Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including a step of lowering a pressure of fuel supplied to an in-cylinder injector when it is determined that a degree of dilution of an oil with the fuel is large, a step of calculating a fuel injection period TAUd of the in-cylinder injector with a low fuel pressure, a step of calculating a fuel pressure Pr(0) of the in-cylinder injector required according to an engine speed and a load, a step of calculating a fuel injection period TAUd(0) of the in-cylinder injector with Pr(0), and a step of substituting TAUd(0) for TAUd when TAUd is equal to or larger than TAUd(0).

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the step of detecting an engine coolant temperature (THW), the step of selecting a map for a warm state as the map for calculating a fuel injection ratio (or a DI ratio) (r) when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is equal to or higher than a temperature threshold value (THW(TH)), the step of selecting a map for a cold state as the map for calculating the fuel injection ratio (or the DI ratio) (r) when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is lower than the temperature threshold value (THW(TH)), and the step of calculating the fuel injection ratio between the in-cylinder injector and the-intake manifold injector (or the DI ratio) (r) based on the engine speed, load factor, and the selected map.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the step of calculating an injection time Astart from the engine speed and load factor when arriving at the injection calculation timing of a cylinder located in the proximity of a knock sensor, the step of calculating an injection period TAU, the step of calculating an injection end time Aend, the step of shortening the injection time of an in-cylinder injector when the injection time Astart or injection end time Aend is within a KCS gate, and the step of calculating the port injection period so as to inject the insufficient injection quantity from an intake manifold injector when the required injection quantity will be insufficient as a result of shortening the injection period of the in-cylinder injector.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has a high-pressure pump, by which fuel is pumped at high pressure into a reservoir. By means of a feed pump, fuel is pumped from a fuel tank to the high-pressure pump. By means of a fuel metering device, disposed between the feed pump and the high-pressure pump, the inflow of fuel to the high-pressure pump is adjusted. From the connection between the feed pump and the fuel metering device, a bypass connection leads away to a relief region. An inflow of fuel from the feed pump to the fuel metering device and/or to the bypass connection is effected through at least one conduit in a housing part, and in the at least one conduit, at least one fuel filter is disposed upstream of the fuel metering device and/or of the bypass connection.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel rail system for fuel delivery and liquid fuel retainment therein. The vehicle fuel rail system comprises a fuel rail and a chassis connector in fluid communication with the fuel rail. The fuel rail has a first bank and a second bank connected to the first bank by way of a crossover line. The first bank has a first top portion and a first bottom portion and the second bank has a second top portion and a second bottom portion. The crossover line has a first end disposed at the first bottom portion and a second end disposed at the second top portion. The chassis connector has a tank end and an rail end wherein the tank end is connected to the vehicle fuel tank and the rail end is disposed at the first top portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling a two-stroke engine in correspondence with exhaust gas temperature. An engine control unit (ECU) receives an output from a temperature sensor mounted in the exhaust pipe. The engine control unit controls the operation of a fuel injector in fluid communication with the intake port of the engine in correspondence with the output from the temperature sensor. In one embodiment, correspondence is achieved by determining fuel injection parameters based on a plurality of maps, each corresponding to a different temperature range. The ECU references the map corresponding to the sensed temperature of the exhaust gas. Fuel injection parameters may include injection timing and the amount of fuel injected.

Abstract: A Supplemental Fuel Injector Control Circuit includes a resistor adapted to connected between a voltage output port and an injector control port of an Engine Control Unit. The circuit also includes a diode having a cathode adapted to be connected to the injector control port and an anode adapted to be connected to both an end of a fuel injector coil and to an Auxiliary Fuel Injector Controller. The circuit is operable to allow modification of fuel injector cycle duration while preventing generation of an error code by the Engine Control Unit.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions control fuel cap system comprises a closure adapted to mate with a fuel tank. The closure includes a passageway formed therein to conduct vapors from the fuel tank to the atmosphere. The closure includes a filter configured to capture hydrocarbons positioned in the passageway so that fuel vapor flowing from the fuel tank is scrubbed of hydrocarbons before being discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An intake system for a supercharged engine capable of improving acceleration performance by improving engine response during acceleration. In one embodiment, a planing boat includes an intake passage provided with a supercharger and a throttle valve. A blow-off passage provides communication between the upstream side of the throttle valve and the upstream side of a supercharger. A blow-off valve opens and closes the blow-off passage. The intake system can further comprises a throttle sensor. The blow-off valve can be configured to open and close based upon pressure on the downstream side of the throttle valve. For example, the blow-off valve can be closed when a detection value from the throttle sensor exceeds a preset rate-of-change value ?0.

Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling a gasoline engine operating unthrottled with homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion includes operating the engine with predetermined values of external EGR and internal EGR settings, and burned gas fraction set points for intake and exhaust gases. Repeated adjustments are made to the external EGR and internal EGR settings to move the exhaust and intake gases burned gas fractions toward their state set points. Effects of disturbances in actual operating conditions are thereby minimized.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, to, e.g., eliminate condensation build-up in the intake manifold and power cylinders, a charge-air cooler (CAC) and/or EGR cooler “bypass” system is provided that can, e.g., control the intake manifold temperature (IMT) above the dew-point temperature of the boosted air. Preferably, a two-port, single valve-body type valve is provided that proportionally controls the amount of charge-air that is “bypassed” (e.g., not cooled), while simultaneously diverting the charge-air cooler return, preferably, inversely proportionally.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine in which in each case the lambda value is ascertained by evaluating a measuring signal of a lambda probe. In this context, two combustion periods of the internal combustion engine are compared to each other. In the two combustion periods, in a single cylinder the lambda value is induced once in the direction of a lambda increase and once in the direction of a lambda decrease.

Abstract: An engine control device is configured to prevent a rotational speed of a vehicle engine from becoming abnormally low during deceleration due to an abnormal air-fuel ratio. When conditions for feedback control of engine idle speed are not satisfied and self diagnosis results of the air-fuel ratio control system are normal, the control device determines if the air-fuel ratio is in an abnormally lean state. The control device then determines if the abnormally lean air-fuel ratio state has continued without interruption for a prescribed period or longer. If so, the control device calculates an air-fuel ratio abnormality compensation quantity, e.g., adds an air-fuel ratio abnormality compensation value to an idle compensation air quantity, to increase the intake air quantity and compensate for the engine torque deficiency resulting from the lean air-fuel ratio state.

Abstract: A ball pitching device that, prior to release and delivery of the ball to a receiver, propels the ball through a circular loop or semi-circular arc in a manner that is visible to the receiver to simulate the path of a person's hand in the act of throwing. The invention enable a more realistic simulation of an overhand or side arm throwing motion as are commonly used for pitching baseballs and to also simulate the underhand throwing motion used in softball.

Abstract: A method of dividing a wafer whose strength is reduced along a plurality of dividing lines formed on the front surface in a lattice pattern, along the dividing lines, comprising: a tape affixing step for affixing a protective tape to one surface side of the wafer; a holding step for positioning a first suction-holding member and a second suction-holding member on both sides of a dividing line and suction-holding the wafer on the first suction-holding member and the second suction-holding member through the protective tape; and a dividing step for moving the first suction-holding member and the second suction-holding member in a direction for separating them from each other to exert tensile force in a direction perpendicular to the dividing line.

Abstract: A control system for adjusting the heat output of at least one gas burner. The control system including at least one control organ in a gas main line feeding the gas burner for adjusting the gas throughput supplied to the gas burner nozzle. The control system further including at least one secondary line in parallel with the control organ with a shut-off organ for opening and closing the secondary line. The secondary line having a lower flow resistance than the flow resistance in the control organ line.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance includes at least one gas surface burner element, a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a self-clean mode, and a gas lockout valve assembly coupled in line with the surface burner element, wherein the gas lockout valve assembly is configured to close in response to receiving the self-clean signal such that gas flow to the surface burner element is stopped during the self-clean mode.

