Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a single part piston (20) for an internal combustion engine from a piston blank (10), with a cooling channel (15) that is open in the downward direction running circularly inside a piston head (11), and an annular recess (16) built between the piston head (11) and a piston shaft (13), wherein the piston head (11) and the piston shaft (13) are connected to each other by means of a piston hub (14), and wherein the annular recess (16) and the cooling channel (15) are machined into the piston blank (10) by means of a cutting operation. According to the invention, it is provided that, for the cutting operation of the cooling channel (15), a tool (17) is moved into the area of the cooling channel (15) in an arc-shaped pivoting movement (A) through the recess (16), and that the cooling channel (15) is cut.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a small lightweight four-stroke engine is disclosed. The lubrication system, provided with a weight at one end of a flexible oil tube inserted into an oil reservoir, is capable of providing a sufficient lubrication to components of the engine which may operate in a horizontal posture, a vertical posture, or any posture therebetween.

Abstract: A combustion system for a vehicle may include a piston in which a first combustion recess is formed in an upper end surface thereof, and at least one second combustion recess is further formed at the bottom of the first combustion recess, a first intake port and a second intake port for supplying a cylinder with air, and a controller that differently controls amounts of recirculation exhaust gas being supplied to the first intake port and the second intake port.

Abstract: An electronically controlled throttle valve unit includes a valve shaft supported by a throttle body, a throttle valve provided on the valve shaft rotatably therewith, an actuator for controlling the valve shaft, and a mechanical valve opening/closing mechanism. The mechanical valve opening/closing mechanism comprises: a valve lever provided on the valve shaft rotatably therewith; a cam lever supported rotatably with respect to the valve shaft so as to be directly operated through a throttle operation; and a link lever supported rotatably by the throttle body and transmitting a rotation of the cam lever in a direction of opening the throttle valve to the valve lever so as to rotate the valve lever and the valve shaft in a throttle valve opening direction with a predetermined rotation angle characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector, in particular a common rail injector, for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector has an injection valve element which is adjustable between a closing position and an opening position and which is switchable by means of a control valve. The control valve has a sleevelike control valve element that is adjustable along an adjustment axis and in its closing position rests sealingly on a control valve seat element. According to the invention, it is provided that the control valve seat element is disposed movably relative to the adjustment axis of the control valve element.

Abstract: A system is described for coordination of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) flow through and around a plurality of EGR coolers differently depending on operating conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.

Abstract: A controller of an internal combustion engine includes: a purge controller, operable to control a purge amount of the vaporized fuel purged to an air intake system; an exhaust air-fuel ratio detector; an air-fuel ratio feedback controller; a period determiner, operable to determine whether it is an estimation enabling period; and an alcohol concentration estimator, operable to estimate the alcohol concentration. When the purge of the vaporized fuel is cut during the estimation enabling period, the purge controller: performs control so that the purge is cut with a large degree of tailing, in an operation region where a load of the internal combustion engine is high and a rotation speed is high; and performs control so that the purge is cut with a smaller degree of tailing than the large degree of tailing, in an operation region where the load of the internal combustion engine is low and the rotation speed is low.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to determine the composition of a fuel from the components ethanol and gasoline of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine by a fuel supply unit and via two fuel distributor rails; and the exhaust gas is discharged from the internal combustion engine by two exhaust gas manifolds of a first and a second exhaust gas system, which are separated from each other, wherein the first and second exhaust gas system have in each case at least one exhaust gas probe and wherein current changes in the ethanol content of the fuel are evaluated from the signal differences of lambda signals from the exhaust gas probes. With this method, a change in the ethanol content of the fuel can be detected, and an explicit condition for a change in fuel can be derived. Moreover, with the method, errors in the fuel-mixture can be distinguished from an altered fuel composition, which takes place after the tank has been filled fueling.

Abstract: A fuel control approach that compensates for time delays to increase exhaust gas sensor feedback response speed.

