Abstract: The invention relates to a drive circuit for an injector arrangement comprising a first fuel injector in parallel with a capacitive component. The drive circuit comprises: a selector means and diagnostic means. The selector means is operable to select the first fuel injector and/or the capacitive component into the drive circuit and to deselect the first fuel injector and/or the capacitive component from the drive circuit. When the capacitive component is selected and the first fuel injector is deselected, the diagnostic means is operable to sense a current through the first fuel injector. When the sensed current is at variance from a first threshold current the diagnostic means is operable to provide a first signal on detection of a stack terminal short circuit fault associated with the first fuel injector. The capacitive component may be a second fuel injector.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for efficiently recirculating an exhaust gas in a combustion engine. The apparatus includes an intake air conduit that accepts and promotes mixing of an intake air stream and an EGR stream. The intake air stream moves in the direction of the axis of the intake air conduit. The EGR stream enters the intake air conduit within a volute of decreasing area curled about the outside circumference of the intake air stream. The rate at which the volute encourages mixing of an EGR stream with an intake air stream is affected by the rate at which the volute's area decreases as the volute curls about the inside circumference of the intake air conduit, and by the angle of entry for the EGR stream as directed by the volute.

Abstract: A paintball gun kit preferably includes a plurality of non-fully assembled paintball gun components packaged for retail sale to a consumer. Instructions are preferably provided to instruct the consumer how to assemble the paintball gun components into an operational paintball gun. The paintball gun components can be packaged together or separately. The paintball gun kit can include, for example, a body, a grip, and a pneumatic assembly. Various numbers and arrangements of components are contemplated. Various styles, materials, and colors of paintball gun components can also be provided consistent with the principles of the present invention.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a main beam: (a) a bow assembly including a bow and a bow string adapted to propel an arrow; (b) a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam; (c) and a bow assembly mounting apparatus for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly at a first location on the main beam to provide a first draw weight and for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly to a second location on the main beam to provide a second draw weight that is substantially different from the first draw weight.

Abstract: A system (30) for cocking a crossbow (10) includes two connectors (33) each having a hook (35) adapted to engage a bow string (24) on each side of the stock (11) of the crossbow (10). Each connector (33) includes a pulley (38) which receives a rope (31) therethrough, and also includes at least one laterally extending shoulder (40) which rides against the stock (11) when the crossbow (10) is being cocked. The shoulders (40) thus space the hook (35) and pulley (38) of each connector (33) from the stock (11) so that the trigger safety (20) is not accidentally engaged. A support block (24) is attached to the stock (11) and is provided with a track (49) to receive the rope (31) so that the rope (31) is maintained generally in the same plane as the bow string (24).

Abstract: A valve body is provided defining housing a moveable valve spool having a first end and a second end. The valve spool forms a gas balance chamber within the valve body. The valve spool has an end for closing an opening in the valve body. A channel running through the valve spool provides communication with the second end of the valve spool and the gas balance chamber. The second end of the spool valve is adapted to have an effective surface area greater than the effective surface area of the gas balance chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronically controlled paintball marker with magnetic control, having a trigger in communication with an electronic controller and a bolt configured to reciprocate in response to a magnetic force applied to a portion of the bolt during a firing sequence. Actuation of the trigger initiates a firing sequence activating electromagnets controlled by the electronic controller.

Abstract: A tunnel oven using air impingement as the heat transfer mechanism is constructed for significant reduction of energy consumption and minimal labor required for cleaning. The oven is designed so that the number of airflow direction changes is minimized, and that there are no narrow ducts and no narrow spaces in the air circuit. The initial placement of thermal energy is optimized to maximize efficiency while minimizing unnecessary heat losses through exterior oven panels. The air impingement nozzle elements are on plates supported by rails and/or feet for very easy maintenance. The easy fast-out and fast-in nozzle plates are removed through access openings, and without removing the conveyor or the front of the oven. No downtime for cooling off is required. Therefore, one unskilled worker of minimal strength can disassemble the oven extremely quickly and easily for routine cleaning.

Abstract: An easy and fast to light, device for the improved cooking of food, made for using charcoal or similar fuel, comprising a generally convex shell or an envelope, a perforated partition dividing the shell or envelope into a lighting portion and a firebox, and a lid. In optional embodiment a duct is also provided to enhance lighting.

