Abstract: A common rail fuel injection system has a fuel pump, a common rail, and an injector. The injector injects high-pressure fuel supplied from the common rail into an engine and leaks part of the high-pressure fuel. An electronic control unit (ECU) restricts a heat amount of the leak fuel of the injector based on a remaining amount of the fuel in a fuel tank. At that time, a target value of the fuel pressure in the common rail is changed to a lower value and the restriction of the fuel pressure is performed with the changed target value. Thus, decrease in generation torque of the engine against intension of a driver can be inhibited while protecting components such as the fuel injection valve.

Abstract: A procedure to recognize a depressurized fuel system of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine that includes a parameter characterizing the fuel system temperature is acquired when turning off the internal combustion engine; a parameter characterizing the fuel system temperature is acquired in the immediately subsequent driving cycle when starting the internal combustion engine; and from the difference between the shut-down temperature and the starting temperature, the pressure in the fuel system is inferred.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for an outboard marine engine includes a vapor separator (28) having a uni-directional vapor vent device (36) for preventing fuel leakage when the engine (12) is tipped on its side. The vapor separator (28) includes an enclosed interior chamber (50) which is filled with liquid fuel by a suction pump. A separate, high pressure pump transfers the liquid fuel from the interior chamber (50) to a fuel injection system (32) of the engine (12). The vapor vent device (36) includes a generally tubular casing having an enclosed top end permeated by an escape passage (84), and a float (94) slidably disposed within the casing (82) for movement toward and away from sealing engagement with the escape passage (84).

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system is provided comprising an oxygen-enrichment reverse osmosis unit coupled to an intake of an internal combustion engine. Ambient air is supplied to the reverse osmosis unit via an ambient-air inlet and oxygen-enriched air is output via an oxygen-enriched outlet. The oxygen-enriched outlet is coupled to the intake of a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. Providing oxygen-enriched air relative to ambient air to the internal combustion engine allows for reducing the size of the combustion chamber while providing equivalent power, resulting in a smaller engine. At the same time, the smaller engine saves consumption of fuel due to lower engine weight and more complete combustion. The smaller engine is also cheaper to build because it requires less material for fabrication.

Abstract: An ignition coil has an ignition coil housing having a core and coil forms situated within it. In order to fill in the gaps between the components in the ignition coil housing using a cast resin used as insulation, the invention provides to introduce the latter either by a hollow needle or a riser directly into the bottom region of the ignition coil housing. The method described herein allows for a homogeneous material distribution of the cast resin and avoids inclusions of foreign particles or gases in the ignition coil housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a measure of fueling rate in the air side control of an engine. By using a measure of the fueling rate, the air side control may, for example, anticipate the future air side needs of the engine, and adjust one or more air side parameters to meet the anticipated future air side needs of the engine. This may improve the responsiveness, performance and emissions of the engine.

Abstract: A device for transferring the drawn weight of a bowstring from a user's bowstring gripping hand to a user's bow gripping hand. The device includes a shaft and a means for releasably connecting the bowstring to the device, such as a trigger release. The device also includes a transfer grip which has a gripping portion configured to be grasped by the user's bow gripping hand together with the bow grip when the user draws the device and bowstring to the drawn position. In the preferred embodiment, a handle is used on one end of the shaft and the trigger release is attached to the handle so that the user can use their bowstring gripping hand to draw the device together with the bowstring to the drawn position and then actuate the release of the bowstring using the trigger of the trigger release. A receiver is also provided for receiving the shaft of the device when the device is drawn from the undrawn position to the drawn position.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a main beam: (a) a bow assembly including a bow and a bow string adapted to propel an arrow; (b) a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam; (c) and a bow assembly mounting apparatus for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly at a first location on the main beam to provide a first draw weight and for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly to a second location on the main beam to provide a second draw weight that is substantially different from the first draw weight.

Abstract: Improved compound bows which are smaller, more compact, lighter, and more easily handled and serviced than compound bows of conventional construction but are nevertheless capable of propelling an arrow at an equal or higher velocity and with comparable or greater accuracy than a conventional bow. The improved bows are quieter than those of conventional construction and less apt to snag on brush or other obstacles. They have a rigid riser with ends to which string cams are rotatably mounted and cam-associated power units mounted to and towards the ends of the riser. Each power unit has a component which is elastically deformed to store potential energy as the bow is drawn and a power cable connecting the power storing component to the associated string cam. A bow string extends between and is connected at its opposite ends to the string cams.

