Abstract: Fuel tank system for a direct ethanol injection octane boosted gasoline engine. The system includes a gasoline engine and a main fuel tank that contains a mix of gasoline and gasoline E85. A smaller secondary tank is provided to contain ethanol or E85. An injector directly injects in a separately controlled fashion ethanol or E85 into a cylinder of the engine to boost octane. A control module controls the relative amounts of gasoline and ethanol used and structure is provided for fueling the main and secondary fuel tanks.

Abstract: A fourth cylinder is mounted with a cylinder pressure sensor. The injection timing of the fourth cylinder is operated so as to feedback control the ignition timing of the fourth cylinder, which is detected by the cylinder pressure sensor, to a target ignition timing. The ignition timings of the first cylinder to the third cylinder are indirectly controlled by operating the injection timings so as to make output torques produced by combustion in the first cylinder to the third cylinder correspond to an output torque produced by combustion in the fourth cylinder.

Abstract: A throttle device includes a resin throttle body having a bore and a throttle valve placed in the throttle body to open and close the bore. The throttle body is formed of a valve part that includes the throttle valve and a duct part that does not include the throttle valve. The valve part and the duct part are formed separately and coupled to each other. A heater and a metal collar are attached to the valve part and the duct part.

Abstract: Operation of a second or additional engine is initiated based on throttle position, vehicle speed and output level of the operating engine or engines. A second or additional engine is stopped based on throttle position and operation of the first engine when the second or additional engine has been idling for a predetermined period of time. Idling of an engine is started or stopped based on various conditions of the vehicle, such as battery voltage, ambient air temperature, brake cylinder pressure, operator input, battery charging current, and direction input.

Abstract: A correction system and method for an electronic throttle control includes a generator module that generates a learned-correction value corresponding to a first air-learn index. The learned-correction value is used to compensate a throttle position. A correction module writes to a throttle position correction array with the learned-correction value when an air-learn value equals a predetermined stability threshold.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of ensuring both stability of control in a steady operating condition of the engine, and an excellent follow-up property of a controlled variable to a target value in a transient operating condition of the engine, even when the controlled variable contains a lot of high-frequency noise components. In the ignition timing control system, a maximum pressure angle-calculating section calculates a maximum pressure angle based on an in-cylinder pressure and a crank angle position. A target angle-calculating section calculates a target angle. A maximum pressure angle controller calculates a maximum pressure angle correction term with a control algorithm to which is applied a sliding mode control algorithm, using a value obtained by performing ?-filtering on a switching function, such that the maximum pressure angle converges to the target angle. The ignition timing is calculated by adding corrected ignition timing to the value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing feedback control of the operation of an internal combustion engine based on a signal from a vibration sensor and a crankshaft angle sensor. An energy factor can be computed based on these sensor signals which provides an estimate of the combustion phasing and combustion intensity. A vector of energy factors can be computed as a function of crank angle degree over a particular window of engine rotation of interest. Based on the energy factor vector, combustion phasing can be estimated.

Abstract: Presented is a device that provides a correction factor to compensate for varying fuel and air properties in an ion signal sensed in combustion chamber of reciprocating and continuous combustion engines, on a predetermined basis during the combustion of conventional petroleum-based fuels, other alternate fuels, and renewable fuels. The device uses an ion current reference sensor device and a processing module to provide a correction factor to the ion signal(s). The ion current reference sensor device is positioned near the chamber(s) of the engine and fuel provided to the chamber(s) is routed to provide a diffusion flame and the resultant ion current from the flame is measured and provided to the processing module at discrete intervals during the combustion process. Alternatively, a pre-mixed flame is used. The processing module provides a scaling factor to be applied to the ion signal and/or calibration points used to detect combustion conditions.

Abstract: An ignition device for a motor unit with an internal combustion engine provided with a piston, a combustion chamber with a spark plug, a crankshaft driven by the piston, an intake port supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber, an exhaust for removing combustion gases from the combustion chamber, a signal generator driven by the crankshaft and emitting for one crankshaft revolution an alternating voltage signal, has an ignition unit that triggers a spark at the spark plug at a preselectable timing. The ignition unit is a module separate from the motor unit. An alternating voltage signal generated by the signal generator is supplied to the ignition unit as an information signal sufficient for operating the internal combustion engine. The alternating voltage signal is supplied to a first unit for energy processing and to a second unit for processing information for control of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection system deliberately utilizing after injection so as to improve the engine combustion and reduce soot and NOx, wherein at least one operating valve is provided for operating a first injection port group and second injection port group, after injection is performed consecutively after main injection in a high load region, fuel is injected from the first injection port group and second injection port group at the time of main injection, fuel is injected from the first injection port group at the time of after injection, the actual injection pressure near the first injection port during the after injection period is higher than the actual injection pressure near the first injection port during the main injection period, the operating valve opens the first injection port group to start the injection, then the operating valve opens the second injection port group simultaneously or in a short time as well to perform the main injection, the operating valve closes the second injection port group, then

