Abstract: An auxiliary electronic fuel injection control apparatus for enhancing engine performance includes an isolation circuit connectable to a main control switch having an output voltage pulse and a ground. A pass-through switch is in electrical communication with the isolation circuit and is connectable to a fuel injector, the isolation circuit designed to substantially render the pass-through switch transparent to the main control switch. A re-driver switch is in electrical communication with the pass-through switch and is connectable to the fuel injector and the ground. An auxiliary controller is in electrical communication with the isolation circuit, the pass-through switch, the re-driver switch, and to the ground. The output voltage pulse triggers the auxiliary controller to turn the pass-through switch and the re-driver switch on and off to effectively alter a duration of current to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine including: an injector that injects fuel to be supplied to the internal combustion engine; a battery to which a DC converter that charges a capacitor of a capacitor discharge ignition circuit is connected as a load; a control portion that is provided to operate when a power supply voltage is provided from the battery through a power supply circuit, and generates an injection command signal when fuel injection timing is detected; and an injector drive circuit that applies a driving voltage from the battery to the injector while receiving the injection command signal, wherein the device further comprises converter operation stopping portion for stopping an operation of the DC converter during set load driving stop time when the injection command signal is generated.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus is provided with a purging passage for introducing and purging fuel vapor produced in a fuel tank to an intake system for an internal combustion engine, a volume chamber located in the purging passage for enlarging a passage volume and a pump received in the volume chamber for generating a fluid flow in the purging passage.

Abstract: A path (24) is formed in an intake tube (6), which supplies external air to a reciprocating engine (4). External air flowing from an inlet port to an outlet port of the path (24). A gaseous fuel path (26) is connected to the path (24) at an intermediate location thereof. A gaseous fuel, lighter than air, is supplied through the gaseous fuel path (26) into the path (24). A plurality of nets (8) are disposed in an area of the path (24) between the outlet port and the gaseous fuel path (26). The nets (28) are spaced along the length of the path (24) with the outer peripheral surface of each net (28) being in contact with the inner surface of the path (24).

Abstract: An energy saving device for generators includes an ion generation device which has a first end thereof connected to an ion discharge line and a second end of the ion generation device is connected with a power source. The ion discharge line can be installed in the air-filtering fore pipe, the air filter, the air-filtering rear pipe, the mixing chamber, the fuel injection pipe, the main body, or the air pipe of the generator. The energy saving device improves the quality of mixture of the fuel and air so that the efficiency of the combustion is increased.

Abstract: A work machine system is provided. The system comprises an engine including an air intake system and an exhaust system. The engine is configured to operate efficiently at a defined intake manifold temperature. A cooling system includes a cooling unit mounted at the frontal area of the work machine. The cooling unit houses a cooling component for engine intake air that is undersized relative to a cooling component designed for engine intake air to be delivered to an intake manifold at the defined intake manifold temperature. A control system is configured to operate the engine and the cooling system so that intake air is delivered to the intake manifold at a temperature higher than the defined intake manifold temperature.

Abstract: A supercharging system for an engine includes an air pump, an electrical machine, an engine-connected input member and a variable-ratio power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism includes a sun member operatively connected to one of the air pump, the electrical machine and the input member. At least one planet member is drivingly interfaced with the sun member and rotatably carried by a carrier operatively connected to another one of the air pump, the electrical machine and the input member. An annulus is drivingly interfaced with the at least one planet member and operatively connected to the other one of the air pump, the electrical machine and the input member. The supercharging system also includes a brake configured to selectively inhibit rotation of at least one of the sun member, the carrier, and the annulus.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an air handling system is disclosed. The heat exchanger has an inlet, an outlet, and at least one passageway fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The at least one passageway has a corrosive resistive feature that varies along a length of the at least one passageway.

