Abstract: A lung-volume-reduction device for treating a lung to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or emphysema. The device includes a chest-mounted housing and a conduit which projects from the housing through an aperture in the chest of the patient into the lung. The other end of the conduit is connected to flow-control device which may include a valve such as a one-way valve, check valve or pressure-actuated valve. The flow-control device is positioned within the chest-mounted housing. The lung-volume-reduction device permits gasses to pass through the conduit and flow-control device and vent to atmosphere external of the patient.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is used in a closed-loop heat exchange system for manipulating the temperature of a patient. The balloon catheter is positioned in the stomach of the patient, and then expanded with a heat exchange fluid delivered through a lumen formed in the shaft of the catheter. The balloon catheter comes into contact with the wall of the stomach, and the stomach substantially conforms around the expanded balloon catheter. The heat exchange fluid is allowed to flow continuously into and out of the balloon catheter. Heat is exchanged between the balloon catheter and the stomach so as to controllably alter the temperature of at least a portion of the patient. Anti-shivering mechanisms and automatic control based on temperature feedback from the patient may be used in connection with the heat exchange system.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for a filter cigarette FT having a perforation line (6) in the outer circumferential surface of a filter (4) for introducing the outside air has a filter socket assembly (86) that is capable of receiving the filter (4) and includes a ring holder (124) defining in the inside an end chamber for surrounding the mouthpiece of the filter (4) and a surrounding chamber for surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the filter (4) including the perforation line (6), a guide pipe (102) for supplying a compressed fluid of the given pressure into the surrounding chamber of the ring holder (124), and a guide pipe (100) that outputs the pressure in the end chamber; and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure outputted from the guide pipe (100) that outputs the pressure in the end chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter for a smoking article which includes exposing cellulose acetate fibers to an electron beam process, wherein electron beam process deacetylates the cellulose acetate fibers to render the cellulose acetate fibers water-permeable; and forming a cellulose acetate rod from a tow of the cellulose acetate fibers. Filter plugs of the cellulose acetate fibers are water-permeable and allow discarded filtered smoking articles to rapidly degrade and expose the components to the environment.

Abstract: A shoe washing device including a motor for driving a rotor onto which the shoes are directly mounted as by aligning the soles of the shoes parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The shoes are affixed onto the rotor by using a clip, strap, cage, or other attachment means. The shoes are then rotated within the wash compartment into which a wash fluid is introduced in a wash cycle and removed following a wash cycle. An integrated drying component may allow air drying of the shoes during a final spin cycle.

Abstract: This invention refers to a stick (1) intended for use by a person moving in a forward direction on a surface, comprising an elongated stick shaft (2) and a handle component (12). The handle component is angled in relation to the stick shaft (2). The invention also refers to a handle component.

Abstract: A bike multi-functional rainproof assembly comprises a foldable frame having a foldable tube; a front end of the foldable tube being installed with a joint for connecting with a quick connecting rotary seat; a box having a front end combed with a rear retaining frame; the rear retaining frame for connecting to a rear side of a bike seat; the box having a lock and a ring; releasing the ring, a box bottom can be opened; the box bottom being installed with a telescopic rod set; and the telescopic rod set including a main frame, a movable rotary seat, a quick connecting rotary seat, a telescopic frame, and a sub-telescopic frame; the sub-telescopic frame being installed with a waterproof cloth; after the interior components of the telescopic rod set is expanded and fixed, the waterproof cloth having the effect of waterproof.

Abstract: A portable shelter for providing cover over an area, wherein the shelter is coupleable to a structure, the portable shelter comprising a first base member and a second base member, each of which are coupleable to the structure; two subframe assemblies, each subframe assembly comprising a vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupleable to a respective base member, at least two arm members, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each respective arm member is pivotally coupled to the second end of vertical support member, at least two brace members, each having a first end and a second end, each respective first end being coupled to the vertical support member and each respective second end being pivotably coupled to a respective arm member, a first coupling arrangement for pivotably coupling the respective first end of each arm member to the second end of the vertical support member, a second coupling arrangement, slideably coupled to

