Abstract: One-way valves are provided in a hydraulic pressure supply passage in an advance hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic pressure supply passage in a retard hydraulic chamber respectively. A drain oil passage bypassing each of the one-way valves is provided in the hydraulic pressure supply passage in the each hydraulic chamber to be in parallel therewith. A drain switching valve is provided in the each drain oil passage. A drain switching control function for switching the hydraulic pressure driving the each drain switching valve is integral with a function of the hydraulic control valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied to the advance hydraulic chamber and the retard hydraulic chamber. It is determined whether the responsiveness of an advance/retard operation is in a normal range based upon a changing rate of the VTC displacement angle during advance/retard operating, thereby determining presence/absence of abnormality in the advance/retard operation.

Abstract: In a valve timing adjusting apparatus, an, outer peripheral surface of each projection of an internal gear, which is received in a corresponding engaging hole of a guide rotator, may have reduced surface sections, which are radially inwardly reduced toward a radial center of the projection along a radial line of the internal gear that passes through the radial center of the projection to have a reduced radial size in comparison to a radial size of the rest of the outer peripheral surface of the projection. Alternatively, an inner peripheral surface of each engaging hole may have recessed surface sections, which are radially recessed from the rest of the inner peripheral surface of the engaging hole along a radial line of the guide rotator that passes through a center of the inner peripheral surface of the engaging hole.

Abstract: A vertical internal combustion engine E includes a crankshaft 18 enclosed in a crank chamber 20, a belt-drive transmission mechanism 50 held in a belt chamber 63 and including a rubber belt 53 for transmitting power of the crankshaft 18 to a camshaft 24 included in a valve train 23, and a transmission case 60 defining the belt chamber 63. The transmission case 60 has a lower case 61 between the crank chamber 20 and the belt chamber 63. The belt 53 has a part 53a extending over the crank chamber 20, and the lower case 61 is disposed to screen the part 53a of the belt 53 from the crank chamber 20. The belt 53 is lubricated by oil in oil-containing gas from the crank chamber 20. Thus the oil-containing gas is prevented from excessively contacting the rubber belt, so that the life of the belt is extended.

Abstract: To provide an inner shim that is unlikely to fall off from a spring retainer even when an anomalous operation of a valve occurs. A spring retainer fixed to the upper end portion of a valve shaft has a shim-attachment hole. An inner shim is fitted into the shim-attachment hole. The bottom face of the inner shim is in contact with the upper end portion of the valve shaft, and the top face of the inner shim is positioned below the upper edge of the shim-attachment hole. A tappet is disposed above the spring retainer, and is allowed to move freely in the axial direction of the valve shaft. A shim-holding projection sticks out from the under face of the tappet, and extends downward. The projection enters, from above, the inside of the shim-attachment hole, and is in contact with the top face of the inner shim.

Abstract: At an intake timing of an initial combustion cylinder, an actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target intake valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the initial combustion cylinder. At intake timing of the other cylinders which contributes to increment of the engine speed after the initial combustion, the actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the other cylinders. Thereby, the intake air flow rate of each cylinder is accurately controlled, so that the increment of the engine speed is restricted within a range in which a startability is not deteriorated and a vehicle vibration and an over shoot of the engine speed is appropriately restricted.

Abstract: In a vehicle starter apparatus incorporating therein a starting motor and a one-way clutch, a damper for mitigating vibration of an engine is disposed at a position between the one-way clutch and the engine, and at the same time, between the engine and a transmission.

Abstract: An engine intake manifold assembly (10), including a first component (12) having a first mating surface (14) and a second molded plastic component (16) having a second mating surface (18). The second molded plastic component (16) is adhesively bonded to the first component (12) with an adhesive (20). The adhesive bond strength exceeds the strength of the second molded plastic component (16).

Abstract: A pull-cord start system has a recoil pulley coupled to a crankshaft of a combustion engine and a pull-cord wound about the recoil pulley that is pulled by an end user to rotate the recoil pulley and thereby start the engine. A throttle override device of the pull-cord start system has a shuttle coupled to the pull-cord for movement from a biased rest position to an active position when the pull-cord is being pulled by an end user. A linkage of the throttle override device and preferably being a Bowden cable extends between a throttle control and a throttle valve of a carburetor and is interlinked to the shuttle so that actuation of the throttle control when the shuttle is in the active position will not open the throttle valve that is biased preferably in an idle position because movement of the shuttle to the active position produces slack in the linkage.

