Abstract: A magnetic conditioning device for diesel engine fuel includes a housing element, placed along the fuel feeding line, having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and providing a septum in correspondence of the inlet to deviate the inlet fuel, and an obliged path for the fuel, being provided at least two opposed magnetic elements. Along the obliged path, a magnetic field is induced on the flowing fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for exchanging heat, especially for cooling the combustion air of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, which is characterized by the fact that the flow devices (14) are accommodated in a profiled housing (6) comprising at least two parts. The cross section of a first housing part (6a) is essentially U-shaped, said basic shape being closed at the open end of the first housing part (6a) by means of a second, substantially planar housing part (6b). The inventive device is further characterized by the fact that the housing (6) comprises at least one inlet flange and at least one outlet flange for the second medium at two opposite side while the flow devices (14) are kept at a distance from each other in at least one area by means of at least one frame device (12) which is accommodated within the housing (6).

Abstract: An EGR control device is provided with an EGR control valve (52) and an electronic control unit (60). An exhaust gas recirculation pipe (51) extends across the EGR control valve (52). The electronic control unit calculates a target EGR ratio, a target air flow rate, an actual EGR ratio, and an actual air flow rate, on the basis of operational state quantities of an engine. The electronic control unit then calculates, as a target converted EGR ratio, a ratio of the target EGR ratio to the target air flow rate, calculates, as an actual converted EGR ratio, a ratio of the actual EGR ratio to the actual air flow rate, and controls an opening of the EGR control valve such that the target converted EGR ratio becomes equal to the actual converted EGR ratio. An actual converted EGR ratio is proportional to an intake-air oxygen concentration, and an actual converted EGR ratio and a target converted EGR ratio are calculated independently of a command injection amount.

Abstract: Upon cleaning of crankcase gas generated during operation of an internal combustion engine in its crankcase, a centrifugal separator is used, which includes a rotor arranged for rotation by means of a driving motor and arranged by its rotation suck crankcase gas from the crankcase through a conduit to the centrifugal separator. During operation of the combustion engine a parameter, e.g. a measurement of the load on the combustion engine is sensed, the magnitude of said parameter being related to the amount of crankcase gas generated per unit of time in the crankcase. Depending upon a sensed change of the sensed parameter the rotational speed of the rotor of the centrifugal separator is changed in a way such that the gas pressure in the crankcase is maintained at a predetermined value, or within a predetermined pressure interval, during the operation of the combustion engine.

Abstract: A Quick Connect/Disconnect System including a female socket, male connector with pushpin, body tube, setscrews, locknut, adjustable screw, release aid adapter, and cap screw. This Quick Connect/Disconnect System can be used to secure two members together in a wide variety of applications where quick connection/disconnection of the two members is desired. The female socket is secured to one member and the male connector with pushpin, body tube, setscrews, locknut, adjustable screw, release aid adapter, and cap screw are secured to the other member. The female socket is attached to the first for removably connecting an object such as an archery release aid to a wrist strap. The Quick Connect/Disconnect System includes a first component intended for permanent attachment to an archery release aid wrist strap, and a second component intended for attachment to an archery release aid.

Abstract: A saw skid plate shield including a shield plate body defining a leading edge and a trailing edge and a mechanism such as edge rails for attaching the shield plate body to the skid plate. Both the leading and trailing edges of the skid plate body are beveled and/or rounded to divert debris.

Abstract: A barbecue apparatus is disclosed that allows a hinged lid to be rotationally reoriented so as to serve as a wind deflector when in its open position. While the base of the apparatus remains rigidly stationary, the fire bowl to which the lid is hinged is temporarily released from the base, lifted and rotated into a desired position and positively locked in place. Rotation of the burner in one direction serves to release the fire bowl from being rotationally locked to the base yet prevents its detachment therefrom while rotation in the opposite direction locks the fire bowl and associated components in place.

Abstract: The present invetnion provides a cooking grate for use within a barbecue grill assembly comprising a cooking chamber and a gas burner positioned in a lower portion of the cooking chamber. The grate has a plurality of elongated members defining a cooking surface and multiple openings. The grate further has a grease control assembly that is cooperatively positioned over a burner flame region to direct and control the flow of grease generated by cooking food on the grate. The grease control assembly has at least one rib group and at least one ledge. The rib group comprises a plurality of ribs, each rib having a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The grease control assembly also has an outer ridge and an inner ridge depending from a lower surface of the grate. With these structures, the grate prevents grease and byproducts from draining onto the burner flame region.

