Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement (2) for an exhaust gas recirculation device of an internal combustion engine, especially in a motor vehicle. Said valve arrangement (2) comprises a first valve (9) which is used to control a first gas path (7) and is mobile between an open position, a closed position, and at least one intermediate position. The inventive valve arrangement (2) also comprises a second valve (10) for controlling a second gas path (8) which is separate from the first gas path (7), said second valve being mobile between an open position, a closed position and at least one intermediate position independently from the first valve (9). The valve arrangement (2) also comprises a common housing (6) which contains both valves (9, 10) and through which the two gas paths (7, 8) are guided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger including a partitioning plate and flow channels of at least two systems which are partitioned by the partitioning plate, in which the partitioning plate is made of a clad sheet having a base material made of stainless steel or a nickel-based alloy, and a clad layer having brazing properties and corrosion resistance to a corrosive fluid, an entire surface of the base material which is exposed to the flow channel of at least one system being coated by the clad layer. According to the present invention, the heat exchanger, in which the corrosive fluid flows, can be reduced in size, and the performance thereof can be enhanced. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Ignition apparatus includes high tension ignition cable. The cable is of low electrical resistance per unit length. A central core of the cable is formed of carbon fibre filaments. An insulating layer is provided around the core. A semiconductor layer is provided around the insulating layer. Another insulating layer is provided around the semiconductor layer. A layer of yarn around the other insulating layer forms a protecting layer. A protective layer of a flame retardant material forms an outer layer of the cable. The ignition apparatus also includes one or more of: a field stabilizer device for stabilizing and regulating high tension voltage in the cable; resistor spark plugs; connectors fitted to ends of the cable that include resistors therein, such as resistor spark plug boots.

Abstract: A combustion chamber bowl is defined in a crown of a piston for use in a cylinder of a diesel engine. The combustion chamber bowl includes a center convex spherical portion, first and second annular concave portions and an annular convex portion. The center convex spherical portion is elevated relative to a bottom plane of the combustion chamber bowl and smoothly transitions into the first concave annular portion which transitions smoothly into the second concave annular portion. The second concave annular portion smoothly transitions into the convex annular portion which smoothly transitions into the top surface of the piston crown.

Abstract: An electronic control unit 50 determines whether the ambient air in the vicinity of an oxygen concentration sensor 55 in an exhaust passage 30 has become equal to the atmospheric state as a fuel cut-off operation is executed. If the ambient air in the vicinity of the oxygen concentration sensor 55 is equal to the atmospheric state, the electronic control unit 50 executes a learning process, in which a detection value C of the oxygen concentration sensor 55 is stored as a learned value Cstd in a memory 56. The electronic control unit 50 continues the learning process until a predetermined time period set based on an exhaust gas transport delay elapses from when the fuel cut-off operation is terminated.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control device includes an air-fuel ratio sensor provided upstream from a three-way catalyst, and an oxygen sensor provided downstream from the three-way catalyst. The air-fuel ratio control device controls the fuel supply amount based on the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor, and compensates for errors in the air-fuel ratio sensor by correcting the fuel supply amount based on the output from the oxygen sensor. The fuel supply correction amount is calculated based on an integral term that integrates the deviation between the output from the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor and the target air-fuel ratio. When a fuel supply adjustment control is executed, the value of the integral term in the sub-feedback control is not updated for a predetermined period after the fuel supply adjustment control ends. The actual air-fuel ratio is thus brought to the target air-fuel ratio in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: An archery release including a release body having a longitudinal axis, a fixed jaw having a bowstring facing surface and a movable jaw. The movable jaw can define a bowstring notch. The fixed jaw bowstring facing surface can define a fixed jaw bowstring notch. The fixed jaw bowstring notch and movable jaw bowstring notch can cooperate so that a bowstring held by the release is disposed at least partially in the fixed jaw notch and at least partially in the movable jaw notch. A method also is provided for drawing and releasing a bowstring with the assistance of the release.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved archery bow having a greatly enhanced ability to absorb shock, vibration and sound. In order to achieve improved sound and vibration dampening, the bow riser, and optionally the bow limbs are coated with an energy absorbing and/or dampening coating. The coating is permanently attached to the riser and/or the limbs of the bow and greatly reduces undesired vibrations and/or noise generated by and during the archery bows use, without interfering with the performance of the bow. The invention also relates to treestands and archery accessories having a low noise profile.