Abstract: An electric paintball feed hopper for paintguns, characterized in having a hopper opening, which provides for loading paintballs, defined in a hopper, a fastening cover, which prevents the paintballs from falling out, is fitted to the hopper opening, and an oblique partition, which provides for sequencing of the paintballs, is further configured on an inner side of the fastening cover. Moreover, a motor-driven paintball feed mechanism and a guide mechanism, which provides for successively feeding the paintballs, are configured at a lower end of the oblique partition. After a round of paintballs is loaded into the hopper, the paintball feed mechanism and the guide mechanism enable sequencing of the paintballs loaded within the hopper and successive shifting into a barrel of a paintgun, thereby achieving uninterrupted shooting and providing an effect that closely simulates the firing of a real gun.

Abstract: A toy launcher for launching soft darts includes a housing; a motor in the housing; a dart magazine subassembly supported by the housing; a dart magazine rotation subassembly supported by the housing and operated by the motor; and a dart launcher assembly supported by the housing and operated by the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patio heater that has the capability of heating an area in a desired direction rather than heating all areas in all directions radially from the patio heater. The disclosed patio heater has a heat source that sits upon an elongated support member that spaces the heat source vertically away from ground level to protect the user from accidentally coming too close to the heat source. The heat source is enclosed in a receptacle having one or a plurality of side walls that extend above the heat source to form a heat exhaust opening directed generally upward. The heat generated by the heat source is reflected in a desired direction by a heat reflector located above the heat exhaust opening and supportively connected to the receptacle. A directional control mechanism is provided for angling the heat reflector relative to the heat exhaust opening and, thus, reflecting the heat in the desired direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic signal conditioning device may have a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and is configured such that the first outlet provides a first conditioned signal representing a pressure at the first inlet. Similarly, the second fluid path is configured such that the second outlet provides a second conditioned signal representing a pressure at the second inlet.

Abstract: A kitchen range hood having an improved connection as between the range hood body and the exhaust chamber housing. The range hood body has a top panel and defines an enclosure in which the exhaust chamber housing is mounted. The housing has a peripheral wall terminating in a flange at one end and a bottom surface at the other. The flange is connected to the top panel. A pocket between the flange and the top panel is filled with a seal.

Abstract: A grease collection unit including a drain tube that is removably connected to a drain pipe from an exhaust unit, a hollow housing that is connected to the drain tube, and a tray that slides in and out of the housing. Grease from an exhaust unit flows through the drain tube and collects in the tray. When the tray is full, it may be removed from the housing so that the grease can be properly discarded.

Abstract: A combustion air and exhaust gas balancing system for use with a direct-vent heater appliance. The balancing system includes a combustion air valve in fluid communication with a combustion air duct and an exhaust gas valve in fluid communication with an exhaust gas duct. The combustion air valve is operatively coupled to the exhaust gas valve with an actuator. The combustion air and exhaust gas valves are shaped and sized so that a single operation of the actuator simultaneously adjusts the flow of combustion air into the firebox and the flow of exhaust gas out of the firebox and provide selected flame characteristics in the firebox. In one aspect of this embodiment, a movement of the actuator in a first direction simultaneously increases the flow of combustion air and exhaust gas, and a movement of the actuator shaft in a second direction simultaneously restricts the flow of combustion air and exhaust gas.

Abstract: The application of the Fireaqua Screen is for decoration only. When applied it adds a feature to the fireplace to look at just like adding a mantle. The application method is getting/ordering a screen that is the rite dimensions. When installing you will remove any doors you have and screw the fountain in the opening of the current firebox. Doors may then be reapplied if desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods to efficiently utilize thermal energy such as solar energy, geothermal energy, waste-heat energy, bio-mass combustion energy, or other equivalent forms of energy, convert the thermal energy to another useful form of energy, such as electricity or mechanical work using a thermodynamic cycle in which a working fluid medium may be expanded in a constant pressure environment to move a storage medium comprising another fluid, slurry or mass to a higher potential energy level, from which the storage medium may be released through a generator or the like to produce another form of energy.

