Abstract: The present invention simplifies the process of placing quilt ties in the quilt during the quilt making process. The quilt tie device contains a plurality of openings that identify locations in the quilt for quilt ties. A quilt maker places the quilt tie device over a top layer of the quilt. The quilt tie device is positioned such that the openings in the device are at locations on the quilt where the maker desires to place quilt ties. The quilt maker performs the quilt tie operation by tying a quilt tie in the quilt layer at each location in the quilt that indicated by an opening in the quilt tie device.

Abstract: A sailing device suitable for a pleasure boat or the like of narrow width which is small in restoring force against traverse tilt. The sailing device is characterized by comprising a sail portion A composed of a backbone, a pair of left and right spars 3a, 3b extending obliquely backward from the fore end of the backbone 1, and a sail-cloth 8 attached at the fore edge thereof to the pair of left and right spars and at the aft end thereof to the aft end of the backbone 1, and a strut 4 extending downward from the fore end of the backbone 1. The lower end of the strut is directly mounted on the boat hull for rise and fall or indirectly attached to the boat hull by support of a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching and recovering an object by a host vessel while the host vessel is in motion. The recovery system utilizes a tethered capture system for connecting with the object and then directing the object to the host vessel where it is secured. The tethered capture system includes one or more side planers that direct a capture cable away from the host vessel. The capture cable is preferably disposed below the waterline through the use of a diving rig or extended cable struts so that the cable does not foul the propeller of the object to be recovered. The side planer itself may include a ramped surface for loading the object prior to securing to the host vessel. After the capture, the object may be secured by way of a boom attached to the host vessel or by a lifting cradle that selectively extends aft of the host vessel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a consumable component in a substrate processing system that includes a tapered plug having a first axis, a second axis that intersects the first axis, a top portion with first width, a bottom portion with a second width, and sidewalls joining said top and bottom portions respectively. The tapered plug has a cross sectional profile that is substantially parallel to the top and bottom portions and a cross sectional width that varies according to a location where the cross sectional profile intersects the second axis. At least one of the tapered plugs is inserted into at least one consumable component of the substrate processing system such that the top portion of the tapered plug is exposed to a processing environment of a plasma processing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cake-surrounded, self-standing device for applying, and a method for applying a decorative colorful rain of edible particles or sugars to the existing frosting, icing or prepared surface of same cake by launching small edible and delicate candy particles or sugars from a particle containing chamber within the cake by the use of a pressure controlled remote air pump, internal mechanical spring release piston, or pyrotechnic activated gas pressure piston in such a manner so as to control the height, direction and effect of the particles being released to a pre-determined height and returning back down onto and only onto the surface of the cake in a distinct and well defined pattern and in an entertaining and surprise fashion. Such an expelling device is known in the industry as a mine or a fountain.

Abstract: A teatcup assembly includes a shell having a liner, and a pressure responsive valve movably mounted in the shell for movement between open and closed positions at the beginning and end of a milking interval.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: A temporary electrified fence enclosure system utilizing movable storable fence posts and flexible electrified ribbons that are retractably reeled within the fence post. Each fence post comprises an internal power source. Each electrified ribbon is coupled mechanically to other fence posts to create the enclosure. The system is preferably stored or removably attached to a trailer, such as a horse trailer, and is quickly and easily set-up.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the physiological condition, and/or suitability of animal feed, of ruminant animals, by: sensing actions of the animal indicating a ruminating activity; and accumulating the time of the ruminating activities over a predetermined time period to provide an indication of the physiological condition of the animal, and/or of desirable changes in its feed for maximizing milk production and/or for maintaining animal health. In one described preferred embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are chewing actions produced by the animal while chewing animal feed according to a predetermined chewing rhythm indicating a ruminating activity as distinguished from an eating activity. In a second described embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are regurgitations of a bolus from the animal's rumen to the animal's mouth sensed by a collar around the animal's neck.