Abstract: A hub assembly for use in collapsible structures, said assembly having: a hub body (20) having a centre opening and a plurality of slots extending from the centre opening to a periphery of the hub body (20), a cover (22) disposable in the centre opening, a plurality of flexible members (24) having a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions, the first portion being disposed in the slots and a plurality of poles (26) coupled to the second portions of the flexible members (24) by a plurality of hinges (28), wherein the flexible members (24) are operable to move about a plurality of interface points (36) between the first portions and the second portions to rotate each of the poles having a constant rotating centre between a close position and an open position.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system for the use in the delivery of medical fluids. The medical fluid delivery system may include a pumping system, a disposable medical fluid line set and a valve operating system. The disposable tubing line set may include valves adapted to interface with the valve operating system. The valve operating system may be adapted to operate only selected valves using a single drive means. The pumping system may be operated over a wide range of medical fluid delivery rates by employing a bi-directional drive member and a transmission interfaced with the drive member and a pump.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dose control apparatus. The apparatus has two armatures pressed against a valve seat by at least one spring. A coil induces a magnetic field that motivates the armatures against the force of the spring, thereby opening the valve. The armatures may move along a common axis in opposite directions. The apparatus may also include a core located between the armatures and a casing about the coil. The core and casing act to guide the magnetic field, reducing the power requirements for creating the field. Current may be periodically reversed in the coil to provide a degaussing field. In addition, a signal may be produced by the coil in the presence an externally applied magnetic field such as an MRI. An opposing magnetic field may be produced by the coil or the current provided to the coil may be adjusted.

Abstract: An impact absorber employs dilatant (shear responsive) fluid that is subjected to a controlled, low amplitude, high frequency oscillatory stress which controls the stiffness of the fluid. Piezoelectric transducers, voice coils, and other forms of transducers may be used to apply controlled vibratory stress to the fluid. The energy absorber may be used in protective body armor, medical devices such as splints and casts, vehicle safety absorbers and many other products which benefit from ability to control the stiffness of the energy absorber.

Abstract: A process for reducing the restart pressure of streams selected from waxy crude oils, water-in-crude emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates, at least partially structured. A mechanic disturbance is applied, in flow-stop conditions, on the streams, having: temperatures lower than the WAT (Wax Appearance Temperature) for the waxy crude oils and water-in-crude emulsions; temperatures lower than the forming temperatures of the hydrates and pressures higher than the forming pressure of the hydrates, for the dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates.

Abstract: A system for quickly removing and installing check valve parts without disturbing system piping attached to a pump. The system includes a first adapter attached to the outlet of the pump head. The first adapter includes a valve seat and a housing with a side wall having external threads. A second adapter includes a hollow body with a space for a check valve. The body has an opening in the side wall for inserting the check valve. The second adapter fits over the first adapter and the adapters are attached by means of a collar. Tightening the collar onto the threads on the first adapter causes the check valve to be held firmly between the valve seat and the top wall of the second adapter.

Abstract: An on-board refueling vapor recovery system includes a shutoff mechanism that closes a first vapor path between the fuel tank and the filler cup when liquid fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level and a vent line closure that closes a second vapor path between the canister and the filler cup, wherein closure of the first vapor path and the second vapor path reduces pressure in the filler cup to induce shutoff of a fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A fuel leakage vent is disclosed, wherein the fuel leakage vent is formed in a fuel source and valve interface to militate against an accumulation of fuel in a tank compartment.

Abstract: A sillcock for supplying varying amounts of water at various temperatures includes a backpressure relief valve for relieving backpressure in the sillcock. The sillcock includes a sillcock tube and a valve body attached to the sillcock tube. A cartridge assembly is provided in the valve body, and an actuation assembly extends through the sillcock tube. The actuation assembly cooperates with the cartridge assembly to control the volume and temperature of water exiting the sillcock according to the axial and rotational movements of a knob. The backpressure relief valve includes a deformable member operable to allow water to be expelled from the sillcock if backpressure is present.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling water flow to a water delivery device. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve cartridge sealingly received within the valve body.

Abstract: A filter includes top and bottom support frames, and one or more middle support frames, which are arranged in such a manner that a second stepped area recessed by a predetermined depth from the outer circumferential surfaces of the top and bottom support frames is formed by the top and bottom support frames and the middle support frames. A pressure control valve of an electronically controllable power steering apparatus includes: a hollow valve body having a first stepped area with a predetermined depth, the first stepped area being formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, where a supply port is formed; and the above-mentioned filter, the filter being fitted in the first stepped area of the valve body. The filter can minimize change of pressure at the filter area while assuring smooth supply of the hydraulic fluid, and can reduce the number of parts, the number of fabricating steps, and the material costs of such a pressure control valve.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.

Abstract: A control device includes a valve body, a seat ring, and an actuator. The valve body defines a flow-path for a fluid. The seat ring is disposed within the flow-path. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and includes a control member. The control member is adapted for displacement relative to the seat ring for regulating a flow of the fluid through the flow-path. The control member includes a scaling disk adapted to sealingly engage the seat ring and close the flow-path. The seat ring includes an orifice disposed within the flow-path such that the seat ring prevents at least a portion of the flow of the fluid from substantially perpendicularly impacting the sealing disk.

