Abstract: A valve characteristic controller for an engine including variable valve actuation mechanisms, one for a first valve and another for a second valve, to vary the opening and closing timings of the valves. The controller executes main control to calculate a target timing of the first valve in accordance with an operation state of the engine and has the corresponding variable valve actuation mechanism adjust the timing of the first valve to the target timing. Further, the controller executes sub-control to calculate a target timing of the second valve based on a target valve overlap amount and the actual timing of the first valve and has the corresponding variable valve actuation mechanism adjust the valve timing of the second valve to the target timing. The main control is executed on the one of the two variable valve actuation mechanisms having a lower response speed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rocker arm 16, which has an arm roller 18 at the center, a lash adjuster 30 for supporting a fulcrum P of the rocker arm 16, an oscillation arm 20, which has an oscillation cam surface (a non-pushing section 24 and a pushing section 26) that is in contact with the arm roller 18, and an adjustment mechanism for changing the reference arm rotation angle of the oscillation arm 20 in relation to the rocker arm 16 with a view toward changing the operating angle and lift amount of a valve disc 12 within a predetermined adjustment range. The adjustment mechanism includes a control shaft 22, a roller contact surface 32, a control arm 34, and an oscillation roller arm 38. The lash adjuster 30 is positioned so that its expansion/contraction direction is substantially parallel to a virtual straight line joining the rotation center Q of the oscillation arm 20 to the rotation center S of the arm roller 18.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing arrangement with at least one hole through which the sealing arrangement is adapted to be attached to the contact surface of a device which is to be sealed. One area of the sealing arrangement around the hole containing a stiffening element which extends in the manner of a perforated disk at least in this area, which has an inside area which is formed continuing axially in the direction to the contact surface, and contains an elastomer element which is joined to the inside area of the stiffening element, locking it in the radial direction. The elastomer element has a bulge to the inside.

Abstract: A valve gear includes a camshaft having valve gear cams, first and second rocker shafts, a first rocker arm supported on the first rocker shaft, and a second rocker arm supported on the second rocker shaft: The valve gear cams, respectively, include a cam nose projecting from a base circle, and the first rocker shaft supporting the first rocker arm is positioned forwardly of a center line, which passes through a center of the camshaft to extend axially of a cylinder, in a direction of rotation of the camshaft:. The first rocker shaft is shifted closer to the camshaft than a center of rotation of a roller bearing is, when the roller bearing won the first rocker arm contacts with the base circle of the valve gear cam.

Abstract: A device is described for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine using a high-frequency electric power source having a coaxial waveguide structure (5) into which the high-frequency electric power may be coupled and whose one end protrudes into the individual combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The one end of the coaxial waveguide structure (5) is designed as an igniter (7a) in such a way that, when a voltage potential is applied, a field structure (22), protruding into the combustion chamber, and thus a free-standing plasma in the air-fuel mixture at the inner conductor (7, 7a), projecting from the waveguide structure, is generatable via an abrupt and/or smooth cross-section change (21) of the inner conductor (7) and/or the outer conductor (6).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide the operability of an engine power generator having a remote controller. A starting switch 90 of a remote controller 9 and a starting switch on a power generator body's side can be operated in parallel. A stopping switch 91 of the remote controller 9 and a stopping switch on the body's side can be operated in parallel. The stopping switch 91 and an oil level switch 26 are connected to each other in parallel. The starting switch 90 and the stopping switch 91 can be operated when a combination switch 12 is in ON position. An engine 2 can be started and stopped by switching operation on the body's side in parallel to remote control operation.

