) situated in the high pressure passage (16). Preferably the intensifier has a cranking configuration in which a primary piston (32) of relatively low effective cross sectional area on which only the primary pressure of the pumping chamber is imposed, and a secondary piston (44) contacting the primary piston (32) and having a relatively large effective cross sectional area on which only the common rail pressure is imposed, whereby when the primary piston (32) is displaced a primary volume toward the secondary piston (44) by the primary pressure from the pumping chamber, the secondary piston (44) displaces a secondary volume of fuel into common rail (18) that is larger said primary volume.

Abstract: A gasoline engine is provided which is capable of introducing a large amount of EGR gas for performing homogeneous combustion and thus offering a good fuel economy. An external EGR mechanism or an internal EGR mechanism is used to introduce an EGR gas into a combustion chamber (a cylinder). A mixture of fresh air and fuel is thereafter directly injected from a mixture injection valve into the combustion chamber, thereby forming a region of said mixture in an area near an ignition plug. In addition, engine operating parameters are controlled in accordance with the amount of fresh air supplied into the combustion chamber (cylinder) after an intake valve has been closed. This makes possible homogeneous combustion using a large amount of EGR, which eventually increases fuel economy.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system, dual loop EGR system and method is provided, with a high pressure EGR loop, controlled by a control valve, in fluidic connection with the exhaust outlet of the exhaust manifold and the air inlet of the intake manifold, and a low pressure EGR loop, wherein exhaust, in proportions controlled by a control valve, enters a compressor from a point downstream of an exhaust emissions controller, together with fresh air, the low pressure EGR loop being in fluidic connection with an output of the compressor and the air inlet of the intake manifold.

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

Abstract: A system 10 for increasing electrical spark current to the spark plugs of an electronic ignition system for internal combustion engines includes a capacitor 12 parallel with a switch 14; a primary winding 16; a secondary winding 18 in series with a spark plug 20, the capacitor 12 and switch 14 being in series with the primary winding 16; and a battery 22 having a positive terminal connected to the primary winding 16, and a negative terminal connected to the capacitor 12, switch 14 and spark plug 20. The components cooperating to direct positive and negative electrical currents through the primary winding 16 whereby a peak to peak primary winding current occurs that induces a corresponding secondary winding current through said secondary winding 18.

Abstract: A vehicle control system regulates oxides of nitrogen levels in vehicle emissions. Recirculation of exhaust gas in an engine is controlled with an exhaust gas regulator valve and/or a cam phaser. An oxides of nitrogen sensor determines the level of oxides of nitrogen levels in the exhaust gas and communicates the information to a vehicle controller. The controller determines if the oxides of nitrogen levels are within a predetermined threshold according to a lookup table. The controller adjusts the valve and/or cam phaser if the oxides of nitrogen levels are not within the threshold.

Abstract: A cooking assembly includes a first tube formed with two diametric openings, and a second gas tube extending into the first tube and having an annular groove aligned with the openings in the first tube. A retaining clip includes a U-shaped segment disposed at one side of the first tube, two clamping segments extending respectively from two opposite ends of the U-shaped segment through the openings in the first tube and the groove in the second tube in such a manner that the clamping segments engage releasably the groove in the second tube.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling flow in filtering systems and for balancing the flow through fluid systems employs flow control devices that minimize suspended matter precipitation. Several embodiments are included. In a first embodiment, a smooth-walled flow control device (410) with no abrupt transitions is provided in a flow conduit section. In a second embodiment, a filter (305) acts as a flow control device. A variation of the latter locates a flow control device (300) immediately adjacent to the filter (305) and upstream of it. In other embodiments, a control system (950) detects the real time status of the load to provide on the fly critical balancing.

Abstract: An autonomous heliostat (1) having an independent autonomous control function and eliminating the need for a complicated control by a computer or the like is provided. The heliostat includes a target sensor (19) for controlling reflected light (R) from a mirror component (5) to direct it to the target sensor 19, and a search sensor (12) for catching sunlight (S) to guide reflected light from the mirror component to the target sensor, thereby to autonomously start control by the target sensor.

Abstract: A solar blackbody waveguide that captures and uses sunlight to heat a thermal working or heat transfer fluid. Solar cell arrays capture the sunlight. The arrays are movably mounted on solar towers to track the daily movement of the sun and to maintain the proper angle with the horizon throughout the year. The arrays direct the light into a series of light pipes to deliver the light into a solar coil located within an underground insulated pipeline. Energy from the light rays is absorbed by the solar coil and transferred to the thermal working fluid or heat transfer fluid flowing between the solar coil and the insulated pipeline. The energy laden thermal working or heat transfer fluid is removed from the downstream end of the insulated pipeline so that it can be used with existing technologies, such as with a combined cycle gas turbine, boiler, or steam generator.

Abstract: A portable solar heater (10) is provided for use with a window (12) of an enclosed space (14) of a building structure or vehicle (16). The portable solar heater (10) includes a sheet metal body (30) and a releasable support (32) to mount the sheet metal body (30) relative to an interior surface (20) of the window (12). The sheet metal body (30) includes a pair of oppositely facing surfaces (34,36) separated by a thickness t of the sheet metal. One of the surfaces (34,36) is a window facing surface (34) and is a highly solar energy absorptive surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of treating respiratory diseases, e.g., pediatric asthma, in a continuing regimen with not more than one daily dose of the drug budesonide using a nebulizer.