Abstract: A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by inserting the adjustable guard panel supports between the oven door handle and the oven door. The guard panel supports are secured to the oven by two identical holding devices, which are attached to the surface of the oven door. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed or removed in seconds.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a metered dose inhaler (MDI) portion housed with a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) portion. The MDI portion and the HME portion share an inlet. The MDI portion and the HME portion share an outlet. The MDI portion and the HME portion are in parallel to each other and are immediately lateral of one another. The present MDI/HME apparatus includes a valve to direct fluid flow to or away from the HME portion and to or away from the MDI portion. The present MDI/HME apparatus includes a valve arm to communicate to the caregiver whether fluid is passing through the MDI portion or the HME portion and to structurally close off an MDI port when the valve is open relative to the HME portion. The valve is structured such that fluid flow to the patient is never obstructed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the pressure within an aircraft flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event. For example, an aircraft may include a flight crew area, at least one pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the atmosphere within the flight crew area, and at least one regulated decompression panel that is operatively associated with the pressure sensor, for regulating the pressure within the flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers for dispensing pharmaceutical grade formulations of inhalable dry powder include: an inhaler housing having a mouthpiece associated therewith; and a slidably extendable forward member that is movable between retracted and extended positions, held by the inhaler housing adjacent the mouthpiece. In the extended position, the forward member extends outward a distance beyond a forwardmost portion of the mouthpiece, and in the retracted position, a forwardmost portion of the forward member is positioned rearward of the forwardmost portion of the mouthpiece with an access portion of the mouthpiece accessible by a user.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A patient interface that includes a support body having a cushion and cheek interfaces. Collectively, the cushion and cheek interfaces operate to distribute compressive forces exerted on the user's face. The support body of the patient interface is constructed from a flexible material to impart additional adjustability to the cheek interfaces. The support body also has arcuate eyelets designed to provide a hinge between the headgear assembly and the support body.

Abstract: An endoscopic mouthguard comprising a bite block comprising a generally annular body adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a patient so as to maintain the upper and lower teeth of the patient in a spaced apart relationship and define an endoscopic passage for introduction of an endoscope into the oral cavity of the patient. The bite block includes a gas delivery passage for delivery of a gas to the oral cavity of the patient, and a gas distribution manifold detachably engaged with the bite block. The gas distribution manifold comprises at least one inlet port for receiving gas from a gas supply, at least one nasal outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port and adapted so as to direct gas to or toward the nasal passages of the patient; and an oral outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port.

Abstract: A support device and associated appurtenances, which support a user's torso while in a forward leaning position. The device includes a rest the user can lean his/her torso on while working in a forward leaning position, and support structure adapted which can adjust the angle, height, and/or lateral position of the rest. A support device includes support structure, and a rest supported by the support structure, from a base. The rest can support the torso of a user, from the base, as the user leans his/her torso against the rest. Transport structure can be used to move the support structure back and forth along the base. One or more pivotations can be used from base to rest. The invention is useful anywhere a user leans forward for an extended time, such as dentists, working over a desk, over a drafting table, or over a manufacturing line or assembly line.

Abstract: A product change method for a cigarette manufacturing machine, wherein an input hopper receives a first type of shredded tobacco from a supply header, and feeds it to at least one channel for forming, on a conveyor, a bead of tobacco, which is released onto a paper strip travelling along a forming table for forming a continuous cigarette rod; the method provides for cutting off supply of the first type of shredded tobacco to the header, emptying the header, cutting off communication between the header and the input hopper, cutting off supply of the paper strip, keeping the manufacturing machine running to form a waste stream of shredded tobacco of the first type and empty the manufacturing machine, and feeding a second type of shredded tobacco through the supply header and the input hopper to fill the manufacturing machine completely before starting up supply of the paper strip.

Abstract: A device for minimizing cigarette sidestream smoke and reducing free-burn rate of a burning cigarette is disclosed. The device comprises a non-combustible tubular element encasing an effective length of a tobacco charge of a cigarette located in the tubular element. The tubular element minimizes sidestream smoke emission from a burning tobacco charge and reduces free-burn rate of such burning tobacco charge to increase the number of puffs from the burning tobacco charge.

Abstract: A tobacco curing enclosure includes roof vents, sidewall fan assemblies with heaters, a humidity augmentation system, and internal air circulation devices. Internal temperature and humidity monitors are connected with a control system for the fans, vents, heaters, humidity augmentation system and air circulation devices. The control system in conjunction with the enclosure allows humidity inside the enclosure to be controlled according to a predetermined schedule despite the ambient weather conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of cured tobacco.