Abstract: A face mask assembly and method of assembling a face mask is provided for a patient that includes a face piece sized to fit over the patient's nose and mouth. The face mask assembly forms a mask chamber between the face piece and the patient's nose and mouth. An inhalation adapter is coupled to the face piece to deliver medication to the chamber. A filter housing is coupled to the face piece and includes a flange section that defines a passageway to connect the mask chamber and the flange section. A filter is positioned in the filter housing. A cover is coupled to the flange section and has an exhalation opening or vent to allow gases from the mask chamber to pass through the filter and escape from the passageway to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method based on an Air-razor tool is disclosed thereby providing improved release and dispersal into air of a dose of medication powder. When air is sucked through a suction tube, particles of a powder dose, made available to the suction tube, are gradually released and dispersed into a stream of air entering the suction tube. The gradual release and dispersal is produced by a relative motion introduced between the suction tube and the dose. The high velocity air going into the suction tube inlet provides plenty of shearing stress and inertia energy as the flowing air hits the leading point of the dose. This powder Air-razor method, created by the shearing stress and inertia of the air stream, is so powerful that the particles of the powder adjacent to the inlet of the moving suction tube are released and subsequently entrained in the air stream going through the suction tube.

Abstract: A system and a method for circuit compliance compensated pressure control in a patient respiratory ventilation system, having a pressure regulated feedback servo control loop, a pressure-regulated volume controller, and a patient volume observer. The patient volume observer is operative to estimate a patient volume, that is, the volume actually delivered to the patient by accounting for volume deviation or loss caused by patient circuit leakage and valve dynamics. Based on the difference between the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume, the pressure-regulated volume controller is operative to generate and update a circuit compliance pressure compensation factor. The pressure regulated feedback servo control loop is operative to modulate the peak airway pressure based on the circuit compliance pressure compensation factor, so as to achieve the set tidal volume while maintaining a constant inspiratory time and a constant I:E ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for integrating anesthesia agent monitoring in a respiratory carestation, wherein the respiratory carestation is configured to be compatible with a variety of monitoring modules. Any one of the monitoring modules is inserted into a module bay, and a sampling line couples the monitoring module to the patient circuit, such that the patient monitoring parameters are displayed on a user interface of the respiratory carestation.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalation apparatus for dispensing a medication, such as but not limited to cyclosporine, includes a disposable aerosol inhalation device for use in producing properly sized particles as a mist. The disposable device includes a nebulizer, a first conduit, a second conduit, a third conduit and a fourth conduit. Exhalation to an entrapping Hepa filter is effected via the third conduit which has a one-way valve therein. The first and second conduits, respectively, communicate with a baffled nebulizer and the ambient, a one-way valve being provided within the second conduit. The apparatus includes a mouthpiece having a shut-off arrangement allowing passage of the aerosol therethrough when the mouthpiece is within the patient's mouth. The shut-off arrangement is closed when the mouth piece is out of the patient's mouth to minimize possible contamination of the ambient by discharge of the aerosol mist through the mouthpiece into the ambient.

Abstract: There is described a wearable garment capable of supplying air to a user comprising a plurality of compartments disposed about the garment, a plurality of air storage vessels for fitting into respective ones of the compartments, an air regulator, a connector for connecting the plurality of air storage vessels to the regulator, and a breathing member connected to the regulator in fluid communication therewith, wherein the breathing member allows a user to receive air from the plurality of air storage vessels.

Abstract: A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for stiffening a portion of the perimeter of a respiratory mask that has a formable element disposed about its perimeter, thereby making the respiratory mask more comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit (30), and a gas washout vent assembly (20). At least the region of the mask shell (12) or conduit (30) surrounding or adjacent the vent assembly is formed from a relatively flexible elastomeric material.

Abstract: Provided is a high frequency oscillating ventilator comprising a housing assembly, a linear actuator, a linear coil, a piston mounted on a pushrod, a diaphragm dividing a housing into a first and second side and having an opening formed on the second side that is fluidly connected to the patient's airway for delivering gas thereto. The linear actuator is fixedly mounted to the housing assembly and has a linear coil coaxially disposed therewithin. A pushrod supports the linear coil on the linear actuator to allow relative axially sliding therebetween. The piston is directly mounted to the diaphragm such that reciprocation thereof as effectuated by the linear coil cooperating with the linear actuator alternately produces positive and negative pressure waves in the gas in the patient's airway.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube for insertion into a patient's trachea includes a drug delivery feature and is formed of an elongated body having a proximal end for connection to a ventilator device and an opposing distal end with a bore formed therein and terminating in at least one ventilation opening. The tube also has at least one drug delivery conduit formed in the elongated body and terminating at one end with a proximal opening and at an opposite end with a distal opening. The proximal opening is adapted to be fluidly connected to a drug delivery device adapter, wherein the at least one drug delivery conduit is separated from the bore along its entire length thereof from the proximal opening to the distal opening. The distal opening is formed at the distal end of the elongated body and is located closer to the distal end than the ventilation opening.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a mask portion and an airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff, which defines a central opening when the cuff is inflated. The airway tube defines an internal passage extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube. The airway tube further defines two or more tabs disposed near the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the airway tube near the distal end of the airway tube, and the tabs extend from the airway tube into the central opening defined by the cuff when the cuff is inflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for reducing or destroying germs in body cavities, e.g., vagina (1), wherein the arrangement is formed by a shaped body (3) which is introduced into the body cavity and contacts the surrounding tissue and which is made of a medically acceptable metal, e.g. fine silver.

