Abstract: The invention relates to a starting method for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, comprising a start-stop system, and to a starting device (10) for carrying out said method, said starting device comprising a starter motor (11) and an insertion device (12, 20) which axially inserts a slip-on pinion (13) into a crown gear (14) of the internal combustion engine when a stop cycle begins. In order to minimize the period until the engine can be restarted, the pinion (13) is resiliently inserted into the still rotating crown gear (14) by means of a pressure spring (25) when the stop phase begins, once the internal combustion engine (15) is switched off but before it comes to a standstill and with the starter motor (11) switched off.

Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine has a piston connected to a crankshaft and reciprocatable in a cylinder, a combustion chamber being defined in part by the piston, and a rotary valve rotatable in a valve housing fixed relative to the cylinder, the rotary valve having a valve body containing a volume defining, in part, the combustion chamber and further having a port giving, during rotation of the valve, fluid communication successively to and from the combustion chamber via inlet and exhaust ports.

Abstract: An oil pump unit comprises a pump shaft and a pump housing which stores the pump shaft. A balancer unit comprises a pair of balancer shafts and a balancer housing which stores the balancer shafts. The pump housing and the balancer housing are coupled to each other at least in the vicinity of a periphery of the pump shaft, and at a coupling portion in the vicinity of the periphery of a power transmission shaft is formed a connection groove which connects the inside to the inside of the coupling portion. Accordingly, it can be retrained that the reliability of journal portions of the balancer shaft of the balancer unit and the like is deteriorated by dusts and the like contained in high-pressure oil from the oil pump unit in a balancer device of an engine.

Abstract: A system for reducing friction in an engine during start-up having an oil canister which holds oil, an air supply unit for providing air to the canister through an air intake line and valve, an oil intake line for transmitting oil from the engine oil reservoir to the canister, and a distribution rod connected to the canister through a distribution line. The distribution rod has various ports for discharging the oil over the engine parts which need lubrication prior to engine start-up. The nozzles may provide precise and uniform discharge patterns. The system may include a controller for receiving the pre-start notification and for controlling the valves and air supply unit.

Abstract: An integrated air flow component is provided for an internal combustion engine air induction system having an air inlet duct. The integrated air flow component includes an air flow separator in the duct including air flow guidance surfaces downstream of the air cleaner. An engine air duct is also provided.

Abstract: Providing a control method for controlling an engine of a precombustion chamber type, whereby the misfiring in the precombustion chamber is surely prevented.

Abstract: A throttle valve controller for an internal combustion engine has a throttle valve driven by a motor. The target opening of the throttle valve is determined based on the operating state of the vehicle or internal combustion engine. A first lower limit is determined beforehand as the minimum target opening, and a second lower limit is set which is smaller than the first lower limit if the determined target opening is smaller than a predetermined opening and/or if the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is lower than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A fuel-pressure waveform detector has a detect-waveform obtaining unit for obtaining a multi-stage injection pressure waveform by means of a fuel-pressure sensor while performing a multi-stage fuel injection during one combustion cycle. A model waveform memory stores a reference model pressure waveform of when a single fuel injection is performed. A waveform extracting unit extracts a pressure waveform due to the subject fuel injection by subtracting the reference model pressure waveform from the multi-stage injection pressure waveform. A correction unit corrects the reference model pressure waveform in such a manner that its attenuation degree becomes larger as a fuel injection period of the subject fuel injection is longer.

Abstract: In a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine using a control device, a setpoint value of a first fuel injection quantity is specified for a first combustion cycle, and the first fuel injection quantity is injected. A combustion pressure is ascertained during the first combustion cycle, and in a further step, a setpoint value of a second fuel injection quantity is ascertained for a second combustion cycle based on the combustion pressure.

Abstract: Each cylinder bank of the internal combustion engine is assigned in each case one injection event memory (EES), an injection determining process (EEP) and an injection execution process (EAP). In the respective injection determining process (EEP), desired injection events (EE) are determined for the associated cylinder bank. These injection events are stored in succession in the respectively associated injection event memory (EES). In the respective injection execution process (EAP), injection events (EE) are retrieved in succession from the associated injection event memory (EES) and executed in a sequence in which they were stored in the associated injection event memory (EES) by the associated injection determining process (EEP) (FIFO: first in first out). The in each case next injection event (EE) is executed only after the end of an execution of the in each case previously executed injection event (EE).

