Abstract: An evaporative emission control canister for an automotive vehicle includes a canister body and a bracket for attaching the body to a structural member of a vehicle. A number of fastener sets attach the bracket to the canister body, with each of the fastener sets including a closed-end hollow core boss having a generally cylindrical wall of uniform thickness and a number of buttresses applied to an outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall. The buttresses have the same uniform thickness as the generally cylindrical wall and are molded along with the cylindrical wall as one piece with an inner portion of the canister body.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions system may include a first passage selectively providing fluid communication between a fuel vapor region of a vehicle fuel reservoir and an engine air intake system, a second passage in fluid communication with the fuel vapor region and ambient air, and a filter assembly. The filter assembly may be impermeable to at least one of oxygen and hydrocarbons and may be located in the second passage between the fuel vapor region and ambient air. The filter assembly may prevent the at least one of oxygen and hydrocarbons from traveling between the fuel vapor region and ambient air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel heating equipment of a diesel engine for preheating and heating fuel to supply the fuel to the engine. The fuel heating equipment of the diesel engine includes a main heating part having a collective tank, which is formed between runners connected to a first side of the engine and an exhaust pipe, and is heated by exhaust heat introduced from the runner, and a fuel supply pipe, which extends from a fuel tank and is wound around the collective tank to heat fuel, which passes through the fuel supply pipe due to heat conducted from the collective tank, so as to supply the fuel to the engine. The fuel heating equipment of the diesel engine further includes a preheating part provided such that the fuel supply pipe is inserted along the exhaust pipe to prevent the fuel, which is cooled by cold outside air in the winter season, from being directly introduced to the collective tank.

Abstract: A method of operating a supercharger (10) for an automotive engine (20) is disclosed. A supercharger (10) has an input shaft (30) for coupling to a crank shaft (22) of the engine and also for coupling to the rotor of a first electrical machine (40) and the annulus of an epicyclic gear train (60). An output shaft (70) is connected to a compressor (80) and a sun gear of the epicyclic gear train (60). A carrier carrying planet gears of the epicyclic gear train (60) is connected to the rotor of a second electrical machine (50). The first electrical machine (40) is selectively operable to supply electrical energy to the second electrical machine (50). The second electrical machine (50) is selectively operable as a motor or a generator to accelerate or decelerate the compressor (80), thereby tending to increase or decrease the power output of the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, comprising a compression device, an air/fuel mixture being compressed in the compression device, the air/fuel mixture ratio ?2 of the air/fuel mixture fed to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine being varied as a function of the load of the internal combustion engine, the air/fuel mixture ratio ?1 of air/fuel mixture compressed in the internal combustion engine being higher than the air/fuel ratio ?2 of the air/fuel mixture fed to the cylinder, characterized in that the air/fuel ratio ?1 of air/fuel mixture compressed in the compression device is selected such that it is not ignitable under the conditions in the compression device and/or upstream of the compression device.

Abstract: Internal combustion petrol engine comprising an engine block (2) connected to an intake circuit (3) including a compressor (6) and an exhaust circuit (4) including a turbine (13) which drives the compressor, the internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas recirculation circuit (11) which is connected to the exhaust circuit downstream of the turbine and is connected to the intake circuit upstream of the compressor, the recirculation circuit comprising a cooler. Method of managing such an engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition coil device has an annular seal rubber at its lower side coil. An annular projection is provided on a part of the seal rubber and is pressed against the inner diameter surface of a plug hole. An air path is formed in part of a coil case by mounting the seal rubber into a groove, enabling inside and outside portions of the plug hole to communicate. A gas-permeable thin film resin member is bonded to an inlet of the air path.

