Abstract: A casting mould may include a soluble and substantially ring-shaped casting core forming a cooling duct and having at least one support which bears the casting core during a casting process. The at least one support may have a pin with a needle-like point configured to penetrate the casting core and fix it onto the support.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a main body portion that has an engine compartment formed therein, a cooling unit arranged in the engine compartment, an inlet formed as opening in a side surface of the main body portion so that the cooling air is drawn into the engine compartment by the cooling fan through the inlet, an exhaust gas after-treatment device arranged on an upper side relative to the engine on the downstream side relative to the cooling fan on a flow path of the cooling air, an engine hood that covers the exhaust gas after-treatment device, and an upper outlet arranged immediately above the exhaust gas after-treatment device and formed in at least one of a top surface of the engine hood and a side surface of the engine hood in a front-and-rear direction of the main body.

Abstract: An air flow system is disclosed. The system is for use with a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a heat exchanger, a cover, and a compartment baffle separating an engine compartment from a cooling compartment. The system includes a side air intake including a side air intake baffle. The side air intake baffle configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger. In another embodiment, the system includes a side air duct. The side air duct includes a side air duct, wherein the side air duct tubing is at least partially located within the engine compartment. The side air duct tubing is configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An engine for a portable working machine includes: a crankshaft to which the working machine is coupled; an air-cooling fan coupled to one end side of the crankshaft; a fan casing enclosing the air-cooling fan; and a bottom cover located in a bottom surface side of the engine and connected to the fan casing. Air suction ports and guide parts are provided in one side of the bottom cover, the air suction ports sucking in air supplied from the air-cooling fan, and the guide parts extending from the air suction ports to the impeller blades of the air-cooling fan.

Abstract: A camshaft for actuating the gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The camshaft includes a camshaft tube, a hydraulic camshaft adjuster, a valve for controlling the hydraulic fluid supplied to the camshaft adjuster and an actuation device, arranged in the interior of the camshaft tube, for actuating the valve. The actuation device is secured against displacement in the axial direction. The camshaft is light-weight and functional elements in addition to the actuation device and optionally the valve can be integrated into the interior of the camshaft. It should furthermore be possible to arrange an oil or vacuum pump at the end of the camshaft opposite the camshaft adjuster, the pump being drivable by the camshaft. The actuation device is designed as an electromagnetic, piezoelectric or electrical actuator and is connected to the camshaft tube such that they rotate together.

Abstract: An control apparatus for a variable valve mechanism, is capable of executing fail safe control in a case in which locking occurs in either one of a cam shaft of a double shaft structure. The control apparatus for a variable valve mechanism has a cam shaft of a double shaft structure including an outer cam shaft and an inner cam shaft, such that it is possible to adjust the phase of a sub cam of inner cam shaft with respect to an main cam of outer cam shaft, and by means these cams, at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine is operated. When an abnormality is detected in one of the cam shafts, the control apparatus controls the phase of the cam of the other cam shaft, in accordance with the determined current phase of the cam.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an oil control valve to control oil flow within a valvetrain. The control valve varies the flow rate to actuate an engine component from a first position to a second position based upon fluid pressure from the control valve. Varying the flow rate through the control valve includes increasing the flow rate through the control valve to increase the pressure to a first level to actuate the engine component to the first position. After the engine component is actuated, the flow rate through the control valve is maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the first position. To actuate the engine component to the second position the flow rate through the control valve is then decreased. The fluid flow rate through the control valve is then maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the second position.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit is configured to switch among a first state where a discharge passage of a pump driven by an internal combustion engine communicates with both a phase-advance passage and a lock passage and simultaneously a phase-retard passage communicates with a drain passage, a second state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-retard passage and the lock passage and simultaneously the phase-advance passage communicates with the drain passage, and a third state where the phase-advance passage, the phase-retard passage, and the lock passage all communicate with the discharge passage. The hydraulic control unit is further switchable to a fourth state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-advance passage and the phase-retard passage and simultaneously the lock passage communicates with the drain passage.

