Abstract: A valve lift sensor detects the position of an engine valve. The valve lift sensor includes a movable target carried on an engine valve and a stationary coil carried within an engine valve assembly. A signal generator energizes the coil with an oscillating voltage to create an oscillating magnetic field, which is concentric to the coil for inductive transfer with the target. A comparator compares the voltage from the signal generator with the voltage at the resistor to determine the phase lag of resistor voltage relative to signal generator voltage and indicate the engine valve position. Using the phase lag, the comparator provides a pulse-width-modulated signal with a duty cycle proportional to the valve lift to an engine valve control operable to control the operation of the engine valve.

Abstract: An ECU calculates an engine speed for calculating a camshaft phase based on a time period T? in which a crankshaft rotates a sampling angle ?. The camshaft phase is derived from a time difference between output timing of a cam angle signal and output timing of a crank angle signal based on the engine speed. According as the engine speed is lower, the sampling angle ? becomes small, so that the engine speed and the camshaft phase are precisely calculated.

Abstract: In a hydraulic camshaft adjuster for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, with an inner body connected for rotation with the camshaft and having at least one vane extending into a chamber formed in an outer body mounted rotatably relative to the camshaft and connected for rotation with a crankshaft for driving the camshaft and with a hydraulic control mechanism for adjusting the relative angular position between the inner and the outer bodies and including a locking structure for selectively locking and releasing the inner body with respect to the outer body, at least one bolt is slidably supported in an opening in the inner body so as to be movable into a guide slot in the outer body by the force of an axially acting spring element, said bolt when released from the guide slot against the axially acting spring force by the pressure force of a hydraulic operating fluid being retainable laterally displaced out of alignment with the guide slot by centrifugal forces against the force of a radially acting

Abstract: A sealed cover assembly for a fluid-containing cavity of an engine includes a cover including a fluid-containing wall with a peripheral edge having a sealing surface adapted to oppose a corresponding sealing surface of the engine, and a plurality of mounting openings in the peripheral edge; a reaction pad adjacent each of the openings and disposed at the peripheral edge on an opposite surface of the sealing surface around a perimeter defining the cover; a brace disposed against the reaction pad around the perimeter defining the cover; and mechanical fasteners extending through the reaction pad and the brace for securing the cover to a mating edge of the engine cavity, the fasteners when engaged providing substantially equal compression forces on the reaction pad via the brace and supporting the cover sealing surface with a predetermined gap from the cavity mating edge for engagement with a compliant sealing material disposed between the surfaces.

Abstract: What is proposed is a hydraulic lash adjuster (1), for example for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The lash adjuster (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical housing (2) that is inter-inserted with an axially relatively displaceable pressure piston (3). A high pressure chamber (6) for hydraulic medium extends between opposing front ends (4, 5) of the pressure piston (3) and the housing (2). The high pressure chamber (6) can be supplied, via a one-way valve (8) arranged on the front end (4) and opening towards the high pressure chamber (6) with hydraulic medium out of a reservoir (9). A leak gap (12) for the hydraulic medium is formed between an outer peripheral surface (10) of the pressure piston (3) and a bore (11) of the housing (2). In its portion adjoining the front end (5) of the housing (2), the bore (11) of the housing (2) merges into an annular enlargement (15).

Abstract: An engine start control apparatus includes a crank angle sensor, and a stroke discrimination device that discriminates which of engine cylinders is in intake or compression strokes in an engine stopped state. A crankshaft is temporarily reverse-rotated in a reverse-rotational direction by way of crankshaft reverse-rotation control until an intake valve becomes shifted from a valve closed state to a valve open state, when cranking the engine for startup under a specific condition where a crankangle of an engine cylinder whose piston stroke is in the intake stroke or in the compression stroke, is within a specified crankangle range from 40 degrees of crankangle before a piston B.D.C. position to 40 degrees of crankangle after the piston B.D.C. position. The crankshaft is rotated in a normal-rotational direction by way of crankshaft normal-rotation control after the intake valve has been shifted to the valve open state.

Abstract: A charge motion control valve actuator method and apparatus that utilizes a motor, output shaft, control circuit, and sensor to provide closed loop control of the position of the output shaft via the motor. The control circuit has an input for receiving actuator commands and has an output connected to the motor to control operation of the motor. The sensor is connected to the control circuit and provides the control circuit with data indicative of the position of the output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the motor via a gear set and coil spring. Feedback from the sensor enables the control circuit to control the position of the output shaft, and the control circuit can also output data relating to the position of the output shaft.

