Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed that includes a valve body with a plurality of nozzle holes for injecting fuel in a hollow spray from the fuel injector. The plurality of nozzle holes each include an outlet. The valve body also includes at least one air-introducing aperture with an air outlet port positioned between the outlets of the plurality of nozzle holes. The air-introducing aperture is operable for introducing air into a hollow area of the hollow spray.

Abstract: A fuel injection controller of an internal combustion engine calculates a correction value for correcting a rotation fluctuation amount among cylinders of the engine during idling stabilization control. The controller calculates an average change in correction value over M number of changes in correction value for the cylinder. If it is determined that the average change is less than or equal to a threshold value a, it is determined that the correction value is stabilized. The correction value at that time is fixed as a learning value of a deviation amount of an injection characteristic among the cylinders. Thus, the fuel injection controller suitably achieves accurate learning of an inter-cylinder variation in the injection characteristic of the fuel injection valve and performing of the learning in a short time.

Abstract: This invention is a method of achieving stable, optimal mixtures of HCCI and SI in practical gasoline internal combustion engines comprising the steps of: characterizing the combustion process based on combustion process measurements, determining the ratio of conventional and HCCI combustion, determining the trajectory (sequence) of states for consecutive combustion processes, and determining subsequent combustion process modifications using said information to steer the engine combustion toward desired behavior.

Abstract: A vortex generator is disclosed for flow of a fluid. The vortex generator includes a housing that includes a passage through which the fluid flows. The vortex generator also includes a valve that is movably coupled to the housing between a fully closed position and a fully open position for changing flow of the fluid in the passage. The valve includes an open portion that defines a main aperture for generating a vortex in the flow of the fluid. Also, the valve has an intermediate position between the fully closed position and the fully open position. The housing further includes a recessed portion such that the recessed portion of the housing and the valve cooperate to define a sub-aperture through which the fluid flows when the valve is positioned in the intermediate position. A method of manufacturing the vortex generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: Otto cycle internal combustion engine, comprising a cylinder block including at least one cylinder having a longitudinal axis, a piston movable within said cylinder and having a recess open on a head surface of the piston, a head fastened to said cylinder block and having a surface facing said cylinder, a plurality of valves movable along respective rectilinear directions and co-operating with respective valve seats situated in said head, and a combustion chamber delimited at one side by a portion of the surface of the head facing the cylinder and, at the other side, by the surface of said recess of the piston. The engine comprises a single intake valve and two exhaust valves. The intake valve has significantly larger diameter than that of the two exhaust valves.

Abstract: A control system for a low cost, light duty combustion engine, where the control system generally utilizes an engine speed input signal and independent operating sequences to determine a desired ignition timing. There are several independent operating sequences, each one of which is designed to optimally control the engine under certain conditions. These operating sequences include a Cranking sequence, a Warm Up sequence, a Normal Mode sequence, an Acceleration sequence, a Come Down sequence, a Recovery Bump sequence, and a Part Throttle sequence. During idling conditions, the Normal Mode sequence uses rapid changes in the ignition timing to maintain the engine speed in a small, idle engine speed range. By utilizing these operational sequences, the control system improves the performance of a low cost, light duty engine across a wide array of conditions.

Abstract: A common engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, which may be configured to allow for actuation of the speed control mechanism between stop, idle, and various engine running speed positions by actuation of one of a selected plurality of speed control levers. Each of the plurality of speed control levers is oriented so that it is movable in a direction which is substantially non-parallel to the direction of movement of the other speed control levers. In one embodiment, the actuation of the common speed control mechanism can be accomplished by movement of a first speed control lever in a substantially horizontal, side-to-side direction or by movement of a second speed control lever in a substantially vertical, up-and-down direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine usable for producing a rotational output, the internal combustion engine comprising: a casing; a cylinder defining a cylinder head and a combustion chamber extending from the cylinder head, the combustion chamber being substantially arc segment shaped and defining a chamber radius of curvature, the cylinder being mounted to the casing so as to be movable relatively thereto along a substantially annular path extending in a substantially concentric relationship relatively to the combustion chamber, the substantially annular path having a path radius of curvature substantially similar to the chamber radius of curvature; a piston, the piston being operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be reciprocatingly movable within the combustion chamber, the piston being mounted to the casing so as to be movable relatively thereto along the substantially annular path; an output element operatively coupled to the cylinder and to the piston for producing the rotational output; and a unidirec

Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus connects with an injector and a reservoir tank. The reservoir tank is in upstream of the injector for accumulating fuel for the injector. A fuel pump press-feeds fuel in a fuel tank toward the reservoir tank in accordance with pressure in the reservoir tank. A press-feed pipe defines a fuel passage from the fuel pump to the reservoir tank. A branch pipe is provided to the press-feed pipe. The branch pipe defines a return passage that branches from the fuel passage. Fuel discharged from the fuel pump returns into the fuel tank through the return passage. A throttle unit is provided to the branch pipe for reducing a sectional area of the return passage. A relief valve is provided to the branch pipe for communicating the return passage when pressure in the return passage becomes equal to or greater than relief pressure.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system includes a three-position valve for switching between a first measuring state and a second measuring state, and a pressure sensor for measuring pressure produced by a restriction in a measurement line. In the first measuring state, air flows through the measurement line. In the second measuring state, air-fuel mixture flows through the measurement line. The behavior of change in a first pressure in the first measuring state and the behavior of change in a second pressure in the second measuring state are measured. When that the behaviors of change in the first and second pressures are substantially identical to each other, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in an operation of switching the three-position valve.

Abstract: Apparatus, and method, for conditioning air and fuel supplied to a combustor comprising means (5) for electrostatically charging air supplied to a combustor at a first polarity, means (12) for electrostatically charging fuel supplied to such combustor at opposite polarity to said first polarity, and means (15, 19; 20) for preheating such fuel.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger, such as a charge air cooler, having a connecting plate, which is arranged in a housing into which the charge air flows. Charge air flows through ducts, which are assigned to the charge air and are provided with fins. The housing includes an assembly opening into which the heat exchanger can be inserted and is to be fastened by its connecting plate, with the body of the heat exchanger likewise being fastened in the interior of the housing. The charge air cooler has end chambers for a coolant. The end chambers are connected to coolant ducts. A strip is formed in the interior of the housing between two end chambers. The strip extends over a substantial part of the length of the end chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable two-way valve, in which a valve rod is connected in a permanent manner to at least two valve members, the valve rod is activated by means of an actuator. The housing comprises an inlet or outlet and two corresponding outlets, or inlets. According to the invention, the two valve members correspond with at least two valve seats and the two or more valve members have three control surfaces. The invention thus provides a dirt-resistant valve, which is easy to operate, has fixed valve members and does not require additional equipment. The valve permits both the inlet to be completely blocked and the two outlets to be controlled independently of one another.

Abstract: An oil drainage device for an oil separator of an internal combustion engine includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a connector and a conduit. The first chamber receives oil from the oil separator. The second chamber is coupled to a sump. The connector extends between the first and second chambers. The connector defines a fluid path along which oil can flow between the first and second chambers. The conduit is disposed within the connector and provides a path for crankcase blow-by gases that is separate from the fluid path.

Abstract: An oil separator separates oil from crankcase gases of an internal combustion engine. The oil drainage device includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of stages arranged in a stack between the inlet and the outlet. Each stage includes a generally upright side wall having opposite top and bottom faces. An end wall is disposed at the bottom face of the side wall. The end wall has opposite upper and lower surfaces. The end wall has a bore extending through the upper and lower surfaces for receiving a flow of crankcase gases therethrough. A plate diverts the flow of crankcase gases exiting the bore for creating a pressure increase that separates oil from the crankcase gases. A tube extends through the bore for directing the flow of crankcase gases therethrough. The tube being spaced apart from an inner surface of the bore allowing oil to flow therethrough in an opposite direction relative to the crankcase gases.

Abstract: An ignition coil apparatus for an internal combustion engine can prevent noise from being radiated to the outside from a transformer without requiring special man-hours even if a case takes a complex shape. The ignition apparatus is provided with a transformer (2) including a primary coil (4), a secondary coil (5) and an iron core 1, a case (3) with the transformer (2) received therein, and an insulating resin 6 filled in the case (3). A high voltage generated at a high voltage side of the secondary coil (5) upon interruption of a primary current supplied to the primary coil (4) is impressed to a spark plug (14). The case (3) is made of a conductive plastic.

Abstract: In a multiple discharge ignition control apparatus, a battery, an energy storage coil and a first IGBT are connected in series. Further, the energy storage coil, a diode, a primary coil and a second IGBT are connected in series. The energy storage coil is connected with a capacitor through the diode, and a secondary coil is connected with a spark plug and a resistor for current detection. An ignition control circuit switches the IGBTs between ON and OFF each time the secondary current detected by the resistor reaches a positive or negative discharge holding current in multiple discharge operation. A booster circuit is provided in addition to the energy storage coil and its output is feedback-controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.

Abstract: A valve-operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves and valve control members for controlling the intake and exhaust valves. The intake and exhaust valves are configured as dual valves having an outer valve and an inner valve. The valve control members, at least during scavenging, simultaneously close the outer valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing a non-overlapping state, and simultaneously open the inner valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing an overlapping state.