Abstract: A non-polluting engine that produces mechanical, rotary motion, and produces oxygen as a principle gaseous byproduct. The engine employs a fuel mixture that includes two components that together produce oxygen. The fuel mixture is introduced to a combustion chamber where it is heated to facilitate the rapid production of oxygen. The expansion of the oxygen within the combustion chamber is translated to rotary mechanical energy. The oxygen produced during the reaction is expelled from the combustion chamber and released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fluid piston engine with a plurality of cylinders wherein the plurality of cylinders are daisy chained through a single turbine having a single impeller. The fluid piston engine has a plurality of daisy chained cylinders that burn a fuel of hydrogen, and an oxidizer of air, preferably oxygen. A method of operating a fluid piston engine with a plurality of daisy chained cylinders includes steps where the operating controls are triggered by a fluid level sensor in a cylinder. Rather than from the cylinder, combustion byproducts are exhausted through a relief valve on an accumulator. Engine performance is varied by selectively idling cylinders and by varying the relative timing of multiple pairs of cylinders, wherein each pair uses internal combustion to expel fluid out of a first cylinder, through the turbine and into the second cylinder of the pair in which the combustion gases are compressed by the circulating fluid piston.

Abstract: Device to feed cooling and lubricating fluid to cooling and lubricating nozzles for the pistons of an internal combustion engine, having at least one valve with an upstream channel and a downstream channel, said valve having a blocking element able to move in a compartment to block an opening of a seat. The valve responds to the pressure of the cooling fluid by opening when the upstream pressure is greater than a threshold pressure and closing when the upstream pressure is less than the threshold pressure. A means of calibrated leakage connects the upstream channel to the downstream channel in parallel with the zone of closure of the valve.

Abstract: A fan (16) draws air through a core (14) of a radiator (10) to which coolant from coolant passages in an engine (12) rejects heat. A shroud (28) having first and second parts (30, 32) in axial succession channels air that has been drawn through the core toward the fan. The first part (30) is a non-elastomeric ring, and the second part (32) has an elastomeric ring (34) having opposite axial ends, one of which telescopically fits to the non-elastomeric ring of the first part (30) and the other of which joins with a second non-elastomeric ring (36).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a variable valve actuation mechanism, characterized in that movement of a sliding block is controlled for selectively receiving a driving force exerted from an actuating mechanism so as to control lift, such as higher or lower lift, of valves disposed in a combustion engine. With the design disclosed in the present invention, a conventional problem due to misalignment of the channel for locking pin sliding during changing lift of valve is capable of being solved. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, actuating parts for controlling higher valve lift will not contact with the variable valve actuation mechanism while the valve is under lower lift so that the combustion engine will be operated in an appropriate rotation speed efficiently so as to reduce fuel consumption.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser control system for reducing rotor positional instability. A phaser system includes a target wheel mounted on the phaser rotor such that during camshaft rotation wheel teeth chop a signal to generate first and second interruption signals indicative of amplitude of rotor instability. An instability monitor is used to monitor the level of instability against predetermined acceptable levels, depending upon engine operating conditions (RPM, temperature). An excessive level of instability is established by engine calibration. When measured instability exceeds a predetermined threshold level for a predetermined period, an instability diagnostic becomes alarmed. A default strategy is used to correct the excessive instability by applying a bias to the phaser control duty cycle. The system continues to monitor the level of instability, and when instability falls below the threshold limit, normal phasing operation is resumed.

Abstract: A rocker arm cover comprises a shell having an upper portion and a lower portion formed by inner and outer side walls and end walls contiguous therewith. A dividing wall is joined to the side walls and end walls to define an upper cavity in the upper portion of the rocker arm cover and to define a lower cavity in the lower part of the rocker arm cover. A lid is fitted to the upper portion of the rocker arm cover to provide an enclosed cavity for housing the plurality of ignition coils.

