Abstract: This invention is a nitrous oxide delivery system to improve engine power in which the nitrous oxide leaves its storage bottle as a vapor rather than conventional liquid delivery systems in which it leaves as a liquid. This system can therefore use a relatively simple pressure regulator and fixed orifice to maintain an essentially constant nitrous oxide mass flow rate over a wide range of storage bottle pressure. The nitrous oxide which enters the engine does not contain any ice crystals and will not cause icing, therefore allowing introduction of the nitrous virtually anywhere in the engine's induction tract.

Abstract: A paintball marker is provided including a body, an inlet control device, a firing system, a first regulator and a second regulator. The body has a paintball inlet and a barrel for receiving a paintball from the paintball inlet. The inlet control device is movable between an open position wherein the inlet control device permits entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet, and a closed position for chambering a paintball. In the closed position the inlet control device prevents entry of a paintball through the paintball inlet. The firing system includes a firing valve that is moveable between a firing position wherein the valve permits firing gas at a selected pressure to flow to the barrel and a non-firing position wherein the firing valve prevents flow of firing gas to the barrel. The first regulator is fluidically connectable to the pressurized gas source and is configurable to provide gas at a first pressure.

Abstract: Cutting tools are provided that include a circular core with a cutting means located on its periphery, a central bore to receive an arbor of a rotating power tool and one or more perforations extending through the central core. The perforations are disposed along a circumference disposed concentrically with, and between, the central bore and the periphery. The perforations are arranged to form an annular window through the core which corresponds to a predetermined cutting depth during rotational operation of the tool.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance includes a low profile gas burner assembly positioned within an oven cavity. The low profile gas burner assembly, formed from a tubular member having a defined diameter, includes a first end, defining an inlet portion, interconnected with a second end, defining an outlet portion, through an intermediate portion. In accordance with the invention, the intermediate portion maintains a vertically spaced relationship between the inlet portion and outlet portion from about 1.0 to 3.33 times the diameter of the tubular member, preferably about 1.33 to 2.66 times the diameter and, most preferably, approximately twice the diameter of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breathing-speaking valve intended to be used as a speaking valve of patients requiring filtration of inspiration air inhaled via tracheostomas and are mounted on a tracheal tube, which breathing-speaking valve includes a valve housing (1) inended to be attached to the tracheal tube and which comprises a check valve in the form of a membrane (10), which check valve opens when the patient inhales and closes at expiration and filter (7) for filtration of the inspiration air, which filter is located within this membrane, and optional, a nipple (6) for connection to a oxygen apparatus for oxygen delivery to the inspiration air whereby the filter (7) is laying against a number of ribs (5) located in the bottom (2) of the valve housing (1) and a nipple (6) for connection to a oxygen apparatus is mounted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the valve housing (1) by the bottom of the valve housing (1), and said nipple (6) opens into the space (14) defined by t

Abstract: The present invention provides a respirator hood assembly that has a bag, half mask and a respirator assembly. The assembly includes a filtration unit and at least one inlet pipe containing a filter. The assembly of the invention allows for flexible filter design and also defines a rigid external structure that supports the hood and allows the user to quickly don the hood.

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 controlled enhanced-oxygen (hyperoxic) breathing system involving an oxygen source, a control valve system and a breathing interface, is disclosed. The control valve system may include a demand flow valve and a venturi valve arranged to introduce ambient air into an oxygen stream to provide a desired level of oxygen in the resultant hyperoxic air stream. Alternatively, the control valve system may include a nitrogen-removal unit, such as nitrogen scrubber, to increase the oxygen content above that of ambient air. The control valve system may further include a one-way flow valve and may further be joined to a plenum for storing hyperoxic air. The hyperoxic breathing system is typically connected to a breathing mask for use by an individual undergoing exercise or physical training activities.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

Abstract: A nasal mask (301) includes a shell (308) forming a chamber (390) having an inlet (332) and at least one outlet and a seal (302). The seal (302) is disposed proximate the outlet for contacting and sealing with external skin proximate at least one naris at a base of a nose of a user donning the mask. Substantially all of the sealing occurs between the seal (302) and the external skin.

