Abstract: A valve has a housing defining an interior of the valve. The valve has a first passage in the housing and a second passage in the housing. The valve has a flow limiter movable between a first position at which the first passage is in fluid communication with the second passage and a second position at which the first passage is not in fluid communication with the second passage. The valve has a flow restriction device movable between a first position at which a first flow rate is permitted into the interior of the valve and a second position at which a second flow rate is permitted out of the interior of the valve. The first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a supply passage for high pressure fuel and an injection nozzle for receiving high pressure fuel. The injection nozzle includes a valve needle which is engageable with a valve needle seating to control fuel delivery from the injector. A surface associated with the valve needle is exposed to fuel pressure within a control chamber and a first restricted flow path provides communication between the supply passage and the control chamber. A supplementary flow path also provides communication between the supply passage and the control chamber under the control of a control valve, so as to allow high pressure fuel to flow from the supply passage into the control chamber through two flow paths when it is required to terminate an injection of fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for an engine comprising: accelerating/decelerating state detection means which samples an intake pipe pressure of the engine at each sample timing which comes every time a very short time is passed from a timing at which a signal generator generates a signal at a reference crank angle position of the engine, and detects whether the engine is in an accelerating state or in a decelerating state when a difference between the intake pipe pressure sampled at each sample timing and an intake pipe pressure sampled at the corresponding sample timing one combustion cycle before exceeds a set value; and injector drive means which decides a fuel amount to be injected from an injector so as to be suitable for the detected state when the accelerating state or decelerating state is detected and drives the injector so as to inject the decided amount of fuel.

Abstract: The invention proposes a fuel supply system for internal combustion engines, having a fuel tank (1) and a fuel reservoir (5) disposed therein, having a fuel pump (11), which drives one or more jet pumps (13), each by means of a supply line (21), the jet pumps (13) in turn filling the fuel reservoir (5) with fuel from the fuel tank (1). There is also a fuel line (7), which hydraulically connects the fuel reservoir (5) to the engine. During the starting of the engine, the fuel pump (11) feeds fuel into the fuel line (7), thus improving the starting behavior of the engine.

Abstract: To protect a drive unit in a fluid valve assembly from impurities over a long term by preventing entrance of such impurities to the drive unit, a seal structure the sealing performance of which is hardly reduced is adopted around a moving part of the fluid valve assembly. The fluid valve assembly is provided with a valve member displaceably arranged in a flow passage through which a fluid is allowed to pass, a drive unit arranged outside the flow passage, a connecting member extending through a bore formed in a wall of the flow passage and connected at its end thereof to the valve member and at its opposite end to the drive unit, and a seal member arranged in gas- or water-tight relations with the wall of the flow passage and the connecting member and made of a flexible material such that the seal member does not interfere with a displacement of the valve member when the valve member is driven by the drive unit.

Abstract: A new and improved EGR valve having a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port with a valve member moveably supported within the valve body between the inlet and outlet ports. A control cap is connected to the valve body and contains an integrated sensor that is used to provide an engine control module with pressure readings from the valve body and the interior portion of the cap. Additionally the cap also has an integrated zero emissions system that is capable of preventing the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is capable of avoiding mis-ignition even if subject to external disturbances when a fail signal is transmitted through a common signal line on which an ignition signal can also be transmitted. An igniter is connected to receive the ignition signal from an ECU, and includes a waveform shaper connected with the signal line and having an input connected in parallel to an input resistance so as to make a voltage at the input higher than a prescribed voltage when the ignition signal flows into the input resistance, and a pulse output circuit connected to the input and having an output for generating the fail signal into which a secondary coil current is converted. The pulse output circuit adjusts a fail signal current such that the voltage at the input when the fail signal flows into the input resistance becomes less than the prescribed voltage.

