Abstract: An intake manifold system for an international combustion engine includes an engine intake manifold having a valve; and an actuator connected to the valve to control valve opening. The actuator is connected to a pressurized coolant reservoir of the engine to allow the use of the pressurized fluid of the coolant reservoir to operate the actuator.

Abstract: A method for controlling the quantity of fuel and/or air to an internal combustion engine on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis is characterized in that a signal that is influenced by combustion or pertains to a quantity that influences the combustion and contains items of information from all cylinders, mutually offset in time, is analyzed by ascertaining vibration components in the frequency range caused by cylinder-specific differences and regulating these components separately for selected frequencies, and in that an amplitude regulator that determines the amplitude of a correction intervention measure and a phase regulator that determines the allocation of an intervention pattern with respect to the cylinders are provided for each frequency to be compensated.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including a step of, when an absolute value of a difference between a determination value V(KX) used for determining presence or absence of knocking and a maximum value V(MAX) of magnitude value LOG(V), which is obtained by logarithmically converting a magnitude V detected based on a signal sent from a knock sensor, is greater than the product of a standard deviation ? and a coefficient U(3) in a frequency distribution of magnitude values LOG(V) for N cycle(s), setting a value obtained by adding the product of the standard deviation ? and the coefficient U(3) to the maximum value V(MAX) of the magnitude value LOG(V) as the determination value V(KX).

Abstract: A compression ignition internal combustion engine includes injectors, each of which injects fuel into a corresponding cylinder. An ECU determines target ignition timing based on engine operational information and adjusts fuel injection start timing and a fuel injection quantity of each injector based on the target ignition timing. The engine further includes an air/fuel ratio sensor, which senses an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas. The ECU corrects the target ignition timing based on the oxygen concentration, which is sensed with the air/fuel ratio sensor, with reference to a predefined relationship between the oxygen concentration and ignition timing for achieving a generally equal constant torque of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection device calculates a variation correction value by incorporating in-cylinder pressure into injector individual data based on an injection rate of an injector measured outside a cylinder of an engine. The fuel injection device corrects a target injection amount and generation timing of a command signal of the injector based on the variation correction value. Thus, accurate injection characteristics substantially conforming to designed median values can be obtained inside the cylinder, and highly accurate injection control can be performed. Thus, the fuel injection device can perform accurate multi-injection, which requires extremely high accuracy, to simultaneously achieve reduction of engine vibration and engine noise, purification of exhaust gas and improvement of engine output and fuel consumption at high levels.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple means to initiate the movement of a vehicle by utilizing a fuel injector system, which determines a length of a magnet on the flywheel or crankshaft pulley. This system enables a person to choose a speed where fuel from a fuel injector can be efficiently dispersed into an engine. The engine's fuel efficiency is optimized by this invention, because only a specific amount of fuel will be dispersed to generate electricity to operate the engine, which prevents the engine from needlessly expending energy.

Abstract: A system for selectively intensifying fuel for injection utilizing a fuel injector having an intensifier piston connected to a drain and a pressurized fuel source. The intensifier piston includes a control chamber co-axially positioned opposite from an intensification chamber, and a pressurization chamber co-axially positioned between the control chamber and the intensification chamber. The control chamber selectively fluidly communicates with the pressurized fuel source and the drain. The intensification chamber fluidly communicates with the pressurized fuel source and the pressurization chamber fluidly communicates with the pressurized fuel source and a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling fuel flow in a fuel metering system that includes a metering valve and a proportional bypass valve that produces a differential pressure error across the metering valve includes supplying a first fraction of fuel through the metering valve. A second fraction of the fuel is directed through the proportional bypass valve. The differential pressure error produced by the bypass valve is determined, and fuel flow through the supply line is controlled by adjusting the metering valve based at least in part on the determined differential pressure error, and by adjusting the proportional bypass valve to maintain a substantially constant metering valve differential pressure across the metering valve.

Abstract: A support element for the mutual support of a fuel injector in a valve seat, in particular the valve seat of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and of the fuel injector against a fuel distributor, having a clamp and clips provided thereon, as well as a bracket, the fuel injector protruding through a hole therein.