Abstract: A finger lever of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever comprising two side walls that are connected to each other by a crossbeam that acts through an underside at one end on at least one gas exchange valve and is mounted at a further end through a concave cavity on a head of a support element, a clip through which the finger lever is fixed in position on said head for displacement in a direction of pivot being applied to said further end, wherein a central section of the clip made of flat material is supported at the further end on the underside of the crossbeam and comprises an opening under the cavity, the head of the support element being retained behind an edge of said opening, each side wall being surrounded on an outer surface by a tab-like extension that starts laterally from the central section and is snapped at an end onto one of an upper side or a support surface substantially parallel to the upper side, so that the end of the extension engages over more than at least on

Abstract: A connection element (9, 10) is provided for the captive mounting of a lever-type cam follower (1), which is used to actuate a gas-exchange valve (5) of an internal combustion engine, on a support element (2). Said support element (2) has a spherical end (7) on which the cam follower (1) is pivotably mounted by a concave molding (6). The connection element (9, 10) is made from a flat material and is arranged, with a central section (11), on a bottom side (12) of a base (13) facing the support element (2). The base surrounds the concave molding (6) and connects to the side walls (27) of the cam follower (1). The central section forms, with two limbs (14) that are spaced apart from each other and a web (15) connected with the limbs, a U-shaped recess (16), which extends in a longitudinal direction of the cam follower (1) and which surrounds, in an essentially play-free manner, an annular groove (8) below the spherical end (7) in a fork-like manner and orthogonal to a pivoting direction of the cam follower (1).

Abstract: An added-motion hydraulic valve system is disclosed. The added-motion hydraulic valve system includes an engine valve actuator that causes movement of an engine valve, fluid that moves through a solenoid actuator valve, and a fluid actuator housing having a volume for receiving said fluid. The volume is disposed between the engine valve actuator and an engagement end of the engine valve. A lash adjuster assembly for a valve system is also disclosed. The lash adjuster assembly includes an actuator fluid housing and an added motion hydraulic lash adjuster disposed within the actuator fluid housing. According to an embodiment, the lash adjuster assembly includes a mechanical lash adjuster actuated by a cam arrangement.

Abstract: In a guide gib for the valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine, having holding spaces (12, 13), which are arranged in the gib (8) at intervals one behind the other, for valve tappets, wherein to prevent a valve tappet from rotating about its central longitudinal axis in each case, flattened portions (14, 15) are formed within the associated holding space (12, 13) of the guide gib (8), it being possible for flattened portions of the valve tappet to bear against said flattened portions (14, 15), according to the invention, the guide gib (8) is formed by a plastic support (9) and a plurality of inlay parts (10, 11) which are provided with the holding spaces (12, 13), each of said inlay parts (10, 11) being made of a higher-strength material than the material of the plastic support (9) and being inserted into the plastic support (9).

Abstract: A distributor is described for a multi-cylinder laser ignited internal combustion engine. The distributor includes a shaft rotatable by the engine and a plurality of flat reflective surfaces on the shaft. The surfaces lie in planes normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft and are axially staggered from one another along the length of the shaft. An optical transmitter directs light from a laser source to impinge at an angle sequentially on the reflective surfaces as the shaft rotates, and a plurality of optical receivers spaced from one another each receive the light reflected from a respective one of the mirror surfaces and direct the reflected light to a respective one of the engine cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug with integrated pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, where the shell of the glow plug has a section of reduced diameter on the side next to the combustion chamber and following a sealing cone, which section houses a glow coil and ends in a tip extending into the combustion chamber, and where the pressure sensor is positioned without cooling in the section of the glow plug next to combustion chamber. According to the invention the pressure sensor is subjected to pressure in radial direction, the glow coil of the glow plug or the electrical leads of the glow coil being guided towards the tip of the glow plug either by bypassing the pressure sensor or going through the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An intake system of an internal combustion engine includes a surge tank communicating with cylinders of the engine via individual intake paths, a vacuum tank connected to the surge tank, a valve that permits or inhibits communication between the surge tank and the vacuum tank, and a control unit that controls opening and closing of the valve. The control unit executes the steps of: (a) opening the valve to communicate the surge tank with the vacuum tank when the surge tank is held in a negative-pressure condition during operation of the engine, and closing the valve upon a lapse of a predetermined period of time so as to hold the vacuum tank in a negative-pressure condition, (b) opening the valve for a predetermined period of time when a condition for starting the engine is satisfied, so as to reduce the pressure in the surge tank, and (c) closing the valve when the engine is started.