Abstract: An improved paintball gun uses a pneumatic sear to hold the firing valve closed against the high pressure gas occupying the other side of the valve. In this manner, only one operation is required between depressing the trigger and the firing of the paintball gun because a double-acting cylinder is not required as an interface between the trigger depression and actuation of the valve. The paintball gun is also substantially faster than existing electro-pneumatic paintball guns because it uses a blow forward bolt, in which higher-pressure gas is held directly behind the bolt and has only one direction to travel during the firing of the paintball gun.

Abstract: A noise reducing bowstring suppression device consisting of an individual length of pliable material supported between dual support members mounted on a bow, a bowstring on the bow contacting the pliable material when the bow is shot.

Abstract: The stove has a fuel reservoir formed by a cylindrical canister. A stop valve is mounted at a top of the canister for regulating supply of fuel gas from the canister through a fuel passage to a burner head mounted on top of the stop valve. The fuel passage has an inlet in the canister and an outlet at the burner head and extends through the stop valve which is mounted in the fuel passage. The stop valve is a rotary valve controlled by a hand wheel which can be rotated by a user to move the stop valve between open and closed positions. An emergency shut-off valve is mounted at the inlet to the fuel passage and is operable when the stove is knocked over.

Abstract: A ceiling support box is an interface for coupling two sections of pipe as part of a venting apparatus for a heating appliance. Dual functionality is provided in a single integrated device by having a vent path for exhausting combustion by-products, and a separate air inlet path to draw in combustion air for use by the heating appliance.

Abstract: A heating cooking appliance is provided. The heating cooking appliance includes a case, a plate covering a top of the case, a burner system generating heat by combusting mixture gas in the case, a control unit controlling operation of the burner system, and a temperature increase preventing unit preventing a temperature of the control unit from increasing by the heat generated from the burner system. The temperature increase preventing unit is installed on the case.

Abstract: An optically efficient and thermally stable solar heating apparatus and method provide efficient heating by using a solar collector having a transparent tube containing a porous absorbent material or structure that permits liquid or aerosol to percolate through the transparent tube. Thermal protection against overheating is provided when the system is drained by a transparent top with a bottom surface that, when in contact with another liquid medium filling the collector, permits incident light to enter and be collected, but when the liquid medium that normally contacts the bottom surface of the top is absent when the system is drained, incident light is reflected. The collector, top and transparent tubes may be extruded and made from the same recyclable plastic material, making the assembly lightweight for installation and ease of structural integration, while facilitating recyclability of the entire collector.

Abstract: A solar collector comprises a solar absorbing tube 3 containing elongate tube 11 that extends out of one end of the solar absorbing tube 3 and into an end fitting 15 wherein an annular outer passageway 13 of the elongate tube 11 communicates with a cold fluid inlet conduit 16 within the end fitting 15 and the inner passageway 14 of the elongate tube 11 communicates with a hot water outlet conduit 17 within the end fitting 15. Each end fitting 15 is provided-with a receiving portion 22 extending orthogonally to the tubular passage 18 for receiving an end of the concentric elongated tube 11. The end fittings 15 are interconnected to provide fluid flow paths without the need for a manifold. Any number of solar collector tubes can be interconnected in this way. The invention also applies solar collectors of the heat pipe type.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system includes a substrate and at least one solar chip. The substrate includes a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of lateral surfaces, wherein the first surface faces the second surface, the lateral surfaces are adjacent to the first and second surfaces, and a first micro structure is formed on the first or the second surface. The solar chip is near one of the lateral surfaces. Solar light penetrates the first and the second surface and is refracted or reflected by the first micro structure to leave the substrate via the lateral surface and be absorbed by the solar chip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the pulmonary delivery of a composition, such as methods and apparatuses for dispersing dry powder medicaments for inhalation by a patient. Elements or aspects of the apparatuses, including receptacle puncturing mechanisms, deoccluding devices, receptacle impacting devices, and receptacle lock devices or systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for oral administration of a liquid containing an active substance to a subject for improved absorption into the subject's bloodstream includes the steps of providing a delivery device containing the liquid and having a mouthpiece for directing the liquid in a defined direction during delivery; directing the mouthpiece toward a localized area of the subject's mouth being especially suitable for increased uptake and faster onset of action of the active substance relative to other areas of and/or the whole mouth; and delivering a measured amount of the liquid directly to the localized area using the delivery device, and a spray device for administering an active substance to the oral cavity of a subject that includes a container capable of holding a liquid containing an active substance, and a mouthpiece being constructed to dispense the liquid containing the substance in a defined direction and directly to a localized area of a subject's mouth, the localized area being the