Abstract: A recoil starter in which a side face of a rope reel is formed with a ring-like recess portion for containing a damping force storing member, a boss portion of a cam is contained at inside of the ring-like recess portion and the damping force storing member is contained between an inner peripheral face of the ring-like recess portion and an outer peripheral face of the boss portion of the cam, an inner side of the boss portion of the cam is formed with a ratchet mechanism for engaging and disengaging the cam to and from the rope reel, when the rope reel is rotated by traction of the recoil rope, the both members are disengaged from each other and when the rope reel is rotated in a direction of reeling back the recoil rope, the both members are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A cylinder block in an engine including: the cylinder block; a plurality of bearing caps for supporting a crankshaft mounted to the cylinder block; a number of cap bolts fixing the plural bearing caps to the cylinder block; a plurality of bearing cap beams, disposed one beneath each of the plural bearing caps, supporting the plural bearing caps; and a number of beam bolts fixing the plural bearing cap beams to a skirt portion of the cylinder block, wherein each of the plural bearing cap beams and the corresponding one of the plural bearing cap are fixed to the cylinder block by two or more of the cap bolts, and two or more of the cap bolts and two or more beam bolts associated with a same one of the plural bearing cap beams are disposed at close proximity sequentially.

Abstract: An improved two-piece connecting rod (800) that connects a reciprocating piston with a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine. The connecting rod (800) has a shank portion (810, 860), a cap portion (820, 870) and projections (830, 880, 882) extending from one or both of the shank (810, 860) and cap portions (820, 870). When the shank (810, 860) and the cap (820, 870) are connected, the projections (830, 880, 882) mate with the opposite side with an interference fit, thereby resisting relative motion between the shank (810, 860) and the cap (820, 870) along the split-line (A?).

Abstract: An obstruction is employed in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The obstruction is located within the chamber to generate turbulence and break-up or disrupt the soot rich zone within a directly injected quantity of fuel that is burning. More specifically, a ring disrupts fuel jets directly injected into the combustion chamber that impact on or are influence by the ring. The ring can be suspended from the piston or from the fire deck. Post-type obstructions help generate turbulence and are also targeted at disrupting the soot rich zone of the burning fuel jets. A method involves disrupting the soot rich zone or reducing soot generated within the combustion chamber and increasing burn rate by impacting the fuel jets on an obstruction within the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves is provided. In particular, systems and methods for providing variable valve actuation to improve engine performance are provided. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with positive power, engine braking, and/or exhaust gas recirculation operation of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a housing disposed intermediate the valve train element and the engine valve; an outer piston slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing, the outer piston having a cavity formed therein; an inner piston slidably disposed in the outer piston cavity; and a valve in communication with the outer piston cavity, the valve having more than one position, wherein the position of the valve determines the timing of the engine valve event.

Abstract: An intake pipe includes a plurality of passages that join in a section upstream of the throttle body. The intake pipe includes an interference prevention member that prevents air passing through a specific one of the passages from flowing into the other passages. The interference prevention member is a thin plate and is formed in a confluence portion of an adjacent pair of the passages.

Abstract: An engine control device can be capable of suppressing a rise in engine speed at starting. The engine speed can be detected by a speed sensor and a determination can be made whether the engine speed has changed from a starting mode to a normal mode. If the engine speed has changed from a starting mode to a normal mode, the difference between the engine speed and a predetermined target engine speed is calculated, and the ignition timing is controlled based on the calculated difference. The control of ignition timing can be performed when the detected value of the rotational sensor is larger than the target engine speed.

Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine which determines a target throttle opening degree in accordance with a required intake pipe internal pressure and which suppresses the occurrence of hunting of the throttle opening degree is provided, wherein, when the required intake pipe internal pressure becomes a predetermined pressure or more, the target throttle opening degree is determined by adding an addition-corrected throttle opening degree calculated in accordance with a difference between the required intake pipe internal pressure and the predetermined pressure based on a predetermined equation to an opening degree of a throttle valve making the intake pipe internal pressure the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A valve characteristic estimation device applied to an internal combustion engine provided with a valve characteristic adjustment mechanism for varying a valve characteristic including at least one of a valve open period and a lift amount of an intake valve. The estimation device detects intake air amount and intake air pressure of the engine, and calculates an estimated value for the valve characteristic based on the detected values of the intake air amount and the intake air pressure. Accordingly, the valve characteristic of the intake valve is accurately estimated.

