Abstract: An arrangement for a supercharged combustion engine for preventing ice formation in a cooler. A first cooling system with a circulating coolant. A second cooling system with a circulating coolant which during normal operation of the combustion engine is at a lower temperature than the coolant in the first cooling system. The cooler in which a gaseous medium for the engine and which contains water vapor is intended to be cooled by the coolant in the second cooling system. A heat exchanger. A valve which can be placed in a first position wherein coolant from at least one of the cooling systems is prevented from flowing through the heat exchanger and in a second position wherein coolant from both of the cooling systems flows through the heat exchanger so that the coolant in the second cooling system is warmed by the coolant in the first cooling system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston cooling device wherein the cooling efficiency of a piston is improved by oil injected from an oil jet and supplied to a cooling passage provided in the piston, and the amount of cooling oil is reduced when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output. The piston cooling device is provided with a piston for an internal combustion engine, in which a circumferential passage and a cooling passage having an inlet passage and an outlet passage are provided, and an oil jet for injecting oil from an injection port to the inlet passage. The oil jet injects oil at every stroke of the piston so that a two-phase plug flow composed of gas and oil is formed in the cooling passage at least when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output.

Abstract: A slide-valve device sliding in a predetermined axial direction, includes a valve body having two chambers, the first chamber including a lateral fluid-intake opening and a fluid-outlet opening provided with a normally closed, conditionally opening plug device, the second chamber including first and second lateral fluid-outlet openings, mutually offset in the axial direction. Two inner regions of the second chamber are arranged contiguously in the axial direction and communicate with one another via an opening or an internal passage, and in that the sliding drawer includes a first plug member suitable for selectively plugging the communication opening or the internal communication passage or opening between the two regions and a second plugging member suitable for preventing fluid communication between the second lateral fluid-outlet opening of the second chamber and a first region of the second chamber, within a predetermined range of translation of the sliding drawer.

Abstract: A pump attaching portion is formed at a specified outside portion of an engine body beside a boss portion of a cylinder-head fastening bolt in such a manner that the pump attaching portion is continuous from the boss portion. The pump attaching portion has an attachment face, which contains a cooling-water introducing port, which is located on the outside of the flange wall and faces toward an engine front side in such a manner that the position of the attachment face is retreated from the flange wall. Accordingly, the sufficient pump-support rigidity can be ensured, restraining the pump attaching portion from projecting greatly toward the side of the engine body.

Abstract: A fuel supply and combustion chamber system for a portable power tool, such as, for example, a fastener-driving tool, wherein the fuel supply and combustion chamber system can utilize liquid fuels. The fuel supply and combustion chamber system can comprise multiple combustion chambers for achieving predetermined combustion and power output characteristics. In addition, the fuel supply and combustion chamber system can utilize portioning valve structures for providing predetermined amounts of either a gaseous or liquid fuel into the portable power tool combustion chamber.

Abstract: A variable stroke and compression ratio engine employs multiple pistons connected to a wobbler. A crank with an axis of rotation has an upper journal with a first angle relative to the axis and a lower journal with a second angle with respect to the axis. A cradle connected for rotational motion with respect to the wobbler is carried by the crank with sliding engagement to the upper and lower journals for translation between a first high eccentricity position and second low eccentricity position.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a variable phase angle mechanism configured to continuously change a valve opening phase angle of a valve, a variable valve mechanism configured to continuously change at least one of a valve opening duration and a valve lift of the valve, and a controller configured to control the variable phase angle mechanism and the variable valve mechanism. The variable phase angle mechanism is configured to set the valve opening phase angle at a retarded phase angle in a startup operation as compared with a normal phase angle in a normal operation. After an engine stop command is generated, the controller controls the variable valve mechanism such that an integrated valve opening value is increased to be larger than an idle state integrated valve opening value in an idle state.

Abstract: While an operating angle or a lift of an engine valve (211) is modified within a predetermined operating angle range or lift range, variation in an opening timing of the engine valve (211) is suppressed by displacing a rocker shaft (216b) relative to a drive shaft (213) such that an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying angular variation in a straight line linking a center of the drive shaft (213) and a center of the rocker shaft (216b) and an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying variation in a distance between the center of the drive shaft (213) and the center of the rocker shaft (216b) cancel each other out.