Abstract: A face mask structure has an upper mask portion, a middle mask portion, and a lower mask portion, which are formed integrally. The upper mask portion has an upper metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The lower mask portion has a lower metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The upper and lower mask portions are folded in opposite directions. When in use, the upper and lower mask portions are spread out to support the middle mask portion. In this way, the face mask structure becomes fitting in with the shapes of human faces. Furthermore, the middle mask portion has multiple folding portions. When in use, the folding portions are stretched out to increase filtering area. Thereby, the inner space of the face mask structure is increased, the air-invasion rate is reduced, and the filtering efficiency is thus improved.

Abstract: An interocclusal sports prophylaxis includes a core having an arch shaped occlusal plate with upwardly extending buccal and lingual walls. A labial force dispersal shield and molar framing braces extend downwardly from the plate at incisor and lingual zones of the plate. The occlusal plate is thickened at the molar and incisor zones so that breathing spaces are provided between mandibular occlusal surfaces not registered with the zones and a mandibular face of the plate. A shock absorption dentition encasement is molded over the upper surface of the core and also covers the molar and incisor zones. The prophylaxis is heated in water, seated in the mouth and then biting pressure is applied to embed the maxillary dentition in the encasement and the lower incisor and molar occlusal surfaces in the encasement covering the zones.

Abstract: An earplug (10) with a body front portion (22) for insertion into a person's ear canal, has a pocket (30) to increase comfort and is constructed to enhance noise attenuation. The pocket, which allows easier compression of the body front portion for increased comfort, has a plurality of baffles (50) that attenuate sound better than a pocket without baffles. The pocket with baffles is formed by a core pin (80) that lies in an injection mold (82) and that forms the pocket, the core pin having a plurality of slots (81) that form the baffles. The pocket includes a rear portion (36) that forms a wide passage, and the earplug includes a blocker portion (90) that partially or completely closes off the rear pocket passage.

Abstract: Spinal surgery is carried out under direct visualization through a relatively small opening formed in a patient's skin. Intervening tissue between the opening and the surgical site is displaced so as to form a keyhole channel therethrough. The channel is characterized in that it increases in width as it progresses from the opening to the surgical field. The use of the keyhole channel maximizes the surgeon's access to the surgical field while minimizing tissue trauma. Also disclosed are surgical retractors used to provide the channel.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for operating a machine of the tobacco processing industry. The process includes guiding at least one wrapper strip along a conveyor path from a wrapping strip supply to a garniture device, and fixing the at least one wrapper strip in at least one preset position along the conveyor path The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A three dimensional stencil for use in applying raised acrylic designs to nails comprises a generally flat, flexible portion adapted for contact with a portion of a fingernail or toenail, and a cut-out portion formed within the confines of the flexible portion. The cut-out portion includes walls having a thickness of at least about 3 mm. The flexible portion forms an opening adjacent to the cut-out portion. In one embodiment, the flexible portion is itself of a thickness of at least about 3 mm, and the cut-out portion forms an opening in the flexible portion. In another embodiment, the cut-out portion comprises walls attached to and extending up from the flexible portion. In the second embodiment, tabs connecting the cut-out portion walls to the flexible portion may be used.

Abstract: A solids removal system for use in removing sand and silt from well production fluids. The system has a manifold assembly provided with jetting nozzles, which is installed in a liquid and solids-containing vessel, where solids have settled in the walls. The jetting nozzles deliver, in a pre-determined sequence, a solids-dislodging fluid, causing the solids to become suspended in the fluid. The dislodged solids and fluid are then extracted by pump from the vessel and directed to a solid-fluid separator. Solids-free fluid is returned for re-re-circulation through the vessel, while the solids are moved to a containment location.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine containing spraying devices and at least one dish rack. The dishwashing machine has at least one dish rack having stationary spraying devices to optimally clean material stacked in the at least one rack and increase and optimize storage room in the dishwashing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a super mini umbrella, which has a shorter length for facilitating carrying by people. The umbrella includes a shaft having its lowest tube with many impressions covered with glue to insert into a connector in a handle of the umbrella. A runner of the umbrella is thus capable of being moved around the connector when the umbrella is closed that can decrease the length of the closed umbrella perfectly.

