Abstract: A cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an engine cooling system that includes a water jacket, a radiator, and a circulation passage through which a coolant is circulated between the water jacket and the radiator, wherein the coolant is provided in the engine cooling system; a water pump that forcibly circulates the coolant provided in the engine cooling system when the water pump is operated; a reservoir tank in which the coolant is reserved, and into which gas flows from the engine cooling system while the reserved coolant flows out to the engine cooling system from the reservoir tank; and a forcible introduction portion that forcibly introduces the coolant from the reservoir tank into the engine cooling system before the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: A ball-lift device with screw for a variable compression ratio engine having a hydraulic double-acting control actuator (8) including an upper chamber (121) and a lower chamber (122) and at least one actuator piston (13) connected to a control rack (7) includes: at least two balls (401, 402) or valve elements each resting on a seat (403, 404) and closing off respectively one and the other end of a transfer channel (405) connecting the upper chamber and the lower chamber of the control actuator, the balls acting as a nonreturn valve element when they are held on their seat by a spring (408, 409) in order to allow the hydraulic fluid to pass in only one direction; and lifting element (410) including at least one electric motor (480) designed to rotate at least one screw (481, 482) making it possible to lift from or place on its seat at least one ball.

Abstract: A two cycle engine has an exhaust port provided in a side portion of a cylinder, and a scavenge air port provided in the side portion of the cylinder so as to be symmetrical with a plane passing through a center in a cylinder circumference direction of the exhaust port and an axis extending to inside of the cylinder, the scavenge air port is structured such that an axis extending to inside of the cylinder from an opening of the scavenge air port extends in such a direction as to be away from the exhaust port of the cylinder, and is divided in a cylinder axis direction by a dividing portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starter device which is used to start internal combustion engines, which comprises an electromagnetic toe-in mechanism (10) and a start-stop-mechanism, which in a stop-phase of the internal combustion engine, even during and/or after stopping the internal combustion engine, a positioned state of the toe-in mechanism (10) is provoked, such that when the internal combustion engine is subsequently started, it is already in the positioned state. According to the invention, a locking device (20), which is used to lock the toe-in mechanism (10) in the positioned state, is embodied in such a manner that it can be controlled such that the electromagnetic toe-in mechanism (10) is maintained in the advanced position during the stop-phase.

Abstract: Engine oil may pool in various locations in the cylinder head near the valves and underneath the camshaft. Rather than directly conducting the oil to the oil return passages, the oil is conducted to a surface proximate the exhaust ducts before being conducted to the oil return passage so that the oil is readily warmed up during a cold start by the contact with a surface in the cylinder head proximate exhaust ducts. The provision of such a surface proximate exhaust ducts is facilitated by the integrated exhaust manifold design in which the exhaust ducts are merged prior to exiting the cylinder head. By rapidly heating the oil, the oil's viscosity decreases, thereby reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle is provided with a crankcase that contains lubricating oil and on which a cylinder block with several cylinder bores is arranged. The cylinder bores are closed with a cylinder head that is arranged on the cylinder block and features cylinder head covers for covering a valve mechanism mounted on the cylinder head. Means are provided for guiding a dipstick that serves for determining the filling level of the lubricating oil. The means for guiding the dipstick are realized in the form of cast channels that extend through at least the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The upper outlet of the channels is provided for inserting and removing the dipstick in the region of one cylinder head cover.

Abstract: A system for an engine includes an engine block having a cylinder, an oil delivery system including an oil reservoir at least partially enclosing an oil emulsion and providing lubricating oil to at least one cylinder, and a controller configured to adjust the heat delivered to the engine via a heat adjustment mechanism in response to a concentration of water in the oil emulsion.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder, an intake and exhaust port, and two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder around each piston and connected relative to their respective crankshafts. Each piston sleeve includes a slotted port in communication with either the intake or exhaust port. A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts. A pair of eccentric inserts include an outside circumferential surface concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture. Each inside circumferential surface aperture is pivotable about its respective crankshaft. Each outside circumferential surface is rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder pre-ignition by adjusting a spray angle of fuel injected into a cylinder responsive to an indication of pre-ignition. A spray pattern of fuel injected in the cylinder is varied based on a cylinder pre-ignition count to reduce cylinder wall impingement of injected fuel while improving air-fuel mixing in the cylinder.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engine torque control. Mutually exclusive airflow adjustments and spark adjustments are used to provide accurate engine torque control when operating near combustion stability limits. Torque offset values and proportional-integral control terms are adjusted responsive to tip-in/tip-out events to improve torque control response times.