Abstract: A fuel injector isolation system in a high pressure fuel injection system comprises an isolated fuel rail assembly. At least one cylinder has a cylinder head. A fuel injector is coupled to and in fluid communication with the fuel rail assembly, extends axially through an opening in the cylinder head, and is moveable within the opening in relation to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A fuel injector device, for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, has a nozzle valve and nozzle valve control assembly adapted to use a control valve and high pressure fuel in the fuel injector in order to actuate movement of the nozzle valve between an open position to inject fuel and a closed position to terminate fuel injection. The nozzle valve control assembly employs a pressure balancing control valve so that the fuel pressure exerts a zero net force on the control valve in a dimension along which the control valve moves. Thus, the actuation occurs independently of the fuel pressure. In addition, the actuator is operably connected to the control valve by at least a hydraulic linkage, where the hydraulic linkage compensates for changes in the actuator and the injector body due to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a first fuel injection system for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, and having a second fuel injection system for intake manifold injection, an injected fuel mass being corrected for the adaptation of an air/fuel mixture ratio; and at least one first adaptation value for the first fuel injection system being used and at least one second adaptation value for the second fuel injection system being used. The first and the second adaptation value are evaluated in order to conclude whether there is an error in an air system of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel supply system having a fuel pump constructed to pump fuel from a fuel tank and to supply the fuel, a pump controller constructed to control the fuel pump, and a pump controller case constructed to receive the pump controller. The pump controller case includes a wall portion made of an electrically conductive material, and a portion of the fuel is directed to the wall portion of the pump controller case for cooling the wall portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines. The fuel tank of the engine includes a filler neck closed by a fuel tank cap which seals the fuel tank in a manner in which air and/or fuel vapors are not permitted to pass between the filler neck and the fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap includes a first, one-way vacuum relief valve therein which operates to allow atmospheric make-up air to enter the fuel tank to replace a decreasing amount of fuel in the fuel tank during running of the engine, or otherwise as needed. The fuel tank cap additionally includes a second, one-way pressure relief valve having a first cracking threshold which operates to relieve high pressures within the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the carburetor includes a fuel flow inhibiting or blocking member having a second cracking threshold greater than the first cracking threshold of the pressure relief valve of the fuel tank cap.

Abstract: The way the R.C. Regulator works is that it lets fuel back into the fuel tank that is not needed. The pressure on the injectors will drop to the minimal. The vehicle may not start on the first start attempt, but will on the second. The R.C. Regulator does not rob the automobile of its power, which will cause it to keep its maximum performance. The automobile will have a gain of miles per. The R.C. Regulator is made of H/C PEX Tube. The R.C. Regulator has a punctured hole on the side for ventilation and sending excessive fuel back into the fuel tank for future use. The R.C. Regulator will go in between the line to the fuel injectors and the fuel pump. There are clamps used to hold the R.C. Regulator in place.

Abstract: A method of pre-heating a fuel in an internal combustion engine includes inducing a current in a solenoid coil of a fuel injector of the internal combustion engine and heating the fuel within the fuel injector using heat generated by the current before initiating a combustion cycle of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method in an internal combustion engine including directing fuel in thermal contact with an exhaust system of the engine to vaporize the fuel, using liquid fuel when vaporized fuel is not available, and controlling the temperature of the vaporized fuel by mixing vapor and liquid.

Abstract: A supercharger drive system that includes a shaft connected to a set of gears; a one-way clutch provided for connection to the shaft; and an actuation controller in communication with the one-way clutch. In an embodiment, the one-way clutch can disengage and rotors or impellers associated with the system are permitted to rotate independently of the one-way clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine system that includes an internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold fluidly coupled to a compressor adapted to receive ambient air through an air conduit of the engine, a first sensor positioned at least one of inside and outside the air conduit and configured to measure a first water content in the ambient air, and a second sensor positioned at least one of inside the intake manifold and upstream of the intake manifold and configured to measure a second water content in the intake manifold.