Abstract: A sealing system for an axial flow rotary valve internal combustion engine comprising an array of floating gas seals and an optional oil sealing system. The array of floating seals surrounding a window (15) in the bore (11) of the cylinder head (10) through which the ports (2, 3) of the valve (1) communicate with a combustion chamber (31). The array of floating seals comprising axial seals (16) and circumferential seals (17) housed in slots (18, 19) in the bore of the cylinder head wherein the circumferential seals are disposed axially between the ends of the axial seals.

Abstract: An outboard motor S has an exhaust manifold passage 37 for carrying exhaust gas from combustion chambers 30. The exhaust manifold passage 37 is formed in a part of a cylinder head 22 in an exhaust-side part of an internal combustion engine E on the side of the cylinder head 22 with respect to a joint surface P of a cylinder block 20 joined to the cylinder head 22. An exhaust passage 38 is formed in the cylinder block 20 and connected to the exhaust gas outlet 37e of the exhaust manifold passage 37 in the joint surface P. An electrical equipment box 50 holding electrical equipment is placed in the exhaust-side part so as to overlap the exhaust passage 38 when viewed in vertical direction. An electrical equipment box 50 is disposed adjacent to the cylinder head 22 with respect to the direction parallel to the axes of cylinders 20a.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling duct piston for an internal combustion engine comprising heat pipes. In order to improve dissipation of heat from the thermally loaded piston areas while preventing thermal tensions, liquid-filled heat pipes that are provided with an evaporator end and a condenser end are disposed in bores of the cooling duct which are oriented towards the bottom of the piston. The heat pipes are arranged such that the evaporator ends terminate at the end of the bores which faces the piston bottom while the condenser ends terminate in the closed cooling duct.

Abstract: An outboard engine unit having plural electronic components is disclosed. The electronic components are wholly supported by a single bracket which is mounted to a crankcase through a vibration damping rubber grommet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing shaft for an internal combustion engine and to a method for the production thereof. In this case, the balancing shaft consists of a tubular hollow body and contains a balancing weight and also functional elements arranged on the hollow body. In order-to design a balancing shaft in as simple a manner as possible, which balancing shaft is designed to save construction space and in which the adequate balancing weight is arranged at the suitable location in accordance with the requirements, it is proposed that the balancing weight be arranged on the outer circumference of the hollow body and that it be fastened there.

Abstract: An outboard motor having a grommet mounted on a lower cover is disclosed. The grommet is positioned outward from an area directly under a surface in which an upper cover and lower cover meet as viewed from above. A presser cover for pressing the upper half of the grommet expands in the lateral direction and has on the lower end portion a first concavity that opens in the downward direction and conforms to the external shape of the grommet.

Abstract: An energy transfer machine, for example, a positive displacement internal combustion device, has a fixed outer housing, an internal rotating carrier and one or more inner rotors with rotational axes which are offset from the inner rotor carrier rotational axis. Projections from the fixed outer housing and rotor mesh with each other to define variable volume chambers. In another energy transfer machine, in which the outer housing may be fixed or rotating, projections of the rotor are expandable within cylinders defined by projections of the outer housing.

Abstract: In a method for determining the closure time for a valve, operated by a piezoelectric actuator, in order to record the closing time, the voltage at the piezoelectric actuator is recorded and the time is recorded at which the voltage has a maximum difference value from a comparison curve. The difference curve is generated between a start and an end point for a measured curve, having the voltage values applied to the piezoelectric actuator. A precise determination of the closing time can thus be carried out.

Abstract: A method of controlling an amount of fuel to an engine is disclosed. The method includes determining first and second fuel limits. The first fuel limit is indicative of a higher value than the second fuel limit. The method also includes determining an amount of fuel to be delivered to an engine as a function of at least one engine parameter. The method further includes controlling the amount of fuel to be less than or equal to the first fuel limit in a first set of operating conditions and controlling the amount of fuel to be less than or equal to the second fuel limit in a second set of operating conditions.