Abstract: A portable grill apparatus including a frame having a plurality of leg members pivotally attached to a support rod. An arm member is also pivotally attached to the support rod and extends outwardly therefrom on both sides of the support rod. A pair of rail members is suspended from the arm member. A firebox is supported by the rail members such that the rail members and correspondingly the firebox are suspended above the ground surface. The arm member pivots on the support rod to adjust the orientation of the rail members and correspondingly the firebox.

Abstract: A gas radiation oven range including an outer case (10) which is formed with an upper side opened, having an internal space, a ceramic glass (20) which is covered and combined with an upper end of the outer case (10), a plurality of burner housings (300) which are combined to be contacted with a lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), forms an exhaust passage (F) with the lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), and is integrally combined with a plurality of ports with different sizes, a radiant burner (40) which is combined with a side surface of the respective burner housings (300), for generating a radiant wave, combusting mixed gas and a shared discharge unit which is positioned among the burner housings (300) and combined to be connected to respective exhaust passages (F) which are formed at a side portion of the burner housings (300).

Abstract: A dinner plate warmer uses hot or warm water that is poured into it from a kettle or other sources of hot water by way of a hole. Steam can escape through a plurality of small holes that distributes heat evenly as well as avoiding water overflow when handling the dinner plate warmer, with or without a dinner plate in it.

Abstract: A roaster oven able to roast meat on both sides simultaneously includes an oven body having its opposite inner sides respectively provided with plural symmetrical studs for setting adjustably a roasting gauze thereon, an upper cover pivotally assembled on the oven body, two ultra-red-ray heaters respectively installed on the upper cover and on the bottom of the oven body, respectively connected with a gas pipe and a rotary switch, and a heat-conducting plate covered on the lower ultra-red-ray heater and bored with plural air holes. Thus, meat placed in the roaster oven can have its upper and lower surface roasted evenly at the same time, unnecessary to turn over the meat to shorten time needed for roasting and able to prevent the meat being roasted from sticking to the roasting gauze.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is disclosed for storage of solar energy in a subsurface geologic reservoir. The method includes transferring concentrated solar thermal energy to a fluid, thereby generating a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is then injected into the subsurface geologic reservoir through at least one injection well. The subsurface geologic reservoir may be a highly permeable and porous sedimentary strata, a depleted hydrocarbon field, a depleting hydrocarbon field, a depleted oil field, a depleting oil field, a depleted gas field, or a depleting gas field. Once charged with the supercritical fluid, the subsurface geologic formation forms a synthetic geothermal reservoir.

Abstract: A solar collector including a plurality of hollow tubes, each tube directly joined, or indirectly joined by a web, to an adjacent tube; a first manifold connected to a first end of each tube; a second manifold connected to a second end of each tube; where at least two adjacent tubes are separated along a portion of their length so as to form a first section in which adjacent tubes are separated from one another and a second segment in which adjacent tubes are joined to one another. Also disclosed is a method for preventing damage to a tube mat solar collector which includes maintaining the hollow tubes of a solar collector in a substantially coplanar relationship in the absence of high wind conditions; permitting individual tubes to move about their longitudinal axis in response to high wind conditions; and returning the tubes to their longitudinal axis as the high wind conditions subside, the high wind conditions being wind of at least 15 miles per hour.

Abstract: An inhalation therapy device for providing a medicament in the form of an aerosol for inhalation, said device comprising a storage means for a medicament, which enables an improved deposition of medicament droplets in the respiratory tract of a patient. The inhalation therapy device comprises a first electric contact means which is in contact with the medicament and a second electric contact means which is in contact with the patient, wherein by applying a voltage it is possible to cause an electrostatic charge between the medicament and the patient, which leads to an improved deposition of the medicament in the respiratory tract of a patient.

Abstract: A sterile air trolley comprising a mobile casing having at least one air inlet in its lower region and a plurality of air outlets in its upper region, and enclosing impeller means operative to move air in through the at least one inlet, through filter means and out of the casing by way of the outlets, the upper region of the casing providing a substantially horizontal work surface, characterized in that the work surface has an upstanding boundary wall extending around its perimeter whereby the work surface and boundary wall form a tray, the boundary wall being hollow whereby the filtered air is directed into the boundary wall and is emitted through air outlets in the boundary wall facing inwardly over the work surface from opposing sides.