Abstract: In a four-way valve having a simple structure, even if a high-temperature refrigerant and a low-temperature refrigerant flow close to each other, heat loss between both refrigerants is suppressed. The valve comprises a housing member including a valve chamber, a valve seat including a bearing surface portion located in the valve chamber, a first channel through which a high-temperature fluid flows and a second channel through which a low-temperature fluid flows at a predetermined time, including openings adjacent to each other at a bearing surface portion of the valve seat, passing through the valve seat and extending outside of the valve chamber, and a valve element moving to the bearing surface portion of the valve seat. A thermal resistor portion suppressing heat transfer between these channels is located near the openings, between the first and second channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint member which suppresses the increase of the number of members and enables the provision of a further compactified integrated fluid control apparatus. A sensor-equipped joint member 10 includes a channel block 41 including a V-shaped channel 41a formed therein for communicating adjacent fluid control devices 16 and 20 to each other at their lower-end openings, and a pressure sensor 42 provided on a side surface of the channel block 41. The channel block 41 is provided with a branched channel 41b which is branched from the V-shaped channel 41a and is communicated to the pressure sensor 42.

Abstract: A modular insert and monolithic structure is disclosed where the inserts are embedded in a slot in the monolithic structure to allow MSM components to be mounted directly to the planar surface of the monolithic structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a new liner assembly for use in pipes constructed from a flexible liner formed from a resin absorbent material. A compressible material, such as stitch-bond or foam, is attached to one or more sides of the liner for forming a taper along the compressible material when the liner is cured in place in the pipe using a curable resin and an expandable bladder to shape the liner to match the inside shape of the pipe. A taper is formed along the compressible material from the inside of the liner down to the inside of the pipe in which the liner is placed. As a result, a taper prevents accumulation of solid materials at the location of the pipe repair and thus prevents future clogging of the pipe at the repair.

Abstract: A device for thermally insulating at least one undersea pipe. The device comprises a thermally insulating covering surrounding the pipe, the covering being covered by an outer leak proof protective case, and the case being made of a flexible or semi rigid material suitable for remaining in contact with the outside surface of the insulating covering when it deforms. The device is characterized in that the insulating covering comprises a phase-change material confined in at least one container made of a flexible or semi rigid material that is deformable, and the container is disposed around the pipe.

Abstract: A fabric for supporting a fibrous web is disclosed. The fabric has a layer that includes a plurality of weft yarns and a plurality of warp yarns interwoven with the plurality of weft yarns. The warp and weft yarns define a web-facing side and an opposite machine-facing side. The warp yarns include at least one of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In addition, a yarn count, weave pattern, and yarn shape of the fabric are configured such that molten polymer drops are scrapable from the web-facing side leaving an upper support surface that does not blemish a fibrous web supported by the fabric.

Abstract: In an industrial multilayer fabric, narrower wefts of a small diameter are placed between lower side wefts so as to sandwich a knuckle formed by a lower side warp on the lower surface side of the fabric. The industrial fabric is obtained by stacking at least upper side wefts and lower side wefts one after another and weaving these wefts with warps. Narrower wefts that have a smaller diameter than that of the lower side wefts and form a shorter crimp than that formed by the lower side wefts on the lower side surface are arranged between the lower side wefts. And at a knuckle portion formed by warps passing under one or two successive lower side wefts, the narrower wefts form a crimp passing under lower side warps so as to sandwich, from both sides, one knuckle or two knuckles formed by two adjacent warps under two adjacent wefts.

Abstract: A fuel device for a mobile body comprises a fuel tank, a power consuming device, a fuel filling connector for receiving a fuel supply, and a power supplying connector for receiving a power supply. A fuel filling system comprises a vehicle having a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and a fuel filling device for filling the vehicle with fuel, wherein the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling or started by power supply from the outside of the vehicle when the fuel tank is filled with fuel based on tank information. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling. The fuel filling device has a filling nozzle which is connected with the fuel filling connector and provided with a feeding side connector for supplying power.

