Abstract: A cleaning method of a film forming device capable of suppressing generation of static electricity is provided. The cleaning method of the film forming device includes the steps of humidifying surroundings of the film forming device; opening said film forming device to an atmosphere; and removing a deposit inside said film forming device.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating substrates with a coating material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, a crucible arrangement including a first crucible and a second crucible disposed offset from one another in a horizontal plane, where the crucible arrangement is disposed on the frame. At least one first shaft is associated with the first crucible and at least one second shaft is associated with the second crucible, where the at least one first and second shafts are disposed in the frame beneath the first and second crucibles, respectively. A first lifting device is associated with the at least one first shaft and a second lifting device is associated with the at least one second shaft, where the first and second lifting devices are disposed in the frame. The frame is linearly displaceable in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An article for supporting a pet in the lap area of a caregiver includes a cushion specially adapted to conform to the abdominal torso of a caregiver and a strap specially adapted to maintain the cushion in conforming position about the abdominal torso of the caregiver. In use, the provided article is positioned about the abdominal torso of the caregiver, the strap is placed about the lumbar region of the caregiver and tightened in place and a pet, such as a dog or cat, is placed atop the cushion.

Abstract: An animal climbing arrangement includes a two-dimensional appliqué and at least one shelf for attachment to a wall. The two-dimensional appliqué is adapted for flush attachment to the wall and includes a graphical representation of at least a portion of a support structure. The at least one shelf provides a perch for a pet and is visually associated with the support structure of the two-dimensional appliqué such that the at least one shelf appears to be supported by the support structure in a two-dimensional view.

Abstract: A transporting unit for live poultry on board a truck includes a supporting frame and a plurality of drawer-type cages having a lateral wall without aeration openings and intended to be selectively positioned at one side or the opposite side of the supporting frame, depending on the climatic and environmental transport conditions. The drawer-type cages are arranged in a single pile or in two adjacent piles, and in both cases the arrangement is such to be able to occupy the entire width of the loading deck of a truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pet toy wherein a two-piece molded plastic encasement contains apertures that allow a ball or balls to protrude and extrude as a result of rotation of the top of the toy and fixed raised protrusions which naturally cause a ball to essentially “appear” and “disappear” and an animal must solve by attempting to retrieve the moving ball or balls.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: A frictional fluid heating device and a method relating thereto. The device comprises a shaft fixed part, a drive shaft that is supported by the shaft fixed part to be rotatable about an axis of rotation thereof, a disc assembly, and a frame assembly. The disc assembly comprises a plurality of first-type discs, each of which comprises a front surface, a rear surface, a peripheral surface, and an impeller for facilitating fluid flow in the device. An elevated portion is located on the front surface of each of the first-type discs around the opening of the disc. The elevated portion has a peripheral surface, and the impeller is mounted on the peripheral surface of the elevated portion. The impeller comprises grooves and gear tops that are substantially diagonally formed and are alternately located on the circumference of the impeller.

Abstract: A steam nozzle flow restrictor for a steam generator that restricts steam exit flow during a steam line break, but has a low pressure drop during normal operation. The flow restrictor has a support web suspended from the steam outlet nozzle with the web having a central opening concentric with the central axis of the nozzle. A shaft is slidably supported within the central opening of the web and has an orifice plate that is suspended within the steam generator at one end of the shaft, spaced from the steam nozzle. The orifice plate closes against the underside of the nozzle upon encountering increased steam exit flow as a result of a steam line break.

Abstract: The disclosed internal combustion engine has an electric water pump and a water temperature sensor that detects coolant water temperature. An electronic control device stops the driving of the water pump when the coolant water temperature is lower than a baseline temperature. Meanwhile, the electronic control device drives the water pump in accordance with the coolant water temperature when the coolant water temperature is higher than the baseline temperature. When the driving of the water pump is stopped, the internal combustion engine forbids at least one engine control until the water pump is driven.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine permits rapid warm-up of the engine by the use of two electrically-operated valves in addition to a conventional thermostat. The method includes controlling a bypass valve and a heater valve to both remain closed at low coolant temperatures and engine speed to inhibit coolant flow through the engine. A control unit opens the bypass valve to prevent cavitation in the water pump if engine speed and/or load exceeds a certain value. The heater valve is opened when a threshold engine coolant temperature is reached permitting warming of the heater matrix.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine including a piston body (20). The piston body (20) defines a first cooling chamber (46) that is sealed closed and contains a first cooling medium (48) other than air. During operation of the piston, the first cooling medium (48) extracts heat from the surrounding regions of the piston body (20) to cool the piston body (20). The piston body (20) also defines a second cooling chamber (50) adjacent to the first cooling chamber (46). A cooling oil (51) is projected into the second cooling chamber (50) and against the portion of the piston body (20) separating the first and second cooling chambers (46, 50) to extract heat from the first cooling medium (48). The cooling oil (51) is redirected within the second cooling chamber (50) to extract additional heat from the first cooling medium (48) or directly from the piston body (20).