Abstract: A relative position detection-and-control device is designed with multiple Hall Effect sensors. In one embodiment, the multiple Hall Effect sensors comprise two different types of Hall Effect sensors. The two different types can be linear and digital. The output of the sensors is used to determine the position an accelerator control, such as a twist grip, and to control an engine or motor in accordance with the operator demand evidenced by the position of the accelerator control.

Abstract: In feedback control of a discharge amount of a high pressure fuel pump in which an actual fuel pressure is caused to become a target fuel pressure, when a deviation between the target fuel pressure and the actual fuel pressure has transiently changed, updating of an integral term of the feedback control is stopped. As a result, needless updating of the integral term when the deviation of the target fuel pressure and the actual fuel pressure has transiently increased is inhibited, and fuel pressure overshoot is reliably suppressed.

Abstract: A damper for damping pressure pulsations in a liquid includes an outer tube having an inner surface defining an interior cavity, and an inner tube positioned within the interior cavity of the outer tube. The inner tube includes an outer surface such that at least one chamber is formed between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube for containing a gas. The damper includes an exterior surface configured to be surrounded by the liquid and an interior surface configured to define a passageway through the damper for the liquid. The damper can define at least two, and in one embodiment, four separate chambers for containing a gas. The damper can be part of a fuel rail assembly and is positioned within a fuel rail configured to contain pressurized fuel.

Abstract: To improve layout freedom, waterproof and dustproof, a lower cup opening upward side is integrally formed with a throttle body and an upper cup covers the lower cup to form a chamber, a fuel injection valve is fixed to throttle body by a fuel distribution pipe, the fuel injection valve, the fuel distribution pipe and a female type connector fitted to an external connecting connector of the fuel injection valve are arranged within the chamber, a takeout groove is formed in a side wall of the upper cup toward a lower attaching collar portion, and a fuel introduction pipe connected to the fuel distribution pipe and a lead wire connected to the female type connector are drawn out to the external via the takeout groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively simple way to automatically turn on and off the fuel to a starter/generator cooling system during engine start. The present invention takes advantage of a fuel pressure rise provided by an engine fuel boost pump during the period from engine start to engine idle conditions. This pressure rise is used to stroke a shutoff valve in a fuel return to tank valve (FRTTV), which shuts off the starter generator cooling fuel flow. This shutoff occurs automatically with no other external input from, for example, an engine controller. A check valve is also included that prevents back flow through the FRTTV in the event of an engine start with no aircraft pumps running.

Abstract: For use in an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection system, a heat exchanger module features a distributor block, which is connected via at least one first fuel line with the intake of the injection system and via at least one second fuel line with the output of the injection system. A thermal compensation takes place between the at least one fuel conveyed out of the injection system and the distributor block.

Abstract: Isolation valves of the invention are advantageously mechanically actuated. Such valves and associated methods comprise a first port in fluid communication with a first component; a second port in fluid communication with a second component; a third port in fluid communication with a third component; a diaphragm disposed within the valve for closing a normally open internal pathway to occlude fluid communication between the first port and the second port in response to a pressure differential across the diaphragm; and a flow sensitive pressure device for controlling the pressure differential across the diaphragm. Fluid flows from the second component to the third component upon closing of the normally open internal pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, isolation valves and methods of the invention are adapted for use in fuel tank emission control systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cooling charge air, comprising the steps of cooling at least one cooling agent conduit with a cooling agent (Step 401), flowing thermally charged air through a plurality of charge air conduits positioned in proximity to said at least one cooling agent conduit (Step 402), circulating ambient air to contact said cooled at least one cooling agent conduit whereby said ambient air is cooled (Step 403), and circulating said cooled ambient air to contact said plurality of charge air conduits whereby said plurality of charge air cooler conduits are cooled further cooling said thermally charged air present within (Step 404).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to compress combustion air, in particular a device to compress combustion air for a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a housing (12), with at least one compressor impeller (30) arranged in a compression area (28) of a first housing part (14), which is arranged in the flow direction between an air inlet (24) and an air outlet (43) of the housing (12), as well as with an electric motor (18) arranged in a second housing part (16) of the housing (12) to operate the compressor impeller (30). It is proposed in accordance with the invention that a flow channel (42) running in the circumferential direction of the first housing part (12) and connecting the compression space (28) with the air outlet (43) surrounds the electric motor (18) at least partially.