Abstract: A small relatively rigid tool, without sharp or pointed features, is disclosed, which can easily be inserted between the cervical tissue and the rim of an in-place diaphragm (or cervical cap), sometimes referred to as a pessary device or appliance. The tool has an elongated substantially rigid body with a blunt domed head at one end of the body, the body being manipulated to engage the head with and around a small portion of the rim of the diaphragm can be used to engage such rim and withdraw it. The so-engaged tool can then be manipulated to pull the diaphragm away from the cervix and out through the vaginal passage with minimal force. The extracting tool is also useful (with minor modifications in its form) in the case of removing a cervical cap. Also disclosed is the method of using such tool in the removal of a pessary appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods provide a first material sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., the roof of the mouth or upper/lower teeth. The systems and methods provide a second material sized and configured to be releasably fitted to more mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., a region of the tongue. The second material is magnetically attracted toward the first material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. During sleep, the systems and methods restrain movement of the more mobile tissue within the oral cavity toward positions in which snoring and/or sleep apnea events can occur, but are capable of otherwise leaving the tongue unaffected during waking hours.

Abstract: A draping system provides a continuous sterile field between a patient incision area and one or more medical practitioners. The draping system has a quick release system incorporated into the drape that enables a medical practitioner to separate from the continuous sterile field without disrupting the sterile field around the practitioner or the patient. The draping system may include an abbreviated practitioner gown, a drain and an integral patient incision area or a flap for extending the continuous sterile field around to one or more additional operating room tables. A modular drape and gown system extends the sterile field beyond the operating table allowing practitioners to couple to the extended field. A tent provides an enclosed sterile field useful in mobile or other non operating room surgical environments. Integral lighting and information displays facilitate field surgical procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a stem for an earplug and an earplug incorporating the stem where the stem includes an attachment portion configured to receive and retain a sound attenuating element, the attachment portion extending substantially along an attachment axis, and a handle portion extending from the attachment portion substantially along a handle axis, where at least part of the handle axis is non-collinear with respect to the attachment axis.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is provided including a stem, a protrusion formed on the stem, an articulation point formed on the stem, and a sound attenuating element including a cavity, where the protrusion is disposed in locking engagement within the cavity to releasably attach the stem to the sound attenuating element, and where the stem is configured to at least partially articulate about the articulation point.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a leg during a surgical procedure includes a support for mounting to a surgical table. A harness is positioned about a thigh and is secured to the support thereby supporting the thigh in an elevated position.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device and method for stopping a person from snoring. The device comprises a casing that contains a microcontrol unit and is adapted to be wearable on a person's limb. The casing is connected to a belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the belt comprises two electrically conductive wires. Each electrically conductive wire has one end being exposed to the inner surface of the belt and the other end leading from the casing. A microphone is also included into the device for detecting snoring sounds and communicating with the microcontrol unit. The device can detect snoring sound and send an electrical stimulation to an acupuncture point of the person to reduce or eliminate snoring.

Abstract: Methods to stiffen nasopharyngeal structures such as the soft palate, the anterior palatine arch, the posterior palatine arch, or a combination thereof are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention involves the injection, through a conventional needle, of PMMA microspheres that induce a fibrotic response to strengthen and stiffen nasopharyngeal structures. Methods of the invention are useful for the treatment for upper airway conditions such as snoring, obstructive breathing and sleep apnea in a subject.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: A process for the on line production of cigarette filters comprises the steps of conveying a continuous thin flexible substrate past a source of smoke altering particulate material, such as adsorbents, catalysts and flavorants. An electrostatic charge is applied onto the substrate upstream of the source of particulate material. A layer of particulate material from the source is deposited onto the substrate with the thickness of the layer depending upon the strength of the electrostatic charge. The coated substrate is then cut into pieces, and the pieces are placed into the cavities between spaced apart filter components. In an alternative process, filter paper is coated with smoke altering particulate material by electrostatic deposition techniques, and spaced apart filter components are placed onto the particulate coated filter paper which is then folded around the filter components.