Abstract: The ignition apparatus includes an electronic control unit and an igniter. The igniter detects ions resulting from ignition, and sends an ion current output signal to the electronic control unit. The igniter has a waveform shaping circuit and an ion current detecting/outputting circuit. The waveform shaping circuit is adapted such that a voltage at an input terminal thereof becomes higher than a predetermined reference voltage to turn the switching element ON when the ignition signal is caused to flow through an electric load. The ion current detecting/outputting circuit has an output terminal which is connected to the input terminal and outputs therefrom an ion current output signal obtained as a result of conversion of an ion current, and is adjusted such that the voltage at the input terminal at the time when the ion current output signal is outputted to the electronic control unit becomes lower than the reference voltage.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders and a changing mechanism the changes a timing at which an intake valve provided for each of the cylinders closes, comprising: a control portion that controls the changing mechanism so that the intake valve closes at a timing within a predetermined range from a bottom dead center; and a detection portion that detects at least one of an air-fuel ratio of each of the cylinders and a value corresponding to the air-fuel ratio when the changing mechanism is controlled so that the intake valve closes at the timing within the predetermined range from the bottom dead center.

Abstract: An arrow nock and release system for holding and then releasing an arrow from a bow wherein a ball nock is positioned on an end of an arrow shaft, the ball nock having an at least partially spherical outer surface divided with a string groove. An arrow release is engageable with the ball nock and includes a jaw with an engagement surface corresponding with the outer surface of the ball nock, the jaw releaseably engageable with the ball nock.

Abstract: A drive system for a regulating the rotation of a drive system or agitator in a paintball loader is disclosed. It is designed to regulate the rotation of a feeder, especially during a jam or when projectiles in a hopper become misaligned. This allows a user to quickly and effectively clear a jam and resume or continue rapid fire without damaging projectiles, the loader or the paintball marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure and a method for connecting and opening saw cables (1), whereby the closure (4) is made up of several parts, which may be connected to each other, such as to rotate about at least two separate axes, by means of several bearings (13, 26, 27). The closure comprises two closure pieces (5, 6) with a separable rotating bearing (13) and a bearing lock (18) which may be opened, depending on the angular position of the closure pieces.

Abstract: An accelerated cooking or speed cooking conveyor oven with at least one discrete cooking zone. The oven includes a first and a second gas directing member configured to cause the gas from the first gas directing member to collide with the gas fron the second gas directing member upon the upper or lower surface of the food product being conveyed.

Abstract: A pellet-fired cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus may include an outer shell into which are mounted at least a fuel support member and a food support member. Pellet fuel may be placed on the fuel support member and may be used to cook food placed on the food support member. The fuel support member may have a construction that allows for controlled combustion of the pellet fuel, providing for desired cooking characteristics of the pellet fuel. Intake air for combustion may be provided to the pellet fuel through one or more hollow supports for the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a down draft vent system comprising a vertically directed, retractable open framework (4), which can be moved between an extended position and a lowered position by means of a drive motor (9), comprising at least two switches (11, 12) for switching off the drive motor (9) and at least one actuating element (18, 37) for actuating the switch (11, 12). In this arrangement at least one switch (11, 12) is actuated by means of the at least one actuating element (18, 37) depending on a force (FW) acting externally on the open framework. In addition to an end switch-off of the drive motor, this invention provides a safety function as a result of a resistive load switch-off which is effective both in the event of a resistance from below during retraction and also in the event of a resistance from above during extension of the open framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a down draft vent system (8) comprising a retractable down draft vent screen (10) which can be moved between an extended and a retracted position by means of a drive motor (3). The drive mechanism (1) is characterised in that the drive motor (3) is a synchronous motor with a reversing circuit (31, 32, 7) for load-dependent reversal of the driving direction. The present invention can thus provide a safety function against jamming of objects since the drive motor (3) reverses automatically when the load is fairly large.

Abstract: A novel two-in-one steam and roast cooker includes a food chamber with steam holes on its bottom; a steam chamber capable of storing water under the food chamber; and a heater in the steam chamber under the food chamber. In this simple and compact cooker, the heater not only produces steam to allow food to be fully cooked, it also produces high temperature (up to 200-300° C.) for roasting food like in an oven. Furthermore, the cooker components can be simply put together to make the cooker easy to assemble, disassemble and clean.