Abstract: In a multipurpose engine with a reduced or limited displacement adapted for use in a portable work machine or the like, the engine includes a detecting element of a gas sensor for controlling an air-fuel ratio. Damage or degradation of the detecting element due to vibration from the engine is reduced or eliminated. To achieve this, a supporting device having a vibration-damping-function is provided for supporting the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit containing the gas sensor. The supporting device permits the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit to move by an amount equal to or less than a predetermined extent of movement of the engine, so that the transmission of vibration from the engine directly to the gas sensor is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an EGR valve having a housing with a primary passage and a secondary passage. A poppet valve is used to separate or control the flow of fluid from the secondary passage to the primary passage. The valve shaft has a longitudinal axis that extends through the primary passage at a location other than the centerline axis of the primary passage. Additionally, the present invention has a mixing furrow located along the interior surface of the primary passage that will cause gasses flowing from the secondary passage to the primary passage to swirl and mix prior to being introduced to the intake manifold of an engine.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing (101), a fill tube (107) disposed within the housing (101), the fill tube (107) having a fluid inlet (125) at one end and a fluid outlet (127) at another end. The fluid outlet (127) is disposed near a passage (103) of the housing (101) such that fluid entering the fluid inlet (125) exits the housing (101) through the passage (103). A filter (113) is disposed outside the fill tube (107) and inside the housing (101), such that unfiltered gases from the passage (103) are capable of entering the filter (113). A gas outlet (121) is integrated with the housing (101), such that filtered gases from the filter (113) are capable of exiting the housing (101) through the gas outlet (121).

Abstract: A fuel injection system during operation of an internal combustion engine with at least two separately stored fuel types is supplied with at least one first fuel type. With the supply of a second fuel type or with the change from the supply of the first fuel type to the second fuel type, the fuel volume conveyed by the injection system is determined and dependent thereon the presence of a given fuel mixture ratio is verified.

Abstract: A method of controlling fuel input to an engine of a vehicle. A feedback signal is received from a sensor that senses engine exhaust. A dither signal having the same frequency as the feedback signal is applied to a fuel control signal controlling fuel to the engine. A proportional/integral correction is applied to the fuel control signal based on the frequency.

Abstract: An archery bow includes a main riser frame with limbs extending therefrom. Each of the limbs has forward ends extended from the main riser frame. A bowstring has wound ends that are wound onto each of wheel cams that are attached to the limbs. The bowstring has a middle section that is not wound onto the wheel cams and that begins and ends at points on the wheel cams that are proximate to the farthest points along the wheel cams from the main riser frame. An elongate tube is mounted to the main riser frame through the central bore, and has a front handle attached to the elongate tube outer surface, and positioned between the first and second pairs of limbs. A push rod is slidably mounted at least partially inside the elongate tube, and has a rearward handle disposed outside the elongate tube rearward end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding ball-like ammunition, so-called paint balls, into the projectile chamber of a sporting arm. The magazine is arranged separately from the arm and is connected to same by means of a feeder tube. A motor-driven feeder feeds the balls from the ball container into the feeder tube. In so doing, a spring element stores the traction from the motor, so that, even when the motor stops, balls can still be transported using the energy stored in the spring element. The traction from the motor is transmitted via a connection or clutch consisting of a spring element and a transmission element. Protrusions are arranged on both the spring element and the transmission element, which come to bear on each other for transmitting traction. The protrusions are at least partially flexible, so that the transmitted force is limited. This way, explosion of the balls from excessive pressure is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding ball-like ammunition, so-called paint balls, into the projectile chamber of a sporting arm. The magazine is arranged separately from the arm and is connected to same by means of a feeder tube. A motor-driven feeder feeds the balls from the ball container into the feeder tube. In so doing, a spring element stores the traction from the motor, so that, even when the motor stops, balls can still be transported using the energy stored in the spring element. The traction from the motor is transmitted via a connection or clutch consisting of a spring element and a transmission element. Protrusions are arranged on both the spring element and the transmission element, which come to bear on each other for transmitting traction. The protrusions are at least partially flexible, so that the transmitted force is limited. This way, explosion of the balls from excessive pressure is prevented.

