Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve control system which is operable to selectively actuate an engine valve using one of two cams of a camshaft, by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of a rocker-arm shaft. The system is capable of restricting the axial-direction movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined range, using a simple structure without unduly increasing the number of component parts. Position-restriction portions are formed in a rocker arm, and abut on a trigger arm to restrict sliding movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined amount, when the trigger arm is disengaged from the rocker arm.

Abstract: The invention provides an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve control system which switches the actions of an engine valve by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of the rocker arm shaft, while enabling the restriction on the sliding movement of the rocker arm to be removed in accordance with the timings of the actions of the rocker arms irrespective of the engine speed. The internal combustion engine includes an actuator that moves a rocker arm shaft in its axial direction, a trigger arm that engages with a rocker arm to prohibit the sliding movement of the rocker arm, and a trigger pin which is configured to be activated by an axial movement of the rocker arm shaft to bring the trigger arm into action, and to disengage the trigger arm from the rocker arm.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve controlling system, in which the single actuator is disposed in a cylinder head on one side where one ends of the rocker-arm shafts are disposed, while enabling the single actuator to activate the rocker arms irrespective of the arrangement of the rocker-arm shafts. In the internal combustion engine, a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic actuator is disposed so as to transverse a timing chamber. Operation elements extend respectively from sidewalls of a plunger in the hydraulic cylinder, and activate respective rocker-arm shafts. In a motorcycle on which the engine is mounted, a frame member of a vehicle frame is disposed outside the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable valve control system which is operable to switch actions of an engine valve by slidably moving a rocker arm in the axial direction of a rocker-arm shaft, and which is capable of removing a restriction on the sliding movement of the rocker arm at accurate timings while employing a simplified configuration. When a trigger arm swings by a predetermined amount to the opposite side of a rocker arm, a left-hand engagement nail in engagement with an engagement groove disengages from the engagement groove, but a right-hand engagement nail still engages with an engagement groove. The left-hand engagement nail is placed on top of a left-hand deck-like portion. After that, when an action of the rocker arm makes the trigger arm further swing to the opposite side of the rocker arm, the right-hand engagement nail disengages from the engagement groove.

Abstract: A compression release assembly is disclosed, the assembly including a camshaft rotatable about a camshaft axis, a trigger rotatable about a trigger axis substantially perpendicular to the camshaft axis, and a spring position between the trigger and the camshaft. Preferably, the trigger is rotated from an engagement position toward a disengagement position when a rotational velocity of the camshaft achieves a known value, and is rotated from the disengagement position toward the engagement position when the rotational velocity of the camshaft is below the known value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an intake manifold configured to facilitate a greater and smoother flow of air and fuel to the cylinders of an engine and, therefore, to facilitate improved performance of the engine. According to further embodiments, the intake manifold is designed for use with automotive engines. According to particular embodiments, the intake manifold is designed for use in automobiles such as racing automobiles and/or automobiles employing carburetive engines. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention are configured more generally for use in various automotive applications, including automobiles employing direct-injection engines.

Abstract: An air-balanced engine assembly is configured to operate efficiently while producing a reduced level of harmful emissions. The engine assembly includes a two-stroke internal combustion engine with multiple power cylinders and intake and exhaust manifolds that fluidly communicate with the cylinders. The engine assembly also includes an air balancing assembly with valves that control intake air flow from the intake manifold to the cylinders. The valves cooperate to balance intake air flow among the cylinders and are configured to substantially equalize trapped equivalence ratios among the cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention includes an engine valve including a stem portion and a head portion disposed at one end of the stem portion. A heat insulation layer is formed on a surface of the head portion. A heat conductive layer is formed on a surface of the stem portion.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston combustion engine with at least one cylinder (2) in which a piston (1) is located, so it can be moved in a reciprocating manner; a first crankshaft (4); a second crankshaft (6); wherein the first crankshaft (4) and the second crankshaft (6) extend parallel to each other and rotate synchronously in opposite directions; wherein the rotation axes (X, X?) of the two crankshafts (4, 6) extend parallel to a common cylinder midplane (Z) and laterally offset relative to it; wherein a first piston rod and second piston rod (3, 5) are arranged at the reciprocating piston (1), so that the first piston rod (3) is pivotably connected to the to the reciprocating piston (1) with its first end and rotatably connected to a crankpin (40) of the first crankshaft (4), and that the second piston rod (5) is pivotably connected with its first end to the reciprocating piston (1), and rotatably connected to the crankpin (60) of the second crankshaft (6) with its second end, and wherein the crankshafts (4, 6) ar

