Abstract: A pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun preferably includes a bolt slidable between an open and a closed position. The bolt preferably operates as a firing valve by permitting compressed gas to flow through the bolt when the bolt is in the closed position but preventing the transfer of compressed gas through the bolt when in the open position. This can be accomplished, for instance, by arranging a sealing member in communication with a surface of the bolt. A port is also arranged through a lateral sidewall of the bolt at a predetermined location. The bolt preferably slides in relation to the sealing member such that when the bolt is in an open position, the sealing member prevents compressed gas from flowing into the bolt, but when the bolt is in a closed position, compressed gas is permitted to flow into the bolt. Movement of the bolt is preferably controlled using a control valve such as an electronic solenoid valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the smoothness index of the interior of a metered dose container.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a minimum effective dose of an inhaled drug for an individual patient at a given time. The system includes an apparatus to measure a performance measurement of the patient and a data processor capable of communication with the apparatus. The data processor provides a computed minimum effective dose for the individual patient by applying a predetermined rule the performance measurement. The method includes measuring a performance measurement of the patient, communicating the performance measurement to a data processor and computing a minimum effective dose for the patient by applying a predetermined rule to the performance measurement within the data processor.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, and a flow path arrangement in fluid communication with the mouthpiece. The flow path arrangement has a flow regulating valve and a threshold valve, where the threshold valve is configured to open at a first vacuum level and to close at a second vacuum level that is less than the first vacuum level. The housing includes a region that is adapted to hold a powder in fluid communication with the flow path arrangement so that air drawn through the mouthpiece opens the threshold valve once the first vacuum level is exceeded and remains open until the vacuum falls below the second vacuum level. The flow rate of the air drawn through the mouthpiece is regulated by the flow regulating valve to remain within a certain range while the threshold valve remains open.

Abstract: A patient gas delivery apparatus includes a mask structured to communicate with a patient's airway, a gas flow generator structured to supply pressurized gas, a gas delivery conduit having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end being connected to the gas flow generator, and a connecting assembly including an anti-asphyxia valve member. The connecting assembly is connected in series between the conduit and the mask. The connecting assembly has a distal end and a proximal end with the distal end being configured and positioned to connect to the second opposing end of the conduit and the proximal end being configured and positioned to connect to the mask. The mask and the conduit are not adapted for direct interconnection without the connecting assembly.

Abstract: A disposable mask for dust protection is provided for maintaining contact with the wearer's face even when moving one's mouth, in which the strap is fixed to maintain tension, and to enable easy adjustment of the length of the strap. The disposable dust protective mask includes a filter body having a front filter, upper and lower sealing wings coupled to the front filter such that they can fold which closely contact the ridge of the nose and the jaw of the wearer, first spread-guiding lines, formed at respective sides corresponding to the front filter, for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, second spread-guiding lines for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, strap adjusting devices coupled to both sides of the filter body, and a strap connected to the strap adjusting devices and hung on the wearer. The upper and lower sealing wings spread apart along the first and second spread-guiding lines depending on movement of the wearer's mouth and jaw.

Abstract: The system and method for preventing snoring includes providing and selecting a perforated oral tape, drying the teeth, clenching the teeth, and applying the perforated oral tape to the upper and lower teeth of the user. The oral tape secures the upper and lower teeth together, thus preventing snoring. The oral tape is a flexible sheet of tear-resistant material having an adhesive back surface and a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. A pull tab is disposed on the front surface of the flexible sheet. The oral tape is adapted to adhere to the teeth of a user and secure the lower and upper teeth together so that the mouth of a user remains closed while the user is asleep. The apertures in the tape allow air and saliva to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic for the ear during activities in and around water or other liquid medium where the ear is subject to infection and barotraumas. It has an outer ear section that fits tight in a user's outer ear and a watertight downwardly extending flexible protrusion that extends into the outer part of the ear canal. A non-collapsing, flexible sleeve with a hollow interior is concentrically positioned within the outer ear section and flexible protrusion. A diaphragm with elastic and water-resistant properties is attached across one end of the sleeve with watertight sealing means. An optional protuberance and/or lanyard may be attached to the outer ear section to assist in prompt invention removal after use, and an external barrier is optional where sudden impact can occur. For water depths below thirty-three feet, the diaphragm should be positioned near or within the flexible protrusion portion of the device.