Abstract: A counterweight 40 attached to a crankshaft 38 has a projection 42, which is aligned with and faces an electromagnet 44 attached to a crank casing 46 when the crankshaft 38 is at a preset rotational position of ensuring good startability of an engine 22. Engine stop control starts a power supply to the electromagnet 44 to attract the projection 42 of the counterweight 40 at a timing when the projection 42 of the counterweight 40 is practically aligned with the electromagnet 44, on the condition that the revolution speed of the crankshaft 38 is lowered to or below a preset level immediately before a full stop of rotation of the crankshaft 38. This engine stop control stops the rotation of the crankshaft 38 and desirably holds the crankshaft 38 at the preset rotational position of ensuring good startability of the engine 22.

Abstract: A structure of a cylinder block includes the cylinder block having a number of cylinders; a plurality of bearing caps supporting a crankshaft along with the cylinder block; a bearing cap beam supporting each of the plural bearing caps; a number of cap bolts fastening the plural bearing caps and the bearing cap beam to the cylinder block; and beam bolts fixing the bearing cap beam to a skirt portion of the cylinder block; a plurality of baffles each of which protruding from the bearing cap beam along a rotation path of a part of the crankshaft; and a number of vertical walls engaging the plural bearing cap beam with the baffles in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and an upper oil pan. The crankcase includes a plurality of main bearing caps extending between a pair of side walls, with openings in the main bearing caps and in the side walls. The upper oil pan is configured to sealingly engage the crankcase, and includes openings therethrough, which align with the openings in the main bearing caps and the side walls when the upper oil pan engages the crankcase. Fasteners structurally tie the upper oil pan to both the crankcase side walls and the main bearing caps. The engine may further include a lower oil pan defining a sump and attached to the upper oil pan. The upper oil pan preferably includes an oil filter manifold, an oil scraper, and a plurality of oil passages, while also providing a windage tray.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a main combustion chamber and a small auxiliary combustion chamber. The main chamber is formed by a cylinder, the undersurface of a cylinder head, and the crown of a piston. A main ignition unit is disposed in the cylinder head, including a main body and a spark plug. The auxiliary chamber is formed within the main ignition unit. The main and auxiliary chambers are connected via a communication passage. The piston crown includes a cavity. When a fuel injection valve sprays fuel into the cavity on compression stroke, a tumble flow of fuel gas is generated to locally form a relatively rich air-fuel mixture near the communication passage. The air-fuel mixture partly flows into the auxiliary chamber as the piston travels upwardly. The air-fuel mixture in the auxiliary chamber is ignited by the spark plug so that a combustion flame propagates into the main chamber.

Abstract: In a method for the individual shutdown and restart of cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder, a variable valve control, and a fuel injection system, according to the requirement of its shutdown, a deactivateable cylinder is filled with fresh gas and according to the requirement of its restart, an injection of a predetermined quantity of fuel as well as an ignition of the mixture takes place in the chronologically next intake phase or compression phase of the cylinder before the end of the compression phase at the latest. Furthermore, for the individual shutdown and restart of cylinders, the mass of fresh air present in the deactivateable cylinder in the deactivated operating state and/or the mixture parameters are determined and consulted for determining a fuel quantity to be injected when restarting said cylinder.

Abstract: In a mechanical apparatus having a diesel engine including a combustion chamber, an intake valve for passing air into the combustion chamber, and an exhaust valve for passing exhaust from the chamber, the mechanical apparatus also having an aftertreatment device configured to treat emissions from the diesel engine, a method of operating the engine is disclosed, wherein the method includes performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber with a first quantity of fuel, determining a temperature of the aftertreatment device, and if the temperature of the aftertreatment device is equal to or below a preselected temperature threshold, then performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber with a second, greater quantity of fuel and varying at least one of an intake valve timing and an exhaust valve timing relative to a default valve timing to cause at least one of a compression loss and a pumping loss.

Abstract: In a method of operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine with direct fuel injection wherein combustion air is supplied to a combustion chamber, fuel is injected into the combustion air during an intake stroke via a fuel injector in a pilot injection using a first fuel quantity so as to from a homogeneous lean air/fuel mixture in substantially the entire combustion chamber, in a main injection subsequently a second fuel quantity is injected in multiple injection steps just before ignition time so as to form a stratified rich air/fuel mixture in the area of a spark plug and the stratified fuel charge is then ignited 2° CA to 10° CA after completion of the injection of the main stratified injection.