Abstract: A variable-camshaft-timing mechanism is provided with a conically spiral spring valve as a check valve. When the conically spiral spring valve is opened, a plurality of flow passage clearances are formed between adjacent windings of the check valve, whereby a pressure loss of the working fluid can be reduced when passing through the check valve. When a reverse flow is generated, the check valve receives the reverse flow in its axial direction. Thus, the reverse flow of the working fluid can be utilized as a thrust force in a close direction of the check valve. A valve closing responsiveness of the check valve can be improved.

Abstract: Even when a crankshaft reversely rotates, a rotation phase of a camshaft can be accurately detected. A motor shaft rotation angle, a crankshaft forward rotation angle, a crankshaft reverse rotation angle, a final crankshaft rotation angle, a sprocket rotation angle of an electric VTC where a sprocket rotates at ½ rotation speed of the crankshaft and a stator of an electric motor are integrally rotated, a motor shaft rotation angle changing amount during a control period, a sprocket rotation angle changing amount, a motor shaft rotation angle changing amount, an intake camshaft rotation angle changing amount, and a current real rotation angle of the intake camshaft are calculated sequentially, and the VTC manipulated variable is computed so that the VTC real angle follows a VTC target angle.

Abstract: Method and system for operating a compression engine on ether containing fuel obtained by conversion of a primary fuel based on alcohol comprising the steps and means for: (a) continuously withdrawing the primary fuel based on alcohol from a fuel tank and pressurising the primary fuel based on alcohol in its liquid form to a final engine injection pressure; (b) continuously introducing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into a fuel accumulation chamber; (c) continuously distributing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into pipes connecting the accumulation chamber with fuel injectors of the engine; (d) prior to the fuel injectors continuously converting the pressurised primary fuel based on alcohol to an ether containing fuel by contact with an alcohol dehydration catalyst being arranged in each of the pipes upstream the fuel injectors; (e) continuously injecting the ether containing fuel at injection pressure into the engine; and (f) continuously withdrawing a part of the introduced prim

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft, a spacer and a cover. The body of the shaft includes a sealing portion, a balancing portion and a hollow portion which may collectively define a generally cylindrical space. The spacer substantially encloses the hollow portion of the body. The cover encapsulates the shaft body and the spacer to provide a substantially continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the sealing portion. The shaft assembly may be rotatably installed in an engine such that the balancing portion may be partially submerged in an oil bath in the engine and such that the substantially continuous cylindrical surface of the cover minimizes turbulence and aeration of the oil bath when the shaft assembly is rotated. The shaft may be configured for rotation in synchrony with a crankshaft. A method for encapsulating the shaft includes forming a continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the shaft body.

Abstract: In a combustion engine including a cylinder (11), a cylinder head (12), a cylinder head seal (16) and a scraper ring (17), an elastic scraper ring seal (23, 30) provided close to either or both end surfaces (20, 21) of the scraper ring separates volumes formed close to the scraper ring from the combustion chamber. Separating these volumes from the combustion space prevents the accumulation of residues of incompletely burnt fuel in these volumes to improve the engine's efficiency, reduce emission values and lengthen the engine service life.

Abstract: An engine provided herein. The engine includes a cylinder head assembly, a cap including an opening, an oil routing plug positioned in the opening including a recess traversing the plug, the recess and a portion of the wall of the opening defining a boundary of a plug oil passage, and an oil supply passage extending through the cylinder head assembly including an inlet fluidly coupled to a lubrication circuit and an outlet opening into the recess.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes a cylinder arrangement which is a VR cylinder arrangement having rows of cylinders which are arranged in an offset manner and nested into each other. The crank drive acts crosswise onto a crankshaft and a common cylinder head is provided. The inlet channels in the cylinder head are arranged in an identical manner for all of the cylinders. Alternatively, the inlet channels of the one row of cylinders are disposed adjacent to one of two or three camshafts and the inlet channels of the other row of cylinders are disposed on the other side of the camshaft.