Abstract: A face mask (10) mechanically coupled to a lung demand valve (LDV) (12). The face mask (10) comprises a main mask and an inner mask (15) which fits over the wearer's mouth and nose. The interior of the inner mask (15) is in fluidic communication with the interior of the main mask (10) by means of non-return valves (16). The interior of the main mask is in fluidic communication with an inlet port (18) which is mechanically and fluidically coupled to a supply port (20) of an LDV. The LDV (12) includes a diaphragm and a cover (44) which comprises three parts (44a, 44b) and (44c). Exhaled air is used to flush the space around the diaphragm. Thus, any toxic or undesirable gas in the vicinity of the diaphragm is pushed out to atmosphere by the exhaled air flowing past and around the diaphragm.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal airway device has a tubular body with a securement assembly disposed at the proximal end thereof. The tubular body may include a plurality of apertures along the sidewall thereof. The securement assembly can include a flared flange and an outwardly extending locking protrusion. During use, the tubular body is positioned within the nasal passageway. The locking protrusion is bent and also inserted into the nasal passageway so as to secure the nasopharyngeal airway device in place.

Abstract: The present system includes a protective hood with a vent opening and a transparent shield mounted to a front portion of the hood. In a basic configuration, a fan assembly is removably mounted to the hood and coupled to the vent opening to direct airflow within the hood. In another configuration, a fan assembly is selectively attachable to the vent opening or position. Optionally, a rear flap selectively seals the vent position when the fan assembly is detached and the rear flap partially covers a fan when the fan assembly is attached to the hood. In another configuration, a fan assembly is detachably mounted to the hood to draw an airflow into the hood. In preferred embodiments, a wearer can wear the hood with the fan assembly attached or detached.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a user in a hazardous or contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, and/or nuclear contamination includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for providing tank stored breathable air, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for purifying ambient air and a valve system that can be used to control the source of air from either the SCBA or the PAPR. The source of breathable air can be selectively controlled via manual or automatic controls while a protective body suit can be operably coupled with the SCBA and the PAPR to protect a user within the contaminated environment.

Abstract: A respirator filter removes toxic chemical threats by first heating an air stream, and then contacting it with a catalyst and adsorbent at conditions conducive to toxicity elimination by reaction. The air stream may then be cooled prior to being provided to a wearer of the respirator. A pump is included in various embodiments.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.

Abstract: As a respiration synchronized-type gas supplying apparatus which has a function for setting the flow rate during continuous supply and at the same time can be miniaturized by simplifying the structure, the present invention provides an oxygen supplying apparatus comprising an oxygen generating means, an oxygen supplying means for supplying the oxygen generated by the oxygen supplying means to a user and an automatic closing valve placed on the oxygen-supplying passage, wherein the oxygen supplying apparatus is provided with the following: a respiration sensor which detects the respiration of a user; a supply method setting means which selects the supply in a continuous flow or the supply in synchronism with the respiration of the user; a flow rate setting means for a supply flow rate; and a controlling means which controls the aperture of the closing valve corresponding to the set value of the flow rate setting means by receiving a supply method setting signal of the continuous flow, or opens the automatic cl

Abstract: A thin profile PAPR filter blower system and method of use that operates in conjunction with a thin profile filter cartridge. The design allows an unaided user to swap filter cartridges without compromising the safety of the user, even when the user is located in a contaminated environment. Other components of the system include a blower control mechanism, a short conduit for delivering filtered air to a worn face mask, a self-contained power supply, optional attachment features to secure the system to a wearer's body, features for sealably connecting and replacing filter cartridges, and a quick change locking mechanism to secure and release filter cartridges. An optional remotely located control device is also provided.

Abstract: A personal mask testing system (PMTS) is of a size of a human hand. The PMTS has several energy efficient features that permit running the PMTS from a battery source within the housing. The PMTS also includes a replaceable vapor source.

Abstract: An improved two-layered condom device which offers improved sensation to the male wearer compared to a conventional condom, which should result in increased compliance with usage. The device provides a dual barrier, with lubricant between an inner condom and an outer condom which may contain a chemical or chemicals to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and sperm, thereby making it superior to a conventional single-layered condom in preventing unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human body supporting device, especially intended for use with children having serious functional disabilities, e.g. cerebral paresis. The device according to the present invention is characterised by comprising a base unit (1) intended to rest on a horizontal ground, an elongated, generally up-right element (5) extending from the base unit (1), a pelvis support (10) attached to the upright element (5), said support being displaceable along the upright element (5), by said pelvis support (10) comprising means (12, 13) for encircling the waist of the person using the device, and by a chest support (15) provided on the upright element (5), said chest support (15) being displaceable along the upright element (5) and comprising means (17, 18) for encircling the chest of the person using the device.

