Abstract: A recovery system for fuel for motor vehicles includes a canister having an absorbent media such as activated charcoal. The canister includes an inlet in fluid communication with the blow-by vent of an internal combustion engine and an outlet in communication with the air intake manifold of the engine. Control valves may be incorporated into the system to control fluid flows. As a single vaporization temperature fuel or fuel constituent such as ethanol that has mixed with engine oil during startup vaporizes when the oil reaches its vaporization temperature, it is first absorbed in the activated charcoal and then slowly released and burned in the engine. The system has particular applicability to E85 fueled vehicles.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an engine is disclosed. The thermal management system may have a first heat exchanger situated to cool air directed into the engine, a pump configured to pressurize a fluid directed through the engine, and a second heat exchanger situated to transfer heat absorbed by the fluid to air directed into the engine. The thermal management system may also have a heater configured to provide supplemental heat to air directed into the engine.

Abstract: An anti-coking bushing assembly for sealing a pintle shaft of an EGR control valve, comprising a bushing carrier disposed in the valve body and supportive of close-fitting pintle shaft bushing liners formed of a polyimide such as Vespel. The bushing carrier and bushing liners are installed into a carbon shield extending into the exhaust flow space within the valve. Within the carbon shield, between the gas flow space and the bushing carrier, is a ring seal on the pintle shaft and a gas expansion chamber to cool exhaust gas escaping along the pintle shaft, allowing contaminants in the exhaust gas to precipitate in the gas expansion chamber. The carbon shield, ring seal, bushing carrier, and bushing liners are conveniently pre-assembled as an anti-coking bushing assembly for subsequent installation into a valve body during final valve assembly.

Abstract: An inlet system includes an intake manifold and an EGR inlet projecting into and received in the manifold through an insertion portion of the manifold. A leading end of the inlet is inserted into the manifold through the insertion portion, projecting to reach a target position. An insertion portion opening diameter, which is an opening diameter of one side of the insertion portion, is larger than an insertion maximum occupying diameter that is a maximum distance between a point included in a cutting surface of the inlet on a reference plane perpendicular to an insertion portion axis and a point included in a vertical projection view of the leading end. A distance between the plane and a nearest point of the leading end to the plane in an axial direction is equal to an insertion portion opening depth, which is a length of the insertion portion in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, having a fresh air system (3) for supplying fresh air, which is extracted from the environment (20) of the internal combustion engine (1), to combustion chambers (13) of the internal combustion engine (1), and having a degassing system (5) for discharging blowby gas from a crankcase (6) of the internal combustion engine (1) and for supplying the blowby gas to the fresh air of the fresh air system (3). Furthermore, the degassing system (5) has an oil separator (35) for removing oil from the blowby gas. In order to improve the performance of the oil separator (35), a vacuum opening valve (37) is connected to the crankcase (6). Said vacuum opening valve (37) opens as a function of a vacuum prevailing in the crankcase (6), and then permits an inflow of fresh air into the crankcase (6).

Abstract: A marine engine control system comprising a water jacket, an outlet sensor, and a control module. The water jacket directs a flow of water across a catalytic converter to cool the catalytic converter. The outlet sensor module measures an actual temperature of the water. The control module determines an expected temperature of the water when the catalytic converter is functional.

Abstract: A collapsible slingshot bow for firing an arrow has a head comprising a first U-shaped member including a central post and a pair of arms extending laterally of, and from, the post, the arms terminating in free end portions that extend rearwardly of the post. One end of the post opposite the arms includes a connector, and the head includes a bow string for engaging and launching the arrow. A handle is formed as an elongated handgrip portion having another connector at one end for engagement with connector on the post. An arm support includes a second U-shaped member attached to the handgrip portion via a releasable connector carried by the arm support. A flexible strap having a nock-engaging portion spans the length between the ends of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A valve, possibly for use in a paintball marker, has a longer threaded portion that insures a canister that engages the valve must undergo many twists to become unscrewed from the valve. Alternatively, the valve has an elongated threaded portion with gas bleed channels that extend along a substantial portion of the threading. Still alternatively, the valve may use visual markings along the length of the threaded portion to indicate to a user that the canister is being unscrewed.

