Abstract: A laboratory specimen, such as a mouse or rat, can be accurately and repeatedly imaged in an imaging machine, such as an MRI machine, when securely positioned on a specimen support bed. The support bed includes contours and accessories for centering a specimen on the support bed. One or more bite bars coact with a head clamp to accurately fix a specimen's head in the same position time after time.

Abstract: A grooming device is provided, including a brush base including a plurality of bristles disposed about a periphery of the base and at least one base latch for securing a biased platform such that the platform reciprocates relative to the base. The biased platform has at least one platform latch for securing the biased platform to the brush base by interconnecting the brush base latch with the biased platform latch, the at least one platform latch accommodating the reciprocating action. The platform is configured for accommodating at least one wipe for applying a solution to a target substrate.

Abstract: A pet safety collar especially for cats includes an elongate resilient flexible cord element formed into a coil having a plurality of randomly over-lapping turns, the ends of the element being free. In use, the coils can be opened to allow the collar to be fitted around the neck of an animal, whereupon the collar recovers its shape. In the event that the collar becomes trapped, the coil expands allowing the animal to be freed.

Abstract: A multipurpose durable pet toy including an interactive treat dispensing portion along with a squeaker or noise toy portion, and also serving as a chew toy, and fetch toy involving pets and for play involving pets and people, useful for entertaining the pet while stimulating the mind and rewarding with treats. The toy includes at least two joined but isolated chambers, which may be of shapes including but not limited to: a hollow spherical, cube, cuboid, or cylinder, or any hollow polygonic shape. At least one chamber includes a soundhole/aperture for squeaker or noise maker placement, that is attached to but isolated from at least one second chamber. The second chamber includes at least one aperture for treat insertion and dispensing.

Abstract: A leak-proof pet exercise device and method for making the same is provided. The device comprises outer and inner shells spaced apart to form a retaining chamber therebetween. The outer shell includes external and internal surfaces including at least one first aperture defined therein. The inner shell includes external and internal surfaces including at least one second aperture defined therein. The internal surface of the inner shell defines an interior compartment for the animal. The outer shell includes a first wall extending around the periphery of the at least one first aperture and from the internal surface of the outer shell toward the external surface of the inner shell. At least a portion of the first wall is spaced a distance from the external surface of the inner shell. The inner shell does not include a wall extending around the periphery of the at least one second aperture.

Abstract: A life like three-dimensional version of a predatory animal, used to scare off nuisance animals, is disclosed. A three-dimensional animal unit is mounted to a mounting unit which allows for installation in any type of pervious or non-pervious surface. A joint mounting system penetrates through a body cavity of the animal unit which allows for the animal unit to move with minimal air breezes, mimicking real life movement.

Abstract: A livestock squeeze chute having a head gate assembly at the head end thereof with the head gate assembly including first and second head gates which dwell in a plane which is approximately at a 30-degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the squeeze chute. Power cylinders pivotally move the head gates between open and closed positions. Although power cylinders are preferred, the head gates could be manually moved between their open and closed positions.

Abstract: An animal restraining device can have an adjustable length to facilitate wedging the device securely between two walls or other structures to restrain an animal. The animal restraining device can include a first mechanism to adjust the length of the device and a second mechanism to further adjust the length of the device. In some embodiments, the first mechanism can perform large adjustments and the second mechanism can perform small adjustments.

Abstract: A movable target for training and proving with multiple applications comprising a movable target which can be moved at multiple speeds, and in multiple directions, and for multiple distances to simulate the natural movements of actual moving objects. Said movable target control and operation may be accomplished through a control interface, including but not limited to a remote transmitter or a control panel. Said target movements may be controlled by activating or creating programmed runs or by manual operation. Said user interface may be used to manually control said movable target behavior.

