Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine has two opposing rotary discs. Each rotary disc has a half-cylindrical chamber located around its perimeter. An outer casing encompasses both rotary discs. Intake and exhaust ports and necessary engine controls are formed in said outer casing. Pistons formed in each said disc. Half of said piston is connected permanently to one said rotary disc the other half of said piston slides in the half cylindrical chamber of the opposing said rotary disc. The pistons and cylindrical chambers develop varying volumes in each chamber, depending on the position of each disc and respective piston. These varying volumes perform different cycles common to four stroke piston engines. Mechanical devises allow the discs to rotate in only one direction. Mechanical devises allow the disc to engage output shaft in only one direction. From output shaft work can be derived.

Abstract: In a V-type six-cylinder engine, turbo-superchargers are provided for compressing intake air and feeding the compressed air into combustion chambers, and an ECU is operable to switch the combustion mode from a non-supercharged stoichiometric combustion mode to a supercharged lean combustion mode, depending on the engine operating conditions. When switching from the non-supercharged stoichiometric combustion mode to the supercharged lean combustion mode, the ECU retards the ignition timing, and keeps the retard amount of the ignition timing at a constant value if the increasing actual boost pressure becomes equal to or higher than a pre-set target boost pressure.

Abstract: This control apparatus estimates a full combustion correspondence period CP, which is the period from an ignition timing SA to a combustion completion time CAe, and controls a VVT advancement amount (burnt gas quantity, overlap period, intake valve open timing) such that the estimated full combustion correspondence period CP coincides with a constant target full combustion correspondence period CPtgt. The full combustion correspondence period CP substantially maintains a one-to-one relation with the VVT advancement amount at which HC, CO2, etc. start to increase, even when the ignition timing SA changes. Thus, even when the ignition timing changes, the burnt gas quantity (overlap period) can be properly controlled. As a result, without increasing the discharge quantities of HC and CO, the discharge quantity of NOX can be reduced. In addition, pumping loss can be reduced, whereby fuel consumption can be improved.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control apparatus executes an exhaust-valve-early-closing valve timing control in which an exhaust valve is closed before the intake stroke top dead center. The fuel injection timing mode is normally set to an intake-stroke non-synchronized fuel injection mode. However, if the internal combustion engine is idling and the combustion gas temperature is relatively high, the fuel injection timing mode is switched from the intake-stroke non-synchronized fuel injection mode to an intake-stroke synchronized fuel injection mode.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine that is operated with a fuel mixture made of at least two types of fuel. An injection of the fuel into combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine occurs starting at a predefined pressure threshold of the fuel in a fuel supply according to a high-pressure starting mode, and also according to a low-pressure starting mode if the predefined pressure threshold is no longer met. The pressure threshold is selected as a function of the mixture ratio of the fuel types in the fuel mixture. In this way it can be achieved that differences can be taken into consideration in the optimal mixture formation of the fuel types.

Abstract: In a gas-mixture-nonuniformity acquisition apparatus for an internal combustion engine, the nonuniformity of fuel concentration within a gas mixture is acquired under the assumption that, in a process in which a cylinder interior gas taken into a combustion chamber of the engine and fuel injected into the combustion chamber mix together to form a gas mixture, a collision reaction repeatedly takes place within the gas mixture in such a manner that, due to collision of two gas volumes having different fuel mass ratios, respective portions of the two gas volumes mix together, and the mixed portions separate from the corresponding gas volumes and form a portion or the entirety of another gas volume having a fuel mass ratio different from those of the two gas volumes.

Abstract: A fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes a tube assembly having substantially rigid inner tubes disposed inside of substantially rigid outer tubes in pairs, concentrically spaced apart by a spacer apparatus. The inner tubes form a primary fuel passage for directing a primary fuel flow and the outer tubes form a secondary fuel passage for directing a secondary fuel flow, the secondary flow being greater than the primary flow.