Abstract: In a method for determining an output torque in order to prevent pedal play in a gas pedal assigned to a combustion engine, a correction torque Muffset is calculated in this respect, which is dependent on the activation speed Nact of the idling regulator, the current speed, and the idling torque MIS calculated by the idling regulator.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle are provided. A temperature of a lubricating fluid in the engine is determined, as are first and second engine speed limits. Operation of the engine at the first engine speed limit is limited to a predetermined time period when the lubricating fluid temperature is between first and second predetermined temperatures. The engine speed is at least temporarily limited to the second engine speed limit after the engine has been operated at the first engine speed limit for the predetermined time period and the lubricating fluid temperature is between the first and second predetermined temperatures.

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

Abstract: An electrically-operated automatic choke system of a carburetor includes a choke valve connected to a choke valve closure spring that urges the choke valve in a direction to close it. A wax-type temperature sensitive actuating device is coupled to the carburetor to receive heat generated by an engine. A piston member of the device faces a pivoting member coupled to the choke valve and makes contact with, or moves away from, the pivoting member on a pivoting path to the closed side of the choke valve. While the engine has stopped running, closure of the choke valve by the choke valve closure spring is restricted according to the amount the piston member protrudes.

Abstract: A pressure-reduction valve that returns fuel in a common rail to a low-pressure system is such one that a valve-opening pressure of the valve device is changed by an actuator into a target common rail pressure. Thus, when the actual common rail pressure in the common rail exceeds the target common rail pressure, the pressure-reduction valve opens at once. On the contrary, when the actual common rail pressure in the common rail decreases to reach the target common rail pressure, the pressure-reduction valve closes at once. Accordingly, the pressure-reduction valve limits an overshoot and an undershoot of the actual common rail pressure to a minimum without being influenced by a fuel temperature or by detection timings of the common rail pressure sensor.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel injection pipe, which has an outside diameter (?) of 6.35 mm, an inside diameter (?) of 4.35 to 2.95 mm, and a wall thickness (t)of about 1.0 to 1.7 mm, can serve as a high-pressure fuel injection pipe for in-cylinder injection type gasoline engines which have an injection pressure of 4 to 20 MPa, and can adequately endure the use of low-grade gasoline, sour gasoline, DME (dimethyl ether), alcohol, alcohol blended fuel, etc. is provided. The high-pressure fuel injection pipe is manufactured by joining an outer pipe which is an seam-welded pipe or a seamless pipe and an inner pipe which is an seam-welded pipe with a Ni or Ni base alloy film on its inner peripheral surface, closely adhering them together by means of elongation.

Abstract: An engine torque management system of a V-style engine utilizes a cylinder head metal temperature sensor in each cylinder head to detect a temperature. When the sensor temperature rises above a threshold value for a particular time period, the response software shuts down the fuel injection of a bank of cylinders in which the sensor is installed. Cool, uncombusted intake air cools that bank and an external fan blows air over that bank. If the sensor in the second bank of cylinders rises above the threshold, the fuel injection on that bank shuts off to undergo cooling while the fuel injection on the first bank restarts. Alternation between the two banks occurs to maintain the desired level of torque demanded by the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A fuel control system for regulating fuel to cylinders of an internal combustion engine during an engine start and crank-to-run transition includes a first module that determines a raw injected fuel mass based on a utilized fuel fraction (UFF) model and a nominal fuel dynamics (NFD) and a second module that regulates fueling to a cylinder of the engine based on the raw injected fuel mass until a combustion event of the cylinder. Each of the UFF and NFD models is calibrated based on data from a plurality of test starts-that are based on a pre-defined test schedule.