Abstract: Described herein is a three stage bow string entrapment and release device. The device is unique and novel in that it incorporates trigger travel amplification such that a movement of X at the trigger results in a movement of approximately 1.5× at the critical release surface. Further, by mechanically disconnecting the trigger travel from the release surface, this device eliminates the perception of creep and allows the archer to focus on his or her target and not anticipate the breaking point of the release.

Abstract: An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprises a body with an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the body.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an air gun in which a valve body is mounted inside a housing above a magazine spring; a spring is mounted in the valve body to push an air outlet nozzle tube to seal an air inlet; a slide is supported on a spring outside the valve body for returning a cylinder after each movement of the cylinder; a hit pin is movably mounted in a hole at a rear side of the cylinder; a hammer is pivoted to the housing for driving the cylinder; a hammer strut is coupled with a top end thereof to the hammer for biasing the hammer to drive the cylinder and a bottom end thereof to a retaining member, which has a hooked portion hooked on a part of a pressing screw being pivoted to the housing for locking an air bomb inside the housing; a hammer is pivoted to the housing, having a shear engaging portion, which is engageable with a shear when the hammer is rotated to a rear end side of the housing, which shear being coupled to the trigger through a trigger bar such that when the trigger is pressed, the trigger bar is dri

Abstract: An anti-jam firing mechanism comprises a front bolt movable between a first position and a second position, in which a crossover point is positioned between the first position and the second position. The front bolt is operative to engage a frangible projectile, such as a paintball, as the front bolt moves from the first position to the second position. A drive mechanism drives the front bolt with either a first force or a second force. The drive mechanism drives the front bolt with the first force when the front bolt travels between the first position and the crossover point. When the front bolt travels between the crossover point and the second position, the drive mechanism drives the front bolt with the second force. Typically, the first force is less than a projectile rupturing force.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to isolating heat sensitive components from the heat source of a barbecue grill. In the preferred embodiment, ceramic bushings are used to isolate a glass-reinforced nylon grill stand from the cooking chamber of a barbecue grill. The bushing incorporates a beveled upper edge for engaging with lobes which downwardly depend from the cooking chamber. The bushing also incorporates a circular lower portion for engagement with an aperture in the grill stand. The bushing is locked into engagement with the cooking chamber using a threaded bolt and is locked into loose engagement with the grill stand using a spring clip. The combination of the beveled upper edge and the loose engagement with the grill stand allows the bushing to float with respect to both the grill stand and cooking chamber. As a result, manufacturing tolerance requirements can be relaxed.

Abstract: An inhaler device to treat obstructive lung disease has an immediate acting bronchodilator medication, a dispenser housing for dispensing the immediate acting bronchodilator medication, and indicia on the dispenser housing to convey to a user that the inhaler device contains inhaler medication for for acute relief of obstructive lung disease symptoms.

Abstract: Aerosol dispensing apparatus comprising a housing in which a container can be located, an outlet leading from the housing, a receiving block having an inlet for receiving an outlet member of the container and a passage through which contents of the container may pass on their way to the outlet when the container is actuated. The housing contains a carriage in which the container is firmly gripped. The carriage is able to slide reciprocally within the housing as the container moves between rest and actuated positions and comprises a projection. The housing further comprises an abutment and is formed with an upper part which houses at least the container, in use, and a lower part comprising, at least, the outlet.

Abstract: A system is provided by applying pressure to a portion of a body of an individual in a chamber having an aperture along a vertical axis for receiving the portion of the body of the individual. A pressure sensor is coupled to the chamber for measuring a pressure inside the chamber. A negative feedback control system, calibrates, adjusts and maintains the pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: This invention can be used in three different ways for patients who are lying down in bed or on the operating table. First it facilitates the endotracheal intubation, secondly it facilitates the spontaneous breathing of obese patients and thirdly it assists the spontaneous inspiration and expiration in a non-invasive way. This invention device is positioned under the patient before he is asleep without disturbing him. It allows a gradual elevation of the lower and or upper thorax, a gradual elevation of the head giving a flexion of the neck and a gradual hyperextension of the head. After intubation the position is returned to normal without need for removing the invention device. This invention elevates the spinal column and therefore the thorax is no more compressed and the ribs can move free. Inspiration requires less force and the patient can be breathing easier even when lying down.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual doses of powder from respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil by means of pressure on an opposite side surface, the device providing individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism and a dose counter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of medication includes providing first and second medicament on a medicament pack in separate containers for preventing either medicament from interfering with the stability of the other. In accordance with the method, the medicaments are preferably delivered in a single inhalation.

