Abstract: An outboard motor can comprise a cowling for covering an engine, a high pressure fuel supply system, and a low pressure fuel supply system. The high pressure fuel supply system can have a vapor separator tank and a high pressure fuel pump. The low pressure fuel supply system can have a low pressure fuel pump. A heat insulating chamber, defined from a space for accommodating the engine, can be formed within the cowling. The heat insulating chamber houses the low pressure fuel pump and the fuel filter.

Abstract: A fuel supply device can have a low pressure fuel pump that supplies fuel to a vapor separator tank positioned adjacent to an engine from a main fuel tank disposed in a hull. An electrically operated primary fuel pump (e.g., a primer pump) and a check valve can both be positioned parallel to each other and between the main fuel tank and the low pressure fuel pump. A control device can be connected to the primary fuel pump for operating the primary fuel pump only for a preset fuel supply time when starting the engine is attempted and prior to the start of the engine.

Abstract: A diverter, apparatus and method of bypassing an exhaust gas recirculation cooler in order to selectively cool recirculated exhaust gas is disclosed. The diverter relies on the Coanda effect to direct the exhaust gas flow to the cooler or to a bypass around the cooler and thus preferred embodiments do not require a valve to be provided in the exhaust gas flow for this purpose. This simplifies the assembly of the diverter and apparatus and provides for a more reliable diverter compared to certain known systems.

Abstract: A device for use in an air intake path of an internal combustion engine to improve the engine performance. The device body has a top surface, bottom surface and at least one air passage defined about an axis from the top surface-to the bottom surface, containing a chamfer at each end. The upper portion of the passage surface contains a plurality of V-shaped veins about the axis of the passage. The lower portion of the passage narrows in diameter to a point equal to or greater than the vein extension in the upper portion. The lower portion also defines a grooved surface starting at it's beginning having a 60 degree slope edge and a flat bottom major diameter spaced in such a manner as to have a helical shape and to circumscribe the passage wall terminating prior to the end of the lower passage.

Abstract: An ignition control circuit and method of operation provides a very simple but highly effective prevention of engine reverse rotation upon starting by prohibiting ignition when a reverse rotation situation arises.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps consisting in assuming that the gain of at least one injector is equal to a theoretical gain or an updated gain, and in replacing each of at least one reference injection of injection control duration controlled by the engine control unit in application of a stored characteristic, with a multiple injection comprising a succession of at least two injections of injection control durations that are assumed to cause the same mass of fuel to be injected as by the replaced reference injection, in determining the fuel mass difference between the reference injection and the multiple injection, in deducing therefrom an error in determining the characteristic, and in modifying the gain and/or the offset of the linear zone of the initial characteristic or at least a table or mathematical relationship for the non-linear zone of said characteristic, so as to compensate the error, and storing the new characteristic as determined in this way.

Abstract: A paintball marker or other compressed gas firearm is provided including a ram driven by an electropneumatic valve when a trigger is actuated to cause a main valve between a high pressure air supply and a firing chamber to be opened. This ram assembly is independent from the main valve structurally and coupled to the air supply and electropneumatic valve sufficiently flexibly to allow the ram assembly to be operable when the ram assembly is displaced away from the main valve. A bolt is provided for directing pressurized air from the main valve to the firing chamber when the main valve is opened, and with the bolt configured to provide a high pressure air pathway which has a high degree of effectiveness in driving the ball out of the firing chamber without distorting a trajectory of the ball. The bolt can be stationary when air is flowing past the bolt.

Abstract: A paintball marker or other compressed gas firearm is provided including a ram driven by an electropneumatic valve when a trigger is actuated to cause a main valve between a high pressure air supply and a firing chamber to be opened. This ram assembly is independent from the main valve structurally and coupled to the air supply and electropneumatic valve sufficiently flexibly to allow the ram assembly to be operable when the ram assembly is displaced away from the main valve. A bolt is provided for directing pressurized air from the main valve to the firing chamber when the main valve is opened, and with the bolt configured to provide a high pressure air pathway which has a high degree of effectiveness in driving the ball out of the firing chamber without distorting a trajectory of the ball. The bolt can be stationary when air is flowing past the bolt.

Abstract: The paintball marker has a specially curved discharge port and port within a bolt within the breech for a compressed gas powered gun for the firing of projectiles. The marker has an adjustable volume high pressure chamber that releases compressed gas to fire a paintball.