Abstract: An apparatus which reduces engine noise caused by vibration of the fuel rail in a direct injection internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a holder which supports a fuel inlet end of the fuel injector in the fuel cup on the fuel rail so that the fuel injector is in alignment with the direct injection fuel port in the engine head. A vibration isolator is sandwiched in between the holder and either the engine head or the fuel cup to reduce the transmission of vibration from the fuel rail to the engine head.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers. According to the invention, a valve piston of a control valve is provided with low pressure on both faces thereof. The valve piston is arranged in a valve chamber hydraulically connected to a control chamber and is guided inside a sleeve received in the valve chamber. The valve chamber contains a spring supported on one end against the sleeve and on the other end on the valve piston such that the spring presses the valve piston onto a valve seat and the sleeve onto an opposing bottom surface. The valve piston diameter inside the sleeve corresponds to the effective valve piston diameter at the valve seat.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector includes an injector support and a heat shield coupled to the injector support. The heat shield only interacts with the injector support by way of contacts such as point contacts, line contacts or surface contacts. Further, the heat shield includes a body portion, a radially extending flared end portion and a radially directed shoulder interposed between the body portion and the flared end portion. The shoulder portion acts as a flexure point that flexes and absorbs thermal expansion of the heat shield.

Abstract: A fuel injector and turbine engine incorporating the fuel injector are provided. The fuel injector includes an active cooling system that insulates fuel flowing through the fuel injector from heat energy within the turbine engine. The cooling system includes a cooling air passage that includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the interior of an engine case of the turbine engine. The inlet is at a higher air pressure location than the outlet such that air is siphoned through the cooling air passage. A portion of the cooling air passage includes a heat exchanger for extracting heat energy from the cooling air. The cooling air passes through the fuel injector after it has passed through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is positioned external to the engine case and in thermal communication with the ambient.

Abstract: Coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine, the coupling device having a fuel injector cup having a central longitudinal axis and being designed to be hydraulically coupled to the rail and to engage a fuel inlet portion of the injector, a first ring element being fixedly coupled to the cup, a second ring element being fixedly coupled to the injector, and a shell element with a first and second shell part. The first shell part is fixedly coupled to the second shell part. The first and second ring elements are axially arranged between the first and second shell part. The shell element is designed and arranged in a way that the first and second ring element are in engagement with the shell element to retain the injector in the cup in direction of the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An injection valve (62) has an injection body (38) with a first cavity (7), wherein a valve body (4) is at least partially disposed and wherein an armature collar (28) is axially movable. The valve body (4) has a second cavity (8), wherein a valve needle (10) is axially movable. An armature (12) is axially movable at least partially within the first cavity (7) and has a first cylindrical portion (32) and a second cylindrical portion (34), which is mechanically coupled to the valve needle (10). A coil assembly (40) is operable to magnetically actuate the armature (12) and the valve needle (10). The armature collar (28) partially takes in the second cylindrical portion (34). An armature collar spring (20) is adopted to supply the armature collar (28) with a spring load to push the armature collar (28) towards the first cylindrical portion (32).

Abstract: In an opposed piston, compression ignition engine two crankshafts are single-side mounted with respect to a row of cylinders, which is to say that the crankshafts are mounted so that their axes of rotation lie in a plane that is spaced apart from and parallel to a plane in which the axes of the cylinders lie. Each piston of the engine is coupled to one of the crankshafts by a single linkage guided by a crosshead. The piston has a piston rod affixed at one end to the piston. The other end of the piston rod is affixed to the crosshead pin. One end of a connecting rod swings on the pin and the other end is coupled to a throw on a crankshaft. Each crosshead is constrained to reciprocate between fixed guides, in alignment with the piston rod to which it is coupled.

Abstract: In an opposed piston, compression ignition engine two crankshafts are single-side mounted with respect to a row of cylinders, which is to say that the crankshafts are mounted so that their axes of rotation lie in a plane that is spaced apart from and parallel to a plane in which the axes of the cylinders lie. Each piston of the engine is coupled to one of the crankshafts by a single linkage guided by a crosshead. The piston has a piston rod affixed at one end to the piston. The other end of the piston rod is affixed to the crosshead pin. One end of a connecting rod swings on the pin and the other end is coupled to a throw on a crankshaft. Each crosshead is constrained to reciprocate between fixed guides, in alignment with the piston rod to which it is coupled.