Abstract: An engine is equipped with a variable valve timing mechanism, which is operated by a working oil to change rotating phase of a camshaft to thereby change the valve timing, and includes an oil passage formed in a chain case and an oil passage formed in the cylinder head so as to be communicated with the hydraulic actuator, in which the oil passages communicate with each other at a contact surface between the chain case and the cylinder head, and the working oil is supplied from the hydraulic control valve to the hydraulic actuator. The variable valve timing mechanism further includes a block disposed independent of the chain case between an inner wall of the chain case and an end wall of the cylinder head, and an intermediate oil passage formed in the block and including communication openings in which one of the communication openings is offset in position from another one thereof.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine includes a casting having a number of camshaft support bulkheads. Each of the support bulkheads has a portion of a parent bore bearing for mounting a camshaft. A bulkhead thrust surface is formed in an outer surface of at least one of the support bulkheads. A camshaft is rotatably mounted upon the support bulkheads. The camshaft has at least one thrust bearing member abutting a bulkhead thrust surface which is provided with lubricating oil by means of a radially extending, surface-piercing lubricant distribution channel formed in the bulkhead thrust surface, such that oil flowing in the parent bearing will be caused to be deposited upon the bulkhead thrust surface as well as upon the camshaft thrust surface.

Abstract: An ECM 2 performs an idle-stop operation on a vehicle internal combustion engine 4 in an idle operation state. The ECM 2 is supplied with power from a battery 3. The ECM 2 restarts the internal combustion engine 4 upon request by supplying power from the battery 3 to the starter motor 5. The ECM 2 is programmed to determine if the ECM 2 has experienced an unexpected restart during an engine start-up operation (S1, S2), and prevent the idle-stop operation from being executed on the internal combustion engine 4 when the determination is affirmative. Thus, starting failure of the internal combustion engine 4 from an operation-ceased state can be prevented without preventing the idle-stop operation from being executed excessively.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, in which a combustion chamber is delimited between a piston and a cylinder head, a fuel injector, is arranged in the cylinder head and has an injection nozzle with a plurality of injection bores. A piston depression is arranged in the piston, and a compression projection, with a projection cone angle, is positioned opposite the injection nozzle in the piston depression. The injection bores are formed such that, during a fuel injection in a range from 20° CA before top dead center to 35° CA after top dead center, the fuel jets emerging from the injection bores with a fuel cone angle impinge on the piston depression and are guided by a piston depression surface. The injection bores and the compression projection are formed such that a generated ratio of fuel cone angle to projection cone angle is in a range between 0.95 and 1.

Abstract: A horizontal groove extending horizontally when an alternator bracket is fixed to a cylinder block of a vehicle engine is formed in the alternator bracket. A shank of a bolt inserted through mounting pieces of an alternator is inserted into the horizontal groove from a horizontally lateral direction toward the cylinder block to support the bolt on a lower surface of the horizontal groove. After insertion, the bolt is restrained from moving toward an opening of the horizontal groove. Since the insertion of the bolt into the horizontal groove is facilitated, and the weight of the alternator is borne by the lower surface of the horizontal groove, a burden on a fixing portion is reduced, and it becomes easy to position the alternator and hold it when it is fixed. Thus, the accessory can be mounted on the cylinder block with satisfactory work efficiency and with support accuracy kept high.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a crankcase, two banks of cylinders projecting from the crankcase in a 56-57 degree V-configuration, a plurality of pushrods, and a plurality of camshafts supported by the crankcase. The two banks of cylinders include a first cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a first cylinder head, and a second cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a second cylinder head. The plurality of intake and exhaust valve pushrods extend between the crankcase and the first and second cylinder heads, driven by one intake camshaft and two exhaust camshafts.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a power source may include a housing in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid line and a reservoir, and a pressure relief valve having an open position that creates a flow path between the pressurized fluid line and the reservoir, and a closed position. The pressure relief valve may open when an opening force exerted by pressurized fluid entering the housing overcomes a closing force acting on the pressure relief valve, allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the pressurized fluid line to the reservoir. The pressure regulator may also include a governor coupled to the pressure relief valve, wherein the governor is configured to regulate the pressure in the pressurized fluid line by selectively adjusting the closing force exerted on the pressure relief valve based on engine speed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a common rail fuel system for an engine of a vehicle, such as a locomotive, comprises a higher-pressure fuel sub-system and a lower-pressure fuel sub-system, wherein a pressure limiting valve, is in fluid communication with to the higher-pressure fuel sub-system to relieve excess pressure. In a condition where pressure of the higher-pressure fuel sub-system is below a desired and expected threshold, it is possible that the pressure limiting valve is open. An example method is provided to close the pressure limiting valve and determine if opening of the pressure limiting valve is the cause of the pressure being below the threshold or if a leak is present in the common rail fuel system. In this manner, unnecessary disabling of the engine is avoided and, if a leak is present, the leaking sub-system is identified.