Abstract: A method for slicing an ingot may improve nanotopography at a surface of a wafer. In the method, an ingot is sliced into a plurality of wafers via a slurry while slurry is supplied to a moving wire. A first wire to form a first slicing portion at the wafer firstly slices one side of the ingot. A second wire secondly slices the remaining portion of the ingot to form a second slicing portion continued from the first slicing portion, wherein the first wire has a smaller diameter than that of the second wire.

Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill has an inclined heating surface defined on a sloping top plate. A grill assembly having a top cross member is placed over and in proximity to the heating surface. The grill assembly is moveable between two positions relative to the inclined heating surface. The grill assembly has a pair of sides which support rails. The rails are interlocked with sockets on the sides of the sloping top plate to guide the movement of the grill assembly. Lateral rods are installed between the sides of the grill assembly. Hot dogs and similar foods are cooked on the heating surface and rest on the lateral rods. A motor has a rotating shaft extending from the inclined heating surface. The rotating shaft is mechanically coupled to the top cross member of the grill assembly via a pivot block and pin.

Abstract: An embodiment of the heater has a radiant panel, a heating element, a thermal dispersion gap, and an integral wire chase. A method of heating includes heating a radiant panel, having a thermal dispersion gap, with a heating element, and then directing the radiant heat emitted from the radiant panel towards an object.

Abstract: A steam oven includes a heating chamber or boiler in which steam is generated. Water fill and refill operations of the heating chamber are controller in attempt to account for water expansion and/or to enable substantially regular production of steam.

Abstract: The present invention includes a solar water heating system including: a water tank to hold water to be heated, an heat transfer fluid circuit including an heat exchanger associated with said water tank to heat water therein, a solar collection means in communication with said heat exchanger, an inlet connection to carry heat transfer fluid from said solar collection means to said heat exchanger where said water will be heated; and an outlet connection to carry heat transfer fluid from said heat exchanger to said solar collection means where said heat transfer fluid will be heated, said heat transfer fluid circuit including a reversibly evaporable heat transfer fluid which will absorb heat from said solar collection means and which will transfer said heat to said water in said water tank by means of said heat exchanger; and an diversion path being provided in said heat transfer circuit, whereby when a portion of heat transfer fluid changes to a gaseous state in said solar collection means, heat transfer fluid

Abstract: A chemically modified plasticized starch (CMPS) is prepared by reacting starch with an organic dibasic acid or an anhydride of the acid in the presence of a plasticizer using optional free radical initiators, and optionally with the incorporation of nano clays in the reactive extrusion process. The starch is thermoplastic and has a lower viscosity than the traditional thermoplastic starch. The CMPS is useful in preparing starch polymer compositions which are at least partially biodegradable.

Abstract: A purification method employs nanofiltration of an aqueous solution containing one or several sugars, multivalent cations, monovalent metal cations, monovalent anions and multivalent inorganic anions and/or organic acid anions. The method includes replacement of at least a part of said multivalent cations and/or said multivalent inorganic anions and organic acid anions respectively by monovalent metal cations and/or monovalent anions to produce a solution. Nanofiltration of the solution is carried out to obtain a retentate, and at least part of the retentate is subject to crystallization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and guiding gas flow in atomizers, in breathing and rebreathing regions of a respiratory appliance. A first embodiment comprises a bypass device; and a said second embodiment comprises a valve which is timed by the respiratory appliance, such that the dead space is not filled with aerosol. Both embodiments provide for an application of aerosol only in the inspiration phase, reduction of the applied medication quantity by reducing the atomization of the dead space, reduction of the side effects of the medications, and sufficient moisturizing of the airways.

Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.

Abstract: A holder for holding a dispensing container system which is adapted to dispense a quantity of a fluid contained therein on movement thereof relative to the holder and further includes a dispensing counter means for counting the number of quantities of the fluid dispensed is disclosed. The holder has a moulded plastic body with inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface bounds a cavity adapted to receive the dispensing container system in movable relation thereto. The cavity has a moulded counter advance means which is adapted in use to engage the dispensing counter means on relative movement between the dispensing container system and the body to advance the dispensing counter means to indicate the dispensing of a quantity of the fluid.