Abstract: An anti-chop system for a pneumatic paintball marker that is automatically cleaned. The anti-chop eye system includes a transmitter and receiver arranged so as to sense the presence of a paintball within a breech using a beam of light. A moving member of the paintball marker automatically wipes at least one surface of the transmitter and/or receiver to remove contaminants such as paint, grease, dirt and the like. By automatically cleaning the anti-chop eye system, the reliability of the system is improved.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatuses for use in launching an inhibiting powder. These embodiments comprise a source of impulse pressure that induces a propellant pressure, a barrel cooperated with the source of impulse pressure to receive the propellant pressure, inhibiting powder positioned within an interior of the barrel, a burst diaphragm secured between the source of the impulse pressure and the inhibiting powder, and an actuator that activates the source of impulse pressure to deliver an expanding gas producing an increasing pressure that is applied to the burst diaphragm where the burst diaphragm bursts when the applied pressure exceeding a burst threshold, resulting in a release of the propellant pressure into the barrel to drive the inhibiting powder from the barrel in substantially an aerosol form generating a cloud of inhibiting powder.

Abstract: An archery quiver is provided. The quiver includes a hood and an arrow gripper device connected together by at least one stay. A mounting bracket assembly is provided that permits lateral adjustment of the quiver relative to the bow riser. The arrow shaft gripper is provided with cam assemblies with portions that are movable to provide an adjustable gripping force on the arrow shafts.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for cooking a food item, such as a turkey, in a cooking vessel having a bottom surface, such as a pot, the gas cooking appliance configured to be connected to a gas source for permitting a flow of gas to the gas cooking appliance, the appliance having a sensor configured to engage a shielded portion of the bottom surface of the cooking vessel and to shut off or reduce the flow of gas to the appliance in the event that the shielded portion exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barbecue (1) comprising a carrier element (2), a grilling area (3) being substantial horizontal orientated and being located at the top of the carrier element (2) and a cover (4), wherein the cover (4) can be positioned in a first position (A) in which the grilling area (3) is covered and in a second position (B) in which the grilling area (3) is accessible. To improve the functionality of such a barbecue, the invention suggests that means (5, 6) are provided to allow the cover (4) to move from the first position (A) into the second position (B), wherein the cover (4) is pivoted during the movement from the first position (A) into the second position (B) around a horizontal axis (7) and wherein the barycentre (S) of the cover (4) is moved from a first level (hA) to a second, lower level (hB).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a trash receptacle holder for use on an outdoor grill that includes an upper retaining member capable of circumferentially receiving a trash receptacle; a lower retaining including a platform adapted to support a trash receptacle when said trash receptacle holder is in an erect position; an extension arm operatively connected to said upper and lower retaining members and allowing said upper and lower retaining members to be rotated into said collapsed position where said upper and lower retaining members are in a position that is generally perpendicular to the ground and an erect position where said upper lower retaining members are in a position that is generally parallel to the ground and a trash receptacle may be placed on said lower retaining member and circumferentially received by said upper retaining member.

Abstract: A grease containment apparatus to remove grease and other contaminants from hot air exiting a kitchen area through a vent system which includes a vertical separator.

Abstract: An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.

Abstract: A combined diurnal tracking, concentrator, photovoltaic plus domestic hot water solar thermal system is mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings for diurnal tracking, and on pitched roofs of single family residences. The systems are configured to reduce the number of solar cells required for given power output, and increased generated heat by a concentration of the sun's insolation on the solar cells. The increased heat is drawn off by anti-freeze fluid circulated in an aluminum extrusion attached to the solar cells and concentrator reflectors for the dual purpose of providing domestic hot water or space heating and maintaining the solar cells cool to enhance their efficiency.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a sunlit-detecting unit, a control unit, a first motor and a second motor. The sunlit-detecting unit detects the position of the sun. Based on the position of the sun, the control unit instructs the first motor to rotate a solar cell array and the second motor to tilt the solar cell array.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a building has a laminated energy storage device incorporated into the building. A source of electrical power may be in communication with the laminated energy storage device and the laminated energy storage device may be in electrical communication with a power consuming electrical circuit of the building. The laminated energy storage device comprises an area of at least ten square feet.

Abstract: A folding table for a grill includes a table portion configured to extend into an operative position and configured to be placed in a protective stowed position to protect the grill. The folding table further includes an upper cross support pivotally connected to the table portion and an attachment portion configured to be connected to the grill. The attachment portion is pivotally connected to the support.