Abstract: A pneumatic launching apparatus is described. The pneumatic toy launching apparatus includes a collapsible bellows with an outlet configured to allow air to exit the collapsible bellows. A gripping device is attached with the collapsible bellows, and a platform is attached with the gripping device. A launching tube is attached with the platform and is formed to releasably engage a launchable object. An air transfer tube connects the collapsible bellows and the launching tube. Upon compression of the collapsible bellows against a surface, air travels from the collapsible bellows, through the air transfer tube, and out of the launching tube to launch an object attached with the launching tube. A rotating mechanism attached with the platform allows rotation of multiple launching tubes. The gripping device further comprises a rotation actuator to induce rotation of the platform.

Abstract: A releasable mount comprising two mounting posts that releasably engage into notches in the ends of a resilient, generally C-shaped bracket. The releasable mount is particularly useful to releasably mount an archery accessory such as an arrow quiver to an archery bow, tree or tree stand or the like. The arrow quiver may include a hood having an arrow retaining insert for receiving an arrow with a single-point or a 2-4 bladed broadhead. The quiver may also include an arrow gripper having a plurality of fingers whose sides define expandable oval slots between adjacent fingers into which the arrows are loaded.

Abstract: A burner for use with cooking has a multiplicity of slots extending relative to a periphery of a burner head providing primary flame orifices. The slots have slot walls preferably extending upwardly from a slot bottom. A cap tops the burner head. Stops are disposed in the slots so that a smaller cross section is created internal to the slot than at an outlet of the stop to reduce a possibility of flame lifting under high port loading and/or high turn down ratio conditions.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a fluid housing, a solar collector, and a heating system. The fluid housing contains a heat transfer medium. The solar collector concentrates solar energy onto the heat transfer medium. The heating system includes at least one gas tank containing a gas and fluidically connected to a first catalyst. The first catalyst is configured to catalyze gas from the gas tank to create hot gas. The heating system also includes a first hot gas pipe fluidically connected to the first catalyst and positioned with respect to the fluid housing such that hot gas flowing through the first hot gas pipe comes into thermal contact with the heat transfer medium within the fluid housing.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a substance. One embodiment includes a substance including a drug to be vaporized for inhalation therapy. A sealed fuel cell containing a combustible filament is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the substance. An igniter is operatively associated with the combustible element. The substance may be vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors for measuring flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new system, or changes are made to an existing system, mask or patient interface, and/or hose, a method of calibrating the flow generator is provided. The method includes determining air flow characteristics of the hose using flow measurements made during a first test period when flow through the system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the system during a second test period when flow through the system is blocked, and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser using the air first test period flow characteristics of the air delivery hose and the second test period pressure measurements.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for integrating anesthesia agent monitoring in a respiratory carestation, wherein the respiratory carestation is configured to be compatible with a variety of monitoring modules. Any one of the monitoring modules is inserted into a module bay, and a sampling line couples the monitoring module to the patient circuit, such that the patient monitoring parameters are displayed on a user interface of the respiratory carestation.

Abstract: A method for determining the consumption of a CO2 absorber (8) in a respirator with a rebreathing system, with a fresh gas mixer (1) and with a computing and control unit (10). The rebreathing system has a respiration drive (2), a volume flow sensor (3) located in the inspiratory branch, a CO2 absorber (8) located in the expiratory branch, whose output, combined with that of the fresh gas mixer (1), is fed into the inspiratory branch, a breathing gas escape valve (7) and a breathing gas reservoir (9). The computing and control unit (10) is connected to the fresh gas mixer (1), to the respiration drive (2) and to the volume flow sensor (3) in order to receive signals and send control commands. The fresh gas volume flow FG discharged from the fresh gas mixer (1) and the inspiration volume flow I flowing into the inspiratory branch are determined in the method in the computing and control unit (10).

