Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the ending-point of a bobbin thread for a sewing machine using a bar code, which is capable of alerting a sewing operator of his/her desiring bobbin thread remains when they are left enough to finish sewing under operation. The present invention of the apparatus for detecting the ending-point of a bobbin thread for a sewing machine using a bar code so as to sense the ending-point of a bobbin thread during a sewing operation, comprises a bobbin to wind a bobbin thread therearound and at least one bar code to indicate a position in the surface of a bobbin, of which the bar code is printed on one or both side(s).

Abstract: Advanced steering system designs for marine vessels which incorporate non-linear tiller arms for rudder control, designed for creating different turning radii for discrete rudders. Differential tiller anus are utilized to create distinct angular displacement of the separate rudders in turning maneuvers, which enhance control and maneuverability of the marine vessels.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frame for a construction adapted to float includes the steps consisting in: forming a flotation element (12) whose upper portion includes a network of grooves adapted to form formwork for beams (14) of concrete as well as wells, passing through the flotation element (12), adapted to form formwork for concrete columns (16); preferably, arranging reinforcing iron in the formworks and adding at the periphery a formwork to form a belt; and pouring the concrete.

Abstract: An anchor protector attaches to a protruding stock of a boat anchor and minimizes damage from impact with the protruding stock. The anchor protector is buoyant and can accommodate the protruding stock of various diameters.

Abstract: A sectional boat includes fore and aft boat sections releasably couplable together by a releasable coupler cooperating between the fore and aft boat sections, wherein the releasable coupler comprises at least one dovetail coupler. The dovetail coupler includes at least one female dovetail groove mounted on a first section of the fore and aft boat sections, and a corresponding at least one male dovetail tenon mounted on a second boat section of the fore and aft boat sections. Each tenon is sized to snugly slidably mate into a corresponding female dovetail groove in the first boat section. Each tenon includes a substantially vertically upstanding lug mounted to and extending upwardly from an upper most end of each tenon so as to extend above an upper edge of the first boat section when each tenon is snugly mated in the corresponding female dovetail groove. Each lug includes an aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation element for vessels, consisting of concrete comprising closed-cell expanded foam beads, such as polypropylene beads, which are coated with a flexible binder, such as polyurethane, whereby the unfilled inter-bead volumes do not exceed approximately 20% of the volume of the floatation element. Preferably, one such floatation element comprises a concrete core as indicated above, a polyurethane coating around the core and a bonding film, such as polyurethane, which is disposed between the core and the coating. The invention is suitable for the construction of vessel floats.

Abstract: A retractable boat top device is disclosed having an arched canopy assembly operatively deployed in mounted attachment upon a conventional radar arch or like elevated structure on the deck of a boat. The arched canopy assembly includes a stationery roof section formed having a curved planar surface transversely mounted within the radar arch, a pair of telescoping extension arms mounted on opposite sides of the roof section, and an arched roller assembled to hold a flexible canopy material thereon and operatively connected between the outer ends of the extension arms so that the flexible canopy material may be extended and retracted relative to the stationery roof section in an arched configuration substantially in the same plane as the roof section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tray position indicator including at least one elongated member, at least bracket member and an indication means whereby the tray position indicator provides a mechanical means of indicating and alerting a driver of the position of a tray of a rear-dump haul truck to reduce the likelihood of a driver driving away without first lowering the tray.