Abstract: A chain case structure of an engine, wherein, when a chain case is viewed in the crankshaft direction, both side portions of a mount bracket unit in the width direction extend to the left edge portion or the right edge portion of the chain case and the upper edge portion of the chain case, and a fastening portion to an engine main body is provided on the lower portion of the mount bracket portion. A cylinder portion of a hydraulic control valve of a variable valve mechanism is disposed below the fastening portion while the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder portion is mutually coupled to the mount bracket portion. Reinforcement ribs extend downward from the bottom of the mount bracket, across the cylinder portion.

Abstract: A fuel exhaust prevention structure of an engine may include a fuel pipe mounted on the engine and provided outside the engine, and a connector having one end that may be inserted onto an end of the fuel pipe and the other end that may be provided with a shutoff valve to be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual fuel injection valve apparatus provided with a hybrid nozzle for a diesel engine and a gas engine and an objective thereof is to provide a dual fuel injection valve apparatus provided with a hybrid nozzle for a diesel engine and a gas engine, being capable of respectively injecting two kinds of different fuels from one fuel injection valve by pressure of fuel and tension of a spring. In a fuel injection valve apparatus for injecting fuel to a cylinder of a diesel engine or a gas engine, the present invention sequentially injects, without mixing, two kinds of fuel through respective nozzle holes by pressure of the two kinds of fuel introduced to a fuel valve and tension of a needle spring.

Abstract: A valve control system includes an engine speed control module that determines an engine speed and a desired engine stop position. A piston position module determines a desired stopping position of a first piston based on the desired engine stop position. A valve control module receives the desired stopping position, commands a set of valves to close at the desired stopping position if the engine speed is less than a predetermined shutdown threshold, and commands the set of valves to reduce the engine speed if the engine speed is greater than the predetermined shutdown threshold.

Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve to decompress an engine cylinder for engine start up and/or engine braking is disclosed. The system may include a first member, such as an outer piston, disposed above an engine valve, which receives an inner piston extending into a bore provided in the first member. One or more springs may bias the inner piston into a predefined position in the first member. The inner piston may include a lower surface that directly, or through an intervening sliding pin, actuates an engine valve in response to the application of fluid pressure on the inner piston. The inner piston may be used to decompress an engine cylinder for engine start up and/or to provide engine braking.

Abstract: There is the operation device for an engine. An operation device for an engine performs a throttle operation of the engine which is disposed apart from an operation unit operated by an operator. The operation device includes: a link member rotatable with respect to a base in response to an operation of the operation unit; a cam member fixed to the base, and disposed at a distance from the center of rotation of the link member, the distance changing continuously according to the angular position of the cam member around the center of rotation; a cam follower connected to the link member and configured to along the cam member; and a throttle drive member for connecting the cam follower to a throttle operation unit of the engine.

Abstract: A method for setting an exhaust gas recirculation rate in an engine system having an internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas recirculation rate indicating the portion of the exhaust gas recirculated into one cylinder of the internal combustion engine with regard to the total gas quantity present in the cylinder, including: operating the internal combustion engine according to an input for the exhaust gas recirculation rate, an ignition of an air/fuel mixture being carried out in the cylinder at a certain ignition timing; adjusting the ignition timing in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; correcting the input for the exhaust gas recirculation rate as a function of a change in an operating behavior of the internal combustion engine due to the ignition timing adjustment.

Abstract: A fuel distributor, which is used, in particular, for fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition, includes a distributor pipe, a first holder and at least one second holder. The distributor pipe has a longitudinal axis. In this connection, the first holder and the second holder are situated at the distributor pipe so as to be axially set apart from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis. The distributor pipe is designed to allow axial length compensation. It is also possible for at least one holder to be designed to allow axial length compensation.

Abstract: A solenoid that includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a bore through the housing and the outer surface including a flange extending therefrom. A gland nut having a threaded outer surface and an inner surface surrounds the outer surface of the housing, is rotatable relative to the housing, and abuts the flange.

