Abstract: Provided is a mixer including a ring-shaped swirl chamber; an inlet port which is connected to the swirl chamber in a direction tangential to the outer circumference of the swirl chamber to suck a fuel; a cylindrical vortex chamber coaxially and more inwardly formed with respect to the swirl chamber; a passage which connects the swirl chamber to the vortex chamber; and a taper port which is coaxially connected to the vortex chamber and is configured so that the inner diameter thereof is decreased from the vortex chamber-side end toward the opposite side end; and a supply port which is in communication with the taper port to suck a desired fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fuel/power enhancer for producing sound and ultrasound at different wind speeds and conditions is provided. The enhancer is mountable in an air intake of a vehicle with the vehicle having a predetermined number of cylinders and each cylinder having a combustion chamber. The enhancer comprises at least one band and at least one tubular whistle. A whistle connection mechanism is wrapped around the whistle with the whistle connection mechanism having at least one band receiving aperture and the band insertable through one of the band receiving apertures. At least one stabilizing tab is mounted to the whistle connection mechanism wherein the whistle is shaped and designed to produce sonic and ultrasonic sounds thereby atomizing gas droplets being supplied to the combustion chamber of each cylinder.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition kit is provided for retrofitting an existing engine having a distributor mounted in a distributor opening. The distributorless ignition kit comprises a coil pack having a series of spark plug wire terminals. A mounting bracket is provided for mounting the coil pack to the engine or adjacent the engine. A modified crankshaft pulley having a series of circumferentially spaced timing notches is provided in the kit. Further, there is provided a VR sensor that is adapted to be mounted adjacent the modified crankshaft pulley. A bracket is provided for mounting the VR sensor adjacent the modified crankshaft pulley. In order to direct firing signals from the VR sensor to the coil pack, there is provided a VR sensor cord that connects the VR sensor and the coil pack.

Abstract: A power circuit, which supplies plasma energy to a spark plug, includes a DC/DC converter which charges a tank capacitor, a voltage limiting circuit which restricts an output voltage of the converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor which is connected to the output side of the converter and is charged by the tank capacitor, and a high breakdown voltage switch which is connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controls a charging time period of the PJ capacitor in response to operating conditions of an internal combustion engine; and the power circuit switches a voltage limiting value of the tank capacitor for charging the PJ capacitor in synchronization with a driving signal of the high breakdown voltage switch.

Abstract: A air-fuel ratio control apparatus, applied to an internal combustion engine having a catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine, includes a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor (oxygen concentration cell type oxygen concentration sensor) disposed at a position downstream of the catalyst, and air-fuel ratio control means for controlling, based on an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor, an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine so as to change an air-fuel ratio of a catalyst inflow gas. Further, the air-fuel ratio control means controls the air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine has a cylinder having a cylinder bore with a combustion chamber and an outlet connected with the combustion chamber. A piston is disposed in the cylinder and delimits the combustion chamber. The piston has a piston recess. A crankcase is provided that has a crankshaft rotatably supported therein. The piston drives in rotation the crankshaft. In at least one position of the piston, the crankcase is connected by a transfer passage with the combustion chamber. An air passage is provided as well as a mixture passage that has a mixture inlet that is disposed at the cylinder bore and opens into the cylinder bore and is piston-controlled. The transfer passage is connected by the piston recess to the air passage when the piston is at top dead center. The piston recess has a connection to the mixture inlet in at least one position of the piston.

Abstract: A toy bow assembly used to launch toy projectiles. The toy bow assembly has a rigid bow structure. The bow structure has a first arm section, a second arm section, and a central region. Two separate and distinct elastic elements are provided to launch a projectile. The first elastic element is anchored to the first arm section of the bow structure. A second elastic element is anchored to the second arm section. Both of the elastic elements terminate with loop structures that extend into the central region between the first and second arm sections. A toy projectile is provided that has extending hooks. The hooks on the projectile engage the loop structures of the elastic elements. When the projectile is drawn back, the elastic elements stretch and provide the spring energy needed to launch the projectile into flight when it is released.

Abstract: A crossbow trigger mechanism operable to fire an arrow or bolt. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger operatively connected to a pair of jaws for holding a tensioned crossbow string when the jaws are in a closed position. An arrow or bolt is insertable between the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for providing flexible paintball loading mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the retrofit kit includes a right side portion of a receiver, a left side portion of the receiver, and a bottom removable adapter. The right side portion of a receiver having a first feed hatch is able to receive paintballs through an upper loading mechanism. The left side portion of the receiver after coupling with the right side portion of the receiver to form a receiver is capable of coupling to a barrel as well as a pressured gas container. The bottom removable adapter, in one embodiment, facilitates to receive paintballs via a bottom feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A bullet loader for inserting toy bullets into a magazine is disclosed to include a housing having a bullet chamber, opposing inlet and outlet and a bullet passage in communication between the bullet chamber and the outlet, a press-control device having a press knob and a plunger extended from the press knob and inserted into the bullet chamber and terminating in a repeatedly curved lower plunger portion for pushing toy bullets out of the bullet passage into the outlet, a movable block coupled to the plunger in and horizontally reciprocatable by the repeatedly curved lower plunger portion to turn over storage toy bullets upon a vertical reciprocating motion of the plunger relative to the housing.

Abstract: A paintball propelling device capable of propelling paintballs using bottom feed magazine is disclosed. The paintball propelling device, in one embodiment, includes a receiver and a bottom feed magazine. The receiver, for example, has a top surface facing upward and a bottom surface facing downward at the ground, wherein the bottom surface of the receiver includes a bottom feed port. The bottom feed magazine provides paintballs to the receiver via a bottom feed port of the receiver. The bottom feed magazine, in one aspect, includes a feed tube, an L-shaped tube, and one-way paintball stopper. The feed tube transfers the paintballs from the bottom or floor of the bottom feed magazine to the top of the bottom feed magazine. The L-shaped tube assists to transfer paintballs from paintball reservoir to the feed tube. The one-way paintball stopper is configured to hold paintballs from leaving the feed tube back to the paintball reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that ejects upon triggering, a vehicle tire deflation means such as the popular product STOP-STICK® or any projectile method means. For instance, STOP-STICK® tire-deflation devices are individually engineered and constructed to respond to the specific needs of law enforcement in stopping a moving vehicle or preventing movement of a stationary vehicle. The present invention utilizes a novel gas discharge system to launch and propel a STOP-STICK® or equivalent device; or a plurality of STOP-STICKS® or equivalent devices to be ejected by a law enforcement vehicle in pursuit of a criminal suspect vehicle in motion or in a stationary position. Any law enforcement officer can use the device in different ways without exiting their police vehicle. Further, said present invention can be used to eject any projectile that is fitted to the present invention's inherent qualifications.

Abstract: A paintball marker includes a housing having formed therein a cylindrical chamber with an axis and an open end, and a valve assembly within and coaxial with the chamber. The chamber wall has first and second openings. The valve assembly is configured so that, during one period of revolution about the axis, in a first portion the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening, and in a second portion the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening. The compressed gas entering the chamber during the second portion expels the ball through the open end of the chamber. Delivery of the ball to the housing, and delivery of compressed gas to expel the ball, requires only one moving part, namely the valve assembly revolving in the chamber.

Abstract: A paintball assembly capable of channeling air line or pipe inside of the paintball assembly using a transfer rod is disclosed. The assembly includes a main valve, an air pipe, a bolt, a hammer, and a U-shaped rod. While the main valve is configured to propel a paintball utilizing pressurized gas, the air pipe supplies and channels the pressurized gas to the main valve. The bolt guides or pushes the paintball into a firing chamber, and the hammer manages or controls the main valve for propelling the paintball upon pulling of the trigger. The U-shaped rod is used to synchronize the movement of the bolt and the hammer. In one embodiment, the U-shaped rod is configured in such a way that at least a portion of the U-shaped rod is structured around the air pipe to reduce contact with the air pipe.

Abstract: A method for slicing a workpiece into wafers in which a polyphosphate solution is applied to the workpiece during the slicing process. The method comprises the steps of positioning the workpiece, such as a silicon ingot, in the vicinity of a wire saw that can cut through the workpiece without the use of an abrasive slurry; causing an aqueous polyphosphate solution to contact the workpiece; and causing the wire saw to cut into the workpiece while the polyphosphate solution is in contact with the workpiece. After the workpiece has been cut into wafers, the polyphosphate solution is rinsed off of the wafers. Preferably, the wire saw used in this method is a diamond wire saw.

Abstract: A rock breaking device employs a falling weight and a striker pin or other tool held within a tool holding structure supported by a recoil assembly includes a number of isolator structures that protect the rock breaking device by absorbing excess forces that may be applied to the recoil assembly. Each isolator structure includes a front plate that extends below a lower side of a recoil tube flange. In new rock breaking devices, the front plates may be incorporated as part of the isolator structures. Alternatively, an existing rock breaking device can be retrofitted by welding a heavy plate onto the front of an existing front plate of the isolator structures. The heavy plate extends beyond the lower side of the recoil tube flange to provide greater strength.

Abstract: A stove structure includes a stove body. The stove body has a heat source portion and a wall portion. The wall portion has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are connected by a plurality of cross-section conducting members. Between the inner wall, the outer wall and the cross-section conducting members is provided with a low conductivity coefficient member. The cross-section conducting members extend the heat conduction distance and decrease the contact area of heat conduction. The lower conductivity coefficient member and the cross-section conducting members lower the heat conduction rate. The temperature of the outer wall is lowered to a second temperature and the temperature in the heating portion of the stove body is kept at the first high temperature.

Abstract: An embodiment of filter unit heat exchanger according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such device may include a housing substantially surrounding a heat exchange assembly. Provided through the housing are one or more tortuous fluid flow paths used to direct airflow therethrough around portions of the heat exchange assembly for efficient operation. The tortuous path(s) may be provided by one or more nozzle apertures on an input side of the housing and one or more diffuser apertures on an output side of the housing, where the nozzle apertures and diffuser apertures are offset to cause desired airflow deflection. The filter unit may include desired symmetries so as to improve manufacturability and/or installation.

Abstract: The invention is a stove system that is portable, has a double walled external structure for the passage of air used in combustion of the fuel, which air also maintains the external surface at a cool enough temperature that it can be touched, and which air flow prevents the waste of heat laterally to the ambient air from a hot outer surface. This increases cooking efficiency, because almost all heat that reaches the air flow between the two walls is drawn right into the combustion chamber in the form of preheated air by reason of the chimney effect. Thus almost no heat can escape the outside wall except by reaching the cooking pot bottom and pot sides after passing out the cover vents as exhaust. An internal heat concentrator ring improves the overall efficiency of the burner. The stove is preferably powered with coal, and uses about half as much coal as a conventional coal fired stove resulting from cooking efficiency. Provision is made for generation of electrical energy from the excess stove heat.

Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one flow path through the housing and around the tubes.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an outer cabinet within which is provided an oven cavity which can be selectively accessed by movement of a door mounted through a door linkage system which enables the door to be shifted between opened and closed positions through either sliding or tilting movements. In particular, the door can be automatically or manually shifted between open and closed positions, through either the sliding or tilting motions. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the door can be automatically opened at the end of a process or cooking cycle, or manually opened.

Abstract: An oven door including a frame including a shroud and a pair of side rails for holding in place a glass pane; a hinge for securing the frame to an oven; and a mechanism for holding the oven door in a closed position relative to the oven, in which the glass pane provides a full view of the interior contents of the oven when the oven door is in the closed position.

Abstract: Element of a fire-lighting system of an oven-grill that uses one or more firelighters and fire-lighting method in an oven-grill. Said element of the lighting system comprises an air inlet from a draught system, at least one conduit connected to said air inlet and arranged for guiding an air current to at least one firelighter, in which said air conduit includes at least one tube that has a first end connected to the air inlet and a second end, said second end of said tube having a holder arranged in such a manner as to position at least one firelighter, substantially covering the outlet surface of said second end such that said air current is concentrated in order to strike said firelighter. In this way, the coal-combustion process in the oven-grill is rapidly initiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for an as constant as possible supply of steam flow from an alkane dehydrogenation, the process being carried out by passing a hydrocarbonaceous gas through reaction tubes loadable with a catalyst, and the reaction tubes, which are sealed towards the outside, running through a heating chamber which is heatable by means of burners, and the catalyst being regenerated for the reaction in a cyclic operating mode, in which the reaction is endothermic and the regeneration of the catalyst non-endothermic, and the capacity of the main burners is reduced during the regeneration of the catalyst, in which auxiliary burners, which serve to keep up the production of hot flue gas during the regeneration of the catalyst, are installed at the inlet of the flue gas duct to produce additional hot flue gas which is used for generating an as constant as possible amount of steam from the waste heat of the process.

Abstract: A fully self-contained, transportable burning unit for logging by-products with low calorific value waste. Non-mechanical unit with natural draft to create a hot burn situation with low smoke particulates. Closable screened lid during non-attended times for continued burn.

Abstract: A flexible sheet of aligned carbon nanotubes includes an array of aligned nanotubes in a free standing film form not adhered to the synthesis substrate, with a matrix infiltrated interstitially into the nanotube array with access to the nanotube tips from both the top and bottom. That is, the infiltrant is purposely limited from over-filling or coating one or both exterior top and/or bottom surfaces of the array, blocking access to the tips. A typical matrix is a polymer material.

Abstract: A tankless water heating auxiliary system for a solar water heating system, includes a solar collector; a tankless water heater auxiliary system; an insulated water storage tank storing the potable water; a heat exchange system for heating stored water; and piping for connecting the collector, the storage tank and the heat exchanger in fluid communication. A first sensor is connected to and located adjacent the storage tank for sensing the temperature of the stored water at an outlet of the tank.

Abstract: An energy generation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a sidewall enclosing a perimeter of the base to define a first volume, and a tube having a first end and a second end. The base includes a solar energy collection surface. The first end of the tube is disposed in the first volume adjacent the base, and the second end of the tube is disposed in a second volume outside of the first volume. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow initiator to initiate a flow of a fluid from the first volume to the second volume through the tube when the fluid in the first volume has been heated by the solar energy collection surface to generate a super-adiabatic lapse rate.

Abstract: A water heater system is provided with a solar water heater and an electric water heater having one or more electric heating elements. The solar and electric water heaters are configured to provide a common hot water output. A controller is operatively configured with the water heaters and receives a first signal indicative of a current power demand state of an associated electric utility. In response to the received signal, the controller operates the electric water heater in an energy savings mode during periods of high power demand wherein power consumption of the electric heating elements is restricted. The controller is operatively configured to modulate the degree of power consumption restriction placed on the electric heating elements in the energy savings mode as a function of current hot water supply capacity of the solar water heater.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing solar thermal energy for heating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system is disclosed, in which a thermal-fluid-filled solar-thermal panel that has been sealed to prevent leakage of the thermal fluid. In other embodiments, a method of sealing a solar thermal panel is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the solar thermal panel is sealed by applying heat to one edge of the solar thermal panel, thereby melting the edge and forming a seal.

Abstract: A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The process includes phases of: (I) treatment, initial clarification and concentration (TC) of sugar cane juice, with 13-18° Brix, through treatment, decantation and concentration of the juice, for a syrup concentration of 60-65° Brix; (II) initial clarification and decoloration (CD) of the syrup, with removal of insoluble materials and turbidity, through: (a) flotation of the syrup, (b) filtration of the flotated syrup, (c) demineralization of the filtrated syrup, (d) decoloration of the syrup in a second ionic change column (C2), containing an anionic resin bed, and (e) polish of the syrup in a third ionic change column (C3) containing an anionic resin bed; (III) cooking and crystallization (CC) of the syrup in sugar crystals and their centrifugation for separation of the remaining runoff syrup; and (IV) drying and storage (DS) of the granulated refined sugar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation therapy device having an aerosol generator (1) comprising a membrane (2) that creates fluid droplets from fluid present on one side and gives off said droplets as an aerosol on the other side when the membrane is vibrated, and furthermore, a vibration creation arrangement (3) that is connected to the membrane such that the membrane is vibrated when the vibration creation arrangement is stimulated to vibrate in the activation phases of the aerosol generator by a supplied activation signal. An activation device (10) that is connected to the vibration creation arrangement is designed to supply an activation signal to the vibration creation arrangement (3) in the activation phases (Ex) of the aerosol generator (1), in particular an alternating voltage at several successive intervals (I1 . . . In) spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The present invention application relates to a pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, comprising a peptide which acts on formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) or receptors analogous thereto, in an amount which is effective in suppressing respiratory inflammation. The present invention application also relates to a method for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases by using the preparation, and to a kit containing the preparation. As compared with systemic administration of the peptide by injection, direct administration of the peptide to respiratory organs remarkedly improves the effect in suppressing respiratory inflammation.

Abstract: An anesthesia system is disclosed herein, The anesthesia system may include a pneumatic circuit comprising an inspiratory limb, an expiratory limb, and an endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube may be configured to form a pneumatic coupling between a patient, the inspiratory limb and the expiratory limb. The anesthesia system may also include an anesthesia machine connected to the pneumatic circuit. The anesthesia machine may include a controller configured to identify the presence of a leak in the pneumatic coupling.

Abstract: A patient circuit for delivering improved support to a patient. In one embodiment of the present technology, the patient circuit includes at least one limb that includes: an inlet; an outlet; an enclosing wall defining an interior flow passage between the inlet and the outlet; and a configurable region configured to be adjusted to alter a at least one modifiable characteristic of the at least one limb.

Abstract: A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A subject is prompted to consciously alter one or more breathing parameters of respiration. To prompt the subject to alter one or more breathing parameters, a pressurized flow of breathable gas is provided to the airway of the subject. One or more gas parameters of the gas in the pressurized flow of breathable gas are adjusted to provide breathing cues to the subject that encourage the subject to consciously adjust respiration such that the one or more breathing parameters are altered. Information is also conveyed to the subject through a user interface that dynamically provides information to the subject about the breathing cues.

