Abstract: The apparatus and method convert the fuel system of an internal combustion engine in a pre-existing (used) vehicle to operate on a mixture of fuels (like ethanol and gasoline) from a single fuel tank. The apparatus includes a fuel composition sensor installed in the fuel line and an electronic control unit with at least one fuel injector driver circuit for controlling an output signal to at least one fuel injector for controlling the air to fuel ratio of the engine. The electronic control unit controls both ignition timing and the air to fuel ratio of the engine based upon the percentage or ratio of the alternative fuel to gasoline from the fuel composition sensor. The electronic control unit receives both timing signals and fuel injector control signals from the engine's original Engine Control Module and the original emission control devices are not modified or replaced.

Abstract: In the combustion-type power tool, a first shelter wall and a second shelter wall are disposed to partially surround an area between an ignition plug and an ignition ground. Two gaps are provided between the first and second shelter walls. The first shelter wall extends radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of a motor boss, and also protrudes from an end face in an axial direction of a fan shaft. The first shelter wall has a lower end surface inclined such that an axial length between the end face and the lower end surface is gradually reduced toward radially outer end of the first shelter wall.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool includes a frame comprising a housing having one end, and a head portion disposed at the one end, and a piston reciprocally movably disposed in the housing. A combustion chamber is provided in the housing and has one end movable toward and away from the head portion and another end defined by the piston. A motor is provided and has a motor case disposed opposite to the combustion chamber with respect to the head portion, a buffer member is provided which supports the motor and has a part located between the motor case and the head portion.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator with an armature stem guidance system that ensures that the armature stem stays aligned with the valve stem during operation. The stem guidance system may also allow for adjustment of the lash gap during assembly.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator including an electromagnet interconnected with a housing end portion and an electric coil disposed adjacent said electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a plurality of interlocked laminae to form a laminate that is similarly interlocked with housing end portions. The housing end portions are interlocked with the laminate with the use of tabs and recesses formed on the laminae and the housing end portions.

Abstract: A method for distributing lock pin ejections evenly over all the switchable mechanisms in a plurality of switchable mechanisms: establishing a limiting number of lock pin ejections; designating a primary switchable mechanism for the mode change upon command from an engine control module (ECM); employing the designated primary switchable mechanism until the limit is reached; designating another switchable mechanism a primary; employing the second primary mechanism until the limit is reached again; and designating sequentially each of the remaining switchable mechanisms as primary switchable mechanisms, each until the limit is reached again. The ECM counts the activation commands and switches the primary designation when the limit is reached so that each mechanism has the same exposure to ejections, and the number of ejections per mechanism is evenly distributed.

Abstract: In a method for changing the lift of inlet valves of an internal combustion engine between a partial lift and a full lift, the lift of the inlet valves being controlled by at least one camshaft, which comprises partial lift cams and full lift cams acting alternatively on the inlet valves, the control times of an inlet valves assigned to the camshaft are adjusted by rotating the camshaft by a certain angle so that the changeover between the partial lift cams and the full lift cams can be carried out at points within a characteristic performance graph of the internal combustion engine at which the suction capacity of the internal combustion engine when using the partial lift cams corresponds essentially to the suction capacity of the internal combustion engine when using the full lift cams.

Abstract: A variable valve operating apparatus including a drive cam, a rocker cam pivotally supported on a first pivot, a lift varying mechanism operative to change a pivotal position of the rocker cam to vary a valve lift of an engine valve, a swing arm including one end portion at which the swing arm is pivotally supported on a second pivot and the other end portion contacted with the engine valve, a hollow space defined between the end portions of the swing arm, and a driven roller rotatably disposed within the hollow space of the swing arm and contacted with a cam surface of the rocker cam. When the valve lift of the engine valve is a predetermined lift amount or more, a contact point between the driven roller and the rocker cam is located in the hollow space of the swing arm.

Abstract: In a sealing element, in particular for forming a seal between an impeller or rotary piston of a pivoting motor and a component surrounding the impeller, wherein the sealing element includes a base body with a first spring element integrally formed on a basic body for generating a first sealing pressure force, the basic body has an inner space to which a pressure medium is admitted in order to generate a second sealing pressure force intensifying the first sealing pressure force.