Abstract: An injector comprising one or more piezoelectric driving stacks wherein a flow control member of the injector is driven directly by the one or more piezoelectric stacks without additional amplification means or interposing elements while a flow area of the nozzle is variably adjustable to deliver controlled flow rates in a desired flow profile to improve engine performance and reduce emissions. The injector is configured to support required flow rates with minimal linear movement of the flow control member. The injector and drive electronics are configured to deliver higher frequency operation and response with increased operational stability due to minimal response lag.

Abstract: A modular gear case assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed that includes a plate removably coupled to the block of the engine with a through hole in the plate through which an end of the crankshaft of the engine extends. The gear case is coupled to the plate and includes: a central gear that couples with the end of the crankshaft, a first interconnecting gear that meshes with the central gear, a second interconnecting gear that meshes with the central gear, a first side gear that meshes with the first interconnecting gear, a second side gear that meshes with the second interconnecting gear, a housing in which the gears are disposed, and a cover that sealingly couples with the housing.

Abstract: A cooler arrangement for a vehicle which is powered by a supercharged combustion engine. The vehicle has at least one charge air cooler (10) for cooling of compressed air which is led to the combustion engine (2), and an energy recovery system. The vehicle also has a cooler arrangement of a first cooling circuit with a first cooler (20) for cooling a circulating coolant, a second cooling circuit with a second cooler (26) for cooling a circulating coolant to a lower temperature than the first cooler (20), and a third cooling circuit with a third cooler (29) for cooling a circulating coolant to a lower temperature than the second cooler (26). The coolant in the third cooling circuit cools the compressed air in the charge air cooler (10) and/or a medium in a condenser (45) in a cooling medium line (32).

Abstract: A method to operate an electronic controlled internal combustion engine to perform on board NOx emissions level diagnostics. In one embodiment, the method may include operating the engine to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, determining whether the engine operating status is stable for one of cruise control, idle engine speed, engine torque, or high idle regeneration for a predetermined period of time, cycling the EGR valve between a first position for a predetermined period of time and then in a second position for a predetermined period of time, a determining a change in engine out NOx levels to determine whether an engine component or system is malfunctioning.

Abstract: A switching system for a combustion engine ignition system comprises a switching device switchable between an accumulation condition and a transfer condition to activate an ignition element. The switching system comprises control logic that provides a control signal for controlling the switching device, measures a progress indicator indicative of progress in switching the switching device from the transfer condition to the accumulation condition, and causes the control signal to vary with a first variation rate during a first stage until the progress indicator reaches a first progress condition. The control logic causes the control signal to vary with a second variation rate, lower than the first variation rate, during a second stage until the progress indicator reaches a second progress condition, and causes the control signal to vary with a third variation rate, higher than the second variation rate, during a third stage of the preliminary switching.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a two-stroke engine and a carburetor for use with gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, methane, liquid petroleum gas, pure propane, and butane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a two piece modular draw stop system for an archery bow cam including a positioner piece and an abutment piece. The positioner piece defines a groove for a power cable of the archery bow and is arranged on the cam to present the power cable toward the abutment piece upon rotation of the cam. The abutment piece is configured to abut the power cable to impede further rotation of the cam. The abutment piece may be reversible to allow different draw lengths of the bowstring at a selected mounting location.

Abstract: A percussion and magazine revolving device of toy grenade launcher includes a magazine. The magazine forms annularly arranged cylindrical accommodation chambers receiving therein grenades and has a circumference along which holding pegs are arranged. A release plate is attached to the magazine and forms a pawl for selective engagement with the holding pegs. A trigger and a percussion mechanism coupled to the trigger are arranged on a carrier seat. The percussion mechanism has a top edge o which a drive bar is mounted. The magazine is rotated to compress an elastic element arranged therein. When the trigger is pulled, the percussion mechanism is caused to fire one grenade, and at the same time, the drive bar pushes the release plate away to make the pawl disengaging the holding pegs, thereby allowing the magazine to rotate an angle for being ready to fire the next grenade.