Abstract: A fuel properties estimating apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine an estimated component concentration of a component, such as alcohol, in a fuel for the engine in accordance with an actual air fuel ratio of the engine, and to perform a plurality of estimating operations to determine the estimated component concentration at predetermined timings after an engine start of the engine.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gun and rotating pulsed network system that includes a gun barrel coupled to a gun mount coupled on a rotating platform on one deck of a naval ship. A pulse forming network which is cylindrical in shape provides pulsed energy to the electromagnetic gun and is rotatable within a cylindrical bulkhead located on a lower deck of the ship. The pulse forming network rotates in unison with the gun barrel on the same axis, allowing unbroken cables to couple the pulse forming network to the gun. The pulse forming network includes wedge-shaped capacitor modules that, when juxtaposed, collectively form a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bow stabilizer for an archery bow has an elongated member having a near end for attachment to an archery bow and a distal end, the elongated member having a length L, and a weight attached to the elongated member proximate the distal end. The center of gravity of the elongated member and weight is located within 25 percent of length L from the distal end of the elongated member. In another embodiment, the stabilizer has an elongated member having a near end for attachment to an archery bow, a distal end, and a weight attached to the elongated member proximate the distal end. The natural frequency of the first bending mode of the elongated member and weight is at least 20 Hz. In a further embodiment, the stabilizer has an elongated member having a near end for attachment to an archery bow and a distal end, and a weight attached to the elongated member proximate the distal end. The weight has a first mass M1 which is at least 1.2 times a second mass M2 of the elongated member.

Abstract: A wheeled trolley carries various tools across an object to be worked. A track attaches directly to the work and simultaneously isolates the tool from the work. A standard connection to the trolley readily accommodates a variety of diverse tools, using a keyway or the like to ensure accurate and repeatable placement of the tools. A preferred contouring guide allows a tool to be moved through an arc, where the focal point of the arc may be set to produce an infinite variety of custom shapes, bevels or angles of cut. An upper stop is provided which readily sets the break line between surface finish and edge contour. An adjustable tool carriage allows control over both position and force, including preloading a work tool with force. Resilience is incorporated into the apparatus to accommodate diverse hardness and abrasion characteristics, and, in at least one embodiment, to enable the track to accurately follow a warped or sagging work piece.

Abstract: A quick and easy to use campfire, fueled by portable bottles of propane gas connected through a variable high-pressure regulator that is used to adjust the fireball size. The burner assembly is a round tube used as a manifold and bent in an annular shape using the size and location of the orifices to produce the shape, activity and texture of the campfire flame. The aluminum windscreen provides a base, with folding legs, that holds the burner, and provides a protective wind buffer for the flames. The windscreen also provides a reflective heat shield for the resting surface located under the legs, and is used to dissipate the internal heat for quick cooling.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. In one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the nasal inserts and a source of positive airway pressure, the valve having a rim with a one-way diaphragm pivotally attached to the valve body with an inflatable bladder depending from the rim which seals against an exit port during inspiration and deflates to uncover the exit port on expiration. Another embodiment has nasal inserts without positive airway pressure but with a removable filter in the inserts for filtering inspired air.

Abstract: Oxygen breathing masks with a sound pickup device. A microphone capsule of the sound pick-up device is positioned at the base of a mouth-piece whose aperture is placed just before the mask user's mouth. Such a mask may find particular application for aircraft pilots.

Abstract: A neck seal for use in an emergency breathing apparatus has an interior and an exterior and is formed of an annular sheet of elastomeric material having a substantially central aperture for donning over a person's head. The substantially central aperture is sized appropriately for snug fitting around the person's neck so as to be sufficiently tight to prevent passage between the person's neck and the neck seal of fluid materials without choking the person. The neck seal is coated at least in part with parylene, to thereby prevent passage through the elastomeric material of NBC/CBR materials.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for providing low oxygen therapy to an individual. The invention teaches the use of a small portable breathing gas control system to adjust the gas concentrations going to a subject's face mask.

Abstract: A personal hydration device providing fluid delivery to an external mouthpiece and a gas mask mouthpiece is disclosed. The personal hydration device includes a container having an exit port and an exit valve, a diverter valve, an external mouthpiece, a gas mask with a gas mask mouthpiece, and three hoses connecting these elements together. The diverter valve has a body, including one inlet and two outlets, and a spool moveably mounted within the body. The spool is moveable between a first position and a second position, and normally biased toward the first position. When in the first position, the first outlet is in an open position and fluid is delivered to the external mouthpiece. When in the second position, the first outlet is in a closed position and fluid is delivered to the gas mask mouthpiece.

