Abstract: An integrated positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) channel is formed along a structural weld line between two shell components that are welded together to form an air intake manifold. The integrated PCV channel can be used to uniformly distribute blow-by gases from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine to a plurality of combustion chambers via the air intake manifold.

Abstract: A method is provided for an engine capable of burning gaseous fuel, the engine also including a combustion chamber, a fuel supply system with at least one fuel tank, at least one intake valve, and at least one exhaust valve, an injector to directly inject gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber, and an exhaust oxygen sensor. The method comprises directly injecting fuel from the injector into the chamber at a variable supply pressure which decreases as fuel tank pressure decreases; and adjusting at least one of an injection time and duration based at least on said variable pressure and information from the exhaust oxygen sensor.

Abstract: A paintball pocket for a crotch type slingshot, having a pocket strap with opposing elongate end portions, each end portion defining a hole to releasably interconnect with an elastomeric draw strap communicating with the slingshot. The pocket strap having a paintball cavity defined by four tear stop holes and two intersecting through cuts that create four adjacent triangular flaps that bend rearwardly to frictionally engage with a circumferential surface of a spherical paintball, the cavity having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the paintball. A pocket handle having a horizontal loop and a vertical loop, each loop having strap connecting ends stitched to the pocket strap adjacent opposing triangular flaps, and a gripping portion wound circumferentially with thread forming a tapered funnel structure adjacent rearward the pocket strap and the paintball cavity that limits rearward movement of the paintball into the paintball cavity.

Abstract: An air pressure gun to shoot a projectile, such as a golf ball, long distances using pressurized air. A flapper makes an airtight seal with an air duct to prevent air from leaking out of an air chamber. When a triggering mechanism releases the flapper, pressurized air from the air chamber can then swing the flapper open, thereby shooting the golf ball out of a barrel.

Abstract: A pneumatic paintball marker has, for example, a bolt assembly with a boost feature. The bolt assembly has multiple air supply chambers which apply force to move the bolt towards the firing position. Preferably, the air supply chambers push the bolt in series. The marker includes a handgrip frame that has a rear portion that flows into the base of the body. The material of the rear portion preferably is a rubber. The bolt assembly includes a set screw so as to prevent the bolt assembly from rotating within the body. A pin depth of the airport component is user adjustable.

Abstract: Slicing multiple cylindrical workpieces into wafers by a multi wire saw with a gang length LG, is performed by: a) selecting a number n?2 of workpieces from a stock of workpieces with different lengths, satisfying the inequality L G ? ( n - 1 ) · A min + ? i = 1 n ? ? L 1 ( 1 ) and making right-hand side of the inequality as large as possible, where Li with i=1 . . . n are for the lengths of the workpieces and Amin is a predefined minimum spacing, b) fixing the n workpieces successively in the longitudinal direction on a mounting plate while maintaining a spacing A?Amin therebetween such that the relationship L G ? ( n - 1 ) · A + ? i = 1 n ? ? L i ( 2 ) is satisfied, c) clamping mounting plates workpieces in a multi wire saw, and d) slicing the n workpieces perpendicularly to their longitudinal axis by means of the multi wire saw.

Abstract: A footwarmer having at least one interspace formed by an inner material and an outer material and filled with a granular filling embodied as a cushion-like insert that can be inserted into or removed from the at least one interspace through an opening.

Abstract: A bleed gas clean-up system for a re-circulating oven.

Abstract: A disposable aromatic barbecue enhancer includes a foil housing formed in a generally cylindrical shape and defining an interior cavity. A combustible aromatic mixture is compacted within the interior cavity and a plurality of vent apertures are formed in the upper surface of the foil housing. In a fabrication method for the enhancer, a cylindrical receptacle supports a pair of extendable side pins and an extendable bottom pin beneath a movable piston. A plurality of pointed elements are supported within the cavity of the receptacle. A malleable incombustible sheet of foil material is initially placed overlying the receptacle and is formed by extrusion into the receptacle into a cup-like element. Thereafter, the combustible aromatic mixture is deposited therein. The mixture is compressed within the foil material and the foil is formed into a housing enclosure having the vent apertures pierced therein.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: Dosages of inhaled insulin are controlled within a narrow range by controlling the total volume of air inhaled by a patient. By repeatedly delivering aerosolized insulin with the same total inhaled volume of air, the amount of insulin delivered to the patient each time is consistent. A device for delivering insulin by inhalation is disclosed which device comprises a means for measuring inhaled volume and for halting inhalation at a pre-determined point. The device also comprises an adjustable means for applying various amounts of force to a container of formulation to expel different amounts of drug from the container based on the force applied.