Abstract: A work apparatus having an internal combustion engine includes a body case (100) that houses the engine and other components of the apparatus and a hood (102) that removably covers a top opening of body case (100). The hood (102) has an inclined pin (104) extending aslant downward toward one end of the hood (102) from a portion near the one end. The body case has an inclined bore (106) for receiving the inclined pin (104). A rear end portion of the hood (102) is locked to the body case (100) by a known lock means. The inclined pin (104) wears an elastic tube (112) on its outer circumference.

Abstract: A steam combustion engine is improved from a conventional internal combustion engine by replacing spark plugs with water injection spark plugs, which inject small amount of boiling water into combustion chamber at the beginning of the fuel burning cycle if the engine temperature reaches preset limit. A steam combustion engine controller monitors the temperature of the engine, intercepts and alters fuel injection signal, turns on and off water injection solenoid at the right timing with the right amount. The apparatus can convert conventional vehicle into a steam combustion engine vehicle, reducing fuel consumption and emission by taking advantage of the waste heat and turning water into steam to generate extra useful work. This steam combustion engine can reach 40% efficiency instead of 20% in existing internal combustion engine. This apparatus can be used in any Otto cycle combustion engines found in electric generators, lawn mower, etc besides in most vehicles.

Abstract: Downstream expansion cylinders are associated with a combustion cylinder such that an overall surface area and displacement volume of the expansion cylinder is sufficient to lower the temperature of fluids associated with the combined engine to such an extent that a radiator can be eliminated in an associated vehicle, or other system. In a separate feature, a catalytic material is placed on surfaces which will “see” the hot exhaust gases such that catalytic conversion of impurities in the gases can be achieved within the engine itself. In yet another feature, water is recovered from a system having both a water injection expansion cylinder, and a combustion cylinder, and the recovered water is re-used for the expansion. In yet another feature, gearing is provided between the expansion cylinder and a combustion cylinder such that the output of the combined engine is optimized, and the two cylinders do not drive the crankshafts in a one-to-one fashion.

Abstract: There are no prospects for engines using hydrogen as fuel to be put to practical use due to significant small output, knocking, and backfire. An object of the present invention is to obtain a stable automobile engine at high drive that can be commercially put to practical use. A hydrogen-only 6-stroke engine realizing high output by 6-strokes for premixing two to seven atmospheric pressure or high pressure hydrogen and air at equivalent weight, spraying the pre-mixture into a cylinder cooled by filling the cylinder with cold air in advance, spraying, compressing, and exploding the mixture, discharging the mixture from a lower exhaust hole, and discharging remaining waste gas from an upper exhaust hole is proposed.

Abstract: There is provided, in one aspect of the present description, a method of controlling a spark ignited internal combustion engine having a fuel injector which injects fuel directly into its combustion chamber. The method comprises stopping the fuel injection if a desired torque for the engine is a predetermined torque or less and a speed of the engine is a predetermined speed or greater. The method comprises resuming the fuel injection by injecting a first amount of fuel directly into the combustion chamber during a negative pressure period and injecting a second amount of the fuel into the combustion chamber during an intake period. The method further includes resuming the fuel injection by injecting a third amount of the fuel directly into the combustion chamber during the negative pressure period and injecting a fourth amount of the fuel into the combustion chamber during the intake period.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a spark ignited internal combustion engine having a fuel injector which injects fuel directly into its combustion chamber. The method comprises injecting a total amount of fuel into a combustion chamber by early in a compression stroke during a cylinder cycle at a first engine speed. The method further comprises injecting a first stage of fuel into the combustion chamber during a cylinder cycle by an early in a compression stroke of the cylinder cycle, and injecting a second stage of fuel by late in the compression stroke during the cylinder cycle at a second engine speed less than the first engine speed, after injecting the first stage of fuel. The amount of the second stage fuel is greater than an amount of said first stage fuel. Accordingly, the first and second stage fuels may not be pre-ignited before the spark ignition.