Abstract: A tank handle or cap is designed for the convenience of the consumer. One aspect of the invention cap allows the end user to determine at a glace and from a distance if the tank is full or empty based on color distinction and/or word imprints on different sides (halves) of the invention cap. The cap is removably securable to the tank in different orientations to effectively expose the telling side of the invention cap. This allows the user the ability not to have to go over to the tank and lift the tank to gauge if the tank is full or not. This will reduce the risk of possible back injury. Other design features include an easy-to-use grip and open and close directional indicators to allow clear and concise understanding and operation of tank valves.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of decorating guitars and other stringed musical instruments are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a carrier to hold a portion of a guitar, a surface to support the carrier, one or more ink-jet printheads to apply radiation-sensitive ink compositions on a surface of the portion of the guitar, when the portion of the guitar is held by the carrier, and when the carrier is supported by the surface, and a radiation source to supply radiation to the radiation-sensitive ink on the surface of the portion of the guitar. In another aspect, a method may include providing at least a portion of a guitar having a surface, and applying a decoration over the surface by spraying radiation-sensitive ink compositions over the surface with one or more ink jet spray nozzles and exposing the radiation-sensitive ink compositions to radiation.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes: a liquid droplet ejection portion that ejects a liquid droplet containing a structure forming material onto a substrate; and drying means that dries the droplet on the substrate, thereby forming a structure made of the structure forming material. The drying means includes an energy outputting section that outputs energy onto the droplet on the substrate, thereby causing the structure forming material in the droplet to flow; and an energy profile controlling section controlling an energy profile of the energy output by the energy outputting section to be an energy profile that permits the structure forming material to flow such that the structure forming material is distributed in accordance with a structure profile of the structure to be formed. According to the liquid droplet ejection apparatus, a structure having a desired structure profile is obtained.

Abstract: A method for forming an outer electrode capable of reducing a tact time when electrode paste is applied to end surfaces of electronic components a plurality of times. A paste tank 4 having a squeegee blade that is vertically slidable is disposed on a flat board 1 having an area being a plurality of times as large as that of a holding plate in a longitudinal direction of the flat board. A paste film is spread on the flat board by moving the flat board 1 by a length corresponding to the length of one holding plate while a predetermined gap is maintained between the squeegee blade and the flat board. The electrode paste is applied to first end surfaces of electronic components C held by the holding plate H by dipping the first end surfaces of the electronic components C in this paste film. The electrode paste is applied to the first end surfaces of the electronic components a plurality of times by repeating the spreading step and the applying step.

Abstract: A structure for a plasma processing chamber which makes it possible to control the potential therein and simplify the construction of the plasma processing chamber. A gas-introducing showerhead 34 is disposed in the plasma processing chamber 10 including a container 11 having a process space S for receiving a semiconductor wafer W, and a susceptor 12 disposed in the container 11, for mounting the received semiconductor wafer W thereon. The susceptor 12 is connected to high-frequency power supplies 20 and 46. An electrode support 39 of the gas-introducing showerhead 34 is electrically grounded. An electrically floating top electrode plate 38 of the gas-introducing showerhead 34 is disposed between the electrode support 39 and the process space S. The top electrode plate 38 has a surface exposed to the process space S. An insulating film 48 is formed of a dielectric material and disposed between the electrode support 39 and the top electrode plate 38.

Abstract: A microwave plasma processing apparatus which easily ensures uniformity and stability of plasma in response to changes of process conditions and the like. The microwave plasma processing apparatus generates plasma of a process gas in a chamber by microwave and performs plasma processing to a work to be processed by using the plasma. On a plate composed of a conductor covering the outer circumference of a microwave transmitting board, two or more holes for propagating microwave from an edge part of the microwave transmitting board to an inner part of the plate are formed. Volume adjusting mechanisms and adjust the volume of the holes to adjust impedance of each unit when the microwave transmitting board is divided into individual units to which each of the holes belongs, and electric field distribution of the microwave transmitting board is controlled.

Abstract: A visual detection arrangement is provided in a milking system (3) comprising a robot arm (15) for attaching a teat cup (11) to a teat of a milking animal (8), and a control device (19) for controlling the movement of the robot arm. The detection arrangement comprises first visual detection means (17) provided on the robot arm for repeatedly determining the teat position relative the robot arm and second visual detection means (21) directed towards the milking animal. The second visual detection means (21) is provided for detecting a position of the animal in a longitudinal direction (x), and the control device (19) is initially provided for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on information of the position of the teat of the animal relative the animal itself, and on the detected longitudinal position of the animal.

