Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, for example a diesel engine, including a body defined laterally by a skirt configured to interact with walls of a cylinder having a revolution axis C in which the piston can slide along axis C, the piston including a front face that includes a central lug, a peripheral crown, and a bowl having a revolution axis B extending from the central lug to the peripheral crown to which it is connected at a lip having a thickness Ep. The bowl includes substantially over the lip a torus, for example having a half-dome profile, with a maximum radius Rt and capable of guiding a fuel injected under the lip in a region of a re-entrance zone R towards the central lug, wherein the central lug has separate upper A1 and lower A2 slopes, the upper slope A1 being more gentle than the lower slope A2.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle is provided with a crankcase that contains lubricating oil and on which a cylinder block with several cylinder bores is arranged. The cylinder bores are closed with a cylinder head that is arranged on the cylinder block and features cylinder head covers for covering a valve mechanism mounted on the cylinder head. Means are provided for guiding a dipstick that serves for determining the filling level of the lubricating oil. The means for guiding the dipstick are realized in the form of cast channels that extend through at least the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The upper outlet of the channels is provided for inserting and removing the dipstick in the region of one cylinder head cover.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a baffle assembly for disposition in the oil pan sump region comprising an upper flange partially closing the oil sump region having an oil pick-up well opening therethrough that is defined by a wall portion, for receipt of heated oil returning from the internal combustion engine. An oil reservoir is defined in the oil sump region by the wall portion wherein oil in the oil reservoir is separated from heated oil in the oil pickup well. A viscosity sensitive oil flow restrictive passage extends between the oil pick-up well and the oil reservoir and defines fluid communication therebetween. An oil pick-up for fluid communication with an oil pump of the internal combustion engine, and having a pick-up inlet disposed in the oil pick-up well, is configured to withdraw the heated oil therefrom.

Abstract: Engines may include a piston, an undulating circumferential track, and a converter. In some examples, engines may include a body, a liner and a rotating cylinder. The body may have a cylindrical interior defining an axis and may include an inlet opening and an exhaust opening. The liner may be mounted within the cylindrical interior. The rotating cylinder may include a port that is sequentially aligned with the inlet and exhaust openings on the body as the rotating cylinder rotates within the body. The piston may be disposed within the rotating cylinder and configured for reciprocating motion along the axis. The converter may be mounted to the piston, engaged with the undulating circumferential track, and configured to reciprocate with the piston. The track may cause the converter to rotate about the axis as the converter reciprocates along the axis. The rotating cylinder may rotate with the converter.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for a combustion engine with direct injection and in particular for switching between two types of fuel. A high-pressure pump is connected to a combustion engine and the high-pressure rail for the direct injection of a fuel. At least two fuel storages containing petrol and liquefied gas are present. The arrangement allows for switching from one fuel to another. Switching occurs by purging a fuel from the high-pressure pump and the fuel supply line connected thereto by temporarily collecting the fuel in a purge unit. The purge unit is arranged for purging the high-pressure pump, thus forcing out the prevailing fuel and replacing it with the new fuel.

Abstract: An air pressure vortex generator structure for an internal combustion engine, which is installed within an intake manifold between an air filter and an internal combustion engine, and primarily comprises a tubular body, one end of which has a plurality of guide plates inwardly or outwardly bent from a tube wall thereof, The guide plates are arranged to be equally spaced, and are inclined in the same direction. Accordingly, when in use, functionality of each of the guide plates is used to cause air passing through a vortex generator to naturally form a plurality of spiral air currents that are propelled forward at an accelerated speed, which enable achieving thorough and uniform mixing with fuel, thereby causing complete combustion of the fuel to produce maximum horsepower and torque, as well as achieving the objective to save fuel.

Abstract: A pump unit for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is arranged along a fuel feed circuit and has a pre-feed pump and a high-pressure pump which has a pump body and a flange joined to the pump body. The feed circuit is provided with a feed branch and a delivery branch of the pre-feed pump which are formed, at least partly, in the flange of the high-pressure pump.

Abstract: A fluid filter module with a filter housing is provided with an integrated and internally mounted thermostatic fluid regulator valve. The regulator valve is equipped with a thermostatic actuator member configured to sense and regulate a mix temperature within the filter housing. The regulator valve is configurable as a separate component installable into the filter housing.