Abstract: An exhaust channel of a combustion apparatus is defined by an upper sloping plate and a lower sloping plate. The lower sloping plate contains a rising part and a lower sloping wall. A water droplet baffle plate is positioned across an interspace from the rising part. The interspace is brought into fluid communication with the exhaust channel through an upper surface opening while being brought into fluid communication with a bottom of a heat exchange chamber through a communication opening. A collision wall part of the water droplet baffle plate is disposed in close proximity to a lowest fine tube so as to oppose against a combustion exhaust flow. Water droplets adhere onto the collision wall part. Water droplets failing to adhere to the collision wall part fall through the upper surface opening positioned over an upper end of the collision wall part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine enhancement system and method which utilises hydrogen as a combustion catalyst within an internal combustion engine, the hydrogen preferably being obtained and/or replenished from a supply of HHO gas fed to combustion chambers of the engine, and being located at interstitial sites in the walls of the combustion chambers.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block defining a first cylinder bore, a second cylinder bore directly adjacent to the first cylinder bore and a third cylinder bore directly adjacent to the second cylinder bore. The engine block defines a first distance from a diametrical center of the first cylinder bore to a diametrical center of the second cylinder bore and defines a second distance from the diametrical center of the second cylinder bore to a diametrical center of the third cylinder bore. The first distance is different than the second distance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for assembling a valve operating system for opening and closing a poppet valve mounted on an engine cylinder head. The valve operating system comprises a camshaft 18 having two coaxial cams 14 and 16 for operating the valve 12, a summation lever 20 coupled to followers 24,26 of the two cams 14 and 16, a control spring 40 acting on the summation lever 20 to urge one of the cam followers 26 into contact with the associated cam 16, and a valve actuating rocker 30 pivotably connected to the summation lever 20 and acting on the valve 12 to open and close the valve in dependence upon the sum of the instantaneous lifts of the two cams 14 and 16.

Abstract: An intake manifold (2) of comburent air is provided for an internal combustion engine (1) with a recirculating conduit (60) of exhaust gases. The intake manifold (2) includes a first inlet mouth (213) of the comburent air, a second inlet mouth (214) in communication with the recirculating conduit (60) of the exhaust gases, and a plurality of outlet mouths (201), having a wall (7) positioned in front of each of the outlet mouths (201) and suitable for dividing the internal volume of the intake manifold (2) into two chambers (215, 204), the first chamber (215) being placed in communication with the first inlet mouth (213) and the second inlet mouth (214) and the second chamber (204) being placed in communication with the outlet mouths (201), the wall (7) defining an opening (70) suitable for placing the first chamber (215) and the second chamber (204) in communication.

Abstract: In a case of performing a static pressure gas lubrication by a stirling engine provided with a pair of cylinders of a high-temperature-side cylinder 20 and a low-temperature-side cylinder 30, a stirling engine gas lubrication structure is provided with an introduction pipe 70A for introducing a working fluid existing within a low-temperature working space into at least an inside of an expansion piston 21 of the expansion piston 21 and a compression piston 31, the low-temperature working space being included in a working space where the working fluid circulates between the cylinders 20 and 30, a temperature of the working fluid in the low-temperature working space lower than that of the working fluid in a working space of a high-temperature side cylinder 22 in a driving state.

Abstract: A cylinder head system for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head defining an annular port therein having a central longitudinal axis, and a valve seat insert disposed within the port. The valve seat insert includes an outer annular surface configured for abutting the cylinder head and a detection surface concentric with and spaced apart from the outer annular surface. The detection surface has a protrusion thereon extending radially toward the central longitudinal axis. The cylinder head system also includes a valve insertable into the port and configured for translating along the axis during operation of the engine. A method of forming the cylinder head system includes inserting the valve seat insert into the port. After inserting, the method includes removing the protrusion to thereby form an indicator face. After removing, the method includes disposing the valve within the port to thereby form the cylinder head system.

Abstract: A rotary engine is provided. The engine has a main body that fits within a housing to form an annular chamber. A piston moves within the annular chamber along an annular path. A door assembly operates to block and unblock the annular chamber, opening to unblock the chamber as the piston approaches the door and closes to block the chamber after the piston has travelled past the door. A temporary combustion chamber is formed between the closed door and the piston as the piston moves away from the door.

Abstract: A fixed chain engine braking device includes a brake box, a driving mechanism and a braking mechanism. One upright blind hole and one horizontal blind hole are placed in the brake box, and the upright blind hole intersects the horizontal blind hole orthogonally. The driving mechanism includes a rolling ball and/or a driving piston placed in the horizontal blind hole, the braking mechanism includes a braking plunger placed in the upright blind hole. A fluid passage is placed in the brake box, and the fluid passage is communicated with the entry of the horizontal blind hole.

Abstract: A flow control valve (15) for a direct injection pump (10) has an inlet end (12), an inlet valve (26), a compression chamber (48), a pump piston (14), and an outlet (13). The valve (15) has a housing (16) and a non-electrically operated control plunger (22) movable within the housing. The control plunger engages with and disengages from the inlet valve to control opening and closing of the inlet valve. A spring (28) biases the control plunger away from the inlet valve. The pump and housing define port structure (38, 44) fluidly connecting the outlet with a volume (42) that communicates with the control plunger such that when fluid pressure at the outlet is greater than a certain value, the fluid pressure in the volume alone causes the control plunger to move against the spring and engage the inlet valve to hold the inlet valve in an open position.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an EGR flow rate for an engine having an EGR valve with a selectable EGR valve position and a venturi sensor situated to take a differential pressure measurement relative to recirculated exhaust gas includes determining an EGR valve effective area based on the EGR valve position, determining a weighting factor based on the effective area, calculating a first EGR flow estimate based on the effective area, and calculating a second EGR flow estimate based on the differential pressure measurement of the venturi sensor. A final EGR flow rate is determined based on the weighting factor, the first EGR flow estimate, and the second EGR flow estimate.

Abstract: A combustion engine, in particular that of a motor vehicle, includes a ventilation device for feeding gases of a crankcase of the combustion engine enclosing at least one crankshaft to an air feed of the combustion engine, wherein the air feed feeds an airflow rate to the combustion engine. An adapter device may fluidically connect a full load path of the ventilation device to a full load line of the ventilation device and a part load path of the ventilation device to a part load line of the ventilation device.

Abstract: A genset system that includes a genset assembly, an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system and an alcohol sensor and a method of controlling air-to-fuel ratio using the genset system are described. The genset assembly includes a genset engine that (1) is capable of running on at least one of gasoline and alcohol, (2) is an air-cooled engine, and (3) operates at a rich air-to-fuel ratio (AFR). The EFI system includes an electronic control unit that is configured to determine a requested AFR based on the data from the alcohol sensor and the data from the air flow sensor, and based on the determined requested relative AFR, the electronic control unit is configured to actuate the fuel injector such that the fuel in an amount sufficient for obtaining an air/fuel mixture that is at the determined requested relative AFR is injected into the intake system.

Abstract: A spark ignition engine capable of fixing an ignition coil case even in a small engine includes an intake manifold 9 attached to a cylinder head 1, a coil case attachment stay 10 attached to the intake manifold 9, a cylinder portion through hole 12 formed on a board 11 of the coil case attachment stay 10, and a coil case attaching portion 13 provided in an upper part of the board 11. A flexible cylinder portion is caused to penetrate through a cylinder portion through hole, a tongue piece 15 is caused to protrude from a coil case peripheral wall 14 of an ignition coil case 7. The tongue piece 15 is mounted on the coil case attaching portion 13 and the coil case peripheral wall 14 is caused to abut on an edge portion 16 of the coil case attaching portion 13.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine has a cylinder wherein a piston is journalled for reciprocating movement. The piston delimits a combustion chamber configured in the cylinder. The engine has an outlet from the combustion chamber and a transfer channel which opens at an inlet opening into the crankcase and at a transfer window in the combustion chamber. The piston drives a crankshaft via a connecting rod. The crankshaft is rotatably journalled in the crankcase. At least one control element for the inlet opening is connected to the crankshaft so as to rotate therewith. The control element is so arranged that the inlet opening is at least partially closed thereby in at least one operating state of the engine during the downward stroke of the piston at least 5° crankshaft angle after the opening of the transfer window.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of archery devices, specifically to devices known as crossbows. Historically. crossbows have had a single foot stirrup, centered at the front end of the crossbow, to assist the user in the cocking procedure. Though functional, a single stirrup does not allow the user to naturally center the crossbow with his body while cocking the crossbow, which may cause miss-alignment of the bow string, as well as possible loss of balance and fatigue. By placing a stirrup on both sides of the barrel of the crossbow, the user may use his left foot, right foot, or both feet to cock the crossbow, and the crossbow is automatically centered to the users body.

Abstract: Provided is a crossbow riser that may comprise a plurality of cells defined by walls. The walls may consist essentially of a material wherein the yield tensile strength at 0.2% strain is greater than 780 MPa, and either the specific strength is greater than 200 kN·m/kg, or the density is less than 6.0 g/cc. The cells may collectively define a first volume. The walls may collectively define a second volume. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume may be greater than 1.5.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an archery bow comprises an archery bow body defining opposing limb tips having rotational elements and a bowstring extending between the limb tips. At least one cable portion extends between the limb tips. A cable guard extends from the archery body bow body and a pair of pulleys are rotationally mounted to the cable guard wherein the pair of pulleys retain the at least one cable between them and are vertically offset from each other.

Abstract: A bow includes an upper limb and a lower limb. A restraint system stores energy in the upper limb and the lower limb via drawing a tensioning cable to a charged position. A bow string releases the energy stored in the upper limb and the lower limb by the restraint system when the bow string is drawn to a ready position.

Abstract: The plural option loading system for a pneumatic gun. The pneumatic gun has a receiver with the first and second loading port disposed to permit loading either by gravity or forced loading such as from a magazine. The barrel can be locked to the receiver to permit loading through only one of the two ports depending on the orientation in which it is locked to the receiver and permits selective loading through only a selected port at any time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a group III nitride crystal substrate slices a group III nitride crystal body with a saw wire which includes a steel wire having a carbon concentration of 0.90-0.95 mass %, a silicon concentration of 0.12-0.32 mass %, a manganese concentration of 0.40-0.90 mass %, a phosphorus concentration of 0.025 mass % or less, a sulfur concentration of 0.025 mass % or less, and a copper concentration of 0.20 mass % or less, and has a diameter of not less than 0.07 mm and less than 0.16 mm, a tensile strength at break of higher than 4200 N/mm2, and a curl size of 400 mm or more, with a tension of not less than 50% and not more than 65% of the tension at break applied to the saw wire. Thus, group III nitride crystal substrates with small warpage can be manufactured.

Abstract: Wire spools used for multiple wire saws for slicing one or more wafers from a workpiece composed of semiconductor material using a wire web including parallel wire sections coated with bonded abrasive grain. The wire spools include a first wire spool configured as a dispensing spool and a second wire spool configured as a receiver spool. A sawing wire coated with bonded abrasive grain runs from the first wire spool via at least one deflection roll to the wire web and from the wire web via at least one deflection roll to the second wire spool. The sawing wire enters into guide grooves of the deflection rolls at an alignment angle ?1 and exits the guide grooves of the deflection rolls at an alignment angle ?2. The sawing wire has a single layer winding on each of the first and second wire spools.

Abstract: A retractable ventilation system for a household appliance includes a lifting motor for moving the ventilation system in two opposing directions, and a switch controlling movement of the lifting motor. A first actuation of the switch moves the ventilation system in a first (or preferred) of the two directions, and a second actuation of the switch moves the ventilation system in a second direction opposing the first direction. Furthermore, a household appliance includes an extractor hood, a cooking appliance or a combination thereof, and at least one of the proposed retractable ventilation systems. A method for operating the retractable ventilation system is also described.

Abstract: A cooktop surface is a high dielectric strength surface in which an opening is provided to receive a burner assembly. A surface mount igniter assembly extends through the same opening and terminates adjacent a perimeter of the burner assembly. The surface mount igniter assembly includes an electrode having a first end extending through the burner opening, an intermediate portion received in a ceramic insulator, and a terminal, second end disposed adjacent the burner perimeter. The ceramic insulator preferably has an opening edge slot to facilitate receipt of the electrode therein, and the ceramic insulator faces the dielectric cooktop surface to fully insulate around the electrode.

Abstract: An autonomous passive solar tracker having a thermal actuator that is connected through a cable and pulley and drum to a spring. The drum and spring are mounted on a cross beam of the tracker frame. The cable is attached on one end to the actuator push rod. It then threads through the pulley and wraps around the drum. The spring biases the tracker to pivot towards one direction, and the actuator when heated and extended forces the tracker to pivot in the opposite direction. The tracker is oriented so that the spring has a bias to pivot the tracker to the east, and the outward force of the actuator rod against the cable causes the actuator to pivot to the west. One may take advantage of this tracking by attaching a solar collector to the frame of the tracker.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer.

Abstract: A structure and method of controlling building temperature are provided utilizing both solar and geo-exchange means.

Abstract: A process is provided for obtaining a precipitate rich in mannose-oligosaccharides (MOS) from coffee. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing a MOS-containing hydrolysate derived from a coffee extraction residue material, (ii) contacting the MOS-containing hydrolysate with an organic solvent to form a suspension, and (iii) recovering a precipitate.

Abstract: Examples of the invention include inhalation systems, breathing apparatuses, and methods for administering a solution by inhalation to a patient. Example breathing apparatuses described herein may be configured to minimize loss of the solution to the environment. Additionally or instead, example breathing apparatuses may be configured to recirculate exhaled solution to increase an amount of the solution available to a patient while minimizing exhausted solution. In some examples, breathing apparatuses may deliver nebulized platelet rich plasma (“PRP”).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Breath actuated inhaler (BAI) actuator, comprising: a loading element capable of being loaded with an actuation force, a breath actuated trigger mechanism arranged to counteract the actuation force of the loading element, and to fire the actuator by releasing the actuation force of the loading element in response to an inhalation breath, and actuation locking means moveable between a locked position wherein it relieves the actuation force from the trigger mechanism setting the trigger mechanism in a neutral position, and an armed position wherein the trigger mechanism is set in an armed position.