Abstract: A liquid cooled piston of an internal combustion engine includes a piston lower part and piston upper part which has a combustion chamber recess. These piston components are supported via joining lands which are spaced apart radially and together form a dividing plane, and are joined together preferably with a material-to-material fit. In order to receive piston rings, the piston upper part has a ring area and includes an annular cooling channel which extends into the piston lower part and is connected to an inner cooling space connecting channels. The cooling channel is adjoined by recesses which are oriented in the direction of a piston head, are configured as a blind hole and widen conically starting from the cooling channel as far as a recess bottom. The recess bottom can be of a pronounced undulating enlarged surface or a finely undulating configuration.

Abstract: A method for controlling differences in cylinder mixtures for a two cylinder bank engine having a turbocharger is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for adjusting valve timing to reduce cylinder mixture variation.

Abstract: An engine comprises a system for variable actuation of the intake valves and is subdivided into a plurality of sub-systems independent with respect to each other, carried by a plurality of respective elements, each mounted on the cylinder head at a respective engine cylinder. Among other things, this considerably facilitates the system maintenance operations.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, provided with a system for variable actuation of the intake valves of the engine, the fuel injector associated to each engine cylinder is surrounded by a sealing casing which is part of a support body. The support body is mounted on the engine cylinder head with the interposition of a support surmounting the head and defining the seat in which the camshaft is received and it defines a sealing peripheral edge cooperating with a sealing cover which is mounted on the cylinder head. The cover has a general base plane sealingly mounted on the cylinder head or on the support. The sealing peripheral edge of each sealing casing is arranged in a parallel plane and raised with respect to the general base plane of the cover.

Abstract: A profile of a cam (33) of a camshaft (32) is set based on a relationship of a stop position of a vane rotor (36) at a most retarded phase relative to a housing rotor (37). In other words, the profile of the cam (33) arranged in the camshaft (32) is set so that a second opening (110B) of a communication passage (100), which opens in a second retardment chamber (52B), is located upward in a vertical direction from the axis C of the camshaft (32) when the camshaft (32) is at a neutral position, that is, when torque applied from the cam (33) to the camshaft (32) is the smallest.

Abstract: A valve lift device for a combustion engine, a camshaft (5), a first unit (16) with a first contact device (9) in contact with a guide surface on the camshaft (5), a motion-transmitting mechanism converting the lifting movement of the unit (16) to a lift of at least one valve (3) of the combustion engine. An adjusting device (20-22) allows linear movements of the first unit (16) and hence of the first contact device (9) in a plane which is perpendicular to the camshaft's rotational axis (5a) between at least a first position of contact (9a1) with the guide surface (6) and a second position of contact (9a2) with the guide surface (6).

Abstract: A sealing collar is provided on a body in which the body has a cylindrical wall on which a hole emerges and a fluid situated in the body is able to escape through the hole. The sealing collar includes a fixing band entirely surrounding the cylindrical wall. The fixing band has a sealing portion to sealedly obturate the hole and a means for closing and tightening the fixing band. The fixing band is provided with at least one claw extending in the direction of the cylindrical wall so that on closing and tightening of the fixing band around the cylindrical wall, the hole is sealedly obturated and the claw is pressed against the cylindrical wall and contributes to immobilizing the sealing collar on the body.

Abstract: Engine with a crank mechanism and a cylinder head whose intake and exhaust channels are regulated by gas exchange valves activated by cams of at least one camshaft. The cams are sliding cams with at least one cam per sliding cam assembly arranged rotationally fixed but axially displaceable on a base shaft, and each having an actuator with an actuator pin for displacing the sliding cam assemblies into different axial positions via at least one displacement groove which cooperates with the pin. The displacement groove being helical shaped and having a run-in and a run-out region for the pin and a displacement flank and an opposing support flank. A detent device locks the sliding cam assemblies in different axial positions. A distance between the displacement flank and the support flank remains constant along the entire extent of the displacement groove parallel to the displacement direction of the sliding cam assembly.

