Abstract: A depressor for towed hydrophone arrays is contemplated having a remotely controllable tow point to allow array depth to be modified without requiring manual reconfiguration. The tow cable is attached to the depressor in an adjustable manner also providing improved depth control precision.

Abstract: A swim platform lift mechanism is disclosed, the mechanism mounted between the transom of a boat and a bottom surface of a swim platform. The lift mechanism provides a powered lifting/lowering of the swim platform from a retracted position that is level with the deck of the boat to a deployed position in which the swim platform is below the surface of the water surrounding the boat and from the retracted position to an up-and-over position in which the swim platform and its contents are positioned above and forward of the rear edge of the deck. The up-and-over position provides for an improved center of gravity when transporting a dingy on the swim platform.

Abstract: A bird repelling apparatus to repel birds from plants including a hanger, a round eyelet on a hanger second end, an initial ring loosely attached thereto, a thin diameter greater than 3 inches and 2 gauge thick first disc with a 0.2 inch diameter top aperture attached to the initial ring and a bottom aperture to which a round 0.75 inch diameter first memory wire ring is loosely engaged, and a 0.4 inch diameter jump ring loosely engaging the first memory wire ring. A second memory wire ring loosely engages the jump ring and a 0.2 inch diameter second disc upper aperture and has a 0.2 inch diameter lower aperture. The dimensions and the high gloss finish of the stainless steel discs are critical to the bird repelling function. Loose connectivity between the jump and memory wire rings and the discs provides liberal, relatively independent and unimpeded disc movement in a slight breeze.

Abstract: A flagpole top support bracket assembly for a top end of a flagpole is disclosed, and includes a cap for mounting on the upper end of the flagpole. The cap defines a cavity for receiving an upper portion of the flagpole, and the cavity extends inwardly from an opening in a lower end of the cap. The cap has an outer surface and an annular groove formed in the outer surface. The bracket assembly further includes a support mounted on the cap, and the support is rotatable with respect to the cap. The support includes a mounting lip for resisting sliding of the support off of the cap, and the mounting lip extends inwardly toward the cap and is configured to be at least partially positioned in the annular groove of the cap.

Abstract: An engine block coating system for applying a coating to an engine block includes a work stand, a coating gun, and a first nozzle. The work stand supports the engine block. The coating gun discharges coating on an inner surface of a first cylinder bank. The first nozzle discharges gas from a second cylinder bank to a crankcase side of the first cylinder bank and the second cylinder bank such that the second cylinder bank is shielded from the coating. The coating gun and the first nozzle are arranged relative to each other such that gas discharged by the first nozzle is discharged toward the coating to alter a direction of the coating by the gas discharged by the first nozzle directly contacting the coating such that the coating would otherwise contact the cylinder bore of the second cylinder bank upon stopping discharge of the gas by the first nozzle.

Abstract: High throughput systems and processes for recrystallizing thin film semiconductors that have been deposited at low temperatures on a substrate are provided. A thin film semiconductor workpiece (170) is irradiated with a laser beam (164) to melt and recrystallize target areas of the surface exposed to the laser beam. The laser beam is shaped into one or more beamlets using patterning masks (150). The mask patterns have suitable dimensions and orientations to pattern the laser beam radiation so that the areas targeted by the beamlets have dimensions and orientations that are conducive to semiconductor recrystallization. The workpiece is mechanically translated along linear paths relative to the laser beam to process the entire surface of the work piece at high speeds. Position sensitive triggering of a laser can be used generate laser beam pulses to melt and recrystallize semiconductor material at precise locations on the surface of the workpiece while it is translated on a motorized stage (180).

Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive to the surface of expanded resin panels by means of a gluing roller, comprising a conveyor for feeding a panel, which is arranged upstream of the gluing roller, and a conveyor for receiving the panel, which is arranged downstream of the gluing roller, the conveyors being mutually aligned on a supporting framework so as to have adjacent ends, and means for moving the conveyors between a lowered position and a raised position, the means being controlled by an element for detecting a panel conveyed by the feeding conveyor so as to lift or lower the conveyors to a level at which the surface of the gluing roller is substantially in tangent contact with the panel in order to apply thereon a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A method of forming a boron nitride or boron carbon nitride dielectric produces a conformal layer without loading effect. The dielectric layer is formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of a boron-containing film on a substrate, at least a portion of the deposition being conducted without plasma, and then exposing the deposited boron-containing film to a plasma. The CVD component dominates the deposition process, producing a conformal film without loading effect. The dielectric is ashable, and can be removed with a hydrogen plasma without impacting surrounding materials. The dielectric has a much lower wet etch rate compared to other front end spacer or hard mask materials such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride, and has a relatively low dielectric constant, much lower then silicon nitride.

Abstract: A distribution system for distributing dosed amounts of a treatment substance to a plurality of injectors of an egg injection device, and to an injection device equipped with such a distribution system. The distribution system comprises at least one syringe pump comprising an actuator for actuating the piston of a syringe, a discharge tube connected to the outlet orifice of the syringe, feed tubes connected in parallel to the discharge tube via a valve system, each feed tube being intended to be connected to an injector, and a controller capable of controlling the actuator and the valve system for distributing dosed amount of substance contained in the chamber through the feed tubes, to injectors.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled device for an aquarium wall. The device may include an inner member and an outer member. The inner member may include a main body portion and an inner magnetic or magnetically attractable element coupled to or disposed within the main body portion. The outer member may include an outer magnetic or magnetically attractable element and a polymer static cling layer. The outer magnetic or magnetically attractable element may be magnetically attracted to the inner magnetic or magnetically attractable element. The polymer static cling layer may be configured to allow the outer member to be removably attached to an outer surface of the aquarium wall. The inner member may be removably attached to an inner surface of the aquarium wall by magnetic attraction with the outer member. The device may provide, for example, a feeding point for aquatic life contained in the aquarium.

Abstract: A pet feeding and watering system that dispenses pet food and water and has an adjustable height for people with limited mobility. The system has a base platform and a dual food and water dispenser. The dual food and water dispenser includes a vertical chute and a vertical hose. The vertical chute include a plurality of plastic or plexiglass panels that are spaced evenly from the top interior of the chute to the base of the chute in a zigzag configuration. The top of the chute has an open receptacle end where food and water are placed. The vertical hose is attached to the side of the chute by bracket fasteners and runs the length of the chute. The base of the chute includes a funnel mechanism that receives the vertical hose and directs water into a water dish. The chute includes at least one sliding component and one fixed component, where the fixed component has notches that engage a handle attached to the sliding component to secure the chute to the desired height.

Abstract: A highly palatable and long lasting chew for dogs has been developed by braiding a combination of rawhide and bull, or steer, penis, known in the trade as pizzles. The pizzle is sourced directly from slaughter and the foreskin may be removed. Bleached rawhide splits are cut into rectangular pieces and rolled to form a rope-like strand equal in length to the aforementioned pizzle. Strands of 3 to 8 sections are then woven together to form an elongated braid. Such braids are then hung on racks and undergo a cooking and dehydration step to reduce the moisture content below 10% moisture. The resultant dehydrated sticks are then cut into lengths suitable for offering as a chew for dogs. Such chew is highly palatable because of the dehydrated pizzle. The chew has a very long chew time because of the dense leathery nature of the dehydrated rawhide fraction.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a rope pulley of a leash. A rope is unwound from a pulley against the force of a spring and wound onto the pulley due to the force. The brake mechanism includes a brake button movable from an idle position, in which the pulley is freely rotatable, into a functional position, in which the brake button blocks unwinding of the rope. The brake button has an actuatable upper part protruding from the leash housing and a lower part cooperating with the pulley. The lower part is pivotable in the winding direction such that unwinding of the rope from the pulley is prevented, but can be wound onto the pulley in the functional position. The lower part engages brush bristles in the functional position to pivot the lower part due to pulley rotational movement in the winding direction.