Abstract: An isolation seat assembly for a fuel injector that is at least partially disposed within a stepped bore defined by a cylinder head, the stepped bore includes a land. The isolation seat assembly includes a cupped spring washer and an elastomeric ring member disposed between the cupped spring washer and the land. The isolation seat assembly operates to bias the fuel injector away from the land to substantially isolate the fuel injector from the head. The cupped spring washer and elastomeric ring member may be bonded to one another. Additionally, the isolation seat assembly may include a washer member between the elastomeric ring member and the land. The washer member operates to distribute axial forces from the fuel injector to the land. At least a portion of the washer member may be crimped into engagement with the cupped spring washer, thereby capturing the elastomeric ring member therein between.

Abstract: An engine control system that having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve includes a first module that determines an EGR error and a second module that calculates a fuel injection timing based on the EGR error. Operation of an engine is regulated based on the fuel injection timing to reduce emissions during transient operation of the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine with an electrically openable and closable fuel injector (18), with which the injectors are reliably held open in all operating conditions by the fact that the holding current for an open valve (18) is switched from a standard value to a higher value in certain operating states of the internal combustion engine, and it is reset to the standard value when the certain operating condition has ended.

Abstract: An engine control device including: a fuel pump driving portion that starts operating a fuel pump between when an operation permit switch is turned on and an operation permit command is given and when a starter switch is closed and a start command is given, and continuously operates the fuel pump after the start command is given; the first fuel injection control portion that causes an injector to perform first fuel injection at the start of an engine when both conditions are met that the start command is given and that the fuel pump is continuously operated for a set time or longer; and a rotating electric machine control portion that starts driving a rotating electric machine that operates as an engine starting motor when the first fuel injection is completed, and stops driving the rotating electric machine when the start of the engine is completed.

Abstract: A butterfly valve restricts flow passage areas of a purge passage and a blow-by gas passage by the same degree. A first pressure sensor detects variation in pressure of the purge gas, which is generated by the butterfly valve. A second pressure sensor detects variation in pressure of the blow-by gas, which is generated by the butterfly valve. Since a fuel vapor concentration of the blow-by gas is lower than that of the purge gas, the blow-by gas can be treated as air of 100%. Hence, the fuel vapor concentration is calculated based on the variations in pressure detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A supercharger (10) is positioned in the valley of an automobile engine (60) so that it fits under the engine hood (25). The supercharger (10) has a low profile air inlet (14) at the top that passes air to an inlet tube (16). The height of the inlet tube (16) decreases and its width expands as the inlet tube (16) extends away from the air inlet (14) to keep a low profile while minimizing restrictions to airflow. The inlet tube (16) supplies air to a compressor (18) at the bottom. The pressurized air flows through a large and thin intercooler (24) directly above the compressor (18). The cooled air is fed to long and straight intake manifold runners (28) positioned above the engine heads (61, 62) of the engine (60). The supercharger (10) provides a large volume of low pressure and low temperature air charge to the engine (60).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas passage (700) having a gas inlet (702), an engine gas outlet (704), and at least one exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) gas outlet (706), wherein the at least one EGR gas outlet (706) is disposed between the gas inlet (702) and the engine gas outlet (704). The gas passage (700) is arranged to receive exhaust gas through the inlet (702) and expel gas through both the gas outlets (704 and 706). A flow orifice (710) is operatively associated with the gas passage (700) and is disposed between the engine gas outlet (704) and the at least one EGR gas outlet (706).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an engine casing. A shaft, having a shaft axis, is disposed in the engine casing. At least one bearing supports the shaft in the engine casing. A separator wheel is disposed on the shaft for rotation therewith. The separator wheel has a first opening in fluid communication with the crankcase, a second opening, and a channel extending radially from the second opening to the first opening relative to the shaft axis. A suction tube is permanently affixed to a portion of the engine casing. An end of the suction tube has a unitary abutment surface. A gasket is disposed between the unitary abutment surface and the second opening of separator wheel. The gasket is also disposed at least in part on a separating plane of the engine casing.