Abstract: Paint ball guns frequently break paint balls within the gun. When this happens the gun is jammed with paint and residue of broken paint balls, and a user of the gun cannot fire the gun. An improved paint ball gun includes structures and features which allow quick opening of the barrel and breach of the gun for cleaning. After cleaning of the barrel and breach of the gun, the barrel and gun breach are quickly returned to firing position, and a user of the gun loses only a few seconds of game time before being able to resume firing. A kit of retrofit parts, as well as methods of making and operating the improved paint ball gun are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile to be cut therein. A cutting head assembly having a motor driven blade is positioned above a tile supporting surface located in the tub and is movable with respect thereto. A laser projects a line of light from the cutting head assembly down onto the tile supporting surface to provide a visual representation of a cutting path of the blade. A scale permits measurement of a tile to be cut. The laser may be used with the scale to allow a user to quickly determine cutting widths without the need to manually mark the object to be cut. A light source, such as an LED, may be incorporated in the cutting head to illuminate an interior of the tub during operation of the tile cutting machine.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. An opening may be positioned in the sidewall and selectively covered by a door. A cutting head assembly includes a cutting device having a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The cutting device is selectively coupled with a rail assembly and movable there along. A tile supporting surface is located in the tub for supporting a tile to be cut. The tile supporting surface having areas of varying heights to accommodate tiles of various sizes.

Abstract: A machine is provided for cutting tiles and similar objects of various materials. The tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. A holding mat is received within the tub that includes a number of nubs extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a tile to be cut using the tile cutting machine. A cutting head assembly movable relative to the tub includes a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The blade is positionable to a depth that allows full penetration through the tile and into contact with water received within the tub, thereby providing lubrication, cooling, and dust control while the tile is being cut.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tool support assembly having at least one rail with a rail bearing associated therewith for selective movement there along. The rail bearing includes a housing having a bore therethrough. A plurality of slots are located in the housing adjacent the bore. The slots receive an axle pin having a wheel thereon to provide a roller bearing. Portions of the wheels extend into the bore and ride along an outer surface of the rail when it is received in the bore.

Abstract: A direct vent fireplace installation assembly is provided that includes a furniture unit having an enlarged receptacle well above the ground, and a direct vent fireplace unit positioned in the receptacle of the furniture unit. The fireplace unit has a firebox contained in an outer housing, a burner assembly in the firebox, and a contoured surround positioned in and spaced apart from walls of the firebox. A chimney is coupled to the firebox. In one embodiment, the fireplace unit is mounted in a receptacle in a wall structure positioned above the floor, at approximately eye level. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims [37C.F.R. 1.72(b)].

Abstract: Wood kindling arrangement for quickly kindling of solid fuel in wood burning stove, leading to a reduction of the discharge of polluted chimney gas particle. The wood kindling unit is preferably meant for wood burning stove with closed combustion chamber. When the invention is used you gain a standardized and quickly kindling of solid fuel, resulting in a reduction of the discharge of polluting chimney gas particle. The wood kindling unit consists of en horizontal placed bottom plate (1), connected to three vertical plates (2), which have ventilation openings (3). The hindmost vertical plate has at the top a guiding plate (4) and a space holder (5). The two foremost vertical plates are connected with a grate arrangement (6), which serves as cradle for the fuel. The cavity (7) under the grate arrangement is applied for the placement of the fire medium under the fuel.

Abstract: Linearly imaging converging lenses situated in parallel, which track the elevation of the sun around their east-west axis, have a high degree of area usage and are therefore particularly suitable for architectonic integration. They act selectively in regard to the incident solar radiation, because they convert the direct sunlight via receivers situated in their focal lines into useful energy, and illuminate the spaces lying underneath with pleasant diffuse light. Their weak point is that they change the focal width and the lateral displacement of the focal line as a function of the solar azimuth angle. The present invention describes a tracking system which transfers the geometrical conditions into a mechanical coupling system which corrects the focal width and the displacement of the focal lines exactly and simultaneously. The tracking system represents a mechanical analog computer which solves trigonometric equations using nested orbit functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention prevents liquid droplets from colliding with each other and prevents the change of a liquid droplet size and the degeneration of medicinal solutions from occurring in the center portion where the flow rate of the airflow becomes the maximum inside an airflow path. Inside an inhalation flow path of a flow path mouthpiece unit having a mouthpiece at one end, a cylindrical structure is disposed, and the cross-section of the inhalation flow path is made ring-shaped. The surface of the structure is provided with a plurality of medicine ejection portions, and the medicinal liquids are supplied from a reservoir provided in the inside of the structure. Even when the plurality of medicine ejection portions is simultaneously driven, it can prevent the liquid droplets from colliding with each other to change the liquid droplet size and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a system whereby oxygen can be derived from seawater or from thin air at higher altitudes while simultaneously eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood. This allows prolonged underwater liquid breathing at greater depths without suffering from the bends or, alternatively, the ability of workers to breathe underwater or at high altitudes without having to rely upon air tanks or the like. The artificial gill comprises a plurality of concatenated modules each containing a semi-permeable membrane operative to transfer oxygen in a first direction and carbon dioxide in a second direction across the membrane. By providing multiple concatenated interconnected modules, oxygen becomes concentrated to allow breathing thereof. Because the system is connected in series with a person's blood supply, CO2 produced in the body is extracted and disposed of via the artificial gill.