Abstract: An inflatable resuscitation face mask comprising a top sheet joined to a bottom sheet to form an inflatable pocket which when inflated forms a raised body having an apex and a lower perimeter, wherein inflation means is provided on the mask and an opening at the apex allows air to be administered through the opening to an area underneath the inflated mask.

Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier system for a patient includes a replaceable, closed water reservoir (1) with stable pressure, provided for receiving a water reserve for the breathing gas humidifier system. An intermediate storage unit (4) with water is closed from the environment and is located under the water reservoir. The water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) have a valve (16, 14) each, with one of the valves cooperating with the other valve, so that there is a flow connection between the water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) only when the water reservoir (1) is received in a connector (2) of the intermediate storage unit (4). The intermediate storage unit (4) is connected via a water connection line (5) located below the water level to a heated evaporator chamber (7), which opens above the water evaporating at the boiling point into the breathing gas line to a patient.

Abstract: A cool air inhaler for use in treating croup, having a body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an enclosed space open at an upper portion of the body wherein the upper portion of the body is adapted to generally conform to contours of a lower part of a patient face. An air chamber is formed in an upper part of the body and has an exhaust vent for exhausting the patient's exhaled air to an exterior space while an ice reservoir is formed in a lower part of the body to contain ice and meltwater from the ice and an air passage is connected from the exterior space and passing through the ice reservoir to conduct air to the air chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable air conditioning and regulation apparatus for human respiratory system includes an air treatment assembly and a host controlling assembly. The air treatment assembly has an air filter, a humidity control, a heating device for temperature control and a pressure control. The air filter removes the particles and smells from the air. The clean air is regulated by the controls that maintain the clean air at a desired level of temperature, pressure and humidity. The apparatus provides clean, fresh and comfortable air for the patients with compromised respiratory system.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material and is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield. A connection for connecting the mouthpiece to a breathing circuit is provided which reduces the transfer of forces caused by movement therebetween.

Abstract: A ventilation or CPAP interface system adapted to be inserted into a nares of a user to secure the interface. A cannula adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation gas forms a first portion of an input gas flow passage to supply the ventilation gas to the user. A nasal insert adapted to be inserted the nares of the user forms a second portion of the input gas flow passage from the cannula to a distal end of the nasal insert. A seal portion adapted to engage a portion of the first naris is provided adjacent the distal end of the nasal insert. Ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for reducing the volume of a lung. A plurality of anchors are anchored at different positions in the lung. A cord is attached to each of the anchors. The anchors are drawn towards one another via the cords to cause the lung to collapse, thus compressing the tissue in the lung and establishing a reduction in lung volume.

Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer.

Abstract: A pocket carried dental floss dispensing and cleaning device is provided to permit a user to open the device for use and close the device to secure the tool in a sanitary environment. A spool of dental floss is contained within a pivoting floss support arm removeably mounted a storage compartment. A knob is used to open the device and secure a line of floss during use.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus having a cleaning tank 2, a megasonic energy source 3, and an intake pipe 6 where a membrane contactor 9 is coupled to the intake pipe 6 to change the concentration of nitrogen gas in the deionized water 8 contained in intake pipe 6 to a range between 5.4% to 54% of saturation. Another embodiment is a method of changing the concentration of nitrogen gas in deionized water 8 to a range between 5.4% to 54% of saturation.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.

Abstract: An improved self-propelled harvester. The self-propelled harvester passes through a field to be harvested, while laborers place produce on a conveyor belt thereon. The produce is passed through a washing station, where it is preferably exposed to sideward and downward spray. Thereafter, the produce is transported upward along an elevator belt assembly, toward a trailer. The elevator belt assembly preferably has a plurality of flights located on rods positioned between side belts. The rods are spaced sufficiently so that leaves, debris and excess water can readily pass therethrough.