Abstract: A system is provided to optimize multiple boiler plant systems having mixed condensing and non-condensing boiler groups. The system advantageously employs the independent groups of boilers depending on preset conditions under control of a system control unit. The preset conditions are checked against operating conditions of the boiler plant, and a system control unit controls which of the groups of boilers is the lead and which is secondary. In some instances, both groups of boilers may be utilized under heavy load. Further, effective switching between groups and within groups is also provided to minimize unnecessary repetitive boiler operation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine power cycle wherein a combustion chamber is fitted with an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and movable piston coupled to perform work, includes an generator to form a stream of greater than about 95% molecular oxygen from atmospheric air and a nitrogen waste gas stream; a source of fuel; and a source of liquid water. The power cycle includes admission of the molecular oxygen into the chamber, injection of the fuel into the chamber with combustion, and injection of atomized water into the chamber for generation of steam.

Abstract: A cooling system for a marine engine is provided with various cooling channels which allow the advantageous removal of heat at different rates from different portions of the engine. A split flow of water is conducted through the cylinder head, in opposite directions, to individually cool the exhaust port and intake ports at different rates. This increases the velocity of coolant flow in the downward direction through the cylinder head to avoid the accumulation of air bubbles and the formation of air pockets that could otherwise cause hot spots within the cylinder head. A parallel coolant path is provided so that a certain quantity of water can bypass the engine block and avoid overcooling the cylinder walls.

Abstract: A valve cooling device of an internal combustion engine in which engine oil is circulated in a valve that faces a combustion chamber, the valve includes a valve umbrella portion and a valve stem. An inside of the valve stem is formed with an oil introduction channel and an oil lead-out channel, a jet portion that includes a jet oil passage coaxially disposed with the oil introduction channel is provided in the extended direction of the valve stem, and the engine oil is injected from an orifice provided on a tip portion of the jet oil passage to an inner portion of the oil introduction channel.

Abstract: An inlet and exhaust valve arrangement for an internal combustion engine with a valve disk has at least one passage opening and is arranged in a cylinder head drivable by a shaft in a rotating manner and having a valve seat assigned to a top of the valve disk and at least a port that during rotation of the valve disk is cyclically exposed and closed again by at least one passage opening. The valve disk and the assigned valve seat starting from the shaft run in curve or taper at an angle toward a bottom of the valve disk. The valve disk is elastically bendable such that during rotation the valve disk is deflected and an edge of the valve disk is moved toward the valve seat to define therewith a self-sealing valve arrangement.

Abstract: The finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a rod which moves longitudinally to lock both arms. The rod is transversely mounted in the follower. In order to avoid premature locking, each arm has a chamfered surface on a top wall to force the rod out of engagement with the arm during upward movement of the arms, to protect premature movement of the rod from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A device for varying the relative angular position of a camshaft (2) with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The device has a drive element which is driven by the crankshaft via a gearwheel and which is mounted rotatably with respect to the camshaft. Between the drive element and the camshaft, there is at least two hydraulic chambers which can be acted upon with a pressure fluid in order to set a defined relative rotary position between the drive element and the camshaft.

Abstract: A valve train of an internal combustion engine equipped with a valve reciprocated by a cam is equipped with a spring seat manufactured in order to prevent the surging of a coil spring. A spring seat having a squeeze film effect of damping the axial motion of a coil spring is provided at one end of the coil spring in a closing direction. The spring seat is configured to be provided with an oil slit which radially intersects and extends helically around a valve axis.

Abstract: Glow plug, particularly for operation in a combustion engine, comprising at least one heating rod (1) and at least one body (2) and at least one annular gap (3) between the heating rod (1) and the body (2) and at least one chamber (4) primarily arranged between the heating rod (1) and the body (2).

Abstract: A parallel starter system for starting an internal combustion engine has at least two parallel-connected starters and a thermal switch associated with each of the starters, which thermal switch interrupts operation of the respective starter in the event of a response. The thermal switches are connected in series so that in the event of tripping of one of these thermal switches, the operation of all starters is interrupted.