Abstract: Mascara packaging and applicator assembly comprising a container with a central axis, a closing device and an applicator head mounted on a rod. The bottom of the container has a central elevation projecting inwards and leaving an annular space between the sidewall of the container and the elevation, the applicator head extending into this annular space when the closing device is closing the opening of the container.

Abstract: Described are methods of removing aluminum fluoride contaminants from aluminum, anodized aluminum, and sprayed ceramic surfaces. Hydrofluoric acid, long known to be effective at removing certain contaminants, has not been used to dissolve aluminum fluoride on aluminum-containing surfaces because the hydrofluoric acid strongly attacks such surfaces, and consequently damages sensitive components. Methods used in accordance with some embodiments remove aluminum fluoride using a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and one or more anhydrous acid. Suitable anhydrous acids include acetic acid.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a carrier fluid; and (ii) a first reactant and a second reactant; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. The first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction; and the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 1,000 kJ/liter of the treatment fluid. At least some of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant is suspended in the carrier fluid in a solid form that is adapted to help control the release of the reactant into the carrier fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering and cleaning a cylindrical paint roller pad includes a painting shield having a semi-cylindrical side wall; mounting means for rotatably mounting the pad so that the painting shield side wall is spaced from a first segment of the pad side wall with the longitudinal axis of the pad is coincident with the axis of curvature of the painting shield side wall; a rinse shield rotatable between a closed position substantially beneath the painting shield side wall and an extended position spaced from a second segment of the roller outer surface, the shields being spaced to form a water discharge gap when the rinse shield is in its extended position; and a water manifold to direct water against the pad. The mounting means may be a spindle with a secured handle, or a separate handle attachable to the painting shield.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that collectively define a first washing chamber. The tub is supported in an outer, modular support body having first and second opposing side walls joined by a bottom wall, as well as a pair of upper frame members. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support bodies are mounted one atop another to establish a dual drawer-type dishwasher, with the first and second support bodies being joined, preferably at a stepped interface region, by a plurality of brackets. The first and second support bodies are preferably aligned by arranging lugs formed on upper in-turned flanges on a lower support body within recesses formed in the bottom wall of the upper support body.

Abstract: An adjustable cane includes a grasping mechanism, an actuator, an adjustable length inelastic linkage, a magnetic pickup, hanging tip and self-standing base. Pivotally mounted to the distal end of the cane, the grasping mechanism includes a pair of fingers defining a narrow valley for grasping small objects and a wide valley for grasping large objects. The adjustable length inelastic linkage transmits force from the actuator to the grasping mechanism. The magnetic pickup is mounted to the grasping mechanism to facilitate retrieval of ferrous objects. The hanging tip supports the cane from horizontal surfaces. The self-standing base allows the cane to stand upright on any flat surface.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve which is insertable into a receiving recess (21) of a valve carrier (22), the valve (1, 1?) comprising a first housing part (2, 2?) and a closing body (4). The closing body (4) cooperates with a sealing surface (9) to form a sealing seat, the valve (1, 1?) being fixable in the receiving recess (21) of the valve carrier (22) by means of the first housing part (2, 2?). A second housing part (3, 3?) is connectable by way of a first end (7) to the first housing part (2, 2?) and the sealing surface (9) cooperating with the closing body (4) is formed on the second housing part (3, 3?).

Abstract: A flow regulator for medical liquids comprising a first body and a second body coupled to one another in a rotatable way and a gasket set between them and overmolded on the second body. Provided thereon is at least one graduated scale formed by impressions and/or, respectively, by reliefs integral with the second body, and by inserts and/or, respectively, by complementary openings of a side skirt of the overmolded gasket.

Abstract: A flapper valve and a method of making the same that does not require bearing assembly. More particularly, the flapper valve includes a shaft having one or more flap portions and one or more bearing portions molded in place on the shaft as a unitary structure. The bearing portions are separated from adjacent flap portions and/or the shaft thereby forming a bearing that rotates independently of flap portions on the shaft. Accordingly, the flapper valve with mold-in-place bearings does not require bearings to be separately assembled or installed prior to installation of the valve.