Abstract: An air induction system hydrocarbon trap is provided. In one example, the hydrocarbon trap includes an adsorber roll including an adsorbing material and a corrugate support, where the corrugate support is rolled with the adsorbing material to form a wound adsorber roll. A housing is further provided to retain the adsorber roll. A housing cap may be coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An engine system for a vehicle and its method of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to indicate a clogging of a fuel filter based on a period of time that a fuel pressure switch remains in a low pressure state. In some embodiments, the control system may respond to an indicated clogging of the fuel system by limiting one or more of fuel pressure, fuel flow rate, and vehicle speed. By limiting the flow rate and/or the pressure at which fuel is delivered to the engine during conditions when the low pressure fuel sub-system is unable to provide sufficient fuel pressure and/or flow, degradation and/or damage to the fuel system, including the high pressure pump, may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus including a plurality of throttle bodies, a fuel supply pipe to supply fuel to upstream and downstream side injectors; connecting pipes to connect the fuel supply pipe to the upstream side injectors and the downstream side injectors; upstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective upstream side injectors; downstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective downstream side injectors; a nip angle of the upstream side injectors is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side branch passages against the intake flow direction of the intake passage; and the nip angle of the downstream side branch passages is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side injectors against the intake flow direction of the intake passage.

Abstract: A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel assembly may include a fuel rail and a flow control mechanism. The fuel rail may have an inlet in communication with a pressurized LPG fuel source, an injection passageway in communication with the inlet and a fuel injector that provides fuel to a combustion chamber of an engine, and an outlet in communication with the fuel injection passageway. The flow control mechanism may be in communication with the outlet of the fuel rail and a LPG fuel tank and may be operable in first and second modes. The second mode may provide a greater flow restriction than the first mode to control a fuel flow from the outlet of the fuel rail to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel vapor control system included in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method may include storing positive pressure or negative pressure in an isolated fuel tank, transferring at least a portion of the positive pressure or the negative pressure to an evaporation canister region, and determining degradation of the evaporation canister based on a pressure response of the evaporation canister region while the evaporation canister region is isolated from the fuel tank. In this way, it is possible to utilize pressure that may be passively generated in one portion of the system, even during shut-down engine operation, to verify the integrity of another portion of the system.

Abstract: A heated fuel injector system and controller that includes a temperature sensing means to provide closed-loop control of a heating element heating fuel dispensed by a heated fuel injector. Closed-loop control provides more accurate temperature control of the heating element so that fuel heating is provided as quickly as possible while also protecting the fuel from being boiled and protecting the heated fuel injector from being damaged by excessive temperature. By monitoring how the signal from the temperature sensing means varies over time, fault conditions such as a lack of fuel flow, and fuel ethanol percentage may be detected.

Abstract: A compressed air delivery system in which power from a power supply is transmitted to a rotary air compressor through a dry running, continuous variable transmission (CVT) utilizing a belt coupled between two pulleys enclosed within a CVT housing. The air pressure differential created by the rotary air compressor is used to urge cooling air through the CVT to cool the CVT belt. The pressure differential may be utilized to push cooling air into the CVT housing or to draw cooling air through the CVT housing. In one embodiment, a portion of the compressed air discharged from a supercharger may be routed through a bleed line and into the CVT housing.

Abstract: A supercharger assembly includes a dry-running CVT coupled to a speed multiplying gear set, which is in turn coupled to a centrifugal supercharger. The CVT includes a CVT housing which has an opening formed therein to provide access to a face of the driven pulley, and a plurality of equally spaced bolt receivers arranged in a circle around the opening. The gear assembly includes a gear housing formed separate from the CVT housing. The gear housing has a plurality of bolt holes formed in it which are arranged in a circle and alignable with respective ones of the bolt receivers. The gear housing is selectively rotatable relative to the CVT housing by moving each of the bolt holes from alignment with a first respective one of the bolt receivers and into alignment with a second respective one of the bolt receivers and then installing fasteners therein.