Abstract: An inexpensive fuel supply device having a high output is achieved using low-output fuel pumps. First and second pumps, which are two inexpensive pumps having a low output, are disposed on a common mounting seat an inlet of each of the fuel pumps approaches a common fuel filter, discharge ports are connected to a common discharge passage so that the amount of fuel corresponding to the sum of the amounts of discharged fuel of the fuel pumps can be supplied from the common discharge passage, a common pressure regulator is connected to the common discharge passage, and the entire structure is formed as a unit, thereby obtaining an inexpensive pump unit having a high output.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method and an apparatus for avoiding and/or reducing pollutant percentages in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. Before fuel passes into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, it is exposed to electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals including at least two signals at two preset frequencies, and are above 20 kHz. The electromagnetic signals are delivered by way of a transmission member that is disposed in a fuel treatment unit, which has a fuel feed line to a fuel tank and a fuel discharge line to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An engine with an output shaft extending through the engine block and generally parallel to the piston, the engine includes a boost piston cylinder integral to the cylinder, and a boost piston for producing compressed air so as to supercharge the engine. The engine further includes an energy translation mechanism translating linear movement into rotary movement, an energy translation mechanism for reducing the side force that the piston exerts against the inner wall of the combustion chamber, an energy transforming member working in concert with an engine torque absorbing/motion control torque reaction device to eliminate the lemniscate motion from being translated to the piston and to absorb all engine torque to case ground through a rolling element bearing, and a port time control system having a shaft phaser to adjust the phase of the pistons or the position of the air control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust gas recirculation cooler for transferring heat from engine exhaust to coolant including a pair of spaced apart headers, a tube body extending between the pair of headers and positioned along a flow path for the coolant and at least partially defining a flow path for the engine exhaust along a length of the tube between the pair of headers, and a corrugated insert supported in an interior of the tube and having a height in a direction of a plurality of corrugations and a width between about 8.6 and about 13.5 times the height. The width can be substantially perpendicular to the length of the tube and can be substantially perpendicular to the height of the insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides a construction machine, capable of enhancing the cooling efficiency of an air-cooled cooler for EGR without deterioration of the cooling effect of a heat exchanger in spite of the arrangement of the air-cooled cooler for EGR near a cooling fan. The construction machine includes: an EGR line 20 for extracting and recirculating a part of exhaust gas from the exhaust side of an engine 9 to the intake side; and an air-cooled cooler 21 for EGR for cooling the recirculating gas flowing in the EGR line 20. The air-cooled cooler 21 for EGR is provided on the outer circumferential side of a cooling fan 11 in a position between the engine 9 and the cooling fan 11 or a position on the downstream side of the cooling fan 11, and cooled with cooling air flowing on the outer circumferential side of the cooling fan 11.

Abstract: An EGR apparatus includes an EGR passage that connects an intake passage and an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine in order to introduce a part of an exhaust gas into the intake passage, and an EGR valve for adjusting the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the passage. An oxygen concentration sensor that outputs a continuous value corresponding to the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage is provided in the exhaust passage. Valve-opening driving is performed on the EGR valve during fuel cut processing for halting the fuel supply of the internal combustion engine, and when a variation range of the output value of the oxygen concentration sensor accompanying the valve-opening driving is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that an abnormality is present in the EGR apparatus.

Abstract: A compressor for a turbocharger is supplied with crank case ventilation (CCV) gases from the engine which is turbocharged. The CCV gases are piped into an inlet of the compressor housing which supports an insert with an MWE structure. The MWE structure comprises an outer wall and an inner wall with a gas flow passage defined between them. At high r.p.m. of the compressor impeller air flows through the passage to provide more air volume to the impeller and at low r.p.m. excess air is bled out of the passage for recirculation. The CCV gases are directed to a position upstream of an inlet to the gas flow passage where they emerge through an outlet which may be defined in the insert. The CCV gases may be supplied to the outlet via a chamber defined between the insert and the compressor housing. The arrangement provides for improved mixing of CCV gases with the incoming air and does not compromise noise reduction.