Abstract: A fuel control system and method for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine are provided. The fuel control system generally includes at least one valve device structured to deliver a fuel supply to the engine, a first fuel source structured to provide a primary fuel to the valve device, a second fuel source structured to provide an alternate fuel to the valve device, and an electronic controller structured to control the valve device. The electronic controller controls the valve device as a function of various data to selectively deliver the primary fuel and the alternate fuel to generate a fuel supply, e.g. as a mixture of the two fuels. The data used to control the fuel supply may include GPS data, engine data, environmental data, and/or other operational data.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine has a rod-shaped magnetic core, which is situated within a secondary coil shell. The annular interspace between the magnetic core and the secondary coil shell is filled with an electrically insulating molded material. To prevent the formation of tears in the molded material during thermo-mechanical loading, or the spread of such tears such that the operativeness of the ignition coil is adversely affected, a separation element is provided, which divides the molded material into at least two mutually separate regions.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil, electric power supply circuit, a switching transistor, engine condition detecting element or unit that detects a signal relating to flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine, and ignition control unit that controls the switching transistor to provide multiple ignition sparks in a predetermined ignition period. The ignition control unit controls the switching transistor to maintain each of the ignition sparks according to the signal relating to the flow speed of air-fuel-mixture gas in the engine to maintain sufficient spark energy for igniting the air-fuel mixture gas.

Abstract: An individual-cylinder air-fuel ratio estimation model is designed so as to consider the mixing of gases exhausted from adjacent combustion cylinders, and a movement by which a mixed gas arrives at the position of an air-fuel ratio sensor, in order that influences ascribable to the intervals (combustion intervals) of the adjacent combustion cylinders may be reflected on the estimation values of individual-cylinder air-fuel ratios. In evaluating the mixing of the gases which are exhausted from the adjacent combustion cylinders, there are considered the lengths and shapes of the exhaust manifolds of the respective combustion cylinders. In evaluating the movement by which the mixed gas arrives at the position of the air-fuel ratio sensor, there are considered a distance or volume from the confluence to the position of the air-fuel ratio sensor, and the exhaust gas quantities of the respective combustion cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for wireless communication between a paintball marker or gun and it's associated paintball loading device. This wireless communication, whether bidirectional or unidirectional, allows for the transmission of “load” commands and various other useful information between the paintball marker and the paintball feeding device. When the “load” command, which is much more responsive than the “passive” communication found in the prior art, is wirelessly received by the paintball feeding device, the paintball feeding device loads a singular or plurality of paintballs into the paintball marker of appropriate conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to pneumatic weapon, in particular, to feeding mechanism for ball bullets from the bin to a holder. A feeding mechanism for ball bullets from the bin to a holder contains a bin 1 provided with additional reservoir 2 which in the lower part are formed communicating therebetween. A vibrator 3 is placed in the lower part of the bin 1 and the additional reservoir 2. The vibrator 3 is formed of two plates 4 and 5 in form of a letter “L” detail oscillating on the axis 6 due to spring 7 and cam 8, rotated by the electric drive 9. A feeding screw mechanism is disposed in the lower parts of the bin 1 and the additional reservoir 2, the mechanism comprising a screw 10 which spiral is executed as a helical spring. The base 12 is connected to cam 8 through a friction coupling 13. The cam 8 gains rotation from the electric drive 9 through the gearing 14. The bin 1 with additional reservoir 2 communicates with the holder 16 through the channel 15.

Abstract: A paintball gun comprised of a simplified firing system that eliminates many of the seals and complexity of a typical gun that uses the bolt as a spool type valve. The gun contains a bolt with a gas chamber around it, one seal inside of it, and one seal on its outside. A cylinder rod inside the bolt pushes the bolt forward against a spring using pressurized gas routed via a pilot valve, moving the bolt into the fire position. In the fire position the rear of the bolt moves off the inner seal, allowing compressed gas stored around the bolt to move into and thru the bolt, firing the paintball. Releasing pressure from behind the cylinder rod allows the spring to push the bolt rearward and seal the gas chamber. The simplified mechanism should be more consistent, allow more shots per tank and require less maintenance than other guns.

Abstract: A dicing blade (2) which rotates at high speed is surrounded by a case (3). A semiconductor wafer (1) is cut by a dicing device in which the case is filled with a cooling water (4). The case (3) is provided with a cooling water nozzle (8) for continuously supplying the cooling water and a gap (10) for discharging the cooling water out of the case. By adjusting a supply rate and a discharge rate of the cooling water, a proper water pressure can be applied to an inside of the case, thereby making it possible to cool the dicing blade and the cutting point with efficiency. As a result, it is possible to suppress chipping and cracking of the semiconductor device due to lack of cooling.

