Abstract: An improved O-ring retainer arrangement for retaining an O-ring on a fuel tube of a fuel injector. An overmolded hard plastic ring is disposed on the cylindrical outer surface of the fuel tube. The end of the fuel tube is radially flared to retain the ring on the tube, the radial extent of the flare being less than or equal to the radial thickness of the ring such that the flare cannot come into contact with the bore of a fuel rail socket. The ring is formed such that axial compressive forces exerted on the ring are outside the fuel tube body and preferably are directly opposed, thus exerting no toroidal torque on the ring. The ring is free to move axially on the fuel tube surface. In one aspect of the invention, the ring can move freely along only a limited region on the fuel tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injector clamp for a vehicle and, more particularly, to an injector clamp of a leaf spring type for fixing a piezoelectric injector in a gasoline engine. For this purpose, the present invention provides an injector clamp for a vehicle, of which one side portion is formed as a planar mounting portion to be fixed on a mounting surface of a cylinder head by at least a bolt, a middle portion is formed as a planar extension portion extending from the planar mounting portion to the mounting surface of the cylinder head, and the other portion is formed as an injector supporting portion divided into at least two branches from the planar extension portion and bent convexly downward.

Abstract: An injector mounting structure for a V-type internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold arranged in a V-bank. A fuel supply pipe extends linearly in parallel to a crankshaft and is disposed in the V-bank. A pair of injectors are branched in an inverted V-shape in side view from the direction of the axial line of the fuel supply pipe from two branch portions P, Q apart from each other in the direction of the axial line of the fuel supply pipe and extend in parallel to each other and obliquely at an acute angle ? with respect to a segment PQ connecting the two branch portions P, Q in top view. The injectors are mounted by fitting distal end portions of the pair of injectors respectively into mounting holes formed on air-intake pipes of the intake manifold on the respective sides.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator module having a piezoelectric actuator, fastened between an actuator head and an actuator foot, and having a sheath, surrounding the piezoelectric actuator, for electrical passivation, is proposed in which the sheath is an insulation guard layer that is joined by nonpositive and/or positive engagement, by means of a mechanical attachment, to attachment components in the region of the end faces of the piezoelectric actuator or of the actuator head and/or of the actuator foot.

Abstract: To operate an internal combustion engine subvolumes of the fluid flowing into an intake duct in each instance during a predetermined time period are determined for each period. Tank purging values of a characteristic quantity are determined for each period. The characteristic quantity is representative of a tank purging fuel mass, which flowed through the tank purging valve in each instance during the predetermined time period. The successive subvolumes are added together, starting from the currently determined subvolume, to give a total subvolume, until the total subvolume is greater than or equal to an effective intake duct volume downstream of the tank purging valve.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system includes a canister containing an adsorbent, a detector detecting a concentration of a fuel vapor, a purge passage for introducing the mixture gas into an engine, and an ECU which controls a purge based on a detected fuel vapor condition quantity and learns a fuel vapor concentration. If a difference between a learned concentration and a detection concentration is not less than a specified value, the ECU performs a purge control based on the learned concentration prior to a purge control based on the detection concentration.

Abstract: A fuel supply system of the present invention is characterized by including: a fuel reformer (4) for producing a reformed gas-containing fuel by causing discharge in a raw liquid fuel; and a fuel supply device (8) for supplying the reformed gas-containing fuel or a mixture of the reformed gas-containing fuel and the raw fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine (5).

Abstract: A combustion engine system (10) includes a combustion engine (11), a coolant system (46), an exhaust gas recirculation loop (32), and an exhaust gas cooler (34) connected in the loop (32) to transfer heat from the recirculating exhaust gas flow to a coolant flow supplied by the coolant system (46). The exhaust gas cooler (34) includes a plurality of coolant flow passages (66) interleaved with a plurality of recirculating exhaust gas flow passages (68), with the flow passages (66,68) being defined by a stack (60) of nested plates (62,64). Each of the plates (62,64) includes a peripheral flange (72,74) that is nested with the peripheral flange (72,74) of any adjacent nested plate (62,64) to enclose the flow passages (66,68).

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal-combustion engine includes an ignition coil and an ignition control circuit. The ignition coil includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. The ignition control circuit includes a capacitor. The ignition control circuit employs a capacitor discharged ignition method, whereby the ignition control circuit is configured such that electrical charge, with which the capacitor is charged, is discharged into the primary coil to drive the ignition coil. A coupling coefficient, which indicates a degree of magnetic coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, is set in a range of 0.9 to 0.97. k, which is the coupling coefficient, is provided using a formula k=(1?L1?/L1)1/2, wherein L1 is an inductance of the primary coil and L1? is an inductance of the primary coil when the secondary coil is short-circuited.

