Abstract: A valve timing adjuster includes a housing member, a vane rotor, and a seal plate. A first housing segment of the housing member receives the vane rotor therein. A second housing segment of the housing member faces with an opening of the first housing segment. The seal plate includes a base part and a resilient part. The base part is held by the first and second housing segments therebetween. The resilient part is in press-contact with the end surface of the vane rotor within a predetermined angular range. The resilient part, the second housing segment, and a camshaft define therebetween a pressure chamber. The resilient part has a pressurized oil introduction passage that provides communication between the pressure chamber and only one of advance and retard hydraulic chambers.

Abstract: A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a first cam phase variable mechanism capable of varying the phases of both first and second intake cams by using operating oil pressure, and a second cam phase variable mechanism having a split change function and capable of varying the phase of the second intake cam relative to that of the first intake cam by using the operating oil pressure. When the engine is operating in a low-speed, low-load region (A) in which the engine rotating speed is lower than a predetermined rotating speed (N2) and at the same time the engine load is lower than a predetermined load (L1), the second cam phase variable mechanism is preferentially controlled over the first cam phase variable mechanism.

Abstract: In a method for starting an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber, an injection timing point is specified for each chamber at which a first fuel injection pulse is carried out and an ignition timing point is specified at which a first ignition pulse is to be carried out in the chamber. A crankshaft is caused to rotate by a starter device. For all chambers in which the injection timing point takes place in time after the ignition pulse, the respectively specified ignition timing point is adjusted in terms of reduced torque output. Thereafter, in each combustion chamber the injection pulse is carried out at the respectively specified injection timing point and the ignition pulse is carried out at the respectively specified ignition timing point. In this way, any potentially present fuel residue is combusted and at the same time the torque produced thereby is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air intake duct for an internal combustion engine that is capable of reducing the noise associated with the induction of air. The air intake duct includes an inlet and an outlet as well as an opening in a side wall located between the inlet and outlet. Mounted within this opening is a woven acoustic membrane. The acoustic membrane reduces inlet snorkel noise by dissipating pressure waves in the duct. The woven acoustic membrane is formed from a material that allows sufficient air flow into the air intake duct and also resists water penetration into the air intake duct.

Abstract: An air intake device for an engine includes a duct having therein a first air flow passage, a housing having therein a second air flow passage, a rotary valve having a valve plate. A block of the housing, which conducts intake air to an intake port of a cylinder head, has a circular opposed surface that follows a shape of a curved surface portion of the valve plate. Moreover, the block of the housing has a protrusion that protrudes toward an upstream side of the second air flow passage in an air flow direction so as to contact a duct protrusion of the duct. Therefore, a localized flow of the intake air, which has flowed into the second air flow passage from an opening of the first air flow passage, can be restrained from spreading, and a flow rate of the localized flow can be restrained from slowing down.

Abstract: Process for producing an intake manifold with several pipes provided with valves and ending at the level of a common plate that defines a contact surface with the cylinder end block. This process includes: Providing a functional unit [shaft (5)/valves (6)], parts (7) to be inserted that form bearings, and a manifold body (1?) or splitter body (1); Installing the functional unit [shaft (5)/valves (6)/parts forming bearings (7)] in end portions (2?) of the pipes (2), and recesses and/or housings for the receiving (8, 9) of the plate (4); Implementing an over-molding at the level of the plate (4), the material connected by over-molding ensuring, the mechanical locking of the components of the completed functional unit in their recesses and/or housings that respectively receive them and that constitute formations that work with or produce the sealing against gases between the end portions and the cylinder head block.