Abstract: An umbrella structure includes a cover, a shaft, a notch, a runner, main ribs and stretchers. The notch is extended downward to form a fixing portion. The fixing portion has one end disposed with a protruding loop section, and an appropriate position disposed with a fastening orifice for corresponding with the protruding button. The runner is accommodated at the fixing portion, and is capable of up-and-down sliding movements at the fixing portion. When stretching the umbrella, the protruding button at the fastening device is steadily locked at the fastening orifice at the fixing portion to smoothly stretch the umbrella. When collapsing the umbrella, the shaft is stored in the fixing portion to prevent the shaft from damages and deformations by offering the shaft with appropriate protection. Using the aforesaid structure, a drawback as being incapable of securely stretching the umbrella due to a reduced volume of the umbrella is solved.

Abstract: A retractable rain cover is attachable to a golf cart has a rigid frame extending aft from the rear roofline of a golf cart and over a golf bag carried at the rear of the cart. A flexible canopy is movable along the frame from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position the canopy is contained either rolled up in a housing along the rear roofline or is in a lay flat condition disposed within the footprint of the golf cart roof. In the deployed position the canopy extends along the frame and overlies the golf bag at the rear of the cart. Also, the canopy has a closable opening positioned to align with the upper end of the golf bag when the canopy is in a deployed position thereby permitting direct access through the deployed canopy to any golf club in the bag.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a faucet assembly that includes a mounting plate and a backing plate that clampingly attach to a surface such as a sink, bathtub, countertop or shower wall. The surface includes a large opening through which a user may access the hot and cold water lines with their shut-off valves. The hot and cold water lines are attached through flexible hoses to the faucet assembly. The faucet assembly is attached to the outer mounting plate whereby when the mounting plate is detached from the backing plate the flexible hoses allow the mounting plate with the faucet assembly to be moved away from the surface to access the water lines and/or repair or replace the faucet assembly.

Abstract: A valve and a method for producing a valve, in particular for coolant circuits, having a valve seat (2) including a valve seating element (1) for a valve body (3) by stamping the pole shoe to form at least one sealing surface (8) to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. This is achieved according to the invention by forming at least one sealing surface (8) to form a novel sealing element (1) utilizing a stamping element to form a stamped surface of the novel valve with a valve seating element.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a control valve connected to a gas meter and intersecting a gas flow path downstream of the gas meter and upstream of an entry point of a building. The control valve is adaptable between open and closed positions based upon received stimuli. A main gas supply line is mated to the control valve and includes auxiliary lines branching to appliances. A plurality of sensors are coupled in series to the appliances and are in communication with the control valve. A mechanism is included for transmitting a control signal to the control valve and for eliminating a fully charged gas line when the stimuli are detected by one of the sensors such that the control valve can allow and restrict gas flow to the appliances during operating and non-operating modes. Each of the sensors generates a unique control signal when the stimuli are detected.

Abstract: A compressed gas storage system includes a gas tank formed for storing therein compressed gas, a gas discharge path provided in the gas tank, a solenoid valve connected to the gas discharge path and disposed in an interior of the gas tank for controlling the flow of compressed gas that goes out of the gas tank and a control unit to which the solenoid valve is connected. An outer circumferential surface of the solenoid valve is covered with a cover, so that a space defined between the cover and the outer circumferential surface is made to communicate with the gas discharge path to thereby form a gas flow path. A heat transfer fin is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the cover in such a manner as to extend radially inwardly, so as to be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for electrical equipment housing, includes a valve body having a pedestal that projects above a mounting flange and a table on the pedestal that supports a two-stage valve assembly that can be sized in diameter independently of the working area of the flange beneath the table. The design is particularly applicable to retrofit applications for large power distribution equipment with the footprint of the pressure relief device fixed by the design of the equipment housings. The first-stage valve opening can be sized substantially as large as vent openings in the housings and the second-stage valve openings can be sized in the desired relationship with the first-stage opening for optimizing valve performance independently of the constraints imposed by the footprint of the device.