Abstract: A throttle valve control system for an internal combustion engine includes plural throttle bodies with respective intake passages formed therethrough. Each of the respective throttle bodies includes a throttle valve shaft and a throttle valve, the throttle valves are operated by an actuator via the throttle valve shafts. The throttle bodies are each provided with plural fuel injection valves, and fuel lines which connect adjacent fuel injection valves together are arrayed in parallel with a direction of the throttle valve shafts, and are arranged between the throttle bodies and the actuator.

Abstract: A method for detection of abnormal combustion for internal combustion engines is disclosed. A physical model is chosen that describes, as a function of the angle a of rotation of the engine crankshaft, the development of pressure in the cylinder during combustion without any pre-ignition phenomenon. The cylinder pressure Pe(?) is estimated using this model and the intake pressure is measured. The beginning of abnormal combustion is detected by comparing a first value of a variable calculated using the measurement of the cylinder pressure, to a second value of the variable calculated using the estimation of the cylinder pressure. The amplitude of the pre-ignition is determined by repeating these steps for a defined number of crankshaft angles. Then the progress of the abnormal combustion detected in the combustion chamber is controlled as a function of the amplitude of the pre-ignition phenomenon.

Abstract: A carburetor has a set of electrically operated fuel injection elements, including acceleration responsive fuel injector and at least one fuel injector. These fuel injectors meter fuel, at the direction of an electronic control device, directly into the fuel delivery passages of a carburetor without the need for float bowls, needle and seat valves and carburetor jets in the carburetor assembly.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a body piece that defines a nozzle supply passage and a chamber in fluid communication therewith and configured to contain a fluid pressure within the fuel injector. The body piece has a threaded segment and a second, unthreaded segment that includes an outer surface of the fuel injector. A tip piece is clamped via a clamping piece to the body piece to form a fluid seal therewith, and a needle check extends within the body piece and the tip piece. The body piece is configured to contain fluid pressures, for example up to and exceeding 200 MPa, and has a wall thickness between the chamber and the unthreaded segment that is linked to a fluid pressure of fuel passing through the chamber. The fuel injector is configured via integrating portions of a nozzle case and a body guide to contain the extremely high fuel pressures.

Abstract: A condensate extractor assembly is provided for collecting and evacuating condensate from inside a charge air cooler in an internal combustion engine assembly. The condensate extractor assembly includes a sump that is attached to or formed in the charge air cooler. The sump is adapted to drain and collect condensate from the charge air cooler. A hose is fluidly coupled at one end to the sump, and fluidly coupled at a second end to the intake manifold. The hose is configured to evacuate condensate from the sump and distribute it directly to the intake manifold in response to the pressure gradient generated by the engine assembly when in an on-state. The hose defines an orifice that restricts the flow of air and condensate through the hose. A filter is fluidly coupled to the hose, fluidly intermediate the orifice and the sump member.

Abstract: A charging fluid suctions module is provided for an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing forming a flow path for a gaseous charging fluid, particularly air, a gas, and/or an air/gas mixture. Whereby, a heat exchanger is disposed in the housing for the gaseous charging fluid. In order to allow for an improved exhaust gas return the housing comprise an inlet channel for an exhaust gas, and the inlet channel flows into the flow path downstream of the heat exchanger for the gaseous charging fluid.

Abstract: An engine unit includes an engine body, and a supercharging machine having a main body. The main body of the supercharging machine is coupled to the engine body via a component or a member disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A turbocharged engine includes an internal combustion engine and a turbocharger powered by engine exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine to supply the engine with compressed intake air. The turbocharged engine further includes a turbocharger booster system with a dry low emissions burner. The burner fluidly communicates with an exhaust manifold of the engine and is operable to inject a combustion gas flow into the engine exhaust flow. The hot combustion gas flow is operable to increase the exhaust energy available to the turbocharger and thereby increase the output of compressed intake air.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 10 in which a blow-by gas processing apparatus is provided. Communication passages 24A and B for communicating interiors of cylinder heads 17A and 17B and an interior of a crankcase 12 are formed in the banks VA and VB, respectively. The blow-by gas processing apparatus includes a fresh air introduction passage 27 for communicating the interior of the cylinder head 17A and an intake passage 25 of the engine 10, and a breather passage 29 for communicating an interior of the cylinder head 17B and the intake passage 25.

