Abstract: Embroidery sewing machine having a Y-direction drive mechanism including an elongated arm which is normally accommodated in a cutout portion formed at a bed of the machine body and forms a part of that body. The upper side of the arm is continuous with the upper side of the bed in a same plane. The arm has a frame support to which an embroidery frame is removably attached, the frame holding a work to be embroidered. The arm is arranged as turnable to extend from the rear side of the bed into the depth direction (Y-direction) of the machine, where the arm is operative for embroidery stitching. The arm is connected to an X-direction drive mechanism arranged in the machine body and may be moved in the width direction (X-direction) of the machine body, by the X-direction drive mechanism while the embroidery frame is moved in the Y-direction along the arm.

Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking a sail having a tack, clew and head, the sail being mounted to batten or sail cars above a boom when the sail is stowed, furled or fully lowered. More specifically, most of the cars are compacted or stacked by diverting cars onto several lower tracks, such that the height of the stacked cars is approximately halved. Cars adjacent the boom and tack of the sail may be slidably mounted on at least two of the lower tracks, and carrying the sail between the at least two of the lower tracks. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

Abstract: A fender hook for a boating vessel is provided. The fender hook includes a rigid core form having a leather outer covering and a sheep's wool interior lining. The fender hook is particularly designed for use with yachts having a relatively steep-pitched exterior hull wall. In further aspects, the fender hook may have a fishing rod holder or a mooring whip holder fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A vessel mooring system which includes at least two mooring robots secured to a terminal, each robot includes an attractive force attachment element eg. a vacuum cup and a base structure fixed relative to the terminal. The attachment element is able to be engaged with a vertically extending side vessel surface and to exert an attractive force normal to the vessel surface at where it is to be attached. Each robot can measure the attractive force between the attachment element and the vessel to provide an “attractive force capacity reading”. Also provided is capability to measure the force between the attachment element and the fixed structure of the mooring robot to provide a “normal force reading”. From monitoring of the relationship between the attractive force capacity reading and the normal force a control of the mooring robot can be provided such that if there is a tending to separate the attachment elements from said vessel the attractive force may be increased and/or alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus and systems for raising and lowering watercraft such as personal watercraft, jet skis, inflatables from transoms on boats, from bulkheads and from docks, and for raising and lowering other types of vessels. A single actuator such as a fluid operated cylinder and single piston can raise and lower a cradle that supports the personal watercraft. An crank bracket can be fixably attached to a crank shaft, and an arm which supports the cradle can be fixably attached to the crank shaft. The arm can be extendable to different lengths. The cradle can include a self-leveling carriage that uses rollers to roll on a curved surface of the cradle allowing the supported watercraft to remain in a substantially level position thereon. An adjustable swivel mount can also be used to lock the cradle to the arm in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A roller assembly facilitates travel of a watercraft hull on a floating dock having a longitudinal, keel-receiving valley with a pair of flanking ridges supporting opposite sides of the hull during docking and launching of the craft. Pockets in the ridges contain wheels mounted on circumferential planes parallel to the ridges for rotation on axles seated in the pockets. The upper portions of the wheels protrude above the crests of the ridges and the axle end bearing portions cooperate with the seats in the pockets to list the circumferential planes toward the valley and approximately perpendicular to the hull sides. For optimal performance, two or more roller assemblies can be arranged in-line and spaced apart longitudinally in each of the ridges. A brake stops the docking motion of the watercraft onto the dock. Multiple docks can be serially connected without use of special tools or underwater assembly steps.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that has planar walls defining a cavity. One wall has annular holes formed therein. An anchor plate is nested within the cavity and provided with apertures situated subjacent to the holes. Each aperture has a diameter equal to a diameter of the holes. One aperture is vertically situated below one of the holes. The other apertures are inwardly offset from their associated holes. Flags are positioned through the holes and apertures. A bottom wall is provided with apertures for directing undesirable fluids and debris out from the cavity. A mechanism is included for illuminating one rod and includes a switch and a fuse box. A light-emitting source is mounted to a front wall, confronts a front face of one flag, and emits a light beam upwardly along the shaft thereof. A mechanism is included for removably mounting the housing onto the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: An indicator device for use in indicating whether or not a no-back device is operable, the indicator device comprising an indicator member 42 moveable between a first position and a second position, a biassing arrangement 56 being provided to urge the indicator member 42 towards its first position, and a latch arrangement 46 being provided to allow the indicator member 42 to be held, against the biassing load of the biassing arrangement 56, in its second position, the indicator member 42 being adapted such that, in use of the associated no-back device, movement of the pawl 30 of the no-back device causes the indicator member 42 to be moved out of its second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for coating food items, such as dough-based products, with sugar-based toppings such as glazes, icings, chocolate coatings, and the like. The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a gentle transfer of sugar-based coatings from a first container where the coatings are maintained in a fluid form suitable for coating, to a second container which comprises an applicator for coating the food product. Also described are systems for making freshly prepared food products at the point of sale comprising having the first steps of production take place at a manufacturing unit, and the final steps of production take place at the retail setting.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of enhancing selectivity of etching silicon dioxide relative to one or more organic substances. A material comprising one or more elements selected from Group VIII of the periodic table is provided within a reaction chamber; and a substrate is provided within the reaction chamber. The substrate has both a silicon-oxide-containing composition and at least one organic substance thereover. The silicon-oxide-containing composition is plasma etched within the reaction chamber. The plasma etching of the silicon-oxide-containing composition has increased selectivity for the silicon oxide of the composition relative to the at least one organic substance than would plasma etching conducted without the material in the chamber. The invention also encompasses a plasma reaction chamber assembly. The assembly comprises at least one interior wall, and at least one liner along the at least one interior wall. The liner comprises one or more of Ru, Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Os, W, Ir, Pt and Ti.

Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has an inlet that faces the outer surface of the liner. The position of the vent inlet reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inlet is angled at a nonparallel angle with respect to the vent passage.

Abstract: A pet litter containment and cleaning system and methods of using a pet litter containment and cleaning system are described. The pet litter system comprises a pan module and removably attached processor module. Soiled pet litter is conveniently processed by rotating a system of the invention, screening and separating soiled litter from clean litter. Pet waste and soiled litter are collected in bags which may be discarded when full. Systems of the invention may be used with both absorbent and nonabsorbent litters. Systems of the invention minimize human contact with soiled pet litter and pet waste and simplify the care of domestic pets.

Abstract: A kennel system having a floor assembly including at least one floor unit having a floor pan and a grate. The floor pan has a drain, an integral water receptacle and a trough for guiding fluid to the drain. The grate is positioned over the floor pan. The grate has a plurality of grate opening for the flow of fluid through the grate to the floor pan.

Abstract: This invention comprises a series of lightweight, easily transportable identical frame pieces attached together to form an expandable pet enclosure that can be assembled into a multiplicity of configurations, optionally with a floor or a roof that comprises the same frame pieces.

Abstract: An elastic dog leash and coupler utilizes brightly colored florescent latex tubing for a major portion of the leash and coupler. The tubing is mounted between rings. A monofilament nylon line is mounted within the tubing and connected to the rings. The monofilament line has a length significantly greater than the unstretched length of the tubing, and limits the degree to which the tubing may be stretched. With respect to the leash, a nonstretchable webbing handle is attached at one end and a stop section of the leash is attached at the other end. The coupler is comprised of a plurality of sections of tubing mounted to a ring, which may be attached to the end of the leash. The other ends of the tubing of the coupler are provided with nonstretchable webbing material which may be utilized as a stop section for the coupler leash. The webbing material may be provided with a reflective stripe for additional safety at night.

Abstract: An efficient high-temperature water vapor generator is used to heat heavy oil located in an underground cavity, thereby reducing the viscosity of the oil and enabling the oil to be pumped to the surface. The vapor generator includes a combustion chamber and a surrounding structure, wherein a cavity is located therebetween. Water is routed through the cavity and into the combustion chamber, where water vapor and heat are generated in the presence of fuel, ignition and air. The generated heat pre-heats the water in the cavity, thereby creating an efficient system. The water vapor is forced into the underground cavity, thereby heating the oil located in the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fuel reforming using the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines and high temperature combustion processes in which a fuel for reforming and steam mixture is introduced into a tube bundle having a plurality of heat exchange tubes and heat from the exhaust gases is transferred into the heat exchange tubes, thereby increasing the temperature of the mixture. The heated mixture is reformed by contact with a reforming catalyst external to, but proximate to the exit of, the tube bundle, forming a reformed fuel. To remove substantially all of the heat from the exhaust gases, a plurality of tube bundles and associated reforming catalyst arranged in series are provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) engine. The PCCI engine has a fuel injector (22) in a suction manifold (8) to prepare a premixed charge of fuel and air and induces a natural ignition of the premixed charge in a combustion chamber (20) of a high temperature and high pressure. The PCCI engine further includes a structurally improved connecting rod which has a spring operated in organic conjunction with the other elements of the PCCI engine. The present invention further provides a PCCI reciprocating generator that is fabricated by a combination of a reciprocating generator unit with the PCCI engine, so that the PCCI reciprocating generator operates with improved operational efficiency. In the present invention, two PCCI engines may be arranged to symmetrically face each other, thus providing a multiple PCCI engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling module for an engine (1) of a motor vehicle. Said cooling module comprises a heat exchanger (4), at least one fan (16) and a coolant pump (8), whereby a modular frame (3) forms an integral part of the cooling module (2) and the coolant pump (8) is disposed within and/or on said modular frame.