Abstract: An exhaust recirculation system is provided for reducing NOx emitted from the power source at low-idle speeds. The power source has at least one combustion chamber, an intake manifold, a first exhaust manifold, and a second exhaust manifold. The exhaust recirculation system has a valve located in at least one of the first or second exhaust manifolds. The valve is moveable to increase the temperature of an exhaust gas by directing exhaust gas from the at least one of the first and second exhaust manifolds to the intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust recirculation system has a controller configured to determine at least one power source condition indicative of an exhaust temperature and move the valve in response to the determination.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism made up of a case-side bearing-forming portion, a block-side bearing-forming portion, and a shaft-shaped drive portion. The case-side bearing-forming portion is formed in an upper portion of a crankcase. The block-side bearing-forming portion extends outward from a lower end portion of an outer wall surface of the cylinder block. The block-side bearing-forming portion is linked to the case-side bearing-forming portion by the shaft-shaped drive portion. Slit-shaped stress reduction groove portions each having an opening in a region between the block-side bearing-forming portion and cylinder bores are formed in a lower surface of the cylinder block. Therefore, even when the block-side bearing-forming portion presses the outer wall surface, the stress reduction groove portions reduce the stress, so that the deformation of the wall surface of each cylinder bore can be restrained.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading pellets in a slingshot includes a handle and a magazine. The handle is hollow. The magazine is mounted in the handle and has a body and a switch. The body has a lower end, a receiving space defined in the body, a sliding hole defined through the lower end and a channel. The channel is defined in the lower end and communicates with the receiving space and the sliding hole. The switch is mounted slidably in the sliding hole and has a baffle, a resilient element, a through hole and a hook. The resilient element is mounted on the baffle. The through hole is defined through the baffle and corresponds to the channel of the body. The hook is mounted on the baffle and extends over the through hole.

Abstract: A range of High Capacity Paintball Pod Hopper or Loader housings for use with a conventional paintball gun with attached paintball feeder core egg housing. The said Pod Hopper housing has an enclosed end and an open end in contact with the paintball feeder core egg housing and facilitates for gravity feed transfer of paintballs to the paintball gun firing chamber. The said Pod Loader housing has an enclosed end and an open end in contact with the paintball feeder egg housing and facilitates power transfer of paintballs to the paintball gun firing chamber. The said Pod Hopper and Pod Loader housings includes the means for connecting the said housings to paintball feeder egg housings by means of a quick connector such as bayonet fittings, and also using one of glued, mechanical fastener. A plurality of the said hoppers and loaders can be arranged to be connected to at least one of the front proximal end and the rear distal end of the paintball feeder egg housing.

Abstract: An improved bolt construction for use in a paintball marker assembly is provided. The improved bolt assembly is generally formed to include a cut-out in the top surface thereof along its leading edge. The cut-out has a size and shape that functions in an manner that prevents the bolt from clipping or otherwise damaging a second incoming paintball projectile as the bolt reciprocates forward to ready a first paintball that is already loaded into the breech in preparation for launch. As the bolt is moved forward to push the first paintball into a position that is ready for launch, the leading edge of the cutout passes beneath the second paintball such that the top surface of the cutout impacts the bottom of the second paintball to push the second paintball upwardly as it advances, thereby clearing it from the breech and preventing the bolt from clipping the second paintball.

Abstract: A trigger system for a paintball marker has a string attached to the trigger actuator. The string is held taut between the actuator and the trigger guard. The actuator is a lever attached to the string and in contact with a micro-switch that allows the release of compressed air to propel a paintball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skewered food cooking device, and is more particularly concerned with such devices adapted to be mounted on an outdoor or indoor cooking means. The device provide a multiple kabob skewer holder that is particularly well suited for ease and economy of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as a device to protect against overheating in a cooker extractor hood (1) over a cooker (7) with at least one fan device (4) and with at least one temperature sensor (5, 6). To this end the method includes the steps of detection of a temperature by the temperature sensor (5, 6); when a first temperature threshold is reached or exceeded (level 1) of increasing the blower output (4); when a second temperature threshold is reached or exceeded (level 2) of presentation of a second warning signal, and when a third threshold is reached or exceeded (level 3) of switching off the blower device (4).

Abstract: An alternative fuel source may be utilized within a grill via a removable alternative fuel tray that may be placed between a cooking surface and a primary heat source to replace the primary heat source. A working surface may be formed between two connected grill legs or firebox assemblies resulting in an approximately L-shaped grill, suitable for use in a corner. In some embodiments, the grill may include a warming/indirect heat shelf that may be suitable to keep cooked foods warm and/or may provide an additional cooking surface.