Abstract: A snorkel clip that includes a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, and a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base. The attachment base and the attachment arms are cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel. The retention base and the retention arms are cooperatively configured to wrap at least partially around the riser tube of the snorkel. While the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask.

Abstract: An HME has exchange elements (4) at opposite ends of a tubular housing (1, 101) and a central port (2) for connection to a tracheal tube (3). An oxygen port (5, 105, 105?) is located centrally with the major part of it being contained within a recess (40, 140, 140?) on the exterior of the housing and extending at right angles to the length of the housing. The oxygen port (5, 105, 105?) opens into a wider passage (32, 32?) extending within the housing, which opens on the external face (30) of the two exchange elements (4). A large suction aperture (60) aligns with the port (2) opening to the tracheal tube (3) and is covered by a hinged flap (61) when not in use.

Abstract: An elbow assembly for use in a respiratory mask, which includes an elbow, an inlet port, an exhaust port, and a baffle separating the inlet port from the exhaust port. A mask assembly includes a cushion comprising at least one gusset and an aperture for connection to the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, said opening means (40) comprising perforator and/or cutter means (41) and movable support means (50), said movable support means (50) being adapted to displace an individual reservoir (21) against said perforator and/or cutter means (41) on each actuation.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device, in particular a dry-powder inhaler, including a plurality of individual reservoirs (21) each containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, said reservoirs (21) being made in the form of an elongate strip (20), opening means (40) being provided for opening a reservoir on each actuation, said device including strip receiver means for receiving the strip portion (35) supporting the empty reservoirs, said receiver means comprising a rotary element that is fastened to the front end of said reservoir strip (20).

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus and methods to deliver one or more positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The respiratory apparatus includes a flow generator having a first interlock and at least one module that includes a second interlock. The first interlock and the second interlock releasably engagable with one another. The flow generator and the module may be secured in a stacked vertical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a re-configurable pressure regulator (10) for breathing apparatus. The regulator comprises a valve housing (14) having connection means (36,52) at first and second ends thereof for connection, in use, at one of the ends to a pressurised source (90,92) of breathable gas and at the other end to a removable blanking plug (42), wherein in a first configuration of the regulator the first end is closed by a removable blanking plug and in a second configuration the second end is closed by the blanking plug, with the other end being open and connectable to said breathable source of gases. The regulator further comprising a diaphragm case (12) and a diaphragm (18) located therein dividing the interior of the case to provide a first chamber (16) having an inlet/outlet for communicating breathable gases to and from a user. The first chamber accommodates at least part of the valve housing.

Abstract: A respiratory device is provided with a display showing a respiration signal related to a breathing pattern of a patient. This signal is derived from the difference between a sensed signal indicative of the respiration and airflow generated by the device and a baseline signal. The parameter is adjusted so that the respiration signal is restricted to a predetermined dynamic range. A short term average of the respiration signal (taken over about 0.5 seconds) and a long term average of respiration signals (taken over about 12 seconds) are calculated based on the CPAP measure. These averages are used to monitor the dynamic change in the respiration signal. If a large variation in either average is detected, the baseline is set to a value selected to rapidly reduce the respiration signal to a lower offset.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an induction chamber used to sedate one or more living specimens. The induction chamber comprises at least one gas inlet through which anesthesia gas and oxygen are supplied. To minimize escape of anesthetizing gas is into the ambient room or surroundings, the induction chamber includes a gas outlet or port that draws anesthesia gas. The induction chamber also comprises a device that obstructs gas flow through the gas outlet based on the position of the door. In one chamber design, when the door closes, the gas outlet is blocked. Thus, opening the door to the induction chamber causes anesthesia gas is to be drawn through the outlet while closing the door allows anesthesia gas to collect in the chamber and sedate any specimens located therein.