Abstract: The device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention comprises a base element having a head support region and an upper body support region. The base element is configured to rest upon a base platform that has an attachment point for securing the base element to the base platform and a joint element that enables movement of the base element into an angled position. A restraint mechanism extends from the base platform and is configured to hold the patient's shoulders in position. Head support elements on each side of the device acts as a mechanism for restricting mobility of the patient's head. By holding the shoulders and head the device is able to also restrict neck movement. Reducing patient movement enables diagnostic angiography using a digital subtraction technique (DSA) of the head, neck, and upper shoulder, as well as both non-catheter-based and catheter-based interventions without motion artifact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery device for controllably delivering a prosthetic bulking device below a tissue surface such as below the mucosa to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The delivery device may be embodied in a deployment catheter, an endoscope, or an endoscope attachment. The bulking device may additionally be explanted from beneath the mucosa. In one embodiment, the bulking device comprises a hydrogel.

Abstract: During the production of cigarettes, but in particular in the region of a cigarette-packaging machine, a comparatively large amount of tobacco accumulates as waste. This is specifically removed by arranging suction-extraction elements and/or conveying-away elements for tobacco particles (19) in the region of elements and subassemblies of the machines with increased accumulation of tobacco. The air with tobacco particles (19) which has been extracted by suction is led through a tobacco separator (45), which has a separating element (48) for receiving the tobacco particles. From time to time, these are removed from the tobacco separator (45) and recycled into the production process.

Abstract: Thermal cleaning of an electrically heated smoking device, and in particular the removal of condensates formed within the smoking device as a result of extended periods of use, is achieved with a cleaning system that utilizes inductive heating that provides efficient and intense localized heating in the cleaning process. The thermal power of the inductive heating process is increased or the power necessary to activate the inductive heating process is decreased by the addition of a magnetic shell by itself or in combination with a magnetic pin.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail and method of making an artificial fingernail is provided in which the artificial fingernail is pre-taped with an adhesive layer covered by a removable liner during the manufacturing process. In one aspect, the artificial fingernail includes a polymeric body having a shape corresponding with at least a portion of a natural fingernail. An adhesive layer is secured to at least a portion of the lower surface of the polymeric body. The adhesive layer is adapted to adhere to an upper surface of a wearer's natural fingernail when applied thereto. A removable liner covers the adhesive layer and is removable to expose the adhesive layer for application to the natural fingernail.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a substrate comprises placing the substrate on a rotating fixture, placing a liquid on at least one side of the substrate, and creating a standing wave of megasonic energy oriented generally parallel to the substrate. The standing wave generates an associated pattern of high-agitation regions in the liquid. The method further comprises moving the standing wave back-and-forth so as to move the pattern of high-agitation regions about with respect to the substrate. An apparatus for cleaning substrates comprises a support to rotate the substrate about a first axis, and a transmitter extending generally parallel to a surface of the substrate. The apparatus further comprises a megasonic transducer in acoustically coupled relation to the transmitter, and a reciprocation drive in fixed relation to the transmitter. The reciprocation drive moves the transmitter back-and-forth within a plane generally parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning preparation method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity, an opening, and foreign material within the cavity; and creating an additional opening in the part adjacent the foreign material. A cleaning method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity and an opening; creating an additional opening in the part; and flushing the cavity with a fluid. The additional opening acts as an exit or entrance for the fluid. A repair method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity, an opening and foreign material within the cavity; creating an additional opening in the part; and removing the foreign material through the additional opening. A part, comprising: an exterior surface; an internal cavity; an opening through the surface to the cavity; and a repaired section of the surface, which was an additional opening that provided a temporary exit or entrance to the cavity for foreign material removal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for on-line cleaning of internal surfaces of selected sections of a hydrocarbon fuel burning gas turbine and associated heat recovery equipment, during operation. Cleaning solutions containing graphite and/or molybdenum-based particles and oil soluble corrosion inhibitors, aromatic solvents, and surfactants are selectively introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine, into the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system (hot gas path). The cleaning process dislodges unwanted ash deposit buildup and, thereby restores the gas turbine to rated power. When introduced into the compressor section, the particles impinge on the metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process may be repeated. They may also be carried through the exhaust to additionally clean attendant heat recovery equipment, if present.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: An umbrella for use in a golf bag for protecting items stored in the golf bag, the umbrella comprising: a telescopic shaft including an upper sliding tube, and a lower support tube for slidingly receiving a portion of the upper sliding tube, the lower support tube having a ring fixed therearound; an inverted U-shaped clip fixed to the ring, the clip being capable of fastening to a golf bag; wherein a canopy comprises a first canopy having a substantially flat frame of concave disk-shaped portion and a second canopy having a substantially vertical frame of a truncated, hollow cone-shaped section so that the items within the golf bag are covered by the canopy when the shaft is retracted and the clip is secured to the golf bag.