Abstract: An intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises an intake manifold (1) with air feeding passages (3) adapted to be connected to and feed air to cylinders of an engine; a rotary valve (10) including a plurality of valve portions (11) in communication with the air feeding passages (3) through feed switch openings (7); a sealing member (60) fitted to the valve portion, the sealing member including ring portions (61) and interconnecting portions interconnecting the ring portions, recessed portions (76) defined on an outer side of the valve portions for receiving engaging portions (64) on inner sides of the interconnecting portions of the sealing members, wherein when the rotary valve is in the closed position, a first sealing gap (A) between the engaging portion and an inner face (77) of the recessed portion is set smaller than a valve gap (C) between the valve portion and the bore portion (8).

Abstract: A chromium-iron alloy comprises in weight %, 1 to 3% C, 1 to 3% Si, up to 3% Ni, 25 to 35% Cr, 1.5 to 3% Mo, up to 2% W, 2.0 to 4.0% Nb, up to 3.0% V, up to 3.0% Ta, up to 1.2% B, up to 1% Mn and 43 to 64% Fe. In a preferred embodiment, the chromium-iron alloy comprises in weight %, 1.5 to 2.3% C, 1.6 to 2.3% Si, 0.2 to 2.2% Ni, 27 to 34% Cr, 1.7 to 2.5% Mo, 0.04 to 2% W, 2.2 to 3.6% Nb, up to 1% V, up to 3.0% Ta, up to 0.7% B, 0.1 to 0.6% Mn and 43 to 64% Fe. The chromium-iron alloy is useful for valve seat inserts for internal combustion engines such as diesel or natural gas engines.

Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder head at least partially defining a valve seat pocket. A valve seat is located proximate to the cylinder head to at least partially define the valve seat pocket. A pocket filler is located between the valve seat and the pocket insert such that the pocket filler occupies a substantial portion of the valve seat pocket. A pocket insert is attached to the cylinder head proximate to the valve seat pocket, such that the pocket insert lines at least a portion of the valve seat pocket.

Abstract: A small-sized vehicle has an oil control valve for a hydraulically-actuated mechanism of an engine, and provides good cooling of the oil control valve. A small-sized vehicle includes a spool valve for adjusting a hydraulic pressure for a hydraulically-actuated mechanism of an engine. The spool valve is disposed sideways of a cylinder portion (cylinder head) such that an axis of the spool valve extends substantially in parallel with an axis of the cylinder portion. Further, the spool valve is disposed at a position that is rearward of a radiator and that falls within a vertical span of the radiator in a vehicle side view.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankcase, a crankshaft and at least one crankshaft bearing that can be loaded with lubricant for the purpose of mounting the crankshaft in the crankcase. The at least one crankshaft bearing has at least two separate lubricant feed systems.

Abstract: A sliding component for an internal combustion engine includes a component main body made of titanium or a titanium alloy, a surface hardened layer provided on a surface of the component main body, a diamond-like carbon film provided on the surface hardened layer, and a titanium layer provided between the surface hardened layer and the diamond-like carbon film.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, on a cylinder head side, a tumble flow is formed that is directed from an intake vent opened on the cylinder head to an exhaust vent opened on the cylinder head. A direct injection valve injects fuel directly into a combustion space. The direct injection valve injects the fuel toward a section where a piston top surface intersects with a cylinder inner surface, at a point closer to an intake top dead center than a middle between the intake top dead center and an intake bottom dead center, and thereafter injects the fuel into the combustion space again.

Abstract: A system for regulating the operation of an idling motor vehicle monitors one or more selected engine operational parameters such as coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature, and catalytic converter temperature, and compares the measured parameters against selected benchmark criteria stored in the memory of a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the vehicle's ignition system to shut down the engine when the measured parameters come within the corresponding benchmark criteria. The system preferably but not necessarily operates in conjunction with a remote vehicle starter system. The system may also or alternatively be adapted to shut down an idling motor vehicle engine when total idling time reaches a specified maximum value, which may be selected based on idling time restriction bylaws.