Abstract: Existing devices are being marketed as pepper grills designed to hold peppers in an upright position while cooking. Peppers are cored and then stuffed with various items such as cream cheese. The devices consist of a horizontal metal plate with holes cut to insert the peppers. The inflexibility of the sides of the holes fails to provide sufficient hold on the peppers as they cook and soften. This allows them to fall over and the contents spill out onto the grill. Also, the bottom of the pepper sticking down through the hole receives the majority of the heat from below. My design uses a metal frame with wires crosshatched rather than holes to support the peppers. The tension of the wires holds the peppers in place more firmly. The design also allows for more even cooking by allowing hot air to flow up through the device.

Abstract: Atmospheric gas burner, for use in oven cooking chambers, and comprising an hollow and prolonged body provided with a first portion able of lodging a main burner and a second portion able of lodging a secondary burner (mini-burner) said two portions being hermetically separated by a wall placed inside said hollow body; on the outer surface of said hollow body a third assembly of cross-lighting ports is placed, wherein said cross-lighting ports extend in correspondence both of said first portion and on said second portion, and preferably are alined each other, a deflecting element is placed outside said hollow prolonged body, which is close and in front of said cross-lighting ports, an is also able of allowing the flame propagation among said cross-lighting holes, and between a fraction of these and said secondary holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant-free aerosol formulation which contains one or more compounds of general formula 1 wherein the groups R1, R2, R3 and X? may have the meanings indicated in the claims and in the specification, for inhalation.

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: A valve arrangement has a valve housing with an inlet and an outlet and a flow regulator including a porous body that is displaceable in the valve housing between the inlet and the outlet. The porous body blocks flow between the inlet and the outlet except for flow through the porous body. The displacement of the porous body between the inlet and the outlet proportionally varies a size of an outer surface of the porous body that is exposed to the outlet, thereby regulating fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: In the field of medicine, a method for treating hypocarbia by decreasing lung ventilation while monitoring the CO2 content in the exhaled air. K. P. Buteyko method of treating hypocarbia diseases and states includes decreasing lung ventilation to the extent tolerant for a patient at rest and during exercise. An increase rate of CO2 in the exhaled air is not more than 2 mm Hg per day, at rest, 11 mm Hg during exercise, up to a level of 32.1 mm Hg in the case of eliminating diseases and symptoms, and up to 55 mm Hg in the case of long-term clinical remission.

Abstract: A mouth prop for insertion in use between the opposed tooth or gum regions of the patient's mandible or maxilla to space the patient's incisors thereapart, the mouth prop having a grippable portion which a clinician can use for assisting in the location and removal of the mouth prop and can be supplied with elements for delivering and/or sampling gases to or in the mouth and/or nasal region of a patient.

Abstract: A snorkel connector has a base tube, a mounting tube and a mouthpiece. The base tube has two outer side walls and two side recesses. The side recesses are respectively formed in the outer side walls and each have a bottom and a bottom recess. The bottom recesses are formed respectively in the bottoms of the side recesses. The mounting tube is removably mounted on the base tube and has two wings and a supporting part. The wings are formed on the mounting tube, are held in the side recesses of the base tube and have protrusions. The protrusions are formed on the wings of the mounting tube and engage the bottom recesses of the base tube to hold the mounting tuber onto the base tube. The mouthpiece is mounted on the mounting tube and allows the support part of the mounting tube to extend into.

Abstract: A method of creating small particles by a technology referred to here as “violent focusing” is disclosed, along with devices for generating such violent focusing. In general, the method comprises the steps of forcing a first fluid out of an exit opening of the feeding channel to create a fluid stream. The exit opening is positioned such that the fluid flowing out of the channel flows toward and out of an exit orifice of a pressure chamber which surrounds the exit opening of the feeding channel, and is filled with an atomizing fluid. An atomizing fluid such as a gas is directed towards the first fluid stream in approximately orthogonal directions and surrounding the circumference of the first fluid stream from all sides. The first fluid flow is broken into particles which have dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of this fluid stream.