Abstract: An air nozzle for an automatically inflatable air cushion includes a mounting seat, a connecting pipe having a first end mounted on the mounting seat and a second end formed with a passage connected to the mounting seat, a control valve including a valve body movably mounted on the connecting pipe and a valve cap mounted on the valve body and provided with a protruding seal portion that is movable to seal the passage, and an elastic member to push the seal portion outwardly relative to the passage. Thus, the air nozzle can be locked quickly and exactly to interrupt the air flow to prevent the air flow from being returned into the automatically inflatable air cushion.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a hollow sleeve having a first chamber and a second chamber; a first valve body located in the first chamber; a second valve body located in the second chamber; an air inlet connector screwed to an upper end of the second chamber; and a central pin assembly mounted in the air inlet connector. When an object being inflated by the inflation valve is excessively inflated, the inflation valve automatically releases surplus high-pressure air via at least one release pod of the second chamber by pushing the first valve body and the second valve body upward.

Abstract: A container for gas storage tanks in a vehicle is disclosed as part of a fuel storage system. The container is dimensioned to include one or more storage tanks along with a flow control device, such as a pressure regulator or automatic valve. The container does not form a fluid-tight containment around the storage tank and includes one or more ventilation openings to allow a gas within the container to be vented therefrom. There is also one or more drain openings in the container to allow liquid within the container to be drained therefrom.

Abstract: A double-disk slide valve, the shut-off plates of which are displaceable by means of an actuator rod and which is provided with a bridging pipe having two sealing rings that are in operative engagement with corresponding housing sealing seats of the slide valve housing when the slide valve is in the open position. At least one of the two housing sealing seats rests, by the action of a resilient element, under predetermined pressure against the sealing ring(s) associated with the bridging pipe when the slide valve is in the open position and against the peripheral edge of the shut-off plate(s) when the slide valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A gas valve may include a valve body and a valve member disposed within the valve body. A resilient sealing ring may be disposed within the valve body such that the valve member achieves a closed position when the valve member contacts the resilient sealing ring. In some instances, a gas valve may include both an upper resilient sealing ring and a lower resilient sealing ring. The upper resilient sealing ring and the lower resilient sealing ring may both permit overtravel.

Abstract: An assembly mounts between the drain pan that collects condensate water from an air conditioner and the drain line. It includes a housing with a first end connected to the pan. A second end connects to the drain line. A shut off valve shuts off the passage to the pan while maintenance is performed. A connector is mounted on the housing between the valve and the second end. It is a female member of a quick-connect coupling. A male member of the coupling may be plugged in with a single motion to seal it in place. Male members have different terminations, including a barbed tube for resilient tubing, a compressed air tire valve for delivering gas, a female water hose coupling, a tapered funnel for the nozzle of vacuum/blower, and a water sensor.

Abstract: A faucet assembly is operable automatically or mechanically to facilitate control in a non-powered or motor failure condition. In the automatic control position, separate and automatic control of fluid flow and temperature is provided by respective actuation of first and second handles. In the manual control position, the first and second handles are moved axially to decouple electric motors from corresponding fluid control valves. Such axial movement of the first and second handles concurrently couples the handles mechanically to the corresponding fluid control valves to provide the desired manual actuation.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller (1) comprises a variable aperture flow control valve (5) having an inlet to receive fluid from a supply source and an outlet to deliver fluid along a conduit (6). Downstream of the valve (5) is a back-pressure regulator (8), which in turn delivers fluid to an outlet (9), whilst a permanently open orifice (11) is connected to the conduit (6) upstream of the regulator and provided with an exhaust outlet (12), the characteristics of the valve (5), regulator (8) and orifice (11) being so selected that upon a slight opening of the valve (5), the regulator (8) maintains a closed condition, while further opening of the valve (5) raises the fluid pressure at the regulator (8) which commences opening, to provide a continuous exhaust flow at the exhaust outlet (12), to extend the satisfactory operating range of the flow control valve (5) down to very low flow rates. The controller (1) is suitable for use with a sulphuric acid dewpoint monitor.

Abstract: A test plug for a shower drain includes a threaded portion having external threads sized to be received in an threaded aperture of a drain. An extension extends downwardly from the threaded portion to a cylindrical sealing portion which is connected to the extension below the threaded portion. The sealing portion includes an elastomeric sealing ring extending circumferentially around the sealing portion. The test plug further includes a pair of alignment tabs which extending radially outward from the test plug above the elastomeric sealing ring.

