Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process to produce aerated fuels for efficient combustion in an engine. In instances, the method comprises forming an emulsion of a gas and liquid fuel in a high shear device prior to introduction to an engine. A vehicular system for producing aerated fuels comprising a high shear device.

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 compound bow includes a frame assembly, a force compounding system, and a draw string guide system. The frame assembly includes at least one riser. The force compounding system is supported by the frame assembly and includes a first string guide connected to the frame assembly and a second string guide connected to the frame assembly. The draw string guide system is supported by the frame assembly and includes a third string guide connected to the frame assembly and a fourth string guide connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A BB gun loading device includes a feeder, a loading unit, a power breaker, and an ejection unit. The loading unit includes a worm, a driven pulley, and a motor. The worm is inserted into the feeder and coupled to the driven pulley which is driven by the motor to rotate. The rotation of the driven pulley links the worm to load BB balls in the feeder for shooting. The power breaker is adapted to cut off power supply. The ejection unit includes a press rod and a touch switch. By pressing the press rod, the touch switch is activated to link the worm to move backward so as to clear the jammed chamber.

Abstract: A circular saw blade has a guide plate (11), a plurality of pendulum-like cutter carriers provided at a circumferential outer region (12) of the guide plate (11), and cutters (21, 22) provided at radially outer ends (17) of the cutter carriers (14), respectively, the cutter carriers (14) being secured at their radially inner ends remote from the cutters (21, 22) to the guide plate (11) with a plurality of fastening elements (15) for pivotal movement in a plane defined by the guide plate (11).

Abstract: A cut gemstone has one or more backside grooves cut into backside facets to form sub facets that operate to increase the brilliance of the cut gemstone.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an oil-fired heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in ail weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the oil-fired heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox.

Abstract: A convection oven is disclosed. The convection oven includes an indirect heating chamber and a housing forming both an oven chamber and a circulation path between the oven chamber and the indirect heating chamber. An air circulator is adapted to circulate air through the circulation path. A fuel burner is adapted to generate heat, and heat from the fuel burner is transferred to the indirect heating chamber through a heat exchange interface.

Abstract: A baking oven has an oven housing, an oven door which is connected to the oven housing with a hinge at one side, and cooperating sealing elements on the door and in the area of the door opening of the oven housing. The sealing elements include a flexible seal and a seal-contact surface. The sealing elements situated in the vicinity of the upper edge of the door and those being situated in the vicinity of the lower edge of the door having different designs. The sealing elements provided on the door near the upper and lower door edges are releasably attached to the door, so they are interchangeable to improve the ease of installing the door alternatively with a right hinge or a left hinge.

Abstract: A barbecue grilling grate assembly for use in a barbecue grilling system is disclosed. The barbecue grilling grate assembly includes a grilling grate having a plurality of grilling bars and a bordering bar. The grilling grate includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to allow food to be cooked atop. The bottom surface includes an inlet port defined thereon and is configured to evacuate smoke from a heat source via the inlet port. The grilling bars are fluidly connected to the bordering bar, which both define hollow channels therewithin to allow smoke from a heat source to pass therethrough and out to an outlet port. The grilling grate assembly further includes a tubular structure and a smoke evacuation device, which are selectively attached to the outlet port.

Abstract: A pollutant removing device includes first and second air blow devices respectively located at front and rear ends of a pollutant generation source or an oven and respectively including a first elongate air blow slot and a second elongate air blow slot so as to blow air upward. A suction device is located above a counter top to which the pollutant generation source or the oven is installed. The suction device includes at least one elongate suction opening which is connected with a suction machine. The at least one elongate suction opening is parallel to the first and the second elongate air blow slots. Two air curtains are formed between the at least one elongate suction opening and the first and second elongate air blow slots. The gas, vapor, or particulate type pollutants located between the two air curtains is sucked via the at least one elongate suction opening.

Abstract: A device, system and method for heating fluid (air) in a flue to create a draw prior to combusting a fuel in a combustion device. The device, system and method includes a housing that may be integrated about the flue. The housing may include a heat exchanger that itself may include a heating source that may be in thermal communication with the flue and a temperature differentiation driver. The heat exchanger may operate to transfer heat energy from the heating source to a fluid constrained to a path created by the flue. The result is a pressure differential created within the flue to help draw the fluid out of the combustion device. The heat exchanger may be configured such that it may cause heat transfer to the heavier, more dense fluid contained within the ventilation system prior to combusting fuel in a combustion device, thereby causing the fluid to be relatively less dense thus creating a draw.