Abstract: A process is proposed for crystallizing, by progressively cooling, in multiple stages arranged in series in a crystallization vessel (10), a descending continuous flow of a saturated sucrose solution at a temperature from about 78° to about 120° C., each stage maintaining the sucrose solution being crystallized at a predetermined temperature, until reaching a temperature from about 25 to 40° C., obtaining substantially pure sucrose crystals. A suspension containing sugar seeds is introduced in the crystallizing equipment, in the first stage, jointly with the saturated sucrose solution of 1.05-1.15. In another embodiment of the invention, the saturated solution is fed and its temperature is controlled, already in the first stage of the vessel (10), to obtain a supersaturation between 1.05 and 1.15, inducing the formation of small crystals used as crystallization seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to dispose plant cellulose materials, in particular to a method for preparing a main hydrolysate by hydrolyzing the plant cellulose materials with concentrated sulfuric acid. The plant cellulose materials are mixed with sulfuric acid in batches, and the main hydrolysate is obtained after hydrolysis. The batch mixing includes the following procedures: (1)sulfuric acid solution is used to dissolve part of the plant cellulose materials thereby forming a hydrolysate; (2)when the plant cellulose materials can not be dissolved any more, concentrated sulfuric acid with the concentration more than 80 wt % is successively added into the hydrolysate, and another part of the plant cellulose materials are added; (3)and then the procedure as step (2) is repeated until all the plant cellulose materials are completely hydrolyzed.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering drug by inhalation, comprising: a housing for receiving a canister which comprises a body which includes a base and a head and defines a chamber for containing drug, and a valve stem which extends from the body and from which drug is in use delivered on actuation of the canister; an outlet through which a user in use inhales; and a nozzle which provides for delivery of drug through the outlet; wherein at least a rear section of the outlet has an increasing internal dimension in a direction away from the nozzle.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper airway. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing emergency and non-emergency tracheotomies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device for performing an emergency tracheostomy includes a dilator having a generally curved outer surface which is arranged for insertion into a trachea of a patient. The dilator includes an open linear passageway therein. Situated within the internal passageway is an anchor that includes a distal tip portion protruding outside the dilator. The anchor is normally biased to a retracted position and is arranged to move from the retracted position to an extended position in response to a distal force. A driver is provided for applying the distal force to the anchor to drive the distal tip portion through an opening in the patient's neck and trachea. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol device. More specifically the invention relates to an aerosol device for a Metered Dose Inhaler. The aerosol device (76,176) comprises a container (66,166) with an opening at one end, a self sealing valve assembly (60,160) supported within the container (66,166), and a cap member (72,172) for maintaining the valve assembly (60,160) in the container (66,166), wherein the cap member (72,172) is secured to the container (66,166) in order to retain the valve assembly (60,160) in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a formulation comprising formoterol and budesonide for use in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The composition further contains HFA 227, PVP and PEG, preferably PVP K25 and PEG 1000.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device of the present invention includes an inhaling port portion, an ejection head for ejecting a liquid to be inhaled by a user through the inhaling port portion, a first sensor for detecting an action of the user relating to inhalation, a second sensor for detecting another action of the user relating to inhalation, the second sensor being different from the first sensor, and a determining portion for determining an operation of ejecting the liquid of the ejection head in response to both a first signal output from the first sensor and a second signal output from the second sensor, wherein the determining portion enables ejection of the liquid from the ejection head when both the first signal and the second signal are signals indicating inhalation intention of the user.

Abstract: A method for reducing odor is provided. The method comprises forming a coordination complex between a transition metal and a polydentate compound, and contacting the coordinated complex with an odorous compound. The transition metal provides one or more active sites for capturing the odorous compound. In some embodiments, the polydentate compound may be a polyalkylimine, such as polyethyleneimine, polypropyleneimine, or a dendrimer thereof.