Abstract: A barbecue grill has a grill body, two hinge plates, a rear cover, a front cover and holding pins. The hinge plates are mounted on the grill body and respectively have a mounting foot and a mounting and adjustment panel. Each mounting and adjustment panel has a pivot hole and adjusting holes. The rear cover is connected pivotally to the hinge plates and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot pins. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot pins protrude out from the side panels and extend through the pivot holes. The front cover is mounted around the rear cover and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot collars. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot collars are protruded out the side panels and mounted around the pivot pins. The holding pins are extended through the adjusting holes and the positioning holes.

Abstract: A manifold of a solar water heating system having an offset mechanism formed on an outer surface thereof that allows articulated airflow between the manifold and a mounting surface. For one embodiment the offset mechanism is implemented as flanges formed at each end of the manifold. For one embodiment the manifold has a male end and a female end that provide a compression fit for interconnecting two manifolds. One embodiment provides a means for securing a manifold to a mounting surface such that rotation of the manifold relative to the mounting surface is significantly reduced or prevented. For one embodiment the means for securing the manifold includes a clamp bolted to the mounting surface and a means for removably coupling the manifold to the clamp. For one such embodiment the clamp has channels formed on the interior thereof that receive a corresponding flange formed on the manifold.

Abstract: A dispensing device dispenses a liquid, in particular containing or formed of a drug, as a fine spray, that has a high fraction of small particles achieved by using a duct or slit having a flat cross section. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzle or duct has at least one sharp change in cross section and/or alternate sections with large and small cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A docking assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus comprises a seat, a coupler, a pawl, and a spring. The self-contained breathing apparatus generally includes a compressed air tank having a head and a nozzle, the compressed air tank being adapted to deliver breathable air to a user. The seat of the docking assembly is adapted to releasably retain the head of the compressed air tank. The coupler comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and a handle and is adapted for threaded engagement with the nozzle of the compressed air tank. The pawl is mounted to the seat for pivotal displacement and adapted to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth on the threaded coupler to lock the threaded coupler onto the nozzle. The spring biases the arm into the locked position.

Abstract: A process for operating a respiration system (3) makes it possible, rapidly and with simple means, to operate the respiration system (3). The system and method use respiratory flow sensor-specific, patient- and/or treatment-related operating data and a respiratory flow sensor (1). A reading unit present in the respiration system (3) reads the contents of a transponder (2) connected to the respiratory flow sensor (1), so that the respiration system (3) is ready to operate only after the operating data have been read.

Abstract: An inhalable dry powder formulation containing SAE-CD and an active agent is provided. The formulation is adapted for administration by DPI. The SAE-CD serves as a carrier rather than as an absorption enhancer. The average particle size of the SAE-CD is large enough to preclude (for the most part) pulmonary deposition thereof. Following release from the DPI device, the SAE-CD-containing particles dissociate from the active agent-containing particles in the buccal cavity or throat, after which the active agent-containing particles continue deeper into the respiratory tract. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the SAE-CD are easily modified to permit optimization of active agent and carrier interactions. Drugs having a positive, neutral or negative electrostatic charge can be delivered by DPI when SAE-CD is used as a carrier.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container. The indicating device includes an indicator member having an outwardly facing first surface with indicia visible to a user and an opposite inwardly facing surface having a plurality of teeth. The first surface further includes a groove. A cover is disposed over at least a portion of the first surface of the indicator member such that only a portion of the indicia are visible at any one time. The cover includes an inwardly extending projection disposed in the groove. The indicator member is rotatable relative to the cover with the projection being moveable in the groove as the indicator member is rotated relative to the cover. In another aspect, a rotatable member is rotatable relative to an outer cover.

Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen chamber for treatment of large animals such as horses is disclosed. The chamber is large enough for a horse to fit inside and comfortably move around. A specially designed davit door, though quite heavy, is easily manipulated and may be used to corral the horse during ingress or egress, and is serviceable using fluorocarbon lubricants. The door, sidewalls, and floor of the hyperbaric chamber are coated with a static dissipative polyurethane material suitable for oxygen environments and may protect the horse from injury and prevent sparks. The flooring is specially designed to allow the horse to eliminate during treatment, and may be cleaned easily and thoroughly without disassembly. The control mechanisms of the hyperbaric chamber include electro-pneumatic controls, for avoiding a fire hazard.