Abstract: A variable cam timing apparatus (10) and method of assembly for transmitting rotational torque between a driving rotary member (15b) and a driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) can include an axis of rotation coinciding with, and an outer peripheral edge (14a) extending at least partially around, or completely surrounding, a common rotational axis of the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) including a flexible body (14b) having a plurality of apertures (14c, 14d) formed therein at angularly spaced positions relative to one another for connection therethrough with respect to the driving and the driven rotary members (15b, 15a) permitting adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment, while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the driving and driven rotary members (15b, 15a).

Abstract: Method of operating a compression ignition engine on ether containing fuel obtained by on board conversion of an alcohol containing primary fuel and a system for use in the method.

Abstract: An intake system (10) of an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold (12) with at least two feed pipes (14) connected with cylinder head intake ports of the internal combustion engine and includes at least one intermediate chamber (30) having connections (34) to an interior volume (24) of each feed pipe (14). Each connection (34) can be opened or closed by way of an intake control valve (49) having a switch chamber (48) which has a connection (60, 62) to means for creating a pressure in the switch chamber (48). The switch chamber (48) is separated from the interior volumes (24) of the feed pipes (14) and the intermediate chamber (30) by a diaphragm (50).

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling a gas flow, as it is used, for example, for controlling the gas flow between a crankcase and an intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to a liquid separator and to a ventilation system for the above-mentioned exemplary use for a crankcase and to an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine (1) having at least one engine cylinder (2, 3) and at least one piston oscillating therein, and having at least one balancing mass (14) which is driven in an oscillating manner by a crankshaft (11) via a crank throw (15) and a compensating connecting rod (16), and which is guided in a translatory fashion by means of a linear guide (17) assigned in each case to the respective balancing mass (14). The linear guide (17) is formed by at least two guide elements (18, 19), which are spaced apart from one another, for the balancing mass (14). A bearing (23) for articulatedly connecting to the compensating connecting rod (16) is formed on the balancing mass (14) in a central portion between the two mutually spaced apart guide elements (18, 19).

Abstract: A cylinder liner sealing arrangement for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder block having cylinder bores, a cylinder head, a cylinder liner within each cylinder bore and a circumferential cut-out formed in the upper and outer surfaces of the cylinder liner. A circular sealing ring is positioned in the circumferential cut-out with the sealing ring contacting at least the cylinder block and the cylinder liner to form a coolant seal therebetween. The sealing ring includes a seal enhancing configuration formed on at least an outer circumferential surface of the sealing ring with the seal enhancing configuration including at least one of an arcuate portion of a “D” ring seal or a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly in an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head including an aperture therein in communication with a cylinder bore and a recessed pocket surrounding the aperture. A valve guide is received in the aperture and a valve stem is received in the valve guide. A valve seal support includes a radially outwardly extending flange disposed against a surface of the cylinder head external to the recessed pocket and a cylindrical body that extends into the recessed pocket. A valve spring contacts the flange and a resilient seal is secured to the rigid valve seal support and in sealing engagement with the valve stem.

Abstract: A compression ring assembly for a piston of an internal combustion engine includes a first compression ring and a second compression ring, with the second compression ring overlaid adjacent to and in abutting engagement with the first compression ring. When both the first compression ring and the second compression ring are uncompressed and in a free state, the second compression ring includes an outer second ring diameter that is greater than an outer first ring diameter of the first compression ring. Additionally, the first compression ring includes a first radial width that is greater than a second radial width of the second compression ring. A first gap of the first compression ring is positioned relative to a second gap of the second compression ring in a non-overlapping orientation.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a one-piece aluminum piston body including a piston head and a piston skirt adjoining the head. The skirt includes a taper narrowing towards the head and defining a major diameter in a first direction normal to a longitudinal piston axis, and a minor diameter in a direction normal to the first direction. The major diameter and minor diameter may have dimensions specified in Table 1, such that scuffing or scratching of the piston is prevented, particularly during engine break-in.

Abstract: According to the invention, a rotary engine is disclosed. The rotary engine may include a body, a rotor, and an ignition element. The body may define a rotor cavity, an intake channel, and a first exhaust channel. The rotor may be disposed within the rotor cavity and may define at least one chamber. Each chamber may receive a fuel from the intake channel when the rotor is in a first position. Each chamber may also at least partially contain combustion of the fuel when the rotor is in a second position. Each chamber may further output an exhaust to the first exhaust channel when the rotor is in a third position. The ignition element may be in communication with each chamber when each chamber is in the second position.

Abstract: An intake air flow control assembly includes an actuator, a valve shaft, a first valve member and a drive member. The actuator includes a drive shaft defining a first rotational axis. The valve shaft defines a second rotational axis. The first valve member is fixed for rotation with the valve shaft and adjusts air flow from an intake manifold to an engine intake port. The drive member is engaged with the drive shaft and the valve shaft. The drive member extends around an outer circumference of the drive shaft and around an outer circumference of the valve shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable in first and second rotational directions opposite one another to rotate the valve shaft via the drive member and rotationally displace the first valve member.