Abstract: Hand operated articulated intubation stylet including an articulated stylet member with a link at its distal end, a L-shaped lever with a downward depending handle for tautening a flexible wire for flexing the link into a flexed positioned to form a hook-like configuration in the stylet member's side view, and a stopper mechanism mounted on the stylet member for stopping insertion of the stylet member into an endotracheal tube at a suitable position depending on the endotracheal tube's length. The handle and the link are on opposite sides of the stylet member such that a user conveniently operates the stylet with his fingers stretched out to grip the stylet member and his palm depressing the handle towards the stylet member to flex the stylet member's link into its flexed position for manipulating an endotracheal tube's outboard end for insertion into a patient's trachea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator device to assist breathing comprising a low profile body adapted to house heating means (9), a liquid reservoir (8), an evaporation site and means (15) to supply liquid from the reservoir to the evaporation site such that the device can humidify the air in the immediate environment. The heating means may comprise PCMs, means to connect to external power, a heating mat and/or encapsulated materials which generate heat through an exothermic chemical reaction. The liquid may be water or a solution including or consisting of an active agent, for example a decongestant. The device may be used to produce nitric oxide to assist breathing.

Abstract: A medication inhaler comprising an inhaler body, having a medication container chamber for receiving a medication container and an air passage coupling the medication container chamber with exterior air, and a mouthpiece axially engageable with the inhaler body. The mouthpiece has a mouthpiece chamber and a medication delivery needle communicating with the mouthpiece chamber. The needle extends toward the medication container chamber and has an opening for supplying exterior air and medication from an interior cavity of the medication container, accommodated within the medication container chamber, through the needle and to mouthpiece chamber.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided with a circuit for breathing gas and with a heat exchanger (7) cooled by an evaporating agent. The evaporating agent is introduced from an evaporating agent container (8) into the heat exchanger (7) via at least one group of spraying elements (9) and a gas delivery means (11) allows a gas volume flow to flow through the heat exchanger (7).

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning.

Abstract: A breathing mask adapted to be placed over a wearer's face, comprises a mask body including a gas inlet port to be disposed in flow communication with the wearer's breathing passage for flow of a gas in a predetermined flow stream there through upon inhalation by the wearer; a communications microphone (30) mounted to said mask body to capture the voice of the wearer, said communications microphone generating sound signals; an attenuation device (34) for attenuating said sound signals; a sound monitor (36) for monitoring the intensity of sound near the communications microphone in a predetermined frequency range, connected to a controller device (38) for activating the attenuation device when the sound intensity monitored by the sound monitor is in a predetermined level range.

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or apparatus for slowing a patient's breathing by using positive pressure therapy. In certain embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically the magnitude of a variable pressure waveform that is scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if the patient's breathing rate is greater than the interim breathing rate target in order to lengthen the patient's breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim breathing rate target and the patient's breathing rate. The interim breathing rate target may be periodically reduced in response to the patient's breathing rate slowing down toward the current interim breathing rate target. The variable pressure waveform cycles from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase when the patient airflow decreases to a cycle threshold, the cycle threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally increasing with time.