Abstract: An ignition coil intended for application in automotive internal combustion engines includes a generally cylindrically magnetic core defining opposed first and second ends and a primary coil concentrically wound externally about the core axially between the opposed ends. A secondary coil assembly including an insulating spool and a secondary coil wound thereon is concentrically disposed externally of the primary coil and magnetic core. One terminal of the primary coil is connected to a controlled voltage source and the other terminal to an electrical ground. One terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the high voltage terminal of at least one spark plug and the other terminal is connected to an electrical ground. The magnetic core is constructed from low carbon steel rope, preferably in a 1x37 format.

Abstract: A method of controlling post injection in a diesel engine, including: storing an engine coolant temperature and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) temperature when the engine is turned off; calculating an SCR temperature and a coolant temperature when the engine is restarted, based on the temperatures when the engine is turned off, and if the coolant temperature when restarting is higher than a reference coolant temperature, and the SCR temperature when restarting is below a reference SCR temperature, using the SCR temperature when restarting as a factor in controlling the post injection.

Abstract: A crossbow that enables arrows to be shot with simple operation is provided.

Abstract: The procedure for feeding balls (14) to the projectile chamber (11) of a handgun (1), in particular to the projectile chamber of a paintball weapon, whereby the balls (14) are fed by means of a motor from a ball container (3), through a feeder tube (2) into a projectile chamber (11), is characterized by the fact that the motor is controlled as a function of the movement of the balls (14) in the feeder tube (2). The feeding of the balls (14) to the projectile chamber (11) is controlled in accordance with the procedure which is the subject of the invention. The invention has the advantage that the motor is controlled as a function of the actual conditions prevailing inside the feeder tube (2).

Abstract: A gun having a gas cartridge retaining device comprises a gun device having a hand grip, and a gas cartridge retaining device disposed at the bottom of the hand grip. The hand grip has a cartridge storing groove for receiving a gas cartridge. Pull up a camshaft lever of a gas cartridge retaining device to push the pushing portion rising, such that the gas cartridge is retained in a gun. Pull open the camshaft lever to release the pushing portion, such that the gas cartridge can take off. In this way, the gas cartridge can be install or detached from the gun quickly.

Abstract: A barrel (14) for a gas powered ball machine of the type used to simulate balls propelled whilst playing ball sports, especially those machines used to propel balls with a raised seam, such as a baseball or softball. The barrel (14) has one or more openings (16) along its cylindrical length that allow expanding gas to escape as a ball is fired from the machine. The openings (16) assist in predicting the pressure and volume of gas required to repeatedly propel a ball at a predetermined speed from the ball machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suppressor having: a rod having a first end and a second end; a mounting block having at least two bore holes, wherein the rod passes through one of the bore holes, wherein a fastener passes through the other bore hole; a cushion located at the first end of the rod, the cushion having a first face and a second face; and wherein the cushion includes at least one slot at the first face and a treaded portion at the second face. The shock suppressor is mounted to the riser of an archery bow.

Abstract: A multiplicity of wafers are sliced from a workpiece which has a longitudinal axis and a cross section, the workpiece fastened on a table being fed by a relative movement directed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece between the table and the wire gang of a wire saw, with a variable forward feed rate through the wire gang formed by a sawing wire moved with an effective speed, the effective speed of the sawing wire being regulated as a function of the forward feed rate and the workpiece cross section so as to result in uniform wear of the sawing wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for roughing the surface and edges of concrete casted blocks, such as concrete pavers is described herein. The apparatus comprises an elongated block-receiving surface having first and second longitudinal end portions and provided with block-tilting elements for sequentially tilting up at least two upper edges of a block moving on the surface from a first end portion to a second end portion; means for moving blocks on the block-receiving surface from the first to second end portions; and a plurality of impacting elements located above the block-receiving surface for reciprocating movement towards and away the block-receiving surface for impacting blocks on the block-receiving surface. The tilting elements may be in the form of wheels rotatably mounted to the block-receiving surface and positioned for sequentially tilting up each of the four upper edges of the block moving on the surface.