Abstract: Provided is a cat-and-mouse type internal combustion engine of concentric two-rotor/six-piston type, which has a cooling chamber in its cylinder housing and which needs neither any lubricating oil nor any valve mechanism so that its structure is simple and compact and can be easily manufactured. Further provided are a variable correlation type crank for a constant-pressure burning (CPB) engine of a variable compression ratio, and an inertial correlation type crank for a premixed compression ignition (HCCI), thereby to realize an internal combustion engine, which matches fuels of various kinds and which has a high energy efficiency and a clean exhaust gas.

Abstract: A “TurboMotor” positive displacement rotary-piston machine comprises a casing having an annular working chamber and intake and exhaust ports, two drive shafts coaxial with the annular surface defining the working chamber and provided with rotary pistons on one end thereof and with arms on the other end thereof, a stationary central gear coaxial with the surface defining the working chamber and with the drive shafts, an output shaft concentric with the drive shafts and having an offset portion carrying a carrier and a planetary gear, the planetary gear being in mesh with the stationary central gear the carrier being pivotally connected to the arms of both drive shafts through the connecting rods. The annular working chamber of the casing communicates with the intake ports and exhaust ports and/or exit channels and entrance channels arranged sequentially and contiguously.

Abstract: An idling-time target phase setting unit (130) variably sets a target phase based on a target idle speed that is set by a target idle speed setting unit. (110) Especially, when the target idle speed is lower than a predetermined rotational speed and operating noise of a variable valve timing mechanism (2000) is easily heard by, for example, a driver, the.idling-time? target phase setting unit (130) sets the target phase so that a range, in which the valve phase is allowed to change, is restricted within a phase region where a speed reduction ratio is high and the operating noise is relatively low.

Abstract: A spark ignition type internal combustion engine of the present invention is provided with a variable closing timing mechanism which can change a closing timing of an intake valve after suction bottom dead center wherein the amount of intake air fed into a combustion chamber is controlled mainly by changing the closing timing of the intake valve. At the time of engine cold start, the closing timing of the intake valve is advanced compared with the time of engine warm operation. At the time of engine cold start, the air-fuel mixture which is taken into a combustion chamber is blown back into the engine intake passage whereby the air-fuel ratio varies among cylinders, but according to the spark ignition type internal combustion engine of the present invention, it is possible to suppress such variation in the air-fuel ratio among cylinders.

Abstract: The coupling device has a fuel injector cup, a first and second flange, a shell and fixing element. The fuel injector cup has a central longitudinal axis and can be hydraulically coupled to the fuel rail and engages a fuel inlet portion. The first flange is fixedly coupled to the cup and the second flange to the injector. The shell has first and second projections between which the flanges are axially arranged, and the flanges are in mechanical cooperation with the shell element to retain the injector in the cup in central longitudinal axis direction. The fixing element is arranged on a circumferential outer surface of the shell and prevents a radial movement of it relative to the flanges. The fixing element has a radially spring-loaded element which engages with a recess in the shell element to prevent an axial movement of the fixing element relative to the shell.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine in a skip fire variable displacement mode are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. In the variable displacement mode, selected combustion events are skipped so that other working cycles can operate at better thermodynamic efficiency. More specifically, selected “skipped” working cycles are not fired while other “active” working cycles are fired. Typically, fuel is not delivered to the working chambers during skipped working cycles. In one aspect of the invention, a firing pattern is determined that is not fixed but the active working cycles are selected to favor the firing of working chambers that have recently been fired at least in part to reduce wall wetting losses.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a high pressure fuel pump for a gasoline direct injection engine, wherein a cam carrier may be mounted on top of a cylinder head and the high pressure fuel pump may be directly attached to an outer side of the cam carrier.

