Abstract: A cooling system pumps coolant through parallel connections to a crankcase and an EGR cooler in an internal combustion engine with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). A crankcase supply conduit connects a coolant pump to a coolant channel formed by the crankcase. The coolant channel is connected to a coolant chamber formed by the cylinder head. An EGR cooler supply conduit connects the EGR cooler to the coolant pump. The EGR cooler is connected to the coolant chamber. Coolant flows from the coolant pump into the crankcase supply conduit and into the EGR cooler supply conduit at essentially the same time and at essentially the same temperature. The coolant circulates from the coolant pump through the coolant channel into the coolant chamber. The coolant circulates from the coolant pump through the EGR cooler into the coolant chamber. The coolant returns to the coolant pump from the coolant chamber in the cylinder head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight valve that consists of a valve base, the latter comprising a valve stem and a hollow valve cone, and a valve head cover, whereby the valve base is linked with the valve head cover by means of a material-displacing welding method. A weight-reducing cavity is defined between the valve cone and the valve head cover in the assembled state of the valve, said cavity being provided with a stability-enhancing support structure. Suitable welding methods are projection welding, capacitor discharge welding and friction welding.

Abstract: A piston (10), a spring (15) operatively coupled to a piston, the spring being inside (21) or outside (41) the piston, and if the spring is inside the piston, the diameter of the spring is equal to 0.7 to 0.9, and if it is outside of the piston it is an external coil spring which is outside the cylinder which contains the piston and is able to provide a force of thousands of pounds per inch, and furthermore so that at light load the compression ratio (CR) is greater than 13 to 1 designated as CR0, at medium load has a compression ratio less then CR0 but greater than CReff, and at wide open throttle (WOT) has a CR equal to Creff, the CR is less than CR0 as would occur at medium or higher load which would lead to a flexing of the spring, and the cycle on the compression stroke is known as the HCX cycle where the pressure goes between Ppre and less than or equal to Pf.

Abstract: A two cycle internal combustion engine cylinder having a piston chamber. The cylinder includes transfer ports; and an exhaust port divided into at least two sections. A first one of the sections has an aperture at the piston chamber with a top surface located closer to a top of the piston chamber than a top surface of an aperture of a second one of the sections at the piston chamber. The first section has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the second section. The aperture into the first section is located further away from the transfer ports than the aperture into the second section.

Abstract: To provide an improved air scavenging type two-cycle combustion engine equipped with a pressure reducing device in which clogging of a decompressing hole can easily be removed, a two-cycle combustion engine includes a delivery passage (32) for introducing air into a combustion chamber (9) prior to an air-fuel mixture. This delivery passage (32) has a downstream opening (32c) through which the air is introduced into the combustion chamber by way of a scavenging port (40a). A decompressing hole (38) is defined for communicating the combustion chamber (9) to a portion of the delivery passage (32) and is closed by a piston (16) then ascending, at a timing delayed relative to closure of an exhaust port (31).

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. The primary rocker arm may actuate an engine valve for primary valve actuation motions, such as main exhaust events, in response to an input from a first valve train element, such as a cam. The auxiliary rocker arm may receive one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions, such as for engine braking, exhaust gas recirculation, and/or brake gas recirculation events, from a second valve train element. A hydraulic actuator piston may be disposed between the auxiliary rocker arm and the primary rocker arm. The actuator piston may be selectively locked into an extended position between the primary and auxiliary rocker arms so as to selectively transfer the one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions from the auxiliary rocker arm to the primary rocker arm.

Abstract: A roller valve lifter apparatus for following an eccentric cam in an internal combustion engine includes a cylindrical roller, configured to roll upon the eccentric cam, and a lifter body, having a curved roller socket configured to retain the roller and to allow rotation of the roller in the roller socket upon a layer of lubricating fluid trapped between the roller surface and a bearing surface of the roller socket. In one embodiment the roller socket includes tapered end portions defining distal gaps between the roller surface and the bearing surface, for allowing entry of splash oil therebetween.

Abstract: A variable intake system of a vehicle includes an intake manifold having a runner, an opening/closing part for varying the runner length of the intake manifold, an actuator for driving the opening/closing part, and a vacuum part forming a vacuum chamber for driving the actuator. The vacuum part is disposed on an upper portion of the intake manifold such that noise from the engine may be decreased.

Abstract: An engine is constructed such that respective centers of gravity of a crank shaft, a balancer shaft and a cylinder are positioned close to one another and the mass of the engine is thus centralized. The engine includes a shaft center of a cylinder that is offset to one side with respect to a shaft center of a crank shaft, and a balancer shaft is disposed on a side of the engine where the cylinder shaft center is offset with respect to a first parallel line which intersects with the crank shaft center and extends substantially parallel to the cylinder shaft center.