Abstract: A straight port and a swirl port supply low-oxygen-concentration gas and high-oxygen-concentration gas into a combustion chamber of an engine such that high-level-oxygen-concentration gas and low-level-oxygen-concentration gas are formed from the high-oxygen-concentration gas and the low-oxygen-concentration gas in an adjacent region of the combustion chamber, which is adjacent to a fuel mist injected from an injection hole of a fuel injection valve. The high-level-oxygen-concentration gas is located in a corresponding area of the adjacent region, which is generally opposite from the fuel injection hole, and the low-level-oxygen-concentration gas is located in a remaining area of the adjacent region, which is other than the corresponding area of the adjacent region.

Abstract: A fuel circulation system for a dimethyl-ether fuel vehicle may include a fuel tank storing a fuel, a fuel supply line connected to the fuel tank, a fuel supply pump disposed in the fuel supply line and supplying the fuel to a fuel injection system under pressure, a common rail maintaining the pressure of the fuel pressurized from the fuel supply pump, the fuel injection system injecting the fuel supplied from the common rail, a fuel return line fluid-communicating with and diverging from the fuel injection system and/or the common rail to collect remaining fuel of the fuel, and a fuel cooling system disposed on the fuel return line such that a return fuel returned from the fuel injection system and/or the common rail passes therethrough, wherein the fuel cooling system may be disposed close to a heater core to exchange a heat of the return fuel.

Abstract: A fuel cooling system for a dimethyl-ether fuel vehicle includes a fuel tank storing dimethyl-ether, a fuel supply line introducing the dimethyl-ether into an engine, a fuel supply pump, pressurizing the dimethyl-ether, and sending the pressurized dimethyl-ether to a fuel injection system, a common rail maintaining a pressure of the pressurized dimethyl-ether from the fuel supply pump, a fuel injection system injecting the pressurized dimethyl-ether supplied from the common rail, a fuel return line communicating with and diverging from the fuel injection system, the common rail and/or a downstream side of the fuel supply pump to collect remaining dimethyl-ether, a fuel cooling device disposed in the fuel return line, and a drain pipe to discharge condensed water generated from an evaporator disposed in an air conditioner, wherein discharged condensed water from the drain pipe is supplied to the fuel cooling device and cools the collected dimethyl-ether.

Abstract: The fuel supplied apparatus disclosed is capable of optimizing the timing of performing the fuel pressure change indication and the fuel injection timing to suppress the real fuel injection amount from being differentiated from the target fuel injection amount even at the time of the fuel pressure being changed, thereby making it possible to accomplish the improvement of the fuel consumption. The ECU judges whether or not the fuel pressure change request is generated (Step S11). The ECU judges that the fuel pressure change request is generated (“YES” in Step S11), and calculates the change retarding time t1 (Step S12) when the fuel pressure is at the low pressure side, and the ECU determines that the vehicle is in the warming-up state, or that the fuel is at the high temperature. The ECU sets the change timing to avoid the timing of injecting the fuel from overlapping the changing timing of the fuel pressure with reference to the injection timing of the fuel injection control (Step S13).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine to generate vacuum for a subsequent leak detection routine. During a selected key-off condition, a starter motor is operated to spin the engine unfueled and generate intake vacuum for the leak detection. Fuel vapors drawn during the spinning are stored in an auxiliary canister that is purged along with a main canister during purging conditions.

Abstract: A single-fire motorcycle ignition comprising a rotatable shaft having a rotor with two magnets of opposite polarity spaced around the circumference thereof, wherein the shaft and rotor are rotated between latching Hall effect modules, and each module is electrically connected to an ignition coil. Each module is switched to a first position by passage of the first magnet causing the ignition coil to accumulate a charge and a second position by passage of the second magnet, causing the module to fire the ignition coil. The modules are preferably attached to a plate, which can be affixed to the top of a standard breaker base for a points-fired ignition after removal of the condenser and points. A kit to nondestructively convert a traditional points-style ignition to the ignition described herein is also disclosed.