Abstract: A retractable oven rack includes a slidable wire base with four wire sections extending generally horizontally around a periphery. Two of the wire sections extend parallel to each other along the width of the wire base and the other two extend parallel along the length. The four wires sections are connected to each other at their ends. A pair of support rods extend from and respectively parallel two of the wire sections along the length of the slidable wire base. The oven rack also includes a grid shelf having a pair of raised wire sections extending the length of the grid shelf that are slidably supported on the pair of support rods for allowing the grid shelf to be supported and slide on the pair of support rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner for gas-fired cooking appliances, with a structure comprised of: a body (10) defining a chamber (12) within which an injector (14) inputs the gas which, upon mixing with air, forms the gas-air combustible mixture; a ring (16) positioned over the body and provided with a periphery along which are arranged the combustible mixture outlet ports (18), and a circular plate (20) that closes the top of the burner. At least the burner ring (16) is made of a metal or a metal alloy and is coated with a thin layer of material having catalytic activity, which may be coated on a catalyst precursor porous support substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: Tracking the position of the sun is provided where light from sources other than direct sunlight can be ignored. In particular, lights from various sources can be passed through differently angled polarizers to determine radiation energies from the polarizers. This can indicate whether the original light is polarized or substantially non-polarized, like the sun. Additionally, the light can be passed through a spectral filter to reject light not falling within a spectrum of wavelengths or having weak intensity with respect to direct sunlight. Subsequently, the light can pass through a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration to optimally align a device or apparatus to receive the direct sunlight. Additionally, the size of a focus point of the light through the ball lens and onto the quadrant cell can determine a collimation of the light, which can indicate direct sunlight as well.

Abstract: A solar tracking device including a solar panel, an orientation control device, and an inclination sensing device is provided. The solar panel is suitable for converting solar energy into electric energy. The orientation control device controls an orientation of the solar panel according to the position and time of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is disposed on the solar panel for detecting an inclination direction of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is suitable for outputting a feedback signal to the orientation control device to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. The solar tracking device has a simple tracking mechanism because of a simple feedback mechanism of the inclination sensing device.

Abstract: A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.

Abstract: A heat collector comprises a transparent glazing exposed to the ambient. The transparent glazing is spaced from a back surface to define a plenum therewith. A plurality of perforations is defined through the transparent glazing for allowing outside air to flow through the transparent glazing into the plenum and substantially maintain the transparent glazing at the ambient temperature, thereby providing for higher thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a plate-shaped solar element. The frame includes a bottom frame element (21) with a first surface (24) and a top frame element (11) with a second surface (14). The second surface (14) is disposed opposite the first surface (24) and is at spaced from the first surface forming a gap that accommodates an edge region of the plate-shaped solar element (31). The first surface and the second surface are each self-adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a solar collector assembly that can be manufactured, assembled, and maintained efficiently. A number of arrays that include one or more reflective material formed in a parabolic shape can be attached to a backbone. The backbone is attached to a polar support that is positioned at or near the center of gravity for the solar collector assembly. The polar support at or near the center of gravity allows the entire assembly to be tilted, rotated and/or lowered for various purposes (e.g., service, maintenance, safety). The solar collector assembly can be transported as modular units and/or in a partially assembled state.

Abstract: The UNICHAMBER is a small and efficient “spacer” devise used to efficiently deliver aerosol medication to the lung obstructed patient. A wing-like projection within the bottom chamber indicates when the canister of medication is empty or when the patient is not taking the proper inhalation. The parts are easily dismantled for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from a blend comprising: a thermoplastic elastomer including a propylene component with isotactic crystallinity; and a polymer selected from one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for an aerosol therapy unit includes a main body and a delivery tube. The main body includes a nose mask portion having a tube connector with an inlet hole, and a nipple-connecting portion connected integrally to and disposed below the nose mask portion. The delivery tube has one end connected to the inlet hole, and the other end adapted to be connected to a source of medication or gas.

Abstract: An oxygen supply device with at least one oxygen source and with a breathing mask connectable to the oxygen source. An intermediate container is provided, to which the oxygen source may be conductively connected.

