Abstract: A toothbrush having a head with a first end and a second end with peripheral edge regions extending between the first end and the second end is described. The head includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes raised portions and depressed portions, wherein the depressed portions are adjacent the peripheral edge regions. A first plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface, and a second plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface. Each of the first plurality of cleaning elements protrudes from a depressed portion and has a cross section. Each of the depressed portions has the same cross section as each of the first plurality of cleaning elements.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing filaments for personal hygiene articles is described. The filaments are provided with a surface structure with at least one surface recess such as dimples and/or pittings. The filament includes at least a portion made of a material soluble by a corrosive agent and is covered in part with a cover layer stable to the corrosive agent such that a surface portion of the filament body substantially corresponding to the at least one surface recess is uncovered. The filament body is contacted with the corrosive agent for a limited time to create the surface recess in the uncovered surface portion.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the oral cavity, having the basic form (1) of a thimble. In order that the same cannot simply slide off the finger, and thereby also remain hygienic even after multiple uses, the base form (1) has a flexibly designed locking feature (4).

Abstract: A cleaning pad has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. The facing layer is an integral sheet having a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, and a second region comprising a plurality of raised protrusions. The two different regions provide dual functionalities of absorbing (or distributing) liquid, such as a cleaner, and scrubbing, respectively.

Abstract: A hand held device for clearing off or cleaning the surface of a windshield, window or the like. The hand held device includes a blade, a forearm brace, and a handle which is disposed between the blade and the forearm brace. The blade preferably includes a front edge, and preferably the handle is parallel to the front edge. The forearm brace includes a forearm-engaging portion which is configured to contactably engage a forearm of a user during use. The forearm brace may comprise walls which extend generally from the handle to the forearm-engaging portion, as well as an opening which is disposed generally between the handle and the forearm-engaging portion. Preferably, the palm of a user's hand is the fulcrum point during use of the hand held device. The device may also be reversible to gain maximum mechanical advantage of for example, a two-bladed scraper or squeegee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiping device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper, a wiper drive (1), an electronic control device (2) that controls the wiper drive (1), a first signal transmitter for capturing the angular position of the wiper, and a first control line (7) that can emit an angle position signal captured by the first signal transmitter to the control device (2). According to the invention, a second signal transmitter for capturing the angular displacement of the wiper is provided. A second control line (8) that can emit an angle modification signal captured by the second signal transmitter to the control device (2) is provided. Said claimed windscreen wiper device has the advantage that it has a permanent self-locking device for at least one wiper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the jointed connection of a wiper blade (12), having a wiper arm (18), wherein a connector (20) intended to be connected to the wiper blade (12) has a joint part (32) which forms a joint with a joint part (40) on a connector (38) intended to be connected to the wiper arm, and one of the joint parts (40) is a hub (40) open in the longitudinal direction of the associated component (20 or 28), the hub being supported with respect to the other component (38) in the direction opposite (42) the hub opening (42) when in the installed state, wherein the side walls (30, 56) of the connector (20) and of the connector (38) overlap. It is suggested that the side walls (56) of one component (38) has recesses (44) which are open to the wiper strip (14), and plunge into the projections (34) in the wiper blade (12) operating position, such that both components (20, 38) are locked against each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (38) for a wiper blade (10) made up of a plastic piece with a display field (40, 42, 44) with means (52) for clipping to the wiper blade (10). According to the invention, said device has the same cross-sectional profile as a spoiler (30) for the wiper blade (10) of flat bar construction, wherein the inner profile (50) of the display device (38) matches the outer profile (32, 34, 36) of the spoiler (30).

Abstract: A vertically oriented particulate matter collector having a pan and a handle is disclosed. A lip abuts a flat vertical surface to be drilled, such as a wall. The lip when pressed against the wall prevents falling particulate matter from passing between the lip and the wall. A face, attached to the lip, follows the contour of the lip. A back, attached to the face, defines a cavity for collecting particulate matter. A mouth is defined by the opening of the cavity. A floor, opposite the mouth, attaches to the back and face. A collar at the seam joins the face to the floor. The collar projects a slope away from the back and the face. A toe provides support when the pan is set down. The handle, attaches to the mouth defining edge of the back.