Abstract: A thermal retention hood for reducing heat loss from a patient's head during and following surgery includes an enclosure configured to cover the face and head of the patient, and configured to retain heat within the enclosure. The enclosure is at least partially transparent, to give a practitioner visual access to a patient's face. The hood further includes a scored line in the enclosure in a position corresponding to the patient's nose and mouth, a second scored line surrounding a region of the enclosure corresponding to the location of the patient's face, and a strap configured to secure an open end of the enclosure around the patient's neck. The hood may also include an absorbent pad within the enclosure, positioned to cover a portion of the back of the patient's head to absorb excess moisture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manipulating a gas heavier than air in a tank. Said tank comprises a successive closure and opening arranged on the top thereof, an input for said heavy gas into the tank when it is closed and an off for said input when the tank is opened, and a depression unit arranged on the periphery of the top of the tank provided with a unit for sucking out the heavy gas effluent from the top of the tank to a closed chamber.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A pressure support system has a motor, a switching element that supplies power to motor windings, and a blower coupled to the motor. Rotation of the blower elevates a pressure of fluid in a patient circuit coupled to an outlet of the blower. A rotational speed controller maintains the motor at a set rotational speed corresponding to a selected pressure for the fluid in the patient circuit. The rotational speed of the motor is maintained by a switching signal provided by a rotational speed controller to the switching element to control the actuation of the switching element. A fluid parameter monitoring portion monitors a parameter associated with the flow of fluid in the patient circuit, such as the magnitude, direction, or volume, based on a characteristic, such as duty cycle, of the switching signal, or based on a characteristic of a control signal that is used to generate the switching signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a disease of a patient. The method includes collecting data of at least one cardio-respiratory function of the patient over time, eliminating artifacts from the collected data to create a new data record, constructing a phase-space from the new data record, and constructing a hypercube covering the phase-space. The method further includes calculating threshold criteria for quantifying dispersion characteristics of an attractor of the phase-space and determining the patient's tendency towards the disease based on the threshold criteria.

Abstract: An oxygen-compression apparatus has a driving device, an output shaft, two crank devices, two cylinders and multiple hoses. The crank devices are attached respectively to two ends of the output shaft, and each crank device has a rotating arm and a pushing arm pivotally attached to the rotating arm. The cylinders are connected respectively to the crank devices. Each cylinder has a housing and a piston rod. The piston rod has a first end extending into the housing to form a compression chamber in the housing and a second end pivotally connected to one of the pushing arms. The hoses are connected between the compression chambers of the cylinders. Accordingly, the oxygen-compression apparatus can conveniently pump oxygen into a gas tank at a desired pressure and can simultaneously apply oxygen to a user with an auxiliary output hose.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for loading a bronchial flow control device into a container, such as into a delivery catheter. The assembly includes a funnel housing and a puller housing that mate with one another. The funnel housing defines a funnel-shaped loading cavity that receives a flow control device and that gradually reduces in size moving in a first direction. The puller housing is removably attached to the funnel housing and is also removably attachable to a bronchial flow control device that can be positioned in the loading cavity. The puller housing pulls the bronchial flow control device in the first direction through the funnel housing to gradually contract the bronchial flow control device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to the expanded state.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, in particular in the mass treatment, especially mass vaccination, of subjects, the delivery device comprising: an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, including at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject and including a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit including a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit; and an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.

Abstract: An adjustable ventilation interface for a continuous positive airway pressure system includes a nasal cannula body. The nasal cannula body includes a pair of nasal prongs that are adjustable with respect to each other. The nasal prongs are located on a top portion of the nasal cannula body to create a sealing interface between the nasal cannula body and a nose. Another sealing interface is provided by a bellows-like structure integrally molded in a portion of the nasal cannula body. The bellows portion acts as a compression spring; thereby creating an adjustable sealing between the nasal cannula body and the nose.

Abstract: A mask placeable over at least one respiratory organ of a user for the blocking out of unpleasant odors which includes an air-permeable body with a scenting means which is secured to the inner surface of the mask by a pocket securing portion. After the mask has been position within the hands and the fingers of the user, the scenting means which is a part of the mask can be broken by applying pressure, then releasing the scent or fragrance within the scented portion. Upon inhalation by the use, the scent of fragrance can overcome the otherwise foul smelling air being drawn into the mask's air-permeable body. Preferably, a plurality of scented portions of different fragrances can be chosen to be placed within the mask body. Thus considering the different environments or areas of use of the mask, this makes the application thereof very versatile in administrating fragrances to a user, making the process of breathing, more desirable in blocking out unpleasant odors.

Abstract: Patient gas delivery apparatus includes a gas flow generator, a gas delivery conduit and a patient mask (10). Connected in series between the conduit and the mask is an assembly (20) formed in at least two interengaging parts (26,28), which may form a housing for an anti-asphyxia valve or flow sensor. The assembly further includes a mating portion (22) for connection to the mask, the arrangement being such that connection of the assembly (20) to the mask (10) prevents disengagement of the interengaging connection (42,44) between the two parts of the assembly.