Abstract: An aerosol powder delivery device, a method of producing or delivering aerosol particles, a method of making a delivery device, and an inhaler kit are provided. The device can be used to produce an aerosolizable powder by breaking or deagglomerating the aerosolizable powder into aerosol particles for inhalation. The aerosol particles can be produced by mechanically agitating or shaking a hollow device with the aerosolizable powder and a second powder to mechanically break or loosen aerosol particles from the aerosolizable powder. Thus, a small, lightweight, simple, sealed and stable device without complex moving parts, external power sources or heat is provided to aerosolize powder into aerosol particles for transmucosal delivery into a mouth upon inhalation.

Abstract: A preformed seam, crease, or fold in the bottom portion of a surgical, procedural, or personal protection mask forms a chin pocket in the bottom of the mask to receive the user's chin therein. This pocket has been found to provide a better mask fit to reduce the air leakage around the mask not only around the user's chin, but around the entire face. The mask may also have a unique construction of the filter material which includes a filter layer and a moisture resistant layer. The mask also may include a soft comfortable layer for placement against the face of a user. The filter layer can provide an activated charcoal filter and/or a particulate filter which allows gas to pass therethrough but resists passage of bacteria, viruses, and particulate materials.

Abstract: An improved nasal air filtration apparatus comprised of a flat, disk shaped baffle air filter inserted into each nostril, so that upon inspiration the air filter is closed from the inspiration air pressure, and upon exhalation the air filter is opened by the exhalation air pressure, allowing easier and more efficient breathing of filtered air through the nostrils.

Abstract: Apparatus for communicating a positive fluid pressure to a patient's nasal passageways includes a pair of crush resistant nasal prongs disposed within a respective one of such patient's nasal passageways for delivering at least one of air, oxygen and a combination of air and oxygen to such patient's air passageways. There is a member engageable with at least a portion of said first open end of each one of said pair of crush resistant nasal prongs for substantially sealing them to at least a portion of an inner wall of such air passageways. A crush resistant fluid communication device engages with the second open end of each of the nasal prongs for communicating the at least one of air, oxygen and a combination of air and oxygen to the nasal prongs. Another device is disposed on such apparatus which is engageable with the fluid communication member for retaining the nasal prongs in position in such patient's air passageways during use.

Abstract: A user interface (22) with headgear (29) is disclosed where a flexible conduit (24) supplies gases to the patient interface and the conduit is connected to the headgear by a sliding connection or support portion (26). In one form headgear may include a transverse strap which the conduit is attached to. In other forms various sliding straps constrain the conduit such that forces on the conduit are transferred to the headgear not the interface. Interface vertical height and angular adjustment mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular member 2 is formed of a resin material so as to have an inner passageway 2. A thin plate is shaped into a spiral along the perimeter of the tubular member 2 to form a reinforcement member 3. The reinforcement member 3 is buried in a peripheral wall 2a of the tubular member 2. The tubular member 2 and the reinforcement member 3 have curved shapes conformable to the shape of the pharynx 100. The tubular member 2 and the reinforcement member 3 are inserted from the oral cavity 102 into the pharynx 100 and retained there. A medical instrument is guided to the esophagus 103 through an inner passageway 2b of the tubular member 2.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing an airway tube within a patient's trachea, and methods of use, are provided, in which the an elongated rigid bougie includes a light source and imaging system configured to be introduced into a patient's trachea using video images received from the imaging system. Once a distal end of the bougie is visually confirmed to be placed with the patient's trachea, an airway tube is advanced over the bougie. The apparatus also may include two separable components, thereby facilitating video-guided placement of one component in pediatric applications under guidance of video images provided by the second component.

Abstract: In the procedure of waxing or laser treatment for body hair removal, particularly body hair removal near male and female genitalia, a device in the form of a pouch for males, and an inverted oval-shaped cup for females, is used to cover the genitalia. The pouch or cup, along with a wide thong-type rear band over the rectum prevent transmission of body fluids during the procedure.