Abstract: A dose delivery device with a mouthpiece having an inlet, an outlet, and an air path extending between the inlet and the outlet. A dose chamber having an opening may hold a dose, e.g., for inhalation by a user. A disc element may be arranged to move between a closed position in which the disc element closes the opening of the dose chamber, and an open position in which the disc opens the dose chamber to permit introduction of the dose into the air path of the device. Movement of the disc element from the closed position to the open position may be in a direction away from the dose chamber (e.g., a puller may engage the disc element and pull the element away from the chamber) and may leave a substantial portion of the dose in the dose chamber.

Abstract: A valve is provided for relieving a gaseous pressure of a branching unit in flow communication with lungs of a subject. The valve comprises an inlet port in flow communication with the branching unit, an outlet port configured to release pressure by discharging a gas flow from the inlet port, and a valve seat in flow communication with the inlet port. The valve further comprises a valve member configured to close a gas discharge between the inlet port and the outlet port when forced against the valve seat, and to facilitate gas discharge between the inlet port and the outlet port when not forced against the valve seat. The valve further comprises a closing spring configured to direct a predetermined closing force to the valve member and an actuator configured to increase and decrease the closing force directed to the valve member.

Abstract: A neonatal endotracheal tube stabilizer has a tube cradle, a tube fixation element attached to said tube cradle and a stabilization bar having a plurality of engagement elements. The stabilization bar extends on either side of the tube cradle to engage two cheek pads. The cheek pads each have a releasable engagement interface dimensioned to engage the engagement elements of the stabilization rod in at least one engaged position. When so engaged, the cradle firmly holds the endotracheal tube in a position selected by a health care provider.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method for the same includes an elongated body insertable orally into a patient. The elongated body defines leading and trailing ends. A passageway is defined through the leading and trailing ends, such that surgical equipment may be insertable through the opening of the elongated body. A securing member may be connected to the trailing end that can hold the elongated body in a position such that an airway remains open to treat the patient, while supporting oxygen flow to the patient.

Abstract: A medical device and methods of delivery of the medical device within a patient's body are disclosed by the present invention. The medical device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a coupling member. The coupling member is configured to be coupled to and extend between the first elongate member and the second elongate member to couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member when the medical device is in a first configuration. The coupling member is configured to be decoupled from at least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member when the medical device is in a second configuration.

Abstract: A therapeutic device is configured to be worn by a user for providing spinal support to the user's body. The therapeutic device has a first support section and a second support section that connects to the first support section. The first support section is configured to comfortably engage and support the neck of the user's body. The second support section is configured to comfortably engage and support the lower back of the user's body while the first support section engages and supports the neck of the user's body to provide maximum support for an entire spinal region of the user's body with a level of comfort while maintaining a full range of motion for the user's spine.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a surgical instrument or tubing to surgical drapes is provided. The clamp may be attached to surgical drapes and include a retaining member for engaging the cable of a surgical instrument or tubing. The clamp secures the surgical instrument or tubing to the surgical drapes so as to prevent the surgical instrument or tubing from falling outside the sterile field while allowing for convenient repositioning of the surgical instrument when desired. The clamp may also include an attachment member to minimize the risk of tearing of the surgical drapes when the clamp is attached thereto. Additionally, the clamp may include a gripping member that allows the user to operate the clamp while using surgical gloves.

Abstract: This application describes an apparatus providing groin relief, which comprises, an undergarment which comprises a brief portion having an opening to allow male groin anatomy to extend through, and a boxer portion. The brief portion is inserted into the boxer portion so that the outer edges of the brief portion and the inner edges of the boxer portion are aligned, the brief portion is generally elastic, and an edge along the opening of the brief portion comprises elastic trim.

Abstract: Provided is a moist smokeless tobacco product including a hydrated membrane coating and a portion of tobacco material. Preferably, the tobacco material is pre-portioned and formed to include at least one dimple and/or at least one hole through the tobacco material so as to increase the surface area of the tobacco product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol-forming material for a hookah, which comprises a first substance and at least one second substance which is held by the first substance and which is at least partly released following activation of the aerosol-forming material, wherein the first substance comprises pores for receiving the second substance and the second substance is a fluid. Provision is made for the first substance, based on the weight thereof, to comprise at least 65 wt % of clinoptilolite.

Abstract: A simulated cigarette which has a reservoir of an inhalable composition and an outlet valve to control the outlet flow. The outlet end is provided with a deformable material to provide a more realistic feel and optionally to allow the user to vary the flow characteristics in the manner of a real cigarette. The outlet end can also be provided with a chemical heater. The simulated cigarette is wrapped in a paper or paper-like wrap to provide a more realistic feel.