Abstract: An exhaust gas chimney, especially an exhaust gas chimney installed directly downstream of a gas turbine or downstream of the waste heat recovery boiler of a gas turbine, includes an inner shell formed as a metal tube and surrounded by a sound absorption ring filled with bulk material for sound absorption. The sound absorption ring is formed as a ring jacket provided with a lower end plate that slopes downward and is permanently joined with the inner shell of the chimney, and with an upper end plate that slopes upward toward the inner shell. Ribs are joined to the inner shell of the chimney inside the annular jacket.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided that is formed from relatively thin polymer sheet(s). The sheet(s) are welded together to integrally define a storage tank, a plurality of fluid flow channel (e.g. risers), and other desired features within the collector. The storage tank is located at a first end of the panel and a heat exchanger is provided within the storage tank. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the storage tank to a target fluid (such as water) that is to be heated or preheated by the collector. The collector is arranged so that when it is installed, the collector may be positioned with the storage tank located generally above the fluid flow channels. The storage tank and the fluid flow channels are arranged such that when the collector is installed and filled with a working fluid, a thermosiphon effect will cause the collection of hot water within the storage tank.

Abstract: A revolutionary solar collecting system for effectively and efficiently harnessing the sun's energy is shown. This system tracks the sun and maintains a constant focal point or sub-focal point to at least partially condense the sun's rays into a high-energy beam that is then redirected to a predetermined location for generating electrical power, heat energy, steam, and/or any other well-known application. The revolutionary system of the invention is low-cost, low maintenance, and is capable of significantly reducing energy costs.

Abstract: This invention absorbs available heat from the flue gas of an existing building's heating system and heat from the sun. The heat is absorbed and stored in a heat-collecting sphere of special design. The absorbed heat collected in the sphere is transferred, by the conventional refrigeration cycle, to the heat exchanger located at the air inlet to the building heating system. The refrigerant liquid is sprayed into the collecting sphere, as it absorbs heat, it evaporates and changes into a gas. The refrigerant compressor transfers the gas from the heat-collector to the heat exchanger. The existing heater fan draws air across the heat exchanger finned coil removing heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant gas gives up heat and is condensed. The heated air combines with the existing furnace air to heat the existing building. The refrigerant liquid from the heat exchanger is transferred to the heat-collecting sphere spray nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an infant stomach band to protect the infant from injury. This band has particular usefulness in helping to prevent hernias in infants and preventing protruding belly buttons in infants. The band can have a especially useful applications for babies having colic.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing a metered volume of a fluid product having a storage chamber for storing the fluid product in; a dispensing outlet through which the fluid product is dispensable from the dispenser; a metering chamber which is adapted to provide the metered volume of the fluid product for dispensing through the dispensing outlet by movement of the metering chamber between a contracted state and an expanded state, movement of the metering chamber from the contracted state to the expanded state placing the metering and storage chambers in fluid communication to enable the metering chamber to receive from the storage chamber an excess volume of the fluid product comprising the metered volume and a surplus volume; and a bleed arrangement adapted to bleed the surplus volume of the fluid product from the metering chamber is described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aerosol inhalation system includes a single source of gas and a Y-connector having a first port in fluid communication with the )as source via a first conduit and second and third ports. The system also has an accessory having a main conduit body that includes a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, all of which are in fluid communication with the main conduit section. The first leg is fluidly connected to the second part of the Y-connector via a second conduit to permit gas from the single source to flow through the first leg, the accessory including a patient interface conduit that delivers aerosolized medication to a mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) is disclosed. It comprises a housing (2) to receive a strip (6) of blisters (6a) each having a puncturable lid (6c) and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator (3) operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member (7, 9). The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it but of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.

Abstract: An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.

Abstract: An expiratory valve unit comprises a body having a plurality of outlets and valve seats, and a rotary closure member having a plurality of blades each normally biassed against a respective seat to close the outlets and being rotatable relative to said body when under pressure from user exhalate impinging the blades to open the outlets.

Abstract: An improved nebulizer places a venturi in close proximity to or inside a patient's oral cavity. One or more medicine feed lines feeds the medicine to a location proximate to a venturi. One or more air curtain conduits may be positioned near the medicine feed line and the venturi and is fed by a source of air pressure to create a curtain of fluid flow to surround at least in part the flow path of the nebulized medication. This minimizes the amount of medication lost to the oral cavity and to the trachea and permits more medication to reach a patient's lungs. Medication contained in a patients exhalant can be filtered in an exhale conduit to prevent loss to the environment and can be recaptured for reuse.