Abstract: A control apparatus and control method is provided for an internal combustion engine that includes a vaporized fuel tank in which vaporized fuel is stored, and a normally-closed vaporized fuel supply valve that opens and closes a connecting portion between the vaporized fuel tank and a surge tank. This apparatus and method produce vaporized fuel by injecting fuel into the tank while the vaporized fuel supply valve is closed while the engine is operating, then open the vaporized fuel supply valve at engine startup and supply the vaporized fuel stored in the tank to the surge tank. If there is no vaporized fuel remaining in the vaporized fuel tank when the engine stops, vacuum is generated in the vaporized fuel tank by temporarily opening the vaporized fuel supply valve before the engine stops. Vaporized fuel is then produced by injecting fuel into the vaporized fuel tank in this vacuum state.

Abstract: In a control of an internal combustion engine control apparatus, the control apparatus includes: a fuel tank that stores a fuel; a vaporized fuel tank that is connected to an intermediate portion of an intake passageway of an internal combustion engine and that stores a vaporized fuel that is formed by vaporization of the fuel; an in-tank fuel supply device that supplies the fuel from the fuel tank into the vaporized fuel tank; and a normally-closed vaporized fuel supply valve that opens and closes a connecting portion between the vaporized fuel tank and the intake passageway. The control apparatus estimates air/fuel ratio in the vaporized fuel tank, and produces the vaporized fuel in the vaporized fuel tank by driving the in-tank fuel supply device, with the vaporized fuel supply valve closed, until the estimated air/fuel ratio becomes substantially zero, during operation of the engine.

Abstract: In a gas inlet casing of a turbocharger that compresses combustion air for an internal combustion engine and forcibly feeds high-density air into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, a space formed between an inner casing and an outer casing is configured to serve as a first exhaust gas channel for guiding exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine to the outer periphery side of a turbine nozzle. A second exhaust gas channel for guiding exhaust gas that branches at an intermediate point in the first exhaust gas channel to the inner periphery side of the turbine nozzle is formed at the inner periphery side of the inner casing. An intermediate portion of the first exhaust gas channel and a gas inlet of the second exhaust gas channel are communicated through an exhaust gas pipe, and an on/off valve is connected at an intermediate point thereof.

Abstract: An EGR control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling an inert gas amount of two types of EGR gas supplied to cylinders of the engine via two paths different from each other, thereby making it possible to ensure a stable combustion state, reduced exhaust emissions, and improve operability. The EGR control apparatus includes low-pressure and high-pressure EGR devices, and an ECU. The ECU controls the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts according to engine speed and demanded torque, and when a combination of engine speed and demanded torque is in a predetermined region, the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts are controlled such that inert gas in low-pressure EGR gas exceeds in amount inert gas in high-pressure EGR gas, and the former more exceeds the latter as engine speed is higher or demanded torque is larger.

Abstract: In ventilation system and method for a supercharge engine, in a middle load driving region of the engine in which the boost pressure of position of an intake air passage located at the downstream side with respect to a throttle valve is positive and is lower than a set pressure (P1), with importance placed on the ventilation of a crank chamber, a relatively large quantity of fresh air is introduced into the crank chamber and, on the other hand, in a high load driving region in which the boost pressure is equal to or higher than the set pressure (P1), with importance placed on the engine output, the large quantity of fresh air is supplied to the engine so that, while the deterioration of engine oil within the crank chamber suppressed, the output reduction of the engine in the high load driving region can be suppressed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed that generally involve split-cycle engines in which a combustion event is initiated in a crossover passage that interconnects a compression cylinder and an expansion cylinder of the split-cycle engine. In one embodiment, the compression piston leads the expansion piston by a phase shift angle so that, for example, a substantial amount of the combustion event can occur in the crossover passage at a constant volume.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device and a control method therefore in which feedback control is performed such that a detected air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas detected on the basis of a critical electric current flowing in a solid electrolyte layer of an air-fuel ratio sensor when an air-fuel ratio detection voltage is applied between an exhaust-side electrode layer and an atmosphere-side electrode layer of the sensor matches a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. When a parameter acquired as an imbalance determination parameter is larger than an imbalance determination threshold, an air-fuel ratio inter-cylinder imbalance state is determined to have occurred.

Abstract: A two-stroke cycle combustion engine of an air scavenging type includes one or more scavenging passages (13, 14) for communicating a crank chamber (2a) and a combustion chamber (1a) with each other, an air passage (10) for supplying an air (A), an introducing passages (16) for introducing the air (A) from the air passage (10) into an upper portion of each scavenging passage (13, 14) from a direction radially outwardly of a cylinder block (1), and a covering member (21) for covering the introducing passage (16) from an outer side. The covering member (21), the upper portion of each scavenging passage (13, 14) and a part of the introducing passage (16) are formed integrally with each other by a scavenging block (20).