Abstract: A collapsible structure comprising a collapsible support structure having a flexible covering disposed thereon. The support structure comprises a plurality of pole members that emanate from an upper assembly. The upper assembly has first and second hub members that, when brought into abutting contact with each other, cause the structure to assume a fully constructed configuration but when separated from each other allow the structure to become collapsed. In many embodiments, the structure can be converted from its constructed configuration to its collapsed configuration substantially with the use of a single hand. In some embodiments, 2 or more of the collapsible structures may be joined together to form a multi-unit structure. These collapsible structures may include decorative markings on the flexible cover, especially in embodiments intended for use by or entertainment of children.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent frame comprised of support frames having a side support and roof support. The spans of the support frames can be adjusted perpendicular to the ridge line without substituting structural members of different length. The tent frame of the present invention can be adjusted in a lateral distance by adding or removing support frames or by altering the distance between individual support frames. The present invention is also advantageous in that the tent frame is adaptable on uneven terrain and is capable of following irregular ground contour, without delay in erection or changes in length and details in the structural members or components. A canopy can be provided on either the inside or overtop of the tent frame. Providing the canopy on the inside of the tent frame is advantageous because adjustments to the span of a support frame of the tent frame does not require a subsequent adjustment to the canopy size.

Abstract: A valve device for automatically closing a gas pipe when a fire breaks out. The valve device includes a gas thermosensitive generating composition, which decomposes and generates a large amount of gas within a short period when exposed to a high temperature. The valve body is driven with pressure of the gas generated by the gas generating composition.

Abstract: There is provided a proportioner for the internal admixture, at a constant proportioning ratio, of an inflowing liquid additive to a liquid carrier, the proportioner including a first flow-attenuating means, and a second flow-attenuating means, wherein the first and second flow-attenuating means are mechanically coupled and biased by biasing means against the carrier inflow.

Abstract: An improved wall faucet, which is to put through the locking ends on both sides of water faucet to connect the locking units and position the water faucet on the shutter of the granite counter; in addition, the locking screw cap would be jointed closely with the non-returning pad after being locked on the locking end of the water faucet to prevent the water's effusion from the locking end. In accordance with the structure, because the locking unit is designed direcly on the locking end to make water can be guided directly and vertically to the locking screw cap and perforation and position the water faucet on the shutter of the granite counter, the interval between the shutter and wall can be shortened properly for saving space and costs in connection materials.

Abstract: Poppet valve installation or removal is simplified through the use of a unitary poppet assembly that may be accurately placed into a valve body through an access opening and wherein the poppet is slidably mounted in a stem in an insert while being permanently affixed thereto by the interference fit between a shoulder on the poppet stem and a post within the sleeve.

Abstract: A valve travel indicator is described. An indicator portion indicates a location on a valve indicator scale. A retaining portion is fixedly coupled to the indicator portion and movably coupled to a valve stem. The retaining portion fixedly couples the indicator portion to the valve stem during movement of the valve stem and movably couples the indicator portion to the valve stem in response to a predetermined force level exerted upon the indicator portion.

Abstract: The supply of operating air or oil to a press, shears or like machine is controlled by a pair of spool valves connected in series and each operates a pair of switches. The switches connect DC current to the solenoids via external relays which open and close the valves. The external relays are standard components on the switchboard of the machine subject to control. Sharing the control between two valves allows malfunction in either valve to indicate the system needs correction while at the same time preventing supply to the machine. The switches are coupled to the DC switchboard of the machine by cables and thus can be retrofitted.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element in opposition to the bias force. Finally, a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within the passageway.

Abstract: A reduced gain thrust control valve for use in a rocket engine has a housing with a fluid inlet and a piston and cylinder unit for controlling a fluid output of the control valve. The fluid inlet is formed by at least one metering element formed in the housing. The at least one metering element has a rectangular portion for producing improved control stability, a tee and slot portion for controlling thrust during a start transient engine phase, and a fixed turbine bypass portion for accommodating a retainer. The retainer incorporates at least one fluid channel so as to produce repeatable fixed bypass flow metering.