Abstract: A winger bucket includes: a bucket body, a dewatering basket and a propelling unit; wherein the propelling unit further comprises; a base, a big gear wheel, a pail pedal, a circular arc gear wheel, a return spring, a rotating axle, a small gear wheel, and an unilateral bearing device, installed on the rotating axle under the small gear wheel, driven in one direction by the small gear wheel thus rotating the rotating axle and the dewatering basket in the same direction. In this structure, the dewatering basket can be rotated freely in a same direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head for attachment to a suction pipe or hose of a vacuum cleaner includes a body, an inlet through which air from a surface enters the body en route to the vacuum cleaner, and an agitation plate attached movably to the body across or adjacent to the inlet and adapted to beat against the surface in use. An ultraviolet lamp illuminates and disinfects dust and debris as is passes through the head.

Abstract: A duct cleaning attachment includes a hollow body having an exterior surface with a curved under-belly, one of a tapered or rounded leading end, a trailing end, and an interior surface defining an interior cavity. A coupling is positioned at the trailing end wherein the body is coupled to a hose from a vacuum source in a manner that results in air being drawn from the interior cavity by the vacuum source. The body has openings from the exterior surface to the interior surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner dust separation unit having a cyclone chamber (113) and a dust collection chamber (115). The cyclone chamber (113) extends along a longitudinal axis (398), and has an air inlet (183), an air outlet (408), an inlet wall (396) between the air inlet (183) and the air outlet (408), and one or more air passages (404) through the inlet wall (396). The dust collection chamber (115) is adapted to receive dirt from the cyclone chamber (113). In one aspect, the inlet wall (396) comprises an elliptical wall that is located adjacent the air inlet (182) and angled relative to the longitudinal axis (398). In another aspect, the cyclone chamber (113) has an end wall (432) located opposite the inlet wall (396), and a dirt outlet (114) to the dust collection chamber (115) located adjacent the end wall (432), and the end wall (432) has a recessed portion (438) surrounding an extended portion (436) that protrudes into the cyclone chamber (113).

Abstract: Agitating apparatus for a surface treating appliance includes a rotatable body having a plurality of grooves formed therein, an agitating member located within each groove so that at least one side edge of the agitating member protrudes outwardly from the body, and a connecting member located within each groove for connecting the agitating member to the body.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a surface treating appliance includes a housing and a rotatable brush bar located within the housing. The brush bar includes a first plurality of bristles and a second plurality of bristles which protrude radially outwardly beyond the first plurality of bristles. The second plurality of bristles has a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10?5 to 1×1012 ?/sq so that static electricity residing on a floor surface to be cleaned is discharged upon contact with the conductive bristles.

Abstract: Agitating apparatus for a surface treating appliance includes a rotatable body having an outer surface comprising an electrically conductive pile formed from filaments having a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10?5 to 1×1012 ?/sq.

Abstract: Agitating apparatus for a surface treating appliance includes a rotatable body having at least one substantially continuous row of bristles extending outwardly therefrom, the bristles having a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10?5 to 1×1012 ?/sq so that static electricity residing on a floor surface to be cleaned is discharged upon contact with the bristles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic vacuum cleaner tube comprising a first inner tube, a second inner tube, and an outer tube, wherein the first and second inner tubes are arranged to form first and second telescopic links relative to first and second end portions of the outer tube, respectively. The outer tube forms the intermediate tube of the three-part tube while at the same time being fully accessible in any position, whereby one common grip for operating both of the two respective telescopic links, formed by the first and second inner tubes and the intermediate outer tube, of the three part telescopic tube is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a friction sleeve for a caster stem. In certain embodiments, the friction sleeve has a slot, comprises a polymer, and has at least one detent adapted to engage a corresponding detent of the caster stem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.