Abstract: A loose or missing fuel cap detection method for an evaporative emission control system of an automotive vehicle detects a loose or missing fuel cap based in part on whether fuel level changed. The method determines whether the fuel level changed, which is indicative of a refueling event. The method then determines if one or more leaks are present. If the fuel level changed and one or more leaks are present, the method determines that the fuel cap is loose or missing.

Abstract: A fuel tank with ventilation system and activated carbon filter which, on the one hand, is connected by a first line (22) to the fuel tank and by a second line (25) to an internal combustion engine, and, on the other hand, by a third line (26) to the atmosphere, should have as simple and compact a ventilation system as possible, which fulfills all functions in full measure. To this end, a controlled two-way valve unit (23) is provided, whereof the first path connects the first line (22) to the third line (26) and the second path connects the second line (25) to the third line (26), and an electronic control unit (28) is provided, which on the input side is connected to a refueling sensor (7) and to a liquid level sensor (13) and on the output side is connected to the controlled two-way valve unit (23).

Abstract: A blocking device provided in an evaporation passage is placed in an open state such that communication between an inside of a canister and an inside of a fuel tank is permitted, a negative pressure generating device provided in an atmospheric passage is operated, and a pressure in the fuel tank is detected, whereby whether a failure has occurred in the fuel tank is determined. Then, the blocking device is placed in a blocking state, the negative pressure generating device operated, and a pressure in the canister is detected, whereby whether a failure has occurred in the canister is determined.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) arrangement having an intake manifold with a valve base assembly integrated with the engine's intake manifold. The valve base assembly has a valve seat positioned in the path of fluid flow through the valve base. A valve member is also contained in the valve base and is operably disposed in relation to the valve seat. An actuator is connectable with the valve base and with the valve member to open and close the valve seat in response to actuation of the actuator. The actuator can disconnect from the valve base and valve member.

Abstract: An exemplary separator for coupling to a compressor includes a separation region substantially defined by an outer wall, part of an inner wall and an intermediate wall and an open region substantially defined by the inner wall and the intermediate wall and adjacent an outlet in the inner wall wherein the outlet provides passage to an air inlet of the compressor. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tiller for a crossbow which has a cocking lever in the form of an upper arm (1) and a lower arm (2) pivotally connected with each other about an axis (X) in the front part of the tiller, whereas in the rear part of the tiller said upper arm (1) is connected with the upper end of a butt (5), and said lower arm (2) is connected with the lower end of the butt (5) in the folded state of the tiller by means of a snap fastener (6). Said tiller for a crossbow can be assembled with any appropriate bows and trigger mechanisms, but preferably it is used with a novel bow for a crossbow which is also disclosed.

Abstract: A truing tool for truing an essentially cylindrical grinding worm that is arranged on the tool spindle of a machine suitable for the continuous generation grinding in the tangential- and diagonal process. The truing tool comprises an essentially cylindrical gear wheel (6) having an abrasive coating on the surface that is active during truing to profile the flanks of the grinding worm (3) and an essentially cylindrical roll (7) having an abrasive coating on its circumferential surface to adapt the diameter of the addendum circle of the grinding worm. The gear wheel (6) and the roll (7) can be connected axially and torsion-resistantly to the work piece spindle (1) of the machine.

Abstract: A diamond core drill bit (100) is disclosed. The drill bit has a right-circular cylindrical body (120) with at least one side lubrication hole (122) toward the bottom of the body and a plurality of parallel grooves (124) oriented in an axial direction at the bottom circumferential sidewall of the body. A cap (130) at the top of the cylindrical body (120) closes one end of the body. The cap has a central lubrication hole (134) and alternative embodiments have at least one core extraction hole (132). These holes extend through the cap to the interior of the body. A hollow drive shaft (140) is mated to the cap (130) over the central lubrication hole (134), such that a lubricant can flow through the hollow shaft and into the internal volume of the body and out a side lubrication hole (122).

