Abstract: To provide a thrust fork to arrest a resisting criminal without danger of being stabbed by an edge tool, a thrust fork main body (2) attached to an end of a handle portion (1) is provided with a forked rod (21), movable opening and closing rods (23), which have base end portions respectively pivoted to leading ends of the forked rod and freely swivel only inside the forked rod without outward movement, a returning means (24) to return the opening and closing rods (23) by a spring to an original position, and a constraining rope (26), both ends of which are engaged with leading ends of the opening and closing rods (23) respectively to form a ring 44 having a suitable size inside the forked rod, whereby the end of the forked rod is opened and closed via swiveling of the opening and closing rods.

Abstract: An animal mask for removable fitment to the appropriate portion of the head of an animal such as the front of the head or over one nostril for the effective delivery of drugs or medicaments, for pulmonary or nasal absorption. The rings of the mask are nestable, forming a succession of monotonically decreasing sized telescopable rings from a largest ring to a smallest ring to form a relatively flexible skirt. An animal interface adapter extends from the largest ring and is adapted to establish a substantial seal between the animal interface adapter and the face of an animal. The animal mask is collapsible to permit use in a full or partially open state, and to permit easy and convenient transport in a collapsed or closed state.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for use in transferring heat to a heat sink. Preferably, the heat sink is comprised of a natural gas supply line at a pressure reduction station. Alternately, the heat sink is comprised of a storage tank. The apparatus is comprised of a heat exchange vessel, adapted to contain an amount of a heat exchange fluid, and a heat source. The heat exchange vessel includes a sump section at a lower end thereof, and a heat transfer section for transferring heat to the heat sink. The heat exchange vessel further includes a single communication junction between the sump section and the heat transfer section which provides fluid communication therebetween. The heat source is associated with the sump section and adapted to add heat to the heat exchange fluid in order to cause the heat exchange fluid to evaporate in the heat exchange vessel.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system comprising a methanol aqueous solution particulates generator, spark-plasma heater, catalytic reactor, hydrogen separation unit, hydro-evaporating cooler, hydrogen compressor, hydrogen injection system, etc. By properly mixing methanol and water to form a methanol aqueous solution, then vibrated by a methanol aqueous solution particulates generator to form micro to nano sized particulates of aqueous-methanol, and the micro to nano sized particulates is then heated in high temperature by a spark-plasma heater, then through a catalytic reactor to form a gaseous mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Then the hydrogen is separated by a hydrogen separation unit. Finally, the hydrogen is chilled by a hydro-evaporation cooler and then compressed by a hydrogen compressor. The resulting hydrogen can be supplied to hydrogen internal-combustion engines or hydrogen power generators by hydrogen injection systems.

Abstract: After the periphery of the magnetic sensitive element is surrounded by an elastic member, the magnetic sensitive element is mold-formed with resin material. Soft epoxy or gel resin is employed as the elastic member, poured in an element-mounting space and solidified. The magnetic sensitive element is surrounded by silicone rubber. Such construction allows the magnetic sensitive element not to be affected by vibration and allows the elastic member to absorb the stress which is created due to the thermal deformation of the molded resin.

Abstract: At least one engine operating parameter other than total fuel energy content is taken into account when transitioning between operating modes in a dual fuel or other multimode engine (20) in order to maintain a smooth transition between modes. The parameter preferably comprises at least one of primary fuel excess air ratio (lambda) and ignition timing and preferably is controlled in addition to total fuel energy content control. Lambda control is especially beneficial because it permits the control system to compensate for the engine's inability to substantially alter the instantaneous air mass in the combustion chamber during the transition period. For instance, during a transition from pilot ignited gaseous fuel mode to diesel mode, the controlled parameter preferably comprises diesel lambda, and the controlling step comprises setting diesel lambda at a relatively high value at the beginning of the transition period and thereafter reducing diesel lambda during the transition period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system which is used to cool at least one piece of motor vehicle equipment to a low temperature, comprising a heat transfer fluid circulation loop. According to the invention, a low-temperature heat exchanger (60) and at least one equipment exchanger (102) are mounted to the aforementioned circulation loop. The heat exchange surface of the equipment exchanger (102) is divided into at least first and second heat exchange sections (104, 106). A first flow (Q<SB>1</SB>) of heat-transfer fluid passes through the first heat exchange section (104), while a second smaller flow (Q2) passes through the second section. The invention is suitable for motor vehicle heat exchangers.