Abstract: A device (1) for changing the timing of an internal-combustion engine (2) is provided that has a camshaft adjuster (5), which is supported on a non-rotating bearing journal (6). A driving wheel (8) of the camshaft adjuster (5) is driven by a crank-shaft (3) via a first traction mechanism drive (7). The rotation of the driving wheel (8) is transferred via an actuator (10) to a driven part (9), which is arranged so that it can rotate relative to the driving wheel (8). Second and third traction mechanism drives (11, 12) create a drive connection between the driven part (9) and two camshafts (4, 4a).

Abstract: A target wheel for a camshaft phaser stamped and drawn from sheet metal stock. The hub region of the target wheel may be drawn such that it extends through the phaser cover plate and seals directly against the face of the rotor, allowing a shorter cam bolt and resulting in reduction in mass and cost of the phaser. Alternatively, a separate hub is formed and then attached to a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel, or a target wheel hub is formed integrally with the rotor and extends through the cover plate to mate with a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel. Preferably, the hub is formed having a neck extending through a central opening in the target wheel, which neck is peened over during assembly to secure the wheel to the hub.

Abstract: A method for coordinating engine throttle position with camshaft phaser motion during transient engine operation such that desired internal residual dilution is maintained. A dilution model for residual mass fraction and a table of desired dilution values are embedded in the engine control algorithm. The dilution model is applied to calculate the desired throttle and camshaft phaser positions for the next intake event. In a first method, if the throttle is capable of changing the airflow into the engine cylinders faster than the camshaft phasers can respond, the throttle is modulated to maintain desired dilution levels while the phasers are allowed to move as fast as they can. In a second method, if the phaser response faster than the engine intake port airflow response to a throttle position change, the throttle is allowed to move as fast as it can while phaser motion is modulated to maintain desired dilution levels.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower having a high-lift follower portion that rotates relative to a low-lift follower portion about a pivot shaft, including a lost-motion compression spring disposed in a linear bore formed in the high-lift portion to exert force against an curved pad on the back side of the valve pallet of the low-lift portion. The spring is retained and guided in its bore by a spring retainer having a planar bottom for engaging the curved pad. Preferably the retainer is a cup positioned in the spring bore such that the stroke of the cup is limited, to prevent leak-down of the associated hydraulic lash adjuster. Driving the spring by a linear-acting retainer in a linear bore causes the spring to be compressed linearly, resulting in a highly stable and predictable spring rate.

Abstract: A technique which allows an unskilled person to simply adjust a tappet clearance in an engine valve sometimes has a problem in that it can inaccurately adjust clearance because the abutment seat of a magnescale for detecting displacement is not a rocker arm itself and because the abutment position is deviated from the axis of an adjusting screw, due to which readjustment is required. In a method of adjusting and confirming a tappet clearance between an adjusting screw in a rocker arm and a valve stem, the adjusting screw is driven until the face portion of the valve stem is separate from a valve seat, thereafter the adjusting screw is loosened to retract the valve stem while measuring torque, an adjusting origin is determined from the measured torque, and the adjusting screw is loosened by an amount corresponding to a clearance setting specified value from the determined adjusting origin. After that the clearance setting specified value is confirmed with a displacement gauge.

Abstract: A built multiple cam is disclosed which can be produced at low cost and which can be used in a flexible manner and which requires a small amount of construction space in an axial direction. The built multiple cam comprises the following components: a first partial cam provided with a bore, a cam contour A and a joint contour which is arranged in axial proximity thereto and provided with an outer surface; a second partial cam provided with a bore, a cam contour A and a joint contour which is arranged in axial proximity thereto and provided with an outer surface; a ring which is provided with a cam contour B which is different from cam contour A and an inner contour having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the ring can be displaced towards the outer surfaces of the partial cams; and connections which act between the ring and the partial cam ensure a fixed connection between such components. Also disclosed is a method used to produce a built camshaft comprising at least one built multiple cam.

Abstract: A plasma-jet spark plug includes a metal shell, an electrical insulator retained in the metal shell, a center electrode held in an axial hole of the electrical insulator to define a cavity by a front end face of the center electrode and an inner circumferential surface of the insulator axial hole and a ground electrode arranged on a front end of the electrical insulator. The ground electrode has an opening defining portion defining an opening for communication between the cavity and the outside of the spark plug. The opening defining portion is located radially inside of or in contact with a first imaginary circular conical surface where the first imaginary circular conical surface has an axis coinciding with an axis of the spark plug and a vertex angle of 120° opening toward a front end of the spark plug and passing through a front edge of the insulator axial hole.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed in which some cylinders are adapted to run in homogeneous-charge compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and at other cylinders are adapted to run in spark-ignition (SI) combustion mode. HCCI cylinders are at least 2 compression ratios higher than SI cylinders. A method for starting such engine is provided in which combustion is initiated in the SI cylinders and no fuel is supplied to HCCI cylinders. In one embodiment, preheating of HCCI cylinders is provided by a heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust of SI cylinders through which intake air to HCCI cylinders passes. Alternatively, preheating of HCCI cylinders is provided by opening an exhaust gas recirculation valve which is disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation duct between an exhaust of the SI cylinders and an intake of HCCI cylinders. When temperature in HCCI cylinders reaches a threshold, combustion in HCCI cylinders is initiated.