Abstract: An improved condom is provided by coating the inner and or outer surface of the condom base with a dissolvable element containing an agent material for delivering the agent material during sexual intercourse. The dissolvable element is made of dissolvable polymer material and/or complex carbohydrate material which are food grade materials and have selected dissolution properties, such that it remains in substantially solid form before use, and dissolves due to human body temperatures and moisture during use to release the agent material in a desired timed release and dosage. The dissolvable element is preferably a film made of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and/or carboxymethyl cellulose. The dissolvable element may be formed as a single layer of film or a laminate of different film layers for compound release properties. The dissolvable element is at least partially foamed using inert gases, such as nitrogen, to adjust its dissolution properties.

Abstract: A connector, for example a Luer connector, has a sealing element such that when a connection is made to the connector, the sealing element is displaced into the connector, opening a fluid flow channel through the connector. The sealing member may include a slit on a lower surface thereof to ease the displacement of the sealing member.

Abstract: A sterile drape for a trackable medical device includes a reinforced film portion and a holding or tensing device. The holding or tensing device is operative to draw the reinforced film portion taut or smooth on or over a surface of the medical device.

Abstract: Improved disposable surgical drapes and surgical methods for isolating the surgical field from the patient's penile and scrotal skin to prevent any contact of implantable medical device components, the surgical instruments, and the surgeon's gloved hand with the patient's skin during a device implantation or a surgical procedure are disclosed. A surgical drape comprises a sheet of drape material bounded by sheet edges adapted to lie over the patient's skin and an elongated penile sheath extending from a sheath attached end extending from the sheet to a sheath free end. The sheath may be grasped during implantation surgery to manipulate the penis without making direct contact with the penile skin. The surgical drape further comprises a scrotal skin contact portion adjacent the sheath attached end of a material capable of being penetrated in making an incision of the scrotal skin, whereby contact with the scrotal skin is avoided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the endoluminal revision of previously performed obesity procedures which have failed are described. One or more endoluminal instruments may be advanced per-orally into the previously formed failed pouch where a number of different procedures can be performed. One or more tissue folds can be formed and secured to reduce the size of the pouch, or the stoma connecting the pouch to the intestinal tract can be reduced in size using endoluminally deployed tissue anchors. These procedures can be performed entirely from within the pouch lumen or upon the exterior surface of the pouch via transgastric entry of the instruments into the peritoneal cavity of a patient. Alternatively, the interior tissue within the pouch can be injured or sclerosed to shrink the pouch lumen. In another alterative, a length of the Roux limb can be shortened endoluminally to create a malabsorptive region.

Abstract: A method for easily calibrating both the position of the tip of a surgical tool and the orientation of that tool includes attaching a tracking device capable of communication with the surgical navigation system to the surgical tool using an adapter, where the adapter has a known relation between the tracking device and the axis of the surgical tool. The method then performs a calibration process to calculate the position of the tip of the surgical tool and the position of the tracking device and orientation data for the surgical tool from the known relation between the tracking device and the axis of the surgical tool and from the tool tip position. Lastly, the method stores the position of the tool tip for the surgical tool and the orientation data within memory of the surgical navigation system so the position and the orientation of the surgical tool can be tracked by the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to apparatuses and methods for improving sanitary conditions. Certain aspects relate to an apparatus having at least one protrusion for removing visible debris from a nail and at least one nail cleaning region comprising an impregnable material for containing a liquid. In one exemplary embodiment, several nail cleaning elements may be configured to each clean a different nail without cross contaminating any other nail cleaning element on the apparatus. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid comprises an agent selected from the group consisting of: a biocide agent, moisturizing agent, a cleaning agent, and combinations thereof. Multiple nail cleaning elements may be positioned to permit the simultaneous cleaning of multiple nails without cross-contamination.

Abstract: The inventive applicator (1) for applying a hair treatment agent, in particular for redying renewable hairs, to a hair-roots area comprises an application nozzle (3) for said hair-treatment agent, a distributor element (4) for distributing the applied hair-treatment agent and a closing element (5) for the application nozzle (3). The aim of said invention is to design an applicator which is usable by a layperson, makes it possible to carry out the accurate hair-treatment agent dosing, prevents from delivering other treatment products during distribution and which is easily mountable and producible.