Abstract: A hinge assembly, which allows a cable to be disposed therein quickly, includes a first coupling member with a first hole and a first slot, a second coupling member with a second hole and a second slot, and a limit member with a third hole and a third slot. The first, second and third holes collectively define a compartment, and with the first, second and third holes being aligned one another. The first, second and third slots collectively define an entrance, and with the first, second and third slots being aligned one another. The entrance defines a space with a size being greater than a cross-sectional size of the cable so as to allow insertion of the cable. The limit member is operably rotatable to a position that the cable is retained in the compartment and is prevented from exiting from the entrance.

Abstract: An instrument housing comprising a first portion having a wedge form, a third portion having a wedge form, a second portion between the first portion and the third portion, a first hinge portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, a second hinge portion between the second portion and the third portion, the second hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, and the second portion having a portion for receiving an instrument.

Abstract: A method for fastening a clothing strip (10) to a card-flat bar (21, 31) by a fastening means in the form of clips (25, 35) is presented. In this case, the clips (5, 25, 35) are integrally formed onto the card-flat foot (23, 33) by press rams (12) guided simultaneously from both sides of the card-flat bar (21, 31) and parallel to the plane of the clothing strip (10). The clip (25, 35) integrally formed onto the card-flat foot (23, 33) loops around the latter with a looping angle (?) of less than 90° and more than 30° (degrees of angle). A corresponding tool for carrying out the method and also a revolving card flat are likewise proposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning foreign matter from separated tufts of fiber uses a transfer cylinder intermediate a revolving open reel type structure mounted within a porous housing to separate a conveying air stream from tufts of fiber conveyed thereby and a toothed cleaning cylinder to separate air flow through said revolving reel from said cleaning cylinder such that air is not drawn through said cleaning cylinder into said porous housing.

Abstract: A button head tie has a button head and a tie strap. The button head is a generally flat member having an aperture for receiving the tie strap. The aperture includes lead-in ramps to facilitate tie strap insertion and is configured to prevent angled tie strap insertion. The tie strap is a flat elongate member having a wedge that is captured within the aperture. The remainder of the strap passes through the aperture. The wedge and strap have teeth and serrations on both sides, respectively, the teeth and serrations being engageable. In use, the strap is looped around a bundle and inserted into the aperture to either side of the wedge. Strap insertion force is reduced by standoff tabs which elevate the wedge out of aperture, temporarily, during installation. When loop tension is applied to the bundle, the wedge is pulled into the aperture, compressively locking the strap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hose fastening clamp used to hold hoses that are connected by various pipe connectors in such a way as to be butted to each other, in addition to maintaining airtightness. The hose fastening clamp prevents an outer covering of a hose that is in contact with a band from being pushed in the rotating direction of the band, and increases a clamping force using the band fastened to the hose. The hose fastening clamp includes a band having on its outer surface a thread and forming an open ring that surrounds a hose. A fastening screw engages with the thread to adjust the diameter of the open ring. A clamping member is placed to be in contact with the inner surface of the band. The diameter of the clamping member is changed in conjunction with a change in diameter of the open ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sticking closure piece comprising a support (5) and a plurality of hooking means (14) which are monolithically arranged on the support (5). Each hooking means (14) is provided with a stem (15) that is connected to the support (5), and an enlarged top part (13) which is located at the external end of the stem (15). (e) The top part (13) is substantially flat in the region of the face thereof. (f) The edge of the top part (13) has a peripheral projection (16) which points in the direction of the support (5) and the circumferential shape of which is not rotationally symmetrical from a vertical view of the top part (13). (h) The peripheral projection (16) along the circumference of the top part (3) extends in an irregular manner towards the support (5). The invention also relates to a method for producing a sticking closure piece.

Abstract: A zipper (60) which can prevent the teeth disengagement from overbending or twisting force includes pluralities of teeth (1), wherein each tooth (1) comprises of a clamp portion (7) having a slit (2) for receiving a fabric tape, and one side thereof forms a left wall (12) of said tooth (1); a hook portion (3) is extended from another side the clamp portion (7) forming a dimple (8) and a right wall (11) of said tooth (1); a slot (4) parallel to said slit (2) is provided on an outer wall of said hook portion (3); a blocking member (5) parallel to said slot (4) is provided at said dimple (8); and a projected joint member (6) is provided onto said right wall (11) where is close to the slot (4).