Abstract: A bridging element is utilized to hold and secure a device passing between the ribs of a patient and into the lung. The bridging element may comprise a hole or other fitting to secure the device positioned in the lung.

Abstract: A method for designing and/or customizing the treatment or for treating by inhalation of a patient suffering from a respiratory or non-respiratory disease including the steps of presenting a patient suffering from the disease; determining the kind of disease of the patient; prescribing at least one drug and/or gas and at least one kind of device to be used for administrating the drug or gas; inputting into a processing element, data chosen among the drug and/or prescribed gas and drug particle size obtained with the prescribed device; inputting into the processing element at least one patient characteristics of the patient; inputting into processing element at least one morphology and/or ventilatory condition of the patient; running a code in the processing element using the input data and conditions thereby calculating a flow and/or deposition characteristics customized to the patient.

Abstract: An inhaler vaporizer consists of two parts, the first part consisting of a funnel with a top portion, a “Y” portion and a disc portion made of a porous material or a non-porous material with a multiplicity of small holes. This part is inserted into a main body portion consisting of a main body, mouthpiece and base. The internal “Y” portion is sealed to the main body portion by an O-ring. Ethyl alcohol is poured into the main body of the inhaler vaporizer, and air is drawn into the inhaler vaporizer by applying suction through the mouthpiece. This air is drawn into the “Y” cone, passes through the “Y” stem tubular portion to the bottom of the body portion of the inhaler vaporizer. The air is drawn through the alcohol, vaporizing the alcohol in the process and is then inhaled through the mouthpiece into the mouth, throat, and lungs where it interacts with affected tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler with a novel mouthpiece having a microbiological protective function. The inhalers are used for administration of a pharmaceutical substance, substance formulation or substance mixture.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert. A connecting element that is moveable relative to the cavities is provided for individually opening and supplying pressurized gas thereto for dispensing a respective dose of formulation, and the storage device has an empty, hollow or dummy receptacle into which the connecting element is engaged in a state prior to first use of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A dispensing device and a storage device for dispensing a formulation as a spray. The storage device has multiple separate and pre-metered doses of the formulation in receptacles or cavities. In order to allow a very compact arrangement, the receptacles or cavities are arranged in a first group and a second group axially offset, and preferably, forming a double ring arrangement, and the storage device is rotatable and axially moveable for dispensing the doses one after the other.

Abstract: A retainer clip configured to engage a tubing member includes a base portion and a clamp portion which may be formed as a unitary structure. The base portion is generally disc-shaped and has a front side and a back side. The clamp portion is disposed on the base portion and extends upwardly from the front side and comprises a spaced pair of clamp fingers which collectively define a slot that opens into a channel. The channel is adapted to frictionally engage the tubing member. The back side includes a layer of adhesive for adhering the retainer clip to the patient such as to the patient's skin. An interface assembly for delivering gas from a gas source to a patient includes a user interface, at least one tubing member extending from the user interface, and at least one of the retainer clips configured to anchor the tubing member to the patient.

Abstract: A patient care unit (1) with a reclining surface has one or more docking devices designed as inductive coupling sites (7) for medical technical devices (10, 11, 12), which consume electrical energy and can be connected to the patient care unit. The inductive coupling sites (7) also supply the patient care unit (1) with electrical energy by means of an external line connection, which is likewise coupled inductively with the patient care unit (1).

Abstract: A method and system for ventilating a patient that compensates for leaks occurring within the patient breathing circuit while limiting the volume of breathing gas delivered to the patient. During the operation of a ventilator to supply breathing gases to a patient, the ventilator monitors for leak volumes occurring during the inspiratory phase and expiratory phase of the breathing cycle. Based upon the leak volumes sensed, the volume of breathing gas delivered by the ventilator is increased such that the tidal volume delivered to the patient is the desired tidal volume set by a clinician. The ventilator operates to generate a leak alarm when the leak volume exceeds an alarm threshold. If the leak alarm is generated, the tidal volume delivered to the patient is limited to the tidal volume being delivered prior to generation of the leak alarm.