Abstract: A cooking device having a base frame having sidewalls and a floor that at least partially define a cooking cavity; a lid assembly disposed above the base frame and comprising a cover and a heating unit; a grate disposed in the cooking cavity; a collecting pan disposed beneath the grate for collecting drippings from food being cooked; the top unit being displaceable relative to the base frame between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the open position, the heating unit is disposed out of alignment with the grate and the top unit is disposed so as to allow access to the grate from above. The collecting pan may be disposed so as to remain below 180° F. after 20 minutes of cooking with the top unit in the closed position and the heating unit operating at a maximum setting.

Abstract: A sideburner is disclosed, including a burner pan, a base, and a burner element supported by the burner pan. The burner pan comprises a floor, upper sidewalls with a first dimension, lower sidewalls with a second dimension, and a substantially horizontal shelf. The second dimension is smaller than the second dimension. The shelf joins an upper portion of the lower sidewall to a lower portion of the upper sidewall. The base has a substantially flat top surface and a front surface. The top surface has a recessed opening located over the burner pan.

Abstract: A stove body for a large-scale barbecue stove includes a bottom plate, and a cover plate combined with the bottom plate. Thus, the stove body is formed with at least one independent fire supply zone, so that the volume of each independent fire supply zone is reduced relatively, thereby enhancing the working efficiency and stability of the fire of each independent fire supply zone, and thereby preventing the stove body from producing gas explosion due to a back fire. In addition, each independent fire supply zone is ignited easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating a user operating the stove body, and thereby increasing the lifetime of each of the ignition devices.

Abstract: A variable input, radiant tube heater includes the usual housing containing a burner tube, a reflector connected to the housing, a fuel line into the housing and a pressure regulator in the fuel line. The blower is operated by a 24 volt motor and a transformer remote from the heater. Fuel flow is regulated by a regulator including a valve in the fuel line, a valve operator and an electrical control connected to the operator. For outdoor use heaters are supported by a modular frame including hollow beams, posts for supporting the beams and saddles for interconnecting the beams and mounting them on posts.

Abstract: A drop ejection device for use in a handheld inhaler is fabricated with a thin passivation layer and thin or no metal anti-cavitation layers above underlying heat transducers to provide protection for the heat transducers. A control system energizes selected heat transducers to heat fluid in the chambers, vaporizing the fluid, which is ejected through the orifices in small droplets.

Abstract: A respirator mask includes an inflatable cuff, a gas-guiding member, and an inflating valve. The inflatable cuff has an inner wall surface confining an air chamber, and a gas inlet unit having a hollow protrusion projecting into the air chamber from the inner wall surface. The hollow protrusion has an innermost end wall spaced apart from the inner wall surface and a through hole formed in the innermost end wall. The hollow protrusion is formed as one-piece with the inner wall surface. The gas-guiding member has an annular connecting edge portion which is connected to the inflatable cuff and which has a hollow seat aligned with the hollow protrusion. The hollow seat has a through hole communicated with the through hole of the hollow protrusion. The inflating valve is mounted in the hollow seat.

Abstract: A small, disposable, medical device is provided having a central housing, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, with the central housing having the proximal end portion at one end of the central housing, and the distal end portion at the other end. The proximal end portion and the distal end portion each have an aperture formed therein, with a channel extending the length of the device from one aperture to the other. The device's central housing tapers in width between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, with the width at the distal end portion being less than the width at the proximal end portion. The proximal end portion preferably has a width that is greater than its height. Further, the aperture at the proximal end has an area that is greater than the aperture at the distal end.

Abstract: A portable air pre-treating device for medical treatment has an outer bottle with an air-heater, an inner water bag, a diverging connector, a dual tube, a venturi tube and an optional mask. The inner water bag is mounted inside the outer bottle. The diverging connector is mounted on the outer bottle to hold the inner water bag. The dual tube is attached to the diverging connector to communicate with the inner water bag and then extend to the optional mask. The venturi tube has an hourglass-shaped channel and is mounted inside the dual tube to make the air easily pick up moisture from a capillary ball when the air passes through hourglass-shaped channel. Thereby, the air is pre-heated in the outer bottle and then moisturized in the dual tube to be a suitable condition for breathing.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient, comprising a body having a rim to contact a patient's face, a mask body and a diffuser having a base, and wall circumscribing a central oxygen delivery aperture extending through the central portion between the inner surface and the outer surface, the wall and base configured to act as an oxygen diffuser to a plume of diffused oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; with substantial opening in the mask body to permit the patient to carry out normal functions.