Abstract: The switched state of a pressure switch in a tank ventilation system of a motor vehicle is used for testing the function of the tank ventilation system, the pressure switch being in a low-pressure position if the pressure in the tank ventilation system is lower than a predefined pressure limit while being in a high-pressure position if that is not the case. A defective pressure switch can result in wrong assessments. Disclosed is a method for testing the function of the pressure switch, the method encompassing the following steps: a switched state of the pressure switch is detected; a measure is carried out that increases the pressure in the tank ventilation system above the pressure limit if the pressure switch is in the low-pressure position; a defect of the pressure switch is identified if the pressure switch remains in the low-pressure position after carrying out the measure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an automotive vehicle includes a belt, alternator, supercharger (BASC) power system having a positive displacement supercharger with coacting rotors, a belt drive from the engine to the supercharger, an overrunning clutch allowing the supercharger to overrun the belt drive, and a motor-generator connected to charge a battery when the motor-generator is overrunning the belt drive. The system allows electric overrun of the supercharger to increase engine charge air and power at low engine speeds, to electrically offset some parasitic losses and increase power at high engine speeds, to use supercharger inertia to drive the motor-generator and charge the battery during engine decelerations, and to electrically reduce belt drive loads by supplementing supercharger drive power during transmission downshifts that increase engine speed, and thus minimize “chirping” sounds due to belt slipping.

Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine which has a fresh-air line, an exhaust-gas line, and an exhaust gas recirculation system, an exhaust gas flow is fed from the exhaust gas recirculation line of the exhaust gas recirculation system to the fresh-air line. The exhaust gas flow is hereby divided by a gas flow divider during flow from the exhaust gas recirculation line to the fresh-air line through actuation of a control element such that a first flow portion flows back to the exhaust gas recirculation line and a second flow portion flows to a continuing section of the exhaust-gas line. The exhaust gas recirculation system with the gas flow divider is operated substantially in the absence of a back pressure.

Abstract: A flow channel for a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The flow channel comprises a channel cover provided with a space surrounded by an inner side of the channel cover; a plurality of partitions that are arranged on the inner side of the channel cover in the space. The flow channel having, perpendicular to a flow channel axis, a cross-section that can be traversed and embodied for guiding the first fluid in the inner chamber. Thereby an improved transfer of heat is ensured with a more acceptable drop of pressure and a reduced risk of blocking. As a result, a hydraulic diameter in the region of between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, defined as the quadruple of the ratio between the surface of the cross-section that is traversed and the perimeter that can be moistened by the fluid. The invention also relates to a heat exchanger comprising a block having a plurality of flow channels of said type, through which the first fluid flows and fluidically connected by a fluid connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crankcase ventilation system and resonator for a turbocharged internal combustion engine assembly. The resonator, designed for intake noise reduction, is mounted to the engine. An oil separation unit, designed for passage of blowby gases, is mounted to a cam cover, sandwiched between the resonator and cam cover. The resonator has a resonator body defining a resonator volume therein. The resonator fluidly communicates the oil separation unit with the turbocharger air inlet pipe, whereby blowby gases are evacuated from the cam cover and delivered through the resonator volume for reintroduction to the engine's air intake system. Integration of the blowby passages into the resonator reduces the number of potential leak paths in the air induction system, and reduces overall engine mass, cost, and packaging size. The present design also offers improved On-board Diagnostics (OBD) by allowing only large flow areas to be disconnected.

Abstract: Lever Regulated Compound Bow uses multiple groove modules on the limb tips to spool bowstring and cables to provide desired energy storage and nock travel, while simultaneously using a lever to regulate cam synchronization, using split cable harnesses to deter limb twist, and lever blocking draw stop means.

Abstract: A projectile is utilized to introduce an item into a conduit which already has a cable therein. The projectile includes a body member having a longitudinal opening therethrough. The body member is longitudinally split so that the cable may be received in the opening. The item is attached to the body member. When the projectile with a portion of the cable received therein is put into a conduit and air under pressure is introduced into the conduit, the projectile is pushed along the cable and if the cable is undulating in the conduit, it is straightened and positioned out of the way of the item being introduced.

Abstract: A novel and unique pneumatic paintball marker having a variety of novel features, the first being an on/off compressed air control valve, positioned at the front of the marker below the barrel and adjacent to an in-line pressure regulator. Major innovations have been made in reducing the size and weight of the body of the marker, along with the construction of a new bolt assembly consisting of just four components and only one moving part. An anti-chop eye electronic system insures that the paintballs are in proper position, and rubber ball detents are optionally added to hold the paintballs in place prior to firing the marker, so that the paintballs will not roll out the barrel.