Abstract: A gas burner generates electricity with waste heat energy. At least one thermoelectric unit is installed underneath the burner cap of the gas burner. Gas flame at the edge of the burner cap creates heat sources (hot side) for the thermoelectric unit. A gas-mixing chamber underneath the thermoelectric unit functions as heat sinks (cold side) for the thermoelectric unit. An insulation plate is inserted in between the thermoelectric unit and the burner cap to control the hot side temperature. The thermoelectric unit generates electricity while the gas burner is in use and the flame heats up the burner cap. The thermoelectric unit connects to an electric circuit and provides electricity to power devices such as electric fans, lights, TVs, battery chargers etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outdoor cooking apparatus including a grill having a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion of the grill has a metal curved top surface, and is hinged to the lower portion of the grill. The lower portion of the grill is releasably mounted to a support frame, which is in turn releasably mounted to the rearward portion of a vehicle. A metal cover, which contains printed indicia thereon, releasably mounts to the upper portion of the grill. The printed indicia cover overlies the top surface of the upper portion of the grill, and is substantially parallel to the top surface of the upper portion of the grill.

Abstract: A lens, fabricated from a plurality of materials, each having an associated index of refraction, is used to focus and direct light into one or more optical fibers, coupled to the lens and used to collect light and transmit the collected light to an energy converter, a lighting or heating system, or a lighting or heating apparatus. The collected light may be converted to electricity by powering a steam turbine generator, thermal photo-voltaic cells, or the like. The collected light may also by supplied as a centralized light source to reflective lighting fixtures connected by fiber optics.

Abstract: For meteredly dispensing a liquid over a period of several months from a container which can be stored over a long period of time, the need is for a container which is practically diffusion-tight and in which the liquid does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge according to the invention is a three-shell container comprising a collapsible bag which contains the liquid, a container which is stable in respect of shape and a stiff metal casing. The cartridge can be releasably connected to a dispensing device. The cartridge can be provided with a micro-opening with which the time for pressure equalisation between the cartridge and the ambient atmosphere can be adjusted. The cartridge is suitable for aqueous and for alcoholic liquids which contain a pharmaceutically active substance. The liquid in the cartridge is protected from external influences. The cartridge can be used in an atomiser for producing an inhalable aerosol for the treatment of illnesses.

Abstract: A filter device mounts on a person's nose and fits within the nostrils to filter breathed air. The device includes a support member having a pair of annular sections and a pair of side sections that extend upwardly from outer edges thereof. A filter piece is disposed in each annular section so that the filter pieces seat in respective nostrils. A portion of the support member is malleable so that the support member may be configured to the shape of the wearer's nose. In one embodiment the side sections are interconnected by a bridge section that goes across the bridge of the nose. In another embodiment, the annular sections are interconnected by a band extending between inner edges thereof. The filter pieces may be convex domes that, as disclosed, have a flat margin and a frusto-conical section to form a seat for the nostrils.

Abstract: A delivery system including a body construction (7) and at least one capsule (8) containing a pharmaceutical composition, the capsule having at least a first end and a second end. The body construction (7, 12, 34) has at least two locking parts (9, 10), each locking part (9, 10) having at least a first end and a second end, the first end of each locking part (9, 10) having a surface adapted to face and cover one of the at least first and second ends of the capsule (8). The diameter of at least one of the locking parts varies along its length between the first end and the second end, and the capsule (8) is mounted between the at least two locking parts. Also disclosed is a manufacturing process of a delivery system, the system including a body construction and at least one capsule containing a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for locating an implanted object using an external antenna. The implanted object may be, for example, an internal antenna that facilitates recharging of and/or communication with an implantable medical device. An external device coupled to the external antenna drives the antenna with a plurality of waveforms. Asymmetry in the loading profile of the external antenna when it is driven by the plurality of waveforms allows the external device or another device to determine the location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna. The external device or other device may provide information to a user based on the determined location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna, such as information to help a user position the external antenna with respect to an internal antenna in embodiments in which the implanted object is an internal antenna.