Abstract: A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper is provided. The device includes a body having first and second diverging guide channels having mutually oriented guide angles for receiving the respective zipper tracks for sliding, non-interlocking movement of the zipper tracks through the guide channels in advance of the zipper slider for reducing the closure angle of the zipper tracks in advance of the zipper slider to correspond to the guide angle of the guide channels, and a handle carried by the body for permitting manual pulling movement of the body along at least a portion of the length of the zipper and generally positioned in a coextensive orientation in relation to a pull tab of the zipper slider such that an operator can simultaneously grasp the pull tab of the zipper slider and the handle while sliding the zipper slider in the closing direction.

Abstract: A self-locking clip may include a first member configured to attach to an item, the first member having a tongue arranged adjacent the item when the first member is attached to the item, the tongue configured to allow an article to be received between the tongue and the item when the first member is attached to the item; a second member pivotally attached to the first member, the second member having at least one engagement surface for engaging the article, when the first member is attached to the item and the article is received between the tongue and the item; and a bias member arranged to bias the second member to pivot in a direction to urge the at least one engagement surface toward the article to engage the article, when the first member is attached to the item and the article is received between the tongue and the item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in lock for the detachable connection of two belt ends for a climbing harness having a lock part and an insertion part, wherein the lock part has an end on the insertion side for inserting the insertion part, and an end on the belt side for fastening a belt, wherein the insertion part has a snap-in pin, which engages into a first latch mechanism in the lock part upon inserting the insertion part into the lock part such that the insertion part is secured against being pulled out of the lock part (in the direction opposite of the insertion direction in the lock part. The first latch mechanism is configured manually non-detachable, and a second manually detachable latch mechanism is arranged and configured such that the insertion part can be detached from the lock part by sliding out the same in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A safety double connector comprising a curved main frame forming the shape of a capital letter “S”. A closing element joins the start of the top end of the frame with a point on its body. Another closing element goes from the other end of the frame and also ends at a point on its body. The ends of the frame end in two notches or stops. The closing elements may be folded back easily by applying slight pressure so as to open the spaces between the body of the frame and the threads so as to enable an item to enter. These closing elements return to their initial position by means of a spring so as to close the space.

Abstract: A fastener assembly attaches items to fabrics and textiles. The fastener has particular application for easily attaching racing bibs (i.e., athlete numbers) to athletic garments, and obviating the need for safety pins. In one embodiment, a female portion that passes through the fabric or textile releasably connects with the male portion that fastens the item to the fabric or textile. In another embodiment, the female portion has a cover to facilitate passage through the fabric or textile. In a third embodiment, the male portion passes through the fabric or textile, and includes a barb or a hook to do so.

Abstract: A buckle includes a male member and a female member. The male member includes: a base; a pair of legs that project from the base; engaging portions that are provided on the legs to be engageable with the female member; and a linking body that links the pair of legs. The linking body includes a curved portion that is curved such that the middle thereof is closest to the base. A pair of projecting portions that are substantially parallel with an insertion direction of the male member extend from the base to be disposed outside the curved portion such that the curved portion is interposed therebetween. With this arrangement, the linking body for linking the pair of legs can be disposed with less possibility that other objects are caught in a space in the male member and without increasing a length dimension in the insertion direction more than necessary. The male member can be stably held relative to the female member against a torsion force.