Abstract: A faucet valve includes a chamber defined in an underside thereof and a fixed plate is fixed in the chamber and has a first flat surface and a second flat surface defined in two respective raised portions of the fixed plate. A groove is defined between the first and second flat surfaces so as to receive grease therein. A hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and an outlet are defined through the first flat surface. A movable plate is mounted on the fixed plate and has an adjusting recess defined in an underside thereof. The movable plate is driven by a control rod extending through the body.

Abstract: A helical formation (2) for a conduit (1). The helical formation (2) comprises an elongate member defining at least a portion of a helix, the elongate member comprising two inwardly extending portions (6, 7). The inwardly extending portions (6, 7) are spaced from each other and extend along the length of the elongate member in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A noise reducing device for a pressurized fluid stream, i.e., a gas, includes a housing. An inlet end and an outlet end of the housing each have at least one orifice for passing a fluid therethrough. The inlet end orifice includes an inlet face and an outlet face and the inlet end orifice is configured for maintaining a backpressure upstream of the inlet end orifice. A diffusing pack material is disposed within the housing. One or more stiffeners may be disposed within the diffusing pack material to ensure that the diffusing pack material maintains contact with the outlet face of the inlet end orifice and/or to prevent the migration of the diffusing pack material within the housing, thereby maintaining a homogeneous distribution of the pack material.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a heddle (1), more specifically a lifting heddle as part of a leno selvedge device, the heddle comprising a head portion and a base portion with a closed or an open eyelet for mounting to a heddle frame or to a heddle ridge bar (13), the head portion and/or base portion (2, 3) being adapted to be secured stationarily to the heddle frame or the heddle ridge bar (13), with the head portion (2) and/or the base portion (3) being adapted to be interlockingly and non-slidably fixed to the heddle frame or to the heddle ridge bar (13) by means of a detent system (11, 12, 13a).

Abstract: The cable tie tool has a variable trigger linkage which is supported within a tool handle by a connection thereto. The trigger linkage is coupled to a lever and movable between open and closed positions such that moving the trigger linkage from the open to closed positions causes the lever to pivot from neutral to tensioned positions. The trigger linkage engages the lever alternatively at near or distant positions thereon to couple the trigger linkage to the lever such that, when a uniform force is applied to the trigger linkage for movement thereof from the open to closed positions, the engagement at the distant position results in the force applied to the tool head by the lever being greater than the force applied to the tool head by the lever which results from the engagement at the near position.

Abstract: Volumetric enclosure(s) provides methods and/or apparatus for teaching, generating and deriving supply chain efficiency improvement. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) methods and/or apparatus provide for deriving and generating efficiency by volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar material(s) and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of material having dissimilar origin. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) interposed for cooperative coaptaion and flow path communication/continuity between gradient matrix flow paths for volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing dissimilar materials, and volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing of materials of dissimilar origin.

Abstract: A fuel flange assembly for a vehicle fuel system provides Electro Static Dissipation without an undue increase in cost or reduction in the durability of the tank components. The fuel flange assembly generally includes a fuel tube, a tank flange, and a pressure control device. The fuel tube is constructed of a conductive polymer and has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel tube includes a portion defining a housing positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The tank flange is constructed of a non-conductive polymer. The pressure control device is fitted within the housing and includes a conductive outer casing engaging the fuel tube and forming an electrical pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products to prevent a delivery vehicle from making an unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank at a retail store facility. A retail system and/or a centralized inventory management system can monitor one or more tanks at the retail facility for liquid product delivery from the carrier. The retail system and/or the centralized inventory management system can automatically interrupt delivery of liquid product when the delivery vehicle begins to delivery the liquid product to an unauthorized tank.

Abstract: A mobile fill station for filling propane cylinders by weight and volume. There can be up to three cabinets in the system wherein any one of the cabinets can have a beam scale with a hydraulic automatic stop device to stop filling automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set scale limit. Any one of the cabinets can also include a flow meter to stop filling when an operator monitors an amount on the meter and manually stops propane flow. The cabinets could also include an electronic scale with a digital indicator where filling stops automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set computer limit.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a head piece (01) with a refueling coupler (02) for being connected to a tank, wherein several rigid pipe sections (03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08) are provided for conveying the fuel, wherein the pipe sections (03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08) are connected by means of several swivel joints (09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) in order to realize an adjustable spatial arrangement of the refueling coupler (02), and wherein at least a first swivel joint (09) and a second swivel joint (10) can be respectively swiveled about a horizontal swiveling axis (25, 26) in order to adjust the height of the refueling coupler (02). A parallel lever drive (15) is provided on the head piece (01) in order to hold a first pipe section (03) in a certain angular position during the height adjustment of the refueling coupler (02).