Abstract: This invention addresses the problem of how to separately regulate the food intake of multiple animals using the same feeder with the goal of maintaining healthy weight for all. The invention provides a means to prevent access to the feeder by animals that have exceeded their allowance (as dictated by programmable profiles) as well as preventing unauthorized animals (such as excluded pets, wild animals or animals on a special diet). The methods can be applied to a broad range of feeders: for domestic pets, livestock, zoo animals and other managed animals. The invention is particularly well suited to dry food gravity feeders. The invention details electronic and electro-mechanical embodiments of devices intended for the described purpose.

Abstract: A livestock feeder is provided having a receptacle, a grate, a platform and an elevator mechanism. The receptacle has a chamber and an open mouth portion communicating with the chamber. The grate encompasses the open mouth portion. The platform is provided in the chamber for supporting livestock feed. The elevator mechanism is provided between the receptacle and the platform to urge the platform within the receptacle toward the grate to press the livestock feed against the grate.

Abstract: A pet food bowl is provided with an integral protrusion that helps to prevent inadvertent aspiration of food by the animal. Particularly for dogs, some feeding behaviors are characterized by swallowing large amounts of food. The protrusion in the bowl separates the food into a peripheral channel within the bowl, and the dog therefore cannot simultaneously secure large amounts of food into its mouth. The protrusion is centrally oriented and extends from the base of the bowl, thereby causing the food to be uniformly distributed within the channel.

Abstract: A litter which has superior absorbency and deodorization capabilities, does not roll nor spread over a wide area easily, does not easily stick to the bottom of animals' feet, and is not easily carried out of the container when an animal enters or exits a container holding this litter is provided. By combining micronized resin or adhesive agent of which the main ingredient is silica sol to silica gel powder and compressing and molding, a litter which has superior absorbency and deodorization capabilities, does not roll nor spread over a wide area easily, does not easily stick to the bottom of animals' feet, and is not easily carried out of the container when an animal enters or exits a container holding this litter can be provided.

Abstract: A device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates includes a transparent elongated body having a top end and a bottom end. A ventilated lid is attached to the top end of the body by means of a hinge and includes a positive locking arrangement. The bottom end of the body is removably connected to a base which has first and second springs attached thereto. The body includes a plurality of apertures into which are positioned a plurality of inserts. Inserts proximate the bottom of the body include projections which are positioned under the first and second springs to maintain the body on the base.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder having a bore diameter, a piston slip-fit in the cylinder, the piston having an upper portion and a lower portion and a central portion of significantly less than the bore diameter, providing an annular space between the central portion and the cylinder wall, and an air pump providing air to one or more intake ports, wherein for a significant portion of every stroke both one or more exhaust ports and the one or more intake ports are open to the annular space between the central piston portion and the cylinder wall, allowing the air pump to force air from the one or more intake ports around the central piston portion to the one or more exhaust ports.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has intake (20) and exhaust (22) poppet valves, a first and a second set of cam lobes (64) for operating the intake and exhaust poppet valves (20,22) respectively, and a third set of cam lobes (68) for producing an additional selectable valve event in order to allow the engine to operate as a compression brake. The third set of cam lobes (68) and at least one of the first and second set of cam lobes (64) are rotatable relative to one another and form part of an assembled camshaft (60) so as to be rotatable about a common axis. A phasing system (50) acts on the assembled camshaft (60) to allow the phase of the third set of cam lobes (68) to be changed relative to the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device includes a housing, a first vane rotor, a second vane rotor, a biasing device, and a limiting device. The second vane rotor is coaxial with the first vane rotor. The biasing device has a first end engaged with the first vane rotor and a second end engaged with the second vane rotor. The biasing device biases one of the first and second vane rotors in the advance direction, and biases the other one in the retard direction. The limiting device allows the first vane rotor to rotate relative to the second vane rotor when pressure of working fluid is lower than a preset level, and limits the first vane rotor from rotating relatively when the pressure is not lower than the preset level.