Abstract: A respirator has a shell that defines a breathable air zone for a user wearing the respirator. An air flow control system for the respirator has an air delivery conduit within the shell of the respirator, a valve member moveable relative to the air delivery conduit and within the shell to vary the amount of air flow through the air delivery conduit, and a valve actuator outside of the shell of the respirator. The valve actuator is manipulatable by a user of the respirator while wearing the respirator to control movement of the valve member.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a slave valve assembly for receiving and controlling the flow of gas to a desired destination. A timing chamber is positioned adjacent to the slave valve assembly. The timing chamber has an inlet for also receiving the gas. An electronically operated pilot valve assembly is in communication with the timing chamber for operating the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is closed, gas pressure within the timing chamber acting on the slave valve assembly closes the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is open, gas exits the timing chamber and reduces the gas pressure in the timing chamber, thereby allowing the slave valve assembly to open and deliver the gas to the desired destination.

Abstract: A respiration mask assembly including: a mask body having a front part that defines a front opening adapted to communicate fluidly with a gas supply, and a rear part that defines a rear opening opposite to the front opening in a horizontal direction; a forehead support beam extending outwardly from and pivoted to the front part of the mask body so as to rotate relative to the mask body about a first axis transverse to the horizontal direction; and a worm pivoted to the front part of the mask body. The forehead support beam has a toothed pivot end engaging the worm such that rotation of the worm about a second axis transverse to the first axis results in rotation of the forehead support beam about the first axis.

Abstract: A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.

Abstract: Apparatuses for personal air filtering. In one aspect, a personal air filtering system includes nasal plugs to be inserted into the nostrils and a main body worn between the nose and mouth. In another aspect, the personal air filtering system has a housing that prevents exhaled air from entering the air filter disposed in the housing. In a further aspect, the personal air filtering system has separate vents for inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: A full-face mask assembly includes a frame and a cushion provided to the frame. The cushion is adapted to form a seal around the patient's nose and mouth. A flexible lip is provided to an interior wall of the cushion. The flexible lip is adapted to engage the frame to provide a seal in use.

Abstract: An infant nasal interface prong device for use with an nCPAP system. The device includes first and second nasal prongs and a base. Each prong includes a bellows segment, a tip, and a lumen. The tip extends from the bellows segment to a tip end and is adapted for insertion with an infant's naris. The lumen extends through the tip and the bellows segment. In an undeflected state, a central axis of the lumen along the bellows segment is transversely offset from the lumen axis at the tip end. The base is connected to each of the nasal prongs and is adapted for coupling to a CPAP generator. The bellows segment renders the corresponding prong highly flexible relative to the base. The offset positioning of the tip end promotes desired positioning of the base/CPAP generator, relative to the patient and more closely conforms to the expected nasal anatomy.

Abstract: A tracheostomy assembly has an outer tube and an inner cannula, the outer tube having a lip at its patient end to limit insertion of the inner cannula. The lip is formed with a recess or gap on the outside of the curve of the tube. This enables a suction catheter or similar device to be slid along the tube, after removal of the inner cannula, without the risk of catching on the lip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tracheal or tracheostomy tubular arrangement 1 having an outer tube 2 and an inner cannula 3, which can be inserted into the outer tube 2 and pulled out of the same, wherein the inner cannula 3 has at least one plastic layer 21 forming at least the inner surface 31 of the same, and a support structure supporting the plastic layer 21. For this purpose, the support structure is configured by a tubular interlacing 20 made of threads and/or fibers.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has an inserting portion and a connecting portion. The inserting portion has an air way tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The connecting portion is connected to the air way tube and has a resilient connector and a connecting sleeve. The resilient connector has a connecting ring connected to the air way tube. The connecting sleeve is mounted around the resilient connector and has a tubular body, a pressing flange formed on the tubular body and at least one slit defined longitudinally in the tubular body and extends through the pressing flange. Movement and vibrations of a patient circuit connected to the tracheostomy tube are not translated into a patient trachea thereby greatly improving patient comfort, safety and quality of life.