Abstract: An engine component (2, 3) is disposed in front of or behind the vehicle engine with respect to the direction of vehicle travel. The component (2, 3) is covered by a protective shell (10) from an opposite direction from the engine (1). The protective shell (10) is fixed to the engine (1) by brackets (5, 6). Stoppers (11-13) in the protective shell (10) limit the displacement of the protective shell (10) towards the engine (1) from exceeding a predetermined distance. The brackets (5, 6) are provided with deformable members (5, 6A) which deform in response to an impact load applied to the protective shell (10) and guide the protective shell (10) only in a direction towards the engine (1) up to the position which is limited by the stoppers. In this manner, the protective properties of the external components (2, 3) with respect to an impact load is enhanced.

Abstract: An engine can include an air cleaner in communication with intake ports of the engine, and a wind introduction duct for introducing a wind into a primary chamber of the air cleaner. The wind introduction duct can include a resonator for absorbing predetermined frequencies. The resonator can have a predetermined capacity and can have a communication port in communication with the inside of the introduction duct.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least an electrically actuated valve to operate in at least a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising deactivating an electrically actuated valve in response to an operating condition of a vehicle electrical system, said electrically actuated valve deactivated in a desired position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ignition device for internal combustion engine comprising: a main combustion chamber (1) fitted with a compression system; and an igniter (11) comprising a precombustion chamber (2) and an ignition system (13, 14), the precombustion chamber being defined by a precombustion chamber body (12) having a head (12a) including passageways (15), the head (12a) of the precombustion chamber body (12) separating the precombustion chamber (2) from the main chamber (1) and communicating the precombustion chamber (2) and the main chamber (1) through the passageways (15), characterised in that the passageways comprise at least one passageway enabling the propagation of a flame front of the precombustion chamber (2) to the main chamber (1) when the engine operates on low load and at least one passageway not enabling the propagation of a flame front while enabling the passageway of unstable compounds of the precombustion chamber (2) to the main chamber (1).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for expanding the mid load operation limit in a four-stroke gasoline direct-injection controlled auto-ignition combustion engine. A system is employed for variably actuating the intake and exhaust valves and for operating the valves with an exhaust re-compression or exhaust re-breathing valve strategy. A spark plug is provided. A fuel injector having multiple injection capability is employed. A first fuel charge is injected into the combustion chamber to form a lean air-fuel mixture. A second fuel charge is injected into the combustion chamber to form a stratified air-fuel mixture having an ignitable mixture located near the spark plug.

Abstract: An engine (20) and an engine control strategy (FIGS. 2 and 3) for lean-to-rich transitions, such transitions being useful for various purposes, one of which is purging, or regenerating, a NOx adsorber (36) in the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the air-fuel ratio in a four-stroke gasoline direct-injection controlled auto-ignition combustion. The engine is operated with two sequential pairs of expansion and contraction strokes during two revolutions of the engine crank, the two revolutions defining a combustion cycle. A system is employed for variably actuating the intake and exhaust valves and adjusting the flow of air and burned gases entering the combustion chamber. Adjusting the flow affects the resulting air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber. The valve actuating system is employable to operate the intake and exhaust valves with an exhaust re-compression or an exhaust re-breathing valve strategy. Either valve strategy affects the air-fuel ratio in the cylinder and causes a proportion of burned gases from previous combustion cycles to be retained in the cylinder to provide the necessary conditions for auto-ignition of the air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A system and method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, during said period where said at least one valve is in said closed position, the method may also include opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve.

Abstract: A power control device and method for a motorcycle. The power control device controls the power of the motorcycle engine in predetermined situations. The power control device controls the power output of the engine while maintaining an optimal air-to-fuel ratio to prevent backfires and misfires during combustion. In one embodiment, the power control device reduces the airflow to the engine by rotating a throttle valve. The amount of fuel delivered to the engine is also reduced corresponding to the position of the throttle valve. By reducing the amount of fuel delivered to the engine based upon the amount of airflow to the engine, the air-to-fuel ratio within the engine remains optimal for combustion. The throttle valve can be rotated by the operator and by the power control device. The position of the throttle plate and corresponding power output of the engine is controlled by the operator until overridden by the power control device.