Abstract: A grenade for toy gun generally includes a bullet compartment having multiple circumferentially arranged accommodation cylinders to receive BB bullets or paintballs therein, a storage chamber forming circumferential raised walls, and an actuation rod assembly that is hollow and has a front end forming an air inlet opening in which a check valve is mounted and a rear end forming an air output opening and circumferential gasket rings. The gasket rings are respectively set in engagement with the raised wall to hermetically seal the storage chamber. Compressed air is fed through the air inlet opening and is discharged through the air output opening to accumulate in the storage chamber. In percussion, the actuation rod assembly is caused to move forward to disengage the gasket ring from the raised wall so as to release the compressed air to instantaneously eject the BB bullets or paintballs received in the bullet compartment.

Abstract: Methods, wires, and apparatus for use in cutting (e.g., slicing) hard, brittle materials is provided. The wire can be a super-abrasive wire that includes a wire core and super-abrasive particles bonded to the wire core via a metal bonding layer. This wire, or another type of wire, can be used to slice workpieces useful for producing wafers. The workpieces can be aligned within a holder to produce wafers using the device and methods presently provided. The holder rotates about its central axis, which translates to workpieces moving in orbit around this axis. A single abrasive wire, or multiple turns of wire stretched tightly between wire guides, is then contacted with the rotating holder to slice the workpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood fire support device comprising a plurality of hingeable members forming a tripod such that firewood can be supported in a teepee configuration. The device comprises at least three elongate members connecting to a common disk, the disk having apertures to accept the members therethrough. The disk separates the members into an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion supporting leaning firewood placed thereagainst and the lower portion positioned on a ground surface to support the assembly. Along the members and just above and below the disk connection is a larger diameter stop that prevents dislodgment of the members from the disk. The members are loosely positioned within the disk apertures to allow the members to hinge therefrom, permitting the tripod to be setup in a number of different base widths and further allowing the members to collapse against one another in a stowed state.

Abstract: A matchbox oven is disclosed. The matchbox oven includes a housing, a slider, a mover and a heat source. The housing includes a cavity having a first and second openings. The mover moves the slider in and out of the cavity through the first and second openings. The heat source provides heat to the cavity for heating up any food item placed on a portion of the slider located within the cavity. The slider, which is configured to receive food items, includes multiple stoppers to serve as oven covers for preventing heat within the cavity from escaping through the first and second openings. When necessary, a portion of the slider can also be utilized as a heat sink for lowering the temperature of the cavity during oven operation.

Abstract: A pocket warmer able to give out odors is provided with a combustion unit and a placing stand assembled over the combustion unit for receiving aromatic substance or essential oil with an odor a user wants. Thus, when the combustion unit of the pocket warmer is heated, hot air produced will rise and carry out heating to the aromatic substance or the essential oil of the placing stand over the combustion unit, able to attain effects of keeping warm and giving out odors, and safe and practical in use.

Abstract: In a heat tracing system using heat from a radiant heater to heat a circulating fluid, thermoelectric generation modules are used to generate electricity for powering a circulating pump. Thermoelectric power generation modules are sandwiched between a heat-absorbing plate and a heat sink, and this assembly is positioned with the heat-absorbing plate adjacent to a radiant heater. A conduit loop passes through the heat sink, such that a fluid circulating through the conduit is heated from heat drawn from the heater into the heat sink. Due to the temperature differential between the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric modules, the modules produce electricity to power the pump circulating the fluid through the conduit loop. Supplementary heat exchanger components may be provided for additional fluid-heating capacity, and thereby increasing the amount of heat available for the heat tracing loop.

Abstract: A gas burner mounting assembly for removably mounting a gas burner to a cooktop is provided. The cooktop has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one opening disposed therethrough. The mounting assembly includes an in-jet bracket with a portion extending through the opening and supporting the gas burner above the cooktop such that a gap is formed between the gas burner and the top surface of the cooktop. The mounting assembly is configured for implementation on cooktops of multiple thicknesses.