Abstract: The dishwashing machine has at least two washing vessels (10–12) that are separated from each other and are part of a structural assembly (3) that is capable of being pulled out as a whole from a casing (1) in which it is housed. Each such washing vessel (10–12) has at least a loading lid or door (17) that can be opened when the structural assembly (3) is in its pulled-out position.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing receptacle for items to be cleaned, a pump for liquid, a flow heater for liquid, a device for spraying items to be cleaned, a control device for wash cycles of the spraying device, and a device for providing steam having a separate steam dispenser and unit for producing a jet of steam supplied by the steam dispenser. The steam dispenser and the steam jet unit are disposed in the dishwasher in such a way that the steam jet unit always supplies steam to the same predetermined location in the washing receptacle specifically identified and configured for receiving particular items to be cleaned, e.g. particularly dirty items. An uncontrolled escape of steam from any section of the entire washing receptacle is prevented, thus improving the cleaning result with maximum usage of the steam and without also being dependent on activation of a separate steam washing cycle.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber, and a thermal transfer device. The chamber is capable of holding a semiconductor structure therein. The thermal transfer device is connected to the chamber. The thermal transfer device has a surface disposed inside the chamber for contacting the semiconducting structure and controlling a temperature of the semiconductor structure in contact with the surface. The thermal transfer device has a thermal control module connected to the surface for heating and cooling the surface to thermally cycle the surface. The thermal control module effects a substantially immediate thermal response of the surface when thermally recycling the surface.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tent construction having at least one panel manufactured from suitable cloth, and tent construction manufactured utilizing the method. A basic panel is manufactured from a material of desired properties and is provided with one or more covering panels or waterproof material that form part of the outer wall of the tent construction. The basic panel may consist of relatively narrow edges of durable material or of an entirely or partially closed panel of open, breathing material.

Abstract: A tent stake device used in conjunction with a tent having a tent fly and ground surface cover utilizing a ground-penetrating shaft. A first appendage is connected to the shaft and links to the tent itself. A second appendage connected to the shaft supports the edge of the ground penetrating cover above the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention recirculates and/or recycles fluids normally lost down the drain during the time it takes for a desired temperature to be attained for usage of the hot fluids. A recirculating/recycling valve, through which hot fluids may flow, has an additional port fitted to the valve body, which by positioning the handle in a singularly unique position, fluids not at the desired temperature are sent back to the source from which they came, to a recycling toilet tank system or to a recycling standpipe at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A wastewater control system for use with a sewer service line conducting a flow of wastewater from a building to a sewer main. A flow control device is installed in the sewer service line; and an actuator, in electrical communication with the sensor, is connected to the flow control device. The actuator in response to an output signal from a hydrologic sensor causes the flow control device to block the flow of wastewater to the sewer main and detain the wastewater in the sewer service line.

Abstract: A gas supply system arranged for dispensing of gas at a predetermined flow rate. The system employs a gas dispensing flow circuitry arranged for dispensing gas at selectively variable gas flow conductance conditions, to maintain the flow rate of the dispensed gas at a predetermined, e.g., constant, value in the operation of the system. The gas dispensing flow circuitry may include an array of dispensed gas flow passages, each of a differing conductance, or alternatively a variable conductance gas flow passage equipped with a variable conductance assembly for modulating the gas flow conductance of the passage, in response to sensed pressure of the gas or other system parameter. The system permits the flow rate of a dispensed gas to be maintained at a consistent desired level, despite the progressive decline in source gas pressure as the gas source vessel is depleted in use.

Abstract: A system configured to distribute liquid flow into predetermined proportions is provided. The system includes a distributor defining a plurality of distributor outlets configured to deliver liquid from the distributor. A receptacle is positioned to receive liquid, the receptacle defining a plurality of receptacle outlets oriented to deliver liquid portions toward the distributor outlets. The receptacle is pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the distributor, and is self-leveling such that liquid is divided by the receptacle outlets into predetermined proportions.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing restrooms on the upper floors of a high rise building. The system is comprised of sections of vacuum hose that are interconnected by T-valves each T-valve is configured to provide a user with the ability to selectively shut off the flow of material in a vertical or horizontal direction or both. These vacuum hoses are then connected to a liquid cooled pump, which is connected to a vacuum tank. The system operates by selectively opening and closing the vertical and horizontal valves to focus vacuum force in areas to be cleaned and prevent vacuum in non-desired areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially preventing access to an inlet of a vent. The apparatus may comprise a housing attachable to the inlet of the vent and having one or more traps position therein to block insertion of a fluid insertion device through the housing and to the inlet of the vent. The traps may be formed by intersections of interior panels within the housing. The traps may be configured to allow fluid flow to exit the vent inlet and pass through the housing before venting.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure compensating valve and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a balanced pressure compensating valve, or regulator. The valve includes a chamber (6) for containing fluid, defined by a flexible barrier (2) trapped between first (3) and second (4) surfaces. A fluid inlet provides fluid to the interior of the chamber. A fluid outlet selectively allows fluid to pass out of the chamber. Movement of the first (3) and second (4) surfaces relative to each other causes change in contact between the flexible barrier and the first and second surfaces to selectively open the fluid outlet, in a first position, and occlude it between the flexible barrier and one of the surfaces, in a second position.