Abstract: An anesthesia device has a device (4, 5) for the supply of at least one first anesthetic and a second anesthetic in a quantitatively settable, controlled manner. A data processing unit (6) with a corresponding display (8) is set up for determining the current concentrations in the plasma or at the site of action from continuously supplied data on the quantities of the anesthetics administered with a module (10) for a pharmacokinetic compartment model calculation and for storing these concentration values. Concentration data is predicted for at least one point in time in the future and this is also calculated. An action module (20) keeps ready the curve of at least one anesthesia action parameter as a function of the concentrations of the anesthetics in a stored manner.

Abstract: A bite-block device for preventing biting of air tubes, such as laryngeal mask airway (LMA) tubes by human teeth is disclosed. The device is composed of a generally cylindrical body, fabricated from a biologically compatible polymer. A hole is present through the long axis of the body. The device also extends in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Attached to this plane is a coupling device intended for securing an LMA tube to the bite-block. The bite-block is positioned within a patient's mouth against the cheek, with the plane perpendicular to the long axis pressed against the lip. Deployed in this fashion, the bite block engages the molars, bicuspids, and cuspids, preventing contact of the teeth with an LMA tube.

Abstract: To improve administration of powdered pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical powder cartridge (1) for powder inhalers for holding a pharmaceutical depot for a large number of pharmaceutical powder doses is proposed, having at least one storage space (6) and an integrated metering device, said integrated metering device comprising at least one metering slide (9, 13, 14) which can be moved approximately transversely in a metering slide channel (12) at least from a filling position to an emptying position, approximately transversely with respect to the direction of flow of the pharmaceutical powder out from the at least one storage space (6), said metering slide channel (12) with the at least one metering slide (9, 13, 14) being sealed off from the environment at least in the filling position of the metering slide (9, 13, 14), and also further measures and a corresponding inhaler.

Abstract: A humidifier (10) is disclosed which is adapted to be used in conjunction with a patient gas delivery system. The humidifier includes a housing (15) and two masses of hydrophilic polymer material (16) and (17) within the housing (15). The housing is configured to be isolated from an external liquid source during operation of the humidifier. The housing (15) also includes an inlet end (19) and an outlet end (20) through which a gas stream is pumped. As the gas stream passes through the saturated hydrophilic material, the gas stream becomes saturated with the fluid, thereby humidifying the gas stream.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient, comprising a body having a peripheral portion to sit comfortably on a patient's face, a central portion, and bridge portions extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion and integral therewith, the central portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface oriented towards the patient's face and spaced over the patient's nose and mouth, the inner surface of the central portion including a wall circumscribing a base, the wall and base being of generally concave configuration and circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen delivery aperture extending through the central portion, the wall and base configured so as to act as an oxygen diffuser to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth when the mask is in use.

Abstract: This Personal Respirator is a respiratory protection air-purifying device that minimizes the area required in front of the face, especially around the mouth area, by locating the very lightweight filter and plenum close to the head, connected by a airway tube forming a complete unit with the mouthpiece in the mouth, supported by the mouth. The airway tube and the filter plenum are both of minimal internal area and close to the mouthpiece, thus minimizing the internal volume of used air, residual nitrogen, and making the outside dimensions small enough to be compatible with most safety equipment. The respirator requires no straps and is preferably provided with a small tether to the nose clip and is worn in front of the head with the mouthpiece inserted into the mouth, the filter then supported by the mouth, and the nose clip secured on the nose.

Abstract: Apparatus for fitting to the head of a patient for supply of gas to the nose at a positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea comprises headgear for fitting to the head of a patient. A mask support forms part of said headgear and is held, in use, by portions of said headgear in a stable position above the nose of the patient. The mask support includes a manifold chamber, a first connector opening above said manifold chamber for attachment of a gas supply line and a second connector depending from said manifold chamber. The above apparatus may be used with a novel nasal mask which is a nares seal that may be removably connected to said second connector by a third connector forming part of said seal and having an air orifice formed therethrough. The seal further comprises first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes connecting with said air orifice and defining between them a generally triangular open space which extends, when in use, downwardly to a point below the nose of a patient.

Abstract: A soft material replaceably coupled to a ventilation interface, wherein the soft material is positioned between the interface and a user's face to alleviate discomfort. The soft material may be configured to be replaceably couple to various ventilation interfaces which may include CPAP interfaces.