Abstract: An infant nasal interface prong device for use with an nCPAP system. The device includes first and second nasal prongs and a base. Each prong includes a bellows segment, a tip, and a lumen. The tip extends from the bellows segment to a tip end and is adapted for insertion with an infant's naris. The lumen extends through the tip and the bellows segment. In an undeflected state, a central axis of the lumen along the bellows segment is transversely offset from the lumen axis at the tip end. The base is connected to each of the nasal prongs and is adapted for coupling to a CPAP generator. The bellows segment renders the corresponding prong highly flexible relative to the base. The offset positioning of the tip end promotes desired positioning of the base/CPAP generator, relative to the patient and more closely conforms to the expected nasal anatomy.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube apparatus includes an outer cannula having first and second ends, a fenestration along the length of the outer cannula between the first and second ends, and a first inner cannula sized for insertion into the outer cannula. The first inner cannula includes a resilient region which lies adjacent the fenestration when the first inner cannula is properly oriented within the outer cannula, and a valve operatively associated with the first inner cannula. A region between the resilient region and the valve provides a passageway between the first inner cannula and the outer cannula when the first inner cannula is properly oriented within the outer cannula.

Abstract: Described herein are adhesive nasal devices. In particular, the adhesive nasal respiratory devices described herein are configured to be worn in communication with a subject's nasal cavity and may include a rim body having a passageway therethrough, an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway of the rim body, and a flexible, adhesive holdfast layer extending outward from the periphery of the rim body. The rim body region may be formed from multiple parts (e.g., a first and a second rim body region), and the airflow resistor may be secured between the parts forming the rim body. Methods of manufacturing and assembling these adhesive nasal devices are also described.

Abstract: Devices and method for occluding a fallopian tube. The devices, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of expandable occluding members coupled by respective dissolvable connecting members.

Abstract: A mandibular protrusion device includes an upper dental tray to be placed on the upper dental arch of a patient and a lower dental tray to be placed on the lower dental arch, as well as two lateral links for connecting both trays in order to advance or draw back the lower dental arch during a vertical movement between both dental arches, each lateral link including an element of traction attached to the trays via its ends. Each lateral link includes ball pivots having an opening for receiving an end of an element of traction, and each tray includes two lateral seats for accommodating a ball pivot connected to an element of traction so that the lateral links are connected to the trays via a ball pivot joint. A corresponding lateral link and a method for assembling the mandibular protrusion device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for delaminating tobacco in the form of slices from a layered parcel comprise conveyor means for delivering a parcel of tobacco to a separating location and a rotatable tine assembly mounted on an axis extending at right angle to the conveyor means and parallel the layering of the parcel. The rotatable tine assembly includes a plurality of tines which are pointed and profiled to extend in the direction of rotation of the tine assembly and are driven at a speed greater than that of the conveyor means. The tines are adapted to enter the parcel at an entering location in a direction substantially parallel to the layering of the parcel and to accelerate a layer away from the parcel for effecting separation of the layer of tobacco from the parcel.

Abstract: A smoking article having a tobacco rod of a smokable material and a filter system attached to the tobacco rod of smokable material. The filter system includes a first filter portion and a second filter portion, the second filter portion concentrically positioned with respect to the first filter portion and having a lower resistance to draw than the first filter portion during an initial puff on the smoking article. The second filter portion closes upon contact with the mainstream smoke of the initial puff, such that after the initial puff, the first filter portion has the lower resistance to draw.

Abstract: A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a mouth end segment; a first flavor release segment comprising plant leaf upstream of the mouth end segment; and a second flavor release segment comprising filtration material and a flavorant upstream of the first flavor release segment. The resistance to draw of the second flavor release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the first flavor release segment and the resistance to draw of the second flavor release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the mouth end segment. The multi-component filter preferably further comprises a rod end segment comprising filtration material upstream of the second flavor release segment, which has a lower resistance to draw than the second flavor release segment.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an adjustable multi-barrel hair waving appliance is disclosed herein. The appliance has a plurality of barrels, at least one of which is an adjustable barrel, wherein the barrels are heated during use. In one embodiment two outer barrels and one adjustable center barrel are provided. The center barrel is manually adjusted to be closer or farther from a winged shield that clamps hair against the barrels and is formed to cradle the outer barrels. A locking mechanism locks the center barrel in place after adjustments are made via projections at an end of the center barrel. Adjusting the center barrel closer to the shield results in shallow or tight waves, and deep or loose waves result when the center barrel is adjusted farther from the shield.

