Abstract: The pet feeding and watering apparatus provides pet food and water in the same cabinet. The apparatus provides constant temperature control of the chilled water, with auto recirculation and filtration, thereby preventing algae and bacterial growth. The vertical guide float assembly ensures correct water level within the water reservoir. The adjustable thermostat senses water warmth and initiates operation of the switched valve and the chiller with pump. The apparatus also provides a fingertip controlled feeding assembly. The feeding assembly is removable by a human but not by a pet, which is a key factor, as many pets are playfully destructive of such items.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, low-maintenance, water-saving automated animal watering device (10) is provided which includes a watering tank (12) moveable between a lower, water-full condition and an upper, water-low condition. Preferably, one end of the tank (12) is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft (64), while the other end of the tank is biased upwardly via a lower lift spring (72). The device (10) also has a water fill assembly (16) operably coupled with tank (12) to selectively fill the tank (12) when needed, and a drain valve assembly (18) also coupled with tank (12) in order to completely drain the tank (12) on a periodic basis. A control assembly (20) is coupled with at least the tank (12) and drain valve assembly (18), and is operable to actuate the drain valve assembly (18) after a predetermined number of movements of the tank (12) between the elevated and lowered positions thereof.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A clip configuration including a contoured case forming a support opening for a movable clasp element defining a universal clip. A winding mechanism within the casing includes a spring urged spool having a retractable cord which extends with an attachment ring positioned on its free end.

Abstract: A hot water heating system is provided for heating water that is utilized to heat a structure such as a tobacco barn. The hot water heating system includes a base and a vessel, movably mounted on the base, for holding water supported on the base. The vessel is movable back and forth on the base between a heating position and a loading position. In the heating position, the vessel overlies a fire chamber. When the vessel moves to the loading position, the fire chamber is open at the top so as to permit solid fuel, such as wood, to be loaded through the open top of the fire chamber.

Abstract: A conventional combustion engine, either gasoline or diesel model, with its corresponding engine block and cylinders is provided with complementary injectors for carbon dioxide (CO2) coming from a liquefied gas supply deposit, such that said injectors supply the duly metered carbon dioxide (CO2) to each cylinder after the piston has passed the top dead center, immediately after the ignition of the fuel has occurred, whereby part of the heat generated by this ignition is absorbed by the carbon dioxide (CO2), which experiences a heavy expansion, with the resulting and parallel increase of the power of the engine. A thermal exchanger is arranged in the conduit supplying the carbon dioxide from the deposit to the cylinders, which exchanger is in turn arranged in the exhaust pipe of the engine so that the carbon dioxide (CO2), at room temperature in the deposit, is pre-heated when it reaches the engine.

Abstract: An engine system comprising an electrolysis apparatus interconnected to an internal combustion engine. The electrolysis apparatus cleaves water into a mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is input into, and fuels, the internal combustion engine. A vehicle comprising the engine system.

Abstract: A motor has an engine block with cylinders arranged to fire in a firing order. A recirculation system delivers combusted mixture from a cylinder which has just fired to at least partly mix with fuel for the next cylinder in the firing order. Injector bodies (401-405) are associated with each cylinder. Each injector body (401-405) has an internal chamber (424) in communication with a fuel inlet port (426) for delivering fuel into the internal chamber, a fuel outlet port (428) for delivering fuel under pressure from the chamber into the associated cylinder and a combusted mixture out-let port (442). The combusted mixture outlet port (442) of each injector body (401-405) is fluidly connected to the combusted mixture inlet port (438) of the next cylinder in the firing order. Alternatively, the recirculation system is arranged substantially internally within the cylinder head.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having first and second cylinders having respective exhaust ports. A valve assembly comprises at least one valve actuator. First and second valves are operatively connected to the at least one valve actuator. The first and second valves are each movable between a first position wherein the valve extends a first distance in the respective exhaust port and a second position wherein the valve extends a second distance in the respective exhaust port. A valve connecting member is rigidly connected to the first and second valves and movable therewith via a translational motion while maintaining a substantially constant angular orientation relative to the cylinder block. A position sensor has a first portion connected to the cylinder block and a second portion connected to the valve connecting member. An electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the position sensor.