Abstract: A pneumatic toy gun with a hammer assembly disposed inside a barrel is provided. The hammer assembly includes a first hammer and a second hammer, wherein the first hammer is disposed in front of the second hammer and the second hammer includes a notch. A first elastic element pushes the rear end of the first hammer and a second elastic element pushes the rear end of the second hammer. A first tackling block is disposed below the hammer assembly and rotatable around the pivot. The rear end of the first tackling block is stuck into the notch of the second hammer. A second tackling block is disposed adjacent to the first tackling block and includes a trough allowing the pivot to be disposed in. The rear end of the second tackling block is stuck into the notch of the second hammer. A third elastic element pushes the underneath of the rear half portion of the first tackling block. A fourth elastic element pushes the underneath of the rear half portion of the second tackling block.

Abstract: Embodiments of stone cutting apparatus may include at least one sheave, which is coupled to a stone cutting belt to drivingly engage the stone cutting belt. Belt may include an endless cable, numerous abrasive segments disposed along the length of the cable, and a flexible belt body encapsulating the cable, and extending into the abrasive segments and between the abrasive segments. The abrasive segments may include a diamond top portion, a metal bottom portion, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. At least one bore in each abrasive segment, extending from the first and through the second end, is adapted to house the cable. The perimeter of the bore may be formed by the top diamond portion, the metal bottom portion and the interface between the diamond and metal portions of the abrasive segment. In another embodiment, each abrasive segment may further include a cutting portion and a mounting portion. The cutting portion faces a stone to be cut, and may project above the main belt body.

Abstract: Provided are a burner system and a heating and cooking appliance having the same. The burner system includes a burner pot, and a mixing tube unit. The burner pot provides a space where a gas and air mix and burn, and the mixing tube unit is integrally formed with the burner pot to guide the gas and the air to the burner pot. The burner pot and the mixing tube unit include a plurality of members coupled vertically and forming an appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Fresnel solar collector arrangement consisting essentially of a receiver (1) and a mirror arrangement associated with the receiver (1). The arrangement is temperature-compensated by the use of materials with the same temperature expansion coefficient for the receiver mast (2) and the mirror supporting framework (4), and the adjustment of the primary mirror (6, 6?) in relation to the sun by a mechanical coupling of the mirror is simplified by means of an electromotive connecting rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a solar panel adjustment device, including a solar panel having a first end and a second end for receiving sunlight, a first pivot frame engaged to the first end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, a second pivot frame engaged to the second end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, and at least one drive means for adjusting the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame independently of one another

Abstract: A direct accumulation tank, defining a closed volume (2), comprising an inlet (3) for filling the tank with a fluid, and an outlet (4) for emptying the tank of the fluid, and exhibiting an upper surface (Ia) exposed to solar rays. The upper surface (Ia) exhibits a plurality of reliefs (5, . . . 5n) for defining a greater surface extension exposed to the solar rays.

Abstract: Developed is a solar cooker with triangle reflective sides. Above and below are two movable solar reflecting panels, that can be adjusted to focus light onto an invented frying pan using a glass lid, an insulating pad, and a surrounding plastic bag to trap solar light for cooking. The triangle reflective sides are used also to adjust and support the two movable solar reflecting panels via movable pegs. In the corners adjacent to the triangle sides, back reflective plate and reflective floor plate is an invented reflective equilateral triangle, to capture and reflect light towards the solar frying pan assembly. At night the entire solar cooker can be folded down to form a storage space. The entire solar cooker is foldable for shipping.

Abstract: A nebulization apparatus includes a nebulization plate, a piezoelectric driving device connected to the nebulization plate for vibrating the nebulization plate, a liquid droplet conveying pipe located below the nebulization plate, a water tank for containing the liquid droplet conveying pipe and an active water supply device connected to the liquid droplet conveying pipe and the water tank. The active water supply device supplies working liquid to the liquid droplet conveying pipe, such that the droplet is attracted by surface tension and attached onto the nebulization plate to form the camber water film to nebulize the working liquid.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a universal, self-closing MDI adaptor for coupling an MDI to a breathing circuit without breaking the circuit. The present invention includes a self-closing inlet for coupling to an MDI, an inlet for coupling to an inspiratory limb of a breathing circuit, as well as an outlet for coupling the adaptor to the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A ventilator with a safe standby mode is provided. The safe standby mode allows a user to disconnect a patient from the ventilator, without the ventilator generating alarms and while maintaining previously entered ventilation parameters. In addition, while in the safe standby mode, a patient connection status is monitored, and a ventilation mode is entered automatically if the ventilator determines that a patient is connected to the ventilator while the ventilator is in the safe standby mode.