Abstract: A method for making a composite item which has a cosmetic product, or layer thereof, and a decorative element. The decorative element is inserted within a seat formed in the cosmetic product and the composite item is inserted within a container for cosmetics. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one through hole within the cosmetic product, or layer thereof, such that the through hole has a size which allows the decorative element to be at least partially inserted therein; fastening or resting the decorative element onto a support which has a base portion that geometrically interferes with at least one inlet opening of the through hole, preventing the base portion from entering the through hole; and arranging, at least partially, the decorative element within the through hole, through the inlet opening with the base portion being engaged with the inlet opening of the through hole.

Abstract: A dental floss container is provided that may include a container that defines a fluid chamber. A hygienic fluid can be present and may be disposed in the fluid chamber of the container. A spool of dental floss is located in the fluid chamber and engages the hygienic fluid. The spool of dental floss may have a center axis that is oriented in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A wash fluid containment system may include side walls that allow the systems to be easily positioned on uneven ground. The side walls are designed to reduce or eliminate binding and/or gaps that occur when conventional systems are placed on uneven ground. In one embodiment, the side walls include different portions that are adjustable relative to each other to allow the side walls to accommodate the uneven ground. The side walls may include one or more horizontally oriented panels that are adjustable relative to one or more vertically oriented support members.

Abstract: A tensile pole tent having improved wind performance, having a polygonal projection in plan view, perimeter catenaries, a flexible canopy continuously attached to the catenaries, corner posts to support the catenaries, a membrane interface or field joint between adjacent membrane modules consisting of, for example, a novel water-shedding keder rail, or a zipper or daisy chain grommets and loops. The membrane interface can be sealed against precipitation by cover flaps that extend upwards from the membrane and come into contact above the interface.

Abstract: Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the respective frame member to form the respective panel when the respective frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connection system is provided to removably connect the first and second panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: A burst disc arrangement for a cryostat comprising a replaceable burst disc (52) held in compression between a high-pressure flange formed at an end of a high-pressure conduit (12), and a low-pressure flange (60) formed at an end of a low-pressure conduit (14). In particular, the burst disc arrangement further comprises: a housing (50) enclosing the high- and low-pressure flanges; and compression means (56), distributed around the housing (50) and being arranged to bear upon the one of the flanges (60), so as to urge it towards the other flange, thereby retaining the burst disc (52) in compression between the flanges. The housing (50) includes a first opening (20) large enough to allow the replaceable burst disc (52) to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An exhaust gas valve assembly includes a housing defining a cavity therein and having an intake port and an exhaust port. A valve seat has a first axial end secured to the housing and a second axial end that is disposed within but decoupled a distance from the housing. The second axial end defines one or more apertures that provide fluid communication between the intake and exhaust ports. A seal is disposed between the second axial end of the valve seat and the housing so as to close the decoupled distance therebetween. A piston is received within and is axially movable relative to the valve seat so as to open and close the one or more apertures and thereby regulate exhaust gas flow between the intake and exhaust ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for holding a faucet handle to a valve stem. The device tightens onto the valve stem when drawn upwardly into the faucet handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device which defines a through hole (21) for the passage of a fluid which may be under overpressure conditions. In addition, the inventive device comprises: a stop plug (26) which can move between an open position and a position in which a first section of the hole (21) is sealed; a stop valve (28) which can move between an open position and a position in which a second section of the hole (21) is sealed; and means (22, 23, 27) for triggering both the movement of the stop plug (26) and the movement of the valve (28) from the open position to the sealing position in response to an overpressure (P2) in the hole (21). The invention is particularly suitable for self-contained equipment used to supply electrical power by means of a fuel cell.

Abstract: A selector valve, comprising a valve chamber having a first valve seat and a second valve seat facing the first valve seat, a first fluid passage communicating with a first valve port on the periphery of the first valve seat of the valve chamber to flow a first working fluid therein, a second fluid passage communicating with the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom or therein, a third fluid passage communicating with a second valve port on the periphery of the second valve seat of the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom, a valve element disposed in the valve chamber and alternately separating from and coming into contact with the first valve seat and the second valve seat, a stem part connected to the valve element, a guide hole movably guiding the valve stem, a storage chamber for a seal means installed around the guide hole, an auxiliary passage allowing the storage chamber to communicate with the first fluid passage, and a solenoid part connected to the stem part for operating a