Abstract: A device for starting a model airplane engine from a starter motor, electric drill or other drive means. The device for starting a model airplane engine comprises a cylindrical hub having an open end and a closed end, the hub having tubular sidewalls attached to periphery edges of the base and extending towards the open end of the hub. The tubular sidewall is provided with two slots. The slots are positioned diametrically opposed across the axis of revolution of the hub. A substantially flat bumper bracket extends outwards from the hub through the slots. The bumper bracket is equipped with elongated side bumpers attached at opposing ends of the bracket, the side bumpers extending forward from the hub and adapted to interface with and torsionally drive a model airplane propeller. The starting device transferring rotary torque from the drive means to the airplane propeller and engine to crank the engine and thereby facilitate starting of the engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a driving device that is capable of operating regardless whether the engine is running or not. A variable valve actuation mechanism is driven by the driving device. During an idling operation of the engine, a control section controls the driving device such that the variable valve actuation mechanism maintains the valve timing at a valve timing advanced relative to a most retarded valve timing. The control section controls the driving device such that the variable valve actuation mechanism changes the valve timing to the most retarded valve timing after a stopping operation of an autonomous operation of the engine is initiated. Therefore, shock due to the initiation of the engine starting operation is reduced without decreasing fuel economy.

Abstract: An intake manifold including a collecting pipe and a plurality of branch pipes comprises a single gas intake port, a gas outlet port opening into each branch pipe, and a gas passage extending to be divided into more than one branch passages from the gas intake port to each gas outlet port. The gas passage is configured so that the branch passages are equal in pressure loss which will be generated between the gas inlet port and each gas outlet port, and the gas passage extends to be branched in stages from the gas inlet port to each gas outlet port, forming a tournament-form configuration which is symmetrical about the gas inlet port. The collecting pipe and each branch pipe are integrally molded of resin. The gas inlet port and the gas passage are provided in a projecting section integrally molded with the branch pipes.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes a housing, a shaft assembly, and an intake insert. The shaft assembly has a metal shaft with bearings located at each end to provide hard mounting surfaces for the shaft assembly when assembled in the housing. The bearings support the shaft within the housing and allow the shaft to freely rotate. Bushings are spaced along the shaft to absorb vibrations and assist is providing a low friction surface for shaft assembly rotation. Journal pockets in the housing and in the intake insert surround the bushings. Isolators located within the journal pockets and housing surround the bushings and assist in dampening vibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, which comprises two boss bores that have respective outer areas with an oval cross-section that points on one side in the direction of the piston head. The great axis of the ovality is parallel to the piston axis and the degree of ovality increases towards the outer end of the boss bores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular internal combustion engine (1) comprising an engine housing (17, 117) with a crankshaft drive (40) having at least one reciprocating piston (4) in a cylinder (2), which acts on a crankshaft (6) by means of a connecting rod (5), and a variable-speed gear box (10) connected to the crankshaft (6) via a disengaging clutch (8), and a gearbox output train (12) which connects to at least one drive shaft (15) of a vehicle.

Abstract: An engine cover mounting structure comprising an engine member and an engine cover, wherein a plurality of portions to be fixed to which fixing portions provided on the engine cover are mounted are provided so as to be situated below an upper surface of a cylinder head cover of the engine member. In addition, a positioning portion is provided on the engine cover. Then, in a state where a base fixing portion is mounted or temporarily mounted to a base portion to be fixed, while the other fixing portions are not mounted to the other portions to be fixed, when the engine cover revolves about the base fixing portion, so that the positioning portion is brought into abutment with a surface of the engine member, the fixing portions other than the base fixing portion are disposed at positions facing the portions to be fixed, respectively.