Abstract: A thermally active breath deflecting apparatus having a flexible base of sufficient width to extend at least to and between the corner portions of the eyes and of sufficient length to extend at least from immediately below the eyes to at least beyond the tip of the nose such that breath from the mouth and nose is prevented from traveling upwardly over the eyes. The apparatus includes a thermal pack that can warm or cool the face. The thermal pack is preferably a heat pack. In an alternate embodiment, the flexible base can include medication such as a decongestant.

Abstract: A liquid medicine reservoir that supplies liquid medicine to a liquid-medicine discharging portion via a communicating portion includes a cylindrical body configured to hold the liquid medicine therein, a first sealing portion to which the communicating portion is connected, the first sealing portion sealing the cylindrical body, and a second sealing portion configured to seal an end of the cylindrical body opposite the first sealing portion. At least one of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion move relative to each other in accordance with the amount of liquid medicine. A substance configured to inhibit discharging of the liquid medicine is stored in a space in the cylindrical body that is on an inner side of the second sealing portion and that is separate from the liquid medicine.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing humidification in a breathing assistance system may include a first container at least partially defining a first volume for housing an absorbent material, a second container at least partially defining a second volume for holding a liquid, and one or more fluid passageways for communicating the liquid from the second volume to the absorbent material in the first volume.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for providing mechanical ventilation support of a patient using an open airway patient interface. The system includes gas delivery circuit and patient interface configurations to optimize performance and efficiency of the ventilation system. A ventilation system may include a ventilator for supplying ventilation gas. A patient interface may include distal end in communication with a patient airway, a proximal end in communication with ambient air, and an airflow channel between the distal end and the proximal end. A gas delivery circuit may be adapted to attach to the patient interface without occluding the patient interface to allow ambient air to flow from outside the patient interface to the patient airway. The ventilation gas may entrain air from ambient and from the patient airway.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for administering nitrous oxide. The system includes an adjustable post mechanism attached to a dental chair. A mounting surface structure includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the mounting surface structure attached to a top end of the adjustable post mechanism. A fluid control system for controlling the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen is attached to the mounting surface structure. A nitrous oxide and oxygen supply, vacuum source, a breather bag, and a nasal delivery interface system are fluidly connected to the fluid control system and a patient. The breather bag is vertically mounted to a top surface of the mounting surface structure. In operation, the present invention provides a system for administering anesthesia/analgesia gas which provides convenient and direct access to a medical practitioner.

Abstract: A patient wye for use in connection with a ventilator having one or more integrated transducers is provided. A transducer is integrated into the patient wye by locating the transducer within a branch of the patient wye. A transducer can be located between the center point of the wye and the port of the branch with which it is associated. More particularly, the transducer can be located so that it is on a side of a wall defining the branch in which it is placed that is opposite a connection surface for attaching tubing associated with a corresponding limb of the ventilator to the patient wye. Accordingly, flow or other transducers can be added to a patient circuit without necessarily increasing the volume of the patient circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficient computation of patient respiratory muscle effort are provided. According to one embodiment, patient-ventilator characteristics are received, estimated and/or measured representing values of parameters of interest associated with properties or attributes of a ventilated patient system. Online quantification of respiratory muscle effort of the patient is continuously performed by (i) establishing a respiratory predictive model of the ventilated patient system based on an equation of motion and functions that approximate clinically-observed, patient-generated muscle pressures, (ii) determining an instantaneous leak flow value for the ventilated patient system, and (iii) based on the patient-ventilator characteristics and the instantaneous leak flow value, solving the respiratory predictive model to extract an estimated physiologic respiratory muscle effort value.

Abstract: A ventilator and method of ventilator control. The ventilator includes a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller employs closed-loop control to provide positive breathing assistance to a patient. Supplemental feed-forward compensatory assistance is also provided, in addition to and independently of that commanded by the closed-loop control. The supplemental assistance may be determined, set or selected based on a ventilator parameter and/or an operator parameter, and/or as an automatic ongoing compensatory mechanism responding to varying patient respiratory demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator in which a pulsation detection device for detecting pulsation of oxygen supplied and a control device for controlling an amount of air supplied from a compressor based on the detection results in a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentrator, which is equipped with an adsorption bed filled with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen relative to oxygen, the compressor for supplying air to the adsorption bed, a channel switching valve to repeat in a constant timing an adsorption step, in which air is supplied from the compressor to the adsorption bed to isolate concentrated oxygen and a desorption step, in which the adsorption bed is evacuated to regenerate the adsorbent and a flow rate measuring device for determining a supply flow rate of concentrated oxygen produced and an amount of oxygen produced is controlled by a feedback with a flow rate sensor by itself after paying attention to variation of a product flow rate caused by sup