Abstract: A piston and method of construction is provided. The piston includes a top part fixed to a bottom part. The top part has an uppermost surface with annular inner and outer upper joining surfaces depending therefrom. The bottom part has a pair of pin bosses with pin bores aligned with one another along a pin bore axis; a pair of upwardly extending annular inner and outer lower joining surfaces and a combustion bowl wall. Inner and outer weld joints fix the inner and outer upper and lower joining surfaces to one another. An annular cooling gallery is formed laterally between the upper and lower joining surfaces. The inner weld joint joining the top part to the bottom part is located within the combustion bowl wall and configured to minimized the compression height of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine with variable compression ration comprising a cylinder cover, a cylinder body, a power output shaft and a crankshaft box, the cylinder cover is fixed on the cylinder body, the crankshaft box is formed with the cylinder body integrally; In the cylinder body, an piston is connected with a crankshaft via a connecting rod; the power output shaft is mounted on the crankshaft box; a power output gear is placed on the power output shaft, an input gear is placed on a crank journal of the crankshaft, the power output gear engages with the input gear; A supporting arm is placed in the crankshaft box, the crankshaft is hinged on the supporting arm; one end of the supporting arm is hinged on the crankshaft box, and the hinging shaft is the power output shaft; the other end of the supporting arm is a control end, the control end is connected with a rotation control mechanism, which can make the supporting arm rotate around the power output shaft.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine including: a cylinder having a cylinder circumferential wall provided with a horizontal valve groove on its inner circumferential surface; a working shaft concentrically run through said cylinder and held so as to freely rotate; a rotor comprising a rotor base made up of a circular shell and a rotor blade standing in a radial direction of a rotor base surrounding wall; a shutoff valve to perform intermittent movements of insertion and returning between an outside of said cylinder and a cylinder space; and side ribs each having a longitudinal valve groove.

Abstract: A water injector has a plug end fitting for installation on the individual combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine of the spark ignition or compression ignition type, though which a quantity of water or other non-fuel fluid is injected into the combustion chamber. The temperature and combustion pressure of each combustion chamber as well as the temperature, pressure and humidity of the atmosphere may be monitored and used to control the quantity of water injected into the combustion chambers such that the engine operates at internal combustion conditions equivalent to those occurring at the standard ISO rated atmospheric conditions and thus delivers its ISO rated output regardless of atmospheric conditions. A nozzle is fitted to the plug end of the water injector containing a plurality of openings to inject the water or other non-fuel fluid into the combustion chamber in a predetermined spatial spray pattern.

Abstract: A compression ignition gasoline engine uses low-cetane number fuel, such as gasoline. The engine includes a combustion control device having an injector directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber, intake and exhaust valves, and a variable valve device changing a valve timing, in which the compression ignition gasoline engine includes: at least two intake valves and two exhaust valves; a spark plug positioned at the center portion of the combustion chamber; and an injector positioned adjacent to the spark plug toward the center portion of the combustion chamber, in which the exhaust valve is a symmetric valve lift in which the lift and the opening section of the tow exhaust valves are the same in low lift, and the intake valve is an asymmetric valve lift in which the lift and the opening of the two intake valves are different in the low lift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable hand-guided work apparatus having an internal combustion engine (10) for driving a work tool (5). A combustion chamber (12) is formed in a cylinder (11) of the engine (10) and is delimited by a piston (13) which drives a crankshaft (14) in rotation. A spark plug (16) is held in the cylinder (11) and is driven by an ignition module (20) to ignite a compressed air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (12) to drive the piston (13). A short circuit line (21) is provided on the ignition module (20) for switching off the ignition. The short circuit line (21) is configured as a bus line (30) in order to make available, in a simple manner, a plurality of further operating parameters to the ignition module. An external control apparatus (23, 24) and/or sensors (25, 26) are connected to the bus line (30).

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus including a plurality of throttle bodies, a fuel supply pipe to supply fuel to upstream and downstream side injectors; connecting pipes to connect the fuel supply pipe to the upstream side injectors and the downstream side injectors; upstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective upstream side injectors; downstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective downstream side injectors; a nip angle of the upstream side injectors is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side branch passages against the intake flow direction of the intake passage; and the nip angle of the downstream side branch passages is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side injectors against the intake flow direction of the intake passage.