Abstract: An engine control unit includes pressure detector provided in a combustion chamber of the engine. A motoring pressure of the engine is estimated. A combustion starting time is detected when the difference between an internal pressure detected by the pressure detector and the pressure estimated by the ECU exceeds a predetermined value. When the internal pressure detected by the pressure detector reaches its peak after the combustion starting time has been detected, the crank angle at this time point is determined to correspond to the maximum internal cylinder pressure that is generated by combustion.

Abstract: A piston engine (10), in particular in a motor vehicle, has a plurality of cylinders (3) whose combustion chambers (4) are connected to a fresh gas system (5). The fresh gas system (5) has two gas paths, namely a full-load path (9) and a partial-load path (10), for at least one of the cylinders (3), through which the fresh gas (6) can be supplied to the respective combustion chamber (4). To this end, a valve arrangement (11) at the intake end is provided for controlling the fresh gas stream through the gas paths (9, 10) into the respective combustion chamber (4).

Abstract: A piston type internal combustion engine having a fixed position stub shaft mounted on a base. The piston, piston pin and piston rod rotate about this fixed position shaft. The piston assembly does not reciprocate. The cylinder block assembly is mounted to an output shaft whose center line does not coincide with the center line of the axis of the fixed position shaft such that it is offset from the fixed position shaft. The block assembly consists of cylinders, end cap, air intake shroud and exhaust collecting hood. The cycle of combustion is two, three or four cycle regulated by the fuel injection and/or spark plug firing sequence. Air is drawn through a filter into a turbo charge type air intake shroud. Air is accelerated through openings in the cylinders and pistons. Fuel is pumped through the output shaft and to the fuel injectors. Exhaust is dispatched to a rotating collector having a labyrinth type seal, then to a non-rotating hood attached to the base and through an exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a fuel/air mixture of a directly injecting internal combustion engine with a spark ignition, in which the fuel injection is configured in a stratified charge operating mode of the internal combustion engine in such a way that a first, a second and optionally a third part amount are introduced into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke of the internal combustion engine, the injection of the final part amount being ended at a crank angle which lies in a range between ?2° CA and 20° CA before the ignition time.

Abstract: An injector with an adjustable-metering servo valve is provided. The injector has a shutter actuated by an armature of an electromagnet. The armature is mobile for an opening stroke defined by a surface of the core of the electromagnet, which is fixed in the casing by a ring nut and a hollow support of the core. The hollow support has a first contact surface that acts on a flange of the core. Set between the surface and a shoulder of the casing is a shim. An annular projection, having a second contact surface, is set between the surface and a shoulder of the casing. The second contact surface is contained at least in part in the area corresponding to the first contact surface so that the stroke of the armature is adjusted by plastic deformation of the shim or of the surface of the core.

Abstract: The high-pressure pump has at least one pump element with a pump piston driven in a reciprocating motion and guided displaceably in a cylinder bore of a pump housing part which piston defines a pump work chamber that can be filled with fuel from a fuel inlet via a suction valve in the intake stroke. The suction valve has a pistonlike valve member which has a cylindrical shaft and a head of larger cross section at least the shaft is guided displaceably in a guide bore of a valve housing. The head of the valve member is also guided displaceably in a bore of the valve housing, via guide portions embodied on the valve member and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction; between the guide portions, flowthrough portions of reduced cross section compared to the guide portions provide for fuel flow out of the fuel inlet into the pump work chamber.

Abstract: A fuel pump suctions fuel from a fuel tank and discharges the fuel. A discharge metering valve regulates an amount of the discharged fuel out of the suctioned fuel. The discharged amount is regulated by operating closing timing for closing the discharge metering valve through energization of the discharge metering valve. The fuel discharged by the fuel pump is pressure-fed to a common rail. A rotation angle interval between energizing operations of the discharge metering valve is lengthened when rotation speed of an output shaft of a diesel engine is high. Thus, a residual magnetic flux in the discharge metering valve is reduced. As a result, control of the fuel pressure can be suitably performed.