Abstract: To provide a fluid control valve capable of providing appropriate responsiveness of the valve member or capable of compensating for fluid shortage in the case of low fluid pressure, by positively controlling the oscillation condition of the valve member according to such conditions as the temperature or pressure of the fluid. The valve includes a valve body 4 for controlling supply of fluid according to a position of a valve member 41, an electromagnetic driving means 5 for displacing a position of the valve member 41 according to an amount of power supplied thereto, and a controlling means 6 for controlling the power supply amount to the electromagnetic driving means 5 by a duty ratio of a pulse-width modulated signal.

Abstract: A motor current (driving current of motor) is estimated based on a target motor speed, an actual motor speed, and an engine speed. When the estimated motor current exceeds the upper limit value equivalent to a heat generation limiting current, the motor current is restricted by restricting a variation (motor speed F/B amount) in target motor speed outputted to an EDU from an ECU. Thereby, the heat value of motor may not exceed the heat generation limit, and it can be prevented that the coil temperature of motor exceeds an allowable temperature range. A durability deterioration and failure of motor can be prevented.

Abstract: A valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (2), said valve train (1) comprising a support element (10) and a finger lever (5) or a rocker arm for operating a gas exchange valve, said finger lever (5) or rocket arm comprising a joint socket (8) comprising a semispherical portion (12) for mounting the finger lever (5) or rocker arm on a joint head (9) of the support element and further comprising, adjacent to the semispherical portion, a depression (13) from which a spray bore (20) starts to extend through the joint socket, the spray bore (20) is in hydraulic communication with a supply bore (19) that extends through the joint head which provides a valve body (15a, 15b) that is arranged for displacement in the depression and comprises a projection (18), so that, in the closed position of the gas exchange valve, the spray bore and the supply bore are substantially or entirely separated hydraulically from each other by a snapping of the projection into the supply bore.

Abstract: A switchable support element (1) comprising a housing (2) in whose bore (4) an axially displaceable pressure piston (7) extends, said support element (1) comprising at least one coupling element (8) for an optional coupling of the pressure piston (7) in its axially extended position relative to the housing (2), said pressure piston (7) being biased in an outward direction from the housing (2) by at least one lost motion spring (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to valve train of an international combustion engine, which comprise axially displaceable cam elements. The inventive valve train is characterized in that one cam element comprises at least two cams which in turn comprise at least two cam tracks. The first cam and the at least second cam of a cam element differ in at least one cam track.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a camshaft of an internal combustion engine during a stop phase and during a subsequent new startup phase of the internal combustion engine. Such methods are used, in particular, in so-called start-stop designs for combustion engines. The camshaft controls intake valves and/or exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine and is adjustable by a camshaft adjuster. By a desired startup position of the camshaft adjuster, control time points of the intake valves and/or the exhaust valves are defined in which mechanical work necessary for starting the internal combustion engine is reduced and/or pollutant emissions of the internal combustion engine are reduced. In the method according to the invention it is provided that the camshaft adjuster is set in a desired stop position during the stop phase. During a first section of the startup phase, the camshaft adjuster is set from the desired stop position into the desired startup position.

Abstract: A coolable piston for internal combustion engines is disclosed herein. The coolable piston includes a head portion with a crown and an annular wall. First and second shoulders are defined in annular wall adjacent to one another. A collar is formed on a distal end of the annular wall and flanged over to project radially inwardly from the distal end. An annular rib extends from the crown and within the annular wall to thereby define an annular cavity with the annular wall. The annular cavity extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end closed by the crown to a second end at the distal end of the annular wall. The coolable piston also includes first and second pin bosses disposed at a distal end of the annular rib. The coolable piston also includes an annular notch formed in the annular rib and substantially opposing the first shoulder. The coolable piston also includes a ring member closing the second end of the annular cavity.

Abstract: The rotary-piston machine consists of two operating units. The first one comprises a horizontal operating cylinder (1) with cylindrical shaft (5), connected to the main shaft (4) and sealed with rings to the walls of the cylinder (1). The shaft (5) has a first friction element (9) pressed against the internal wall of the cylinder (1). The second unit comprises a cylindrical body (15) mounted to the main shaft (4) with a firmly connected to its circumference inner ring (16) of a bearing with an outer ring (17) provided of an articulated joint (18) connected to a frame (19) that is connected to a valve (13) which press a second friction element (14) to the shaft (5). Both units move in synchronization.