Abstract: A structure-aided method for sealing, from the outside, a liquid-leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This method is implemented utilizing a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable to the outside of such a container with the cavity overlying and facing the wound, and the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet confined in the cavity, and possessing a liquid-reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound. The patch body may be employed directly on the outside of a container, or with an intermediate, resilient gasket which centralizes the symmetrical introduction of leakage liquid into the pellet-containing cavity.

Abstract: A flexible, high pressure, tubular storage vessel for storing and dispensing a compressed gas. The vessel has a gas impermeable inner core member comprising a flexible material and defining an inner diameter of a fluid-carrying channel adapted to store the compressed gas. A flexible reinforcing material is circumferentially disposed about the inner core member. The flexible reinforcing material is surrounded by an air-tight gas barrier wrapping defining an outer diameter. The vessel is configured to be coiled or shaped having a plurality of bends. The bend areas may have a variable inner diameter and are preferably provided with additional reinforcing material.

Abstract: A covering for exposed insulation surfaces on fluid conduits for protection from moisture and other environmental factors. The covering typically includes a central fabric layer, such as a woven high density polyethylene fabric surrounded by structures having layers of alternating metal containing foils and puncture resistant polymers. The structures may be bonded to the central fabric layer by a polymer extrusion, such as a low density polyethylene extrusion. An acceptable metal-containing foil may includes aluminum foil, and the puncture resistant polymer may be polyester. The resulting covering may be cut with a hand-held implement, such as scissors or a knife or the like, may be formed into desired shapes manually and will retain the desired shape once formed. The overall thickness of the covering typically is no greater than about 350 microns.

Abstract: In the heald shaft (1) according to the invention, a coupling device (8) is provided which serves for connecting the end binder (4) with the shaft rod (3) and which has a spring-biased clamping member (18) for frictionally holding a coupling element (20) in the shaft rod (3). When required, the clamping member (18) may be moved into its releasing position against the force of the spring element (30) for releasing the coupling element (20), so that the latter may be pulled out of the shaft rod (3) alone, or possibly together with other components of the coupling device (8). Operating such a coupling device is particularly simple and requires neither particular skill nor particular attention. The coupling device (8) is adapted for shaft rods of lightweight construction.

Abstract: Heald support bar for heald shafts consists of a bent sheet metal element with unbent legs (8, 9), whereby, in the bending zones, the material thickness is reduced before or during the bending process. As a result of the compression occurring during the bending process, the material thickness in the bending region may again increase slighting during the bending process and, optionally, even return to its original value. However, in any event, an increase of the material thickness beyond the original sheet metal thickness is avoided during the bending process.

Abstract: Textured non-woven webs, papermaking fabrics and tissue sheets made using the textured papermaking fabrics can contain design elements set in highlight areas which make the design elements more visible.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric includes a plurality of repeat units of interwoven yarns, each repeat unit comprising: a set of top MD yarns; a set of top CMD yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; and a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns. In interweaving with the top CMD yarns, some of the top MD yarns include a segment in which the top MD yarn passes below a subset of three consecutive top CMD yarns. Each of the bottom MD yarns forms a knuckle over one of the three top CMD yarns of the subset that a top MD yarn located immediately thereabove passes below. The set of bottom CMD yarns includes at least twice as many yarns as does the set of bottom MD yarns.

Abstract: A dryer fabric and a seam area of a dryer fabric. The basic structure of the dryer fabric having at least two superposed machine direction yarn systems. Some yarns of a paper side machine direction yarn system form seam loops at connecting ends and some of the paper side machine direction yarns form an edge of the seam area. All the machine direction yarns of the paper side system make a backward turn at the connecting end and they are fastened off on the backside. The paper side machine direction yarns are cut at a cutting point. Cutting points form a fasten-off row. Yarns that form seam loops are fastened off in a first fasten-off row and yarns that form an edge of the seam area are fastened off in one or more second fasten-off row. One fasten-off row is situated at the beginning line of the seam area.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming a wire to include coil segments useable in a dynamoelectric machine, the apparatus including a plurality of forming structures simultaneously moveable along an axis into a coil segment forming configuration, with at least a number of the plurality of forming structures being configured to hold a wire, and at least one actuating device associated with at least a number of the plurality of forming structures and configured to simultaneously move the number of the plurality of forming structures into the coil segment forming configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.

Abstract: Multi compressor systems and apparatuses for the manufacture, storage and dispensing of manufactured hydrogen fuel to hydrogen vehicle tanks or remote mobile refuelers are disclosed.