Abstract: A compound bow or crossbow employs bowstring cams with bowstring cam grooves and power cord cam grooves. Preferably a pair of generally identical power cord cam grooves are positioned axially above and below the bowstring cam groove. The power cords are anchored to a fixed anchor point, e.g., a pylon, on the near end of the riser or on the near side of the crossbow bar or stock. The power cords do not cross over to the other limb. The reduction in the number of cam wheels and pulleys and in the number of strings or cords results in greater efficiency and higher transfer of energy from the bow to the arrow or bolt. There is no drop-off in pull weight at full draw. The bolt or arrow accelerates throughout the travel of the bowstring, resulting in significantly higher velocity.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for an archery bow including a hollow, elongated cap open at both ends, a first dampening plug inserted into one of the ends of the cap and a second dampening plug inserted to another end of the cap and coupled to the first dampening plug within the cap. Typically the cap is made from a stiff material and the first and second dampening plugs are made from elastic material with the same or different elasticities.

Abstract: A furnace comprising both overall heating means and local heating means for generating both an ambient temperature and local heating of the specimen so as to be able to simulate a mechanical shock. It therefore lends itself to various tests capable of providing a better evaluation of the self-heating or self-ignition characteristics of a material subjected to a thermal or mechanical stress.

Abstract: A combustion device in the form of an elevated fixed-grate that includes arcuately shaped solid refractory brick with ribs placed thereunder so as to allow horizontal air flow for fuel combustion. The brick are arranged atop one another in a stacked concentric configuration that forms a central fuel passageway and allows cascading of a fuel pile throughout the combustion stages. The device provides the benefit of proper de-ashing online while distributing the underfire air radially around the fuel pile. The elevated design of the bricks allows the air to be evenly distributed throughout the fuel pile and further allows the isolation of overfire and underfire air. Segregating overfire and underfire air in an evenly distributed manner allows the burner to combust a wide range of fuel moisture contents without modifying the mechanical components of the burner.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling arrays of solar thermal energy collectors. Rows of the array are actuated sequentially or consecutively rather than concurrently.

Abstract: Thermal solar energy collector, in which a solar radiation absorption panel, inside which the heat-conducting fluid flows, is situated inside a parallelepipedal box, with an opening having a transparent cover at the front, which may be doubled so as to leave an atmospheric space in the middle. The rear wall of the box has a system of seals and reservoirs which are inset in the wall so that they accommodate the expansion and contraction of vertical tubes of the panel and horizontal connections by means of gentle changes in curvature of the tube bends and slight rotations of the reservoirs, with the addition of a system for filling the box with an inert gas, the pressure of which may be chosen from a range of between a thousandth of an atmosphere and one atmosphere, there being provided for this purpose an external gas circuit, with low- and high-pressure tanks, an intermediate compressor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar absorber element forming a solar absorber of a solar receiver including providing a substrate, placing at least one projection within the substrate, and attaching the projection to the substrate with an attachment functionality operative to attach the projection to the substrate, thus defining the solar absorber element, the solar absorber being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein and be heated by solar radiation penetrating the projection of the solar absorber element.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an airway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve in the airway comprises a piezoelectric element which controls the valve, and a reservoir in communication with the airway is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation so that the pharmaceutical formulation may be introduced into the airway and passed through the outlet in an aerosolized form. The piezoelectric element may alternatively or additionally be used to sense a condition in the aerosolization device.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery device (10) for a medicament comprising: a housing (50), a receptacle (54) holding a medicament (80) in the form of a powder; and a source of propellant (53), characterized in that the housing (50) provides an inlet (63) and an outlet (56) for the receptacle (54) wherein the inlet (63) is in fluid communication with the source of propellant (53) and is directed against the medicament (80) and the outlet (56) is spaced from the medicament (80) to allow aerosolisation of the medicament (80); the device (10) provides improved delivery efficiency, particularly a delivered fine particle fraction of greater than 20% by weight.