Abstract: A geared mechanical device designed to limit a finite amount of water per flush to a tank reservoir of the common household toilet, providing positive shutoff of flow and anti-siphon back flow prevention. The toilet is flushed, the actuator lever opens the flo-control valve stopper by means of linkage to the flush lever. The water enters the back flow chamber into the primary valve chamber thence to the flow control chamber, and on to the float valve into the toilet tank for fill up. Force of the water rotates the drive impeller gearably linked to the hold release mechanism. On release the flo-control valve stopper closes. The back flow prevention chamber allows the water to pass in the direction of flow and reseats itself when the flow has stopped or if water pressure is lost at any time eliminating a need for a anti-siphon tube. A replenish tube restores water level to the bowl. A water delivery chamber may be affixed to the flo-control in place of the float valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprise an on-off controller configured to control the flow of pressurized pneumatic fluid and to connect directly to a pneumatic device. In one embodiment, the on-off controller comprises a body having an inlet, at least one outlet, a vent, at least one connection bore, an activator positioned in the body, a position mechanism configured to move the activator in the body, a seal configured to sealably contact the activator and seal the vent, wherein the body may connect directly to a paintball marker.

Abstract: A servovalve assembly includes a motor having a flapper shaft. A flapper couples to a first end of the flapper shaft such that the flapper shaft orients the flapper between a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the servovalve assembly. An adjustment assembly adjusts a position of the flapper relative to the nozzles of the servovalve. The adjustment assembly enables a servovalve manufacturer to set the flapper of the servovalve at a null position without disassembling the servovalve. Rather, the manufacturer is capable of simply installing the adjustment assembly and deforming an arm portion of the adjustment assembly for proper null position calibration.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve body having both fluid inlet and discharge ports. A flow passage axially extending within the valve body communicates with the inlet and discharge ports. A valve member within the flow passage is movable by an actuator force in a first direction to direct a pressurized fluid from the inlet to the discharge port. The valve member includes first and second valve heads having different diameters and a valve seating member. The valve seating member engages first and second sealing diameters of the flow passage, the second sealing diameter being smaller than the first. Fluid pressure acting on the different diameters of the first valve head and valve seating member in contact with the second sealing diameter creates a net return force directing the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon removal of the actuator force.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing water from penetrating into the rising part/intermediate section (12) of a pipe (6) when laying the pipe (6) on or near the seabed (8) by means of a pipelay vessel (1), and where a plug (22) that seals against, travels and locks in the inside passage of the pipe (6) is arranged inside the pipe (6) between the lay vessel (1) and the seabed (8), where during normal pipelaying the plug (22) is displaced in the pipe (6) so as to essentially maintain its relative position relative to the pipelay vessel (1), and where in the event of water flowing into the pipe (6), the plug (22) is locked in the pipe (6), whereby water is prevented from filling the rising part/intermediate section (12) of the pipe (6).

Abstract: An assembly and method for stiffening a flexible member according to which a stiffening member and an adapter surround the flexible member and an insert extends in an annulus between the adapter and the flexible member.

Abstract: An elbow for a dryer exhaust vent conduit. The elbow can have two nestable channel sections, each channel section having a generally C-shaped cross-section, which may be substantially semi-circular. Each channel section has a connection mechanism along at least one side such that the two channel sections are joinable to form a substantially tubular conduit which has a smooth interior surface, reducing friction losses to the airflow speed of the dryer exhaust. Each channel section can be curved in a large radius arc to provide a turn to the elbow, which may extend around a quarter circle to provide a 90° turn to the dryer exhaust vent conduit. Snap fit locking tabs may lock the two channel sections together. Ends of the elbow may fit into or outside adjoining conduit pipes. The channel sections can be nested for ease of transport and storage and can be easily assembled on site.