Abstract: In an intake system for an internal combustion engine wherein a partition plate is provided within an intake pipe in a longitudinal direction so that an inside is divided into a first intake passage, which is an upper side passage of the above described intake pipe, and a second intake passage, which is a lower side passage of the above described intake pipe, and an intake control valve for opening and closing the second intake passage is provided, the partition plate has holes which connect the first intake passage to the second intake passage and allow fuel on a lower surface of the partition plate to be sucked out to the first intake passage. When an intense tumble flow is created in the first intake passage in the intake system, an air flow toward the first intake passage from the second intake passage is created in the holes so that the fuel that adheres to the partition plate can be sucked out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating at least one drive motor, particularly an internal combustion engine, of an automobile, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the engine speed of the drive motor in the detected idle state of the motor vehicle does not exceed a predetermined maximum value by means of engine speed limitation. It is provided that the idle state detected is verified at least once by means of a test cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion and a throttle that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor in contactless association with at least one of the throttle and throttle mounting portion. The sensor is configured for sensing a position of the throttle with respect to the mounting portion, in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation.

Abstract: A fuel system for supplying CNG to an internal combustion engine. The system includes a fuel rail, a CNG fuel injector, and an engine manifold. The CNG fuel injector includes a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel rail, and a fuel outlet disposed along a longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with the engine manifold. A member is disposed at the fuel outlet that dispersing the CNG in a direction skewed from the longitudinal axis as the CNG flows from the fuel outlet into the engine manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate to the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A method for determining degraded valve operation. According to the method, valve degradation can be determined from the duration of a spark event. This method allows for the determination of both intake and exhaust valve degradation.

Abstract: Pressurized injector actuation fluid, such as oil or fuel, is supplied to high pressure common rail by a fixed displacement fluid pump. Variable delivery from the pump is achieved by an improved sleeve metering approach. The sleeve surrounds the reciprocating piston and is manipulated to control venting of pumped fluid through vent ports in the piston. The sleeve is moved by preferably being the armature of a solenoid assembly. The varying of current to the solenoid coil alters the axial position of the sleeve relative to the piston to vary the effective pumping stroke of the piston.

Abstract: A V-type engine with an engine block face extending upward on at least one end of the valley includes a plurality of fasteners having a first threaded portion engaging the face of the engine block and a second threaded portion extending through the face into the valley and through corresponding apertures in a fuel pump housing mounting flange of a fuel pump disposed within the valley to secure the fuel pump directly to the engine block face without an adapter plate. The second threaded portion of each fastener engages a complementarily threaded spacer with a proximate end securing the flange of the fuel pump housing to the back of the engine block face and extending into the valley along substantially the entire length of the fuel pump housing to a distal end shaped to facilitate engagement with a fastening tool.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank having an opening. A cap is removably coupled to the fuel tank and operable for sealingly closing the opening to prevent ingress and egress of air through the opening. An overfill chamber is in communication with the fuel tank, and a hydrocarbon collection chamber is in communication with the overfill chamber. A valve is disposed between the hydrocarbon collection chamber and the overfill chamber. The valve includes a reference axis and is configured to permit fluid communication between the overfill chamber and the hydrocarbon collection chamber only when an angle between a vertical axis and the reference axis is less than about thirty-five degrees.

Abstract: Evaporative emissions management for a vehicle having a fuel tank and a low-vacuum internal combustion engine, including hybrid electric vehicles, include first and second canisters with the second canister disposed between the first canister and atmosphere. A refueling valve routes fuel vapors from the fuel storage tank through the first canister, and to the second canister when the first canister becomes saturated, during refueling. Other than during refueling, the refueling valve is closed to route fuel vapors around the first canister and directly into the second canister. First and second purge valves are controlled during canister regeneration or purging so air from atmosphere is routed primarily through the second canister to the engine to purge the second canister before the purge valves are operated to route air from atmosphere through both the second and first canisters to purge the first canister.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include a mechanically operated exhaust gas recirculation valve having a spring-biased pintle with a surface area sized to generate a spring-opposing force to open a valve chamber entrance when an exhaust pressure differential exceeds a first threshold to allow exhaust gas to flow toward an intake and to close a valve chamber exit spaced from the chamber entrance to block exhaust gas flowing to the intake when the pressure differential exceeds a second threshold. The valve operates to limit or block external EGR flow at low load such as during starting and idle as well as at wide-open throttle while metering EGR flow for mid-to-high loads.