Abstract: In order to produce a variable valve lift device for the lift adjustment of the gas-exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, by means of which with adjustment forces and holding forces, independently from whether said holding forces and adjustment forces are applied mechanically, hydraulically or electrically, with an adjustment of the valve lift being as cost-effective as possible, and with maximum accuracy of the adjustment or control of the valve lift to be taken between the individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, and, moreover, the adjustment possibility of the valve lift of the valves of an internal combustion engine with several cylinders is obtained within smallest tolerances, it is suggested that a valve lift device (1) has a rotatable eccentric shaft (3), which consists of several eccentrics (4, 5) and whereby all possible contours of the eccentrics (4, 5) are positioned within a circle, which is formed by means of the external diameters of a bearing (6, 7) of th

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a camshaft (100) having at least one defective portion (202, 206) includes removing material from the at least one defective portion (202, 206) to create a neck region (302). An alignment feature (402) is introduced in the neck region (302) according to a previous orientation of the defective portion (202, 206). A blank (508) is installed around the neck region (302) and oriented with the alignment feature (402).

Abstract: A retention assembly secures a hydrocarbon trap within an air intake path of an internal combustion engine. The hydrocarbon trap is positioned within a first air tube, such as an outlet duct of a clean air filter. A second air tube, such as an inlet portion of a clean air duct assembly, is fitted over a portion of the first air tube to enclose the hydrocarbon trap within the first air tube. A clamp is fitted over both the first and second air tubes. A plurality of radially-extending, circumferentially-spaced protrusions that are formed on an inner surface of the second air tube pass through a respective plurality of apertures formed in the first air tube and, under radial compression exerted by the clamp, engage an outer surface of the hydrocarbon trap, thereby securing the trap within the first air tube.

Abstract: An intake passage is formed by connecting upper and lower cases 10, 20 of an intake manifold. The lower case 10 has a recessed portion 50 on an inner surface 17a. The recessed portion 50 has a deep surface 53 to which a negative pressure outlet port 42 opens, and an opening 51 is provided in an upper portion of the recessed portion 50. The upper case 20 has a projecting portion 60 extending further downwards towards the negative pressure outlet port 42 than mating surfaces 10a, 20a and projects into the recessed portion 50 through an opening 52. The projecting portion 60 is positioned above the negative pressure outlet port 42 and between the negative pressure outlet port 42 and the inner surface 17a. A lower end portion 63 of the projecting portion 60 is formed into an arc-like shape of which central portion 65 projects downwards.

Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle for a diesel engine. The fuel injection nozzle may include a plurality of injection hole groups, each having two injection holes respectively. A distance between the two injection holes, an angle between longitudinal axes of the two injection holes and an angle between horizontal axes of said two injection holes of each injection hole group are each set such that fuel sprays injected from said two injection holes will form a single fuel spray cloud after the fuel sprays collide with a side wall of a combustion chamber formed in a top surface of a piston of the engine, and such that the distance between collision points of the fuel sprays will be in a predetermined range in which a penetration force of said fuel spray cloud along a longitudinal direction of said combustion chamber received after collision with said wall of said combustion chamber is at or near a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A method for introducing fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which fuel is injected at variable metering directly into the combustion chamber by a first fuel injector on the one hand, and into an air aspiration channel leading to the combustion chamber by a second fuel injector on the other hand. To ensure a reliable cold start of the internal combustion engine when using regenerative fuels even at low temperatures, in the cold start of the internal combustion engine a partial quantity of the required overall fuel quantity is injected via the second fuel injector, this partial quantity being the particular fuel quantity that exceeds a maximum fuel quantity able to be injected via the first fuel injector.

Abstract: A lock coupling between two mechanical components and presenting: at least one pair of coupling elements, each of which presents an “L”-shape and protrudes from a first mechanical component; and at least one pair of tracks, each of which is made through a second mechanical component, presents the shape of an arc of circumference, ends with a flared inlet opening, and is engaged in use by a coupling element; each track presents a dimension so as to prevent the axial removal of the coupling element along its entire length except for an inlet opening at which the coupling element can be axially removed.

Abstract: A butterfly valve-type throttle valve 10 includes a valve shaft 12 extending across an intake air passage 5 of an internal combustion engine, and a butterfly-type valve body 14 for adjusting a flow rate of an intake air flowing through the intake air passage 5 by rotating in unison with the valve shaft 12. The valve body 14 is constituted by two split members 20, and is configured such that the split members 20 are coupled to each other by a welding 36, which is a coupling that uses no screw, and such that an axial hole 34 for fitting with the valve shaft 12 is formed through the coupling. A gap closing member 16 is provided on a circumferential edge portion of the valve body 14 for closing a gap between the valve body 14 positioned at a fully closed position and a passage wall surface 5a of the intake air passage 5.