Abstract: An EGR system for an IC engine, wherein the IC engine includes a block defining a plurality of combustion cylinders, a plurality of multi-valve heads, each multi-valve head associated with a respective combustion cylinder and including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve, an exhaust manifold fluid coupled with each exhaust valve, and an intake manifold fluidly coupled between the exhaust manifold and each inlet valve. The EGR system includes: a plurality of EGR inlet valves and a plurality of EGR exhaust valves, wherein each multi-valve head includes at least one EGR inlet valve and at least one EGR exhaust valve; an EGR exhaust manifold fluidly coupled with each EGR exhaust valve; and an EGR intake manifold fluidly coupled between the EGR exhaust manifold and each EGR inlet valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device (19) for an internal combustion engine (1) for evacuating blow-by gas from a crankcase (3), comprising a first line (20), which is connected at the one end to the crankcase (3) and at the other end, downstream of a forced induction device (10), to a fresh-gas line (7) and contains a ventilation valve (23), and a second line (21), which is connected at the one end, upstream of the forced induction device (10), to the fresh-gas line (7) and at the other end, between the crankcase (3) and the ventilation valve (23), to the first line (20) and contains a throttle device (23).

Abstract: An ignition coil, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a secondary winding situated on a coil body for the production of a high voltage at a spark plug, having a contact sleeve that electrically contacts the secondary winding and that is capable of being pushed over an end area of the coil body and that has at least one contact element for the secondary winding, and having a holding-down element that can be pushed over the contact sleeve and that acts on the at least one contact element of the contact sleeve. In its end position, the holding-down element protrudes beyond the at least one contact element of the contact sleeve, seen in the axial direction of the coil body, and covers the at least one contact element.

Abstract: A multi-purpose crossbow cocking device having two handles attached by a draw cord or string. Slidably affixed to the cord are a pair of pulley members having hooks that engage a bow string of a crossbow. The handles may have an inner cavity. One or both of the handles may contain one or more Allen wrenches pivotally connected to the handle within the inner cavity. In its retracted position, the Allen wrench is housed within the inner cavity. In its extended position, the distal end of the Allen wrench is placed external of the handle's inner cavity and may be used to drive a bolt or screw with a hexagonal shaft head. The Allen wrenches may be different sizes.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.

Abstract: The invention comprises a lever support arm tube attached perpendicular at one end to a compound bow and at the other end has an attached pulley assembly. Attached in between is a shoulder rest assembly, a lever arm hinged at the tube and a slip-lock ring. The draw cable attached to a quick release aid holding the bow string passes back around the pulley assembly and passes forward to the lever arm hinged backwards toward the pulley assembly. The archer forces the lever arm forward, pulling the draw cable around the pulley assembly thereby drawing the bow string. The archer engages the slip-lock ring holding the lever arm to maintain the bow string in the full draw position. An arrow is nocked. The archer's left hand aims the bow. The right shoulder supports the invention using the shoulder rest assembly. The right hand pulls the quick release aid trigger.

Abstract: A door control mechanism which is attached near the hinge region of a door to bias the door to a closed orientation, and after a prescribed location, bias the door toward an open location to a sufficient degree such that the door is noticeably open. The door control mechanism in one form may have a cam extension that engages a spring member to supply stored energy to and from the spring member to bias the door closed and to bias the door open after a prescribed amount of rotation.

Abstract: An oven rack for an oven that providing additional clearance for an object on the oven rack. The oven rack comprises a generally rectangular shape including a front member, a rear member, and side members extending between the front and rear members. A grid structure is connected to the front, rear and side members and supports objects on the oven rack. Two rear rails are connected to the rear member to help retain objects on the oven rack. The rear rails project rearwardly and upwardly from rear member and define a free space being between the rear rails providing additional clearance for objects placed on the oven rack.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body (10); a reservoir (20) containing fluid; a dispenser member (30), such as a pump or a valve, for dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (20) through a dispenser orifice (45); and a cap (50) that is adapted to cover said dispenser orifice (45) in a closed position. The cap (50) is pivotally mounted on the body (10) to turn about an axis (A) between the closed position and an actuation position, the cap (50) including an actuator mechanism (55; 56, 57) adapted to actuate the dispenser member (30) directly, while the cap (50) is turning towards its actuation position.

Abstract: An improved tee type nebulizer unit for medicinal use that delivers a mist of properly sized aerosol particles of medicament to the patient. A uniquely configured air flow baffle assembly, which is strategically positioned within the tee of the nebulizer unit, markedly increases the rate of liquid-to-aerosol conversion compared to prior art tee type nebulizer units. More particularly, due to the positioning and sizing of the air channeling pathways within the air flow baffle assembly, an increase in rate of aerosol mist production by factors of 200%-300% is realized.

Abstract: A patient treatment system that comprises a gas delivery system, a patient interface, and a control interface to provide a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The patient interface is in communication with the gas delivery system, and is constructed to interface with a patient to provide the breathable gas to the patient. The control interface is carried by the patient interface, and enables the patient to control at least one aspect of the patient treatment system.