Abstract: The frequency which allows continuous injection of a fixed amount in the use of one cycle is controlled so as to prevent the use of aerosol contents in excess of a control amount. Further, it is made possible to inject all amount to the outside each time by a fixed-amount injection valve, thereby simplifying the mechanism and preventing damage to the distributing device due to the influence of outside air temperature. A lower receiving blade 31 is disposed in an outer sleeve 14 fixed to the upper end of an aerosol container 1 through vertical insertion intervals 32, 27 and is inserted in the lower insertion interval 32 by positional shift, thereby a fitting piece 22 which allows pressing by a stem 7 is projectingly formed on a pushing body. Further, an upper receiving blade 36 which allows the pushing body 15 to move in the same direction as the direction of said positional shift is formed in the inner surface of an upper sleeve 24 through the upper insertion interval 37.

Abstract: An air-purifying breathing apparatus is provided. The breathing apparatus comprises an air chamber with a filter disposed therein. The air chamber is directly communicated with a respiratory tract through pipes. Therefore, the air-purifying breathing apparatus has the advantages of completely filtering air; avoiding backflow; and making full use of filtered fresh air. Further, the breathing apparatus is directly communicated with the respiratory tract, thus fitting various facial forms of different people. Moreover, various filter elements can be used, such that the breathing apparatus is applicable to various working and living environments.

Abstract: Airway apparatus and method of use are provided, in which the airway device includes a dual lumen airway having imaging apparatus, self-inflating balloons, and other sensors, thereby allowing rapid intubation and ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.

Abstract: Systems and methods place a first structure and a second structure in or on different tissue regions for magnetic interaction. The first structure comprises at least one ferromagnetic component, and the second structure comprises an array of magnetic components. The first and second structures are separated during use by a distance, which is defined as a separation between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and magnetic components. The distance varies within a working range as a result of native movement of the tissue regions on which the first and second structures are placed. The systems and methods titrate the size and orientation of the magnetic and ferromagnetic components to maintain a relatively constant magnetic field between the two structures within the working range, thereby accommodating relative movement of the tissue regions in the normal performance of bodily functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing contact of a medical device against a three-dimensional surface geometry within a subject body, the method comprising obtaining a three-dimensional tissue surface geometry of an anatomical region within the subject body, obtaining a target location on the surface for the device to contact, determining local surface geometry information in a neighborhood of the target location, and using this information to determine a change of at least one control variable for effecting an over-torque of the medical device to enhance contact of the device with the target surface.

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigating solution containing hyaluronidase and an antioxidant is provided. The solution prevents a post-operative intraocular pressure rise when used during an ophthalmic surgical procedure, and also protects corneal endothelial cells. A method for preventing post-operative intraocular pressure increases in an eye during ophthalmic surgery involves irrigating an anterior chamber of the eye with an ophthalmic-solution containing hyaluronidase and an antioxidant. Kits containing hyaluronidase and base medium solutions are also provided. The kits are designed such that the hyaluronidase and base medium solution are combined and administered together to an eye of a patient during or following an ophthalmic surgical procedure, such as cataract surgery, intraocular lens surgery, corneal transplant surgery, or glaucoma surgery. Administration of the components of the kit prevents an increase in post-operative intraocular pressure and also protects corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract: A smoker's accessory comprising a cigarette case for removable receipt of a pack of cigarettes, the case comprising an open-topped ovular cylinder attached to a side, a recession and pen well for a pen, and a custom pen with removable cap. The invention further comprises a more basic example that clips to a cigarette pack. Flame retardant material provides for lighting a cigarette without removal of components of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a portable promotional ashtray and methods of manufacturing. According to one embodiment, a compact, portable ashtray assembly is disclosed comprising: a cylindrical outer housing having a first aperture along a longitudinal side; a cylindrical inner housing rotatably contained in the cylindrical outer housing having a second aperture along a longitudinal side, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are in rotating communication as to provide an open position and a closed position, the closed position providing a sealed receptacle. A promotional display is affixed to the outer housing. As such a portable, disposable ashtray for giveaways at bars, restaurants is provided.

Abstract: A quick mounting ashtray holder that can be rapidly and reversibly mounted in a car. The invented ashtray holder secures an ashtray such that neither the ashtray nor the holder rattles, even when the car is on a rough road. The ashtray holder has a bracket with a platform portion, an angled portion, and a base portion. The platform portion has a top side and a bottom side, where said platform portion provides a mounting surface. The angled portion determines the orientation between the platform portion and the base portion. The base portion base has a front side and back side, where the back side has a fastening means for quick mounting the base portion to a vehicle. There is a frame for receiving and holding an ashtray. The frame has structural supporting and restraining elements, gripping pads, and mounting components for attaching the frame to the platform portion.