Abstract: Engine management system for operation of a direct injection spark ignition gasoline engine. The system includes a gasoline engine, a source of gasoline and a source of an anti-knock agent. Gasoline and anti-knock agent are introduced into a proportioning valve that delivers a selected mixture of gasoline/anti-knock agent to a high pressure pump. At least one injector receives the selected mixture from the high pressure pump and delivers the mixture into a cylinder of the engine. The engine management system provides a rapidly variable mixture of directly injected anti-knock agent and gasoline which prevents knock as the engine torque increases.

Abstract: An exhaust probe is arranged on an internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and the injection valves provided for the cylinders measure the fuel. The exhaust probe is arranged on an exhaust manifold, and the measured signal is characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the corresponding cylinder. The measured signal is recorded at a given crankshaft angle with relation to a reference position for the piston and allocated to the corresponding cylinder. A set parameter for adjustment of the air/fuel ratio in the corresponding cylinder is generated depending on the measured signal recorded for each cylinder. The given crankshaft angle is adjusted depending on a value criterion which depends on a uneven running of an output shaft from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved compound bow. In particular, the present invention is directed to an adjustable compound bow for hunting and archery with noise reduction features. The preferred embodiment of the bow comprises a riser having a main riser length with two ends, each end attached to an adjustable hub with a limb base. Each limb base preferably has a pocketless flat surface with vibration dampening material. Each hub is secured to the main riser length by an adjustment worm drive and a hub pivot. A limb is preferably secured to each limb base at two points on the pocketless flat surface. A bowstring is strung under tension between the limbs. The bowstring's tension can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustable hubs with the worm drives. The bow preferably has a storage position and an in-use position caused by rotating the limbs around the adjustable hubs. Adjustment of the bow can be accomplished without use of a bow press.

Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an adjustable, clamping feed tube. The feed tube can, for instance, include a lever for closing and opening a clamp, thereby tightening or loosening a receiving end of a feed tube to secure or release a hopper neck. The feed tube also preferably includes a finger adjustable nut for adjusting the size of the receiving end to accommodate differently sized hopper necks.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a paintball gun has a dynamic piston assembly that moves forward relative to a stationary guide assembly as the gun is being fired. The piston assembly contains a compressed gas storage compartment located entirely within the piston assembly. As the gun fires, air from the gas storage compartment blows into a breech to propel the paintball forward from the breech.

Abstract: A magnetic paint ball gun firing apparatus provides magnetic coupling between rigid components that are used to position paint balls within a paint ball gun. When force is applied to one of the pair of magnets, the force will be transmitted through the magnetic fields to the second magnet. In several of the embodiments, this magnetic coupling offers low resistance to movement when the magnets are in an initial substantially spaced apart relationship. Such low force coupling ensures gentle handling of the paint balls. However, as the limits of travel are approached, the magnetic coupling will exponentially increase forces between the magnets, preventing a “bottoming out” of the coupling. In other disclosed embodiments, magnets are arranged in a pulling arrangement, with opposite poles attracting each other. In these instances, break-away forces are high, but once separated, forces drop exponentially. Illustrated embodiments include magnetic bolt pin couplings, magnetic break-away bolts, and magnetic bolt tips.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is provided comprising a grill body having a cooking chamber having a lower firebox; the firebox has a base and two sidewall. The apparatus further comprises a frame assembly with two frame members, and a mounting assembly having at least two mounting members attached to the firebox; the first mounting member is directly connected to the first frame member and the second mounting member is directly connected to the second frame member to thereby create a distance between the cooking chamber and the frame assembly to avoid heat damage to the frame assembly when the cooking chamber is in use and the mounting assembly creating a fixed special relationship between the first and second frame members without the need of a cross member between the frame members.

Abstract: A double oven combination is configured to be “built-in” an area of a household—in other words, permanently secured relative to the household area and integrated with other elements of the household area to provide a consistent decorative appearance. The double oven combination comprises an upper oven and a lower oven each of which may be a convection or non-convection oven that cooks and heats food and other substances via radiant and convective heating, and a control panel. The double oven combination has an integrated cooling air and exhaust air flow arrangement for efficiently guiding exhaust air away from the upper oven and the lower oven while at the same time effectively flowing cooling air relative to the double oven combination to promote desired cooling of the double oven combination.

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

Abstract: A breathing system with a facepiece that includes a first port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the outlet of a regulator assembly to introduce pressurized breathing gas into the facepiece; a second port adapted to be connected to an air purifying system; and an exhaust valve through which the user's exhausted breath can exit the facepiece. The breathing system also includes a pressure adjustment mechanism that includes a communication link in communicative connection with an actuator such that the exhaust pressure adjustment mechanism sets the internal facepiece pressure required to open the exhaust valve, independently of the respiration of the user, to a first pressure when the actuator is in the first state, to a second pressure when the actuator is in the second state. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure.