Abstract: A rotation angle detection device may include a rotational member, at least one magneto-electric transducer having a magnetism detection portion capable of detecting a change in magnetism caused by rotation of the rotational member and generating a detection signal representative of the change in magnetism, and an operation voltage output portion capable of performing an operation based on the detection signal and generating an output signal. The rotation angle detection device may further include a fixed member having an receiving recess that receives the at least one magneto-electric transducer therein, and an elastic member attached to the receiving recess in which the at least one magneto-electric transducer is received.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides, an internal combustion engine comprising a variable volume combustion chamber (10); an air intake passage (103,104) via which air is delivered to the combustion chamber (10); a fuel injector (107) delivering fuel into the air intake passage (103,107); and a fuel storage tank (107) for storing fuel to be injected. The fuel injector (107) is at least in part immersed in fuel, the fuel injector (107) being located at least in part in a fuel chamber (108b) which is connected to or which forms part of the fuel storage tank (108). An escape path is provided for escape of fuel vapor from the fuel injector (107) and/or from the proximity of the fuel injector to the fuel storage tank (108).

Abstract: A system of alternate hose line bundling allows for exclusion of a higher pressure hose line from fasteners directly attached to a vehicle body. Alternatively to mounting to the vehicle body, the higher pressure hose line is coupled to a lower pressure hose line via fasteners which lack mounting features. Eliminating attachment of higher pressure hose lines to the vehicle body reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) experienced by passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: Coupling structure (10) for coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail (16) includes a fuel injector receiving cup (14) having an outer wall (22) and an interior space (24). The cup includes slot structure (26, 28) through the outer wall. Clip structure (30, 32) has a base (31) and a wall (40) extending transversely from the base. The base is received in the slot structure and extends into the interior space so that a portion of the base engages the fuel injector to limit movement thereof both axially and radially with respect to the receiving cup, with the wall being disposed adjacent to a portion of the outer wall of the receiving cup. A retainer (41) engages the wall of the clip structure to secure the clip structure to the receiving cup.

Abstract: A piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a piezoelectric actuator movable to expand in a first direction and movable to contract in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a hydraulic link assembly disposed within a nozzle cavity formed in a nozzle housing containing a nozzle valve element. The hydraulic link assembly is positioned close to the injector orifices to minimize needle valve element length and mass, thereby reducing seat impact forces and enhance response time. A refill valve operates to move into an open position to refill a hydraulic link chamber. An actuator power source operates to vary voltage to cause multiple injection pulses and to selectively maintain the voltage above a predetermined lower level between injection pulses to maintain the refill valve in a closed position to prevent refilling of the hydraulic link chamber.

Abstract: At abnormal pressure pulsation generating time, a piston of a pulsation reducing apparatus is displaced in a valve chamber due to an increase in a fuel pressure in an upstream side fuel passage, so that fluid communication between a valve chamber and a downstream side fuel passage is disabled, and fluid communication between a valve chamber side end part of a return passage and the valve chamber is enabled. Pressure pulsation is conducted into the return passage and is reduced by a damping effect of a pulsation reducing mechanism and a flow restricting effect of orifices. The fuel, which has passed through the orifices, is returned to the upstream side fuel passage through the return passage.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method and an apparatus for avoiding and/or reducing pollutant percentages in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. Before fuel passes into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, it is exposed to electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals including at least two signals at two preset frequencies, and are above 20 kHz. The electromagnetic signals are delivered by way of a transmission member that is disposed in a fuel treatment unit, which has a fuel feed line to a fuel tank and a fuel discharge line to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve for a combustion engine air intake circuit, where the valve includes a main pipe and a bypass duct with upstream and downstream ends opening into the main pipe. The valve also includes a heating member that is positioned in the bypass duct and a shut-off member mounted such that it can move between a first position in which airflow can pass through the main pipe and a second position in which airflow can pass through the bypass duct.

Abstract: A cooling structure for cooling a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine is provided where the engine includes an EGR passage interposed between an exhaust manifold structure and an inlet manifold structure of the engine. The cooling structure includes a first cooling system and a second cooling system. The first cooling system includes at least one radiator and a liquid coolant circulatable through the radiator and the internal combustion engine for cooling the internal combustion engine. A flywheel housing for the internal combustion engine is provided with at least a portion of the second cooling system.

Abstract: An EGR control unit for enhancing the performance as to the EGR rate and the engine acceleration, the unit being configured so as to control the EGR valve and the intake air valve with a simple control command signal that makes both the valves be operated in a coupled mode, whereby the response performance as to the engine speed during acceleration as well as the EGR gas flow rate is enhanced by means of compensation regarding the dead zones inherent in the intake air throttle valve and the EGR valve.

Abstract: A valve system includes a conical valve body disposed in an engine gaseous fluid stream and having a first fluid passageway, where the conical valve body is a cone or a frustum of a cone. The system includes a fluid inlet conduit fluidly coupled to the conical valve body on an upstream side, a first fluid outlet conduit, and a second fluid outlet conduit. The first and second fluid outlet conduits are fluidly coupled to the conical valve body on a downstream side. The valve system includes a valve actuator operatively coupled to the conical valve body and that rotates the conical valve body, and a controller that provides a valve actuator command and thereby selectively flows the engine gaseous fluid stream through the first fluid outlet conduit and the second fluid outlet conduit.

Abstract: A hydrogen fueled powerplant including an internal combustion engine that drives a motor-generator, and has a two-stage turbocharger, for an aircraft. A control system controls the operation of the motor-generator to maintain the engine at a speed selected based on controlling the engine equivalence ratio. The control system controls an afterburner, an intercooler and an aftercooler to maximize powerplant efficiency. The afterburner also adds power to the turbochargers during high-altitude restarts. The turbochargers also include motor-generators that extract excess power from the exhaust.

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: A new and useful heating device is provided, that is particularly characterized by the efficient way it provides combustion of a carbon based fuel (e.g. wood). A vertically oriented combustion chamber is configured with a relatively narrow, lower portion, a relatively wider upper portion, and a vertically oriented wall structure defining the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention discloses an improved gas burner with a high turn-down ratio. The improved burner includes first and second gas flow passages, a flame front locator in one of the passages of the burner cap. Fuel gas is injected into an end of one of the passages and is ignited to establish a flame at the flame front locator. Secondary combustion air is provided through the other of the passages which on a high setting enables secondary combustion and on a low setting may mix with the hot gases and cool them resulting in a lower temperature at the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is disclosed and includes a smoke chamber, a firebox, a throat in fluid communication with and linking the smoke chamber and the insulated firebox and a divider positioned within said throat and defining a front air channel and a rear air channel within the throat. The fireplace assembly of the present invention offers reductions in particulate emissions when compared to traditional open-burning fireplaces and has comparable particulate emissions to wood stoves and built-in wood stoves.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solar collector assembly includes a sealed and inflated cylindrical-tube shaped housing, the tube housing including a bottom cylindrically-trough shaped reflector portion having a reflection surface extending along a longitudinal length. The reflection surface is made of a relatively thin and flexible metalized polymer film. A top cylindrically-shaped transparent polymer film sheet portion is made of a relatively thin and flexible polymer film, the top and bottom sheet portions forming a pressure sealed cylindrical tube housing when the respective ends of the top and bottom films are sealed together and the tube housing is inflated with a gas so that the top transparent film portion passes solar energy to the reflection surface.

Abstract: A nebulizer for a fluid which has a conveying tube for conveying fluid and a method for producing a thick-walled capillary. The conveying tube or the capillary is of multipart and/or double-walled construction, and in particular, is made up of a number of parts, such as an inner tube and an outer tube. This construction allows the device to be manufactured more easily and cheaply, in particular, when the inner diameters are very small.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus has a patient interface with a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of the patient. The apparatus includes a sealing interface, including at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member has a periphery that is attached to the body section in a sealing manner. The periphery is substantially rigid compared to the remainder of the outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to substantially seal around the facial contours of the patient to provide a sealed fluid communication to the respiratory tract of the patient. The sealing interface may also include an inner sealing member.