Abstract: When an output of a downstream sensor provided downstream of a catalyst for exhaust gas purification becomes a leaner value than a leanness determination value, an air-fuel ratio control device supplies a rich component to the catalyst by performing rich input processing, in which increase correction for increasing fuel injection quantity stepwise is performed and then increase correction quantity of the fuel injection quantity is decreased gradually. When the increase correction quantity of the fuel injection quantity defined by the rich input processing becomes zero or when oxygen occlusion quantity of the catalyst becomes zero, the control device supplies a lean component to the catalyst by performing lean input processing, in which decrease correction for decreasing the fuel injection quantity stepwise is performed and then decrease correction quantity of the fuel injection quantity is decreased gradually.

Abstract: A method for controlling cylinder air charge of an engine having a compressor is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for coordinating the control of the throttle, turbo charger, and valves such that the desired cylinder air charge may be achieved while engine pumping work may be decreased.

Abstract: An ejecting toy mainly includes a cylinder body with a receiving chamber. A front end of the cylinder body is covered by a front cover. A vent hole is formed at a middle position of the front cover and at least one air inlet hole is formed at a periphery of the front cover. A front end of the vent hole is sealed by an elastic object. A rear end of the front cover is arranged by a valve, a periphery of the valve has a diaphragm portion with flexibility which is capable of sealing or unsealing the air inlet hole while suffering a force. A handle has a rod body having a piston in a front end of the rod body. The piston can slide back and forth inside the receiving chamber. When the handle is pulled backwards, the diaphragm portion will deform to unseal the air inlet hole to inflow air into the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A sling like apparatus comprising a release cord, retention cord, finger loop, release tab, guide assembly, and basket creates a throwing device that is simple to reset, reload and throw while still retaining the power and accuracy of a traditional sling, thus making it user-friendly for anyone to quickly learn and operate. The retention cord comprises a comfortable finger loop that forks about half way in length into two cords that are each attached to specific and unique locations on the basket. The basket deforms into a form fitting structure that secures around a circular object or ball that may be roughly 2.5 inches or smaller in diameter. The release cord is attached to a particular location on the basket and is fed through a guide assembly. The end of the release cord connects to the release tab.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching projectiles may incorporate a hermetically sealed launch tube, projectile or projectiles within the launch tube with their payload inside or connected via meaning of socket to projectile from outside. The space between the outer surface of the projectile inside the launch tube and the inner surface of the launch tube is filled with compressed gas and hermetically sealed with a fast removable lid. If outside payload is used, then it will be attached to inside projectile via a socket where inside projectile is located inside the launch tube and outside payload connected to the protruded via fast acting valve, portion of projectile and connected to it via the socket. Projectile may incorporate another meaning of control via controllable surfaces or propulsion or constant acting engines. The exhaust gas would be in addition to use for projectile stabilization or additional propulsion, by incorporation a exhaust gas organizers.

Abstract: An improved frame saw system has multiple blades for cutting slabs of masonry materials. The improved systems and methods allow for cutting masonry materials into slabs having surface small deviations. A frame saw system may include a support structure of unifying material bonded to at least one of the blades for keeping the blades in fixed relative positions. The support structure may be removable from the frame saw system as the blades are engaged in a swinging motion cutting into the block. In addition, a process for cutting masonry blocks of granite, marble, rock, and the like, includes pretreating the surface of the block with a skim coat to fill surface irregularities prior to cutting operations. A frame saw system may contain one or more spacers between the saw blades wherein a compressive force is applied across the blades connected to a frame to reduce deflection of the blades while cutting.

Abstract: A device and system for increasing the safety of portable stoves or stoves used in unstable conditions. The device includes at least one support member and at least one retaining member slidably disposed on the support member. The retaining member has an anchoring mechanism movably disposed on it that is used to lock it into place with respect to the support member. The retaining member contacts the sides of a pot or other cooking vessel when in an active position and may be moved into a stowed position.