Abstract: A dual fuel connector separately supplies two different fuels to fluidly isolated fuel passages within a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine. The dual fuel connector comprises a body with separate fluid connections to the first fuel inlet, the second fuel inlet, a first fuel rail and a second fuel rail. A first fuel passage within the body is in fluid communication with the first fuel rail and the first fuel inlet. A second fuel passage within the body is in fluid communication with the second fuel rail and the second fuel inlet, and wherein the first fuel passage is fluidly isolated from the second fuel passage. The dual fuel connector supplies two different fuels to a fuel injection valve, for engines that are not designed with a cylinder head that has internal bores that can serve as fuel rails.

Abstract: A fuel rail for high-pressure direct-injection internal combustion engines has an injector holder and a fastening bracket directly attached to a main body of the fuel rail. Thermal deformation may occur at the time of temporary fitting or brazing when assembling the rail. However, positional accuracy of the injector holder can be assured, which results in having an excellent sealing property. Components of the fuel rail for direct-injection internal combustion engines are made of steel or stainless steel, and the components are joined reciprocally by brazing. The components joined by brazing are finished by cutting work and/or burnishing processing after the brazing step.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio device including a piston, a crankshaft, and a connecting rod may include an eccentric bearing that contacts an exterior circumference of the piston pin, wherein an exterior circumference of the eccentric bearing contacts an interior circumference of a ring formed at the small end of the connecting rod, a ratchet rod slidably coupled inside the piston pin and movable along a longitudinal direction, a variable slider that selectively contacts one of both ends of the ratchet rod, and that is disposed at both sides of a cylinder for pushing the one of both ends of the ratchet rod in an opposite direction, and a guide plate for reciprocally moving both variable sliders along a vertical direction of the ratchet rod.

Abstract: A fuel pump for a direct injection system having: at least one pumping chamber, a piston which is slidingly mounted inside the pumping chamber in order to cyclically vary the volume of the pumping chamber, an intake duct connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by an inlet valve, a delivery duct connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by a one-way valve that only allows outgoing fuel flow from the pumping chamber, and an annular seal, which is placed in a seat made below the pumping chamber around a lower portion of the piston and has the function of preventing fuel leakage along the side wall of the piston.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon adsorber and a thermoplastic resin combined and formed to a porous scavenger for insertion into the air intake system of a motor vehicle engine. The resulting porous scavenger adsorbs volatile hydrocarbon molecules from raw fuel remaining in the air intake when the engine is shout off. The adsorbed molecules are then stripped or purged from the scavenger and reintroduced into the air intake when the engine is next started.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and method for converting ozone and fuel into mechanical energy and waste products. In some embodiments, a super-combustor may be used to provide a combustion engine with an improved ability to combust fuel. Certain embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved spark plug or modified engine having a super-combustor built in.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizing device has a body with a fuel inlet, air inlet, and vapor outlet. A spiral conduit is formed in the body with a length of 2-6 feet. The spiral conduit has a first end coupled to the air inlet and second end coupled to the vapor outlet. An injector assembly is disposed within the body and coupled to the fuel inlet. The injector assembly introduces atomized fuel into the first end of the spiral conduit. The fuel and air mixture is converted to vaporized fuel through a length of the spiral conduit. The vaporized fuel exits at the vapor outlet. The injector assembly has a compression spring disposed in a cavity of an injector body. An injector piston is disposed in the cavity of the injector body contacting the spring. An injector outlet introduces the atomized fuel into the spiral conduit when the injector piston is displaced.

Abstract: A fuel pretreater apparatus for pretreating fuel for combustion is provided. A conversion tube is provided for vaporized fuel to flow therethrough. The conversion tube includes an intake end for receiving the vaporized fuel and an outlet end for dispersing the vaporized fuel. The conversion tube includes a hollow tapered interior wall having a narrower diameter near the intake end and a wider diameter near the outlet end. A tapered conversion rod is removably placed inside the conversion tube. The tapered conversion rod is conically tapered along at least one half of a length of the tapered conversion rod. The tapered conversion rod includes a narrow end corresponding to the narrower diameter of the conversion tube near the intake end and a wide end corresponding to the wider diameter of the conversion tube near the outlet end.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) system (including methods and apparatuses) for managing combustion charge densities, temperatures, pressures and turbulence in order to produce a true mastery within the combustion chamber in order to increase fuel economy, power, torque and engine life while minimizing polluting emissions and noxious odors.

