Abstract: A valve actuation assembly includes a housing and a vane connected to a shaft. The vane is at least partially disposed within the housing. The valve actuation assembly further includes a valve assembly connected to the housing and a feedback device connected to at least one of the vane and the shaft. The feedback device is configured to apply a feedback force to the valve assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for recirculation of exhaust gases of a combustion engine. A return line extends from an exhaust line for engine exhaust gases to an inlet line for air to the combustion engine. An EGR valve in the exhaust line regulates the amount of exhaust gases led through the return line. A control unit controls the EGR valve. An EGR cooler cools the exhaust gases in the return line by means of a cooling system of the combustion engine. The control unit decides whether the coolant in the cooling system is at a too low a temperature and, if it is, controls the EGR valve so that a larger amount of exhaust gases is led through the return line with extra heating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger for a combustion engine, comprising a first connection zone (1, 102) for delivering a fluid that is to be cooled, at least some of said fluid being composed of exhaust gas of the combustion engine, a second connection zone (3, 103) for discharging the fluid, and an exchanger zone (2, 101, 104, 105) which is arranged between the first and the second connection zone relative to a flow path of the fluid. A coolant can flow around the exchanger zone (2, 101, 104, 105) while at least part of the heat exchanger is made of ferritic steel.

Abstract: A piezo-ceramic device is attached to the power wire of an engine to facilitate cleaner burning of fuel and improve to improve fuel consumption. In the presence of an electrical field around the power wire, the device directs acoustical energy of a subsonic frequency towards the combustion chamber which acts to ionize the fuel and impart a thrust on the piston.

Abstract: An ignition coil apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be produced at low cost with a simple structure, and can be inserted into a bent plug hole without impairing insertability thereof. The apparatus is provided with a high voltage tower (2b) that holds a high voltage terminal (8) in its interior, and a cylindrical plug boot (10) that has electrical insulation and flexibility and is attached at its one end to the high voltage tower (2b). The plug boot 10 is installed on a main body of the internal combustion engine by being inserted into the bent plug hole. The plug boot (10) has a thin wall part (10a) of a thin thickness formed at a location facing in opposition to a bent portion of the plug hole.

Abstract: An outdoor grill apparatus includes a grate that is vertically adjustable and also rotatably supported over an open fire. The support system of the apparatus includes a spade for stably engaging the ground, one or more interconnected poles extending from the spade for height, and a laterally extending cantilevered pole adapted to extend over a fire pit. A cable extends through the laterally extending pole to a handle on the vertical pole. The other end of the cable extends down over the fire pit, and supports a battery operated motor, which in turn supports a grate hung on chains. The handle adjustably engages the pole, such that the grate is adjustable. The grill apparatus can be broken apart for compact storage, such as in a three-inch deep carry case.

Abstract: An improved wall thimble is useful as part of a venting apparatus for a direct vent heating appliance. Dual functionality is provided in a single wall thimble device by having a vent path for exhausting combustion by-products, and a separate air inlet path to draw in outside combustion air for use by the heating appliance. The wall thimble is formed as a two-part housing such that a first cylindrical portion can be inserted into a second cylindrical portion. When a smaller diameter exhaust pipe is routed through the cylindrical portions, an annular region is formed between the exhaust pipe and the cylindrical portions. A first air vent is formed in the first cylindrical portion to draw combustion air into the annular region from outside. A second air vent is formed in the second cylindrical portion to route the combustion air from the annular region to an opening in the housing where a combustion air inlet pipe is connected.

Abstract: A motorized oven latch includes a base plate. A latch member is slidably connected to the base plate by a first mounting stud or first and second mounting studs connected to the latch member and located in a contoured slot defined in the base plate. The latch member includes an inner end and an outer end, and the outer end includes a hook adapted to engage an oven door. A motor is drivingly coupled to the latch member, and the motor is selectively operative to move the latch member forward and rearward relative to said base plate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch member moves on a non-linear path relative to the base plate in response to movement of the first mounting stud or both the first and second mounting studs in the contoured slot when the motor moves the latch member forward to the unlocked position or rearward to the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a griller with detachable stove. The griller includes a pedestal portion and a stove portion. The stove has a connecting portion at a bottom of the main body of the stove, that can be assembled onto the stove coupling portion of the pedestal portion. Thus, the stove is integrated with the pedestal, or the stove can be removed from the pedestal for independent use. In such a case, the stove can be placed on the ground or a desk via the stand at the bottom of the main body. The large-sized griller of the present invention can be converted into a lightweight type of griller.