Abstract: The cycle counter is incorporated in a cable tie tool and provides an accurate count of the number of cable ties cut by the tool. The cycle counter includes a sensor which detects the displacement of the blade of the cable tie tool required to sever the strap of the cable tie. Alternatively, the sensor detects the condition of a component of the cable tie tool which indicates that the tool has cut the strap of a cable tie. The sensor generates a cut signal indicating that the strap of a cable tie has been cut. The cycle counter further includes summing devices for processing the cut signals and generating additional signals for transmission to a display device. The display device communicates to an operator the total number of cable ties severed by the cable tie tool. The display device also communicates to the operator the total number of selected cable ties severed by the cable tie tool.

Abstract: The capsule filling machine is provided with special volumetric dosing stations each having two or more adjacent dosing units (9, 9?, 22), fixed at equal distances from each other on the periphery of the carousel and located outside and at a distance from the product feed hopper (2), in such a way that they can be rapidly and easily replaced when there is a change in the formal of the capsules to be filled, in the same way as all the other components of the machine, which is also designed for easy and rapid preparation for the washing and sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A refill device for a receptacle provided with a threaded neck including a receptacle, designed to contain a product to be transferred into the receptacle, a cooperation structure designed to form a connection between the first and a second receptacle, a closing structure for closing off the receptacle, a transferring structure for transferring the product contained in the receptacle to the receptacle. The cooperation structure includes a threaded base capable of cooperating with the neck, the closing structure comprises a wall closing off the base, designed to be broken off by an axial force, the transfer structure includes an axial packing designed to be placed above the wall, such that during the said screwing of the neck, the neck pushes the axial packing into contact with the wall, so as to break the wall and enable the liquid to flow by gravity.

Abstract: A chipping head, particularly a chipping head of a chipping canter, is disclosed comprising a head body having thereon mounted multiple chipping knives that are adapted on the head body in an annular fashion spaced at a distance from each other. Onto the chipping head, on the head end face thereof touching a wooden workpiece being processing and/or on the lateral surface of a disc-like or flange-like element such as a circular saw blade mounted on the chipping head body, there is formed at least one groove and/or ridge, the groove and/or ridge spiraling about the axis of head body rotation so that the starting point of the groove and/or ridge is radially displaced at a distance from the axis of rotation and, respectively, the end point of the groove/ridge is closer than its starting point to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A work bench includes an elongated main body including a track portion having first and second spaced apart rail members. A tool mount assembly includes a tool mount having a support structure that supports a tool and a releasable fastener mounted to the support structure to releasably interlock with the track portion so as to releasably mount the tool mount to the track portion. The fastener includes a handle and a retaining member movable along with the handle such that manual movement of the handle to (a) a released position positions the retaining member so that the tool mount can be engaged with or disengaged from the track portion, and (b) a locked position moves the retaining member into forced engagement with the spaced apart rail members to secure the tool mount to the track portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate product, a method for processing the intermediate product and a wood chipping device for processing the intermediate product. The intermediate product is substantially rod shaped and is sized in a range that includes between one and two times as oriented strand (OS) chips. The intermediate product is fed to a wood chipping device. The wood chipping device has a number of blades. The number of blades each have a number of cutting edges that run parallel to a blade ring axis, and which enclose a working chamber. The intermediate product is rotated about the blade ring axis and is aligned in such a way that it lies substantially parallel to the blade ring axis and is pressed by centrifugal force against the cutting edges.

Abstract: A tire includes a carcass-type reinforcement structure anchored on either side of the tire in a bead. Each of the beads includes an anchoring zone having a plurality of circumferential cord windings cooperating with the adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure. The cord windings are arranged to form a cord stack in which the distance between the cord of a radially innermost winding and an adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure differs from the distance between the cord of the radially outermost winding and an adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure, wherein the stack is non-parallel to the reinforcement.

Abstract: A sliding screen frame for a closure assembly having an opening and an existing track for mounting a screen, the screen frame has framing sections with both inner and outer side edges, and a housing from which a screen is payed out and accumulated. The framing sections are adapted on the outer side edge to interfit with the existing track of the closure assembly to enable the sliding screen frame to slide across the opening of the closure assembly and the frame sections also being adapted on the inner side edge thereof to support and guide the free end of the screen between a fully payed out and a fully accumulated position. The screen frame has a mitreless corner connector for connecting adjacent framing sections without the need for mitre cuts thereof to establish continuity between the corner connector and the adjacent framing sections.