Abstract: Unique to this invention is the design of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve with bypass capabilities. EGR valves combined with a bypass valve are expensive to design and manufacture due to their complexity and unique differences. Furthermore, the reliability of multiple components is much lower than that of the single component. During various engine operating conditions it is necessary to divert the flow of exhaust gas around the EGR cooler through the intake manifold or through the EGR cooler to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas to reduce noxious emissions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separator for crank housing ventilation of an internal combustion engine. The separator comprises at least one vortex chamber (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (3), wherein the vortex chamber (2) comprises an inlet for a ventilation stream (6), in particular a tangential inlet, relative to the longitudinal axis (3) at an end (4) on the inlet side. The vortex chamber (2) further comprises a common outlet (8) for the ventilation stream (6) and for oil entrained along with the ventilation stream (6), said common outlet being located at the end on the outlet side of the vortex chamber opposite the end (4) on the inlet side, relative to the longitudinal axis (3). The vortex chamber (2) is enclosed in the outlet (8) area thereof by an impact absorber (9) comprising an impact base (10) and a peripheral wall (11), wherein the impact base (10) covers the outlet (8) at a distance therefrom.

Abstract: A portable gas-fired heater comprising a housing, a burner assembly, and a carbon dioxide detector system. The housing is adapted to at least partially enclose a fuel source. The burner assembly is enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: A gas burner for a cooking appliance having a base portion and a side wall extending from the base portion. A cap is disposed on the side wall. The cap includes a substantially conical interior surface facing the base portion. The substantially conical interior surface is configured to substantially eliminate creation of turbulent flow eddies in a gaseous fuel mixture passing through the gas burner.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance includes a gas oven cavity for cooking a food item, the gas oven cavity including a top surface and a bottom surface, a lower heat source disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the gas oven cavity, an upper heat source disposed adjacent the top surface of the gas oven cavity, and a controller configured to cycle the upper heat source and the lower heat source for providing heat above and below the food item during cooking, wherein a cycle of the upper heat source is time-dependent, and a cycle of the lower heat source is temperature-dependent.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion apparatus including a solar collection apparatus configured for tracking the sun, a first loop array for channeling a first heat transfer fluid to and from a fluid reservoir operating as a heat sink, a second loop array for channeling a second heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith, a third loop array for channeling a third heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A ballast member may be disposed within a vessel to reduce an active volume of the vessel through which the working fluid can circulate. For instance, a solar power system may include a solar receiver through which a working fluid can be circulated and at least one solar collector that is operative to direct solar energy toward the solar receiver to heat the working fluid. A tank is fluidly connected with the solar receivers such that the working fluid can be circulated through the tank. The tank includes an internal chamber and at least one ballast member within the internal chamber that reduces the active volume of the internal chamber.

Abstract: A composition and process for treating sugar solutions that includes one or more sources of ammonium that obtain a pH in water solution above pH 7.0, such as ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3), ammonium phosphate dibasic (NH4)2HPO4, and ammonium sulfite (NH4)2SO3. The composition can also include a particulate sulfur reagent, an amorphous silica, a particulate aluminum reagent, a particulate phosphorous reagent, a particulate filter aid selected from diatomaceous earth and perlite, a particulate activated carbon, a particulate bleaching earth, a polymer decolorant, or combinations thereof. The individual materials can be pre-mixed before addition to the sugar solution, added individually to the sugar solution, or added as a combination of one or more singular ingredients and one or more pre-mixed ingredients.