Abstract: A resonator is connected with an intake air pipe and forms a resonant chamber therein. The resonator includes a diaphragm, which is generally planar and is disposed between an air passage of the intake air pipe and the resonant chamber. The diaphragm forms multiple oscillation sections, which have different eigenfrequencies, respectively.

Abstract: A lubrication system of an outboard motor delivers lubricant to an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is supported by an upper end of a case. The lubrication system has an oil pan configured to hold lubricant oil. An oil conduit has a lower end opening to the oil pan. An upper end of the oil conduit extends towards the internal combustion engine. An oil pump delivers the lubricant oil towards the internal combustion engine through the oil conduit. The oil pump is located in the vicinity of a front part of the oil pan as viewed from the side of the outboard motor. An inside bottom surface of the oil pan defines a lower bottom portion and an upper bottom portion. The lower bottom portion is located under the lower end of the oil conduit. The upper bottom portion of the oil pan is positioned rearward of the lower bottom portion.

Abstract: A crankshaft equipped in an engine, including an oil passage through which oil is drawn from a crank journal to a crank pin. The oil passage has an inlet formed at a peripheral region of the crank journal. When a plane including a center axis of the crank journal and a center axis of the crank pin crosses a peripheral surface of the crank journal at two cross portions, the inlet is located to be spaced apart in an opposite direction to a rotational direction of the crank journal from a journal side cross portion located on an opposite side of the crank pin with respect to the center axis of the crank journal. The oil passage is configured to extend to be spaced apart from the center axis of the crank journal as seen from a direction of the center axis of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A control device for cylinder reducing operation of a multi-cylinder engine for a vehicle controls the number of working cylinders in the engine more appropriately for fuel economy while ensuring the operational stability of the engine and comfortable drivability of the vehicle. The control device comprises a detector detecting engine output torque and judges if cylinder reducing operation is to be executed while referring to the engine output torque. Because of the detection of engine output torque, cylinder reducing operation will be executed as long as torque requested of the engine is available from the reduced number of working cylinders, thereby ensuring the generation of torque required in operating the engine while saving fuel as much as possible. Through a learning process, criteria for the judgment of execution of cylinder reducing operation are modified to be adapted for any variation of engine output performances.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a support structure, including a tube and a hollow stator core, supported by and rigidly affixed to the tube. Additionally, a rotor assembly is eccentrically and rotatably mounted about the stator core and having a pair of partial sidewalls, each of which defines a circular opening. A pair of shaft seals, in which each shaft seal is set into one of the circular openings and are rotatably mounted about the tube. The stator core, rotor and shaft seals together define multiple, separate sealed chambers that change volume as the rotor moves. Finally, ignition, intake and exhaust mechanisms are mounted internal to the hollow stator core.

Abstract: An apparatus for a rotary internal combustion engine. The engine has three rotating members that orbit about the center of a three-armed rotor as the rotor rotates within a housing with three lobes. The tips of the rotating members engage the lobes and a circular cutout in the rotor as the rotor rotates. A back plate includes inlet and exhaust ports that are sequentially opened and closed by the rotating members and rotor as they move within the housing. A front plate rotates with the rotor and separates the combustion chambers from a planetary gear assembly that ensures the alignment of the rotating members as they orbit the rotor shaft. Fuel is injected after the compression cycle is initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling exhaust pressure in an internal combustion engine are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus may comprise: a housing; a valve disposed in the housing; an orifice formed in the valve, wherein the orifice defines a gas flowpath through the valve; and a shaft slidably disposed in a bore formed in the valve, the shaft movable between a first position, in which gas is substantially prevented from flowing through said orifice, and a second position in which gas is permitted to flow through said orifice. The position of the shaft may be selectively varied in response to an actuating force.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump 100 comprises a thermoelement CSD 47 for advancing injection timing in a cold temperature condition. The CSD 47 uses a piston 46 for opening and closing a sub port 42 formed in a plunger barrel 8. An electronic governor 2 is provided with a mechanism for decreasing an injected fuel quantity when an engine starts in a cold temperature condition. The mechanism shifts a rack position in a fuel-decrease direction in a cold temperature condition, and switches the rack position to a normal position in a normal temperature condition. A timing TR for shifting the rack position is set before or simultaneous to a timing TC for switch-off of the CSD 47.