Abstract: A water-heater pan includes a bottom wall for receiving the bottom of a water heater. The bottom wall defines a relatively narrow, arcuate flow receptacle extending continuously outwardly from a portion of the perimeter of the bottom wall. The flow receptacle defines a floor-drain outlet disposed completely through an area of the bottom wall. A continuous side wall extends integrally upwardly and divergently from the entire perimeter of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A valve, in particular for the oil circuit of an internal combustion engine. The valve includes a supporting dome, a valve body situated therein, a valve disk which is connected to the supporting dome and has an opening which can be closed by the valve body, and an element having a spring action which urges the valve body into the position in which the valve body closes the opening of the valve disk; the valve disk including a receptacle for a screen element, and the screen element being permanently connected to the valve disk.

Abstract: A locking device of an air-operated normally-closed valve for a gas cylinder includes a housing; a piston assembly provided in the housing; a tapered axial member having an annular outer tapered surface and positioned coaxially with the piston assembly axis; a lock nut which is screw-engaged with the housing and coaxial with the tapered axial member; an annular inner tapered surface formed on an inner peripheral surface of the lock nut to correspond to the annular outer tapered surface; an intermediate cylinder member positioned between the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces; and a lock piece inserted into a radial through hole and contacting the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces. The lock nut can press the lock piece against the annular outer tapered surface via the annular inner tapered surface to lock the piston assembly by adjusting the lock nut with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A valve arrangement including a release valve. The valve arrangement controls a cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port, and a cylinder slideably housing a piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source and the first port and second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port. The release valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. Fluid flows from both the first port and the second port simultaneously when the release valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a multiple-component valve plug is disclosed. The use of multiple materials in the construction of the valve plug provides different rates of thermal expansion in the axial and radial directions thereby enabling the valve plug to have thermal expansion characteristics that closely match that of the components in which it cooperates with. Specifically, the radial thermal expansion of the downstream end of the plug is closely matched to that of the retainer component which receives the downstream end of the plug. The radial thermal expansion of the upstream end of the plug is closely matched to that of the cage and seat ring to enable the plug to properly close or seat when the valve is in the closed position. The plug body or spacer tube has an axial thermal expansion that closely matches that of the cage retainer, cage or valve body, depending upon the valve design.

Abstract: A choke valve useful for sub-sea application, having a valve body forming a bore extending therethrough which provides a body inlet, a body outlet and an insert chamber therebetween, and a removable insert assembly positioned in the insert chamber. The insert assembly includes a tubular cartridge having a side wall forming an internal bore and having a port communicating with the body inlet, whereby high pressure fluid enters through the body inlet; a bonnet connected with and closing the upper ends of the cartridge and the body, the bonnet being disengagably connected with the body, and a pressure reducing flow trim positioned in the cartridge bore, the flow trim having a restrictive opening whereby fluid from the body inlet may enter the flow trim at reduced pressure and pass through the body outlet.

Abstract: A multiport rotary valve is described providing the interconnection of a plurality of conduits with a predetermined cycle. The valve uses a stack of plates defining channels and ports to form the fluid circuits.

Abstract: An intake tubing includes a tubular member having a number of helical protuberances and a number of helical grooves formed in an inner peripheral surface, an inlet end for receiving fluid, and an outlet end for coupling to an engine. The helical protuberances and the helical grooves of the tubular member may guide the fluid to flow through the tubular member in great speed and to increase power of the engine when the fluid flows quickly toward the inlet end of the tubular member, and to generate eddy current and to lower the flowing speed of the fluid when the fluid flows slowly toward the inlet end of the tubular member, in order to economize fuel or fluid.