Abstract: A water cooler caddy device for use in conjunction with a water cooler or other beverage dispenser. The water cooler caddy has an arcuate inner surface as an interface with the water bottle and is sized such that it may be placed over the water bottle and slid down so that it either rests on an upper surface of the water cooler, or is supported by the side of the water bottle. The water cooler caddy may have a gap in the circumference so that the radius of the inner surface may be temporarily increased to facilitate installation. Partitions are used to form compartments to contain service items.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: The distributor serves for a pairwise delivery of two liquids to a plurality of infeed sites in a reactor or in a column with a density of at least 50 sites per m2. The distributor has a pair of main passages that supply pairs of secondary passages with different liquid. Each pair of secondary passages is formed by a pair of upstanding side parts and an upstanding partition wall. Each side part has a base extending from a lower edge to the partition wall to define a secondary passage therewith for receiving liquid from a respective one of the main passages, and each base has a plurality of outlet apertures for the outflow of liquid from the respective secondary passage.

Abstract: A clamp type mortising jig is described that allows the user to create a slot mortise in a workpiece clamped in the jig, using a plunge router. The jig includes a clamp that includes a movable jaw assembly and a fixed jaw with a template carriage slidably mounted between them. Router guide templates can be replaceably mounted in the template carriage.

Abstract: A dust collection attachment is disclosed that is adapted to be coupled to a base. A barrier coupled to the pan includes a plurality of bristles that create an opening to the pan between the base and the barrier in order to prevent debris generated by a tool from passing through the barrier, yet allowing passage of the tool through the barrier.

Abstract: A kit for forming mortises in door edges and door frames for flush-mounting door hinges, strike plates and latch plates is provided. The kit generally includes a template holder and a plurality of templates mountable to the template holder. The templates provide guides for various size hinges, strike plates or latch plates. The template holder includes an adjustment mechanism for easily adapting the template holder from doors having a first thickness to doors having a second thickness. The adjustment mechanisms include a rotatable cam and knob. The kit may optionally include an alignment schedule providing distances for locating the templates relative to a door end or a frame. Further, the templates may include tab engagement slots for engaging a tape measure.

Abstract: A wheel body includes a wheel body including a disk and a rim fixed to an outer circumference of the disk for supporting a tire for the vehicle; an air pressure sensor unit for detecting a pressure in an air chamber in the tire with transmitter; a sub air chamber member on the rim for reducing a magnitude of a resonance sound generated by an air column defined by the air chamber defined by the rim and the tire. The air pressure sensor unit and the sub air chamber member are disposed in a circumferential direction of the wheel so as to cancel out one unbalance mass distribution of the vehicle wheel in the circumferential direction of the wheel caused by disposing the air pressure sensor by another unbalance mass distribution of the wheel in the circumferential direction caused by disposing sub air chamber member.

Abstract: A sub air chamber provided around outer circumferential surface of a well of a rim of a vehicle wheel includes an upper plate and a lower plate connected at edges thereof which are fitted into channels in first and second vertical wall surfaces formed on the rim. At least one of the upper plate and the bottom plate has orthogonally and diagonally aligned beads to vertical walls, extending in a circumferential direction of the wheel, supporting the sub air chamber, connecting parts locally connecting the upper plate and the bottom plate. The sub air chamber has a protruding part for communicating the sub air chamber with the tire air chamber and serves as a stopper of the sub air chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering air through a powered axle assembly and an improved powered axle assembly which incorporates the apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a base attachable to a non-rotating structure within the axle assembly and a rotor mountable in the axle assembly for rotating with the drive axle and for forming an air chamber between the rotor and the base. The base includes at least one air inlet for delivering air to the air chamber and the rotor includes at least one air outlet for air flow out of the chamber.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus includes a first chamber having a first surface plate where a first substrate is placed. A second chamber is disposed opposite to the first chamber. The second chamber has a second surface plate where a second substrate is placed. The second substrate is to be bonded to the first substrate. An alignment unit is installed in at least one of the first and second chambers. The alignment unit is capable of carrying out a six-degrees-of-freedom alignment between the first and second substrates. Thus, the substrates can be maintained parallel to each other, a spacing between the substrates can be automatically adjusted, and the substrates can be aligned in the X and Y axis directions.

Abstract: A grinding unit grinds an annular convex portion formed at an outer periphery of a back face of a wafer such that the wafer has a uniform thickness. After such process, a robot arm of a transport unit transports the wafer to an inspection unit for inspecting occurrence of damage at the wafer. Then, the robot arm transports the wafer without damage to a mount frame preparation unit. Herein, the wafer is joined to a ring frame through a dicing tape, and then a protective tape is separated from a front face of the wafer. Thus, a mount frame is prepared.

Abstract: A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.