Abstract: A tobacco mass is heated to a temperature of about 150° to about 220° C. to release flavorful tobacco volatiles, which are entrained in air passing through the tobacco mass, and condensed to form an inhalable aerosol. The tobacco mass may have a rotationally symmetric shape, with at least part of its surface in heat transfer relationship with a heater. The heater may be an external shell, an internal rod, or a plate. A shell can enclose the heater and tobacco mass and define a preheating chamber for inflowing air. A mouthpiece, with or without a filter, may be arranged in fluid communication with the tobacco mass to direct the aerosol from the heating system.

Abstract: (Liquid) flavoring agents and other substances are transferred to cigarettes immediately prior to or during the packaging operation of the cigarettes (12). An advantageous solution is that of the substances being transferred directly to free ends of the cigarettes (12) once cigarette groups (11) have been formed and during transportation of these groups. As an alternative, the substances can be transferred to the inside of an inner wrapper of the cigarette group in particular to a folding tab of a base wall.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a machine for opening cigarette packs and inspecting cigarettes (1), used to recover cigarettes contained in soft cup type packs (72), comprising: cigarette pack accumulator (2); transfer channel (3); first drum (4); cigarette pack holding pouches (27); device for opening the flaps of the aluminum foil lining (28); guide means (42); flap pressing and label housing displacing device (29); unopened packs rejection device (52); second drum (5); guide means; cigarette storage bin (6); counter-rotating roll (54); inspection drum (9); cigarette inspection device (57); cigarette rejection device; storage bins for label housings (12), aluminum foil linings (13), and cigarettes (11); rejected packs storage bin (22); selected cigarettes collector belt (10); and frame (71).

Abstract: A filter tip used by a cigarette has at least one screw-like tunnel. Adopting the above structure, under the premise of not increasing air clogging, the screw-like tunnel of the present cigarette filter increases path length of the smoke crossing the cigarette filter and enlarges adsorbing area of the cigarette filter to injurant in the smoke, so as to achieve the object of improving filtering effect of the cigarette filter of a cigarette.

Abstract: A cigarette and cigarette paper have a plurality of multilayer bands formed by printing a highly viscous aqueous film-forming composition. After heating the composition to lower its viscosity, the bands are applied to the cigarette paper by gravure printing the composition. The composition is quenched and gelatinized by contact with the cool cigarette paper reducing absorption of water by the paper and reducing wrinkling, cockling, and waviness. Multiple gravure printed layers may be used to form the bands.

Abstract: A method for the cutting of hair, in particular for the cutting of human head hair, wherein a slice of hair is taken up and is guided by a hand, namely the guide hand, with the slice of hair being pinched between two fingers, namely the guide fingers of the guide hand, and wherein the slice of hair is cut along the guide fingers using a cutting device that is actuated by another hand, namely the cutting hand. The guide hand is moved continuously or step-wise after the taking up of the slice of hair and the cutting of the slice of hair takes place at least partially during the movement of the guide hand or, in the case of step-wise movement, during and/or between the movement steps.

Abstract: An intermediate clasp insert accessory for use with a hair styling device having a pair of clasping structures including a first end clasp portion and a second end clasp portion each extending from a corresponding one of the opposing ends of an intermediate bar formed integrally therewith with a selected one of the first and second end clasp portions having an insert stub and the other clasp portion being an equatorial plane capture means in which a similar insert stub is positionable to be held. A pillar extends at an end thereof from the one of the first and second end clasp portions that is an equatorial plane capture means with which it is integrally formed and extends along a pillar axis that is at an angle to each of the corresponding extent directions but integrally formed therewith. An ornamental structure is integrally formed with the pillar at the opposite end thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning device (50) comprises: an ultrasonic oscillation plate (2) having a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators (1); an ultrasonic wave guide chamber (3) for collecting an ultrasonic wave force generated by the ultrasonic oscillation plate; and a cleaning tank (4) in which a cleaning solution (20) is stored, wherein an object (5) to be cleaned is cleaned when it is dipped in the cleaning tank. Since an upper portion of the ultrasonic wave guide chamber is airtightly closed with the upper face (31) and formed into a bowl shape, an air layer (10) is formed between a liquid level of the cleaning solution in the ultrasonic wave guide chamber and the upper face (31). The cleaning tank is joined to the ultrasonic wave guide chamber, and an ultrasonic oscillation plate is arranged so that it can be opposed to the ultrasonic wave guide chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z-R1CH?CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition.