Abstract: A direct fuel injection control for an internal combustion engine includes first and second controllers. The first controller has a microprocessor and generates injection timing and duration signals on injector select lines. The second controller is a state machine including injector controls that receive the injection timing and duration signals and control injector current according to sets of injector current profile defining parameters received from the first controller on a serial bus and stored in register sets in the second controller. The second controller includes switching apparatus that can quickly change the connection of each injector control between different register sets to select different injector current profiles in successive injection pulses. Several alternative ways of providing register select signals are disclosed, and these may be incorporated in the same second controller for selection by the first controller.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system is mounted on a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Even when an internal combustion engine is stopped, a discharge of fuel vapor from a first canister to atmosphere can be detected. When the discharge of the fuel vapor from the first canister is detected, the internal combustion engine is started to perform a purge process. When it is detected that the purge process in the first canister is finished, the internal combustion engine is stopped to terminate the purge process.

Abstract: A submerging air pressure projectile launching toy, suitable for use by children, includes a main device body, a launch structure connected to an upper end thereof to define an interior air chamber, and a projectile, all for use in water. The main device body has a hollow elongate member, defining a longitudinal axis, and a water intake, in fluid communication with the interior air chamber, at a lower end thereof, and the water intake opening is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The projectile is temporarily mountable via to the launch structure to semi-seal the interior air chamber. When the lower end of the main device body is pushed into a body of water, air within the interior air chamber is compressed until a frictional or other coupling force between the projectile and the launch structure is overcome, causing the projectile to launch into the air.

Abstract: An adaptor for a device mount that is used to mount a device such as a video camera, rangefinder or a game caller is provided. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a threaded attaching portion and an engaging cylinder. The threaded screw portion is adapted to engage internal threads in a bore of a structure. The engaging cylinder is coupled to the threaded attaching portion. The surface of the engaging cylinder is adapted to engage a scope mount ring.

Abstract: This invention is a safety mechanism that improves upon existing inventions in the field of barbeques and grills by minimizing grill fires and/or burning or overcooking of one's food. A barbeque includes a control panel that receives input from one or several thermocouples installed inside the grill. In the event of a grill fire, the thermocouples detect the high heat, send a signal to the control panel, that in turn activates a mechanical lift to move the barbecue's cooking-grid away from the flame.

Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22). Each of the torsion tubes (34) may have a flat surface (164) for ready alignment and attachment of solar panels (24) onto the torsion tubes (34).

Abstract: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: A connection of a sensor to a respirator/ventilator is provided without individual cable connections having to be led from the respirator to the sensor. A signal line (18) extends along the breathing gas tube (2) and is designed to transmit signals of the sensor (16) to the respirator. A contactless interface (17) is provided between the signal line (18) and the sensor (16).

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component for an inhalation device comprising a first flow channel for inhalation, a second flow channel for exhalation, a mouthpiece forming a part of the first flow channel, a filter assigned to the second flow channel and a protection element which circumferentially surrounds the mouthpiece and is sealingly connected the mouthpiece at the end opposing the tip of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.

Abstract: Occlusion devices and methods for occluding fallopian tubes which take effect promptly after deployment. The occlusion device comprises an occluding element and a fixation element. In one embodiment, the occluding element is deployed within the fallopian tube and in another embodiment, the occluding element is external to the fallopian tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining patency of a vessel or other body region is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance having a non-circumferential form and being effective in maintaining patency or openness, or causing to become patent or open, a body region in which the appliance is located. The appliance may be formed of a flexible metallic struts structured to be submucossally implanted into a wall of the vessel or other body region.

Abstract: A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes a lighting end and a mouth end. The lighting end is a longitudinally extending segment comprising smokable material that is intended to be lit and burned, and the resulting smoke generated by the burning of that smokable material is intended to be drawn into the mouth of the smoker through the mouth end of smoking article. A mouth end piece is located at the mouth end of the smoking article, and the mouth end piece allows the smoking article to be placed in the mouth of the smoker to be drawn upon. The smoking article further incorporates an aerosol-generation system that is located between the lighting end segment and the mouth end piece. The aerosol-generation system includes (i) a heat generation segment located adjacent to the lighting end segment, and (ii) an aerosol-generation region located between the heat generation segment and the mouth end piece. The aerosol-generation region incorporates an aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and flavors).

Abstract: A hair coloring applicator has an applicator body having a top surface and a bottom surface. A neck receiving bore in the bottom surface is adapted to engage a neck of a container. The hair coloring applicator further includes a plurality of solution application prongs, a plurality of comb elements, and a plurality of distribution brushes that extend upwardly from the top surface. A plurality of solution application ducts communicate between the neck receiving bore and a proximal ends of each of the plurality of solution application prongs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental cleaning device, particularly to a flosser device for cleaning teeth gaps. The flosser device according to the present invention removes food particles from different tooth gaps by mounting the flosser element to the flosser element longitudinal connecting slot and the flosser element transverse connecting slot to adjust the position of the flosser. The flosser element base is disposed in the gradually narrowing flosser element connecting slots, so that the flosser element arms diverse outwardly to tension a length of flosser between the flosser element arms. Besides, the center of the flosser element connecting slot is hollow to form a base receiving hole so that the base press-release point projects through the base receiving hole out of the handle after the flosser element base is mounted on the flosser element connecting mechanism, and a user can draw out the flosser element by pressing the base press-release point for replacement.

Abstract: A radioactive material sequestration system may include a radionuclide containment composition dispenser and a sorption based media container. The radionuclide containment composition dispenser may be configured for holding a radionuclide containment composition and be capable of dispensing the radionuclide containment composition to remove radionuclides from a radioactive material. The radionuclide containment composition is a mixture of a clay mineral and water. The sorption based media container may be configured for holding a sorption based media; receiving dispensed radionuclide containment composition; and sequestering the radionuclides. The radioactive material sequestration system may also include a probe.

Abstract: A runner assembly for use with a central shaft of an umbrella frame includes a tubular retaining block which is movable relative to a tubular runner in a transverse direction relative to an axis of the central shaft, and a tubular thrust member movable along the axis. An inner sleeve surface of the thrust member is configured such that, when the thrust member is pressed from a releasing position to an actuating position, the retaining block is moved from a first position to a second position to permit a retaining member disposed thereon to engage an engaging surface of the central shaft so as to keep the umbrella frame in an open state.

Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for controlling liquid flow into a reservoir includes a mounting adapter defining a liquid inlet passage for connection to a riser for supplying water to the valve and which renders the fill valve readily mountable and demountable for installation and maintenance. A valve body has liquid inlet and outlet openings and a pressure-responsive member is disposed within the valve body and defines a control chamber with which the liquid inlet passage communicates opposite a second side of the pressure responsive member also in communication with the liquid inlet for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to liquid flow in response to liquid pressure in the control chamber.

Abstract: A water inlet device for a faucet includes a valve seat, a connecting pipe, and a plurality of locking screws. The valve seat includes a surrounding wall having a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions being provided with a respective screw hole, a base wall cooperating with the surrounding wall to define a valve space, and a branch pipe extending from the surrounding wall. The connecting pipe has a positioning plate portion disposed to abut against the base wall of the valve seat and formed with a plurality of fastener holes, a guide pipe portion, and an inner hole in spatial communication with the valve space in the valve seat. The locking screws extend respectively through the fastener holes in the positioning plate portion of the connecting pipe and engage threadedly and respectively the screw holes in the protrusions of the surrounding wall of the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: An air pulser includes a housing. The interior of the housing is divided into an air supply chamber and an exhaust chamber by a diaphragm formed with an aperture. An air injection tube is provided in the air supply chamber and configured to be selectively opened and closed by the diaphragm. The exhaust chamber is divided into first and second chambers by a valve plate formed with a valve hole. In the second chamber, a guide tube is fixedly mounted in which a valve body is slidably supported. The valve body carries a permanent magnet adapted to be attracted to the valve plate and carrying a suction disk. A seal member is disposed between the guide tube and the valve plate. A plurality of radial grooves having a V-shaped cross-section are formed on the surface of the valve plate facing the suction plate at its radially inner portion.

Abstract: A constant flow rate valve has a housing in which a rotatable sleeve is positioned between the valve's inlet and outlet. Apertures in the sleeve move into alignment with the valve's inlet and outlet upon sleeve rotation to establish the fluid flow rate. A piston is movable longitudinally within the sleeve bore. The piston has openings which align with the apertures in the sleeve upon longitudinal motion of the piston. Pressure ducts connect each end of the sleeve to the inlet and outlet. The piston moves in response to relative pressure changes in the inlet and outlet communicated by the pressure ducts. The area of overlap between the piston's openings and the sleeve's apertures varies with piston motion to ensure a constant flow rate in spite of relative inlet and outlet pressure changes. The ends of the sleeve are in fluid communication to control the response sensitivity of the piston.

Abstract: A solenoid including an armature movable in an armature room, and a coil which can be flowed through by current. When flowed through by current the armature moves. The armature immerses in a control cone. The mean gap width between the armature and the control cone changes with the immersion path of the armature in the control cone.

Abstract: A combinational valve system for efficiently controlling the flow of a fluid through a valve. The combinational valve system includes a channel member including a first port and a second port fluidly connected to the first port, a first valve member attached to the channel member and a second valve member attached to the channel member. The first valve member regulates a flow of the fluid through the first port and the second valve member regulates a flow of the fluid through the second port.

Abstract: An baffle plug comprising a base and a blade extending therefrom. The baffle plug is used in a bore to divide the bore into longitudinally extending passages and cause the liquid to flow serially back and forth through the bore. The blade may comprise various fluid directing structures providing for efficient fluid flow across the surfaces of the blade. The blade may also comprise one or more structures which create turbulent flow of the fluid flowing across the surface of the blade.

Abstract: A sheath for protecting a hose, particularly a fuel conduit, against shocks consists of a knitted tubular structure (10) with two faces, a first face (11) being made in the form of jersey and a second face (12) being made in the form of cotton fleece.

Abstract: A casing spacer includes a pair of generally semi-cylindrical metal shells disposed on opposed outer surface portions of a carrier pipe for securely maintaining the pipe in fixed, spaced relation from the inner surface of an outer casing. Opposed ends of the shells are connected together by nut and bolt combinations for securely attaching the casing spacer to the carrier pipe. Plural runners are directly attached in a spaced manner to the outer surfaces of the metal shells by respective nut and bolt combinations inserted through apertures in the casing spacer's metal shells for engaging the outing casing's inner surface in maintaining fixed spacing between the pipe and outer casing.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A co-extruded tubing for the administration of intravenous fluids has an outer layer of a polyester. An inner fluid-contact layer may be of a polyethylene or of a thermoplastic polyurethane. Where the inner fluid-contact layer is of polyethylene, an intermediate tie layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer may be included to prevent delamination.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant with a beverage bottle filling machine for filling beverage bottles, as well as the filling elements for the beverage bottle filling machine.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system recovers fuel vapor and includes a vapor recovery line for transporting a stream of fuel vapor from a vehicle tank. A flow meter is arranged in the vapor recovery line for indicating the flow rate of the stream of fuel vapor, and a heated element is arranged in the vapor recovery line. One or more controllers are configured to: detect a cooling exerted on the heated element by the stream of fuel vapor, determine a correction for the detected cooling by weighting said cooling with the flow rate, and decrease or stop the stream of fuel vapor, if the detected cooling is smaller than a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatic delivering of paste food products, particularly ice cream and/or yoghurt, comprising a housing (4), within which a plurality of containers (3) of said paste food products are provided, each one of said containers providing means (11, 21, 22, 23) for distributing said paste food products, and refrigeration means (9) for said plurality of containers, and apparatus programming means, said apparatus being characterized in that said housing provides a rotating base (6), having at least one seat (7) supporting a tray (8) for receiving said paste food products from said plurality of containers (3), said rotating base (6) moving in such a way to place said tray (8) under one of said containers (3) according to the sequence programmed by said programming means, said distribution means (11, 21, 22, 23) delivering said paste food products within said tray (8) when it is in correspondence of the specific paste food product container (3).

Abstract: A system for reclaiming residual unspent automotive fluid having a fluid receiver which seats open containers of the automotive fluid in an inverted orientation to allow influences of gravity to self-drain the open containers. The fluid receiver accumulates the residual unspent automotive fluid into classifying compartments. Each compartment can be individually pumped or drained of the accumulated and stored residual automotive fluid.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for controlling fluid dispensing/transmission that includes a control component for communication between couplers thereof. A first coupler has a transmitter, and is releasably connected with a mating reader coupler that has a transmitter and fluid control device to exchange information with the transmitter of the first coupler. The transmitters communicate and are operated by wireless means such as by RF devices. Upon confirming that the first coupler is properly coupled to the mating coupler and that the first coupler has a proper identification, the fluid control device controls fluid flow, using the transmitters of the first coupler and the mating reader coupler, under predetermined parameters, e.g., pressure, temperature, duration, and flow rate, as indicated in the first coupler.

Abstract: In a filler pipe assembly, a holder member secured to an inner wall of a filler pipe is provided with an outer profile of a circular cross section substantially conforming to an inner peripheral wall of the filler pipe and an inner profile defining a bore of a circular cross section eccentric to the outer profile thereof. A relief valve is provided in a part of the holder member defined between the outer profile thereof and the bore owing to an eccentricity of the bore relative to the outer profile. Owing to the eccentric relationship between the outer profile and inner bore of the holder member, a space for a relief valve can be provided in the area where the distance between the inner wall of the bore and the outer profile is the greatest, and this allows the relief valve to be mounted without complicating the structure.

Abstract: A portable rolling carpentry workshop includes a table saw mounted on a sliding means to allow the blade of the saw to be shifted to the left or to the right of the longitudinal centerline of the workshop so that more supporting surface is available on either side of the blade to allow cutting large workpieces on a relatively narrow tabletop surface. The workshop of the invention is sized to allow easy maneuvering through the narrow hallways of apartment buildings but affords the functionality of larger worktables due to this unique ability to slide the table saw. Also provided is an extendable miter saw table located above the main tabletop surface and allowing passing of the longer workpieces underneath thereof when ripping with table saw. Therefore the use of both the table saw and the miter saw can be accomplished at the same time without the need to rearrange the configuration of the power tools on the workshop.

Abstract: A method of producing a virtually fireproof plywood from perennial grasses such as Arundo donax Ligneous, various bamboo strains, or a blend thereof, by first weaving the stalks of these plants into a mat and then layering these mats and binding each layer with any one of several commercial resins mixed with potash for the purpose of enhancing the board's fire retardant quality. The result is the formation of a finished product with structural board attributes and an exceptionally high flash point in relation to other manufactured board products made from forest materials.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a rotation direction specified in one direction. The tread surface has a main groove extending on the equatorial plane of the tire, right and left first inclination grooves extending in an inclined manner from the main groove toward the reverse rotation direction of the tire, and right and left second inclination grooves disposed on the opposite sides of the main groove. The right and left second inclination grooves are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. Blocks are formed on the opposite sides of the main groove by the main groove, right and left first inclination grooves and right and left second inclination grooves.

Abstract: A bonding machine for fabricating an liquid crystal display (LCD) panel to which a liquid crystal dropping method been performed includes a bonding chamber of a one pieced body for carrying out bonding of substrates, at least two or more than two air extraction tubes in communication with an interior space of the bonding chamber, and at least two vacuum means respectively connected to the air extraction tubes each for generating an air suction power to evacuate the bonding chamber. A method for fabricating an LCD panel by using the bonding machine includes loading a first substrate onto which liquid crystal has been dropped and a second substrate having sealant coated thereon into a bonding chamber, evacuating the bonding chamber, bonding the first and second substrates, applying varying bonding pressure, and unloading the bonded first and second substrates.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a base, a first and second fin sets on the base, and a fan located atop the first and second fin sets. The base has a first face for contacting with an electronic device, and two sloped faces extending from the first face and toward each other. The first fin set defined a channel receiving the base therein. A plat extends from an end of the first face of the base. The second fin set is arranged on the plat of the base. The first face of the base has two grooves defined therein. A retaining member is attached to the first face of the base and has two retaining bars thereof fitted in the two grooves of the first face, respectively.

Abstract: A flexible heat pipe is disclosed for use with evaporator and condenser elements for removing heat from electronic components. The flexible heat pipe comprises a bellows member fixed at one end to a condenser member and at an opposite end to an evaporator member. A cable artery is disposed within the bellows and is fixed at one end to the evaporator, and slidingly engages the condenser at the opposite end. The bellows acts as a flexible vapor envelope, and the cable artery acts as a flexible wick for directing condensed working fluid from the condenser back to the evaporator. The sliding connection between the cable artery and the condenser allows relative axial movement, and the inherent flexibility of the cable artery allows relative lateral movement. Thus, the condenser and evaporator can move in all directions with respect to each other, which can provide desired vibration isolation of the two components.

Abstract: Assembly and method for extracting fluids, preferably crude oil, from a drilled well within a geological formation by means of reciprocating pumping with hollow sucker rods. The assembly includes: a) a stationary bottom set that attached to the casing at the desired depth and providing the rod pump anchoring system; b) a reciprocating axial movement rod pump having an anchoring system and a centralizer; c) a centralized hollow rod string extending within the well, which is connected to the mobile member of the pump; d) a hollow polished rod connected to the hollow rod string and linked to a system that imparts the reciprocating axial movement to the pump; e) a production bridge connecting the polished rod to the driving tubing through rotating joints, and f) a rigid head that provides a venting exit of the annular space formed between the string and the casing.

Abstract: A device for coupling a driver system to a downhole string of sucker rods in a petroleum well employs a polish rod construction in which the polish rod is strengthened by an attached sleeve providing a transverse should in a predetermined plane. The sleeve is shrink fit in place and mechanically adhered to withstand the stresses and shocks encountered in long-term cyclic operation. The device provides specific benefits for an improved sucker rod connection which prestresses the sucker rod pin ends and the coupling in a fashion to resist the development of microcracks and fatigue failures.

Abstract: Described is an oil-degradable ball sealer for use in the oil and gas industry. The ball seal comprises a particular composition including ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins, prepared by an injection molding technique to provide a ball sealer which will dissolve in stimulation or wellbore fluids after stimulation operations are complete. The composition, when dissolved into wellbore fluids, does not pose a hazard or problem to aqueous wellbore fluids or further wellbore stimulations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for insulating electrical connections to a resonator from fluid downhole under extreme pressure and temperature conditions downhole. The method and apparatus provide a pliable insulator that maintains electrical isolation between resonator electrical connections during exposure to high pressures downhole. The insulator is evacuated or placed in a vacuum prior to curing to remove bubbles from the insulator material. The insulator is then heat cured. The insulator is substantially chemically non reactive so that the insulator maintains electrical isolation between the resonator electrical connections during exposure to fluids downhole. The insulator has a thermal coefficient of expansion in a range so that the insulator maintains electrical isolation between the resonator electrical connections during exposure to high temperatures downhole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drainage of a heavy oil reservoir via a horizontal wellbore. A method of improving production of fluid from a subterranean formation includes the step of propagating a generally vertical inclusion into the formation from a generally horizontal wellbore intersecting the formation. The inclusion is propagated into a portion of the formation having a bulk modulus of less than approximately 750,000 psi. A well system includes a generally vertical inclusion propagated into a subterranean formation from a generally horizontal wellbore which intersects the formation. The formation comprises weakly cemented sediment.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.

Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen.