Abstract: A waste station which facilitates the deposit of urine by a male dog and structured for use primarily, but not exclusively, in an indoor or other environment where the deposit of waste is typically inappropriate. The station includes a base formed of a flexible, absorbent material. An elongated pole, dimensioned to accommodate the size of the dog intending to use the station, is disposed on the base inwardly of the surrounding periphery thereof and includes an absorbent material covering structure disposed in overlying or covering relation to the pole. The base may be removably secured to a supporting surface within the environment and the pole may comprise either a fixed/rigid structure or a collapsible structure and be connected or disposed in an extended, operative orientation extending outwardly from the base. When incorporating the collapsible structure, the pole may be disposed in a substantially collapsed, stored orientation to facilitate storage or transport thereof.

Abstract: The general goal of the present invention is to prevent damage to property resulting from the animal's separation anxiety which typically is a consequence of the pet owner's departure while minimizing the period of time the dog is confined. The most obvious objective is to restrain the animal until it calms down. A similar approach would be to reward the animal with a treat once it has calmed down. We have invented a device that incorporates an automatically releasing door of the kennel. For instance, the owner of a canine would place the dog in a kennel prior to leaving his or her residence. The owner would initiate a timer on the kennel, and the kennel door would automatically open after a pre-determined amount of time, for instance 30 minutes, or some other amount of time that was sufficient to calm the canine's emotions. After the door is automatically open, the canine would be free to exit the kennel for exercise, to access water and/or food, or otherwise explore the dwelling or its surroundings.

Abstract: A pet crate is provided having a blow molded polymeric base along with side, front and top panels made with strong, lightweight polymeric frame members and grates. The grates are used in the front, back and side panels to provide strength as well as a large open mesh area for better visibility and pet comfort. The mesh preferably is provided as hinged access panels at least on the sides. The front and top of the crate are also openable for access to the pet crate. The pet crate is collapsible to a folded, flat condition by unlatching the front panel and stowing it along the inside of the top panel and releasing latches between the top and back panels and the side panels. The side panels, back panel and top panel can then be collapsed inwardly onto one another to form a generally flat, stowed configuration for the pet crate.

Abstract: A chew toy includes a first body comprises a biodegradeable material, the first body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space and a second body that is disposed at least partially in the interior space and extends through the passage to an exterior of the first body. The second body includes a food item. A method of making a chew toy includes inserting a food item into a mold and molding a biodegradable material as a body around the food item. The body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surgical isolator and cradle, suitable for the use in a surgical method involving the removal of prematura eggs from birds in order to generate germ-free eggs and birds. In particular, the surgical isolator is used in the generation of birds of specified germ-free status.

Abstract: A cooling circuit for the thermal engine of an automotive vehicle includes a main loop that includes a first exchanger for collecting the heat from a first heat source, a first radiator and a pump connected in series by ducts for the circulation of a cooling liquid, the temperature of the cooling liquid being kept under normal operation conditions at a temperature lower than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. The cooling circuit includes a first bypass of the main loop in parallel relative to said first radiator, the first bypass including sequentially, in the circulation direction of the cooling liquid, a second exchanger for collecting the heat from a second heat source and a second radiator connected in series by ducts for the circulation of the cooling liquid, the temperature of said cooling liquid at the outlet of said second exchanger being set, under normal operation conditions, at a temperature higher than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A cooling circuit of an engine may include a water pump provided at a coolant circulation line, an engine provided with a water jacket forming a pathway through which a coolant supplied from the water pump passes, and having a coolant inflow line and a coolant exhaust line, a radiator connected to the coolant exhaust line, a thermostat selectively connecting the radiator with the water pump to control a coolant flow, a first cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a heater, a first return line connecting the heater to the water pump through the thermostat, a second cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a throttle body, a third cooling line connecting the throttle body to an oil cooler, and a second return line connecting the oil cooler to the first return line to guide a coolant exhausted from the oil cooler to the first return line.

Abstract: A cylinder block includes a scavenging passage, which extends between a combustion chamber and a crankcase chamber to communicate them together and has a scavenging port defined in the cylinder block so as to open at an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder block. An intake passage or exhaust passage, the scavenging passage including the scavenging port and a throughhole defined therebetween are formed by the use of a molding piece movable in a direction towards the fuel intake passage or exhaust passage and the throughhole is closed by a lid.

Abstract: In one example, a method is described for an engine with a hydraulically actuated phaser for adjusting cam timing. The phaser is controlled by a hydraulic spool valve, for example, having a de-energized position that results in hydraulic force urging the phaser to a base timing. When it is desired to operate the cam timing at base timing, rather then leave the spool valve in a de-energized position that can generate leakage, the spool valve is adjusted to near a null position to reduce the hydraulic pressure drop across the cam journal and thus reduce oil leakage. In this way, it is possible to maintain base timing, while also reducing leakage.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes a camshaft with a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe, a cam follower with a first follower contacting the first cam lobe and a second follower contacting the second cam lobe, a connection rotatably connecting the first follower to the second follower, a main body supporting the first follower and the second follower, a connector selectively connecting the first follower and the second follower to the main body, a lost motion elastic member provided on the main body for supplying restoring force to the first follower and the second follower, and a valve configured to be opened and closed by the cam follower.

Abstract: A mechanism for actuating a poppet valve (28) of an internal combustion engine, comprises two coaxially mounted cams (12,14), cam followers (18,20) in contact with the respective cams (12,14) mounted on a common summation lever (16) which is movable in proportion to the instantaneous sum of the lifts of the two cams (12,14), and a rocker (24) pivotably connected to the summation lever (16) and serving to open the engine valve (28). The rocker is pivotable about a pivot (126) having a fixed preset position and a control spring (134) is provided between the summation lever (16) and a fixed point on the engine to urge the rocker (24) into contact with the tip of the valve (28) and the pivot (126) while the valve is closed.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves including a first torsional bias spring disposed on a cover plate spring guide and grounded to the cover plate and to a slot in a spring retainer to urge the rotor toward an intermediate locking position from any position retarded of the locking position. A second torsional bias spring also anchored to the cover plate and spring retainer urges the rotor in the advance direction over the full range of phaser authority to compensate for added camshaft torque loads imposed by non-valve actuating functions such as driving a mechanical fuel pump.

Abstract: A driven-side rotator is rotatable synchronously with a camshaft and is supported between a gear member and a sprocket member of the driving-side rotator in an axial direction. A stopper portion of the driven-side rotator is adapted to contact the driving-side rotator in a rotational direction to limit a change in a relative phase between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The stopper portion radially outwardly projects from a small diameter portion provided at one end part of the driven-side rotator. A large diameter portion is provided at the other end part of the driven-side rotator and has a radial size that is measured from a rotational axis to a radially outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion and is equal to or larger than that of the stopper portion.

Abstract: Device for coupling two valve activating levers of an internal combustion engine with at least one carrier body (1) mounted on the internal combustion engine, wherein at least one hollow shaft (2) in which oil of the internal combustion engine is stored is attached to the carrier body, and a coupling pin (9) is supported parallel to the hollow shaft (2) in each of the valve activating levers (4a, 4b) and is spring loaded on one side and loaded by pressurized fluid on the other side in such a way that the coupling pin (9) connects or releases the valve activating levers (4a, 4b), wherein control of the pressurized fluid that is taken advantageously from the oil circuit of the internal combustion engine is realized by at least one electromagnetically activated valve (14) and wherein the supply of pressurized fluid is realized by channels (13) that are provided in the carrier body (1) or carrier bodies of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a tappet clearance adjusting cover coupled with a secondary air valve. The tappet clearance adjusting cover is disposed on a cylinder head of an engine. The secondary air valve includes a recessed element and a cap which jointly form a receiving space receiving therein a one-way valve. The recessed element is provided with an inlet pipe interposed between the cap and the tappet clearance adjusting cover. By disposing the secondary air valve on the tappet clearance adjusting cover and arranging the inlet pipe between the cap and the tappet clearance adjusting cover, with the one-way valve received in the receiving space of the secondary air valve, heat dissipation can be improved while the one-way valve is protected against premature deterioration and carbon deposition caused by a high-temperature exhaust gas from the cylinder head. Thus, reliability as well as a service life of the one-way valve is effectively increased.

Abstract: A laser beam ignition system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The laser beam ignition system comprises a laser configured to generate a laser beam, and a beam steering unit comprising a lens and a prism both configured to cooperatively transmit the laser beam to focus on an oxygenated fuel mixture supplied into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A beam steering unit and a method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine are also presented.

Abstract: An air intake system for internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold having an inlet flange and a throttle body attached to inlet flange. The throttle body includes a matching throttle body flange which physically mates with the intake flange. A friction promoting surface having a positive coefficient of sliding friction is incorporated in at least one of the inlet flange and the throttle body flange so that sliding motion of the throttle body relative to the intake manifold will be resisted.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine employing a valve regulating the passage of a fluid between the hollow interior of the combustion chamber and the atmosphere. The valve includes a valve body having a valve opening and a blade track passing around the valve opening. A guillotine blade slides linearly along the blade track between an open position in which said fluid may pass through the valve opening and a closed position in which the fluid is restricted from passing through the valve opening. A reciprocating driver moves the guillotine blade along the blade track when actuated by an electronic control signal.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block defining a cylinder bore, a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, and a valve seat insert. The cylinder head may include an intake port, defining an inlet in fluid communication with an air source and an outlet in fluid communication with the cylinder bore. The valve seat may be defined at the outlet of the intake port and may include a stepped region. The stepped region may define a seating surface extending radially outward from the intake port. The seating surface may include a series of protrusions circumferentially spaced from one another around the outlet and forming a series of recesses therebetween. The valve seat insert may be located within the stepped region and may include a first axial end surface abutting the protrusions on the seating surface.

Abstract: A balancing assembly of an engine may include a crankshaft in which crank pins each connected to a connecting rod, are disposed at both ends thereof, and that is equipped with a counterweight opposite to and corresponding to each crank pin, a balance shaft that is disposed at a distance from the crankshaft and that rotates by the crankshaft, and a balance weight that is eccentrically formed with a balance shaft and that absorbs vibration.

Abstract: An unfinished cylinder head casting for producing a cylinder head for internal combustion engines powered with diesel fuel includes a sealing surface, intended for mounting in a finished state on a corresponding sealing surface of an engine block, and designed on a sealing surface section of the unfinished cylinder head casting. A thickness of the sealing surface section in a casting state exhibits a machining allowance in relation to its set thickness, obtained after a material-removing finishing of the sealing surface. The sealing surface includes a combustion chamber region, associated with a combustion chamber formed in the engine block. In the case of such a cylinder head, an optimum load-bearing capacity is achieved in a simple manner in that a combustion chamber region sealing surface section machining allowance amounts to a maximum of 15% of the machining allowance of the sealing surface section in the remaining region of the sealing surface.

Abstract: A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part with a piston crown, and a lower piston part, each of the piston parts having an inner and an outer support element that delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel and an inner cooling chamber. The cooling chamber bottom has an opening. A holding element is disposed in the inner cooling chamber and extends from the underside of the piston crown vertically toward the opening. The holding element carries a closure element that closes the opening and has at least one cooling oil opening.

Abstract: A variable stroke engine has a crankshaft, a camshaft, and a rotational shaft, having an eccentric shaft, which are rotatably supported in a crankcase so as to have axes parallel to one another. A connecting rod is connected, at one end portion thereof, to a piston by a piston pin, and a control rod is connected, at one end portion thereof, to the eccentric shaft. The other end portion of the connecting rod and the other end portion of the control rod are linked to each other by a link member rotatably supported on the crankshaft. A rotative power of the crankshaft is transmitted to the camshaft and the rotational shaft, respectively. A timing driving wheel transmitting the rotative power to the camshaft side is mounted on the crankshaft, and a timing driven wheel driven by the timing driving wheel is mounted on the rotational shaft.

Abstract: In a blowby gas treatment system for a multiple cylinder engine, in which: a first cylinder and a second cylinder are provided to the engine; a first fuel supply device that always operates during operation of the engine is connected to the first cylinder; and a second fuel supply device that is capable of stopping an operation thereof during the operation of the engine is connected to the second cylinder, first and second branch pipes of an intake manifold are connected to the first and second cylinders, and a blowby gas outlet of a breather chamber and a blowby gas inlet opening into the first branch pipe communicate with each other via a breather pipe, the breather chamber collecting a blowby gas of the engine. Accordingly, when any of the cylinders is stopped, it is possible to easily prevent a blowby gas from flowing toward the stopped cylinder.

Abstract: An ignition plug for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a pre-combustion chamber cell (150) and at least three exhaust nozzles (160, 170). The pre-combustion chamber cell (150) is disposed to surround a pair of electrodes (140b) in the lower portion of a main cell (110) and is formed in the inner portion where the electrodes (140) are contained. Meanwhile, a circular main exhaust nozzle (160) through which a fluid goes in and out is disposed in the central region of the pre-combustion chamber cell (150). The ignition plug enables the whole engine to have a quick combustion speed. As a result, a more reliable improvement of a combustion performance can be obtained. Also, a fuel-to-air ratio can be enhanced, and an exhaust gas reduction effect can be obtained.

Abstract: An intake control device for an internal combustion engine having a first intake passage (5); a second intake passage (8); an intake passage length-changing valve (11); a partition (14) that partitions the intake passage into two partitioned intake passages (12, 13); and a tumble control valve (17). When one of the partitioned intake passages (12) is closed by the tumble control valve (17), air drawn into a combustion chamber through the open partitioned intake passage (13) forms a tumble flow. The length of the second intake passage (8) is longer than the length of the first intake passage (5) from a surge tank (1) to the connection point (S) between the second intake passage (8) and the first intake passage (5), and the passage cross-sectional area of the second intake passage (8) is smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of the first intake passage (5) from the surge tank to the connection point (S).

Abstract: A work implement in the nature of a drive for a tool includes a starting and/or switching-off braking device for the tool. A brake button is provided which can be externally actuated by a user, with which a starting and/or switching-off brake can be released. A device is also provided which can change the rotational speed of the drive, the device having a throttle button capable of being actuated by the user from outside. The brake button and the throttle button are arranged on a handle so that they can be contacted simultaneously by the hand of a user, where the throttle button can be actuated when the starting and/or switching-off brake is applied.

Abstract: An engine control module includes a spark control module, an engine speed module, a residual determination module, and a metric determination module. The spark control module actuates spark plugs based on a commanded spark timing. The engine speed module determines a desired engine speed based on an engine temperature and a period of time an engine is in operation after a cold start. The residual determination module determines a desired spark timing based on the desired engine speed, and determines a residual spark timing based on a difference between the commanded spark timing and the desired spark timing. The metric determination module detects a spark timing fault based on the residual spark timing and a predetermined spark timing range.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.

Abstract: The pressure controlling electromagnetic valve comprises an electric sub-assembly (1) provided with a coil (3) and the yoke thereof (4) associated with a hydraulic sub-assembly (2) provided with a seat (7), which a conduit (9) connecting two high and low-pressure fluid circuits (10, 11), respectively, passes through, sealing means (8) of said conduit (9), a pusher (12) sliding in a pole piece (19) and actuating said sealing means (8), a movable core (13) which is connected to the pusher (12) and whose displacement is controlled by the coil (3), wherein said electric (1) and hydraulic (2) sub-assembly form two distinct unit blocks.

Abstract: A lubrication apparatus of a fuel pump, which lubricates a tappet and a fuel pump drive cam of the fuel pump, may include a cylinder head having an oil gallery formed therein and a camshaft disposed therethrough, wherein the fuel pump is coupled to the cylinder head, and a penetrating passage penetrating the cylinder head and connected to the oil gallery to supply oil from the oil gallery to the inside of a fuel pump adaptor connected to the fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel pumping system comprises a high pressure pump having a drive input, a drive gear driven for rotation, in use, by the drive input, an idler gear driven by the drive gear, and an output gear driven by the idler gear, wherein the output gear is arranged to drive a rotor of an electrical generator and the idler gear is arranged to drive a rotor of a low pressure pump.

Abstract: A crank case ventilation system for ventilation of blow by gases from an internal combustion engine includes a crank case ventilation pipe connectable with a first end to the internal combustion engine for receiving blow by gases from the internal combustion engine and with a second end to an air inlet pipe provided upstream of a turbo and/or a super charger, where the second end of the crank case ventilation pipe is provided for delivering blow by gases to the air inlet. At least a part of at least one heat pipe is provided inside the crank case ventilation pipe, where the at least one heat pipe is provided for transporting compressed air to an inlet downstream the turbo and/or the super charger.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of using lean fuel-air mixtures at all operating regimes of a spark ignition engine, which is provided with an intake port fuel injection system, wherein said method is characterized in that in order to achieve the efficient lean mixture combustion process, an HHO oxy-hydric gas direct injection should be at a minimum pressure of 10 bar, during compression stroke, after intake valve closing, so that the hydrogen/fuel mixture volumetric fractions value is within the range of about 15% to 25%.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A methanol injection line is in fluid communication with a source of supplemental methanol, and a methanol valve is fluidly coupled to the methanol injection line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the methanol valve to allow a flow of supplemental methanol to the engine intake.

Abstract: A crossbow having a crossbow grip guard that has a member that extends outwardly in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbow barrel or stock, and wherein the member extends for a length in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbow barrel or stock.

Abstract: A toy projectile launcher for launching a projectile from a housing having a trigger mounted to the housing which can be depressed to actuate a motor. A mechanical linkage operatively interconnects the motor with an actuator which generates a source of pressurized air upon movement of the actuator from its cocked to its un-cocked position to effect automatic repeated movement of the actuator to its cocked position and release from its cocked position. Repeated intermittent sources of pressurized air are generated for sequential launching of projectiles. Disclosed embodiments also include a toy projectile launcher having an air passageway through which compressed air is passable to a plurality of sequential projectile holders holding respective projectiles to be launched. The projectile holders are advanced into operative launching engagement with the air passageway sequentially by an advancing mechanism.

Abstract: A toy gun includes a body, a pinion located in the body and a turning member mounted to rotate about the pinion. A number of barrels each rotate upon the turning member at radial positions. Each barrel has a gear meshing with the pinion. Each barrel has a circular array of projectile-receiving tubes. An indexing mechanism causes the turning member to rotate about the axis whereupon the meshing interaction of the gears with the pinion causes orbital movement of the barrels about the axis as they rotate with respect to the turning member. As a result, each projectile-receiving tube is delivered to the firing position.

Abstract: According to the present invention, by providing an extremely simple member such as a partition wall having a microscopic hole section, it is possible to reliably reduce the speed of a bullet to within a fixed speed, even a complicated decompression device such as a regulator is not provided. As a result, manufacturing time for the air gun is shortened, it is possible to lower manufacturing cost, and there is the effect of improving the manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: The present method of grinding side ridge line portion and a side surface of concrete blocks having the flowing steps: providing a rotating shaft of the grinding machine to be rotationally supported by lower ends of two vertical bars facing each other in the direction in which a conveyor is advanced and suspended from a frame above the conveyor and positioning an axis of the rotating shaft to be laterally and above the conveyor, moving the concrete blocks to a position where it is ground by the conveyor and then positioning the concrete blocks to make side ridge line portions on the bottom surfaces thereof protrude from the conveyor, and grinding the side ridge line portions and/or side surfaces on the upper or the bottom surface of the concrete block by lowering the grinding machine suspended from above the concrete block, the side ridge line portions and/or the side surfaces of the concrete blocks are ground by abutting the grinding machine against the surface of concrete blocks, while at the same time rota

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus features a cabinet having a firebox that heats an oven interior within the cabinet. The firebox also cooks food items placed on a grill panel that is supported above the firebox with a grill support frame. The firebox and grill support frame can be removably attachable to the cabinet.

Abstract: An aerospace platform includes a structure having a cavity and a light-transmissive portion that exposes the cavity to sunlight. The aerospace platform further includes a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system includes a fluid-carrying, thermally absorptive structure within the cavity, and a solar collector for collecting light transmitted through the light-transmissive portion and focusing the collected light onto the absorptive structure. The thermally absorptive structure has a high surface absorptivity that retains thermal energy when exposed to solar irradiance and heats fluid contained therein.

Abstract: Developed is a solar cooker with triangle reflective sides. Above and below are two movable solar reflecting panels that can be adjusted to focus light onto a frying pan using a glass lid, an insulating pad, and a surrounding plastic bag to trap solar light for cooking. The triangle reflective sides are used also to adjust and support the two movable solar reflecting panels via movable pegs. In the corners adjacent to the triangle sides, back reflective plate and reflective floor plate is an invented reflective-tilted-equilateral-triangle-plate with each of the three angles at 60 degrees in all three horizontal and vertical dimensions, to capture and reflect light towards the solar cooking area dishware. At night the entire solar cooker can be folded down to form a storage space. The entire solar cooker is foldable for shipping.

Abstract: Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to environmentally harmful pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention is motivated by the fact that heliostats are the single biggest cost element for utility-scale central receiver solar thermal powerplants. This invention provides a low-cost heliostatic mirror with protective inflation stabilizable surface element means for providing adverse weather performance & survival, where the inflation stabilizable surface element means include inflation stabilizable near-spherical surface element means and may include inflation stabilizable near-cylindrical surface element means.

Abstract: A device for detecting the relative humidity in a respiratory circuit is provided which includes a housing closed towards the outside by a transparent element, and towards the inside by a membrane permeable to the humidified gas passing through the equipment to which the device is applied and wherein the housing includes a humidity indicator element.

Abstract: An anaesthesia apparatus has a control unit that controls a gas flow of a flushing gas through at least part of the anaesthesia apparatus so as to flush anaesthetic agent from the apparatus when the apparatus is not connected to a patient. In this way the remaining anaesthetic agent can be removed from the anaesthesia apparatus after use before connecting another patient. Pre-use check of the apparatus can be performed automatically.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for delivering medicament to a patient includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving a dose of powdered medicament, an inhalation port in fluid communication with the chamber, at least one airflow inlet providing fluid communication between the chamber and an exterior of the housing, and an aeroelastic element in the chamber and associated with a dose of powdered medicament. A tensioning assembly is configured to apply a first amount of tension to the aeroelastic element such that the aeroelastic element is capable of vibrating in response to airflow through the chamber so as to aerosolize the dose of powdered medicament.

Abstract: A seal and a mask using a seal that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a seal support, a second end portion adapted for sealing engagement with a face of a user, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion, second end portion, sidewall, or any combination thereof is formed from an elastomeric material having an elongation of at least 1000%. The seal preferably formed from a unitary piece of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, a spring biases the patient interface device against the patient's face when in use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness assembly and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has an inserting portion and a connecting portion. The inserting portion has an air way tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The connecting portion is connected to the air way tube and has a resilient connector and a connecting sleeve. The resilient connector has a connecting ring connected to the air way tube. The connecting sleeve is mounted around the resilient connector and has a tubular body, a pressing flange formed on the tubular body and at least one slit defined longitudinally in the tubular body and extends through the pressing flange. Movement and vibrations of a patient circuit connected to the tracheostomy tube are not translated into a patient trachea thereby greatly improving patient comfort, safety and quality of life.