Abstract: A lace adjuster includes a longitudinal hollow body and two stop members. The hollow body defines a longitudinal passage, and has longitudinally opposite first and second ends, and an operating opening disposed between the first and second ends and communicated with the longitudinal passage. The longitudinal passage has first and second openings at the first and second ends, respectively. The stop members are pivotally and transversely mounted in the longitudinal passage and are respectively proximate to the first and second openings of the longitudinal passage. Each of the stop members has a lace-engaging portion, and a handle portion connected to the lace-engaging portion, and is operable so as to adjust the lengths of lace segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for needling a fibrous web having at least one needle bar. The needle bar carries a needle board on the bottom thereof having a plurality of needles, the needle bar being guided by means of a moveably mounted bar carrier. The bar carrier is driven by a vertical drive in an oscillating manner in up and down movements. For straight guidance of the bar carrier, a guiding device is provided, which has at least one rocker held at the end by a rotary bearing of a machine frame. In order to obtain the straightest possible guide path in the bar carrier, according to the invention the opposite end of the rocker and the bar carrier are connected by a plurality of members of a coupling kinematic mechanism.

Abstract: Capacitive devices are described having electrical interconnects of electrodes which possess efficient electrical contact between current collectors, electrical isolation of electrodes, and/or electrochemical stability, while minimizing the mechanical stress and strain applied to the electrodes. The capacitive devices are adaptable to a wide range of electrode dimensions and electrode stack heights.

Abstract: A clutching jig used to disassemble a lens module which includes a lens socket and a lens component mounted to the lens socket by a plurality of buckling pieces of the lens socket abutting to the lens component has a rectangular base. The base defines two opposite lateral surfaces, a bottom surface and a slot passing through the bottom surface and the two opposite lateral surfaces to divide the base into a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The bottom surface has a receiving recess at a center portion thereof for communicating with the slot. The receiving recess receives the lens component, with a circumferential dimension thereof lessened to clutch the lens component when the first holding portion and the second holding portion are urged to approach each other.

Abstract: A capping device provided in a liquid ejection apparatus having a liquid ejection head is provided. The liquid ejection head has a nozzle-forming surface in which a nozzle for ejection liquid is formed. The capping device includes a cap, a liquid absorber, and a fixing member. The cap is capable of contacting the liquid ejection head in such a manner as to encompass the nozzle. The liquid absorber is accommodated in the cap. The fixing member fixes the liquid absorber accommodated in the cap to the cap. The fixing member is arranged in the cap such that an upper end of the fixing member is at the same height as or lower than an upper surface of the liquid absorber.

Abstract: A device which non-rotatably connects a hollow shaft with at least one component located on the hollow shaft and positioned with clearance on the hollow shaft so as to be fastened on the hollow shaft in a certain position by eliminating the clearance by expanding the hollow shaft, includes a joining tool that is passable through and expands the hollow shaft for eliminating the clearance, the joining tool has an expansion mandrel defined by at least one first shaping element and at least one further shaping element, the extension mandrel is movable inside the hollow shaft, a guide is provided for guiding the expansion mandrel during its movement inside the hollow shaft, and the shaping elements are movable relative to each other so that a motion of the shaping elements relative to each other causes at least partial expansion of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: An automatic, precision, fast, sequacious, economical method of attaching an informational element, like a label, completely around the perimeter of a continuously extruded or drawn, elongated article that is in the midst of its manufacture, constantly moving in a linear motion in its longitudinal axis, without stopping. The outer surface of the continuously extruded or drawn, elongated article has corrugations, roughness, comprising alternating ridges, strands and grooves which can not be written on directly with readable printing, making a label the only way to obtain a readable, informational element.

Abstract: A towel system, assembly, and method enable a user to quickly identify, retrieve, and replace a moisture-absorbent medium. The towel system comprises, in combination, a circular towel, a support structure, and certain fastening structure. The towel is constructed from a moisture-absorbent medium and comprises a circular periphery, an anterior surface, and a posterior surface. The support structure comprises a vertical support surface. The fastening structure has a fastened thickness and is cooperable with the towel and the support surface for enabling a user to removably fasten the towel to the support surface. The fastening structure comprises towel-based and support-based structures. The fastening structure enables the user to removably fasten the towel adjacent the support surface a distance substantially equal to the fastened thickness for preventing contact between the towel and support surface and enabling the towel to hang within an air space surrounding the anterior and posterior surfaces.