Abstract: A sensor support arm, adapted for use with a breathing mask such that the arm is extendable underneath a sealing surface of a breathing mask is disclosed. The arm is adaptable at one end for fixing on to equipment worn by a user, having a sensor disposed at an opposing end positionable in the interior of a breathing mask. The arm has lead connections necessary for the sensor extending along the arm. The arm has a greater width than thickness and comprises a flexible material such that it is flexible about both longitudinal and transverse axes. The arm is provided with a substantially planar side. A breathing mask having a freely self-supporting sensor arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure support device (50) such as, such a CPAP machine (50), is provided, which includes a housing (51), and a controller (64) enclosed by the housing (51). The controller (64) operates the CPAP machine (50) independently or in combination with an accessory (70) such as, for example and without limitation, a humidifier (70). A user interface (66) is operably (74) coupled to the controller (64) and includes a primary display (72), a secondary display (74) and a single control (76). The single control (76) is operable in a first mode of operation to adjust operating parameters of the CPAP machine (50), and in a second mode of operation to adjust operating parameters of the humidifier (70). The secondary display (74) preferably comprises a dead front (74), which is operational (e.g., without limitation, visible) only in the second mode of operation. A method of operating a pressure support device (50) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides dry powder formulations suitable for the inhalatory administration by means of a dry powder inhaler, comprising an antimuscarinic drug as active ingredient. The invention also provides processes for the preparation of such a formulation and method for the prevention and/or treatment of a wide range of conditions including respiratory disorders by administering such a formulation.

Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizing device configured for use with a disposable bottle to employ the disposable bottle as a collection device for collecting and delivering the vapor to a user. The vaporizing device includes a threaded connector portion configured to engage with the threaded bottle connector found on a conventional beverage container, such as a water bottle, soda bottle, sports drink bottle, or the like. The vaporizing device is configured to receive and heat herbal contents to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly for filtering a gas stream. The filter assembly including a number of filter elements structured to be disposed in a gas stream. The filter assembly further including a heating element for heating each of the number of filter elements, the heating element being structured to be disposed in the gas stream for directly heating the gas stream as the gas stream passes therethrough.

Abstract: An air on demand breathing system using a dynamic transducer for controlling air is disclosed. As the compressor of the system only provides air within the hose line when a threshold has been reached as determined by the dynamic transducer battery consumption is extended as the battery does not have to provide power to the system at all times. A novel removal and replacement configuration for the one or more batteries of the system is also described.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter bed comprising at least one chemical filtering medium and a pleated filter element. The pleated filter element includes a particulate filtering medium and at least one chemical filtering medium. In one implementation, the pleated element includes a non-woven web of polymeric fibers and more than 60 percent weight sorbent particles enmeshed in the web. At least one chemical filtering medium in the pleated element and at least one chemical filtering medium of the filter bed can be designed to be capable of targeting different chemical substances. Some filter assemblies of the present disclosure may be disposed within an interior of a fluid-impermeable housing having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A stress deformable and sealed breathing mask that includes an air permeable rectilinear mask body having at least one layer of air filtering material and a resilient sealing strip at an upper edge of the mask body for sealing engagement with a user's face. An upper attachment strap is in a laced engagement with the mask body and the resilient sealing strip such that tightening of the upper attachment strap about a user's head causes the resilient sealing strip to resiliently deform substantially to the contour of the user's face in the bridge area of the user's nose. A lower attachment strap secures the bottom of the mask body against a portion of the user's face below the user's mouth.

Abstract: A patient interface that reliably and comfortably seals a user's face by providing an oral-nasal mask that includes an integrated nasal interface. The patient interface includes a seal member having an oral cushion portion configured to surround the user's mouth and a nasal interface portion that provides an interface with the user's nose. The seal member, including the oral cushion portion and the nasal interface portion, is a unitary member. Finally, the nasal interface portion remains below the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction.

Abstract: The device has first and second flexible straps forming loops with a soft chin portion fitting under a wearer's chin, and a portion extending around the head, with a frontal bridge portion secured between opposite sides of the loops and being stretched over the front of the wearer's head to pull the lower jaw forwardly and hold it there during sleep. The points of attachment of the bridge easily can be adjusted by the user to maximize effectiveness and comfort.