Abstract: A fuel injection system designed to determine a correction value for correcting the quantity of fuel sprayed from a fuel injector into an internal combustion engine. The fuel injection system instructs the fuel injector to inject the fuel into the engine a plurality of times cyclically to learn an injection characteristic unique to the fuel injector and changes an injection duration for which the fuel is to be sprayed in each of injection events to disperse the injection durations evenly around a target injection quantity, thereby enabling the correction value to be determined in a decreased number of injections of fuel for a decreased amount of time.

Abstract: A carbon canister adapted for use in an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The system has a carbon canister housing defining a cavity adapted for holding carbon pellets with the housing including: a port and a strainer disposed between the port and the cavity with a portion of a surface of the strainer being convex with respect to the cavity wherein the strainer has a plurality of orifices. The integral strainer obviates the need for a foam filter to prevent the carbon pellets from escaping from the carbon canister housing through the port. In some applications, the carbon canister system has three ports: one to the engine, one to atmosphere, and one to a vent of the fuel tank, each having a strainer disposed in the port.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having an engine block with first and second cylinder banks arranged at an angle and longitudinally offset relative to one another and a camshaft disposed within the engine block for actuating valves associated with each cylinder includes first and second cylinder heads associated with the first and second cylinder banks and having an intake runner for each cylinder with an entrance disposed on an outward side, and an exhaust runner for each cylinder exiting the cylinder head on an inward side of the cylinder head generally rearward of an associated cylinder to facilitate positioning of one or more turbochargers and a fuel pump in the valley generally between the cylinder heads with the fuel pump disposed forward of the exhaust runner exits and associated exhaust manifolds while accommodating four valves per cylinder actuated by four pushrods extending through the cylinder heads forward of corresponding exhaust runner exits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular for a vehicle, having at least one exhaust gas recirculation line (13) for externally recirculating exhaust gases from an exhaust gas side of the internal combustion engine (1) to a fresh air side of the internal combustion engine (1). To provide a cost-effective and compact design, a combination valve (14) is situated in the exhaust gas recirculation line (13), said combination valve (14) serving to set the quantity of the exhaust has recirculated from the exhaust gas side to the fresh air side and to block a counterflow from the fresh air side in the direction of the exhaust gas side.

Abstract: An ignition device for a plasma jet ignition plug is provided. A resistance for decreasing electric noises is not incorporated in a plasma jet ignition plug. A resistance of not less than 1K? and not more than 20K? is provided to a path from a spark discharge circuit to a center electrode, thus reducing the generation of electric noises at the time of trigger discharge. Along with the reduction of the generation of electric noises, a loss of energy at the time of plasma discharge can be reduced by setting an inner resistance provided to a line extending to the center electrode from a plasma discharge circuit to 1? or less. Accordingly, the plasma jet ignition plug can jet flame-shaped plasma sufficiently large for igniting an air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: The combination of a toy and launcher member for use in providing chase activities for pets, the toy being toroidally shaped and propelled by a whipping stroke of an elongated launch member having a gripper at one end which is engaged with a segment of the perimeter of the toy. A whipping stroke of the launcher causes release of the toy from the gripper which propels the toy away at high speed, with a top spin imparted thereto which causes the toy to roll and bounce for a great distances along the ground.

Abstract: An illuminating rear bow sight with a self contained illumination means and power source is disclosed. The sight hereby satisfies the need of archers and hunters for a less cumbersome, quieter and more efficient rear bow sight that will provide a clear view of the target and sighting pins and enable a more accurate shot downrange. This sight is mounted directly within the strings of a multi-string bowstring. The power source contained internally in the structure of the disclosed rear bow sight is a stick-type battery with an LED light mounted to the end of said battery. The target is sighted over a V-shaped portion of the sight, which is illuminated via internal LED light to allow the shooter a clearer view of the target and sighting pins.