Abstract: Method of optically monitoring a tobacco-processing industry product with a gradient-index lens and device for optically monitoring tobacco-processing industry products. The device includes an image-recording device comprising at least one gradient-index lens. A method of optically monitoring a product in a machine for making or processing tobacco-processing industry products is also provided. The method includes arranging a device for optical monitoring of the product on the machine for making or processing tobacco-processing industry products. The device for optically monitoring includes at least one gradient-index lens. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Cigarettes are transferred in batches adopting a procedure that includes the steps of feeding loose cigarettes en masse into a hopper with a back wall and two side walls delimiting a top inlet and a bottom outlet, also a shutter by which the bottom outlet is opened or closed, and actively varying the geometry of the side walls so that the internal volume of the hopper is adapted to accommodate the quantity of cigarettes admitted through the inlet, by means of an actuator mechanism connected to the side walls. Thus, it becomes possible to monitor and control both the rate at which the cigarettes flow into the hopper, and the pressure to which the single cigarettes are subjected while occupying the hopper and during the process of filling a tray.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of extracting sucrose esters from Oriental tobacco, the method comprising: providing a Oriental tobacco material; contacting the solid Oriental tobacco material with a supercritical fluid, such as supercritical carbon dioxide, for a time and under conditions sufficient to extract sucrose esters from the Oriental tobacco into the supercritical fluid; and separating the supercritical fluid comprising extracted sucrose esters from the Oriental tobacco. The resulting extract can comprise more than 90% by weight of tetra-acyl sucrose esters, and can be used as a flavor additive for tobacco materials used in smoking articles.

Abstract: The process for reducing the level of harmful substances in tobacco leaves comprises the following steps: steeping the leaves in a water bath at a temperature of between 13° C. and 25° C. for between 4 and 12 hours, cooling the leaves to a temperature not higher than ?35° C.; and gradually heating the leaves at an average rate of not more than 2.0° C./h up to a temperature of at least 35° C.

Abstract: A method of treating a tobacco extract solution includes bringing an extract solution, which is obtained by extracting a natural tobacco material with an aqueous extracting solvent, into contact with a polymer containing, in its side chain, a functional group which traps metal ions including at least magnesium, thereby obtaining an extract solution with an amount of at least magnesium reduced.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture including an ammonia-release compound adapted to be formed into a lit-end cigarette is provided. The ammonia-release compound is incorporated in or on tobacco cut filler in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity, and/or selective smoke constituents of cigarette smoke. Exemplary ammonia-release compounds include ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, hexammine cobalt (III) chloride, hexammine cobalt (III) acetate, and combinations thereof. The ammonia-release compounds can release ammonia at temperatures between about 60° C. and about 400° C. Ammonia-release compounds can be combined with additives, such as glycerine, cobalt acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, other metal salts or combinations thereof, to further reduce the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.

Abstract: A smoking article having a cylindrical tube of smokable material having an outer wrapper, a concentric rod of smokable material coaxially positioned within the cylindrical tube of a smokable material, and an inner wrapper separating the cylindrical tube and the concentric rod. A filter attaches to the tobacco rod with an annular film positioned between the filter and the tobacco rod. The annular film increases the resistance-to-draw of the cylindrical tube during smoking.

Abstract: A smoking article possesses a smokable rod manufactured using a paper wrapping material having an additive material applied thereto as a pattern. The additive material is applied as aqueous coating formulation incorporating pullulan as a film-forming component.

Abstract: A hair coloring system includes at least one component of a hair coloring product and a container configured to contain the hair coloring product. The container may include a neck having a connecting portion and a top neck end. The system may further include an applicator tip for applying the hair coloring product to hair. The applicator tip may include a base portion configured to connect the applicator tip releasably to the connecting portion of the neck of the container and a nozzle portion extending from the base portion to a top end of the tip. The applicator tip and the container may be configured such that when the applicator tip is fully connected to the connecting portion of the neck of the container, an axial length from the top neck end to the top end of the tip is greater than about 1.9 inches.