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder device in a timber harvester, which includes a frame, a 3-row roller chain arranged to be rotated around a drive sprocket, a turnover member and roll guides, which roll guides extend for a great length of a gripping side of the feeder device, between the drive sprocket and the turnover member, and in which roller chain there are rows of links staggered relative to each other by transverse pins, comprising a middle row of links with smaller rollers and outer rows of links with larger rollers, each row of links corresponding to its own roll guide.

Abstract: A purse organizing system is disclosed for removably positioning in a purse. The purse organizing system comprises an insert having a top and a bottom and being elongated between opposite ends. The insert includes a pair of laterally spaced side walls with the side walls each having opposite ends. The insert also includes a pair of longitudinally spaced end walls with each of the end walls extending between the side walls. The insert also includes a bottom wall extending between the side walls and the end walls for closing a bottom and creating an interior. An open top is located opposite the closed bottom. The insert also includes at least one divider wall extending laterally between the side walls to divide the interior into two compartments.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a portal drive axle assembly includes fluid flow passages that are formed within rotating wheel shafts, which drive a pair of wheel end assemblies. The portal drive axle assembly includes a driving input that drives a pair of axle shafts. A wheel gear assembly operably couples each axle shaft to the respective wheel shaft. The wheel gear assemblies transfer the driving force from the axle shafts to the wheel shafts, which are positioned at different vertical location relative to the axle shafts. A first end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a vehicle air supply and a second end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a tire assembly. Seal assemblies are mounted for rotation with the wheel shaft at the first end of the wheel shafts.

Abstract: A pallet labeler station for applying a printed label to a loaded pallet at a predetermined label position includes a label printer for printing a label to be affixed to the loaded pallet, a rotatable label applicator mechanism for applying the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position and a drive mechanism for moving the label applicator mechanism so as to apply the printed label to the loaded pallet at the predetermined label position. The label applicator mechanism is capable of applying printed labels to two sides of a loaded pallet with each label being applied at a predetermined label position defined for each of the two sides of the loaded pallet.

Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.

Abstract: A reversible pull cord mechanism adapted for rotating a shaft in one direction when the pull cord is pulled in a first direction and rotating the shaft in the opposite direction when the pull cord is pulled in a second direction.

Abstract: A fabric blind slat for a window blind includes a base fabric made from an opaque knitted fabric, two coil units respectively coupled to and extended along two opposite edges of the base fabric, and two supporting sleeves respectively enclosed inside the two coil units. The coil unit is knitted from a thread looped on a thread at the edge of the basic fabric. The supporting sleeve is a tubular member having two open ends for insertion of a rigid supporting member therein. The supporting sleeve is enclosed inside the coil unit at the time while the coil unit is formed by knitting.

Abstract: An apparatus positionable across a window includes a body formed from one-way viewing material. The apparatus further includes a plurality of brackets secured to a stationary surface adjacent a window and are disposed at opposed corners thereof. A plurality of elongated rods are attached to opposed side portions of the body. The plurality of rods each has opposed end portions engageable with the plurality of brackets respectively. One of such rods is conveniently movable in a direction substantially transverse to the axis between expanded and retracted positions for advantageously moving the body between stretched and non-stretched positions respectively.

Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle such as an automobile includes a housing that is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle window and a drum member mounted for rotation within the housing about which a flexible, weblike shade element is wound. A retraction mechanism is provided for enabling the shade element to be moved from a first, retracted position wherein most of the shade element is wrapped about the drum member and a second, extended position wherein the shade element is at least partially unwrapped from the drum member. The retraction mechanism includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the drum member so that the shade element is urged toward the first, retracted position, and an arresting mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to permit the drum member to be stopped when the shade element is in the second, extended position and, in addition, in at least one intermediate position that is between the first, retracted position and the second, extended position.

Abstract: At least one feed core and at least one wall cooling core are assembled with a number of elements of a die for forming a cooled turbine engine element investment casting pattern. A sacrificial material is molded in the die. The sacrificial material is removed from the die. The removing includes extracting a first of the die elements from a compartment in a second of the die elements before disengaging the second die element from the sacrificial material. The first element includes a compartment receiving an outlet end portion of a first of the wall cooling cores in the assembly and disengages therefrom in the extraction.