Abstract: An intake air control apparatus for the internal combustion engine is disclosed. Without using an intermediate opening degree adjustment screw (7) of a tapping type which is forced directly into a resin portion, a male screw portion (65) of the intermediate opening degree adjustment screw (7) is retractively screwed in a female screw hole (61) of a sleeve nut (9) fixedly held between fitting bosses (57, 58). In this way, the intermediate opening degree adjustment screw (7) can be held on a gear housing (16). The stress otherwise generated by forcing the male screw (65) of the intermediate opening degree adjustment screw (7) directly into the resin portion in the prior art is thus prevented from being generated around or in the neighborhood of the female screw hole (61), i.e. the fitting bosses (57, 58). Also, the intermediary of the sleeve nut (9) increases the area of the resin portion receiving the shock load, thereby improving the shock resistance for a higher reliability.

Abstract: A throttle opening degree TA is converted to a reference opening area SB based on a map MAPsbta representing the relationship between the throttle opening degree and the opening area in a deposit-free state. An actual opening area SA after the deposit amount is changed is obtained by subtracting an opening area change amount dDS corresponding to a change in deposit amount from the reference opening area SB. Since the opening area change amount dDS is uninfluenced by changes of the engine operational zones, the actual opening area SA is accurately determined. By converting the actual opening area SA to a control throttle opening area TAa based on the map MAPsbta, the control throttle opening degree TAa that reflects the actual opening area with improved accuracy can be detected.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinder banks provides a cylinder cut-off using at least a reduced ignition angle retardation shift. In this context, at least one first cylinder bank is configured such that it is at least partially able to be cut off. Immediately before a cut off or immediately after a reactivation of at least one cylinder of the at least one first cylinder bank, a first output variable is set for the at least one first cylinder bank and a second output variable is set for at least one second cylinder bank. The first output variable and the second output variable are set differently from each other in such a way that an average of the first and second output variables is equivalent to a predetermined output variable of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus adjusts the pressure such that the fuel supply pressure of a high-pressure fuel supply system is reduced when in a low load mode corresponding to a low required injection quantity. When the operating status of the engine is shifted from a low load to a high load, the fuel supply pressure is boosted again. When determination is made that the current fuel supply pressure is lower than the target fuel supply pressure by at least a predetermined pressure C, the injection quantity ratio of the in-cylinder injector is set lower to reduce the required injection quantity of the in-cylinder injector. Accordingly, noise generated from the high-pressure fuel supply system can be minimized. Further, detrimental effects caused by insufficient fuel supply pressure of the high-pressure fuel supply system can be suppressed when the engine operating status is shifted from a low load to a high load.

Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.

Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for internal combustion engines, having a fuel injector that can be acted upon by a high-pressure fuel source includes a pressure booster, which contains a movable boosting element dividing a work chamber which can be made to communicate with the high-pressure source via a high-pressure line from a high-pressure chamber that acts on the fuel injector. The high-pressure from chamber is variable by filling and evacuating a differential pressure chamber of the pressure booster. A filter element is received in a line portion that branches off from the high-pressure line and is upstream of flow connections for filling the differential and high pressure chambers.

Abstract: During a short duration injection, a triangular geometry is drawn in terms of the injection rate with respect to time, while a trapezoidal geometry is drawn during a long duration injection. The ON timing of the drive pulse is determined to be at a valve opening pressure achieving time before the start point of formation in time of the geometry. An injection pulse duration is determined from “the valve opening pressure achieving time+a needle rise time—a valve closing pressure achieving time,” and then the OFF timing of the drive pulse is determined.

Abstract: An actuator actuates a fuel fume trap to open and close an intake air passage to prevent reverse flow of fuel fumes through the intake air passage connected to a downstream side of an air cleaner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for expanding the mid load range of a four-stroke gasoline direct-injection controlled auto-ignition combustion engine. The engine includes at least one cylinder containing a piston reciprocably connected with a crank and defining a variable volume combustion chamber including an intake valve controlling communication with an air intake and an exhaust valve controlling communication with an exhaust outlet. A system is employed for variably actuating the intake and exhaust valves. The valve actuating system is employable to operate the intake and exhaust valves with an exhaust re-compression or an exhaust re-breathing valve strategy. A reservoir chamber in communication with the combustion chamber is provided for temporary holding of residual burned gas. Residual burned gas in the combustion chamber and the exhaust outlet enters into the reservoir chamber and then loses thermal energy while in the reservoir chamber before being drawn back into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a method for determining the exhaust-gas recirculation quantity for an internal combustion engine having exhaust-gas recirculation, a basic quantity of a gas mixture inducted into the engine combustion chamber(s) is determined in advance, as well as a basic pressure and/or a basic temperature of the gas mixture for at least one predefinable basic state of the combustion engine at deactivated exhaust-gas recirculation is ascertained. With the engine running, pressure and/or temperature of the inducted gas mixture are/is then determined for the current engine state at activated exhaust-gas recirculation. The currently inducted gas-mixture quantity as the basic quantity is then corrected by at least the ratio of current pressure to basic pressure of the gas mixture and/or the ratio of basic temperature to current temperature of the gas mixture.