Abstract: To provide a two cycle combustion engine provided with scavenging passages of a structure, which is effective to minimize a deposit of fuel contained in an air/fuel mixture and allows the mixture to be injected into a combustion chamber so as to avoid the blow-off of the air/fuel mixture, the engine includes a cylinder block 1 having a cylinder bore 1a, a scavenging-passage-defining wall member 34 made separate from the cylinder block 1 and fitted to the cylinder block 1. A scavenge regulating segment 37, 38 secured to the scavenging-passage-defining wall member 34 is spaced from an outer diametric surface 24C, 27C of the scavenging passage 24, 27 and two side surfaces 24A, 24B or 27A, 27B of the scavenging passage 24, 27 that are opposed to each other in a direction circumferentially of the cylinder bore 1a and occupies a circumferential center portion of the scavenging passage 24, 27.

Abstract: With a variable valve timing system, engine operability may be lost when performing open control of lift characteristic amounts to the minimum or the maximum of a variable range when a sensor error occurs. The present invention provides a lift operation angle changing mechanism that can continuously change intake valve lift amount and operation angle within a prescribed variable range. A target operation angle is calculated based on the number of engine revolutions and the accelerator pedal opening APO. An error is determined for the operation angle sensor that detects the actual operation angle. A normal control amount is calculated based on the target operation angle and the actual operation angle, and a failure control amount is calculated based on the number of engine revolutions. Therefore, an intermediate value within the variable range can be obtained as the failure control amount.

Abstract: A variable timing camshaft drive assembly for an internal combustion engine utilizes a single cam phaser, driven by an engine crankshaft, capable of operating multiple camshafts carried on multiple banks of an engine. The cam phaser is carried on a hub extending from a mounting member attached to an engine block. The cam phaser includes an input sprocket and an output sprocket separated by a phasing device capable of altering the phase angle of the sprockets relative to one another. A first timing chain connects a drive sprocket of the crankshaft with the input sprocket of the cam phaser and a second timing chain connects the output sprocket of the cam phaser with the driven sprockets of the camshafts. As the phasing device alters the phase angle between the input and output sprockets, the phase angle between the camshafts and the crankshafts is altered.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for mounting about a stud means. The rocker arm assembly generally comprises a rocker arm and a support member. The rocker arm has opposed first and second lateral ends and a central bore between the ends. The support member is positioned within the rocker arm central bore and mounted on the stud means. The rocker arm is configured to pivot about the support member. The support member has opposed lateral sides with a seal member extending along each lateral side. The seal members provide a seal between each lateral side of the support member and an internal surface of the central bore thereby providing more efficient oil lubrication to the ends of the rocker arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leakdown plunger, comprising a first plunger opening, a second plunger opening, and an outer plunger surface that is provided with an axis and encloses an inner plunger surface, the first plunger opening is provided with a first annular plunger surface shaped to accommodate a valve insert, the second plunger opening is configured to cooperate with a socket body, the outer plunger surface includes a cylindrical plunger surface and cooperates with an engine workpiece, and the inner plunger surface includes an inner cylindrical plunger surface.

Abstract: A spark is shot between an ignition point of an ignition plug and an ignition ground. The spark is shot from an acute corner of a core of the ignition plug. A tip end of the core has an acute angle of not more than 45 degrees. With this arrangement, an emitting point of the spark can be concentrated to the tip end of the core. In order to reduce a thermal capacity of the ignition ground so as to enhance ignitability, a side opposite to the spark seating face of the ignition ground is tapered to provide an angle. Further, the ignition ground has an apex end providing an angle which is not more than 45 degrees. Because of the apex portion, thermal capacity of the ignition ground can be reduced and an acute angle can be realized to concentrate spark receiving point at the apex portion. As a result, ignitability can be enhanced.