Abstract: A system for wireless data communication for use with a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The system includes a wireless notification module, one or more wireless repeaters located remote from ventilation system, and a wireless receiver located remote from the one or more wireless repeaters. The wireless notification module is coupled to a ventilation system and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the ventilation system. The one or more wireless repeaters are configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the wireless notification module, and wirelessly transmit the received data. The wireless receiver is configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the one or more wireless repeaters, and communicate the received data to a user remote from the ventilation system.

Abstract: A dry inhaler system includes a vibrating mechanism. A supply of a dry powder is operatively coupled to the vibrating mechanism. A power source communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A sensor communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A feedback control communicates with the sensor and the power source. The feedback control controls power delivered to the vibrating mechanism relative to information provided by the sensor about the performance of the vibrating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, computer program products, and circuits for conserving oxygen during the delivery of oxygen to a user. Embodiments of the invention use a microphone to detect breathing sounds indicative of different portions of a breathing cycle. Sounds not related to the breathing cycle are filtered out of the signal. Using the breathing sounds, a microprocessor differentiates inspiration from other portions of the breathing cycle. When inspiration is detected, a valve is transitioned to permit the flow of oxygen from an oxygen source to a user to deliver an appropriate bolus of oxygen. The microprocessor can also detect fault conditions, such as, for example, apnea, failure to deliver a bolus of oxygen, and restrictions in the flow of oxygen from the oxygen source to a user.

Abstract: A flow regulation vent includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit and a spring force biased movable portion connected by a hinge to the fixed portion and flowingly connected to the pressurized gas supply. The fixed portion includes a gas flow orifice. The movable portion is pivotally movable between 1) a relaxed position, whereby at a specified minimum operating pressure, the movable portion is pivoted by the spring force away from the fixed portion to a position to establish a first gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice; and 2) a fully pressurized position, whereby at a specified maximum operating pressure, the pressurized gas offsets the spring force to pivot the movable portion to a position adjacent the fixed portion to establish a minimum gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask shell defining an interior of the respiratory mask and a gas washout vent passage having an inlet forming part of the mask shell and in fluid communication with the interior and an outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere. The mask shell includes a tubular mask inlet adapted to connect to a breathable gas supply conduit. The outlet includes an interior surface that forms a smooth prolongation with an adjacent exterior surface of the mask shell, and the outlet is adapted to direct washout gas in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mask inlet and away from the mask inlet. The mask shell includes a body portion and a cap portion.

Abstract: A forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask includes a support element made from an elastomer material. The support element forms a support face which in an application position is adapted to seat on a forehead area of a user. The support element includes a jacket that defines a hollow chamber adapted to be filled with a viscous medium.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a medical device tube having scaffolding-supported inner and outer walls are provided. In particular, the medical device tube may include a plurality of struts extending from an inner wall to an outer wall of the medical device tube. In certain embodiments, each of the individual struts may connect to adjacent struts at the inner wall and the outer wall. As such, the plurality of struts may comprise a zigzag pattern circumferentially around the medical tube device. In other embodiments, the struts may extend radially from the inner wall to the outer wall of the medical tube device. Regardless, the area between the struts and the inner wall and/or the outer wall form a plurality of lumens, which may be used for suctioning, blowing, and various other applications of the medical device tube.

Abstract: A neck brace has two legs with a gap between them and the legs extend on either side of the wearer's neck and along the front of his torso. Shoulder protuberances, and chest protuberances extending laterally from each leg, are received underneath the shoulder straps of a harness, in the region of the wearer's shoulders and chest, respectively. A recess is defined on an underside of each leg between the shoulder protuberance and the chest protuberance to form a beam that is elevated above the wearer's chest. Each leg and its associated chest protuberance, define a channel in which one of the shoulder straps of the harness is receivable to be held captive.

Abstract: A retracting eye drape assembly is disclosed for use around a patient's eye to seclude and seal off the operative field during eye surgery. The drape assembly includes a retraction member connected to the drape and configured to engage the patient's eyelid, an extension member connected to the retraction member or to the drape and configured to substantially enclose the patient's eyelid, and a retraction flap configured to secure the patient's eyelid in a substantially retracted position. A method of applying an eye drape assembly is disclosed. After application of the drape to the patient's face, and while the patient's eyelid is closed, the patient's eyelid is engaged by a retraction member connected to the drape and retracted. While retracted, the patient's eyelid is substantially enclosed to seclude the eyelid and eyelashes from the operational area. The secluded eyelid and eyelashes are then secured in a retracted position.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A method and device to modify tissue in a manner such that it will take on a permanent new shape. Subdermal tissue is heated to approx 60° C. at which point it becomes pliable and moldable and will take on a permanent new shape if allowed to cool and heal in a new position.