Abstract: A diesel fuel system includes a reservoir containing diesel fuel. A suction tube extends into the reservoir and has an inlet so that fuel can be suctioned into the suction tube. A fence is erected around the inlet to prevent ice wafers from entering the inlet and blocking the suction tube. The fence can be mounted on the floor of the reservoir. Or, the fence can be mounted on the suction tube.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus of an internal combustion engine is provided which can discharge air bubbles or air from within fuel supply paths while increasing pressure within a common rail up to a predetermined pressure level before a start of the internal combustion engine, can reduce a period of time of cranking from when an ignition switch is switched on and which can reduce noise that occurs when the air bubbles or air are being discharged. The fuel supply apparatus is provided with a flow rate control valve that adjusts a flow rate of fuel supplied to the common rail and a pressure control valve that reduces the pressure within the common rail.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus collects vapor, generated in a fuel tank, in a canister. A bypass passage is provided for an intake passage. An ejector is placed in the bypass passage to generate a negative pressure by air flowing in the bypass passage. When the negative pressure occurs in the ejector, the vapor collected in the canister is drawn from the canister to the ejector through the purge passage and then purged from the bypass passage to the intake passage. An open/close valve placed in the ejector is configured to allow or block the flow of air from the intake passage to the bypass passage according to a pressure difference between the pressure in an upstream portion and the pressure in a downstream portion of the bypass passage during engine operation.

Abstract: A carburetor for a gas powered internal combustion engine having a plurality of pressure reducing stages for reducing the pressure of the gas phase in a liquified petroleum gas storage bottle prior to the mixing of the gas phase of the liquified petroleum gas with ambient air.

Abstract: A fuel injector system for raising fuel to its supercritical state and injecting the supercritical-state fuel to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A plurality of injector embodiments provides alternative ways to heat the pressurized fuel to its supercritical state. Injection of supercritical fuel into the combustion chamber is known to improve fuel entrainment and reducing ignition delay to thereby increase combustion rate, which leads to an increase in fuel efficiency. According to some embodiments, the system provides for preventing coking that may otherwise occur in an exhaust gas heat exchanger used for preheating the high pressure fuel. In other embodiments, engine cold start assistance is provided by storing pressurized, heated fuel in an insulated container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) with two-stage turbocharging by a low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7), the low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) being positioned downstream of the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) in the exhaust system (3) of the internal combustion engine (1), and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) being provided with a bypass line (11) with a control valve (12).

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a surge tank chamber, a plurality of branch passages and a gas tank chamber capable of introducing a gas and distributing the gas into the plurality of branch passages. The gas is to be refluxed to an engine.

Abstract: An EGR valve device includes a housing having an exhaust gas passage formed inside, a support shaft slidably supported within the housing through a bearing, a valve disposed on the support shaft to open and close the exhaust gas passage, an urging member for urging the support shaft in a direction to close the valve, a valve seat, insert-cast integral with the housing, for closing the exhaust gas passage by abutting against the valve, and an actuator for driving the support shaft in a direction to open the valve, wherein a plurality of recesses or projections are provided axisymmetrically or uniformly in the peripheral portion of the valve seat to be insert-cast.

Abstract: A blow-by gas collection passage (91) extends in a cylinder block (1) and a cylinder head (3). A crank chamber (61) is connected to an oil separator (92) through the blow-by gas collection passage (91). A cutout portion is formed in an upper end portion of a wall portion (97) of the blow-by gas collection passage (91), and the oil separator (92) contacts an upper surface of the cylinder head (3) to form a connection portion (98) through which the blow-by gas collection passage (91) is connected to a cam chamber (3A). Thus, new air in the cam chamber (3A) flows into the blow-by gas collection passage (91) at an inlet portion of the oil separator (92) through the connection portion (98) to dilute the blow-by gas.