Abstract: In control apparatus and method for an inner cylinder spark ignited internal combustion engine having a fuel injection valve configured to directly inject fuel into an inside of an engine cylinder and a spark plug, a super retard combustion is executed to set an ignition timing after a compression stroke top dead center and to inject fuel before the ignition timing and after the compression stroke top dead center during a predetermined engine driving condition and at least part of fuel is injected before the compression stroke top dead center to decrease a fuel injection quantity after the compression stroke top dead center during an interval which is immediately after an engine start and in which a pressure of fuel is relatively low.

Abstract: A common rail fuel pump for an internal combustion engine includes a pumping plunger (10) that is reciprocable within a plunger bore (14) provided in a pump housing (16) under the influence of a drive arrangement (18, 20) to cause fuel pressurisation within a pump chamber (12). An inlet metering valve (46) is operable to meter the quantity of fuel supplied to the pump chamber (12) during the return stroke of the plunger (10). An outlet valve (58) controls the supply of pressurised fuel from the pumping chamber (12) through an outlet passage (30) to the common rail fuel volume in circumstances in which the inlet metering valve is closed. The outlet passage (30) has a pump outlet (38), from where fuel is supplied to the common rail fuel volume. The inlet metering valve (46), the plunger (10) and the pump outlet (38) are arranged in axial alignment, providing a compact and lightweight pump for installation in existing and purpose-built engines.

Abstract: Provided is a variable stroke property engine that can prevent an increase in the resistance to the engine owing to the contact between the variable stroke piston mechanism and lubricating oil. In a variable stroke property engine equipped with a variable piston stroke mechanism consisting of a plurality of links 4, 5 and 12, a baffle plate 40 is provided between the links and the oil surface of the lubricating oil received in an oil pan so that the links may be separated from the oil surface by the baffle plate and the lubricating oil is prevented from contacting the links. Thereby, an increase to the resistance to the movement of the links can be avoided.

Abstract: An injector assembly is disclosed for mounting within a mounting member, which includes a first mounting aperture that defines an axis, and a second mounting aperture that defines an axis and an inner surface. The axis of the first mounting aperture extends transverse to the axis of the second mounting aperture. The injector assembly includes an inlet connector that can be disposed within the first mounting aperture. The injector assembly further includes an injection valve member that can be disposed within the second mounting aperture. The injection valve member includes a fuel inlet that defines an axis. The injection valve member is in fluid communication with the inlet connector via the fuel inlet. Furthermore, the injector assembly includes an abutment member operable to supply a supporting force from the second mounting aperture to the injection valve member. The axis of the fuel inlet approximately intersects the abutment member.

Abstract: An advance arrangement for use in controlling timing of fuel delivery by a fuel pump for use in an engine comprises an advance piston (12) which is slidable within a first bore (14) and which cooperates, in use, with a cam arrangement of a fuel pump to adjust the timing of fuel delivery by the pump. A surface associated with the advance piston (12) is exposed to fuel pressure within a first control chamber (38). The pressure of fuel within the first control chamber (38) is controlled by means of a servo piston (24) which is slidable within a further bore (22) provided in the advance piston (12). The servo piston (24) is responsive to speed dependent fuel pressure variations within a servo control chamber (37), thereby to permit adjustment of the timing in response to engine speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery unit (2) comprising a swirl pot (5), a fuel pump (6) placed therein, and a filter, which is placed on the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5) and which is radially flowed against. This filter is formed by shaped elements axially protruding from the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5) whereby forming an axially extending gap (11, 11a, 11b) between every two adjacent shaped elements (10), and the filter surrounds an inlet opening (13) located in the bottom (7) of the swirl pot (5). At least one flow-through area (12) is situated perpendicular to the gaps (11, 11a, 11b) and perpendicular to the flow-through direction, this at least one area (12) connecting at least two adjacent gaps (11, 11a, 11b).

Abstract: The engine ECU executes a program including the step of determining whether there is a possibility of occurrence of air bubbles within the high-pressure delivery pipe when there is an engine start request, the step of transmitting an open-instruction signal to the electromagnetic relief valve when there is a possibility of occurrence of air bubbles, the step of transmitting a drive-instruction signal to the feed pump, the step of transmitting a close-instruction signal to the electromagnetic relief valve after the feed pump is driven for a predetermined period of time, the step of transmitting a drive-instruction signal to the starter, and the step of transmitting an injection-instruction signal to the EDU.

Abstract: A system for reducing escape to the atmosphere of hydrocarbon fuel vapors from a fuel tank for a combustion engine powered device including at least one functional member that directly communicates with the fuel tank and is constructed to receive and retain hydrocarbon vapors therein. The functional member may further include a bed of activated carbon-based material for adsorbing and purging of the hydrocarbon vapors. The functional member is otherwise useful to the device beyond the vapor handling function and may be incorporated into a handlebar assembly, frame component, housing, cover, and the like thereby reducing component parts and reducing cost and complexity of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the integrity of a leak detection test for a purge valve of a fuel system in a vehicle reduces or eliminates false failures. The method is executed on an engine control module (ECM) and is configured to determine when vehicle soak conditions meet first criteria conducive to fuel vapor condensation in the fuel tank. The first criteria include a predetermined temperature drop in ambient air temperature between successive drive cycles. The ECM is further configured to determine when a vehicle maneuver meets second criteria indicative of the capability of the maneuver to initiate fuel slosh in the fuel tank, to thereby establish a trigger event. The ECM is further configured to determine, after the trigger event, the maximum slope of a fuel tank vacuum increase. The ECM is still further configured to produce a slope ratio as a function of the maximum vacuum increase slope and a reference vacuum slope corresponding to a slope that is unaffected by any slosh/condensation events.

Abstract: A system for improving motor vehicle performance includes an air intake heat exchanger placed in-line with the air intake of the motor vehicle. The air intake heat exchanger is coupled to a source of pressurized media for selective application of the pressurized media to the air intake heat exchanger for cooling and drying intake air prior to reaching the intake manifold and ultimately the combustion chamber. The system further includes a flow inducing member positioned within the exhaust pipe of a motor vehicle. The flow inducing member is coupled to the source of pressurized media for selective application of the pressurized media in a manner which creates an increased flow within the exhaust system thereby increasing the flow through the air intake and intake manifold. A system for exhausting CO2 to an adjacent vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The vaporizing liquid fuel system converts virtually all of the liquid passing through it to a vapor state for chemical or physical processes in the vapor state. One chemical process is combustion in an engine or fuel burning apparatus such as a heating device. The evaporator is comprised of a vapor chamber enclosed by a tube having liquid inlet and vapor outlet ports. The vapor chamber is virtually filled with a thermally conductive vaporizing surface. In the preferred embodiment the thermally conductive vaporizing surface is bonded to the inner surface of the tube. Heat is applied to the other surface and is conducted into the thermally conductive vaporizing surface where vaporization occurs. Heat may be supplied by a resistive film heater bonded to the outer surface of the tube, by heat conducted from a fuel burning system, by heat carried by fluid circulated from a fuel burning system.