Abstract: A method for functional diagnosis of a separator for separating oil present in a blow-by has from a crankcase in a combustion engine is provided. The crankcase includes a crankcase pressure sensor, and is in fluid communication with the separator. The method includes the steps of detecting a first output signal of the crankcase pressure sensor at a first operational point or interval, and comparing the first output signal of the crankcase pressure sensor with at least one reference value or signal, wherein the comparison between said first output signal of the crankcase pressure sensor and the at least one reference value or signal provides the functional diagnosis of the separator. A method can perform a functional diagnosis without the use of additional sensors or complex algorithms and as a consequence manufacturing costs can be held at a minimum.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the four- stroke combustion engine type is disclosed, comprising an engine block provided with at least one cylinder (2) having a piston movable reciprocally therein for the purpose of bounding a combustion chamber, feed means for air (3) debouching in the combustion chamber, feed means for fuel (4) debouching in the combustion chamber, discharge means for combustion gases (5) connected to the combustion chamber and an ignition mechanism, wherein at least two inlet valves (6,7) and at least one outlet valve (8) are arranged per cylinder, wherein the feed means for air (3) are connected to the one inlet valve (7), the air inlet valve, the feed means for a first fuel (4) are connected to the other inlet valve (6), the fuel inlet valve, and that it is arranged in order to allow mixing of first fuel and air only inside the combustion chamber during operation. Also an adaptation method is disclosed for an engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is described. As one example, the method includes delivering a first fuel blend from a first fuel tank to the engine; delivering a second fuel blend from a second fuel tank to the engine, the proportion of said second fuel blend delivered to the engine to said first fuel blend delivered to the engine being related to the desired engine output; transferring said first fuel blend from said first fuel tank to said second fuel tank to prevent an amount of said first fuel blend and said second fuel blend in said second fuel tank from falling below a predetermined level; and boosting air delivered to the engine, the amount of boosting being related to latent heat of vaporization of said second fuel blend delivered to the engine.

Abstract: A method for using a glow plug in a diesel engine includes, but is not limited to a first step of providing an electrical energy source for supplying an electrical current through the glow plug, a second step of measuring the electrical current, a third step of calculating a voltage across the glow plug using a measured value of the electrical current, and a fourth step of controlling the electrical current through the glow plug using the calculated voltage.

Abstract: A launching device is described that includes a launcher and an optional snowball forming device. The launching device accepts objects, such as snowballs, and propels them through a generally cylindrical housing energy stored in elastic bands. One embodiment is an automatic launcher that includes an integrated snowball forming device. Uncompacted snow is provided to a hopper. The backwards motion of a handle compacts the snow into a ball and stores energy for launching, and the release of the handle propels the snowball.

Abstract: An archery bow is provided including a cable guard and/or cable guide that can flex to selectively move a cable relative to a plane in which a bowstring of the bow travels to minimize cam lean, limb twist, and/or cable wear. The cable guard and/or guide can move toward the bowstring plane as the bowstring is drawn, and away from the bowstring plane, out of the way of the bowstring and any attached arrow, after the bowstring is released. The cable guard can define a bore, for example, an elongated bore, extending through it along an axis that is generally parallel to the bowstring when the bowstring is undrawn. The cable guard bore can operate as a cable guide, and can include a rounded opening to minimize abrasion to a cable moving through it. A ceramic element can be included in the bore to minimize abrasion to the cable.

Abstract: A bottom feed magazine of a paintball gun includes a housing for storing a plurality of paintballs. A circular tray is mounted to the housing. A hub is rotatable about a shaft within the circular tray at a center thereof. The circular tray and the hub together define an annular channel for receiving paintballs dropped therein from the housing. A plurality of arms is provided on the hub for driving the paintballs along the channel. A tube has an inlet end extending into the channel and an outlet end extending generally upwards to a top wall of the housing. When the central hub rotates, the paintballs in the channel are driven along the channel, into the inlet end and pushed up along the tube towards the outlet end.