Abstract: A ventilating hood and cooktop system includes safety components to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fire in the ventilating hood. The system provides elements for sensing the temperature over the cooktop. When the temperature reaches a first predetermined level, the ventilation fan speed is increased. The system includes alarm warning elements which issue different signals depending on the temperature above the cooktop. If a maximum temperature is reached, the system shuts off the fan of the ventilating hood and shuts down the cooktop.

Abstract: An outdoor gas barbecue grill having an electric self-cleaning unit. The gas barbecue grill includes a grill housing, a grill cover, and a lower grill housing for receiving a gas burner and a cooking grate member. The underside of the cooking grate member includes a plurality of heating members made of metal attached thereto. One of the walls of the lower grill housing includes an electric self-cleaning heating unit mounted thereon and includes an electrical conductor member having a plurality of heating elements for detachably connecting to the plurality of heating members on the cooking grate. During a self-cleaning cycle, the heating members are heated to at least 500° F. in order to burn-off and clean the encrusted and burnt food residues on the cooking grate member for sanitizing the cooking grate member.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking system, named flash supercapacitor-solar power device, and method for a solar power system, which mainly adds a pulse-power supercapacitor for being operated in a dynamic equilibrium are disclosed. The duty ratio D is changed and the voltage variance of the supercapacitor is observed to determine the next adjusting direction of the duty ratio D of the DC/DC converter. In the present invention, only a voltage value of the supercapacitor is needed to be monitored and no current-detection is needed. The output power of the solar power system can be actually estimated. The maximum power is traced in an oscillatory way. Therefore, the operation process of the perturbation and observation method, which is generally implemented currently, is simplified. By utilizing the steady-state equilibrium of the supercapacitor, only the voltage of the supercapacitor needs to be detected, and there is no need to measure and calculate the voltage and current values.

Abstract: A solar heating system for mounting under a roof includes a panel formed of a sheet material, the panel having substantially opposed first and second surfaces and adapted for attachment under the roof with the first surface substantially facing the roof. A plurality of tubing fasteners extend outward from the second surface of the panel, and at least one run of tubing is held against the second surface of the panel by the plurality of tubing fasteners. The plurality of tubing fasteners can be partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material. The system can also include a sidewall formed by folding a portion of the sheet material toward the second surface along a line of weakness and standoff tabs extending from the first surface formed as partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material.

Abstract: A solar energy system, including a front panel and at least two mirrors, is provided. The mirrors are used to focus light onto a photoconductive cell. In the preferred embodiment, three or more nubs are an integral part of at least one of the mirrors. When the system is assembled, these nubs are configured between the panel and a mirror to provide a substantially uniform gap for an adhesive. The mirror is secured to the panel by the adhesive. Thus, the nubs assist with desired attachment and alignment of a mirror to the panel in the solar energy system.

Abstract: A double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask which functions as both a mask for the nose and mouth of a patient and a mask for the tracheostomy tube area of a patient is disclosed. The mask of the present invention serves as a means for delivering a gaseous medicament or a liquid, such as liquid medication, in the form of a fine spray or mist to the nose, mouth, and trachea of the patient simultaneously. The upper body (1) of the mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the patient and the lower body (5) of the mask fits a patient's tracheostomy tube area. The upper and lower mask bodies may be connected to one another and to a nebulizing apparatus (4) and adjustable-length delivery conduit (17). Therefore, the double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask of the present invention may be adjusted to comfortably fit the face and trachea area of any sized patient.

Abstract: A system for intermittent delivery of an aerosolized medicament is disclosed. The system may include an aerosol generator, a controller and a conduit. The aerosol generator may be configured to aerosolize a medicament. The controller may be configured to receive physiological characteristic information about a patient, and control the aerosol generator based at least in part on the physiological characteristic information. The conduit may be configured to supply the aerosolized medicament to the patient's airway.

Abstract: An airway management device comprises an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end used to establish an airway for a patient. At least a portion of the elongated tube is reinforced with reinforcing means that is compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. The reinforcing means may comprise, for example, titanium, a titanium alloy, or tungsten, and may be in a helical coil or other configurations.

Abstract: A deep breathing training device includes a band worn around the abdomen which carries a switch. The switch is connected to a human-perceptible indicator. When the wearer of the device takes a deep breath and expands their abdomen, the expansion of the belt activates the switch and causes the indicator to activate. Conversely, if the wearer merely expands their chest without expanding the abdomen, the band is not stretched and the indicator does not activate.