Abstract: A process for operating a respirator and/or an anesthesia device with measurement of a set percent Peak Expiratory Flow (% PEF) (15) or percent Peak Inspiratory Flow (% PIF) and regulation ofthe measured % PEF (15) or % PIF to the set % PEF (15) or % PIF. Furthermore, a suitable respirator and/or anesthesia device are provided.

Abstract: A ventilator (10) for use by a clinician in supporting a patient presenting pulmonary distress. A controller module (20) with a touch-screen display (26) operates a positive or negative pressure gas source (40) that communicates with the intubated or negative pressure configured patient through valved (46) supply and exhaust ports (42, 44). A variety of peripheral, central, and or supply/exhaust port positioned sensors (54) may be included to measure pressure, volumetric flow rate, gas concentration, transducer, and chest wall breathing work.

Abstract: A process for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device in the APRV mode with the % PEF criterion which includes a detection of a spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient and initiation of a pressure release phase when the detected spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient falls within a predetermined trigger window (Tfreg). A device is provided that is operated correspondingly.

Abstract: A connection head for an absorber (4) of an anesthetic breathing system has a simple design and can be easily taken apart. A valve device (2) is inserted into a guide sleeve (7), which is open towards the absorber (4). A sealing ring (16), which has two sealing areas (23, 24) and fixes the valve means (2) within the guide sleeve (7), is arranged on the underside of the guide sleeve (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a precise oxygen-nitrogen gas mixture to an animal comprises (i) A source of pressurized oxygen gas, (ii) A source of pressurized nitrogen gas, (iii) A mechanical two-gas blending valve having a first and second gas inlet couplings, and an outlet coupling, the gas blending valve having a manual selector that can incrementally adjust the oxygen-nitrogen gas mixture within a range of mixtures, and a face plate on the blending valve including markings adjacent to the manual selector that are indicative of specific oxygen-nitrogen mixtures, wherein the gas inlets are coupled to the sources of oxygen and nitrogen, respectively, (iv) A gas dispenser coupled to the outlet of the mechanical two gas blending valve; and (v) An animal interface coupling to deliver the gas mixture to the subject animal. The apparatus may be provided for mixtures of air and any gas of interest.

Abstract: A reusable facemask includes a filter layer of material adapted to trap particles having a size range of known contaminant particles; and a porous layer of material located adjacent to the filter layer and adapted to continually sanitize contaminant particles trapped by the filter layer and contaminant particles passing through the porous layer by releasing free ions of elements selected from the group consisting of silver and copper.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorber for a rebreathing system can be connected to a connection head of the rebreathing system in a simple manner. A centering device (43, 44, 45, 46), provided in the area of a guide plate (40) of the absorber (4), can be caused to mesh with centering pins pointing in the direction of the absorber from the connection head.

Abstract: A respiratory face mask is provided suitably sized and configured to engage the nose portion, mouth portion and chin portion of a patient's face. The face mask is characterized by a cup-like shell or receptacle member defining a peripheral flange and a flexible inflatable hollow sealing cushion on the shell member flange. Headstrap fastener projections extending upright on the flange are adapted to accommodate an elastic headstrap that adjustably may be removably slidingly coupled to the projections to hold the mask in place on a patient's face and head.

Abstract: An integrated nasal mask is adapted for delivering gas to a patient and comprises a mask body and a pair of elongate nostril-engaging stems. The mask body is generally triangularly shaped and includes a nasal opening sized and configured to substantially envelope a patient's nose. The nasal opening opens to a nasal cavity. The nostril-engaging stems extend outwardly from the nasal cavity. Each one of the stems defines a fluid passageway for delivering gas to the patient's nose and for allowing discharge of exhalation gasses during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

Abstract: An intermittent, large-volume flushing/suctioning scheme is provided. A specific and unique connector is used in conjunction with supplying a lavage solution to the patient via an intermittent, large-volume lavage/suctioning scheme that applies/removes the lavage solution via ports, which can be channels that are integrated into the shaft of a tracheal ventilation tube and/or an NG tube. The lavage solution is provided to the user in a specially designed container that allows for an exclusive fit between the container and the line that delivers lavage solution through the ports in the tracheal tube and the nasogastric tube. The connector element that connects to the container holding the lavage solution is specifically designed to prevent accidental connection to relevant supply lines or drainage lines that affect patient safety.