Abstract: A multiple function convection oven/grilling system comprising a chamber, which is rotatably mounted on a stand. The invention includes a stand, a rotatable cylindrically-shaped chamber, a removable cover, a removable grilling/cooking surface, a fuel support rack for hold charcoal or wood, a detachable extension to the front side of the fuel support rack that form a basket for preventing the fuel source from falling off the fuel support rack when the chamber is rotated such that the fuel source is oriented between a six o'clock position at the bottom of the chamber to a nine o'clock position. The chamber includes a rotation positioning holding feature in the form of a notched plate that engages elongate pins extending from one of the opposing ends of the cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking grate for improving cooking performance on an outdoor cooking grill. The cooking grate has a metallic plate, configured to be placed over a heat source in the outdoor cooking grill, where the metallic plate has a plurality of perforation holes. The cooking grate further includes a plurality of cooking surface ribs, configured to support food during cooking and positioned above the metallic plate. Also provided are methods of providing an improved cooking grate for an outdoor cooking grill including the steps of: perforating a metallic plate, configured to be positioned above a heat source on the outdoor cooking grill; forming a plurality of cooking surface ribs, configured to receive food to be cooked thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a top burner and a cooker including the top burner. The present invention includes: an outer burner installed on a top surface of a top plate, and provided with a plurality of flame holes to form flames through combusting gas mixture at a perimeter thereof; an inner burner installed on a top surface of the outer burner, and provided with a plurality of flame holes to form flames through combusting gas mixture at a perimeter thereof disposed inward to the perimeter of the outer burner; a plurality of first mixing tubes supplying gas mixture mixed with air inside the outer burner; a second mixing tube supplying gas mixture mixed with air inside the inner burner; and a passage formed through the outer tube, and in which air supplied to combust gas mixture at the flame holes of the inner burner flows. Thus, according to the present invention, the advantages of heating food more efficiently while reducing incomplete combustion of gas mixture can be realized.

Abstract: A method for forming a laminated product includes providing a film (2) having a first surface embossed with optical structures and an opposite second surface; guiding the film to a nip point of a pair of lamination rolls (5, 6); feeding a polymer sheet (4) to the nip point (7), wherein the polymer sheet has a surface temperature effective to enable thermal bonding between the polymer sheet and the film; and laminating the polymer sheet to the second surface of the film. The present process reduces the cost and environmental impact associated with laminating fresnel lens film to acrylic sheet versus existing industry technology.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a cellulosic feedstock prior to hydrolysis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pressurizable treatment chamber, a mixing and conveyance member configured to deaggregate the cellulosic feedstock and mix the cellulosic feedstock with gas in the upper portion of the chamber, and a heating member. The treatment chamber is at a pressure comparable to the pressure of a downstream hydrolyzer. Additionally, a method is disclosed.

Abstract: A methodology for administering topical formulations of olopatadine for treatment of allergic or inflammatory disorders of the nose in children is disclosed. Moreover, an ophthalmic product is provided for practicing the methodologies.

Abstract: An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded.

Abstract: Aerosolized food products can be of sufficient size to deposit in the mouth without easily entering into the respiratory tract and of small enough size so as to allow for suspension in air. An apparatus (110) incorporating an aerosol generating device and food products can allow for the aerosolization of the food products and the delivery thereof in a matter suitable for inhalation or deposition and subsequent ingestion. The food delivery apparatus (110) represents a novel means of delivering food to the mouths of humans and animals. Indeed, the apparatus (110) of the invention is designed to produce, transport, and direct aerosolized food particles of sufficient size to deposit in the mouth without substantial exposure or entry into the respiratory tract and of small enough size so as to allow for suspension in air.

Abstract: An adaptor for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation includes an aerosol flow channel having an aerosol inlet port and a patient interface port, and defining an aerosol flow path from the aerosol inlet port to and through the patient interface port; and a ventilation gas flow channel in fluid communication with the aerosol flow channel and having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port, and defining a ventilation gas flow path from the gas inlet port to and through the gas outlet port, wherein the ventilation gas flow path is at least partially offset from the aerosol flow path and at least partially encircles the aerosol flow path. Systems and methods for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation incorporate the adaptor.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a container for storing a tobacco flavored liquid, a container for storing a tobacco flavored liquid, an atomizer connected to the container to atomize the tobacco flavored liquid by an electric heating, a battery tube to power the atomizer, and an actuating film movably positioned in the battery tube to control the atomizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for gas delivery, in particular, a mask including at least one porous barrier defining at least two chambers in gaseous communication. The porous barrier may include a plurality of pores, which define a tapered shape. The mask may include a pliable nasal cushion. The invention provides a method for providing pressurised gas to a subject by supplying gas from a pressurised source to a mask, transmitting the gas into a first chamber at a first pressure, transmitting the gas into a second chamber at a second pressure through a plurality of pores, and transmitting the gas from the second chamber through a mask exit.