Abstract: A self-heating container having a container body with an internal beverage section and a thermic cavity. A liquid reactant is positioned in a first section of the thermic cavity and a solid reactant is positioned in a second section of the thermic cavity. The solid reactant may be an amount of CaO ranging from about 80 to 99 percent by weight combined with a wax based inhibitor ranging from about 1 to 20 percent by weight. The wax based inhibitor has a melting point ranging from above 100° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: An underwater ultrasonic thawing apparatus includes a thawing treatment tank where thawing treatment water; an underwater ultrasonic vibrator configured to be fixed to an inner face of the thawing treatment tank and to emit ultrasound; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the thawing treatment tank; a temperature adjuster configured to adjust the thawing treatment water to a predetermined temperature; a controller configured to control the underwater ultrasonic vibrator; and a separation and hold means configured to separate and hold a stuff to be thawed which is thrown in the thawing treatment tank and the underwater ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: A solar collector with external reflector. A solar collector includes a glass housing having a heat pipe disposed within the housing and a light reflector disposed external to the housing.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device including a drug delivery tube that defines a flow path and a droplet ejection device configured to eject droplets of medication into the flow path. Using collected feedback, the pulmonary drug delivery device can control the size of the droplets that are administered to a user.

Abstract: A metal component, in particular a metal component of a medicinal device, such as a pharmaceutical aerosol delivery device, having a through hole extending along an axis from a first surface (10) to a second surface (20) of said component and having a sidewall, wherein the sidewall (30) in its planar cross-section along said axis through the first and second surfaces (10) has a geometric form generally corresponding to an arc of a segment (16) of a circle, an oval or an ellipse where the end points (11, 12) of the chord (17) of said segment (16) are located at the points of intersection of the sidewall (30) with the first and second surfaces (10, 20) (a “rounded sidewall”).

Abstract: The invention concerns a respiratory tube (2) enclosed, at least over the major part of its length, in an inflatable flexible protective sheath (6) for isolating, from said flexible tube, the mucous membranes of the patient's airways. Further, the protective sheath (6) enables a patient to be ventilated with a breathing mixture.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a pediatric pacifier with a passage. An oropharyngeal airway may be inserted through the passage and into a patient's airway. The pacifier may be resilient and may be softer than the oropharyngeal airway. The pacifier may be removably coupled to the artificial airway. The pacifier may encircle, to varying degrees, various portions of the artificial airway. The pacifier may be sized so that no air may pass between the artificial airway and the patient's airway tissue. The pacifier and artificial airway may have numerous channels such as, for example, a first channel for conducting air and a second channel for aspirating fluids. The pacifier and/or artificial airway may come in sets that include variously sized pacifiers and/or artificial airways. The pacifier may also include a non-resilient plug that prevents the patient from fully closing its mouth and occluding its airway.

Abstract: A wireless veterinary anesthesia monitoring system which provides a wireless anesthesia monitoring platform configured to locate veterinary anesthesia equipment and wireless veterinary surgical monitoring equipment in a single constructional form useful in the anesthesia and surgical monitoring of animals.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that is air permeable. The mask body 12 has a sinus region 40 and a primary filtering region 44 and comprises at least one nonwoven fibrous webs, which web includes a layer of filter media. The sinus region 40 of the mask body 12 exhibits a resistance to airflow that is greater than the primary filtering region 44. This resistance to airflow is achieved through an alteration of the intrinsic structure of the plurality of nonwoven fibrous layers in the sinus region 40 without adding additional material to the mask body. The alteration of the intrinsic structure assists in preventing eyewear fogging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seamless pad-type filter which is characterized in that it comprises two co-extensive sides, a top side and a bottom side. The top and bottom sides are made of fluid filtration material. The two sides create an inner chamber therebetween and are surrounded and joined together by a seamless outer perimeter. The seamless outer perimeter providing a seamless folded continuity between the two sides of the pad-type filter in the form of a plurality of fold lines which, as connecting segments beginning and ending at the same point, define the seamless outer perimeter. The top side further comprising a plurality of positive and negative secondary creases formed around a plurality of positive and negative crease lines. The crease lines are inclined to the fold lines and form pleats.