Abstract: A multiple lumen nasal cannula that can be used to delivery two separate supplies of gases to a patient. The multiple lumen nasal cannula includes a first lumen for delivering a first gas and a second lumen for delivering a second gas. The first lumen includes support structure that reduces the tendency of the cannula to kink and lock the delivery of gas to a patient. The cannula assembly includes a mixing chamber positioned near the patient such that the two supplies of gas are not mixed until a location approximate to delivery to the patient. The nasal cannula assembly includes a connecting device that allows the two separate supplies of gas to be correctly delivered to the two different lumens of the nasal cannula.

Abstract: A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device having a mask and a mask attachment assembly with at least one strap for retaining the mask in a sealed position on a user's face. The mask mounting mechanism includes a button element extending from the mask, and the button element includes a shaft and a cap having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. A clip element includes a clip element arm and a buckle. A second end of the arm includes an orifice extending therethrough. The buckle is attached to a first end of the clip element arm for engaging the strap of the mask attachment assembly. The clip element is engageable with a button element by engaging the orifice of the clip element arm over the cap and adjacent the shaft of the button element.

Abstract: An improved carbon dioxide absorber for use in a closed circuit patient breathing system has a canister insertable in the breathing circuit for receiving recirculating breathing gases. The canister contains a pelletized CO2 absorbent material that removes the CO2 from the breathing gases passing through the absorber. A quantity of the CO2 absorbent material is treated with a chemical indicator such that the chemical indicator makes a color change indicative of the state of the absorptive capacity of the absorbent material. A separate quantity of the CO2 absorbent material is treated with a second chemical indicator. The second chemical indicator changes color to indicate the degree of dryness of the CO2 absorbent material. The second chemical indicator may comprise cobalt chloride and serves to indicate the potential for excessive heat generation and toxic gas generation conditions within the CO2 absorbent canister.

Abstract: A protective device comprising a mask part, which covers the wearer's mouth and nose and is provided with elements through which air can be supplied inside the mask part to enable breathing. To eliminate problems caused by draught, the mask part is provided with a wall portion, which is arranged to extend from the edge portion of the mask part against the wearer's face inside the mask part so that an interspace connected to the inner space of the mask part is formed between the wall portion and the inner surface of the mask part and that the elements through which air for breathing can be supplied inside the mask part are arranged to open into the interspace.

Abstract: A close-fitting face mask made of woven or non-woven material having a fitted nose area with a nose-bridge contact and a nose-bridge recess or space, a nose upper part extending from the nose-bridge contact at the mid point of the bridge of the wearer's nose to the level of the lower eyelid, a chin part with a recess or space extending below the wearer's chin, and attachment straps made of elastic or flexible material including upper straps, one each side, attached to the nose upper part and passing above the upper part of the wearer's ear, and lower straps, one each side, attached to the pivot or neutral point of the mask and passing below the wearer's ear.

Abstract: An infant nasal interface mask for use with a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) system including a mask body and a base. The mask body forms a cavity and is defined by a leading portion, an intermediate shell portion, and a trailing portion. The leading portion terminates in a leading edge forming an aperture open to the cavity and having a generally triangular shape for placement over a patient's nose. The trailing portion includes a bellows segment characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to a flexibility of the intermediate shell portion. The base extends from the trailing portion opposite the leading portion and forms at least one longitudinal passage extending through a thickness of the base and fluidly connected to the cavity. The intermediate shell portion is laterally pivotable relative to the base via the bellows segment.

Abstract: A respiratory mask has an adjustable forehead support member that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The forehead support member may be adjusted by rotating a forehead pad about an off-center bore or by bending an angular adjustment beam. The mask has a mask cushion with an accordionate membrane having at least two hinged portions. The mask may be constructed with a mask frame, the mask cushion, and the forehead support member molded as one piece.

Abstract: A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device including an extension member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a portion of the mask, and the second end extends from and is spacially separated from the mask. The mask mounting mechanism further includes an attachment mechanism on the second end of the extension member for engaging a strap of the mask attachment assembly. The second end of the extension member minimizes the potential for the attachment mechanism and the strap from contacting a user's face.