Abstract: An air filtration apparatus is disclosed. During inhale response, user's breath opens a first air valve causing air flow through replaceable filter through a chamber to a mouth piece disposed in a user's mouth. During exhale response, user's breath closes first valve causing one or more exhaust valves to open. In one embodiment, inhale and exhale responses are displaced from one another to provide better isolation of replaceable filter.

Abstract: A face mask assembly (FMA) for supplying breathable gas to a wearer. The face mask assembly (FMA) includes a mask frame including a support, a facial cushion attached to the mask frame, and a forehead support. The forehead support includes a forehead cushion assembly and an adjustment knob operatively coupled to the forehead cushion assembly. The adjustment knob is threadably engaged with the forehead cushion assembly such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the mask frame to be moved between retracted and extended positions with respect to the forehead cushion assembly.

Abstract: An application for a condom includes a wall open at one end and closed at a distal end. The wall is thicker towards the base for tear-resistance and thinner towards the tip where sensitivity is important. The condom includes a resilient ring formed at the base for improved retention and performance.

Abstract: An application for a system for reducing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases includes a condom with a thicker wall towards the base for tear-resistance and a thinner wall towards the tip where sensitivity is important. The condom also includes a resilient ring at the base for improved retention and performance. The system for reducing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases also includes a shield portion that rests against the wearer's pubic area, covering the pubic area and scrotum to protect them from fluids that, in some circumstances, contain sexually transmitted disease virus. The shield has a retention ring. The resilient ring inserts into and is removably held within the retention ring of the shield.

Abstract: The condom holder according to the invention comprises fasteners for fixing the condom edge, and a connection between said fasteners; said connection at least partially being elastic, the holder at least partially defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the holder being adapted to change the shape of said connection between a first configuration in which said space is reduced, and a second configuration in which said space is expanded. In the first said configuration at least part of said connection is strained and tends to transform into the second configuration, and in the second configuration said strain is partially released. Due to the fact that the holder is elastic, the condom placed therein is automatically stretched as required, there is no need to control the force applied by the user. The condom can be put on using only one hand holding the holder. Further, the possibility of excessive or insufficient expansion of the holder is excluded.

Abstract: A medical device and method of use thereof are disclosed for supporting a patient's limb during surgical preparation and/or other medical procedures. The limb support device includes a V-shaped apparatus that is attachable to a supporting pole, such as a pole attached to a patient support structure or an IV pole standing on the floor. A clamp can be included to attach the apparatus to the pole. In preferred embodiments the vertical height, horizontal extension, and/or rotational angle of the apparatus can be adjusted. A cushion can be built into, or removably attachable to, the limb support apparatus, and a disposable sterile covering can be applied to the device before it is used. A preferred method of use includes placing a patient on a support structure, providing and appropriately configuring the limb support device, and placing the patient's limb on the device for surgical preparation and/or some other medical procedure.

Abstract: A means for providing support to the human hand, by providing a domed protuberance, or eminence, shaped to support the palmar aspect of the human hand, having a raised portion (1) and optional base portion (3) for supporting or providing tactile comfort for the wrist, forearm, fingers and thumb. The device, in the typical embodiment, is made of a flexible material so that it can absorb impact forces upon pressure, without causing potential harm to the tissues that the device comes into contact with through touch. A plurality of bumped eminences (7, 5) may help to improve tactile forces, provide comfort, grip, relative dynamism, and may improve circulation, as opposed to a smooth surface. The device can rest upon a flattened surface such as a table, a desk, the floor, or even a bed, providing support for the anatomical structures of the human hand, most especially, the boney architecture, once the hand is placed in contact with the supporting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a dental appliance, mouthguard and/or divers mouthpiece using an anti-microbial composition that combines the use of an elastomeric polymer composition with micronized or submicron sized particles of metal or organo/inorgano metal complexes. In addition, the use of an anti-microbial composition for use with a diver's air delivery hose to prevent breathing of contaminated air is also described.