Abstract: An oral bib includes a thin sheet protective shield portion having resistance to the passage of a sexually transmitted disease microbe therethrough. The shield portion is configured to overlie a chin and mouth region of a wearer and has opposing sides. A strap is adapted to secure said shield portion to a wearer head.

Abstract: The present invention provides robotic surgical instruments and systems that include electrosurgical cutting/shearing tools and methods of performing a robotic surgical procedure. The surgical instruments can advantageously be used in robotically controlled minimally invasive surgical operations. A surgical instrument generally comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector, for performing a surgical operation such as cutting, shearing, grasping, engaging, or contacting tissue adjacent a surgical site, is coupleable to a distal end of the shaft. Preferably, the end effector comprises a pair of scissor-like blades for cooperatively shearing the tissue. A conductor electrically communicating with at least one blade delivers electrical energy to tissue engaged by the blades. An interface coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and removably connectable to the robotic surgical system is also included.

Abstract: A separator for shredded tobacco has a column provided at its bottom with a perforated plate inclined towards a discharge duct. An entry duct for the shredded tobacco and a feed pipe for air propels the shredded tobacco upwards. The upper mouth of the column faces a mesh conveyor movable substantially transversely to the vertical axis of the column. The conveyor forms an element by which the upward rise of the shredded tobacco is halted and is conveyed towards a member for removing and conveying the tobacco.

Abstract: A hair curler roller including a hardened and substantially spool-shaped core. A foam outer layer is applied about an exterior surface associated with the core, said outer layer further including a smooth fabric satin covering. A clamp mechanism is engageably secured about an annular surface associated with the spool-shaped core, the clamp mechanism including inwardly directed and extending serrated edges. The clamp mechanism is manipulated between opened and closed positions, and such that the serrated edges biasingly sandwich a user's hair wound about the outer layer.

Abstract: A portable dental hygiene appliance is made up of two separable components. The first component consists of an enclosed compartment in which toothpaste, sealed within an airtight bag or in caplet form, is located. At one end of the compartment a dental element, such as a toothpick, floss support, rigid tooth cleaning element, is located for ease of use. At the other end of the component there is an accessway with an opening leading to the compartment. The second component includes a toothbrush at one end and a blade or similar piercing device at the other. During normal transport of the appliance, the two components can easily be carried adjacent each other. When the user needs to brush his or her teeth, the blade in the second component is inserted into the accessway of the first component in order to pierce or puncture the sealed bag or caplet containing the toothpaste.

Abstract: An oral hygiene products dispenser stand for storing and dispensing oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, mouthwash, disposable cups, and dental floss is described. The stand includes a base, a supporting framework for storing and dispensing disposable cups, and a plurality of toothbrush holders. The brush head end of a toothbrush can be placed into a toothbrush holder to be sanitized and dried. The stand serves as an oral hygiene products dispensing station when the base supports a bottle of mouthwash, fluoride rinse or other antiseptic fluid.

Abstract: A cleaning method highly effectively cleans a surface of a semiconductor wafer by removing a dissolution product, produced when a surface of a semiconductor wafer is processed by a developing process that develops an exposed film formed on the semiconductor wafer by wetting the exposed film with a developer, from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. A cleaning liquid is poured through a cleaning liquid pouring nozzle onto a central part of a rotating wafer processed by a developing process to spread the cleaning liquid in a film over the surface of the wafer. Then, the cleaning liquid pouring nozzle is shifted to create a dry area in a central part of the wafer and the wafer is rotated at 1500 rpm to expand the dry area.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first support and a second support integrally coupled to the first support. A first side of the first support and a first side of the second support are movable relative to one another so as to dispose the first side of the first support and the first side of the second support on substantially opposite sides of a string.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher selectively operable in a first program using a detergent and a predetermined quantity of rinse agent separate from each other and a second using a compound consisting of detergent and rinse agent wherein in the second program an additional quantity of rinse agent less than the predetermined quantity is provided. The predetermined and additional quantities are preferably provided from a dispenser.

Abstract: Device for cleaning a gas turbine engine (2), and in particular an engine of turbofan type. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning such a engine. The device comprises a plurality of nozzles (31, 33, 35) arranged to atomize cleaning liquid in the air stream in an air inlet (20) of the engine (2) up-stream of a fan (25) of the engine (2). According to the invention a first nozzle (31) is arranged at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the first nozzle (31) impinges the surfaces of the blades (40) substantially on the pressure side (53); a second nozzle (35) is arranged at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the second nozzle (35) impinges the surfaces of the blades (40) substantially on the suction side (54); and a third nozzle (33) is arranged at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the third nozzle (33) passes substantially between the blades (40) and enters an inlet (23) of the core engine (203).

Abstract: A cleaner and a cleaning method using the same. A cleaner having a plurality of cleaning modes, includes: a reader reading object identification data stored in an object identification medium attached to an object to be cleaned; and a control unit interpreting the object identification data read by the reader to identify a kind of the object to be cleaned and controlling the cleaner such that the cleaner performs cleaning in a cleaning mode corresponding to the identified kind of the object to be cleaned.

Abstract: Described are methods for processing optical materials, by use of cleaning materials that include acid and oxidizer.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a housing at least in part defining a washing chamber having an access opening and a door mounted for movement between a closed position for washing and an open position for inlet/outlet of wares through the access opening. At least one nozzle is included for emitting liquid into the washing chamber. A table is connected to the machine for movement between a load/unload position and a storage position.

Abstract: An automated exterior building cleaning system particularly well suited for cleaning the window exteriors on a high rise building. By way of example the system is deployed on a rooftop rail system traversed by a movable platform from which a washing head is deployed over the edges of the building and lowered on cables for cleaning the window surfaces and other building elements. The system is configured for remote monitoring and control and provides a number of novel elements and safety features.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making integrated circuits. In one embodiment the method includes forming tungsten plugs in a integrated circuit and forming electrically conductive interconnect lines after formation of the tungsten plugs, wherein at least one tungsten plug is electrically connected to at least one electrically conductive interconnect line. Separate from the formation of the tungsten plugs and electrically conductive interconnect lines, a gas is introduced into a liquid. At least one electrically conductive interconnect line is then contacted with the gas introduced liquid.

Abstract: An electric shaving apparatus cleaning device for a shaving apparatus, with an upper portion having a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving head section of the shaving apparatus, and an electric motor powered fluid impeller for a cleaning fluid. In the shaving apparatus cleaning device, the upper portion is supported upon a replaceable cartridge holding a supply of cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic no contact machine for cleaning and drying tips, air caps, retainers and cups on spray apparatus when changing liquid or when the apparatus will be idle, or to remove build up of paint on applicators that cause spits and drips on surfaces and electrostatic arcing to spray apparatus while containing and recovering cleaning effluents to an environmental standard.

Abstract: This invention has two components, a side delivery spray wand and a transparent plastic package with two compartments. One compartment serves for storage and display of the spray wand, and for guiding and limiting the wand's use in delivering the spray to the paint roller surface. The other compartment serves for storage and display of a paint roller, and is the protective chamber within which a roller is cleaned and spin-dried. The enclosure possesses a small top opening for insertion of the spray wand, and a bottom opening for rapid exhaust of paint-laden solvent. Its two halves are hinged, book-like. When open multiple units nest conveniently. When closed, the compartments are completed, a segment of a paint roller handle is captured, and the seam seals to force all of the paint laden solvent to vent at the exit port.

Abstract: A tilting umbrella with an adjustable cover includes an adjustable cover and a shaft. An upper joint is provided centrally of the cover having a positioning ball to be received in an upper connector formed on top of the shaft. Hence, the cover is adjustable to have an oblique angle relating to the shaft as desired for sheltering sunshine from any directions effectively.

Abstract: A control device for opening and closing an automatic umbrella includes a handle, a lower tube, a control member, a press plate, a bullet head, an upper tube, and a push button. Thus, the push button is pressed in a two-stage manner to push and pivot the press plate to open and close the umbrella automatically, so that the control device is operated easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating a user opening and closing the umbrella.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thin film thermoelectric module. the module includes high and low temperature part module substrates, unit thermoelectric devices, and lead wires. The high and low temperature part module substrates are arranged to face each other. The unit thermoelectric devices are located between the modules to transfer heat between the modules. The lead wires are connected to the electrodes of the unit thermoelectric devices. Each of the unit thermoelectric devices includes a pair of lower and upper substrates, electrodes, and a thermoelectric material. The pair of lower and upper substrates are arranged to face each other. The electrodes are formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate and the lower surface of the upper substrate. The thermoelectric material is disposed between the electrodes.