Abstract: The motor according to the present invention consists of a piston (1), cylinder (2), connecting rod (3), connecting rod rotary bolt gear wheel (4), connecting rod rotary bolt (5), crank shaft (6), crank shaft bolt (7), double faced gear wheel (9) and other gear wheels (10, 11, 12). As the connecting rod (3) is moved by the connecting rod rotary bolt gear wheel (4) that moves together with the connecting rod rotary bolt (5), without being directly dependent on the movement of the crank shaft bolt (7) although the connecting rod (3) is connected to the crank shaft (6) and to the piston (1); the crank shaft (6) moves independently of the connecting rod (3). This provides the difference between the travel path of the piston (1) between the lower and upper dead points, and the rotational diameter of the crank shaft bolt (7). In this case, the connecting rod (3) makes an elliptical movement on the crank shaft bolt (7) instead of a circular movement.

Abstract: An integrated speed changer assembly for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the output of an engine, or other prime mover, to that required by the input of a process machine. The assembly includes a housing, a flywheel assembly, an internal ring gear and a pinion. The housing has a shaft opening and a flywheel opening. The flywheel assembly is coupled to the crankshaft of an engine and positioned to substantially cover the flywheel opening of the housing. In an integrated speed increaser embodiment, the internal ring gear is coupled to the flywheel assembly and has ring gear teeth on its inner surface and is positioned concentric with the flywheel assembly for rotation therewith. The pinion has a driven shaft that extends axially and which projects through the shaft opening of the housing. The pinion has pinion gear teeth on its outer surface which are suited for meshing engagement with the ring gear teeth of the internal ring gear.

Abstract: A method retains exhaust gas in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and compresses the exhaust gas during a charge change. A first fuel quantity is injected into the retained exhaust gas by direct fuel injection. A second fuel quantity is subsequently fed to the combustion chamber so that a homogeneous fuel/air mixture is obtained in the combustion chamber. An auto-ignition time of the fuel/air mixture which is formed from the first and second fuel quantities is set as a function of a quantity ratio of the first fuel quantity to the second fuel quantity.

Abstract: In a method for enlarging the control range for equalizing injection quantity differences, in particular in internal combustion engines using multiple injections, if the maximum injection quantity of all the individual injections of an injector of the internal combustion engine is lower than the minimum quantity required for control for equalizing the cylinders, then the injection pattern is changed such that the injection quantity of at least one individual injection is greater than or equal to the required minimum quantity, without changing the torque output of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of charge motion control devices in the air intake manifold. In a first aspect of the invention, the valves are controlled through a single common drive shaft. In a second aspect, the runners each include an air flow bypass positioned between the valve and the cylinder head mounting end of the runner such that the valve is positioned further away from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Often there is a limited fuel injector spatial envelope above and within a cylinder head for a fuel injector. In order to fit a fuel injector with a direct control needle valve and a capability of injecting fuel at a rail pressure and an intensified pressure into the limited fuel injector spatial envelope, the present disclosure includes a fuel injection system in which a pressure intensifier and nozzle outlets of a fuel injector are fluidly connected to a source of fuel via an intensifier line and an injector line, respectively. The flow of fuel to the pressure intensifier is controlled via a valve attached to the source of fuel.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pump control apparatus for an engine can suppress or avoid uncontrolled fuel delivery of a flow control valve upon delivery of a maximum amount of fuel, and resultant great deterioration in drivability and exhaust gas. An advance angle setting limiting section limits a closed position of the flow control valve from being set to a location advanced from a predetermined advance angle limiting position. A flow control valve control section decides a target pressure in accordance with an engine operating condition, and sets the closed position such that the fuel pressure coincides with the target pressure. When the closed position is being controlled to be limited to the advance angle limiting position, and when the fuel pressure does not show a tendency to coincide with the target pressure, the advance angle limiting position is changed from the last set value to a value more retarded therefrom.

Abstract: A tubular body sealing mechanism which can easily make a hermetic seal.

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: Since an aspirator 7 is disposed at a position lower than a fuel gallery 11 and an overflow fuel pipe 81, DME fuel remaining in the fuel gallery 11 and the overflow fuel pipe 81 can be more efficiently retrieved to a fuel tank 4 by a combined force of gravity and suction force produced in a suction port 7c of the aspirator 7. Since the vapor-phase pressure delivery pipe opening/closing solenoid valve 74 is disposed at a position higher than the fuel gallery 11, DME fuel in a liquid state remaining in the fuel gallery 11 and the overflow fuel pipe 81 is forcedly delivered under pressure to the suction port 7c of the aspirator 7 by a combined force of gravity and the pressure of a vapor phase 4b in the fuel tank 4. Accordingly, time taken to retrieve the DME fuel in an injection system to the fuel tank after the stop of a diesel engine.