Abstract: A device for inserting a tracheal tube into a tracheostomy has as insertion aid with a shaft (6, 6?, 14) which can be inserted through the tracheal tube, and a conical tip (2, 13) which is or can be joined to the tracheal tube. In order to provide a device for inserting a tracheal tube which considerably reduces the risk of injury when inserting the tracheal tube, which makes the insertion process easier, the inserted tube being highly comfortable even with a long-term use, keeping low the danger of injuries or sore points in the trachea, the insertion aid according to the invention has a conical tip (2, 13) which can have a small base diameter in a first state and a large base diameter in a second state.

Abstract: An inhaler has an air inlet port and an entry passage extending from the air inlet port to a contact chamber inlet port, a contact chamber and an inhaler air outlet port. The contact chamber has first and second opposed ends, a sidewall extending between the first and second opposed ends that in cross section is curved, the second opposed end having an opening in air flow communication with a dosage chamber and a contact chamber outlet port. The contact chamber inlet port is provided in the sidewall and faces a portion of the sidewall opposed to contact chamber inlet port. The contact chamber has a cross sectional area that is greater than the cross sectional area of the entry passage.

Abstract: An inhaler for administering a predetermined dose of a medicament. The inhaler includes a screw-threaded mechanism which is operable to dispense the predetermined dose for inhalation. The inhaler can include a rotatable threaded member mounted within a casing. The inhaler can also include an internally threaded sleeve mounted on the rotatable threaded member. The sleeve can be moved linearly by rotation of the threaded member. Medicament can be provided in a tray of the sleeve, and can be aligned with a mouth piece of the inhaler for inhalation by the linear movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, thereby enabling the user to inhale the dose contained in said open reservoir, at least 90% of the fluid contained in said open reservoir being expelled from said reservoir during inhalation.

Abstract: An inhalation device for discharging a pulverulent medium includes a media store that is provided for holding the medium and an outlet channel with an inner wall that is substantially cylindrical at least in a subsection, the outlet channel being designed as a transport path for the medium from the media store into a respiration path opening of a user, and there being provided in the substantially cylindrical subsection of the outlet channel an exit control arrangement that is designed as a baffle and/or exit direction sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for pulmonary drug delivery includes a portable air supply unit comprising an air mover configured to generate a positive pressure airflow, a drug delivery unit configured to inject droplets of medication into the airflow generated by the air supply unit, and a user interface configured to deliver the airflow and droplets to a user.

Abstract: System and method of a positive airway pressure device gathering data as to apnea type. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a processor, and a blower mechanically coupled to a motor (the blower configured to fluidly couple to a breathing orifice of a patient, and the blower provides substantially all gas inhaled by the breathing orifice). The processor is configured to monitor for an apnea event of the patient, and when an apnea event is detected the processor is configured to gather data indicative of whether the apnea is central apnea or obstructive apnea.

Abstract: A breathing gas delivery system and method provides a flow of breathing gas to a patient. The gas flow is purposely interrupted for the patient's exhale phase in order to minimize irritation and injury to nasal tissues due to constant, uninterrupted flows. Embodiments include an oscillating ball valve that interrupts oxygen supply during the patient's exhale phase, cannula tips that are shaped to minimize trauma, and a sleep apnea treatment system that interrupts breathing gas supply during the patient's exhale phase.

Abstract: We describe the use of a flow directing apparatus for incorporation into a patient mask or adjacent to it and for use with a source of pressurized breathable gas such as electronically or electronically controlled fan blower or positive displacement ventilator to provide nasal or oro-nasally administered continuous positive airway pressure or bi level therapies. Such therapies are commonly used to treat sleep disordered breathing including sleep apnea and other syndromes, as well as ventilatory insufficiency. The valve apparatus includes means to direct expired air to atmosphere and inspired air from a pressure source to a user's airway. In this way advantage is provided compared to alternative means as described in the prior art which vent a user's expired gas to atmosphere through a fixed open vent.

Abstract: A system for treating respiratory disease, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring and for improving breathing efficiency is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a valve system having a first valve adapted to be positioned over a person's mouth and a second valve adapted to be positioned over a person's nose. The valves are selected such that in one application the valve system allows the person to inhale through the nose only and exhale through the mouth only while in another application the valve system allows the person to exhale through the nose only and inhale through the mouth only.