Abstract: A combustion-operated setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes a device (30) for adjusting setting energy applied to a setting piston (15) axially displaceable in a guide space (4) of a piston guide (13). The adjusting device (30) has a separation member (31) adjustably arranged between the receptacle (18) and the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13) and dividing the combustion chamber (20) in a first sub-chamber (21) arranged between the receptacle (18) and the separation member (31) and a second sub-chamber (22) arranged between the separation member (31) and the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13), the separation member (31) having a plurality of through-openings (34, 35) for controlling flow of the combustion gases into the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13), with an active opening cross-section of at least a portion of the through-openings (34, 35) changing dependent on an adjustable position of the separation member (31).

Abstract: The invention proposes a deactivating element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The deactivating element (1) comprises a housing (2) and an inner element (4) that is axially displaceable in the bore (3) of the housing (2). According to the invention, the pistons (7) arranged in the inner element (4) for coupling into an annular groove (12) in the housing (2) possess two flattened regions (10, 15) arranged diametrically opposite each other in axial direction of the deactivating element (1). The height of the annular groove (12) is reduced by a measure of a height of the second, additional flattened region (15). Due to the reduction of height of the annular groove (12), its volume is also reduced. This results in advantages activation and deactivation times.

Abstract: A switchable drag lever (1) of a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine is proposed, having an outer lever (3) and an inner lever (4) which is arranged between the said outer lever (3). The drag lever (1) has a rest (7) for a gas exchange valve on an underside (5) at one end (6), and a pivoting bearing (9) for a supporting element on an underside (5) at the other end (8). The levers (3, 4) extend at one end (6) on a common pin (10). Receptacles (10a, 10b) for coupling means are provided which extend longitudinally at the end (8) facing away from the pin (10) and are aligned with respect to one another in the cam base circle. The side walls (2) of the outer lever (3) have contact faces (12) for lifting cams on their upper sides (11).

Abstract: The invention is characterized in that the gas exchange valves of a cylinder are displaced in a displacement unit (15, 34) jointly and independently of the displacement of the displacement devices of the other cylinders. Every displacement unit (15, 34) is associated with separate actuators for actuating the same. Angle of rotation sensors (42, 43) are provided to detect the angle or rotation signals of the crankshaft and the camshaft or any other shaft rotating at half the crankshaft speed. These angle of rotation signals are used to derive the common idle phase of all valves of a cylinder to be jointly adjusted, a control unit (44) effecting the displacement of every displacement unit (15, 34) during said common idle phase.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes a rotor, a stator, a torsional rotor bias spring, and a spring retainer wherein the spring retainer is fixed to either the rotor or stator when the nominal spring preload is reached to retain the nominal spring preload in said phaser. In one embodiment, the rotor has a bore formed therein, and the spring retainer has an arcuate slot coincident with the rotor bore. The spring retainer is rotated past the rotor until a predetermined spring preload is achieved. A retaining feature is installed through the arcuate slot into the rotor bore, thereby biasing the rotor in the predetermined bias position at the predetermined bias spring preload. In another embodiment, the spring retainer is a rotatable cam feature that becomes fixed to the stator after spring adjustment is complete.

Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine and at least one annular pin chamber. A pin housing includes a pin housing bottom. The pin housing bottom defines at least one pin stop aperture and a radially directed pin bore. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body. A portion of each pin member may be disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby selectively couple and decouple the lifter body to the pin housing. A drain aperture defined by the pin housing bottom extends from the pin bore to an outside surface of the pin housing. A stop pin is disposed in the at least one pin stop aperture for limiting the inward motion of the pin members.

Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine and at least one annular pin chamber. A pin housing includes a pin housing bottom. The pin housing bottom defines at least one pin stop aperture and a radially directed pin bore. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body. A portion of each pin member may be disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby selectively couple and decouple the lifter body to the pin housing. A drain aperture defined by the pin housing bottom extends from the pin bore to an outside surface of the pin housing. A stop pin is disposed in the at least one pin stop aperture for limiting the inward motion of the pin members.

Abstract: A distributor is described for a multi-cylinder laser ignited internal combustion engine. The distributor includes a shaft rotatable by the engine and a plurality of flat reflective surfaces on the shaft. The surfaces lie in planes normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft and are axially staggered from one another along the length of the shaft. An optical transmitter directs light from a laser source to impinge at an angle sequentially on the reflective surfaces as the shaft rotates, and a plurality of optical receivers spaced from one another each receive the light reflected from a respective one of the mirror surfaces and direct the reflected light to a respective one of the engine cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine having a manual recoil starter and starter rope comprises a casing that houses a motor, a source of power, a gear reducer assembly and a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a spool that adapted to receive the handgrip of the starter rope and allow the starter rope to be wound around the spool during the starting operation. The motor via the gear reducer rotates the spool once the handgrip and cord are properly positioned and the motor is activated to pull the starter rope and start the engine.

Abstract: An air induction system for a motor vehicle, having a pair of conduits fluidly connecting an engine to the ambient air and a housing located between the pair of conduits. The housing includes side walls and a top wall defining a chamber. A baffle plate for attenuating noise is positioned within the chamber adjacent to the top wall. Additionally, the baffle plate defines a plurality of openings extending therethrough.

Abstract: A diesel engine piston assembly comprises a piston body having a top wall with a combustion bowl formed in the top wall and having a combustion bowl edge, an outer ring belt formed with a plurality of ring grooves including a top ring groove with an upper wall of the top ring groove and a top land portion of the ring belt disposed between the top ring groove and the top wall, a pair of pin bosses with aligned pin bores and a skirt; and a diamond dispersed chromium composite coating applied to at least the top wall, the combustion bowl edge, the top land portion and the upper wall of the top ring groove.

Abstract: A primary housing for a motorcycle engine includes an inner housing that defines internal coupling apertures, transmission coupling apertures, and external coupling apertures. Internal fasteners extend through the internal coupling apertures and the transmission coupling apertures to couple the inner housing to the crankcase and the transmission. An outer housing defines coupling apertures that align with the external coupling apertures and fasteners extend through the coupling apertures, through the external coupling apertures, and into the engine crankcase to couple the inner and outer housings to the crankcase. A resonant damping device is rigidly or moveably coupled to an anti-node region of the outer housing to reduce noise emissions from the outer housing during engine operation.

Abstract: An oil pump for an engine having a first cam shaft and a second cam shaft. The oil pump includes a housing and a first pump assembly at least partially disposed within the housing. The first pump assembly includes a rotating element that is adapted to be directly driven by the first cam shaft A second pump assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing. The second pump assembly includes a rotating element that is adapted to be directly driven by the second cam shaft.

Abstract: In a crankcase for an internal combustion engine, including a lubricant chamber for the collection of lubricant, and a bottom plate for providing dry sump lubrication closing the crankcase and being sealingly joined to the bottom end of the crankcase, wherein the crankcase includes auxiliary equipment comprising pumps for pumping lubricant into the lubricant chamber and from the lubricant chamber to various lubrication points, the bottom plate has a width exceeding the width of the crankcase so that it forms a section which is disposed outside the crankcase and auxiliary equipment is disposed on this section outside the crankcase.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one combustion chamber and a piston configured to reciprocate within the at least one combustion chamber between a top-dead-center position and a bottom-dead-center position. The internal combustion engine also has a pre-combustion chamber, an air induction system, a fuel system, a spark plug at least partially disposed within the pre-combustion chamber. The air induction system is configured to direct air into the at least one combustion chamber. The fuel system is configured to direct gasoline into the at least one combustion chamber. The spark plug is configured to selectively ignite a mixture of the air and gasoline. The internal combustion engine also has an exhaust system configured to direct exhaust from the at least one combustion chamber and an exhaust gas recirculation system configured to selectively redirect at least a portion of the exhaust from the exhaust system back to the air induction system.

Abstract: In an engine having a premixed combustion mode, an EGR flow rate estimating precision is deteriorated at a transient time, and a torque fluctuation and an exhaust gas deterioration are caused. In an engine control apparatus having a premixed combustion mode and a diffusion combustion mode, a sensor detecting an EGR flow rate is arranged in an EGR flow path of the engine, and a cylinder state of the engine is estimated by using an output value of the sensor detecting the EGR flow rate at a time when the engine is in the premixed combustion mode. Since it is possible to accurately detect the EGR flow rate at the transient time and feed back the EGR flow rate at a high response, it is possible to prevent a torque fluctuation and an exhaust gas deterioration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine with direct gasoline injection and controlled ignition, comprising at least one cylinder (1), a cylinder head (6), sealing the cylinder (1), a piston (7), arranged to run in the cylinder (1), a combustion chamber (2), defined by the piston (7) and the cylinder head (6), a gasoline injection means (3) into the combustion chamber (2), an ignition means (4), for producing an ignition of the air/gasoline mixture in the combustion chamber (2), inlet (8) and exhaust (9) valves, selectively sealing the combustion chamber (2) and means for recirculation of at least a part of the exhaust gas into the combustion chamber (2) during the air intake phase, characterized in that wherein the pressure provided for the injection means (3) is greater than 250 bars, such as to homogenize the air/gasoline/recycled exhaust gas mixture and increase the speed of combustion.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a cylinder direct injection internal combustion engine. A predetermined portion of the fuel spray is appropriately ignited regardless of the correction of the ignition timing, thereby always securing stable, satisfactory combustion. In the case where the ignition timing is corrected, the fuel injection timing is corrected in accordance with the ignition timing correction amount. The fuel injection timing is corrected also with the change in the internal cylinder pressure and the fuel injection velocity taking the intake pipe pressure and the fuel pressure into account, thereby maintaining the required ignition point of the fuel spray.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an engine includes a nozzle located in the vicinity of a cylinder head of the engine. The nozzle has nozzle holes each being opposed to an in-cylinder space defined in a cylinder of the engine. Each nozzle hole has an imaginary injection line that extends from each nozzle hole into the in-cylinder space. The imaginary injection line is directed toward either an upper surface of the piston or the wall surface of the cylinder. The in-cylinder space includes divided spaces each including the nozzle and at least one imaginary injection line. The divided spaces include a piston-side divided space and a head-side divided space. The head-side divided space contains fuel and air mixed at an air fuel ratio that is greater than an air fuel ratio of fuel and air in the piston-side divided space.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine 10 in overrun condition, which method includes the steps of: release of a monitoring of a control signal for a power actuator of the internal combustion engine when predetermined release conditions have been satisfied, which include the exceeding of a release rotary speed of the internal combustion engine; after the release, comparing a control signal for the power actuator of the internal combustion engine to a threshold value, and triggering an error response if the control signal exceeds the threshold value. The method provides that the release speed is varied as a function of the intervention of an idling speed control in the formation of the control signal. Also provided is a control unit which controls such a method.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: detecting an engine speed NE, engine load, and engine coolant temperature (S100, S110, S115); when determination is made of being in an idle region (YES at S120), determining whether in a cold idle region, a transitional region, or a warm idle region (S130); injecting fuel from an intake manifold injector alone when in the cold idle region (S140); injecting fuel from the intake manifold injector and injecting fuel from an in-cylinder injector at the feed pressure when in the transitional region (S150); and injecting fuel from the in-cylinder injector at the feed pressure when in the warm idle region (S160).

Abstract: An accumulator fuel system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of engine cylinders, includes an accumulator fuel volume (12; 112) for supplying high pressure fuel to one or more of a plurality of injectors (10) of the fuel system, each of which is arranged to supply fuel to an associated one of the engine cylinders. he accumulator fuel volume (12; 112) is integrated within an engine component, where the engine component provides a purpose other than that solely of an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel. For example, the accumulator volume (12; 112) is defined in one embodiment within a rocker shaft (32) of the engine and in another embodiment within the engine cylinder head (16).

Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having external ignition includes a valve housing formed by a nozzle body, and a seal which seals the fuel injector from a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The seal has a sleeve-type design with a structured cross section and extends across the axial length of the nozzle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compressing combustion air, in particular a device for compressing charge air for an automotive combustion engine, with at least one electrically operated charge-air compressor (12, 14), which features at least one compressor impeller (24) that is arranged in a compressor space (22) and driven by an electric motor (18), as well as with a second, additional charge-air compressor (32, 34), in particular an exhaust-gas turbocharger (34), that is connected serially to the electric charge-air compressor (14), which are connected to one another in terms of flow via connecting means (30). It is proposed in accordance with the invention that connecting means (52) are present, which make it possible to guide already compressed charge air into the compressor space (22) of the electric charge-air compressor (14).

Abstract: The air/fuel ratio of exhaust flowing into a catalytic converter is forcibly modulated, between a lean air/fuel ratio leaner than a target average air/fuel ratio and a rich air/fuel ratio richer than the target average air/fuel ratio, with a specific period, a specific amplitude, a specific modulation ratio and a specific waveform. During the forcible modulation (S10, S12), the ratio of a time for which the output of an oxygen sensor is greater than a standard value Sb for the output set between the maximum and minimum values of the output (“rich” output time), or of a time for which it is smaller than the standard value Sb (“lean” output time), in a predetermined period of time, or a value correlating with this ratio is obtained (S14), and the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust is controlled on the basis of this ratio or the value correlating with this ratio (S16, S18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic control method for an air gun in the form of a model gun, and that is capable of easily detecting whether there are bullets in the magazine, and preventing blank shooting operation. The air gun of this invention comprises a method for prohibiting the shooting operation for the air gun by receiving a detection signal indicating a state of no bullets from a bullet-detection lever, which is located in a magazine in which a plurality of bullets are stored, and that by setting it in an air gun, continuously feeds said bullets into the chamber of the air gun, and that detects whether there are any bullets stored in the magazine.

Abstract: A food container includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. At least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall includes a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.

Abstract: A raised-level built-in cooking appliance, such as a wall-mounted oven, has a muffle and a bottom-side muffle opening. The latter can be closed with a lowerable bottom door. A drive device produces a lifting movement of the bottom door. In order to determine the weight of a cooking item, the wall-mounted cooking appliance has a weight detection device that determines the weight load on the bottom door.

Abstract: A method for covering a fireplace hearth includes: lifting a hearth guard, said hearth guard comprising a frame having at least four inner surfaces including a first inner surface, a second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a fourth inner surface; and placing the hearth guard on a fireplace hearth having at least four outer surfaces; wherein the first inner surface faces an opposing direction as the second inner surface; wherein the third and the fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to each other and to the first and the second inner surfaces; and wherein when hearth guard is configured to be placed on the fireplace hearth such that each of the four surfaces of the frame faces an opposing direction of a respective outer surface of the fireplace hearth.

Abstract: An object of the present invention to improve reliability of a light emitting device having a mixed layer including an organic compound and metal oxide without reducing productivity. The above object is solved in such a way that after forming the mixed layer including the organic compound and metal oxide, the mixed layer is exposed to a nitrogen gas atmosphere without being exposed to a gas atmosphere including oxygen, and then a stacked film is formed over the mixed layer without exposing the mixed layer to a gas atmosphere including oxygen.