Abstract: An improved tee type nebulizer unit for medicinal use that delivers a mist of properly sized aerosol particles of medicament to the patient. A uniquely configured air flow baffle assembly, which is strategically positioned within the tee of the nebulizer unit, markedly increases the rate of liquid-to-aerosol conversion compared to prior art tee type nebulizer units. More particularly, due to the positioning and sizing of the air channeling pathways within the air flow baffle assembly, an increase in rate of aerosol mist production by factors of 200%-300% is realized.

Abstract: A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.

Abstract: The Timer For Nebulizer Compressor provides a shatterproof plastic casing which houses the unit motor and a piston driven or comparable compressor. Associated accessories such as a mouthpiece, medicine cup and elongated, flexible tubing are also included. The Timer For Nebulizer Compressor runs on standard AC power and can be connected to any power outlet. The novel feature of the Timer For Nebulizer Compressor however, is found in the previously mentioned timer. This timer is directly connected to the unit's shut off valve. As such, a therapist simply prepares the unit for use, at which point the timer is set for the time period required to administer the designated course of treatment. When the treatment was complete and the allotted time had passed, the timer is activated, automatically shutting the nebulizer off and thus preventing the unit from overheating.

Abstract: An aerosol transfer device (10) for medical aerosol generators comprises a body (12), fluidically coupled to a nebulizer (14) and to a patient interface (16). An ambient air intake (20) is formed into a lower body (12C). The body is shaped and configured to optimize mixing of ambient air from the ambient air intake and the aerosol generated by the nebulizer, resulting in the formation of an aerosol plume having optimum characteristics for delivery of the aerosol to the patient's pulmonary system, such as the central or deep lung regions. The shape and dimensions of the body are further designed to minimize aerosol deposition, thus improving delivery efficiency.

Abstract: An inhaler having a housing which defines a receptacle shaped and dimensioned for receiving a pressurised medicament canister having a nozzle, and a mouthpiece arranged in fluid communication with the receptacle by means of a conduit and an actuator including a button fast with a duct which is shaped and configured for fitment into the conduit, the duct configured to arrange the mouthpiece and nozzle in fluid communication when the button is pressed, thereby actuating the canister.

Abstract: A filtering device comprises a filtering means (8); a first plate-like element (4) disposed on the filtering means (8) and having at least one bore (4a); a second plate-like element (5) disposed below the filtering means (8) and having at least one bore (5a); and a plate-like adapter element (1, 2) disposed on the first plate-like element (4) and having at least one bore (1a, 2a). At least one adapter means (1b, 2b, 3) is disposed on the plate-like adapter element (1, 2) on a side opposite to the first plate-like element (4) and is open to the bore (1a, 2a) of the plate-like adapter element (1, 2). The at least one adapter means (1b, 2b, 3) is adapted for connection with a container containing a fluid to be filtered.

Abstract: A float valve system for controlling an amount of liquid in a chamber is disclosed that includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat. Liquid enters the chamber in a first direction to the first valve seat and is transferred in a second direction to the second valve seat. First and second actuating members are provided to selectively open and close the first valve seat and the second valve seat, respectively. A first float is coupled to the first actuating member so as to close the first valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a first predetermined level and a second float is coupled to the second actuating member so as to close the second valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a second predetermined level that is different from the first predetermined level.

Abstract: A breathing circuit is described for the supplying of low pressure oxygen to a patient that is at risk of hypoxia. The breathing circuit includes a patent airway maintaining device, a first tube that includes a substantially rigid elbow and connectors and a flexible tubular extension. An inflatable bag is coupled to the first tube and has a pressure relief valve that exhausts into the atmosphere. A second tube has a first end that terminates in proximity to the patent airway maintaining device and a second opposed end that terminates external to the first tube. A third tube connects an external source of oxygen to the second tube. A method for an oxygen breathing circuit is also described that further includes the use of a carbon dioxide monitor and the inflatable bag for assisted breathing. The breathing circuit uses only non-metallic polymer or composite type materials.

Abstract: An airflow adaptor for a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. The airflow adaptor includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end allows fluid communication from a deagglomerator outlet port to the distal end of the conduit, and wherein the airflow adaptor further includes provisions for allowing air to flow from a proximal end of the adaptor to a distal end of the adaptor independently of the airflow in the conduit when a breath induced low pressure is applied to the distal end of the airflow adaptor.