Abstract: A concentrator for increasing the particle concentration in an aerosol flow is described. The concentrator comprises a sculptured acceleration plate with a number of slit-shaped and radially extending acceleration channels and a sculptured deceleration plate with a number of slit-shaped and radially extending deceleration plate channels. Acceleration channel exit openings are spaced from a base surface on an exit side of the acceleration plate and sculptured deceleration channel entry openings are spaced from a base surface on an entry side of the deceleration plate so that a relatively large gap is provided between the acceleration plate base surface and the deceleration plate base surface allowing a waste volume flow to be exhausted through this relatively large gap at low flow resistance. The plurality of openings comprises openings of at least two different lengths.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient includes a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow, a patient interface configured to interface with the patient, a connection system connected between the gas delivery system and the patient interface and configured to communicate the gas flow to the patient interface for delivery to the patient, and a sensor system remote from the gas delivery system and connected to at least one of the patient interface and the connection system. The sensor system may include a sensor for measuring a parameter, one or more actuators, and a power supply based on a turbine configured to be driven by the gas flow and an electrical generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for delivering oxygen from an oxygen supply to a person in a convenient, sanitary and organized manner. The oxygen delivery system includes a rail attached to a surface of the room and a sliding trolley attached to the rail. An oxygen supply tube is attached to the oxygen supply and the trolley for transferring oxygen from the oxygen supply to the trolley. The system enables the person to move to various locations in the room while receiving oxygen from the oxygen supply through the oxygen supply tube, the trolley, a drop tube and a nasal cannula, or other breathing device connected to the trolley. The person may guide the trolley around the room by pulling the drop tube in the desired direction of travel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and/or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion.

Abstract: A demand regulator with air dilution regulates the pressure and flow of a respiratory gas with an outlet leading to a respiratory mask. A dilution valve controlled by a Bourdon tube varies the ratio of atmospheric air to oxygen in a crew mask based on ambient pressure. The Bourdon tube in the dilution valve assembly flexes in response to changes in atmospheric pressure causing the dilution valve to gradually open or close. As altitude increases the dilution valve gradually closes causing more oxygen to be provided to the facemask. The amount of added oxygen for a given atmospheric pressure can be accurately controlled at all altitudes due to the greater adjustment available in the device for calibration and operation compared to the current art. This greater operational capability eliminates the excess use of oxygen at low to intermediate altitudes as is common problem with the current art.

Abstract: A filtration mask has a collapsible air guide and two filter supports connected at a hinge. The filter supports are movable between a storage position and a deployment position in which the angle between the filter supports being less in the deployment position than in the storage position. In an aspect of this invention, the filter support each have a recess at the hinging edge, and an exhale valve communicating with the air guide is mounted in the recess. In another aspect the exhale valve is connected to the filter supports by a flexible membrane. In a third aspect the air guide is formed by hinged panels.

Abstract: An elastic tubular device comprising—an inner tube (23) made of an elastic and gas imperméable material; and, —an sheath (21) surrounding the inner tube and made of a woven cloth of flame résistant meta-aramid yarns, wherein the tubular device has a longitudinal extension of at least approximately 1,4 when inflated by a gas having a pressure of at least approximately 0.5 bar.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube apparatus includes an outer cannula having first and second ends, and a fenestration along the length of the outer cannula between the first and second ends. The apparatus further includes a first inner cannula sized for insertion into the outer cannula. The first inner cannula has a raised region substantially to close the fenestration when the first inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula. The apparatus further comprises a second inner cannula for insertion into the outer cannula when the first inner cannula is removed therefrom. The second inner cannula includes a resilient region which lies adjacent the fenestration when the second inner cannula is properly oriented within the outer cannula, a valve at an end thereof and a region between the resilient region and the end thereof which provides a passageway between the second inner cannula and the outer cannula when the second inner cannula is properly oriented within the outer cannula.