Abstract: A spot-heating cigarette substitute device, which, in response to an electric power supplies and suction by a user, evaporates nicotine mixture and delivers them to the user. The device has a porous solid chip; an electric circuit is embedded therein for providing heat necessary for evaporating the nicotinic compound. A solution of a nicotine in an amount effective for its released vapors to satisfy the physiological needs for nicotine of the user, and volatile palatability enhancing agents in an amounts effective for their released vapors to impart a cigarette-like taste and aroma to the released vapor mixture are absorbed in the chip. The cigarette substitute is in custody in a case when not in use.

Abstract: A tool for forming a smoker's pipe from a firm fruit or vegetable such as an apple or a potato has cooperating elements with which a user readily creates a bowl for retaining ignited smoking material, without the need for a screen, and a passage communicating with the bowl to allow drawing of cooled, flavored smoke through the selected fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A method for forming an artificial fingernail on a natural fingernail comprises the steps of preparing a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol solution; applying the solution on natural fingernail 2 to form an adhesive layer 3 thereon; putting artificial fingernail 4 on natural fingernail 2 through adhesive layer 3; and curing adhesive layer 3. Although fully cured, adhesive layer 3 can be dissolved and softened in water so that artificial fingernail 4 can easily be removed from natural fingernail 2 in a short time.

Abstract: This invention is innovative and economical. It is a phenomenal new method and mechanism to curl natural and chemically treated hairs of individuals' heads. I came across the idea by going to local beauty supply stores and beauty supply sections of variety stores. I knew exactly what one and all required but could not find it. Two things this product does: styles hairs in a heatless way and protects hairs from damage that could occur from styling hairs in a heatless way. I knew that a soft, satin material enclosing a sponge, foam, wire and hard plastic hair roller accommodates our hairs need. With this invention, your hairs have the full protection, coverage and added extra care that persons are looking for in today's sophisticated world. One of the oldest tools in the hair care industry—appropriately updated, modernized and revitalized. Now is the time to realize that having and keeping a healthy head of hairs is attainable.

Abstract: A novel dental tape having length, width, edges, and two sides for removing plaque and debris from teeth made of polymeric material having edge-frequency increasing perforation(s) through the dental tape wherein plaque and debris intercepted by said edge-frequency perforation in the dental tape are removed.

Abstract: A system and method for processing substrates, such as porous low-K semiconductor wafers, using ultraviolet (UV) radiation is disclosed. The substrates are first cleaned in a wet processing module and then dried in a UV module under reduced pressure and at a temperature below 100 C., preferably at or below 80 C. A robot module transfers the substrates from the wet processing module to the UV module. The UV module can include a pulse xenon excimer lamp providing incoherent vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation at 172 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of F2 in the process of deposition chamber cleaning which is especially effective if operated under high pressure conditions. In addition, the present invention provides for the use of F2 under high pressure to perform substrate etching or wafer thinning procedures at a high etch rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling plastic by removing contaminates from plastic film and leaving the film substantially intact. The preferred embodiment is particularly applicable to agfilms. The method comprises pulling used plastic film from the form it is stored into when removed from the field, spreading it open, and removing contaminates from the film. Contaminates are removed with dry or wet processes, or a combination of both. The wet processes may use water, surfactant, detergent, flocculant, solvent, disinfectant or deodorant, and the film is dried after wet processing. If necessary, sections of film containing contaminates that cannot be removed in the downstream equipment, such as glue, may be cut from the film. The discharge of the process is one or more relatively clean and dry film strips that are then wound, ground or melted for reuse.