Abstract: A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject through a gas circuit (16) as part of a therapy regime. Leakage of gas from within the circuit to atmosphere to prevent re-breathing of gas is dynamically adjusted to stabalize the total amount of leakage.

Abstract: A ventilation system having a processor in communication with a mechanical ventilator and a user interface for allowing an individual to operate the system with little or no respiratory care expertise until a respiratory care practitioner can take over operation is disclosed. The ventilation system further includes a function that permits seamless transition between modes of operation.

Abstract: An enrichment device for mixing ambient air with a gas such as oxygen has a rigid outer housing defining a reservoir. The housing has an outlet port for attachment to a cyclic low pressure source, an ambient air inlet, and a second inlet for connection to a supply of pressurized gas. The reservoir has a plurality of internal walls defining a passageway having a plurality of turns defining a tortuous path for gas flow between the ambient air inlet and the outlet port, and the second inlet communicates with the passageway at a location at or close to the outlet port.

Abstract: A system for filtering breathing air and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes a nasal filtration system which can be inserted into the nasal cavities. The filters comprise cavities through which air is inhaled or exhaled. The filter performs as a mechanical filter to catch and prevent the inhalation of undesirable particulate. Further, the filter comprises a disinfectant agent, such as colloidal silver, which kills germs, bacteria, and viruses to prevent the spreading of disease.

Abstract: A pleated molded filtering face piece respirator to be worn upon the face of a wearer and for providing filtering including at least one layer of moldable flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material for providing a plurality of perforations for allowing for the free passage of air through the openwork plastic. A layer of moldable filter material for filtering impurities in the air, the one layer of flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material and the layer of filter material for filtering impurities in the air lying one on top of the other to form a moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material. The moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material are pleated into pleated material and molded to form the pleated filtering face piece respirator to a desired configuration where the one layer of openwork flexible plastic material forms a support layer to carry the layer of filter material.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure device for lowering patient work-of-breathing comprising: an inspiratory tubing in fluid communication with at least two nasal prongs; expiratory tubing; and a generator body coupled there between, the generator body comprising: at least two jets configured for receiving gas from the inspiratory tubing; and a flow enhancer configured for directing received gas, the flow enhancer comprising: a gas manager configured for channeling received gas towards a jet impingement point via at least two jet paths; a fluidic flip trigger configured for triggering a fluidic flip of channeled gas back towards the expiratory tubing by directing a first portion of exhaled patient breath towards the jet impingement point along a first pathway; and an isolated pathway manager configured for directing a second portion of the exhaled patient breath along a second pathway towards the expiratory tubing, the second pathway isolated from the first pathway.

Abstract: A nasal cannula is provided that employs a left tube and a right tube wherein at least a portion thereof is made of a resilient and compliant material that elongates in response to a tensile load applied thereto. The contemplated tubing material will continue to supply a predetermined amount of oxygen to the patient if elongated, i.e., the elongated tube will not substantially constrict air flow.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that is effective in reducing and/or eliminating a user's snoring proclivity. The disclosed pillow also contributes to better sleeping outcomes, e.g., by increasing air flow into the lungs relative to conventional pillows. The pillow features a contoured upper surface that defines a head-receiving region that is bounded by raised crests of differing elevations. The pillow may be fabricated from foam materials that provide desirable levels of deformation and resilience.

Abstract: A head clamp for neurosurgery is described that includes a member for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end and second end of the head clamp include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member to the head of a subject. A position setter, such as an indexing mechanism, is also provided that allows the member to be moved or indexed between at least two repeatable relative positions.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device for occlusion between teeth on an upper jaw and a lower jaw is disclosed. The anti-snoring device of the present invention includes an upper tooth brace, a lower tooth brace and a connecting portion, wherein the upper and lower tooth braces have walls and tooth-bearing portions for positioning teeth on the upper and lower jaws, and the force is evenly applied on the teeth. The lower jaw is thus moved forward, and the throat soft tissues are prevented from moving downward. Thus, the trachea would not be pressed, and the respiratory tract would not be narrowed, such that air resistance in the respiratory tract would not be increased, and the vibration occurring in the respiratory tract would be decreased. Accordingly, the anti-snoring device of the present invention effectively prevents snoring.

Abstract: Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume so as to decrease the pressure about the bony portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for hiccup relief. The present invention provides a hiccup relief device having a main body having a substantially uniform longitudinal shape and a tab disposed on the main body, wherein the tab extends away from the body. The present invention also provides a hiccup relief method including: obtaining a hiccup relief device having a disrupting portion; positioning the hiccup relief device in a mouth of a user; and, delivering a consumable liquid over the hiccup relief device, wherein the disrupting portion disrupts a flow of liquid over the hiccup relief device.