Abstract: This is simple and efficient rotary machine that can be implemented as compressor, pump, motor and mainly as internal combustion engine. The engine comprises a housing, a rotor(s) with a radial blade(s), a chamber(s) swept by the blade(s), an intersecting planar valve(s) with slot, and a combustion chamber. Blades and slots have matching shapes that allow the traversal of the blades through the slots with negligible loss of air/gases. After traversing the slot, the blade aspires air into one side of the chamber while compresses air on the other side. Fuel is injected in the compressed stream in its way to the combustion chamber, where it is ignited. In a double-rotor implementation, combustion gases are then introduced in the second rotor chamber, just after its blade has traversed the corresponding slot. One side of this blade is pushed by the expansion while the other expels gases from the previous stroke.

Abstract: In a method for operating a self ignition internal combustion engine in which fuel is injected directly into a combustion chamber by means of an injection nozzle, such that a portion of the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber as a pre-injection amount forming a homogenous pre-mixture providing for a combustion phase comprising a low temperature phase and a high temperature phase and the main fuel amount is injected into the combustion chamber during the high temperature phase of the pre-injection fuel combustion such that the ignition of the main injection amount takes place after the start and before the end of the high temperature phase.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine is provided. At least one of the electric machines supplies a varying torque to the internal combustion engine such that cyclic irregularities of the internal combustion engine during idling are reduced and, at the same time, the internal combustion engine is operated during idling with an ignition angle and a volumetric efficiency optimized for this operating state and without retarding the ignition angle for building up a torque reserve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor installation structure for installation of a plurality of sensors disposed on an inlet pipe side of an engine, and enables each of the sensors to be positioned in an accurate measuring position.

Abstract: In throttle control, a throttle opening is set with sufficient control accuracy in accordance with the operating state of an engine despite variations in a throttle body and various kinds of sensors. A target effective opening area is calculated from a target amount of intake air, an atmospheric pressure, an intake pipe internal pressure and an intake air temperature by using a flow rate formula for a throttle type flow meter. A target throttle opening is calculated from a correlation map. An actual effective opening area is calculated from the amount of intake air, the atmospheric pressure, the intake pipe internal pressure, and the intake air temperature by using the above-mentioned flow rate formula, and a learning throttle opening is calculated from the correlation map. The target throttle opening is corrected by a throttle opening learning value calculated from a deviation between the target throttle opening and the learning throttle opening.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1, 1?, 1?) for an internal-combustion engine (2), of the type provided with compressor mechanism (4) for making available the fuel at a high pressure to an storage volume (7), and a plurality of injectors (8, 8?) fluidically connected to the storage volume (7) for taking in the fuel from the storage volume (7) and injecting it into respective combustion chambers (12) of the engine (2). The compressor mechanism (4) advantageously generates at least two distinct delivery lines (14), which are connected to respective distinct fractions (16) of the storage volume (7).

Abstract: In order to reduce the size of a tubular rail for a high-pressure fluid, the rail is obtained from a hollow body with an external diameter and an internal diameter, and has two terminal portions, each provided with an external milling to favour gripping thereof. The millings have an external diameter such as to ensure, together with a cylindrical portion of a coaxial element, a radial strength at least equal to that of the hollow body. Made between the hollow body and each cylindrical portion is a front connection. For this purpose, the cylindrical portion has a plane front surface, whilst each terminal portion has an internal milling with an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the hollow body so as to house the cylindrical portion and so as to form an annular shoulder. A washer of softer material is set between the annular shoulder and the front surface.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for generating a control signal for an engine control unit, designed to control at least one fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, enables an improved control signal course during the control of the injectors. The configuration includes: a counter device, to which a predefined clock signal can be supplied, for providing a time-dependent digital counter signal, based on the counting of the clock signal; a memory unit, in which the digital counter signal is entered, for storing a series of digital control signal values and for the successive issue of individual control signal values from the series of control signal values, in accordance with the counter signal; and a digital-to-analog converter for converting the issued digital control signal values into the analog control signal for the engine control unit.

Abstract: A common rail fuel injection apparatus for an engine is provided which is equipped with a rail pressure sensor working to measure the pressure of fuel in a common rail, fuel injectors, and a controller. When the operation state of the rail pressure sensor monitored to be unusual, the controller changes the value of electricity supplied to an actuator of one of the fuel injectors to induce a change in a preselected operation characteristic of the engine. Upon appearance of such a change, the controller estimates the value of the rail pressure using the changed value of the electricity and a physical property of balance among forces acting on a valve of one of the fuel injectors which has induced the change in operation characteristic of the engine. The estimated value of the rail pressure is used for subsequent injections of the fuel into the engine.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an internal combustion engine having a common rail fuel injection system including individual fuel storage chambers, wherein the pressure pattern of the fuel supplied to each injector can be determined and actual and virtual fuel injection ends and fuel injection begins are determined, the deviations from the desired fuel injection ends and from the fuel injection begins are calculated and the injectors are evaluated on the basis of the deviations and further control of the internal combustion engine is based on an evaluation of the fuel injectors.

Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a lid member, a sub-tank, first and second supporting members, a biasing structure, a supporting portion, and a guide portion. The first and second supporting members are arranged in substantially radially end portions of the cylindrical portion to be substantially radially opposed to each other. The lid member is capable of axially moving relative to the sub-tank via the first and second supporting members. The biasing structure is arranged on the outer periphery of the first supporting member, and is received in the guide portion to bias the lid member and the sub-tank to be apart from each other. The first supporting member defines a groove portion that circumferentially divides an inner wall thereof into at least two planes. The first supporting member is capable of axially reciprocating through the supporting portion.

Abstract: An activated carbon adsorbing and desorbing evaporative fuel has pores formed therein with the following rates: a rate of a pore whose pore diameter is smaller than or equal to 20 ? in which butane is apt to remain with respect to a pore whose pore diameter is smaller than or equal to 100 ? is less than or equal to 20%, and a rate of a pore whose pore diameter is greater than 20 ? and smaller than or equal to 25 ? that is effective in adsorbing low boiling point gas components with respect to the pore whose pore diameter is smaller than or equal to 100 ? is between 15 and 25%. An evaporative fuel treatment apparatus has a filling chamber filled with the activated carbon as an adsorbent.

Abstract: In a system and a method for purging a vapor storage canister having adsorbed fuel vapor (or hydrocarbon vapor) by drawing air through the storage canister the storage canister being coupled with an engine having a system for controlling the amount of fuel provided to the engine, the amount of fuel vapor in the purge is estimated using a model that predicts fuel vapor concentration in the purge vapor. The engine controller uses the estimated amount of fuel vapor and air brought into the engine from the evaporative vapor storage canister for better control of engine air and fuel during purging.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (111) fluidly communicating with an intake system (117) and an exhaust system (109) of an engine (100). An EGR valve (113) is in fluid communication with the EGR cooler (111). A turbocharger turbine (103) has an inlet in fluid communication with the exhaust system (109) and an outlet in fluid communication with a vehicle exhaust system (177). A bypass valve (115) is in fluid communication with the EGR cooler (111) and the outlet of the turbine (103). A cooling system (200) includes a heater supply passage (222) and a heater return passage (224). A vehicle heater (220) is in fluid communication with the cooling system (200), wherein a flow path of coolant is defined between the EGR cooler (111), the heater supply passage (222), the heater (220), the heater return passage (224), and the engine (100).

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling torque output of an engine include an air control module that receives an actual airflow and a desired airflow and outputs an adjusted actual airflow based on the actual airflow and the desired airflow. A fuel control module receives the adjusted actual airflow and controls fuel output based on the adjusted actual airflow, a ratio (?) of an operating air-fuel mixture to an ideal air-fuel mixture, and an operating curve (?traj).

Abstract: A feedback correction coeficient used to perform feedback-control of the fuel injection amount based on the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is calculated. A concentration updating based value is set based on the deviation of the oscillation center of the feedback correction coefficiect, and a vapor concentration correction coefficient corresponding to the fuel concentration of purge gas is updated using the concentration updating base value. During the period where the fuel concentration of purge gas is expected to sharply decrease, the concentration updating base value is increased.

Abstract: A cam assembly for an archery bow comprises: a journal for letting out a draw cable as the bow is drawn and the cam assembly rotates; a take-up mechanism for taking up a first power cable; and a let-out mechanism for letting out a second power cable. A second similar cam assembly comprises: a journal for letting out the draw cable; a take-up mechanism for taking up the second power cable; and a let-out mechanism for letting out the first power cable. Draw force versus draw distance for the bow is at least in part determined by: relative rates of take-up and let-out of the first power cable by the first and second cam assemblies, respectively; and relative rates of take-up and let-out of the second power cable by the second and first cam assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A gear box structure for a toy gun includes a box, a trigger assembly, an elastic member, a push plate, and a stop piece. The push plate is provided with a stop end which is interfered with a stop strip installed on the stop piece, so as to create a resistant force between the push plate and the stop piece. When pulling the trigger, the trigger assembly will drive the elastic member to slide the stop end of push plate over the stop strip of stop piece, thereby forming a tightness and looseness feeling as if pulling a trigger of real gun.