Abstract: A device (11) for facilitating tracheotomy. The device comprises a first branch (92), which is adapted to be introduced down the trachea of a patient, such that the end thereof is located below the larynx, and a second branch (114), adapted to be arranged on the outside of the neck with the end thereof located adjacent to the site intended for the tracheostoma. The end of the second branch comprises a guiding tube for a needle, and the end of the first branch comprises a protection plate. When the needle is moved towards the skin through the guiding tube and penetrates the skin and tracheal wall in order to provide said tracheostoma, the needle is directed towards the protection plate, and may engage it after passage through the tracheal wall. In such a manner the other side of the tracheal wall is protected. Furthermore, the tracheostoma will automatically be located at the best position.

Abstract: A bite block that is inserted into a patient's mouth during an endoscopic diagnostic or surgical procedure that has a channel for receiving an endoscope or other surgical instrument through the patient's mouth and additional channels transmitting a gas to the patient and transmitting expired gas from the patient.

Abstract: An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.

Abstract: A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tobacco smoke filter which contains fibres which comprise regenerated cellulose (e.g. Lyocell) and an absorbent is introduced therein. More than one absorbent is introduced into the fibres of the tobacco smoke filter and/or the tobacco smoke filter contains an absorbent between said fibres. A higher charge of the absorbent can be obtained by means of said type of tobacco smoke filter.

Abstract: A filter element suitable for use as a cigarette filter includes at least one section of fibrous tow comprising at least one plasticizer, the plasticizer including a citric acid ester, such as triethyl citrate, present in an amount of no more than about 15 weight percent based on the total weight of the filter material, and an adsorbent material, such as a granular carbonaceous material. One exemplary filter element has two or more sections of cellulose acetate tow comprising triethyl citrate in an amount of no more than about 12 weight percent based on the total weight of the filter material, and a granular carbonaceous material dispersed within at least one section of cellulose acetate tow. Cigarettes incorporating the filter element and methods of extending shelf-life of cigarettes including an adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A disposable corn and callus remover tool with a holder for receiving an abrasive block. The holder forms a handle for comfortably holding the tool and includes a receptacle to removably receive an abrasive block. The abrasive block may be formed of pumice or a buffing block comprising one or more abrasive layers attached to a compressible layer. The compressible layer is made of foam or hard sponge. The abrasive block is secured to the holder in such a way that both top and bottom abrasive layers are exposed for efficient use.

Abstract: A hair extension system provides a skin weft of flexible material having hair like fibers uniformly displaced thereon. Micro rings are fixed to the skin weft and provide an anchoring feature for strands of human hair from a scalp to be secured thereto. The micro rings are deformable and include a flexible protectant so as to minimize damage to the strands of hair. The hair system may be reused by re-opening the micro rings and reinstalling the hair extension system to another location.

Abstract: A device such as a compact or product container includes a plurality of stacked sections or housings, which are pivotable with respect to each other. The sections are substantially aligned with each other when the device is in a closed position, and when pivoted with respect to each other, the device is opened to allow access to compartments or reservoirs of the different sections. According to an example, a lower housing or section can include a product application device to facilitate the application of the product contained in an upper section or housing. The product application device is held in the lower housing such that the hair of the product application device is not damaged by the pivoting of the plurality of stacked sections.

Abstract: The applicator for cosmetics has one or more plies with scoring to form a handle area and a sample area. The scoring upon the top ply guides the applicator to bend into a handle area grasped by a woman's fingers and the sample area has a slight bow to apply eye shadow or other powdered cosmetic as the woman sees fit. The sample area has embossing in the bottom ply to retain pre-deposited cosmetics for further sampling.

Abstract: A refillable dental flosser dispenser stores and sequentially dispenses a plurality of dental flossers each of which flossers has first and second sides and an edge extending between the first and second sides. The dispenser includes a housing having a refill end, a dispensing end and a housing side wall extending between the refill and dispensing ends. The housing side wall defines an internal storage cavity within which plural flossers are stored in a side-by-side serial arrangement. A dispensing-end wall combines with a housing side wall to define a side-emitting dispensing slot dimensioned so as to permit the edgewise withdrawal from within the storage cavity of only a single flosser at a time.