Abstract: The system and method for preventing volutrauma and barotrauma in patients connected to a ventilator or a manual ventilation system detects elevated airway pressures above a safety pressure and during a time longer than the normally used inspiratory time periods, opens a safety valve to reduce airway pressure below the dangerous values, generates an alarm and closes again the airway system allowing further ventilation. This ventilator safety valve can work repetitively thereby protecting continuously the airway, but at the same time generating a simple method of escape ventilation. Two prototypes of this invention system are build, an electric system driven by computer software written in lab view and a mechanical pneumatic system with a concertina, a spring and an air reservoir under the concertina emptying through a micro opening allowing a time delay before a valve is opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a breathing gas mixture to a patient in which a desired concentration of oxygen is maintained when nitric oxide (NO) is provided in the breathing gases. A clinician establishes at a ventilator, ventilation parameters for the patient, the inspired oxygen concentration, and the inspired NO dosage. From these quantities, a breathing gas mixture flow rate is determined. An instantaneous flow rate for an NO containing gas is determined, based on the concentration of nitric oxide in the supply gas and the instantaneous breathing gas mixture flow rate. An instantaneous flow rate for the supply of a balance gas, such as air, is determined using the breathing gas mixture flow rate, the instantaneous NO containing gas flow rate, and the inspired oxygen concentration established by the clinician.

Abstract: A method for judging the reverse connection of a flow sensor comprises the steps of: collecting a time sequence of pressure intensity x1, x2, x3 and x4 at four consecutive sampling points of time and the flow value S corresponding to that time sequence as basis for judgment; calculating three variables dx1=x1?x2, dx2=x2?x3 and dx3=x3?x4; judging a reverse connection of the flow sensor and giving an alarm signal when any one of the two instances appears: 1) x1, x2 and x3 are all smaller than zero and x1 and x3 are equal to or greater than x2, and flow value S is smaller than a predetermined first threshold value f1; 2) dx1, dx2 and dx3 are all greater than zero and dx1 and dx3 are smaller than or equal to dx2, and flow value S is greater than a predetermined second threshold value f2.

Abstract: Altitude simulation breathing systems create at near sea level, oxygen partial pressure equivalents to a desired “simulated” above ground level altitude by gas mixing and induce low oxygen content (hypoxia) in a subject through the identical physiologic mechanisms as high altitude. At the heart of all prior art is the oxygen sensor; all decisions about gas mixing are based on a direct measurement of oxygen concentration. These sensors respond slowly requiring them to be used with a reservoir; a volume of gas maintained at a given oxygen concentration. The current invention uses flow based technology and eliminates reservoir associated shortcomings. Central to the function of the current invention is the ratiometric addition in real time of nitrogen to inspired room air which is unpressurized, uncontrolled, and inspired normally. In short, we present new technology to this field not based on oxygen concentration that offers significant improvements in safety, reduced mechanical complexity, and size.

Abstract: A breathing mask with a display device can comprise means for providing gas and removing exhaled air from the mask, a visor which permits viewing of the external environment with an adjustment mechanism allowing adjustment of an optics unit with display arranged in the inside of the visor, means for fitting the mask on a wearer, an infrared camera, and an electronic unit with power supply.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to a tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from axially displacing a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. For use with known adult tracheotomy tubes which have inner and outer cannulas, the latching mechanism engages the coupling with the leading end of the outer cannula collar with the inner cannula collar sandwiched therebetween. For use with known one piece children's tracheotomy tubes, the latching mechanism is a clamshell contoured to concentrically grip the tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube. Interlocking the coupling and the tracheotomy tube prevents them from inadvertently axially displacing from each other. Non-axial force disengages the coupling from the tracheotomy tube so that the coupling can be axially displaced without exertion of excessive axial force on the system and the patient.

Abstract: A safety coupling is provided for use in a pulmonary pressure ventilator system to protect an intubated patient from adverse consequences of the ventilator tubing becoming disconnected from either an endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube. The safety coupling is designed to assure continued airflow through the disconnected ventilator tubing, thereby assuring that the ventilator alarm that senses a disconnected tubing will operate properly. The safety coupling is simple in design with no moving parts. The coupling is either one or more openings formed at or near the proximal end of the ventilator tubing, and optionally may take the form of a tubular safety flange which is easily retrofitted onto existing pressure ventilators.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven vehicle is disclosed which is moved or turned by driving left and right hydraulic transmissions with one engine and driving left and right drive wheels with these hydraulic transmissions. The vehicle includes a gear-shifting mechanism for converting the actions of an operator and transmitting the result to the hydraulic transmissions, which mechanism is comprised of a first swinging member that is swung by a vehicle speed cable, and left and right second swinging members that are placed on the first swinging member, that are swung by left and right steering cables, and that push and pull push-pull rods.