Abstract: An air distribution blower housing for an air handler such as a residential furnace is designed with a volute-shaped outer wall that has an exponentially increasing expansion angle in the direction of air flow through the blower housing for at least a portion of the volute-shaped outer wall length. This results in the blower housing having an enlarged air outlet opening that slows down and spreads out the air flow from the blower housing over a greater area of the furnace heat exchanger. The blower housing thereby enables less air pressure drop through the heat exchanger, which increases the efficiency of the blower motor operation. The design of the blower housing also efficiently turns the velocity head of the air flow through the housing to usable static air pressure at the housing air outlet.

Abstract: Oven for dough products, comprising an oven chamber having conveyance means for according to a vertical conveyance path conveying multiple trays with dough products through the oven chamber, and a number of horizontally positioned flow chambers placed one above the other at least one side of the conveyance path, wherein the flow chambers are adapted for in horizontal direction supplying heated air and deflecting the air to the oven chamber for evenly distributing the supplied air over a tray.

Abstract: A grill has a base that supports a grill body. A right and left lid are hingedly affixed to the grill body. The lids interconnect to ensure that they open and close together. A plurality of vents is defined by an upper surface of the lids. A shelf having a right portion, a left portion, and a rear portion substantially surrounds the grill body except for the operator position to the front of the grill body. The shelf and the right side of the grill body define a right retracting space. The shelf and the left side of the grill body define a left retracting space. The lids pivot outwards into the left and right retracting spaces to retracted positions wherein the uppermost portions of the lids and the uppermost surface of the grill body are substantially even with or below an upper surface of said shelf.

Abstract: A self-heating container having a container body with an internal beverage section and a thermic cavity. A liquid reactant is positioned in a first section of the thermic cavity and a solid reactant is positioned in a second section of the thermic cavity. The solid reactant may be an amount of CaO ranging from about 80 to 99 percent by weight combined with a wax based inhibitor ranging from about 1 to 20 percent by weight. The wax based inhibitor has a melting point ranging from above 100° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: Direct solar thermal steam generator with an ultra-compact linear Fresnel reflector field that has “travel and turn” capability by means of independent linear and rotational motion of reflectors. Method of positioning and orienting the reflectors of the traveling field such that the reflected energy of the field is maximized at all times Crescent like rotational support rail of the reflector with its gravitational center in the center of the crescent. The curvature of the reflector is customized for each row of the field Ultra-light, collector-absorber structure, with cable suspended arch-like tubular absorber, wide aperture, and secondary reflector with optimized light entrapment Flow distribution and control method of the large horizontal solar thermal steam generation field.

Abstract: Melting metals using solar energy is not new, but is new is making the technology ergonomic, and easy to use. Invented is a half-shell-parabolic-dish reflector, which has in front an adjustable flat planar reflector. When the sun is overhead, the sunlight reflects off the flat planar reflector to a half-shell-parabolic-dish, which redirects the light to a crucible for smelting metals, which is also the focus of the sunlight. The entire assembly rotates on top of a turntable, which can be steel wheel, floating on compressed air, bicycle wheels, or other suitable methods. The entire assembly rotates about a crucible located at the focal of the sun's rays. A smaller version of the smelter can be used for solar cooking.

Abstract: A nebuliser 1 particularly for home use comprises a housing 2 having an aerosol generator 3 mounted therein. The housing is closed by a hinged cap 4 and has an outlet 5 through which aerosol generated by the generator 3 is delivered. A suitable connector such as a mouthpiece 6 may be connected to the outlet 5. The housing 2 has a receiver for receiving a nebule 8. The receiver comprises a slot 7 which is sized and/or shaped to accommodate only a nebule 8 of predetermined shape and/or size. The nebuliser cap 4 has a nebule opening means which may be in the form of a puncture pin 10 projecting therefrom to pierce the nebule 8 when the cap is moved to the closed position. The pin 10 is hollow or splined to regulate flow from the nebule. The nebuliser 1 also has a switch means for enabling operation of the aerosol generator 3 when the nebule 8 is opened. The switch means comprises a microswitch 12 on the housing which is engageable by a trigger 13 on the cap 4 when the cap is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and systems are provided which include a method for treating a pulmonary viral infectious disease in a subject. The method includes administering a pharmaceutical composition including at least one agent to a pulmonary tissue of the subject, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered as two or more distinct and non-overlapping particle size ranges configured to contact two or more levels of pulmonary tissue of the subject, wherein the at least one agent is configured to achieve a selected pH range in the two or more levels of pulmonary tissue of the subject.