Abstract: A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has a V-shape with first and second elongated legs configured for implantation in airway-interface tissue. The first and second elongated legs are configured to apply tensile forces to the tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has first and second end portions and a medial portion. The implant body also includes a coupler configured to couple the end portions to one another such that the medial portion encircles targeted tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement oral appliance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea comprises upper and lower thermoformed co-polyester splints, custom fabricated to match the patient's dentition. The splints are interconnected by a thread cord or filament in a pre-fabricated continuous loop with no knot. The loop passes through guide tubes and around pulley's having openings to allow the thread to be forced into them. The thread is made up of braided liquid crystal polymer fiber (Vectran®). This appliance uses a locking device to keep the continuous loop from traveling along itself. This stabilizes the anterior positioning. The locking mechanism comprises an expansion clamp consisting of an oval expansion crank, oval casing and cap. The locking mechanism's function is to restrict movement of the loop, thereby locking the mandible in the desired forward location while the patient sleeps. The loop guide, pulleys and locking device are preferably affixed to the anterior-facing surfaces of the splints.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be placed clampingly on a lower jaw or upper jaw, in particular on the molars and/or pre-molars thereof, essentially consisting of:—at least a left and a right buccal shaped body on the buccal side;—one or more connecting elements between the left and right buccal shaped body, wherein the left and right buccal shaped bodies extend at least along respectively the left and right molars and/or premolars and/or canines; and wherein the one or more connecting elements are adapted to push the left and right shaped bodies into the undercuts of the molars and/or premolars and/or canines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of anchoring an earpiece is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member of moldable expandable, semi-adhesive material. The flexible member has a predetermined shape. The method of anchoring an earpiece includes the steps of placing an earpiece in the ear. The method also includes the steps of shaping the flexible member into a ball and placed the shaped flexible member into the concha portion of the ear, such that the shaped flexible member is disposed the earpiece and the antihelix and the earpiece anchor expands to retain the earpiece in the ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support 5 structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) 10 removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Abstract: A strait jacket is disclosed, which is adapted to fit wearers of more than one clothing size. The strait jacket has a jacket torso body comprising at least two panels, each panel terminating at a lower edge located adjacent to but below the wearer's underarms. Sleeves extend from the torso body to distal ends, and each sleeve has a length greater than the length of the wearer's arms. The distal end of each sleeve includes a fastening device to permit the sleeve to be fastened to the opposite sleeve and to a belt by suitable fasteners at a position behind the wearer's back. An annular jacket collar is located above the jacket torso body, and a strap extends downwardly from the collar. In one embodiment of the invention, the strap extends under the wearer's crotch. A belt strap is adapted to be secured about the wearer's mid rib cage and is further adapted to be attached to the chest strap at a posterior position; and, if desired, at an anterior position.

Abstract: A method for position tracking includes receiving signals from a main position transducer at a distal end of a medical probe via wiring traversing the probe to a connector at a proximal end of the probe, for connection to a processor, which processes the signals to find a first position of the distal end. Calibration data with respect to an interference introduced into the signals at the connector is collected as a function of a position of the proximal end. A second position of an auxiliary position transducer at the proximal end of the probe is measured. The interference in the signals is canceled responsively to the measured second position and the calibration data. The first position is calculated based on the signals, after canceling the interference.

Abstract: A Hookah Coal Screen and more particularly a screen made of a rigid non-fume emitting material (or food grade material) such as stainless steel (preferred option), clay, or possible a high temperature plastic. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a brim/skirt so that the invention functions as a wind guard as well as acts to hold the screen on the tobacco bowl. Also, in the present invention, there is provided an optional handle so that the invention functions as a tray. The handle also consists of a high temperature material and acts to allow the handling of the hot screen. In the option where the brim/skirt is fabricated of a high temperature material, the handle would not be required in order to transport the hot screen. The invention in its entirety may be fabricated or molded of one material, or an assembly of materials.

Abstract: An edible pipe includes a bowl, a stem, and a mouthpiece manufactured by a process that includes forming a patty having an approximately rectangular shape. The process includes cooking the patty, and rolling the cooked patty into a cylindrical shape by inserting the cooked patty into a rolling device having a cylindrical wall with a closed end. The cylindrical wall defines an interior volume of the rolling device and includes an opening along a length of the cylindrical wall for receiving the cooked patty. The rolling device includes a shaft mounted to the closed end. The shaft runs through the interior volume of the rolling device. Rolling the cooked patty includes winding the cooked patty around the shaft of the rolling device, and removing the rolled cooked patty from the rolling device. The process includes forming a bend in the rolled cooked patty to form the edible pipe.

Abstract: The artificial nail includes a thin member having a distal end portion, an opposite free end portion, and a concave lower surface and a convex upper surface extending between the end portions, at least a portion of the concave lower surface having a size and a curvature configured for placement in overlaying substantially conforming relation to at least a portion of a natural fingernail or toenail, the upper surface including an upstanding feature separating and delineating regions abutting opposite sides of the feature. In a method of use, a first liquid hardenable coating material is applied to one of the regions, and a second liquid hardenable material to a second of the regions, such that the first material and the second material are separated and delineated by the upstanding feature. The nail is then abraded to a desired appearance such as of a French manicure.