Abstract: A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: Mouth guards of varying designs. The mouth guard is generally moldable and has non-planar biting surfaces. In other embodiments, the mouth guard has base members or flanges that have means for retaining medicaments and the like. Other versions have thermochromic elements selected to allow color changes at desired temperatures.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. The object may include a piece of absorbent material, a transponder to wirelessly receive and transmit signals, and a cover. The cover is attached directly to the piece of absorbent material to retain the transponder. Methods of manufacturing wirelessly detectable objects are also provided.

Abstract: The device consists of a first container body (1) with a lighter for a cigarette and a housing seat (2) having a size suitable to house a cigarette and it further has a container body (8) to extinguish the cigarette.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette includes a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The tipping material includes at least one flavorant providing a sensory characteristic. The cigarette may include more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material, and or by provision of a tipping material layer that is treated with a flavorant and/or provides a desirable diffusivity).

Abstract: A device and a process for forming and cutting portions of tobacco from a strand of tobacco is provided with an element for feeding the strand of tobacco, such as at least one belt or roll, as well as a cutting element, such as a knife. The device may have additional feeder bands for advancing the strand of tobacco to the position for cutting, and may be under the control of a computerized control system.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of means for trapping CO2 in a filter for preventing inflammation, cancer and/or cardiovascular diseases in a subject exposed to tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette includes a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The tipping material includes at least one flavorant providing a sensory characteristic. The cigarette may include more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material, and or by provision of a tipping material layer that is treated with a flavorant and/or provides a desirable diffusivity).

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article comprising first and second sections, the first section being at the mouth end of the filter and comprising a cylindrical element circumscribed by a wrapper and having a hollow portion extending therethrough, and the second section being longitudinally aligned with and adjacent to the first section and comprising a filtration material. The second section comprises a particulate material in a circumferential region and extending to the end of the second section immediately adjacent the first section. Also provided is a smoking article incorporating a filter according to the invention.

Abstract: Articles of manufacturing for preventing or reducing tobacco smoke- and smokeless-tobacco associated injury in the aerodigestive tract of a subject are disclosed, which comprise at least one agent capable of reducing or preventing tobacco associated loss of peroxidase activity in said aerodigestive tract, said at least one agent being selected from the group consisting of a cyanide chelator and an iron chelator.

Abstract: A hand grooming station, specifically for nails, which permits a user to paint, polish or otherwise groom his or her fingernails in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner via an elevated ramp while care products are easily recognizable and organized. In addition, the base is formed with a curvature and structural support to provide stability while a lip relates to a raised edge to contain spillage.

Abstract: Presented is a hair restraint which is placed on a user's ponytail to assist in keeping the ponytail tangle free during sleep. The device includes a drawstring, a drawstring lock, and may be utilized with a headband which gathers the hair and holds it into a ponytail while the device is attached. The ponytail can be formed in the back of the users head or more towards the top of the user's head to provide less of an obstruction while the user is sleeping.

Abstract: An assemblage of components for decoratively retaining ones hair bundled together in a pony tail. The assemblage includes an elastically stretchable band for tightly circumscribing the bundled collection of hair and a decorative clip that detachably anchors it to the ponytail at a position in overlying relation with respect to the elastic band. The clip is an elongate elastically stretchable unit terminating at opposite ends in a respective one of a pair of connecting clasp portions. The clip has a decorative outer face and an inner face on the opposite side. A pin secured to the unit projects at a selected angle from the inner face and projects into the ponytail at a position above the elastic band extending there through and thereby securely retains the clip on the ponytail. The pin preferably has an enlargement such as a spherical ball thereon.

Abstract: Hair grip comprising two jaws (1, 3) articulated about a joint (61, 62; 81, 82; 54; 29) for relative displacement into an open or closed position and a connection (11, 12) joining each jaw to exert a return force by a deformation in elongation against the displacement of the two jaws from the closed position to the open position in order to return the two jaws to the closed position. According to the invention the joint is provided with a passage to permit the connection (11, 12) to cross the joint once the two jaws are displaced from the closed position to the open position to exert a return force for returning the two jaws to the open position. Preferably the connection (12) is housed in two joint supports (131, 151) fixed to the jaws by two feet (133, 153) and joined together by two heads (135, 155) extending in a joint direction (A), above the feet (133, 153) to mask the connection (12) in the closed position.