Abstract: Apparatus for communicating a positive fluid pressure to patient's nasal passageways including a mask engaging the area surrounding such patient's nasal passageways, sealing the mask, for delivering breathable gas to patient's air passageways. The mask is manufactured from a composite material with a relatively soft plastic inner layer and a cloth outer layer. The device has an exhaust valve including a plurality of apertures through the composite material. The apparatus includes a retaining means of at least one strap.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff associated with a tracheal tube may be adapted to filter microbial secretions and reduce their passage into the lungs. A cuff as provided may include a cross-linked polymeric structure that may serve to exclude certain secretions on the basis of size. The polymeric structure may be incorporated onto all or part of the surface of the inflatable balloon cuff.

Abstract: A gastro-laryngeal mask features softly compliant construction of the distal half of the mask, wherein the mask is of generally elliptical configuration, with an inflatable peripheral cuff to seal and support the mask around the laryngeal inlet. A back cushion is inflatable to engage the back wall of the pharynx and thus to forwardly load the peripheral-cuff seal to the laryngeal inlet. An evacuation tube for external removal of a possible gastric discharge completes an evacuation or discharge passage contained within the mask and opening through the distal end of the peripheral cuff. Special provision is made for assuring integrity of the discharge passage within the flexible distal half of the mask, i.e., assuring against collapse of the distal-end half of the softly compliant evacuation tube in the distal region of the mask, such that inflation of the mask does not compromise viability of the evacuation tube by compressing softly compliant material of the evacuation tube during periods of mask inflation.

Abstract: Described herein are applicator systems and applicators for nasal devices, and methods of applying nasal devices. In general, an applicator system includes a nasal device and one or more of: an inserter from which the nasal device is released, a handle that is releasably connected to the nasal device, or an applicator liner that can be removed after positioning the device relative to the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.

Abstract: A device for protecting female genital area while performing grooming activities such as shaving, waxing and dying of pubic hair. The device comprises a substantially oval-shaped pliable sheet body and an elongated tab extending from a narrow end of the sheet body. The sheet body is symmetric about a longitudinal axis. The dimension of the sheet body along the longitudinal axis is larger than its maximum transverse dimension. The oval shape and size of the sheet body is adapted to cover the female genital area, specifically, the clitoris and the vaginal opening, by securely contour fitting between the labia majoras with the elongated tab pointing downwards. The elongated tab facilitates removal of the device.

Abstract: A multi-function measurement condom includes an indicia that enables the user to accurately measure his penis in its erect state, while simultaneously aiding in the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The condom is comprised of a tubular-shaped sheath with at least an inner layer and an outer layer of an elastic material, a dome-shaped closed end, and an opposite open end. A protrusion on the sheath extends lengthwise, and an indicia is placed between the inner and outer layers of the sheath. This creates a dual length unit with two different scale marks positioned adjacently, and the indicia extending centrally over the elongated protrusion. The indicia are visible through the outer layer so that the proper measurement can be deciphered by an individual. A niche located on the inner layer of the sheath incorporates the long protrusion into the rest of the apparatus smoothly, and it extends from the tip of the condom to a point short of its open end.

Abstract: A vest apparatus comprises a vest having a rear panel, left rear and right rear air bladders supported by the rear panel, and a controller operable to inflate one of the left rear and right rear air bladders and simultaneously deflate the other of the left rear and right rear air bladders to cause lateral rotation of the patient.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising aliphatic polyester, and an antimicrobial component effective for antimicrobial activity, and, in some embodiments, an enhancer. Example: blend of poly(lactic acid) polymer (55g) with propyleneglycol monolaurate antimicrobial component (9g), and benzoic acid enhancer (1g). Inventive resin compositions are effective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria, mold and mildew. Preferred compositions comprise materials that are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe).

Abstract: A cure-aid for treating athlete's foot is provided. The cure-aid including: a bottom portion disposed on a bottom of at least one toe and one or more spacers connected to the bottom portion and disposed between at least two adjacent toes. The bottom portion and one or more spacers are formed of an absorbent material.

Abstract: A finished tobacco product is formed by a set of pre-rolled sheets. In one embodiment a form casing is used which includes at least two portions—a non-smokable portion along with a container portion which includes tobacco filler material.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a retractable poker to a cigarette lighter holder for unclogging tobacco pipes. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an inner geometric profile conforming to an outer shape of a cigarette lighter, a hollow chamber within the cigarette lighter holder for holding a retractable rod, and said retractable rod is longitudinally movable to extend along a vertical profile of the cigarette lighter holder to allow the rod to be physically extruded from the cigarette lighter holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material.