Abstract: Because the PCV channel for guiding blow-by gas to a plenum is formed in an intake manifold, the blow-by gas can be equally supplied to respective combustion chambers. In addition, since a PCV nipple is mounted on the outermost intake runner that has a relatively high temperature, freezing of water vapor in the blow-by gas can be prevented in the PCV nipple.

Abstract: A computer calculates an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount based on outputs from an airflow meter and a throttle position sensor, and then calculates a reference cylinder-intake-air amount based on an air-fuel ratio in an exhaust gas and fuel injection amount. An error of the estimated cylinder-intake-air amount is calculated by comparing the reference cylinder-intake-air amount with an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value. The error is low-pass filtered. The estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value is corrected to obtain the final estimated cylinder-intake-air amount.

Abstract: A pneumatic assembly for a compressed gas gun having a hammer chamber including a hammer conduit, and a hammer with an aperture surrounding at least a portion of the hammer conduit. A compressed gas gun has a breech, a bolt moveable within the breech from a loading position to a firing position, a pneumatic assembly in communication with the breech, the pneumatic assembly comprising a high pressure chamber, and a hammer chamber. A discharge valve is disposed in the pneumatic assembly between the high pressure chamber and hammer chamber. A solenoid valve is provided for selectively supplying compressed gas to the hammer conduit.

Abstract: A valve assembly according to the present invention includes a valve housing having a first end and a second end. A selectively closeable flow path runs through the valve housing. A valve body is disposed in the valve housing. The valve body is moveable from a first position closing the flow path to a second position opening the flow path. The valve body has a channel therethrough. A secondary chamber is provided adjacent the valve body in communication with the channel. An exhaust port is provided in communication with the secondary chamber. A solenoid is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port, the solenoid adapted to selectively open the secondary exhaust port. A compressed gas gun employing the valve assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting a high-pressure fluid source to a paintball marker using an adapter that may have in-line inlet and outlet and connect directly to the paintball marker.

Abstract: A bolt mechanism that is actuated by an electromagnetic arrangement is provided for use within a pneumatic projectile launcher or marker. The electro-magnetic arrangement provides for rapid movement and a high degree of control over the bolt. Generally, an arrangement of electro-magnetic coils is provided that exert a force on ferrous materials or permanent magnets thereby causing the bolt to reciprocate back and forth. Several embodiments are provided that disclose configurations having varied numbers of electromagnetic coils, ferrous materials and permanent magnets strategically placed within the breech and bolt of the marker, wherein energizing the coils produces movement of the bolt. Further, the electro-magnetic bolt system of the present invention is equally applicable to slide bolts as well as rotary bolts.

Abstract: A handle support and adjustment assembly for a saw allows the handle to be adjusted in length and/or angle relative to the saw.

Abstract: A heater product may have a first cavity in which a first part of a heater composition is disposed, a second cavity in which a second part of a heater composition is disposed, and a barrier between the first cavity and the second cavity, such that when the barrier is removed, the first and second parts combine to provide an exothermic reaction. A pull strip may be used to remove the barrier, and at least one reinforcing strip may be used to guide the pull strip. The first part may include calcium oxide and the second part may include water, an reaction-initiation delayer and water-release limiter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilator assembly and method for removing kitchen exhaust fumes entrained in a moving air stream from an area surrounding a cooking unit. A roof-top blower moves the air stream from the cooking area through an air duct to the atmosphere. An overhanging hood defines a ventilation opening located above the cooking unit. One or more air vents are formed in a top wall of the hood and communicate with the air duct. The hood back panel has upper and lower longitudinal flanges, the lower flanges of which nests in a wall-mounted underlying first bracket securely earlier mounted on the kitchen side wall, while the hood upper flange is overlapped and retained by a second bracket holding the hood in an upright functional position.

Abstract: A gas-fueled appliance includes a shell, a can, a transmitter and a heat sink. The can is put in the shell. The burner is also put in the shell. The transmitter includes a valve connected with the can, a regulator connected with the valve and a pipe leading to the burner from the valve. The heat sink is used for absorbing heat from air in the shell and passing the heat to the transmitter.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, solar pool heater for floating on water generally comprises independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. When chamber and cavity are inflated, the cavity is with the top and bottom planes of the ring. The ring can be inflated with water for holding the heater in a pool in winds. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the heater is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the heater may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating heaters to form rafts.