Abstract: An improved system for inserting blind attachments has an entry point and an exit point for a seal. The seal enters by way of the entry point and continues its guided course by being moved by a pair of servo pullers. A linear drive servo drill makes a first hole into the seal and, as the seal is moved by the servo pullers, the first hole is in position to have a blind attachment inserted therethrough byway of an insertion tool. At the same time that the blind attachment is inserted, a second hole is made in the seal by having the servo drill moved at the appropriate location.

Abstract: A universal air bubble detector allows for use with a variety of sizes and types of tubing. The detector maintains proper alignment of a sensor emitter and receiver with different sizes of tubing. The detector may be mounted on existing equipment or may be used to monitor a tubing at any position along the tubing, and may operate in a stand alone mode or in combination with existing equipment.

Abstract: A cotyle including a metallic insertion acetabular shell having an outer, essentially hemispherical, convex anchoring face formed in such a way as to be anchored in a cotyloid cavity of the pelvis of a patient, and a concave receiving face. The cotyle also includes a fixed definitive articular ceramic insert having an outer face engaging in the concave receiving face of the metallic insertion acetabular shell, and an inner receiving face including a concave, essentially hemispherical, articular surface for allowing the engagement and pivoting of a femoral prosthesis head or a mobile articular insert. The cotyle is packed in its assembled sterile state, with the definitive fixed articular ceramic insert engaged in the metallic insertion acetabular shell having a peripheral receiving structure that can receive means for fixing an impacter for positioning a cotyle and is designed in such a way that the impacter can be fixed to the cotyle in the presence of the definitive fixed articular ceramic insert.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web in which multitudes of tags and bands are defined by score lines along which the tags and bands are detachable from the web. A conveyor assembly receives the web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction. A rotating selector wheel bearing peripheral vacuum cups is disposed above the path and a rotating placing assembly is disposed below the path. The placement assembly includes an array of radially arrayed openable and closable jaw assemblies having extendable and retractable pins at their distal ends. As the web approaches the selector wheel and placing assembly, the adjacent pins of a pair of adjacent closed jaw assembles rotate up through the elastic band of each tag to capture the elastic band.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wooden pallet secured by glue and dowels is disclosed. The method comprises preparing and arranging the pallet components; drilling dowel holes in the pallet components; applying glue to the dowels and the pallet components; assembling the pallet components to form assembled components; securing the assembled components together with dowels and glue; and clamping the assembled components for a period of time sufficient to allow the glue to cure and form an assembled wooden pallet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an impact termination tool, a receiver for an impact termination tool, and a work end adapter for an impact termination tool. The work end adapter is adapted to receive standard tool bits and standard finned shaft tips. The impact termination tool is adapted to receive standard impact termination blades and to receive the work end adapter. When installed in the impact termination tool, the work end adapter rotates only with the impact termination tool, and will not rotate independently of the impact termination tool. The impact termination tool has a spring-loaded impact mechanism and a lock-out button to prevent the tool's impact mechanism from operating.

Abstract: Inner and outer ring spacers include respective load bearing portions, which are positioned on respective sides of a gap of a predetermined size and which confront with each other in an axial direction. Each of the inner and outer ring spacers is divided into two spacer segments along a surface of division extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the associated load bearing portions. Inner and outer ring divided spacer segments, having the load bearing portions, are simultaneously machined so as to have the same axially measured width. Along therewith, inner ring divided spacer segments, having no load bearing portions, are simultaneously machined so as to have the same axially measured width, thereby rendering the latter axially measured width to be larger than the former axially measured width by a quantity corresponding to the gap.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and rapidly deployed in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions. In one embodiment, the ventilator, having a minimal number of controls, is used to give ventilation or mechanical breathing to a patient suffering ARDS. The mechanical ventilation is based on pressure control and has variable pressure, breathing rate, and oxygenation. Preferably, the ventilator is rapidly deployable, easy and intuitive to operate, and capable of sustaining at least 75% of epidemic respiratory distress victims who require assisted ventilation until resuming normal breathing.