Abstract: In a fuel supply apparatus of a returnless type engine provided with fuel supply pipe lines (5, 6) extended from a fuel tank (2) and having an injector (8) in a leading end side, a fuel pump (3) having an electric motor (31) arranged in the fuel supply pipe line, and an electronic control unit (10) in which a fuel supply control program for controlling so as drive the electric motor (31) and the injector (8) is installed, a pressure sensor (11) detecting a fuel pressure so as to output to the electronic control unit (10) is arranged at a predetermined position of the fuel supply pipe line (6) in a downstream side of the fuel pump (3), and the electronic control unit (10) continuously calculates a minimum driving amount of the electric motor (31) necessary for maintaining a target fuel injection pressure on the basis of the fuel pressure value continuously detected by the electronic control unit (10) so as to command, thereby feedback controlling the operation of the fuel pump (3) and maintaining a fuel inject

Abstract: In a fuel supply apparatus for an engine, which is provided with a relief valve for returning fuel in a fuel pipe into a fuel tank when a fuel pressure exceeds a threshold, and also feedback controls a discharge amount of a fuel pump so that the fuel pressure detected by a pressure sensor approaches a target pressure, when the pressure sensor is failed, a duty of a PWM signal for the fuel pump is fixedly maintained at a predetermined value, and fuel injection pulse width is calculated on the assumption that the fuel pressure is held at the threshold.

Abstract: A seal for sealing the fuel injector from a valve mount opening of a cylinder head, the seal radially surrounding the region of the discharge-side end of a fuel injector, sealingly rests on the valve mount opening opening via a first section. By way of at least an axial partial section, which extends only across a portion of the axial height of the seal, the seal is fitted in the region of the discharge-side end of the fuel injector in integral fashion, by form-fit and/or force-locking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a fuel injector in the cylinder head region of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes an injector body and is embodied substantially symmetrically to its primary injector axis. The fastening device is preferably embodied as a locking claw, on whose inner edge, surrounding the injector body, at least one detent lug fitting over the injector body is embodied.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic fuel injection valve in which a coil assembly is housed within a solenoid housing, an inlet tube is provided coaxially and integrally so as to be connected to the rear end of a fixed core, and the solenoid housing and at least a front part of the inlet tube are covered by a synthetic resin covering section having an integral power-receiving coupler, the resin-molded section (7) includes a first resin-molded layer (41) and a second resin-molded layer (42), the first resin-molded layer (41) being formed from a glass fiber-incorporated synthetic resin while forming a coupler main portion (40a) that defines a framework part of the power-receiving coupler (40), and the second resin-molded layer (42) being formed from a synthetic resin into which glass fiber is not incorporated so as to cover the first resin-molded layer (41), and in a section of the inlet tube (32) on the fixed core (23) side, when the thickness of the first resin-molded layer (41) is t1, the thickness of the second resin-mol

Abstract: In a method for adaptation of closed-loop control of a pressure in a common-rail injection system (3) for an internal combustion engine (1), with the closed-loop control having a pilot control and the common-rail injection system (3) with at least a correction device (11) able to corrected by corrective signals in each case corresponding to corrective values for influencing the pressure, a pilot control value for generating at least one corrective signal for the correction device (11) is determined, and using the pilot control value by generating the at least one corrective signal and issuing it to a correction device, the current pressure is corrected to a predetermined setpoint pressure. For adaptation the pilot control is adapted as a function of at least one current value of an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) and of the corrective value corresponding to the at least one corrective signal.

Abstract: According to an adaptation method for an injection system of an internal combustion engine, a deceleration phase of the internal combustion engine is initially detected. Within this deceleration phase the injection system activation time is varied more selectively and the combustion energy of the following combustion process is measured. On this basis a minimum injection system activation time is determined for an actually injected minimum quantity of fuel.

Abstract: A pump unit 12 includes a pump housing 14, a pump cover 16, and an impeller 18 between the pump housing and pump cover. The pump housing and pump cover define a first channel 32 and a second channel 34 each having an inlet and an outlet. The impeller has first vanes 36 cooperating with the first channel and second vanes 38 cooperating with the second channel. The outlet of the second channel is constructed and arranged to provide fuel to an engine upon rotation of the impeller. A jet pump 38 is fluidly connected with the outlet of the first channel such that as the impeller rotates, the jet pump causes fuel to be drawn into the reservoir 37. Connecting structure 44 fluidly connects the first and second channels such that upon rotation of the impeller, fuel in the second channel flows into the first channel to prime the first channel.

Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control apparatus of an internal combustion engine capable of learning an air-fuel ratio and performing purge at the same time. When purge is being performed, in an air-fuel ratio learning routine, an air-fuel ratio deviation between an air-fuel ratio detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor and a target air-fuel ratio is computed by the use of a fuel vapor concentration detected in a concentration detection routine and then a learning correction value flaf to correct the computed air-fuel ratio deviation is computed.

Abstract: A power source is provided for a machine. The power source includes an engine and an engine fuel system of the type that generates fuel vapor containing hydrocarbon material.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus for a fuel system of a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine with an exhaust pipe and a fuel tank containing a fuel vapor/air mixture above a liquid fuel, the exhaust pipe being close to the fuel tank. The apparatus includes a vapor storage canister including a fuel vapor adsorbent material therein, a thermal insulation mechanism for thermally insulating at least a portion of the fuel tank from the heat generated by the exhaust pipe, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is configured to heat to a purge temperature air guided there through by absorbing heat from the thermal insulation mechanism.

Abstract: A breather assembly may include a housing having an inlet for receiving crankcase emissions and an outlet for discharging the emissions, wherein the outlet is configured for direct connection to an exhaust system. The breather assembly may further include a check valve configured within an interior of the housing and a treatment element configured to treat emissions received from the crankcase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating method for a piston engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle. The piston engine comprises a plurality of cylinders (6) having intake valves (9), exhaust valves (10), combustion chambers (7), and pistons (8); a fresh gas system (2) that contains an extra valve (13) assigned to the cylinders (6), a fuel system (5) and an exhaust system (4). To improve the smooth running of the piston engine (1), a fuel/fresh gas ratio in the exhaust gas is measured selectively for each cylinder in the exhaust system (4). The fuel system (5) is operated in such a way that it supplies the same amount of fuel to all combustion chambers (7) in steady-state operation of the piston engine (1).

Abstract: A pneumatic gun includes a barrel with a piston unit movably received therein and a handle is connected to the barrel. A chamber, an inlet passage, a communication path, a release path and a free area between the communication path and the release path are defined in the handle. An inlet is defined between the inlet passage and the free area. A neck opening is defined between the chamber and the free area. The communication path communicates with the interior, and the release path communicates with the chamber. A valve unit is received in the chamber and includes a movable part which is reciprocally movable in the inlet, free area and the chamber. A distal end of the movable part is located not below a lowest periphery of the inlet when the valve unit is activated by pulling the trigger.

Abstract: A method of laparoscopic (or robotic) surgery, using a hand-port, comprising providing a trocar port operably disposed within a first abdominal incision opening of a patient, providing a hand-port operably disposed within a second abdominal incision opening, introducing an elongate positioner dimensioned to extend through the trocar, introducing a spatulate element through the hand port and joining the spatulate element to the positioner. The procedure further comprises removing an internal organ or other tissue from the operating area in order to make room and add visibility for the laparoscopic intervention, detaching the spatulate element from the positioner, and withdrawing the positioner through the trocar port and the spatulate through the hand port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process capable of precision slicing substrates with a dimension in the linear direction of at least I meter, comprising the following steps: (I) affixing the work piece to a stage; (11) providing multiple essentially parallel, essentially straight wires having a diameter in the range from about 100 ?m to about 600 ?m, and allowing the multiple wires to contact the surface of the work piece; (III) allowing the multiple wires to travel in linear directions, optionally with cutting slurry dispensed thereon; and (IV) allowing the multiple wires to move in the slicing directions relative to the work piece; wherein in step (IV), the multiple wires maintain essentially straight and essentially parallel to each other. The process can be used for slicing silica glass substrates having a diameter large than 2 meters in producing slices thereof with a high surface flatness and a low thickness variation.