Abstract: An inhaler is provided that includes a controller, a driver, an atomizer and one or more sensors for detecting information about a velocity of inhalation of a user of the inhaler. The controller is configured to dispense an inhalant from the inhaler during an inhalation of the user based on information about the velocity of inhalation of the user. Such information can include a duration of maximum inhalation velocity or an increase or maximum in the acceleration in inhalation velocity. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to enhance the delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents for those patients having a weakened respiratory system who are unable to take a deep or full breadth, e.g., patients having asthma or COPD. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to deliver a variety of drugs and therapeutic agents including agents for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease.

Abstract: A method for providing battery security in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. A battery security system of the breathing assistance system receives battery data from a battery received in the breathing assistance system, and analyzes the received battery data to determine whether the battery is approved for use in the breathing assistance system. If the battery is determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is allowed to provide power to the breathing assistance system. If the battery is not determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is prevented from providing power to the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A system for wireless data communication for use with a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The system includes a wireless notification module, one or more wireless repeaters located remote from ventilation system, and a wireless receiver located remote from the one or more wireless repeaters. The wireless notification module is coupled to a ventilation system and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the ventilation system. The one or more wireless repeaters are configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the wireless notification module, and wirelessly transmit the received data. The wireless receiver is configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the one or more wireless repeaters, and communicate the received data to a user remote from the ventilation system.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a leak in an anesthesia system. The method includes controlling respiratory movements by means of ventilator gas flows and measuring the ventilator gas flow added for an inspiration and removed for an expiration. The method also includes supplying a fresh gas flow for a respiration and measuring the fresh gas flow added for the respiration. The method further includes receiving information indicative of the measured gas flows, determining based on said received information both the gas volume added and the gas volume removed and comparing these determined gas volumes to each other. The method also includes determining based on comparing the anesthesia system leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a plurality of oxygen breathing devices, in particular for providing oxygen to passenger or crew of an aircraft, each oxygen breathing device comprising an oxygen source, wherein oxygen is stored, in particular in chemically bound form or compressed form, an oxygen guiding device for guiding oxygen from the oxygen source to a person.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided which include an aerosol generator and a pharmaceutical composition including a membrane selective for a charged ion configured to achieve a selected pH of a pulmonary tissue in a subject. The methods, devices, or systems which include the membrane may be configured to alter selectivity for the charged ion in response to a sensed condition in the pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a dose container assembly having a dose container disk with opposing upper and lower surfaces, a first row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a first radius and a second row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a second radius. The dose containers have dry powder therein and are sealed via a first flexible sealant over apertures in the upper surface and a second flexible sealant over apertures in the lower surface. A piercing mechanism includes two reciprocating piercers that serially alternate between the two rows of dose containers in the dose container disk. A rotatable ramp disk includes first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart ramp elements in staggered, concentric relationship that are configured to move the first and second piercing members between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include radially-extending discrete, typically dose-specific, airway channels serially forming a portion of the inhalation pathway to deliver dry powder to a user using the inhalers.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The breathing assistance system may include a ventilation system for supplying a gas flow, a conduit operatively coupled to the ventilation system, and a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the gas flow through the conduit. The pressure sensor may include a structure configured to create a localized pressure drop in the gas flow proximate the pressure sensor structure.

Abstract: A method for managing pressure in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient via a patient connection system is provided. The method may include receiving one or more first pressure sensor signals from a first pressure sensor, and analyzing the one or more first pressure sensor signals. Based at least on the analysis of the one or more first pressure sensor signals, either the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor may be selected for use in controlling the breathing assistance provided to the patient, and the breathing assistance provided to the patient may be controlled based at least on signals from the to selected pressure sensor.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus or a respirator can be equipped with a sensor of ambient airborne conditions. A display unit can be carried by a face mask for the apparatus or respirator. Responsive to output signals from the sensor, the display unit can present an air quality indicator, or a breathability indicator to a user of the apparatus or respirator.