Abstract: Techniques for cleaning the inside of complexly-bent tubing are disclosed using a combination of minimal amounts of solvent and pneumatically propelled foam pellets. In order to increase device efficiency, an escapement apparatus employs a vacuum-assisted loading mechanism and retaining pin to reliably load one pellet at a time.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes an indexer, a front surface cleaning unit for cleaning the front surface of a substrate, a back surface cleaning unit for cleaning the back surface of the substrate, a particle inspecting unit for detecting a distribution of particles adhering to the substrate, a reversing unit for reversing the substrate, and a transport section having a pair of transport units. Cleaning conditions of the front surface cleaning unit or back surface cleaning unit are varied based on the distribution of particles on the substrate after the substrate is cleaned by the front surface cleaning unit or back surface cleaning unit and inspected by the particle inspecting unit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for removing a titanium dioxide-containing material located on a surface, for example, a surface of a piece of process equipment, are disclosed. The methods provide for contacting the titanium dioxide-containing material located on the surface with an aqueous composition containing less than about 30% by weight of an alkali component.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaner (10) characterized in that it includes a housing (12) adapted to hold a paint roller (24) therein said housing (12) being a close fit around a paint roller (24); said housing (12) having an opening (16) adapted to receive a paint roller (24) said opening also serving to collect excess paint from the roller (24) for reuse in a first cleaning action; and external locking means (28) for securing said roller (24) in said housing (12) said locking means (28) attaching to a handle (32) of said paint roller whereby said paint roller (24) is restrained from movement relative to the housing (12) by the locking means (28); and whereby cleaning fluid under pressure is introduced into the housing under pressure to thereby effect a second cleaning action on said paint roller (24).

Abstract: A parasol provided with a sun-blocking screen which is centrally provided with a connecting piece from which the screen can assume a collapsed condition and a folded-out condition extending substantially radially outwards, wherein the parasol is provided with a housing in which the screen in a collapsed condition is received, while the sun-blocking screen in the folded-out condition is located outside the housing.

Abstract: A walker for assisting physically challenged persons to move around. The walker comprises a frame with wheels mounted on it for traveling over a surface. Oxygen tank supports are mounted on the seat and are adapted to receive oxygen bottles therein. A counterbalance is mounted on the frame to counteract the weight of any oxygen bottles received in the tank supports and thereby maintain the stability and balance of the walker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bell folding tent typically comprised of awnings and framework consisted of poles, wherein the framework includes a top static rib-hub built upon the top end of a main stick setting on the center vertically, and hanged on with radial ribs, which is combined of several segments and connectors connecting said adjacent segments together, a low sliding rib-hub put on the main stick in sliding fitting for hanging up one ends of braces, the another ends of said braces pivoted on the first segments of the ribs respectively; an elastic piece is set upon the main stick between said low sliding rib-hub with the top end and the bottom end of the main stick with the low end.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

Abstract: A self-driven direct energy conversion system is to be provided which can suppress global warming using a heat generation apparatus that can obtain a circulating type and open system energy source utilizing exhaustless, reusable thermal energy with no pollution in the natural world. The system has a thermal energy transfer module which a Peltier effect device group is separated from a Seebeck effect device group at a given distance, an electric power generating module, and an electrolyzer module in which thermal energy transfer and electric energy conversion are conducted, and a water electrolyzer circuit artificially forms a chemical energy source of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas easily pressurized, compressed, accumulated, stored, and transferred. Thus, thermal energy, electric power, and chemical energy are utilized.

Abstract: A low-cost filled skutterudite for advanced thermoelectric applications is disclosed. The filled skutterudite uses the relatively low-cost mischmetal, either alone or in addition to rare earth elements, as a starting material for guest or filler atoms.

Abstract: A micron gap thermo-photo-voltaic device including a photovoltaic substrate, a heat source substrate, and a plurality of spacers separating the photovoltaic substrate from the heat source substrate by a submicron gap. Each spacer includes an elongated thin-walled structure disposed in a well formed in the heat source substrate and having a top surface less than a micron above the heat source substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making the spacers.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition and a solar cell using the same are provided. The electrolyte composition comprises an electron donor compound “A” having a lone electron pair, an iodine salt. and iodine (I2). The electrolyte composition according to the present invention increases electrons in a porous film to improve a charge integration capacity and increases the open circuit voltage, thereby providing a dye sensitized solar cell with high efficiency.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell using a photoelectric transformation electrode. The solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode, a counter electrode provided opposite to the semiconductor electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer provided between the semiconductor electrode and the counter electrode and having a dye adsorbed thereon, an electrolyte solution provided between the semiconductor electrode and the counter electrode, a spacer partitioning a space defined between the semiconductor electrode and the counter electrode to form at least one unit cell, and a metal wire at least partially patterned between the at least one unit cells.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided that includes a transparent electrode formed by depositing, in order on a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive film containing tin oxide as a main component, and a compact titanium oxide layer and/or a porous titanium oxide layer, wherein the transparent conductive film, which contains tin oxide as the main component, has a fluorine concentration not exceeding 0.2 wt %, and the transparent conductive film on the transparent substrate has in an X-ray diffraction pattern thereof diffraction peaks attributable to (110), (200), and (211) planes satisfying the conditions that, relative to the sum of the diffraction intensities of the three planes, the ratios of both the (110) and (211) diffraction intensities are larger than 0.25 and smaller than 0.4, and the ratio of the (200) diffraction intensity is larger than 0.25 and smaller than 0.5.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerant relief device capable of operating reliably by a simple construction without causing leakage of refrigerant. A refrigerant-introducing chamber defined in a body that forms a joint for connection to piping of a refrigeration cycle, and an open-to-atmosphere chamber communicating with the atmosphere via openings are isolated by a metal thin film from each other, and the metal thin film is welded to the body to prevent leakage of refrigerant. The metal thin film receiving refrigerant pressure is held by a belleville spring. When the refrigerant pressure becomes higher than a set pressure, the belleville spring is inverted in shape to displace the metal thin film toward the open-to-atmosphere chamber. A piercing rod is disposed at a location where the metal thin film is displaced. The piercing rod breaks the metal thin film, and releases refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle into the atmosphere to thereby suddenly decrease the refrigerant pressure.

Abstract: The device comprises a first valve (35a) and a second valve (35b) each comprising a chamber (13a, 13b) communicating via an admission orifice (19a, 19b) with a circuit or a receptacle containing a first or a second fluid, and via an exhaust orifice (18a, 18b) with exhaust means for the first or the second fluid, at least one valve member (20a, 20b) mounted to move within the valve chamber (13a, 13b) between a position for closing and a position for opening the exhaust orifice (18a, 18b), a piston (22a, 24a, 22b, 24b) connected to the valve member (20a, 20b) and resilient return means (32a, 32b) for returning the valve member (20a, 20b) to a closed position. Each of the first and second pistons (22a, 24a, 22b, 24b) has a first face exposed to one of the first and second fluids, and an opposite second face subjected to a force exerted respectively by the second fluid or by the first fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum enhancing check valve for direct connection to a vehicle brake booster which increases the partial vacuum provided thereto and restricts possible air back flow into the brake booster. The valve comprises a venturi for reducing the pressure of air induced to flow between a first air inlet and an air outlet by a partial vacuum at a vehicle engine's intake manifold. By significantly reducing the air pressure, the valve enhances the partial vacuum available for provision to the brake booster. The venturi is also in air communication with a second air inlet directly attachable to the brake booster such that the air pressure at the second air inlet tends toward the enhanced partial vacuum within the venturi. A valve seat and seal member within the valve are cooperative to allow air flow from the second air inlet toward the venturi, but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A bending sleeve clamp is used to control the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) in a flexible tube. The flexible tube extends through a pair of rigid sleeves that are connected by a bending sleeve. The rigid sleeves are manipulated to bend the bending sleeve so as to form a kink in the bending sleeve, which pinches and closes off the flow in the flexible tube. The bending sleeve clamp may be biased in either an open or closed position. Preferably, the bending sleeve is pre-kinked to define where the kink will be formed and to grip the flexible tube. In addition, the bending sleeve clamp may include a mechanism to prevent the bending sleeve from being bent too far or from being stretched too much.