Abstract: A localized pleurodesis evacuation device may be utilized to prevent a pneumothorax by evacuating the air that leaks into the pleural space. The device may also be utilized to create a localized pleurodesis around an access port so that the lung may be safely accessed.

Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube.

Abstract: A removable prosthodontic device for treating or diagnosing bruxism is disclosed. The present invention also provides a method for making a removable prosthodontic device. The present invention further provides a prosthodontic device for administering pharmacologic, tooth whitening and breath freshening compounds.

Abstract: A Sheesha smoking tube assembly includes a unitary, one-piece structure, making a Sheesha smoking apparatus easier to clean, less susceptible to damage and more hygienic. The single smoking tube assembly includes a flexible tube, mouthpiece and connector made through a single forming process that uses die blocks. Soft seals prevent leaking between the tube and the Sheesha body. The flexible tube, mouthpiece and connector may be discarded after each use.

Abstract: The invention is designed to virtually contain smoke, vapor, and odor throughout the entire smoking process. The device is designed with a detachable and contained combustion chamber using a positive air pressure, a filter or scrubber, an air propulsion system, or a one-way valve, to contain residual smoke, vapor, and odor from entering the environmental surrounding. The combustion chamber comprises a bowl resembling a cylinder, cone, or dome with, or without, a screen which is encased by a shield made of glass, metal, plastic, or other material that is impermeable to smoke, vapor, or odor, to contain the bowl. The combustion chamber is designed to contain any kind of heat that is applied to combust or volatilize a material creating smoke, vapor, or odor. The combustion chamber is combined with, or without, a respirator mask to contain smoke, vapor, and odor from entering the environmental surrounding using a pollutant scrubber.

Abstract: A clip for attachment to the hair of a wearer comprising a longitudinal member; a securing member extending from a first end of the longitudinal member and pivotable relative to the longitudinal member, the securing member having a hair securing portion arranged to receive the hair of a wearer therein; and a receiving means located at a second end of the longitudinal member and pivotable relative to the longitudinal member, said receiving means arranged to receive the securing member therein, wherein the securing member has a length greater than that of the longitudinal member such that in a closed configuration of the clip, the securing member extends beyond the second end of the longitudinal member and is received within the receiving means. Also provided is a method of use of such a clip alone and in combination with a further closure clip.

Abstract: A beauty care tool, beauty care utensil and a beauty care method is provided for enabling the easy performance of cooling massages of the skin and the widespread popularizing of cooling beauty care methods. A liquid absorption member 5 having liquid absorbed therein, a holding part, and a retaining part 4 provided at one end portion of said holding part for retaining said liquid absorption part are provided, wherein this retaining part 4 retains this liquid absorption member 5 due to the integration and solidifying of the liquid entering into a space 7 formed by a through-hole with the liquid absorbed into the liquid absorption member 5.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the contactless cleaning of a conveying element which is designed to receive rod-shaped articles in the tobacco-processing industry, including at least one ionising element for removing electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the conveying element to be cleaned, at least one rotating compressed-air nozzle for loosening and removing contaminants located on surfaces of the conveying element, and a suction device for extracting the contaminated outgoing air, characterized in that associated with the apparatus is a housing for forming a cleaning chamber at least partially shielded from the environment, whereby the cleaning chamber has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the conveying element to be cleaned, such that upper side and lower side of the conveying element are surrounded. Furthermore, the invention concerns an arrangement for transporting and/or storing rod-shaped articles with an apparatus for contactless cleaning with the above-mentioned characteristics.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method may include supporting a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a surface, and dispensing an amount of semiconductor substrate processing liquid onto the surface of the semiconductor substrate, the amount of semiconductor substrate processing liquid being such that substantially none of the semiconductor substrate processing liquid flows off the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate processing fluid may form a standing puddle on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate may be rotated while the semiconductor substrate processing liquid is on the surface of the semiconductor substrate such that substantially all of the amount of semiconductor substrate processing liquid remains on the surface of the semiconductor substrate during said rotation.