Abstract: A respiratory nasal filter including an outer ring having concentric outer periphery and inner periphery sized to the periphery of a user's nasal orifice, a filter layer having an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the outer ring, but smaller than the outer periphery of the outer ring and an adhesive applied to said outer ring for bonding the filter layer concentrically to the outer ring and for bonding the outer ring to the columella, a nasal sill, an alar sidewall and the facet of the user's nose.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 32 and a nose foam 10. The mask body 32 is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and has an interior surface 34. The nose foam 10 has a rear side 24, a front side 26, a rear side 24, and is secured to the interior surface 34 of the mask body 32 at a mask contacting surface 12. The nose foam 10 also has a central portion 14 and first and second side-contacting portions 16 and 18 that are symmetrically located on opposing sides of the central portion. The nose foam further has a nose-contacting surface 20 that extends over the central portion 14 and the first and second side-containing portions 16, 18. The nose-contacting surface 20 is skewed at first and second angles ? to a plane 22 that cuts through the nose foam orthogonally to its lengthwise dimension. A nose foam of this construction can provide a snug fit to a wearer's face in the nose region without having to use a nose clip.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask with an inflatable bladder. The internal pressure of the inflatable bladder can be set to be higher than the delivered therapeutic pressure. The pressure offset may be constant, or it may vary over the range of therapeutic pressures. Thus, the force necessary to maintain a contact seal between the mask and the patient can be reduced, thereby providing a system that is more comfortable to the patient, which increases patient compliance.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic suctioning above the cuff of a tracheal tube has a suction lumen extending along the tube and opening at one end at an opening on the outside of the tube just above the cuff. A suction line connects with the other end of the lumen and extends to a source of suction. A timer is connected in the line, between the tube and the suction source. The timer may be clockwork and is arranged to prevent suctioning flow along the suction line except for short periods, so that secretions that collect above the cuff are suctioned periodically without the need for intervention by a nurse or clinician.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a dual-airway tube and a laryngeal mask. The dual-airway tube has a primary tube and a secondary tube. The secondary tube is formed parallel with the primary tube. The laryngeal mask is attached detachable to or formed with the dual-airway tube and has a top, a pointed front end, a rounded rear end, an opening and a resilient seal. The resilient seal is formed on the top of the laryngeal mask and has a resilient web and a seal. The resilient web is formed on the top of the laryngeal mask around the opening and has a top edge. The seal is formed on the top edge of the resilient web and connects to the laryngeal mask near the pointed front end.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A device for supporting male genitalia of a patient in a recumbent position is provided. The device generally includes a scrotal support member having first and second opposite edges. The scrotal support member generally comprises a soft, absorbable material for providing a supporting substrate for the scrotum. The member includes at least one lateral support strap secured to each of the first and second edges, and a plurality of pads corresponding to a respective lateral support strap. Each pad has a first surface to be releasably secured to the patient, and a second surface for receiving the respective lateral support strap. The pads preferably releasably receive a corresponding support strap. A method for supporting male genitalia using a support device is also provided.

Abstract: An intraoral mandibular advancement device to treat sleep disorders in a user having an obstructed airway includes a maxillary appliance with a main body for removable attachment to the maxillary teeth; a protrusive element distending from the central portion of the main body; and retention means extending from the main body for retention of the device on the maxillary teeth during sleep. A mandibular appliance removably attaches to the mandibular anterior teeth and includes a lingual spacer that extends posteriorly from the mandibular anterior teeth. The anterior aspect of the protrusive element of the maxillary appliance contacts the posterior edge of the lingual space and thereby causes mandibular advancement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for shredding tobacco sheets, especially tobacco sheets formed of reconstituted tobacco particles with guar and sugar comprises rotating opposing sets of cutter discs in a partially overlapping relation so as to establish a nip. The cutter discs have notches at spaced locations along a peripheral portion of the cutter discs. Adjacent pairs of cutter discs are spaced apart by a spacer disc with a stripper plate interposed between adjacent pairs of spaced apart cutter discs. A tobacco sheet which is fed into the nip of the sets of cutter discs is shredded by the discs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to styling tools having a therapeutic agent distributed through the styling tool bristles or pad.

Abstract: A tool for grinding the nail of an animal is shown and described. In one embodiment, the tool includes a head having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the head defines a depression sized for receiving the nail of said animal. The depression also narrows proximally. The tool also includes an abrasive surface inside of the depression.

Abstract: A frame for installing hairdressing tools comprises a top seat, the top seat is defined with a plurality of through holes for insertion of the hairdressing tools respectively. Since the frame is provided for installing the hairdressing tools respectively, the hairdresser can take the hairdressing tools easily, and can prevent the hairdressing tools from being damaged so as to prolong the life of the hairdressing tools.