Abstract: A conduit for carrying humidified gases includes a tube extending between a first end and a second end and a helical wire positioned in the tube. The helical wire is formed of a conductive core defining a shape of the helical wire. An electrical receptacle is positioned at the first end of the tube and electrically coupled to the communication ends of the helical wire.

Abstract: An overpressure protection system and method for a hyperbaric chamber having a secondary relief valve in pressure communication with a hyperbaric chamber and configured to actuate upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure condition. Actuation of the secondary relief valve causes an output signal to be delivered to a relay input, which results in actuation of an emergency vent valve to close an oxygen shutoff valve to terminate the flow of oxygen to the chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined pressure condition occurs when the chamber pressure exceeds the maximum chamber set point plus a predetermined pressure differential. In the preferred embodiment, the relay may be pneumatic or electromechanical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlled delivery of a flow of breathing gas to the respiratory tracts of a user. Said apparatus comprising a blower unit adapted to provide a gas flow, a nasal cannula with first and second outlets, and first and second gas paths connecting the blower unit to the first and second outlets, respectively. The Characteristics of the gas flow through each outlet can be controlled, sensed and/or adjusted independently.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a ventilator. The method includes monitoring a central nervous system parameter and automatically adjusting a level of ventilatory support from a ventilator based on a value of the central nervous system parameter.

Abstract: A face mask for use as a procedure mask, isolation mask or dental face mask having a transparent shell with one opening for covering the nose and mouth of a person and a housing having a first and a second air passageway with a chamber located therebetween for holding a replaceable filter coupled to the one opening in the transparent shell. Elastic straps which are attached to the transparent shell are adapted to be placed around a user's head to hold the transparent shell against the face of the user and the transparent shell is made of a clear latex free plastic.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a housing, an air supply tube, and a medium. The housing includes an inner surface, an air-passage opening, and a tubular wall that projects inwardly from the inner surface and that defines a receiving hole aligned and communicated with the air-passage opening. The air supply tube is connected fluidly to the air-passage opening. The medium is disposed in the receiving hole, and is made of a material that can absorb heat and moisture.

Abstract: Consists of positioning, through the orifice or tracheostoma -9-, a cannula for permanent implant -1-, in a fully aligned manner with the help of an inserter -6-, whereby the inner end or suprastomal extension -4- of the cannula -1-, upon withdrawing the inserter -6- vertically positioned in the supra-ostial area -10- of the trachea -8-, allowing, once the aforementioned permanent cannula -1- has been permanently positioned, the introduction of a perforated cannula -11- having a characteristic curvature therethrough, oriented, through the lower aperture -3- of the permanent cannula -1-, towards the interior of the lungs in order to allow insufflation of air from the exterior, while the exhaled air is derived through the vertical extension -4- towards the larynx through the orifices -13- disposed in the curvature elbow thereof.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube securing device having a securing device body that is operatively engaged to a biased plunger for securing an endotracheal tube to the securing device body is disclosed. The securing device body defines a chamber in communication with opposing front and rear openings with a top opening in transverse relation to the front and rear openings. A plunger biased by a spring is slidably disposed inside the chamber through a top opening and includes a channel that communicates with first and second opposed openings that become aligned with the front and rear openings of the securing device body when the user depresses the plunger and inserts the endotracheal tube through the aligned plunger. The endotracheal tube becomes secured to the securing device body when the user releases the biased plunger, thereby engaging the endotracheal tube between the plunger and the securing device body.

Abstract: Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of in-growth required compared to conventional expansive occlusion devices.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing and correcting abnormal shaping of an infant's cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device is a cranial orthosis having a depression with a contact surface in the shape of at least a portion of a normal infantile cranium. The orthosis further provides lateral support surfaces creating points of contact to restrict rotation of the infant's cranium and provide additional external forces for normal shaping of the infant's cranium. Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent areas coincident with brain and skull growth.