Abstract: A lubricant oil feeder 2 of a due casting machine 1 is made up of a lubricant oil feed passage 19 for feeding a lubricant oil into a clearance between the inner peripheral surface of a sleeve 7 and the outer peripheral surface of an injection piston 9, a lubricant oil feed valve 20 for opening or closing the lubricant oil feed passage, an air feed passage 16 for feeding air into a clearance between the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve and the outer peripheral surface of the injection piston, and an air feed valve 18 for opening and closing the air feed passage, and the arrangement is such that the lubricant oil feed valve is initially opened to feed the lubricant oil into the clearance between the sleeve and the injection piston and the air feed valve is then opened to pump the lubricant oil by the air. It is possible to spread the lubricant oil extensively and quickly, and accordingly, the useful life of the sleeve and the injection piston can be improved with a reduced quantity of lubricant oil.

Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. A lock is provided to lock the drag flask to the platen table of the molding machine during desired stages of an individual sand molding sequence. The lock between the drag flask and the platen table may include actuated pins which engage corresponding detent structures such as tapered holes integral with the drag flask and prevent lateral migration of the drag flask relative to the platen table. Additionally, cope flask actuators are provided which vertically support and are operable to raise the cope flask relative to the squeeze head to facilitate release the cope mold from the cope flask.

Abstract: A casting apparatus including a die that contains a molten metal that is poured via an opening section disposed above the die. The casting apparatus also includes a heater disposed above the die, and a gas supplying structure for supplying an inter gas to a surface of the molten metal. The casting apparatus further includes a lid disposed between the surface of the molten metal and the heater, and a lid moving structure for moving the lid to the die relatively so as to control the opening amount of the opening section above the die.

Abstract: A die casting machine capable of reducing the pressure in a die cavity to a lower level such as a substantially perfect vacuum, having a movable die and a fixed die, a vacuum pump for reducing pressure in a cavity formed between the dies, and an injection apparatus for injecting and filling molten metal into the cavity with reduced pressure, at least one of the dies having an evacuation path connected with the vacuum pump and communicated with the cavity, a valve element for opening and shutting the evacuation path, and an electromagnetic driving means for making the valve element move linearly in the opening and shutting direction by electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A novel process for the continuous casting of lead-free bronze alloys. By careful control of such factors as the melt temperature, order of addition of alloy components, cooling temperature and withdrawal rates, continuous casting of high quality lead-free bronze alloys can be achieved.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a metal tube, a layer of nano-particles and a working fluid. The metal tube has an inner surface defining at least two pores. Each of the pores has a diameter in the range from about 2 to about 50 nanometers. The layer of nano-particles is formed at least one of on the surfaces of the meso-pores and on the inner surface of the metal tube. The working fluid is in the metal tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger according to the present invention has a plurality of tubes, header tanks and a support. Fluid flows through the plurality of tubes. The header tanks have a core plate and a tank body, and are disposed at longitudinal end portions of the plurality of tubes in such a manner to be communicated with internal spaces of the plurality of tubes. The core plate has approximately arc-shaped cross-section of which both side fringes are fixed onto the tank body and of which a middle portion fixes the longitudinal end portions of the plurality of tubes therein and bulges with respect to the both side fringes toward the plurality of tubes. The tank body and the core plate form an internal space of each of the header tanks. The support retains an interval between the both side fringes.

Abstract: A heat medium distributor for an air inlet system having multiple heat exchangers includes a box-like housing, which is divided by a dividing wall into a first flow chamber, which is used as the forward collection pipe, and a second flow chamber, which is used as the return collection pipe. For each heat exchanger to be connected, a forward connection nozzle branches off the first flow chamber and for each heat exchanger to be connected, a return connection nozzle opens into the second flow chamber. The arrangement of the connection nozzles is such that all flow paths of the heat medium through the various heat exchangers and the distributor are of equal length. The heat medium distributor replaces traditional heat medium distributors which are produced by welding together individual pieces of pipe, and which are structurally relatively large and therefore expensive, and in general cannot be housed in the housing of the air inlet system.