Abstract: The super-abrasive grain fixed type wire saw is equipped with two layers consisting of a brazing material layer (13) and a metal plating layer (16), the aforementioned brazing material layer (13) serving to temporarily fix super-abrasive grains (14), and the aforementioned metal plating layer (16) serving to hold the super-abrasive grains (14). The thickness of the brazing material layer (13) is 10% or less of the average grain diameter of the super-abrasive grains (14). The brazing material layer (13) is formed on the surface of a wire (10) in advance. The super-abrasive grains (14) are dispersed and adhered in a single layer onto the brazing material layer (13). Subsequently, the surface of the brazing material layer (13) is melted and solidified, resulting in a super-abrasive-grains-temporarily-adhered wire (12) such that super-abrasive grains (14) are joined to the adhesion surface of the brazing material layer (13). Thereafter, the super-abrasive-grains-temporarily-adhered wire (12) is metal-plated.

Abstract: A user adjustable coupling device or hinge adapted to be attachable to a spine is disclosed. The device or hinge comprises a curved, hook end on a horizontally oriented upper bracket, a vertically oriented support brace, and a curved, oval-shaped end on a horizontally oriented lower bracket that gives the hinge a C-shaped configuration. The hook and oval ends allow the hinge to be quickly and easily attached and removed from the spine without the use of tools. The coupling device or hinge may be utilized in an outdoor cooking apparatus. The apparatus comprises an enclosed area defining a heat containment structure, a spine operably connected to the heat containment structure, a collar operably connected to the spine, and at least one cooking support attached or attachable to the coupling device or hinge.

Abstract: A storage box to be used with an outdoor cooking device has a base part having an inside area, an outside area and a base rim portion, and of a lid part having an inside area, an outside area and a lid rim portion. The lid rim portion is attachable to the base rim portion such that a closed interior space is formed between the base part and the lid part. The base part further comprises at least one fastening means on the outside area such that the storage box can be attached to the outdoor cooking device.

Abstract: An oven appliance having a pair of doors that open together to provide access to the cooking chamber of the appliance is provided. The doors are mechanically connected with other each such that the opening of one door also causes the other door to open—e.g., a user of the appliance can open both doors using only one door. The mechanism that allows for the simultaneous opening of the doors can be readily contained within the cabinet of the oven—substantially or completely hidden from the user's view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking hob with illumination equipment. The cooking hob includes at least one transparent or semitransparent panel (10) arranged at the top side of said cooking hob. Further, the cooking hob includes at least one frame (12) enclosing at least partially the panel (10). A plurality of lighting elements (14) is arranged within the frame (12) and beside a narrow side of the panel (10). The frame (12) comprises at least one opening (16) on at least one inner side of said frame (12), so that the cooking hob and/or the environment above said cooking hob are illuminated out of the frame (12).

Abstract: A solid fuel starter assembly is provided with an envelope component made of combustible material; a foldable chimney component made of combustible material and a tear off strip component made of material and attached to the envelope component. The foldable chimney component is disposed inside a package formed by the envelope component and the tear off strip. The chimney component is a foldable flue component in the shape of a pyramid or cone.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar energy can include a solar energy capture device having an orientation plane and a sensor configured to determine a direction of gravity relative to a sensor plane. The solar energy capture device is configured to rotate about a pitch axis and a roll axis. The sensor plane can have an orientation that is fixed relative to the solar energy capture device. The orientation plane can he offset from the roll axis.

Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention regards a metal composition suitable for originating a joint (22) by means of welding with a borosilicate glass for a solar collector (10). The composition, expressed in weight percentage, comprises the following alloy elements Table 1 and it is such that 45.5?(Ni+Co)?46.5, and that (Ti+Ta+Zr)?4×C, the remaining part being made up of iron, apart from the inevitable impurities. The invention also regards: a metal ring (20) made of the metal composition described above and suitable for originating a metal-glass joint by means of welding; the metal-glass joint thus obtained; and the tubular solar collector (10) thus obtained.

Abstract: A portable cooking device (2) has a base (4) with at least one heating unit (3) and a cover (5) hingedly connected to the back of the base (4). The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position in relation to the base (4). At least one flap (1) is hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the base (4). The at least one flap (1) is movable between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to the base. At least one of the cover (5) or the flap (1) comprises a magnetic element (10) by which the cover positioned in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap (1) positioned in its second vertical position to form a windshield.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided, wherein the device, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Methods for use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting a nebuliser device to be used to deliver a vaccine comprising selecting a nebuliser capable of producing a plurality of vaccine particles having the following particle droplet size distribution: (i) Dv10: 2.0+/?0.2 ?m (ii) Dv50: 5.0+/?0.5 ?m (iii) Dv90: 10.0+/?1.0 ?m (iv) a mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.5 to 8.0 ?m This allows the selection of, for example, commercially available nebulisers, previously used for drug delivery, for vaccine delivery. This considerably reduces the work required to identify suitable nebulisers. Nebulisers identified by the methods of the invention are also claimed.