Abstract: An anti-riot device is provided that includes a net containing tube, and multiple shot holes in the upper area connecting with air outlet space. The shot holes are equidistantly spaced from the central axis of the device and are circumferentially angularly inclined. The lower side of the air outlet space communicates with a high pressure gas device. The net containing tube receives a high strength net body and a propellant board with a gas receiving concave shaped surface inside. Multiple bullets received in the shot holes are coupled to a periphery of the net body. The bottom of the net contained tube has multiple gas holes and an air outlet board.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooking grill having as its cooking fuel source charcoal, wood, or similar solid fuels and comprised of devices for acceleration of ignition and temperature elevation of the solid fuels so as to lessen cooking preparation time and increase cooking efficiency of said grill. The invention is directed to a barbecue unit capable of accelerated ignition and burn time of charcoal, wood chip, or similar fuel. The unit is comprised of an accelerated ignition system having an ignition box, heating element, plurality of transportable fuel baskets, basket transfer tool, high-pressure forced air supply device, automatic sequenced timer, and ignition air diverter. The unit is further comprised of supporting racks affixed to the shell of the unit and operable to hold the transportable fuel baskets in a plurality of configurations such that heat can be applied directly or indirectly in the cooking of the food.

Abstract: A method for assessing solar insolation potential upon existing building rooftops in a given region comprises: (a) computing Global Horizontal Insolation values based on topographical Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data for the region; computing a Sky Transmissivity parameter as it affects Global Horizontal Insolation based on available climate and cloud cover data for the region; (c) applying an Albedo parameter for ground reflectivity and scattering to determine Diffuse Insolation values; (d) applying a Shading Coefficient based on measuring shadow surface areas in relation to total area from aerial photographs of the region over defined times and periods; (e) determining Total Building Roof Area based on image analysis of aerial photographs of the region, and applying a typical roof slope factor; (f) estimating typical Roof Slope, Type, and Orientation (azimuth) selected from a defined set (vocabulary) of rooftop types based on a visual survey of the region; and (g) calculating Total Building Rooftop Insola

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A laryngeal-mask airway device including provision for drainage of the oesophagus comprises an inflatable main-cuff and a backplate having a laryngeal-side and a pharyngeal-side. The backplate also has an external tube-joint adjacent to the proximal region of the main-cuff. The backplate is hermetically bonded to the periphery of the main-cuff establishing separation between a laryngeal-chamber region and a pharyngeal region. An distally open evacuation tube includes a distal portion which longitudinally traverses the interior of the distal region of the main-cuff in sealed relation therewith for operative engagement and communication with the inlet of the oesophagus. The evacuation tube traverses the laryngeal-chamber region generally adjacent to the laryngeal-side of the backplate and passages through a proximally located tube-joint to the pharyngeal region.

Abstract: Described are capsules to contain a drug for use in an inhaler. The capsules may be two-part capsules where each half has apertures which may correspond to apertures in the other half. The first half fits snugly within the second half and the two halves may be rotated around their longitudinal axes with respect to each other to produce unlocked and locked positions. In the unlocked position, at least one aperture in the first half aligns with at least one aperture in the second half, which permits introduction of a medicament. In the locked position, at least two apertures in the first half align with at least two apertures in the second half, allowing air to pass through the capsule, releasing the medicament contained therein. Each capsule may have a unique key on each half that only fits with a particular inhaler or identifies the medicament contained therein.

Abstract: The procedure and the apparatus serve for the control of a respirator device which is used for the supply of breathable gas to a patient. At least one sensor for the capture of the time-wise evolution of at least one respirator-treatment parameter is provided. The sensor can be arranged in the area of an air delivery which encompasses a respirator device as well as a connecting installation. The sensor is connected to an analyzer which carries out a pattern recognition and which is connected to a control for the modification of at least one respirator-treatment parameter. In order to implement the pattern recognition, one captures—at least at intervals—the time-wise evolution of at least one of the respirator-treatment parameters.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for detecting spontaneous respiratory effort of a patient receiving ventilatory support by a breathing circuit. The nasal cannula control system includes a nasal cannula assembly having two distinct lumens. A different pressure sensor is positioned to detect the pressure difference between each of the two lumens, thereby determining the differential pressure from within the patient's nostrils and within a breathing mask. The nasal cannula control system includes a gas sampling system such that the amount of a monitored gas discharged or exhaled by the patient can be monitored using the same nasal cannula assembly used to generate the differential pressure signal.