Abstract: A prosthesis for addressing pelvic organ prolapse in females comprises a frame fabricated from a shape memory material that supports a thin, flexible mesh sheet in a stretched condition when the frame is unconstrained. The mesh sheet is formed with two finger receiving pockets proximate its posterior periphery to be used by the surgeon in steering the prosthesis to a desired disposition within the pelvic basin. The frame is shaped so as to conform to and be supported by bone structures and muscle tissue in the pelvic basin while providing needed support to pelvic organs to maintain them in a proper position. The use of a shape memory material allows the prosthesis to be rolled or folded into a reduced size for ease of placement through a small incision in the wall of the vagina, but that springs back to its memorized shape following deployment from a delivery sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical support debridement platform for extremities of a human or mammal to assist a physician in treating such extremity. The platform generally includes a body member and a cover member. The body member includes a bottom end and at least one side wall. The body member defines an interior volume for temporarily containing fluid. At least one drainage aperture is defined within the body member for draining the fluid from the interior of the body member. A cover member includes a top end and at least one side wall. The cover member and the body member are releasably engaged to define an overall low profile for easier deployment under an extremity and visibility of the extremity. In operation, the extremity is positioned upon an upper surface of the cover member to facilitate the process of debridement and lavage of extremities.

Abstract: Provided is a new and unmatched solution to preventing ear pain caused during the ascension and descend part of air travel. This product is one of a kind and is very unique. It is an air tight ear capping device called TITSPAMM.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is carried out on any suitable hollow organ, such as a gall bladder located beneath an abdominal wall. In a first step of the procedure the hollow organ is inflated by air or water through an inflation line so that the organ swells up. A scalpel is then used to create an incision in the abdominal wall. Sutures are then inserted through the opening and these are used to pull up the inflated organ to the opening. The inflated organ is now presented to the opening and a laparascopic procedure is carried out on the organ. A number of medical devices may be employed to perform the procedure for example a scalpel, an introducer device, an instrument access device, an insufflator, a camera device, and various surgical instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a cigarette blank onto a filling tube. The apparatus comprises a filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inside diameter, an outside diameter, and a pin sized to fit within the filling tube. The pin has a first end and a second end comprising a guide head. When the filling tube receives the second end of the pin, at least a portion of the guide head of the pin extends beyond the second end of the filling tube for guiding the cigarette blank on said filling tube. Also disclosed is a method for loading a cigarette blank onto a filling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of multi-segment rod-like objects, such as, for example, components of a composite cigarette filter, is disclosed. The apparatus may include an intercalating unit and an assembly unit, linked by a transfer unit. Intercalating unit may include at least one rod supply unit and a conveyor. In one embodiment, intercalating unit may include a plurality of independent rod supply units. Each rod supply unit may include a hopper and a rod delivery mechanism comprising a rotary drum, a cutting device, a transfer wheel and a delivery wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter tow strip, especially twin tow from cross-linked and crimped filaments which form at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) that are interlinked by a section of reduced cross-linking density (11), the linking filaments (13) being interlooped and/or interlocked in such a manner that the linking filaments form intersections (14). The filter two strip is characterized in that the maximum cross-cutting force of the partial strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20 cN on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) and/or the number of the Baking filaments (13) does not exceed 200 cross-locking and/or cross-looping filaments on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) when impinged with the maximum cross-cutting force.

Abstract: Highly cohesive composite materials, formed of at least one polymer and at least one compound selected from among the mineral oxides, silicoaluminates and activated carbon, have: a number median particle size of at least 150 ?m; a pore volume (Vd1), constituted of pores of diameter ranging from 3.6 to 1000 nm, of at least 0.4 cm3/g; and a cohesion index CIN, equal to the ratio (number median particle size after an air pressure stress of 4 bar)/(number median particle size without air pressure stress (0 bar)), greater than 0.40. Such composite materials are useful, e.g., as liquid supports, catalyst supports, additives or for liquid or gas filtration, in particular in cigarette filters.