Abstract: A method for managing vapors generated by a first and second reservoir onboard a vehicle traveling on the road, the method comprising of inducting vapors from the first and second reservoirs during engine operation; and reducing flow of vapors from first the reservoir to second reservoir and from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.

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: A device to control the charging rate of an ignition coil for an internal combustion spark ignition engine. The device controls the turn-on rate of the primary coil by slew-rate limiting using switching devices and a Miller-effect capacitor in order to reduce secondary oscillation magnitudes originated by a sharp transition of the controlling switch.

Abstract: A controller approximates an output characteristic of an air flow meter using at least one parameter, and approximates a characteristic of a fuel injection characteristic of an injector using at least one parameter. These parameters are determined and updated based on an exhaust air-fuel ratio acquired by an air-fuel ratio sensor disposed in an exhaust passage, so that the exhaust air-fuel ratio approaches a target air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an internal combustion engine wherein an injection begin is calculated depending at least on an actual engine speed and the injection begin is corrected, the injection begin correction is calculated from a deviation of a desired air mass flow from an actual air mass flow.

Abstract: An abnormality detecting apparatus includes an air/fuel ratio sensor that detects an air/fuel ratio within a range including the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, an admittance detector for detecting an admittance of the sensor, and a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the sensor. This apparatus detects an abnormality of the sensor when the detected temperature is at a first temperature which is higher than an activation temperature of the sensor and the detected admittance is less than a first determining value. The apparatus also detects a disconnection abnormality of the sensor when the detected temperature is at a second temperature, which is higher than a minimum temperature at which admittance can be detected for a normally operation and lower than the first temperature, and the detected admittance is less than a second determining value for determining disconnection of the sensor which is less than the first determining value.

Abstract: A system for projecting light elements in the air, including: a casing connected to a reservoir containing the light elements and including an opening extending along a determined direction; a slide capable of sliding in the opening along the determined direction; a striker arranged in the opening and fixed with respect to the casing; a spring for sliding the slide in the opening; a shoulder for blocking the slide with respect to the casing in a stop position; a compressed gas cartridge capable of being slid along with the slide and, when the slide is blocked in the stop position, of being projected against the striker to be opened by the striker; and a channel for leading the gases released on opening of the cartridge towards the reservoir.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: In a respirator mask in which the visor panels can be covered by light-absorbing supplementary panels, first and second snap-in hooks are molded onto opposite sides of the visor panel and a stop is molded onto a corner section to form a guide pocket. The outer contour lines and the convexity of the visor panel and the supplementary panel are identical. To attach the flexurally elastic supplementary panel, it is first fastened in the guide pocket and on the first snap-in hook. Then the opposite side is locked into the second snap-in hook after flexing the supplementary panel.

Abstract: An adapter for use on a suction lumen of a catheter is disclosed. The adapter is capable of extending the suction capabilities of the catheter to a point distal to a suction port in the catheter. The adapter is at least partially inserted into the catheter. The adapter contains a plug and a duct. The duct has an inlet and an outlet. The duct effectively extends the reach of a suction source and the plug is adapted to seal the catheter between the adapter and the distal end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of anatomic defects in human tissues, such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial or ventricular septal defects, left atrial appendage, patent ductus arteriosis, blood vessel wall defects and certain electrophysiological defects, involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to bring the tissues together, and applying energy to the tissues with the catheter device to substantially close the anatomic defect acutely. Apparatus generally includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a vacuum application member coupled with the distal end for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect and applying vacuum to the tissues to bring them together, and at least one energy transmission member coupled with the vacuum application member for applying energy to tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to substantially close the defect acutely.

Abstract: Systems and methods that treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract by applying one or more treatment agents to tissue at or near the region where abnormal neurological symptoms or abnormal tissue conditions exist. The treatment agent is selected to either disrupt the abnormal nerve pathways and/or to alleviate the abnormal tissue conditions. The treatment agent can include at least one cytokine and/or at least one vanilloid compound to evoke a desired tissue response. The systems and methods can be used a primary treatment modality, or as a neoadjuvent or adjuvant treatment modality.

Abstract: A method for chemically modifying a tobacco material during a curing process involves treating the tobacco material in a curing enclosure at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce cured tobacco. The method also involves contacting the tobacco material with a chemical reagent before and/or during the time period that the tobacco material is cured so that the chemical reagent can interact with the tobacco material, thus resulting in further change in the chemical nature of the cured tobacco material. An exemplary chemical reagent is an ammonia source, which can be applied to a tobacco material in a variety of ways, including by spraying an aqueous ammonia source onto the tobacco or by introducing gaseous ammonia into the curing enclosure during the curing process.