Abstract: A user inhales medicine ejected from the medicine ejecting section of an inhaler into the air flow duct of an air flow duct forming member through a hole. As the air flow duct forming member is taken off from the inhaler body, the medicine ejecting section is covered by a cap for protection. As the air flow duct forming member is fitted to the inhaler body, the cap is opened and a sensor recognizes the open state of the cap so that the air flow duct forming member is prohibited from being fitted to and taken off from the inhaler body by a claw that is secured to the air flow duct forming member. In this way, the medicine ejecting section is prevented from being damaged when the air flow duct is fitted to and taken away from the inhaler.

Abstract: There is provided a manifold for use in a medicament dispenser device for the delivery of medicament powder from an open blister pocket of a blister pack. The manifold comprises a body, the body defining a chimney having a chimney inlet and a chimney exit for directing airflow from the chimney inlet to the chimney exit; the body further defining a chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber exit. The chimney exit and said chamber inlet lie side-by-side each other such that when said open blister pocket of said blister pack is positioned adjacent thereto said airflow may be directed from the chimney exit to the chamber inlet via the open blister pocket to entrain said medicament powder and enable transport thereof in the airflow from the chamber inlet to said chamber outlet. The chamber is arranged to promote break up of said entrained medicament powder by exposing the entrained medicament powder to one or more regions of differential force during its transport through the chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a manifold for use in a medicament dispenser device for the delivery of medicament powder from an open blister pocket of a blister pack. The manifold comprises a body, the body defining a chimney having a chimney inlet and a chimney exit for directing airflow from the chimney inlet to the chimney exit; the body further defining a chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber exit. The chimney exit and said chamber inlet lie side-by-side each other such that when said open blister pocket of said blister pack is positioned adjacent thereto said airflow may be directed from the chimney exit to the chamber inlet via the open blister pocket to entrain said medicament powder and enable transport thereof in the airflow from the chamber inlet to said chamber outlet. The manifold is arranged such as to delay the emptying of the medicament powder from the blister pocket.

Abstract: A dispersing unit for a powder inhaler comprises a mouthpiece with an annular channel for the delivery of a stream of particles. The annular channel has an axial inlet, and an axial outlet adjoined by an annular deflection chamber in which the axially incoming stream of particles is deflected to a predominantly radial direction of flow. The deflection chamber is adjoined in the axial direction by a rotation chamber with a circular peripheral wall and an axial outlet.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises two parts (2, 4) connected by an integrally moulded, e.g. living hinge (6), so as to be moveable from an open position to a closed position. At least one of the parts (2, 4) defines at least part of a circulating airflow chamber (12), wherein when said parts (2, 4) are in said closed position, the inhaler comprises an airflow path including the circulating airflow chamber (12).

Abstract: A method for displaying dosage indicia includes engaging a dispenser housing with a container in an engaged position, moving the container relative to the dispenser housing along a longitudinal axis while the container and the dispenser housing are in the engaged position, moving a valve between a closed position and an open position in response to moving the container relative to the dispenser housing and thereby dispensing metered dosages of substance when the valve is moved to the open position, moving the container relative to the dispenser housing to a disengaged position, moving an indicating portion with the container as the container is moved relative to the dispenser housing between the engaged and disengaged positions, and moving the indicator member relative to the container along the longitudinal axis while the container is in the engaged position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental treatment apparatus comprising a source of gas, a generator for generating oxidizing gas from the gas of the source, an application device for application of the oxidizing gas to a selected application area and exposing the selected application area to the oxidizing gas, a destructor for the oxidizing gas and a vacuum pump to create a pressure sufficient to suck the oxidizing gas from the application device to the destructor, whereby an additional gas reservoir for the gas from the source is provided between the source and the generator.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's nares; a pair of strips configured to be connected to opposite sides of the patient interface structure; and adhesive configured to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's nares. The adhesive may be provided on the strips, and the strips are configured to be adhered to sides of the patient's nose by the adhesive. Another patient interface system includes a first component including adhesive on a first side and hook or loop fastener material on a second side, wherein the adhesive is configured to adhere the component to the face of the patient; and a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's airways.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying breathable gas includes a main housing, a sub-housing removably connected to the main housing, and a vent valve assembly provided to the sub-housing. The sub-housing has a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The vent valve assembly includes a gas venting conduit in fluid communication with the gas flow path. The gas venting conduit is adapted to be selectively restricted by a cam abutting an exterior of the gas venting conduit, whereby a position of the cam is variable to vary gas passing through the gas venting conduit which varies a flow rate of gas leaving the gas outlet.

Abstract: Oxygen breathing masks, as well as methods of providing oxygen to persons, are detailed. The devices may include mechanisms for supplying either oxygen or ambient air to a person depending on inspiration pressure applied by the person to a first volume to which the person's mouth and/or nose is connected.

Abstract: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: A mask assembly for use in providing a supply of air at positive pressure to the airways of a patient includes a frame and an elbow. The elbow is rotatable with respect to the frame when assembled. The frame includes an elbow-receiving portion. The elbow and elbow-receiving portion of the frame are adapted to include respective interlocking sealing portions and one of the elbow and elbow-receiving portion includes a flexible element that upon assembly flexes to introduce a preload that effects a seal between the respective interlocking sealing portions.

Abstract: A system for securing a mask onto a subject's head is provided. The system may include a mask base, a mask latch, and a mask head strap. The mask base may be configured to support a gas delivery conduit for delivering gas to the subject. The mask latch may be pivotally coupled to the mask base about an axis extending generally laterally across the mask base. The mask head strap may be configured to be positioned around a subject's head and coupled to the mask latch such that rotation of the mask latch about the axis and relative to the mask base adjusts the mask head strap.

Abstract: Device for extracting particles from exhaled breath, comprising a cooling system (16) for creating droplets by condensation of the water vapour contained in the exhaled breath; a droplet recovery unit (7) provided with a side wall (2) having a grid form and converging towards an outlet opening (9), allowing the droplets attracted towards said side wall (2) to flow along the latter towards the outlet opening (9); and a discharge electrode (1) mounted inside the droplet recovery unit (7), said side wall (2) of said droplet recovery unit (7) defining a counter electrode to said discharge electrode (1) in order to attract droplet-collecting particles carried by exhaled breath towards said side wall (2).

Abstract: A protective garment incorporates a face and neck mask adapted to filter out airborne particulates. The protective garment outwardly has the appearance of a conventional shirt, sweater or jacket, yet incorporates a convenient, easy to use, and readily accessible mask that is always available to the wearer and is ready for use on short notice.

Abstract: A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob, forehead cushion support, and frame connector are constructed and arranged such that over-rotation of the adjustment knob beyond the extended position of the forehead cushion support is adapted to release the adjustment knob from the forehead cushion support and the frame connector.

Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: A medical headgear fabric that includes, at least: (i) a skin-facing fabric layer; (ii) an outermost fabric layer; and (iii) a plastic or metal layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably these layers, as well as any additional layers that may be present in the fabric are thermoformed to form a substantially unitary fabric with at least a substantially laminate structure. Preferably, the fabric also includes a foam layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of plastic, the plastic layer is in the form of a nylon, plastic strip. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of metal, the metal layer is in the form of an aluminum strip.

Abstract: A respiratory auxiliary device includes a first conduit provided with a pair of nasal prongs and having two opposite end portions, two second conduits connected fluidly and respectively to the end portions, and a pressure-measuring pipe adapted for connection with a pressure-measuring device. One of the second conduits is adapted for discharging air exhaled by a patient. The other one of the second conduits is adapted to be connected to an air supply device. The pressure-measuring pipe is disposed within said one of the second conduits, and has one end extending into the first conduit in proximity to the nasal prongs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe jacket for seniors and patients who need rehabilitative exercise and an exercising apparatus having the safe jacket, which support a user's body so that the user is securely supported in a walking or exercising space, protect the user's spine, and keep the user's spine straight, thus allowing the user to stand erect and walk while comfortably supporting the user's body. The safe jacket includes a main body which surrounds a user's body and is open at a top, a bottom, and a front thereof. An armpit support is mounted along a groove concavely formed on each of left and right sides of the main body. A plurality of support belts is detachably coupled to either the main body or the armpit support. At least one fastening unit is mounted to the front of the main body, and detachably holds the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance or fat burning.

Abstract: A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway.

Abstract: A flexible thermoplastic sheet material (100) is disclosed, suitable for molding to and immobilising a part of a subject during medical treatment. The flexible thermoplastic sheet material has a core layer (10) with an upper surface (1) and lower surface (2), that is a thermoplastic composition including polycaprolactone and polyurethane. A first outer layer (5) is disposed over the upper surface of the core layer, having a material formed from a yarn which includes polyamide and elastane. The second outer layer (15) is disposed over the lower surface of the core layer and includes open cell foam with layers which are bonded so as to form a single sheet. A cushion and molding frame can be made from the sheet material (100).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucosally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.