Abstract: An open top fry basket device suited for use in a semi-automated food processing station, system and method is provided that allows cooked food items to be dispensed through a pivotable bottom of the fry basket actuated by the operator. The efficient and ergonomic design permits emptying of the fry basket without necessitating the turning over of the basket to dump the contents into a food storage bin.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: An appliance includes a chassis defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity and a door assembly joined to the chassis. The door assembly includes a door for closing access to the opening, and the door assembly further includes a door lift sub-assembly having a horizontal slide and a vertical slide. The door is coupled to one of the horizontal slide and the vertical slide. The horizontal slide is moveable between a recessed position and an extended position and is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical slide is moveable between a closed position and an open position and is configured to move the door in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An oven door includes upper fixtures, lower fixtures and middle frames which are attached to a front glass of the door. One or more panes of glass are mounted behind the front glass and are spaced from the front glass. As a result, air can circulate through a space behind the front glass. In addition, a door handle is coupled to the front glass using a through-hole formed in the front glass, spacers formed on the upper fixtures, and screws going through the spacer and the through-hole, and into the door handle. Outside air introduced from a bottom of the front glass goes out through a side of a space contacting the front glass and thus cools only the space contacting the front glass. Since the heavy division members are supported by only the lower fixture, the oven door can be easily assembled and disassembled when damaged.

Abstract: A system and method for managing food production, inventory and delivery in a restaurant by automatically monitoring the types and quantities of food types that have been cooked and are in a cooked food holding area. Food holding trays are equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and holding cabinets are equipped with RFID interrogators. The type and quantity of food items are determined manually or by machine vision or weighing systems, and the data is stored on the RFID tags and in a controller. The system manages the use of food items on a first-in, first-out basis, alerts operators when the inventory of an item is nearing exhaustion, and alerts operators when food items in the holding area must be discarded. The system manages movable trays of food no matter where in the facility they are located.

Abstract: A respirator adapted to facilitate ease of donning and comfort during use comprising one or more of an adjustable or elastic strap that facilitates ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or exhalation vents that direct exhaled air, at least in part, away from a users eye's; and/or fasteners that are easy to use and that facilitate ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or respirator shapes that facilitate the wearing of eyeglasses with said respirator; and/or bellows-type, pneumatic, or other such components, associated with said respirator, that are adapted to promote adjustability of the fit of the respirator.

Abstract: An HME device (2, 2?) for a tracheostomy tube (1) has a housing (20, 20?) with an opening (23), which can be connected to the machine end (15) of the tube. A cylindrical HME unit (30, 30) with an HME element (32 and 33) at opposite ends and a blocking plate (34) midway is rotatable within the housing (20). In normal use, the blocking plate (34) is out of alignment with the opening (23) so that gas can flow along the tube (1) through the device (2, 2?). When the patient wishes to speak, he twists the HME unit (30) to align the blocking plate (34) with the opening (23) to block flow and thereby prevent gas emerging from the machine end (15) of the p tube (1) so that it is diverted to the larynx via fenestrations (13) in the side of the tube.

Abstract: An inhaler comprises a pump 17, a drug dosing device 15 and a cyclone 1 which delivers an aerosol of powdered medicament from the drug dosing device 15 into a chamber 11 when the pump 17 is activated. The aerosol is inhaled by the user through a mouthpiece 13.

Abstract: A breathing system with a facepiece that includes a first port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the outlet of a regulator assembly to introduce pressurized breathing gas into the facepiece; a second port adapted to be connected to an air purifying system; and an exhaust valve through which the user's exhausted breath can exit the facepiece. The breathing system also includes a pressure adjustment mechanism that includes a communication link in communicative connection with an actuator such that the exhaust pressure adjustment mechanism sets the internal facepiece pressure required to open the exhaust valve, independently of the respiration of the user, to a first pressure when the actuator is in the first state, to a second pressure when the actuator is in the second state. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure.

Abstract: An airflow treatment system is worn or carried by a user and irradiates an air flow with energy in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as UV light, before the air is inhaled by the user. The irradiated energy is of sufficient power and duration to substantially cleanse the air of airborne viruses and the like prior to inhalation. The system includes a light source with a power supply to generate the energy for irradiation. A face mask is worn by the individual so that outside air is drawn into the system, and the airflow passes through a airflow treatment chamber before it is inhaled by the user. The airflow is irradiated by the energy, such as UV light, while passing through the airflow treatment chamber such that airborne virus microorganisms in the airflow are substantially destroyed or rendered unharmful before the airflow is inhaled by the user.