Abstract: A ball feeder for ball serving machine includes a seat consisting of a hollow transfer frame and a shaft bear, a rotating unit mounted to one side of the seat and having a ball scoop extended from an end thereof, and a plurality of guide sections sequentially rotatably connected at an end to the shaft bearing. The guide sections may be turned about the shaft bearing in the same direction to form a nonlinearly inclined spiral ball guide path. A ball put in the top guide section automatically rolls down along the ball guide path and falls into the transfer frame to be caught by the ball scoop. When the ball scoop is turned by the rotating unit to face downward, the ball on the ball scoop falls into a feeding mouth on a body of the ball serving machine and is automatically served.

Abstract: A tile saw guide apparatus comprising a right-angle triangle shaped guide body and an attachment structure. The right-angle triangle shaped guide body includes a tile receiving space accessible through a first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A first tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to the first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A second tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to a second non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is fixedly attached to the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is configured for fixedly securing the guide body to a table of a tile saw and extends across the hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body.

Abstract: A flat-sided annular blade for a blade ring saw for cutting hard material such as tile along straight paths and curved paths in which the workpiece is moved through the central portion of the blade. In addition to the usual sintered abrasive diamond coating on the outer peripheral portion of the blade, the inner peripheral portion preferably is tapered to a curved inner edge and also is coated with an abrasive, preferably an electroplated diamond coating providing smoother sawing operation and a finishing action on the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for delivering an additive with a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. The invention includes mixing an additive with humidifier water and providing the additive to the patient with the CPAP machine. According to certain embodiments, the additive can be an aromatic additive or a therapeutic additive.

Abstract: A nebulizer device is provided for minimizing trepidation of children when using the device. The device includes a nebulizer and a housing having a shape of a toy for retaining the nebulizer therein. The housing includes an egress port connected to the nebulizer. A nebulizer delivery device is also provided and a tube is connected at a first end to the egress port and at a second end to the nebulizer delivery device for providing a liquid within the nebulizer through the egress port to the nebulizer delivery device for ingestion by a user. A carrying case having a shape corresponding to the housing is provided for storing the housing and nebulizer therein. The housing may be in the shape of one of a car, ambulance, airplane or fire engine. The carrying case may be in the shape of a garage, hospital, airplane hangar or fire house, respectively for storing the corresponding housing.

Abstract: Oxygen concentrator system having a portable oxygen generator unit adapted to generate a non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and a stationary base unit adapted to generate a humidified oxygen-rich gas, wherein the portable oxygen generator unit and the stationary base are adapted for operation in a coupled mode and an uncoupled mode. The portable oxygen generator unit includes a first flow coupling adapted to receive the humidified oxygen-rich gas when operating in the coupled mode, piping means adapted to combine the non-humidified oxygen-rich gas and the humidified oxygen-rich gas to form a humidified oxygen-rich gas product, and an oxygen-rich gas product delivery port. The stationary base unit is adapted to recharge a rechargeable power supply system in the portable oxygen generator unit when the units are coupled.

Abstract: A method for creating sensory experiences operates by scanning the acoustical signal across the human neural cortex to create the desired sensory perceptions. The acoustic signal is scanned in a predetermined pattern. The pattern is then modified to fill in spaces in the predetermined pattern so that over a short time period, the desired signal is scanned across the intended region of the neural cortex. In one exemplary embodiment, the pattern begins with an array of points on the cortex. Thus, an acoustic signal in an array of points is directed towards the cortex. The acoustic pattern is then shaped to expand in radius about each point. Thus, the acoustic signal scans the visual cortex in an array of expanding circles. Varying the signal at each point along the radius as it expands produces neural firing differences in the neural tissue. When the circles expand to where they begin to touch, the pattern changes to fill in the areas between the original array of points.

Abstract: A cigar shaped tobacco smoking pipe having a draw piece (14) with a band (12) adapted by proper sizing or screw thread to receive either end of a bowl piece (16). A bore (18) communicates with a smoking cavity (20), a chamber (10), and a draw piece (14). Both ends of the detachable bowl piece (16) are identically adapted, in any number of ways, including by identical tapers or screw threads to insert into the band (12). The pipe may be smoked with pieces assembled either way.