Abstract: Described is a dry powder inhaler comprising an intake section; a mixing section, and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is connected by a swivel joint to the mixing section, and may swivel back onto the intake section and be enclosed by a cover. The intake chamber comprises a special piston with a tapered piston rod and spring, and one or more bleed-through orifices to modulate the flow of air through the device. The intake chamber further optionally comprises a feedback module to generate a tone indicating to the user when the proper rate of airflow has been achieved. The mixing section holds a capsule with holes containing a dry powder medicament, and the cover only can open when the mouthpiece is at a certain angle to the intake section. The mixing section further opens and closes the capsule when the intake section is at a certain angle to the mouthpiece. The mixing section is a Venturi chamber configured by protrusions or spirals to impart a cyclonic flow to air passing through the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: A system for performing respirometry in the field that has the following: a) a sample inlet; b) a filter connected to the sample inlet and to a mass flow meter, to prevent the entry of particulate matter; c) a pump connected to the mass flow meter; d) a plurality of analyzers connected to the pump to maintain flow through the analyzers, the plurality of analyzers comprising at least i) an oxygen analyzer; ii) a carbon dioxide analyzer; iii) a barometric pressure measurement means, plumbed either to ambient pressure, pressure within the flow system, or to both; iv) a water vapor analyzer to measure relative humidity (RH) in the sampled air; and v) a temperature sensor near the water vapor analyzer; e) a data acquisition system that translates into digital form data from the plurality of analyzers; f) a data management system that incorporates data from the analyzers and performs calculations to at least determine percentages of oxygen and carbon dioxide corrected for water vapor pressure; g) a control system i

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a device that treats sleep disordered breathing (SDB) during successive treatment sessions; where the device provides continuous positive airway pressure during sleep. The method comprises the steps of applying a constant treatment pressure during a first session (20) and deriving a sleep disorder index (SDI) (22) representative of the number of SDB episodes that occurred during the first session. If the treatment pressure should be increased based on the SDI, it is increase during a second, subsequent session (24).

Abstract: A breathing assistance system with functionality for detecting the existence of a fault condition may include a pressure detector, a flow detector and a fault detection system. The pressure detector may take pressure measurements, each measurement comprising a measurement of a gas flow rate in the breathing assistance system. The flow detector may take flow rate measurements, each flow rate measurement comprising a measurement of has flow rate in the breathing assistance system. The fault detection system may process the pressure measurements and/or flow rate measurements to determine the existence of a fault condition associated with the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) timer for use with a bag mask resuscitator provides a visual pacing device when a cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure is being performed on a patient is disclosed. The CPR timer includes a plurality of visual indicators arranged in an array that sequentially activate at a predetermined pace that matches the recommended pace for air delivery times and/or chest compressions when using a bag mask resuscitator to provide life support to a patient. The CPR timer further includes a pressure sensor in operative association with the bag mask resuscitator for detecting when the bag mask resuscitator is actuated.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly is provided, including a generally rigid mask frame coupled to a cushion formed of a resilient material. In one example, the cushion is maintained in abutment with the mask frame by a portion of a ledge being retained by a retainer member. In another example, the mask assembly further includes a collar for maintaining the cushion in abutment with the mask frame. Each of the mask frame, cushion, and collar can be generally triangularly shaped. The mask assembly can also include a plurality of generally triangularly-shaped cushions each including a relatively different face-engaging portion with an outer membrane. The mask assembly can also include a forehead support including a forehead support arm, forehead support flange, and a resilient forehead cushion. The forehead cushion is adapted to be infinitely vertically adjustable within a range relative to the forehead support arm.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a gas filter canister worn by a user as part of a breathing apparatus. The adapter is constructed of a semi-rigid plastic that has a plurality of scalloped or castellated edges. The scalloped or castellated edges allow the adapter to snap-fit over the top of the canister. Projections or lugs on the inside of the edge of the adapter can deflect and snap over the rim of the canister. An adapter seal in the form of a large preformed packing or O-ring, is pressed between the inside of the adapter top and the outside of the canister top such that an airtight seal is formed. The adapter is capable of moving relative to the filter canister to accommodate different positions of the flexible conduit between an adapter inlet and the outlet of a self contained blower assembly.

Abstract: An improved nasal filter is provided which includes a pair of filter housings joined by a flexible bridge. The bridge is adapted to conform and removably adhere to the outer contour of the nasal columella or nose tip of a user's nose. The filter housings are oval-shaped and include a filter-insert cavity. The filter-insert cavity is adapted to receive and removably hold a disposable filter element therein. The filter housings are formed of a soft, shape-memory material adapted to flexibly accommodate the anatomy of the internal nasal passages of a nose. The improved nasal filter is adapted to improve the quality of air inhaled by individuals while providing a comfortable, quick, easy, and efficient customized fit.