Abstract: A mascara brush comprises a core formed from a helical twist and a plurality of bristles fixed to the core over a portion extending over an axial length L of the helical twist and comprising a succession of n turns. The plurality of bristles comprises a first plurality of bristles termed radial bristles. The core has an upper portion for fixing to a wand of a mascara applicator. The brush is characterized in that the plurality of bristles further comprises at least one second plurality of bristles termed axial bristles since they extend parallel to the axial direction. The presence of axial bristles in the brush can broaden mascara formulation possibilities.

Abstract: A hair clip according to one embodiment of the present invention has a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one hook connected to the bottom surface. The hook is configured such that it has an open end. A hair band can slide under the open end of the hook and fit securely inside the hook.

Abstract: A spiral or helical structure for retaining hair or hair-like strands is constructed from one or more rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible materials. Rigid or substantially rigid portions of the structure can be inter-spaced with flexible portions of similar spiral or helical structures to accommodate the ability to create desired bends, curves and/or curls. Elastomeric bands can be employed to secure the spiral or helical structures to hair strands, to other spiral or helical structures and/or other hair retention devices. Applying hair dye/stain to bundled hair within the spiral or helical structures provides an ability to “tie dye” hair strand bundles to create desired highlighting and/or hair coloring. The spiral or helical structure can be made of hollow or partially hollow material. Decorative items can be attached or interconnected to the various embodiments of the present invention. In a separate embodiment, an interior component is coupled with an outer component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial nail having a nail base, the nail base having an upper surface comprising a first plane and one or more second planes abutting the first plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are arranged to have different tilt angles so that a protruding boundary line is formed between them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a makeup compact with one or more detachable leaves for holding cosmetic products that may be detached and replaced when the cosmetic product is depleted or as otherwise desired by the user. The leaves may also be detached from the compact and interchanged with different detachable leaves holding different cosmetic products.

Abstract: Plasma etch-cleaning of substrates is performed by means of a plasma discharge arrangement comprising an electron source cathode (5) and an anode arrangement (7). The anode arrangement (7) comprises on one hand an anode electrode (9) and on the other hand and electrically isolated therefrom a confinement (11). The confinement (11) has an opening (13) directed towards an area (S) of a substrate (21) to be cleaned. The electron source cathode (5) and the anode electrode (9) are electrically supplied by a supply circuit with a supply source (19). The circuit is operated electrically floating.

Abstract: A method and system for removing volatile residues from a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, the volatile residues removal process is performed en-routed in the system while performing a halogen treatment process on the substrate. The volatile residues removal process is performed in the system other than the halogen treatment processing chamber and a FOUP. In one embodiment, a method for volatile residues from a substrate includes providing a processing system having a vacuum tight platform, processing a substrate in a processing chamber of the platform with a chemistry comprising halogen, and treating the processed substrate in the platform to release volatile residues from the treated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying a pasty composition for cleaning and/or deodorizing a sanitary ware, wherein the composition is suitable for direct application to the surface of the sanitary ware.

Abstract: A method for determining an amount of moisture on a surface of a substrate includes a step of transmitting a transmitter signal to generate a wave. The transmitter signal has a first phase. The wave is propagated to vibrate the surface. Vibrations in the surface are detected and converted into a receiver signal. The receiver signal has a second phase different than the first phase. The method includes the step of sensing the temperature of the substrate. The amount of moisture on the surface is computed based on a phase shift between the transmitter signal and the receiver signal that has been compensated to account for surface temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing for debris removal from the skin of a user's hands. At least some embodiments of the present include a friction enhancing structure such as a brush. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an RFID capability for identifying when at least one component, such as a removable brush, is due to for replacement for sanitation reasons.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a carbon work piece includes the step of applying an acetone cleaning agent to the carbon work piece to remove debris therefrom. The removal of debris promotes adhesion between the carbon work piece and a subsequently applied coating. For example, other steps may precede the acetone cleaning step, such as submersing the carbon work piece in deionized water. In one example, a subsequent coating process deposits an alumina coating on the carbon work piece.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing and verifying compliance of use. The system provides for identifying individual users of one or more cleaning stations through various technologies, such as RFID. Individual's use of cleaning stations is monitored to determine compliance with hand-washing requirements. A compliance report may be generated based on data associated with one or more individuals' use of the cleaning station(s). Educational and/or entertainment content may be displayed to the user when he or she is using the cleaning station. Additionally, the cleaning station may identify containers having authorized consumables such as soap or disinfectant.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.