Abstract: The invention regards a therapeutic aerosol device in which a main aerosol flow, which is generated with the help of a compressed gas and is supplied to one of the nostrils of a user, is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. The superimposition of the pressure fluctuations occurs directly at one of the two nostrils of the user. A flow resistance is provided in the other nostril.

Abstract: A method for making male condom of self-standing skirt structure, a skirt-supporting thickened belt-like ring coming together with said skirt structure and located at the root area of said condom, a rim at the middle line of the condom body, comprising the steps of: adding a taper shape structure onto the bottom of conventional condom mold; covering said condom mold with a mold cover being split into several parts, with said taper shape structure, the root area of said condom mold and the middle line of said condom mold are being exposed and uncovered; using nozzles to evenly spray coagulant onto the parts of the mold exposed; opening said mold cover; drying said mold in a drying oven; dipping said condom mold into a dipping trough and then following conventional condom dipping workmanship.

Abstract: A headgear assembly is adapted for wear by a sleep apnea patient. The headgear assembly is designed for holding a lower jaw of the patient substantially closed during sleep. The headgear assembly includes a flexible crown and chin strap. The crown resides atop a head of the patient, and comprises a crown-encircling strap and a crown opening defined by the strap. The chin strap has first and second ends attached to the crown, and is adapted for engaging a chin of the patient to support the lower jaw.

Abstract: An oral appliance including a flexible sheet having opposite faces and an edge surrounding the faces, a protrusion extending from at least one of the faces of the flexible sheet, and a notch formed in the edge of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A mouth guard having a tray with a trough dimensioned to receive at least the front two incisors. Impression material is disposed within the trough for creating a dental impression of the wearer's teeth. The tray further includes a stiffening element which concentrates the force transmission through the tray created by occlusion to an area between the upper and lower front incisors.

Abstract: Methods and devices for partitioning or plicating a region of a hollow body organ are described herein. These methods and devices relate generally to medical apparatus and methods and more particularly to devices and methods for affecting a change in the function of a hollow body organ, particularly a stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract. These changes can include reducing the volume capacity of the hollow body organ, disrupting or altering the normal function of the organ, functionally excluding certain sections of the organ either by affixing adjacent tissue or excising certain regions, or affecting or correcting the response of the organ to naturally occurring stimuli, such as ingestion.

Abstract: A method of monitoring contact between a probe and a tissue surface includes placing the probe in proximity to the surface, robotically moving the probe, measuring a tissue parameter at the distal end of the probe, calculating an amount of change in the measured tissue parameter between measurements thereof, and indicating a change in proximity or degree of contact between the probe and the surface based upon the amount of change. The indication of change may be based directly upon the calculated amount of change in the measured parameter or upon a calculated rate of change in the parameter. The rate of change may be relative to the time between measurements or the distance traveled by the probe between measurements, and may be calculated as a first, second, or other derivative of the tissue parameter.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a cylinder of smoking material having at least one hollow tube having a heat conductive wall within the cylinder of smoking material and a filter system attached to the cylinder of smoking material. The filter system includes an adsorbent material therein. The at least one hollow tube extends from within the cylinder of smoking material through the adsorbent material. At least one flavorant material is retained within the at least one hollow tube, and upon exposure to heat from the heat conductive wall of the hollow tube the flavorant material releases a flavorant.

Abstract: Filters and smoking articles include sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon capable of selectively removing one or more selected constituents from mainstream smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon, and methods for treating mainstream smoke comprising the sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial nail has a nail platform, an electroluminescence material connected to the nail platform, and an electric circuit electrically connected to the electroluminescence material. The electroluminescence material is preferably an electroluminescent film or other material that becomes luminous upon application of alternating current. When an electroluminescent film is used, the electric circuit preferably includes a driver module that provides sufficient alternating current to drive the electroluminescent film.

Abstract: Flocked cosmetic applicators have a mounting post connected to an applicator tip by a flexing element. The flexing element has a cutaway, reduced diameter portion, which may be provided by horizontal grooves formed on opposite sides of the flexing element, to provide flexibility by reducing its cross-sectional area. The applicator tip has a body and one or more flocked applicator surfaces. Preferred embodiments of the applicator tip include applicator surfaces which are angled relative to the body, and include a doefoot body, a flexible body, and a spatula body. A preferred applicator tip has a convex applicator surface. The design permits use of lower cost materials yet provides the sensation of softness to the user.