Abstract: An aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a fixed volume holding chamber which is constructed to allow for a uniformly mixed, concentrated bolus of medicated aerosol to be delivered with each breath. The device further includes a universal inlet, so that any standard small volume nebulizer, as well as any standard metered dose inhaler (MDI), may be utilized therewith. Also filtration can be added to address contaminated patient air and aerosol. A one-way valve is positioned in the patient mouthpiece, to help control the loss of aerosol, and thereby reduce waste.

Abstract: A health apparatus for use by individuals. The apparatus is an oxygen inhaler that works in a manner analogous to that of a breath spray and an asthma inhaler. Rather than dispensing asthma medicine, however, the oxygen inhaler disperses a small volume of oxygen through the nose that would be available for inhalation by a user. The present invention could be used for both health reasons and for recreational use.

Abstract: A portable gas delivery system is provided to provide oxygen or other gaseous mixture for use in emergencies, athletic events, and similar activities. The portable gas delivery system includes a regulator with an accumulator chamber disposed within the regulator and adjacent a mixing chamber. The accumulator chamber receives oxygen or other gas from a replaceable gas source such as a cylinder. The mixing chamber mixes ambient air and gas from the cylinder to form a gaseous mixture which is inhaled by a user. Each use of the portable gas delivery system may be in metered burst of predetermined duration and/or frequency or may be substantially continuous as provided for in the accompanying method.

Abstract: A nebulizer uses air or preferably oxygen to aerate and transport an anesthetic for providing topical anesthesia to the airway passages of a patient undergoing analysis or treatment by any of several medical instruments used to traverse the airway passages. The nebulizer is preferably applied in connection with fiberoptical diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, such as bronchoscopes, endoscopes and laryngoscopes, and many variations of these instruments. Other liquid, aerosol, and gaseous drugs may also be administered with the nebulizer.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator is utilized in combination with a compressor, preferably a radial compressor, to provide a highly enriched and compressed oxygen gas in a mobile container such as a gas cylinder. The combination and method of production provides for the facile preparation of an enriched source of oxygen for use by an ambulatory or wheelchair-confined patient. The oxygen concentrator utilizes two or more molecular sieves to provide a breathable gas of at least about 85% or 90% oxygen from atmospheric air. The oxygen-enriched gas can be stored in a buffer tank and prioritized so as to supply a patient with a proper amount and concentration of oxygen and secondarily to supply an amount of the enriched oxygen to a compressor. The radial compressor utilizes multiple stages to produce the highly compressed oxygen-enriched gas and has radially arranged pistons. The radial compressor is compact and lightweight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask for use in monitoring a patient. The mask can have sensors on the body of the mask and on the associated straps or caps. The mask can be used to monitor breathing problems or to monitor a patient during anesthesia. The data acquired from the mask sensors and related sensors can be stored or fed into a computer to analyze the patient's condition and provide feedback information.

Abstract: A method for treating a breathing person suffering from diabetes utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation in order to treat the person suffering from diabetes.

Abstract: A system, device or method uses surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal or more proximal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation is not impaired by the mucus removal.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a body portion having a nose and rim portions which meet at an angle which facilitates both insertion and retention. In addition, the shaft of the plug includes a circumferential groove level with the top of the body which increases flexibility between the shaft and body of the plug. Furthermore, the groove locates the pivot point of the rim of the body radially inward which increases the flexibility of the rim.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and correcting the position of a patient are disclosed. According to an aspect of the invention, reference coordinates for particular body locations on the patent are determined. At a later treatment session, the relative positioning of the patient's body locations are adjusted to match the relative positioning of the reference coordinates. The entire body of the patient can thereafter be moved as a single unit to match the patient's body location with the absolute location of the reference coordinates.

Abstract: An endovascular tissue removal device including a lumen with a distal steerable tip portion extending from a joint portion, registration means for holding the joint portion fixed in place in the vasculature, and a source of ablation energy in communication with the lumen whereby tissue can be resected by ablation energy as the tip portion is steered within the vasculature.