Abstract: A maintenance-free respirator 10 that includes a mask harness and a mask body 11. The mask body 11 has at least one layer of filter media 56 and has a perimeter 32 that includes an upper segment 34. The upper segment 34 includes first and second concave segments 36, 38 that are located, respectively, on first and second sides of a central plane 40, when viewing the mask body from a top view. A maintenance-free respirator 10 of this configuration is comfortable to wear and can provide a snug fit to a wearer's face, particularly beneath each of the wearer's eyes, while at the same time having an ability to improve compatibility with various protective eyewear.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a mask body 12 that has a plurality of panels 16, 18, 20 that can fold in towards each other and that can unfold into open in-use configuration. At least one of the panels has a tab 22 that assists in opening the mask body 12 from its folded configuration into its open in-use configuration. The use of the tab 22 on the panel(s) of the multi-paneled mask body 12 allows for easier donning and doffing and reduces the opportunity for contaminants to get into the mask interior when the mask is being opened by the user.

Abstract: A patient ventilating (23) and aspirating system (8) is disclosed that has a suction tube (9) and connector (6) for connecting to a catheter mount that has a scaled passageway (15). The catheter mount passageway (15) is sealed with an elastomeric seal (16) including a perforation or slit (17). A connector (12) with a piercing member is associated with the suction tube (9). When the connector is attached to the catheter mount the piercing member (20) pierces the seal (16) such that the suction tube (9) can pass through the connector (6) and catheter mount.

Abstract: A head support having a body with a recess defined along a recess edge of the body to receive a person's lower jaw. A torso engaging edge of the body opposite the recess edge being formed to engage a portion of the person's torso when the person is sitting in a substantially upright position to prevent the recess from falling away from the person's lower jaw area.

Abstract: The method of providing post-partum treatment for enhancing comfort, physical and psychological well-being includes the application of multiple therapeutic treatments to a patient, in order to provide pleasing, psychologically uplifting and beneficial treatment for the combat and alleviation of post-partum mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The patient is first transported from a first location to a treatment center. The treatment center includes a plurality of treatment stations, each being provided for providing distinct therapy to the patient. The patient is then seated in a mobile chair within the treatment center and a first therapy is performed on the patient in the mobile chair. The patient is transported, from treatment station to treatment station, within the mobile chair, thus reducing stress and strain on the patient during the treatments. Following treatment, the patient is transported back to the first location.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method for controlling, reducing, and quitting smoking. Specifically, this method requires the use of one or more non-combustible devices that employ (at least) (A) a loading chamber for measuring the amount of combustible material to be smoked; and (B) a baffle or similar apparatus to prevent the smoker from inhaling the tobacco. By using one such non-combustible device, the smoker can measure the precise amount of tobacco to be smoked. Hence, the smoker can reduce his or her dependency on smoking by limiting the amount of tobacco smoked, as well as how many times he or she smokes that amount each day. By using two or more non-combustible devices with varying loading chamber lengths, the smoker can reduce his or her dependency by gradually reducing the amount of tobacco smoked, in addition to how many times he or she smokes a day.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a composition to eyelashes or eyebrows, includes a support structure that is elongate along a longitudinal axis. The support structure may include i) at least one branch member that is within the support structure at least in part, the support structure being an open-work structure; and/or ii) at least one branch member having a free end. The branch member may extend, at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and may include teeth.

Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a component of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a liquid supply device configured to provide liquid to a reservoir between the surface to be cleaned and the sonic transducer, and a liquid outlet configured to remove liquid provided by the liquid supply device, the cleaning tool constructed and arranged such that, in use, liquid flows into the outlet under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and arrangement for removing contaminants from a surface of a substrate by subjecting said substrate surface to an atmospheric pressure glow plasma. Said plasma is generated in a discharge space comprising a plurality of electrodes, by applying an alternating plasma energizing voltage to said electrodes causing a plasma current and a displacement current. Said plasma is stabilised by controlling said displacement current during plasma generation such that modification of properties of said substrate surface is prevented.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning opposed surfaces of a semiconductor wafer having particulate matter thereon. The method includes generating relative movement between a fluid and the substrate. The relative movement is in a direction that is transverse to a normal to one of the opposed surfaces and creates two spaced-apart flows. Each of the flows is adjacent to one of the opposed surfaces that is different from the opposed surface that is adjacent to the remaining flow of the plurality of flows. The fluid has coupling elements entrained therein, and the relative movement is established to impart sufficient drag upon a subset of the coupling elements to create movement of the coupling elements of the subset within the fluid. In this manner, a quantity of the drag is imparted upon the particulate matter to cause the particulate matter to move with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a liquid confinement system of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the liquid confinement system having an aperture to allow passage of a beam of radiation therethrough of an immersion lithographic apparatus. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a reservoir configured to hold liquid between the sonic transducer and the surface to be cleaned, and a barrier positioned in the reservoir under the aperture to form, in use, a shield to sonic waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer including performing a first cleaning process for removing particles from the semiconductor wafer by injecting a cleaning gas in the chamber and on the semiconductor wafer and then performing a second cleaning process after the first cleaning process by generating an electric field in the chamber and over the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism capable of removing a minute particle adhered to a fine pattern or the like without giving damages to the pattern or the like. After being installed on a device which can perform rotating operation, the high viscosity liquid is dropped on an upper surface of an object such as a photomask to be cleaned by a liquid supply part, and then the photomask is rotated to move the high viscosity liquid. During the movement of the high viscosity liquid, a particle adhered to the object such as the photomask is contained in the high viscosity liquid, and is removed. Further, the particle thus contained in the liquid is prevented from re-adhering to the object such as the photomask by controlling a zeta potential of the high viscosity liquid, and is removed from the object such as the photomask.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning a stannane distributions system. A stannane distribution system connecting a stannane supply source and a semiconductor manufacturing tool is provided. Stannane is flown through the system, and a tin layer is formed on the components of the distribution system. This tin layer is then cleaned from the distribution system without the use of liquid cleaning chemicals.

Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine, by which a steam generator is disclosed, laundry and the washing machine itself can be safely protected in a manner that an error occurrence of the washing machine is accurately detected and by which a following cycle such as a washing cycle, a drying cycle and the like can be effectively performed despite the failure of the washing machine. The present invention includes a step (a) of supplying water to a steam generator, a step (b) of supplying steam into a drum by generating heat from a heater of the steam generator, and a step (c) of detecting abnormality of the washing machine while the step (a) or (b) is carried out.

Abstract: A novel washing method that is capable of smoothly washing laundry with low washing water consumption and low power consumption is disclosed. The control method is applied to a washing machine having a steam generation unit. The control method comprising a step of discharging water out of the steam generation unit when a rinsing operation of the washing machine is carried out.

Abstract: The automatic vehicle washing unit, particularly of the type without brushes, comprises at least one first arched structure (2) equipped with spray nozzles of at least one first washing agent, below which the vehicle (3) to be washed can be positioned, support means (4) of said first arched structure (2), translation means of said support means (4) parallel to the principal axis of said vehicle (3), and first hinging means (6) of said first arched structure (2) to said support means (4) through a first hinging axis (7) transversal to the direction of translation of said support means (4).

Abstract: This orbital motion scrubber uses less cleaning solution than many conventional rotary motion scrubbers of comparable scrub width and tank size, which results in longer solution run time. The present invention drives the cleaning element in a high speed orbital motion which results in more revolutions per spot than many conventional rotary motion scrubbers. A flexible pad driver produces better cleaning of uneven hard surface floors than some prior art designs with rigid pad drivers. The brush motor that drives the pad driver and the cleaning element of the present invention uses less electrical energy than the brush motor in many rotary motion scrubbers which results in longer battery run time.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled and/or scaled UF or MF membrane with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: (a) treating the membrane in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer that is present on the surface and/or in pores of said membrane; (b) making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; (c) optionally rinsing the membrane; (d) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid between the steps (b) and (c); and (e) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid after the membrane is rinsed in step (c).

Abstract: A spray arm for a dishwasher is provided, comprising a first portion having a first engaging surface extending about an outer surface periphery thereof, and a second portion having a second engaging surface extending about the outer surface thereof and complementarily configured with respect to the first engaging surface. The engaging surfaces form a laterally-extending, non-linear interface upon engagement such that the first and second portion outer surfaces are directed away from each other. The second portion also includes a flange extending about the outer surface, and disposed laterally outward of and spaced apart from the second engaging surface, to define a channel having a depth extending across the interface. A securing material is introduced into and substantially fills the channel, and extends across the interface and about the first portion outer surface periphery, to secure the first and second portions together. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an automatic dishwashing machine comprises delivering into the machine a machine cleaning composition suitably containing an acid or builder, followed by delivering into the machine a dishwashing composition. Conveniently the process involves delivering the machine cleaning composition directly to the main washing chamber of the machine, charging the delivery compartment of the machine with the dishwashing composition; and carrying out a wash with kitchenware articles inside, using a cycle which includes a pre-wash stage.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to cleaning compositions and methods of using same. More particularly, the invention is related to cleaning compositions which are substantially free of volatile organic chemicals.