Abstract: This lifesaving floatation and breathing device comprises first and second inflatable bags having similar bag volumes, and a mouthpiece communicating with both bags. A pressurized gas cylinder filled with breathable gas is mounted to one of the bags. This pressurized gas cylinder has a gas volume and a gas pressure therein. The device also has an inflator mechanism mounted thereto for transferring the breathable gas from the pressurized gas cylinder into one of the bags. One of the characteristics of the device is that the volume of each bag is a mathematical product of the gas volume inside the cylinder and a ratio of the gas pressure inside the cylinder over atmospheric pressure. Either bags can accept the full content of the cylinder at atmospheric pressure, thereby obviating the need for a pressure regulator or flow control orifice therein.

Abstract: A medicament container for carrying a metered, finely divided, dry powder medication dose is disclosed. The medicament container, which is intended for administration by a dry powder inhaler device, constitutes a pod presents a bottom surface acting as a substrate adapted for receiving a metered medication dose. The metered dose, carried by the pod, is protected from foreign matter, particularly moisture, after a sealing of the pod with a high barrier seal foil, which transforms the pod into a high barrier container. Furthermore the pod is formed such that the pod sealing foil can be slit open from a point of penetration at a first pod end to a point of exit at a second pod end by a opener set in motion relative to the pod.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater airflow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapeutic gas to a patient to prevent breathing airway collapse during sleep. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising providing a flow of therapeutic gas to a patient during a plurality of inhalations, detecting a flow rate of the therapeutic gas of at least one of the patient's nares during a first inhalation of the plurality of inhalations, and increasing the flow of therapeutic gas in a second inhalation of the plurality of inhalations based on an amount the flow rate of therapeutic gas in the first inhalation is less than a set point therapeutic gas flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining leak and respiratory airflow are disclosed. A pressure sensor (34) and a differential pressure sensor (32) have connection with a pneumotach (24) to derive instantaneous mask pressure and airflow respectively. A microcontroller (38) estimates a non-linear conductance of any leak path occurring at a mask (12) as being the low pass filtered instantaneous airflow divided by the low pass filtered square root of the instantaneous pressure. The instantaneous leak flow is then the conductance multiplied by the square root of the instantaneous pressure, and the respiratory airflow is calculated as being the instantaneous airflow minus the instantaneous leak flow. The time constants for the low pass filtering performed by the microcontroller (38) can be dynamically adjusted dependent upon sudden changes in the instantaneous leak flow.

Abstract: Device for the measurement of oxygen consumption which, by use of a mixing chamber of small dimensions, allows compensation of the time delay between the measurement of the ventilation VE and that of average oxygen concentration of the exhaled air volume FeO2. The time delay between measurement of VE and FeO2 maintains a constant value under all ventilations, thanks to a dynamic control of the air quantity collected and introduced in the microchamber and to a dynamic update of proportion factor K, performed by a control system. This enables a precise measurement of oxygen consumption also with rapid ventilation changes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of forming a custom fitted mask configured for coupling to an external gas supply system includes applying a first sheet of deformable material against a contact portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the first sheet is in a deformable state. The first sheet is deformed against the contact portion of the user's face to cause the first sheet to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique facial features. A second sheet of deformable material is configured around a contact portion of a fitting adapted for coupling to the external gas supply system. The second sheet is applied against a contact portion of the first sheet while the second sheet is in a deformable state such that the fitting is positioned between the first and second sheets.

Abstract: A facemask to be worn upon the face of a wearer and for providing filtering of particular impurities in the air, including at least one layer of flexible material to conform to the contours of the face of the wearer and forming a flexible support carrier for filter material and with the one layer of flexible material allowing the passage of air through the one layer, a separate layer of filter material supported by the one layer of flexible material and with the filter material filtering out the particular impurities in the air, a foamed in place deformable edge member extending around the peripheral edge of the layers forming the facemask and with the foamed in place deformable edge member providing an edge seal between the facemask and the face of the wearer, and the foamed in place member including additional deformable portions extending inwardly to the interior of the mask from the foamed in place edge member at least in the areas of the sides of the nose and upper cheekbones of the wearer for providing

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member having a teeth-receiving portion formed to be positioned adjacent to a cranio facial bone of the patient, a fixation member coupled to the member, the fixation member including a plate and a fastener, a distinct fastener plate formed for coupling with the fastener to couple the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask, and a lower plate member positioned adjacent to the member.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved breathing assistance device. The breathing assistance device comprises a nasal mask, an upper mouth piece and a frame attached to the upper mouth piece. The frame is coupled to the nasal mask such that orbital movement of the nasal mask is permitted while air under pressure is supplied to the nasal mask through the coupling. A method of using a breathing assistance device is also disclosed.