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm (1) for throttling a volume flow in an air distribution ducting system of an air-conditioning unit of a commercial aircraft. The diaphragm includes a plurality of spring-elastic elements (10) that effect a throttling of the volume flow through the diaphragm (1). The invention also relates to the use of such a diaphragm (1) for installation in an air distribution ducting system of an air-conditioning unit on board a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new liner for repairing a damaged portion of a pipe. A lining tube formed from a non-resin absorbent material has an exterior surface adapted to receive a curable resin and contact an interior wall of the pipe. The present invention also includes a main/lateral liner assembly for repairing the junction between main and lateral pipes using a non-resin absorbent liner for at least a portion of the lining.

Abstract: Hose system for use in an hydraulic system, includes a working hose for the transfer of hydraulic fluid having a pressure substantially higher than atmospheric pressure, and a safety hose surrounding the working hose, the working hose and the safety hose being tightly joined. A pressure transmitter is arranged for indicating a rise in pressure in a space between the two hoses. The system includes at least one bushing for releasable connection to the working hose and the safety hose. The cross-section of the safety hose allows space for the passing of the end couplings of the working hose. The bushing includes a space communicating with the space between the working hose and the safety hose, the space being in communication with a pressure transmitter able to signal an increase in pressure in the space between the working hose and the safety hose.

Abstract: A flexible, typically un-bonded, armored pipe, and a method manufacturing a flexible pipe. The pipe has a center axis and comprises an inner liner surrounded by a radial armoring and an axial armoring, the radial and axial armoring each comprising at least one armoring layer of armoring profiles wound with winding angles ?i relative to the center axis. The winding angle of the innermost armoring layer ?innermost is larger than the winding angle of the outermost armoring layer ?outermost. The outer radial armoring layer has sufficient strength and flexibility to prevent prohibitively large radial deformations of underlying axial armoring layers without considerably increasing the radial contact pressure on underlying axial armoring layer. At least one fibrous layer, comprising at least two fibrous cords wound on an underlying layer, surrounds the outermost armoring layer. The flexible pipe is useful in terrestrial and/or subsea transport of fluids at elevated temperature and/or pressures.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binder capable of certainly identifying the type of a wire reel and automatically adjusting the amount of feeding of the wire wound around the wire reel or the twisting torque on the wire is provided. The reinforcing bar binder feeds a wire while rotating a wire reel mounted in a storing chamber and binds a reinforcing bar. The storing chamber is provided with a first detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of the wire reel and a second detecting means for detecting the number of second to-be detecting portions on the wire reel during the amount of rotation detected by the first detecting means. The binder main body is provided with controlling means for controlling the amount of feeding of the wire or the twisting torque on the wire based on the number of the second to-be-detected portions detected by the second detecting means.

Abstract: In order to increase the hydrogen utilization rate of the cascade storage system, after dispensing gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen vehicle, gaseous hydrogen is transferred via a compressor from at least one storage vessel at a lower pressure to at least one storage vessel at a higher, dispensable pressure. The methods of the present invention economically and efficiently increase the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system by managing the storage of gaseous hydrogen and increasing the utilization rate of gaseous hydrogen stored in a cascade storage system.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a body defining a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage each having a control valve operated by a hand actuated lever pivotally connected to an axially movable tubular member retained by a diaphragm actuated clutch. A fuel spout extends from the body and is surrounded by an annular plastic socket assembly to define therebetween a vapor return passage. The socket assembly includes a first socket member supporting an annular vapor seal for engaging a fuel tank fill tube. The first socket member is supported for universal free tilting movement by a second socket member supported by the body for axial movement. The second socket member supports a pin connected to a crank arm for blocking operation of the clutch, and an annular flexible cover surrounds the socket assembly to protect the socket members which provide unrestricted flow of fuel vapors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.

Abstract: The rubber composition for a tire base tread includes a rubber component containing not less than 15% by weight of a terminal-modified diene rubber having a number average molecular weight prior to modification of 150000 to 400000, a filler, and a compound (vulcanizing agent) represented by the following general formula (1) in an amount of 0.5 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber component: (wherein R represents a benzyl group, and n represents an integer of 3 to 12.