Abstract: A medicine ejection apparatus which ejects a medicine for medicating a user comprises; a medicine ejecting unit which has an element that generates energy for ejecting the medicine, a drive control unit which controls a drive start and a drive stop of the element, and an ejection amount determining unit which determines a total amount of a medicine that is ejected from the medicine ejecting unit after the element performs a drive stop, the drive control unit enabling the element to perform driving so as to eject an amount of medicine calculated from difference between the set ejection amount and the total amount of medicine when the total amount of medicine determined by the ejection amount determining unit does not reach the set ejection amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a control program for the fluid-tight sealing of capsules containing medicaments, wherein the capsules consist of at least one capsule body and a capsule cap which are set one into the other telescopically and provided with a tight band in the abutment region on the exterior side of the capsule, wherein the capsule components are filled with gas which has a changed temperature and/or a changed pressure in relation to the environment, and wherein a reduction of the difference in pressure in the capsule occurs via gaps between capsule body and capsule cap after the capsule components have been placed one inside the other. The capsules produced via the method according to the invention are disposable capsules and preferably contain a single dose of an orally administered pharmaceutical formulation in the form of a powder or a liquid.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the CPAP apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing mask system, mask or patient interface and/or hose, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new mask system, mask and/or hose is provided.

Abstract: A respiratory system includes: a mask body adapted for attachment to a user's face; a gas supplier connected to the mask body to supply a gas to the mask body; a central control unit associated with the gas supplier to control temperature and humidity of the gas supplied from the gas supplier to the mask body; a sensor unit disposed in the mask body to produce sensing signals and to convert the sensing signals into a signal output that is related to at least temperature and humidity of the gas; and a transmitting unit to transmit the signal output to the central control unit. The temperature and humidity of the gas supplied from the gas supplier is controlled based on the signal output.

Abstract: System and methods for ventilating a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of delivering respiratory gas based on at least one fixed parameter and at least one variable parameter, the fixed parameters being tidal volume and peak airway pressure and the variable parameter being PEEP, identifying a first level for the PEEP, configuring the ventilator to deliver the respiratory gas at the peak airway pressure and the PEEP to achieve the tidal volume, monitoring respiratory gas flow over time to measure tidal volume, setting a second level for the PEEP based on the measured tidal volume, automatically adjusting the PEEP to the second level relative to the peak airway pressure and repeating the steps of configuring, monitoring, setting and automatically adjusting to achieve the ventilation.

Abstract: Devices and systems provide methods of detecting a severity change in respiratory insufficiency (RI) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) condition of a patient. In an example embodiment, a detection monitoring device determines one or more severity change indicators based on a measure of supplied pressure or other representative measure determined by the device. The supplied pressure may optionally be determined during pressure treatment that satisfies a target ventilation. The supplied pressure or representative data may be compared to one or more thresholds that are selected to represent a change in the condition of the RI or COPD patient such as an exacerbation of a prior condition. Results of the comparisons may trigger one or more warnings or messages to notify a patient or physician of a pending change to the patient's RI or COPD condition so that the patient may more immediately seek medical attention to treat the condition.

Abstract: A sorption agent comprising activated carbon and an impregnation of the activated carbon for the sorption of air pollutants, wherein the impregnation contains a zinc compound and a molybdenum compound, as well as a gas-filtering element, such as a respirator canister, containing said sorption agent.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.

Abstract: A system for removal of pooled secretions is provided. The system includes one or more tubes, at least one reservoir coupled to the one or more tubes; a cap detachably coupled to the at least one reservoir; and a suction mechanism having a button and is coupled to the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: An occlusion device and catheter delivery system are disclosed. The occlusion device may include an expandable member, an extended arm directly connected to the expandable member and extending distally therefrom, and a distal ball tip on a distal end of the extended arm. The extended arm and distal ball tip can function to steer the catheter delivery system when tracking through a body lumen to reach the target delivery site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and radiation surgery. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods for stereotactic medical procedures and it provides for repeated accurate positioning (fixation) of a patient, or a part of a patient, for carrying out medical procedures which are done at different times such as fractionated radiation therapy. Specifically, a patient fixation device for fixating a head of a patient relatively a treatment unit as a preparation for treatment or during treatment of the head is provided. The patient fixation device being is adapted to be attached to a stereotactic frame structure connected to the treatment unit.