Abstract: A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus for supplying breathable gas, includes a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet and an impeller in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A mask and regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) having a lens and a nozzle, the regulator being adapted for connection to the nozzle. A bifurcated display is mounted on the regulator for displaying amounts of pressure through a port communicating with the lens on either side of the nozzle. A high pressure connection to the source of breathing gas is connected to a transducer assembly for indicating the pressure to the bifurcated display on the regulator on either side. The display provides pressure values through the exterior of the lens in a bifurcated manner analogous to an arcuate gauge display.

Abstract: A securement device for a nasal cannula having a nosepiece and first and second cannula tubes. An elongated strap having a first end and a second end and a first surface and a second surface. The first end encircling the first cannula tube behind and below a user's one ear, and the second end encircling the second cannula tube behind and below the user's other ear. The elongated strap first surface has a strip of hook fastener and a cooperating strip of loop fastener near the first end. The first surface has a strip of hook fastener and a cooperating strip of loop fastener near the second end. The strips of hook fastener being adjacent to their respective cooperating strips of loop fastener on the first surface without space between them.

Abstract: A self-contained transportable life support system for resuscitation, stabilization, and transport of a patient has an environmentally controlled housing for receiving and supporting a patient and a plurality of medical devices disposed within the housing. A control circuit attached to the housing has at least a portion thereof extending to an external surface of the housing for regulating operation of the medical devices and environmental conditions of within the housing in response to monitored life support conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A unitary wound closure device adapted to permit a wound on a patient to be viewed while the closure device is secured to the patient. The device comprises a body having sufficient flexibility for it to be folded against itself. The body includes first and second surfaces facing away from one another, a securing portion having a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition with one another and viewing portion having a length and width sufficient to circumscribe the wound of the patient. A first quantity of adhesive-substance is disposed on the first surface of the body to adhere the securing portion of the body to the patient. A second quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the second surface of the body to adhere the viewing portion to the patient and the securing portion when the viewing portion is folded over and onto the protecting portion and the patient.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and related kit are disclosed for treating an airway condition of a patient. A cartridge apparatus is disclosed for use in treating an airway condition of a patient and for use in combination with a handle sized to be hand-grasped by an operator and having an actuator mechanism to be selectively actuated by said operator. The cartridge includes a implant of biocompatible material sized to be embedded within a tissue of the airway. A needle has a distal tip for penetrating into the tissue. The needle has an axially extending bore. The implant is disposed within the bore at the distal tip. The cartridge has a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the handle for the implant to be ejected from the distal tip upon actuation of the actuator. The kit of the invention includes a container including a plurality of such cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a hematoma for encouraging the increased production of hemoglobin. The apparatus for producing a hematoma includes a pressure bell having a wall defining an interior space and a lip extending around a lower periphery of the wall designed for providing a substantially airtight seal against a skin of a user, a housing removably coupled to and in fluid communication with an insertion port of the pressure bell, and a vacuum assembly positioned within the housing for removing air from the interior space of the pressure bell such that a lower pressure area is created within the pressure bell thereby drawing blood to a surface of the skin of the user.

Abstract: A method by which immune responses to cortical bone grafts and other substrates (e.g., cement, IPN, etc.) can be minimized and at the same time graft osteoinductive potential can be improved, and improved graft substrate materials are disclosed. The method of the invention provides new types of bone grafts that incorporate into host bone more thoroughly and more rapidly, eliminating long-term complications, such as fracture, non-union, infection, and rejection. In the method of the invention, bone grafts or other substrates are modified to have an osteoinductive surface modification that the recipient's body will accept as its own tissue type and therefore will not reject or otherwise cause to fail. The osteoinductive surface modification comprises a biopolymer matrix coating that is seeded with periosteal cells that have been previously harvested either from the graft recipient or from an allogenic or xenogenic donor source.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions.

Abstract: A system for processing a wafer includes a cleaning module configured to only clean the back side of the wafer so as to remove unwanted particles therefrom before performing subsequent processing tasks on the process side of the wafer. The system also includes a processing module configured to perform processing tasks on the process side of the wafer. The processing module includes a chuck for supporting the wafer during the processing task. The system further includes a transport module configured to remove the cleaned wafer from the cleaning module, move it to the processing module and place it on the chuck of the processing module without performing any intervening manipulations during the movement.

Abstract: The present invention can remove particles such as dust by flowing solvent gas such as CO2 through a line filter and eject it from a nozzle so as to be converted to solid particles or liquid droplets and eject to a workpiece to be cleaned so as to clean particles or organic materials. It is possible to make the solvent to a solid particle or liquid droplet by adjusting a gap between the nozzle and the workpiece to be cleaned; thus, it is possible to select the most preferable state according to the extent of the adhesion of organic material to the workpiece to be cleaned. Also, it is possible to remove particles such dust in the solvent by a line filter; thus, it is not necessary to use highly pure expensive solvent, and it is possible to reduce the running cost of the apparatus.