Abstract: A method for storing and releasing heat by means of a phase change material. In said method, a phase change is caused in a first heat exchanging device (4) by supplying heat during a charging process in a storage medium comprising a phase change material in order to store the heat as latent heat in the storage medium, and a phase change is caused in the storage medium while heat is dissipated during a discharging process in the first or another heat exchanging device (2).

Abstract: In an expansion system (11) of the heat transfer medium circuit (1) of a solar thermal power plant, comprising a plurality of expansion tanks (12a, 12b, 12c) and/or flooding tanks which are arranged in the heat transfer medium circuit (1), a solution is to be created which enables a technically simplified and constructionally less costly compensating or expansion system to be created. This is achieved by the expansion system (11) comprising a plurality of expansion tanks (12a, 12b, 12c) which are arranged at basically the same height level and are in fluid-conducting communication.

Abstract: There is disclosed a receiver panel. In an embodiment, the panel is configured to receive a curtain of particles in a solar central receiver system. A porous structure of the panel has a top end and a bottom end. The porous structure is disposed between the top end and the bottom end. The porous structure has a size to impede movement of the particles during downward travel from the top end to the bottom end. There is disclosed a solar central receiver system. In an embodiment, the receiver system includes a plurality of receiver panels, a tower supporting the plurality of receiver panels in a configuration to receive solar irradiation, and a hopper forming a slot configured to dispose the particles at a given location on to the porous structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of introducing a suspension or solution of a medicament, preferably mometasone furoate anhydrous, into a metered dose inhaler container.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) device for respiratory therapy, the device comprising a housing defining a passageway for the flow of respiratory gas, where the housing can include a ventilator side port, a patient side port, a first pathway defined within the housing, and a second pathway defined within the housing, a medium located within the first pathway and a valve configured to selectably impede fluid flow through one of the first pathway and second pathway during use. The HME can further include a knob configured to position the valve. The housing can include a first sealing wall and a second sealing wall, where the valve is configured to abut the first sealing wall in a first valve position and to abut the second sealing wall in a second valve position.

Abstract: A system for generating liquid oxygen (LOX) for portable use by a patient includes a patient portable unit configured to store LOX and deliver gaseous oxygen (GOX) to the patient, and a mobile base unit configured to generate LOX by cryogenic separation of air and deliver the generated LOX to the patient portable unit. The mobile base unit includes a compressor that receives and pressurizes air, a purifier that removes impurities from the pressurized air, a heat exchanger that cools the purified air, a cryocooler that further cools the air to cryogenic temperatures, and a distillation unit that separates the cryogenic air into multiple products, including LOX and one or more cold byproducts. The separated LOX is communicated toward storage, and at least one of the cold byproducts is passed through the heat exchanger to facilitate heat transfer from incoming purified air to the at least one cold byproduct in order to cool the purified air.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator (12) for medical equipment is described which is configured to provide an audible indication of gas flow. The medical equipment may be in form of a respiratory care device, an airway management device, a heat moisture exchanger (10), an oxygen enrichment device (92,112) or a breathing mask (132).

Abstract: An anesthetic circuit is provided for treating a patient. The anesthetic circuit comprises a membrane comprising a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the membrane is at least partially impervious to exhaled molecular anesthetic agent and is substantially pervious to exhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for anesthetic treatment of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of distributing a pharmaceutical product comprising nitric oxide gas for inhalation.

Abstract: A drug delivery system, which includes an aerosol generator unit, a pumping unit, a flow tube, at least one condensate collector and an aerosol transition adapter. The aerosol generator forms an aerosol from a liquid formulation, which is partially vaporized. The pumping unit supplies the liquid formulation to the aerosol generator unit and a flow tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol generator unit and an outlet adapted for connection to a patient interface, which supplies ventilation to a patient's lungs. The system also includes at least one condensate collector adapted to collect condensed liquid or liquid produced by the aerosol generator unit, and a transition adapter arranged to mix aerosol produced by the aerosol generator unit with heated air and directs the mixed aerosol into the inlet end of the flow passage.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.