Abstract: By providing a shaver receiving and supporting housing which is constructed for enabling cleaning fluid to be delivered directly to the interior of a shaver in a highly efficient manner, a fully integrated shaving cleaning system is realized which is capable of providing automated cleaning of the shaver in an efficient and effective manner. In accordance with the present invention, the cleaning fluid if forced through portals formed in the shaver for enabling the fluid to be forcibly delivered directly into the hair pocket of the shaver, thereby enabling the surfaces of the hair pocket, the cutting foils, and the cutting blades to be completely and thoroughly cleaned, with the fluid draining out of the shaver through the cutting foils. In addition, the present invention is constructed for thoroughly and completely cleaning both rotary shavers and foil shavers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrocarbon extraction method and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A substrate processing system, which includes a vacuum deposition process chamber having an exhaust outlet configured to discharge one or more particles during a deposition cycle and cleaning gas reactants during a cleaning cycle and an in-situ particle monitor coupled to the exhaust outlet. The in-situ particle monitor is configured to determine a starting point of the cleaning cycle. The plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system further includes an infrared endpoint detector assembly coupled to the exhaust outlet. The infrared endpoint detector assembly is configured to determine an endpoint of the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning agents based on a water-soluble polymeric polycarboxylate as a dispersant for cleaning sooted surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ultrasonic cleaning system incorporating one or more improvements including, for example, permanently-attached flexible cables, waterproof bulkhead connectors provided on the transducers, submersible breakout assemblies, rigid cable guides and retainers, and at least one electronic switching unit whereby multiple ultrasonic transducers can be selectively driven by a single ultrasonic generator. The improved ultrasonic cleaning system may be configured with various transducer arrangements including, for example, elongated transducers provided on a carrying frame or structure and a more planar array configuration that may be assembled from a plurality of transducer subassemblies.

Abstract: A system for treating a substrate with an ozone-solvent solution has an ozone-solvent solution supply. The supply has a supply outlet, and the ozone solvent solution supply is capable of delivering at the supply outlet a generally continuous supply of an ozone-solvent solution formed at a first temperature. The system includes a heater having an inlet and heater outlet, with the inlet fluidly coupled to receive the ozone-solvent solution at approximately the first temperature from the supply outlet. The heater is configured to heat the ozone-solvent solution from the first temperature to a second temperature to form a heated ozone-solvent solution such that the heated ozone-solvent solution is supersaturated with ozone. The heater is capable of providing a generally continuous supply of heated, supersaturated, ozone-solvent solution at the heater outlet for use in treating the substrate.

Abstract: Installation characterised in that it comprises a central rotating column (1) bearing a set of tilting arms (2) uniformly distributed around its periphery and extending radially out from it, each equipped, at its free end, with a support (5) which pivots about an axis (4) essentially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and bearing a perforated basket (3) designed to hold a batch of lettuces to be treated, this perforated basket (3) being mounted so as to rotate about its axis (xx?), and a set of treatment stations (I to X) uniformly distributed in a circular arrangement around the central rotating column (1), in alignment with the perforated baskets (3), and each being designed to co-operate with one of these respective baskets (3), which central rotating column (1) is displaced in a step by step movement to enable each of the perforated baskets (3) to be continuously transferred from one treatment station to another.

Abstract: A mobile chemical mixing and injection unit adapted for use during the extraction of an oil/water/sand slurry from an oil field storage tank wherein said tank has a body of accumulated sand therein. The unit comprises a motorized truck body having a flat bed with a water storage tank and two mixing tanks mounted thereto. A high pressure injection pump pumps water from the water storage tank to the oil field storage tank and creates a slurry. The slurry is pumped to an adjacent settlement tank hopper where the oil, water and sand will stratify. An effective amount of a flocculating agent, coagulating and surfactant are mixed in each of the water filled mixing tanks and then pumped into the slurry to facilitate separation of oil, sand and water. The high pressure injection water and the water for the mixing tanks are replenished by pumping water from the settlement tank hopper thereby ensuring a continuous process until the field storage tank is cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable combination umbrella and chair, which is configured to allow a user to rest for a moment and to serve as an umbrella when it rains. The chair includes a pole (3) having on an end thereof a threaded part (1). An umbrella part (5) is coupled to the threaded part, and has a sliding member (4) moving along the pole. A lock (6) is provided in a lower portion of the pole to lock or unlock the sliding member, thus closing or opening the umbrella part, with a push button (7) provided in the lower portion of the pole to be integrated with the lock, thus actuating the lock. A chair part (10) is rotatably mounted to an opposite end of the pole via a hinge shaft (8). A locking means is provided on the pole and the chair part.

Abstract: A device for protection against adverse weather conditions comprising; a framework (11, S1, S2, . . . S6) foldable between a storable configuration and an erect configuration and a sheet of weather resistant material (16) mounted on the frame, the sheet of weather resistant material forming, when the frame is in its erect configuration, a protective cover which can be positioned over a user to protect against adverse weather conditions, wherein, when erect, the frame is supported by a handle (10) which extends from a position at or adjacent to an outer edge of the protective cover.