Abstract: 1. Dosing device. 2.1 A dosing device for a medium, with a medium reservoir, with at least one medium channel for delivering the medium, and with at least one dispensing opening for dispensing the medium, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the medium channel is assigned a control unit which comprises a measurement means for detecting an actual value of a stream of medium, a memory for desired values of the stream of medium, a comparator for comparison between actual values and desired values, and an actuating means for acting on the stream of medium as a function of evaluations performed by the comparator. 2.3 Use for dosing of medium.

Abstract: A multi-function respiratory device includes a control unit, a humidifier, and an air supply unit, which is reconfigurable to alternatively provide humidified and non-humidified air. Both the control unit and the humidifier comprise a trough and an air passage at one side. The humidifier further comprises a strip and an air passage at another side. The air supply unit comprises a strip and an air passage at one side. The troughs comprise lugs inwardly corresponding to the strips. Each air passage corresponds to the others. Thus, the control unit, the humidifier, and the air supply unit are combined together to provide humidified air; the control unit and the air supply unit are combined together to provide regular air; the control unit and the humidifier are combined together to form a single humidifying device.

Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a Roots-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the Roots blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breathing assistance device, capable of operating according to several respiratory modes forming a list of possible modes, and equipped with means of selecting a desired mode from a group of modes that can be selected, characterised in that the device includes: • means for realising a configuration diagnostic of the device, • means for associating an authorisation level with each possible mode, according to the results of the diagnostic, with the lowest authorisation level corresponding to unauthorised modes, • means for authorising only the selection of authorised modes, in such a way that selecting unauthorised modes is impossible. The invention also relates to a method of handling the operation of said device.

Abstract: A method for dispensing alternative prescription products to a patient to provide the patient alternative treatment options and increase treatment protocol compliance. After a patient is diagnosed with a medical condition requiring treatment with a prescription product, the patient is provided with a kit containing a multiple continuous positive airway CPAP interfaces designed to adapt to a plurality of different facial features. Instead of being custom fitted by a CPAP interface specialist, the patient is given multiple CPAP interfaces to try and select the CPAP interface most desirable to the patient. The patient indicates the most desirable CPAP interface and, after a predetermined period of time, the patient is provided with a new CPAP interface matching the most desirable CPAP interface selected by the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a mask with integral air pressure generating device(s) maintains an elevated air pressure supply to the nose and/or mouth which facilitates the airway to remain open.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a system and method for monitoring the ventilation support provided by a ventilator that is supplying a breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a substantially rigid support and a patient interface device coupled to a first end of the support. A first arm is coupled to a first side of the support and a second arm is coupled to a second side of the support. A cross member spans between the first arm and the second arm such that the cross member is disposed under a patient's mandible when the patient interface assembly is worn by a user. An addition, a conduit is coupled to a second end of the support.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: Systems and methods include magnetic structures for placement in or on tissues in an airway. The magnetic structures carry sources of magnetism, which generate magnetic fields having directions. The magnetic fields interact to provide magnetic forces that provide a desired therapeutic effect, e.g., maintaining separation between the soft palate and/or tongue and the posterior pharyngeal wall. The systems and methods size and configure the directions of the magnetic fields to provide stability, which makes possible the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect in a straightforward and elegant manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs.

Abstract: An earplug that includes a piezoelectric element that converts electrical signals into oscillations; and a deformable material of which at least one segment is insertable into an external auditory canal of a person to ensure an acoustic seal by deformation, the piezoelectric element being disposed inside the deformable material and in fixed contact therewith, the deformable material being able to transmit the oscillations at a periphery and ensure conduction of the oscillations through cartilage and soft tissue of the auditory canal.

Abstract: A limb stabilizing device includes a base, a first clamping member adjustably mounted to the base, and a second clamping member mounted in an opposed relationship with the first clamping member. The first clamping member includes a first adjustment mechanism that operates to allow the first clamping member to slide laterally along the base and to maintain the first and second clamping members in lateral alignment.