Abstract: A heating cooking appliance and a burner system of the same are provided. A nozzle and a mixing tube can be stably fixed, and relative position of components can be aligned with high precision even if the heating cooking appliance has a narrow internal space. Thus, operational reliability of the heating cooking appliance is improved, and an operator can easily assemble the burner system. To this end, a nozzle coupling part is configured to fix a position of a nozzle, and a mixing tube coupling part is configured to fix a position of the mixing unit. The nozzle coupling part and the mixing tube coupling part are partially coupled to achieve a precise relative positional relation between the nozzle and the mixing tube.

Abstract: A door lock device includes a fixing rack, an operation rack, a solenoid device, an engaging member, and a locking pin. The fixing rack is installed in a receptacle and has a hinge shaft. The operation rack is coupled with the hinge shaft. The solenoid device is installed in the receptacle and has a rod. The engaging member is assembled to the rod and ascends or descends in response to the operation of the solenoid device. The locking pin is installed in the operation rack and performs a locking or unlocking function to the door.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention discloses a gas cooktop which is relatively easy to clean and which is not visually complex. The gas cooktop surface is provided with a trivet having two operating conditions. In a first condition the trivet is retracted and is substantially flush with the cooktop surface. In a second condition the trivet is extended to support a cooking vessel above a gas burner. In another aspect the invention discloses an improved gas burner with a high turn-down ratio. The improved burner includes first and second gas flow passages, a flame front locator, in one of the passages and a burner head. Fuel gas is injected into an end of one of said passages and is ignited to establish a flame at the flame front locator. Secondary combustion air is provided through the other of the passages which on a high setting enables secondary combustion and on a low setting may mix with the hot gases and cool them resulting in a lower temperature at the cooking vessel.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure-responsive device (40) suitable for use in an inhaler, the pressure-responsive device (40) comprising a closed frame (42) over which is fixed a membrane (44), a tongue (46) being supported on the membrane (44). Two upstanding wings (50) are integrally moulded with the tongue (46) and incorporate square apertures (52). A method of manufacturing the pressure-responsive device (40) is also provided.

Abstract: A medicine discharge device configured to discharge medicine to be administered to a user, includes a mount portion configured to mount a medicine discharge cartridge, the medicine discharge cartridge having at least a medicine reservoir and a medicine discharge portion and being removable from the device; and a receiving circuit configured to receive an output signal sent from a sensor, the sensor being provided at the cartridge mounted at the mount portion and detecting an inhalation state.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tracheal intubation tube fixing device for securing an airway in the patient's respiratory tract and inducing the artificial respiration of a patient in the intensive care unit or under a general anesthesia operation. The device includes a body to surround the patient's face and mouth and including an airway securing block, a suction tube insertion opening, an intubation tube insertion hole and band fixing holes, a pivotal fixing member to fix an inserted intubation tube, a coupling structure to assure free entrance and exit of the pivotal fixing member into and out of the intubation insertion hole, a padding member attached to Velcro tapes of the body, and a holding member configured to closely surround the patient's rear neck and coupled to the body via the band fixing holes to prevent the body from being moved from a wearing position thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing method and apparatus, more particularly, to processing a body so as to remove any electrostatic charge and improve inhaler performance in drug delivery to the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A medicine ejection device is provided allowing a medicine with a desired droplet diameter to be inhaled at a constant rate. The medicine ejection device has a decision part at which the ejection operating conditions of a medicine ejection part for ejecting the medicine are decided in accordance with at least one of an open-air environment or a state of the medicine during use of the device. The device ejects the medicine according to the ejection operating conditions decided by the decision part.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and a viewing system. The mask portion is inflatable and can be inserted, when deflated, through a patient's mouth to a location near the patient's glottic opening. The mask portion also includes an epiglottis elevator bar and a distal end of the bar defines an aperture. The viewing system has a proximal end located outside the patient. The viewing system also has a distal end positioned so that light rays can pass from a portion of the patient's anatomy, through the aperture in the elevator bar, and into the distal end of the viewing system.