Abstract: An etching gas control system is provided. The system includes a gas injector, a gas supply pipe, a Flow Ratio Controller (FRC), and a gas supply unit. The gas injector is installed in a chamber and supplies gas inside the chamber. The gas injector includes a top injector installed at a top of the chamber and a side injector installed at a side of the chamber. The gas supply pipe connects and supplies gas to the gas injector. The FRC connects to the gas supply pipe and controls supply of gas. The gas supply unit supplies gas to the FRC.

Abstract: Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular barrier structure that can overlie and cover a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular movable member that can be positioned over and moved relative to a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular ceiling structure that can overlie a processing chamber. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular annular body. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular first, second, and third nozzle structure.

Abstract: A spray arm feed tube assembly for a dishwasher is provided, comprising an elongate tubular member adapted to extend from a sump of the dishwasher, through an interface, and along a tub wall of a tub portion disposed outwardly of the sump. A banding member is operably engaged with the tubular member about the interface, wherein the banding member is adapted to cooperate with the tub portion and at least one separator member, about the interface, to prevent particulate matter from passing into the sump from the tub portion about the tubular member. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher has an upper rack that carries a spray arm having a horizontal manifold tube that engages in a port associated with a vertical main feed tube for supplying wash water to the spray arm. There can be from one to a plurality of ports into which the manifold tube can be inserted. A check valve assembly can be included when there are a plurality of ports, the check valve assembly having from one to a plurality of flapper valves for closing each port when the manifold tube is withdrawn. The manifold tube has an entrance region at its open end that engages the/each port. The entrance region has a mouth lying in a plane oblique to the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: A tool for crushing coke includes a casing which in the operational state is connected to a drill rod and on or in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle and one drill nozzle for drilling coke and at least one valve for controlling a direction of flow of water flowing through the drill rod and the casing through the cutting nozzle and the drill nozzle.

Abstract: An umbrella has an integral stem portion and a water repellant canopy portion. The stem portion has an integral handle, a central shaft, a spring for closing the umbrella and extensions supporting the canopy. The handle is thermally insulating, wound with wrapped flexible heating tape or strip, and connected through an on-off switch to a plurality of batteries present in a hollow cavity of the central shaft. Optionally, a thermally insulating foam tape is inserted between the heating element and the thermally insulating handle. An infrared reflector may be placed below the heating element to direct heat to the user's hand. The heating element raises the temperature of the umbrella handle, radiating heat to the hand of the user, thereby providing a comfortable grip during deployment of the umbrella in wintry weather.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an umbrella frame, an attaching device detachably mounting at an elongated arm of the umbrella frame, and an electrical device supported by the attaching device for suspendedly supporting within a shadowing area of the outdoor umbrella. The attaching device is adapted to detachably mount at a supporting shaft as the elongated arm of the umbrella frame. The attaching device is also adapted to detachably mount at an awning arm as the elongated arm of the umbrella frame. An illuminator as the electrical device is selectively supported within the shadowing area via the attaching device for providing illumination within the shadowing area of the outdoor umbrella.

Abstract: A connector for tent poles has a body consisting of a single piece on the whole, an approximate half part of the body constituting a first connection part which a single pole assembly passes through and is connected to, the other approximate half part of the body constituting a second connection part to which another pole assembly or a clip is connected, a pivot hole consisting of a base hole formed through the first connection part in a direction traversing a longitudinal axis of the body and having a size corresponding to an outer diameter of the pole assembly at a central point of a cross section of the first connection part and an expansion hole widely expanded in a radially outward direction of the body from both front and rear sides of the base hole so as to correspond to a swiveling trajectory of the pole assembly so that the pole assembly is able to swivel by a predetermined angle on any plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the body, around the base hole of a swivel center, and pivot protrusion