Abstract: On a back face of a semiconductor wafer, an annular convex portion is formed at an outer periphery so as to surround a flat concave portion formed by back grinding. The back face of the semiconductor wafer is pressed against an adhesive surface of a supporting adhesive tape joined to a ring frame. Thus, the annular convex portion is joined to the adhesive tape. Further, the adhesive tape is deformed while being pressed from a side of its non-adhesive surface. As a result, the adhesive tape is pushed into and joined to the flat concave portion of the back face of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An outer edge of a protective tape projected from a semiconductor wafer is fixed and held by a tape holding section. In the condition, a part of the projected protective tape is caught and supported with a tape supporting section with a face having lower adhesive property provided in the outside of the traveling groove for the cutter. Furthermore, the part of the protective tape having the outer edge fixed and held with the tape holding section is compulsorily deformed and inserted into a depression provided between the tape holding section and the tape supporting section. Thereby, the part of the protective tape located in a traveling groove for the cutter is tensioned outward. A cutter blade is stuck into this tensioned part, and cuts the protective tape all over the peripheries of the wafer.

Abstract: A die bonding apparatus is presented which is capable of realizing different semiconductor packages, for example, a face up package and a face down package in a single die bonding apparatus. The die bonding apparatus includes a substrate transportation unit for transporting a substrate. A first bonding head unit is included which has a first bonding head for bonding a semiconductor chip disposed in a mount table adjacent to the substrate transportation unit over the substrate. A die transportation unit is included for transporting the semiconductor chip disposed in a mount table to a mount stage disposed at a lower portion of the substrate. A second bonding head unit is included in which the mount stage and a second bonding head disposed at an upper portion of the substrate corresponding to the mount stage and bonding the semiconductor chip disposed in the mount stage to the lower portion of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a bonding apparatus which bonds a first object to be bonded and a second object to be bonded by bringing a bonding member into contact with an upper surface of the second object to be bonded placed on an upper surface of the first object to be bonded and ultrasonically vibrating the second object to be bonded by the bonding member, and the bonding member includes: a contact portion brought into contact with the second object to be bonded; and a holding portion holding the second object to bonded. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the object to bonded from sliding sideways to thereby properly bond the objects to be bonded to each other, even with a low pressing force.

Abstract: A method for separating a first component and a second component from one another at an adhesive bond interface between the first component and second component. Typically the method involves irradiating the first component with infrared radiation from a source that radiates substantially only short wavelengths until the adhesive bond is destabilized, and then separating the first component and the second component from one another. In some embodiments an assembly of components to be debonded is placed inside an enclosure and the assembly is illuminated from an IR source that is external to the enclosure. In some embodiments an assembly of components to be debonded is simultaneously irradiated by a multi-planar array of IR sources. Often the IR radiation is unidirectional. In some embodiments the IR radiation is narrow-band short wavelength infrared radiation.

Abstract: A machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles includes a supporting structure of a clamping and rotating device for clamping and rotating the wheel rim and an operating head for fitting/removing a tire onto/from the rim. The operating head has a removal tool associated with a first actuator and turnable between a first clamping position in which the tool is tilted towards the rotation axis of the rim, and a second entrainment position in which the tool extends along a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rim. The operating unit includes an arrangement for transforming the movement generated by a second actuator into the sideways movement of the operating head along a curved direction and near and away to a section of the annular flange of the rim.

Abstract: A bead holder for installing a tire on a wheel includes a body portion, a first portion, and a second portion. The second portion includes a flat inner surface and a flat outer surface. The flat inner surface includes a shoulder and a face, and a ledge defined between the shoulder and the face. A tire may be installed on a wheel using the bead holder by placing the first portion into a lughole on the wheel and bringing the second portion into contact with the rim, whereby the flat outer surface of the second portion prevents a tire bead from slipping back over the rim. A user may then work around the tire bead, stretching it over the rim of the tire without having the tire bead slip back over the rim.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a manually operated internal Venetian blind for raising/lowering a plurality of slats is disclosed, and comprises a stationary bearing housing, a longitudinally displaceable bifurcated bearing block, a counterweight interconnected to the bearing block and housing at least one internal magnet, and a first linearly displaceable actuator disposed outwardly to one of two glass sheets and provided with at least one external magnet at a fixed distance from the internal magnet. The displacement of the first actuator is significantly less than the displacement of the longitudinally lowest slat due to the winding of central cords around a ball bearing housed within the bearing block.

Abstract: A roller blind for motor vehicle windows which includes a roller blind body movable between a retracted stored posited and an extended position over the window with which it is used. The roller blind body has a width greater than at least portions of the rear window, with the excess portions of the roller blind body being movable into receptacles mounted in the vehicle body, thus preventing any possible light gap between the roller blind body and the side edges of the of window.