Abstract: A patient positioning assembly is described. The patient positioning assembly including a plate member rotatably mounted on a base member, and an arm extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably attached to the plate member. The patient positioning assembly further including a support device rotatably attached to the second end of the arm to support a patient thereon, with the support device is configured to move the patient in at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A professional massage draping sheet set comprised of a one piece textile fabric featuring a veil covered abdomen opening to access the stomach region and two openings for each leg with an angle cut to the pelvic region. All openings are fastened with special open-closure mechanism including light-weight, strong-hold magnets. And a second professional massage fitted sheet fitted for professional massage tables that includes an opening at each end to accommodate access to the head and foot rest attachments.

Abstract: A surgical radiological C-arm imaging unit drape configured to provide a sterile outer surface about an end portion of a C-arm imaging unit and method of providing a sterile surface about an end of a C-arm imaging unit is provided. The drape includes a flexible enclosure having an upper wall with a pair of sidewalls and a rear side extending downwardly from the upper wall. The upper wall and the side walls are extendible between expanded and collapsed positions. When in the expanded position, a pocket sized for receipt of the end portion of the imaging unit beneath the upper wall is formed. The upper wall has a sterile outer surface configured to face away from and overlie the end portion of the imaging unit to maintain sterility in a sterile zone above an operating table. When in the collapsed position, the sterile outer surface shielded from external contamination.

Abstract: A plastic athletic mouth guard with one wing section thereof having a first color and the other wing section thereof having a second color. The mouth guard is formed by a 2-shot injection molding process.

Abstract: An earplug for an ear canal includes a cap for plugging the ear canal. The cap has a cover tapered at one end and a hollow post extending centrally from the end. An air gap is formed between the cover and the post. The cover further includes a flexible rubbery material that adjusts shape to match a shape of the ear canal and seal the ear canal. An inner spring holds the cap in the ear canal. The inner spring has a plurality of spring leafs about a central axis to fit within the hollow post where the spring leafs are compressed about the central axis and a force of the spring leafs flexes the cap to hold the cap in the ear canal. A base is joined to an end of the inner spring for gripping the earplug for insertion and removal of the earplug from the ear canal.

Abstract: A swaddle apparatus for wrapping around arms and upper torso of a child while changing a diaper is disclosed. The child swaddle apparatus comprises a fitted sheet, a traverse main body panel with left and right extensions on opposite sides and a swaddle means attached to the left and right extensions. The main body panel is affixed onto the fitted sheet so that the left and right extensions may extend over the opposite ends of the fitted sheet. The child with shoulders is placed above the upper end of the fabric panel. The arms of the child are restrained close and parallel to the upper torso and the right extension is wrapped over the child's arms and upper torso. The left extension is folded over the right extension and fastened using the swaddle means thereby restricting the movement of the child and keeping the child warm, safe, comfortable, and calm.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board, comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a device to movably couple the first end of the strap to the second end of the strap, wherein the device comprises a first lateral member coupled to the first end of the strap, a second lateral member for providing tension to the strap, a third lateral member having a corrugated side for applying friction to the strap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate and real-time acquisition and monitoring of three-dimensional location information about a target, in particular a target inside a subject's body during a medical procedure. This is achieved in accordance with the invention by marking the target location by a small-size location marker, which can be detected and located with high signal-to-noise ratio of the detection by a detection system located at a distance from the target. Provided by the invention is a location marker, a target location system utilizing such marker, and also a novel antenna system suitable to be used in the target location system. The marker of the present invention is a passive electronic device, which “responds” to an external high radio frequency electromagnetic field by a periodic time pattern of a single (certain fixed value) relatively low frequency, as compared to the known devices of the kind specified emitting a frequency coded signal.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprises a tobacco rod (12) wrapped with a paper wrapper (14), and a patch (16) of material between the tobacco rod and the paper wrapper that extends along the tobacco rod from or near the mouth end (B) to an intermediate point along the rod. The patch has a structure such that it provides a path for smoke from tobacco upstream of the patch to the mouth end that has less resistance to smoke flow than a path through the tobacco under the patch, thus delivering smoke from the upstream part of the tobacco rod to the smoker more efficiently. The patch may also increase the static burn rate of the latter part of the smoking article.

Abstract: A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g is made by pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the total aerobic microbial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g. The pasteurized tobacco component is mixed with one or more non-tobacco components before being compressed to form the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product.