Abstract: A packaging device for a product, preferably a make-up product, including a support generally planar in shape and in the form of a plate having two faces. The support includes at least one cavity having a depth less than or equal to the thickness of the plate, with the cavity opening on at least one face of the support at a first aperture, and with the cavity containing the product. The device includes an applicator for the product which is connected to the support by a junction area that can be broken to detach the applicator from the support. In addition, or alternatively, an adhesive sheet can be attached to the support, with a portion of the sheet forming a housing for the applicator.

Abstract: A dental flosser includes a handle and a dental floss holder releasably received by the handle. The dental floss holder includes a base, a pair of arms for holding a length of dental floss, and a toothpick extending from the base. The handle includes a receiver in which the toothpick on the dental floss holder is received. The handle and the dental floss holder cooperate to prevent transverse movement of the dental floss holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, whereby a cleaning and disinfecting circuit is established for the vacuum channels of an upper sealing tool (1) and a lower sealing tool (2). In the present case, the vacuum pump (3) is switched off and the connecting line to the sealing station is sealed or disconnected from the flanges at the point (10). The vacuum channels of the upper sealing station (1) are connected to the vacuum channels of the lower sealing tool (2) by means of an adapter (13) in a fluid-tight manner. The fluid circuit is closed by a pump (14), a fluid container (15) and the associated pipes, which are connected to the flanges (11), (12). Said pump (14) pumps a cleaning and disinfecting fluid, in the present case active chlorine, into the vacuum channels of the upper sealing station (1).

Abstract: An appliance supply distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing appliance supplies to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which facilitates dispensing or using one or more supplies from an appliance. The computerized system monitors the supply level(s) and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers additional supplies. In addition, the computerized system automatically detects dispensing, use or appliance problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus capable of sufficiently removing foreign matters such as coating or labels from surfaces of crushed pieces of the collected polymeric mold product is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning bath provided with a rotary shaft extending in the longitudinal direction and having a water supply port, a drainage port as well as an introduction port and a discharging port for polymeric pieces, screw sections having a screw provided on the rotary shaft and flow-path restricting sections having stationary plates standing upright from the inner surface of the cleaning bath to restricting the advancement of water caused by the screw, wherein at least part of a surface of the stationary plate is roughened.

Abstract: A lower nest structure for a collapsible umbrella is provided, which contains a tubular member and a body member. The tubular member is sleeved over the central shaft and contains a tubular section and an operation knob. A pair of guiding holes and a pair of wedges located below the guiding holes are interleaved around the tubular section. The body member has a ring section to sleeve over the tubular section of the tubular member. The ring section is confined by the bottom surfaces of the wedges and the operation knob. A pair of opposing hook elements is configured on top of the ring section which could be flexibly expanded outward, causing a force to clasp inward. On the top ends of the hook elements, reversed hooks are configured to penetrate through the guiding holes of the tubular member and into the positioning holes of the central shaft for fixedly positioning the lower nest.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved.

Abstract: A method of simply controlling the flow of fluid in a micro system without using a complicated value structure, comprising the steps of adding the substance transformed from sol-gel by stimulation to the fluid flowing through the micro flow passage of the micro system, and adding the stimulation to the fluid at a desired position on the micro flow passage to transform the fluid into gel for flow control.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve and a method of micro-machining the freeze-thaw valve is provided and includes a valve housing, wherein the valve housing defines a housing cavity and includes a housing inlet, a housing vent, a capillary tubing inlet and a capillary tubing outlet. A valve body is provided, at least a portion of which is lithographically constructed, wherein the valve body includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet and an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is disposed to communicate the refrigerant inlet with the refrigerant outlet and includes a restriction region having a flow restriction. Additionally, the valve body is disposed within the housing cavity to form an insulating channel between the valve housing and the valve body.