Abstract: In a filter cigarette having a tobacco strand, a wrapping and a filter, the filter possesses at least one gas phase-active filter part which contains at least one gas phase-reducing substance. The gas phase-reducing substances are embedded in a filter material matrix. They are introduced in a quantity of at least 75 mg per filter and at least 5 mg/mm of the length of the gas phase-active filter part. The filter cigarette exhibits a filter ventilation of at most 30% (or of from 30% to 70%). The NFDPM value is between 4 and 10 mg/cigarette (or in the range of from 2 to 4 mg/Cigarette), as measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions. The gas phase quotient Q1, defined as (?g of benzene per cigarette)/(mg of CO per cigarette) and measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions, is less than 1.5, preferably less than 1.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of a composite mesoporous/microporous material. The composite material is capable of removing at least one constituent from tobacco smoke, preferably selectively. The composite material may also be used for removing at least one constituent from tobacco smoke through sorption and/or catalysis. The composite material comprises channels interconnecting at least one mesoporous region and at least one microporous region. The mesopores of the composite material may further comprise a carbon lining and/or be further functionalized with a surfactant. Alternatively, the composite material may further comprise a metal, a metal oxide, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A device for applying a cosmetic composition including magnetic or magnetizable particles, said applicator device comprising handle means and an applicator head including an applicator surface and a magnetic device suitable for generating a magnetic field, and the applicator head further including a setback forming a reservoir suitable for containing said cosmetic composition, said reservoir being located in the applicator surface and having a bottom. The bottom of the reservoir is movable relative to the applicator surface by an adjuster device associated with the applicator head.

Abstract: A dental floss is formed as a strand, including threads braided with each other in a multi-looped manner so that forming knobs connecting adjacent quasi-flat sections that, while being stretched in a straight line, are sequentially disposed and twisted relatively to each other, whose cross-sections can be approximated to a rectangle-like figure having a width and a height greater than the width. The heights of two adjacent quasi-flat sections are disposed at a predetermined angle to each other. Due to particular braiding, the quasi-flat cross-sections and the knob's cross-section encompass different numbers of thread pieces, forming a multi-planar surface with bulges, thereby providing for a unique adhesive property increasing the floss cleaning power, grabbing and removing plaque particles from the tooth surface more efficiently than the conventional ones.

Abstract: A self-dispensing dental floss applicator that has a U-shaped elongated housing (1) with two hollow prongs (4a, 4b) set perpendicularly to the body at one end and a larger opposite end to contain the locking mechanism, the dispensing mechanism, the spool (3) of fresh floss and the spool (18 or 21) of used floss. The locking mechanism composed of a casing (5), an axle (9), two lower grip pads (17a, 17b), two upper grip pads (7a, 7b), two strip springs (8a and 8b) and a lever (6) with two eccentric friction parts is used to hold the floss in position thus creating the right tension on the floss. A tension pin (19) containing a screw (20) is provided to increase floss tension if/when needed by the user. Rotating the lever (6) up unlocks the floss. Further repeated rotations of the lever backward action the sliding mechanism containing a rack-and-pinion gear (23 and 21), together with springs 24 and 26, that in turn causes the spool of used floss (21) to rotate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate processing system in which a processing liquid is supplied to a substrate W from a processing nozzle 50a situated above the substrate W so as to process the substrate W, and which makes it possible to prevent unintended dripping of the processing liquid from the processing nozzle. A substrate processing system 20 comprises a processing nozzle 50a capable of supplying a processing liquid to a substrate to be processed, an arm 54 supporting the processing nozzle, and droplet removing nozzles 60, 62 capable of blowing a gas to the processing nozzle. The arm is movable between a processing position and a waiting position, the processing nozzle being above a substrate when the arm is in the waiting position and being outside a substrate when the arm is in the processing position. The droplet removing nozzles are so situated that they are in the vicinity of the processing nozzle when the arm is in the waiting position.

Abstract: An electric household appliance has a chamber that is at least partially filled with liquid during operation of the appliance. A motor drives a pump for drawing liquid from the chamber. A monitoring device detects the rotational speed and the power of the motor, compares detected values for the rotational speed and power to a predefined characteristic, and signals an exceptional state if the comparison indicates that the detected values deviate significantly from the characteristic.