Abstract: The present invention addresses problems not resolved by conventional hand-held clay target throwers by providing a clay target throwing device comprising two unique main components that, both separately and upon combination, provide for a significantly improved hand-held clay target thrower device. The first main component is a unitary rear-loading flexible wire headend. The second main component is a specially formed handle including a self-cocking block component and an impact backstop structure. Together the combined flexible wire headend and handle provide an easy-to-use, efficient, effective, comfortable, and weather-resistant hand-held self-cocking and controlled release clay target throwing unit.

Abstract: A modular outdoor kitchen comprises a plurality of weather-resistant outdoor kitchen modules. Each module comprises a frame having a plurality of outer faces. The modules are releasably connected together in mating arrangement. A plurality of weather-resistant fascia panels are provided on at least a portion of the pluralities of outer faces of the frames. Each fascia panel includes at least one exterior surface that simulates the appearance of an outdoor building material. The modular outdoor kitchen substantially has the appearance of a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantially constructed of the outdoor building material when the plurality of outdoor kitchen modules are connected together.

Abstract: A gas burner for cooking appliances employing a ring of main flames for cooking, and a ring of simmering flames for heating. A first chamber contains the gas and primary air mixture for feeding the ring of main flames through a circumferential wall with a plurality of radial apertures. The chamber contains the gas and primary air mixture for feeding the ring of simmering flames through radial passages. The chambers are superposed, and a separator plate is interposed between the chambers. A cover rests on the separator plate and the radial apertures are defined therebetween. The cover extends beyond the passage and shields same from ambient conditions.

Abstract: A modular-hinged grilling grate system may include a modular outer support structure and at least one attachable swivel grill grate section.

Abstract: Solar heating systems are provided which utilize an integrated fixture for transferring heat from a solar collector to a lower-temperature loop, e.g. a domestic hot water system or radiant heating system. The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the solar collector to the lower temperature loop. The fixture may also include a casting, in which are formed solar collector supply and return ports, lower temperature supply and return ports, a solar collector pump volute, and a lower temperature pump volute. The systems also include two pumps, and a temperature optimization control that varies the speed of at least one of the pumps depending on the temperature of the liquid in the solar collector.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end.

Abstract: The present application provides a primary reflector in a solar collection system. The primary reflector includes a first reflective section that can reflect solar rays onto a first focal line, a second reflective section on the left side of the first reflective section, and a third reflective section on the right side of the first reflective section. The second reflective section can reflect solar rays to the right side of the first focal line. The third reflective section can reflect solar rays to the left side of the first focal line.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler has a flow resistance of at least 75000 Pa1/2s/m3.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid formulation ejection device which improves reliability of inhalation even in a case where a preejection is performed and resolves a concern about hygiene. The liquid formulation ejection device (1) ejects a liquid formulation in a form of liquid droplets into an inhalation flow path (20) and allows a user to inhale the formulation. The liquid formulation ejection device (1) includes an ejector (11) for performing normal liquid droplet ejection for inhalation and liquid droplet preejection not for inhalation, and a discharger (13, 14, 28) for removing liquid droplets ejected by the liquid droplet preejection out of an inside of the inhalation flow path (20).

Abstract: A dose counter mechanism is suitable for use with a medicament delivery device. The dose counter mechanism comprises a rollable tape (20) provided with indicia (22), a tape housing (10) and a tape collector spool (40). The tape housing comprises a tape dispenser housing (14) within which, in use, a roll (24) of the tape is inserted and a tape collector spool housing (16) within which, in use, the tape collector spool is mounted. The tape dispenser housing and the tape collector spool housing are connected by a tape display area (15).

Abstract: An exhalation breath-actuated nasal deliver device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a mouthpiece through which the subject in use exhales; and delivery unit, as one of a mechanical delivery pump or a nebulizer, for delivering a substance to the nosepiece; and an actuation mechanism for actuating the delivery unit in response to oral exhalation through the mouthpiece, and preferably when at least one or both of the pressure at or the flow rate through the nosepiece exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, the dispenser having a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament dose portions carried by each of the plural medicament carriers. The mechanism comprises a receiving station for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers; a release for releasing a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the plural medicament carriers on receipt thereof by the receiving station; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by said a release; and an indexer for individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers.

Abstract: A humidification system is provided for a respiratory system is provided with a controller having two processors that monitor the operation of each other and of heating elements in the respiratory system to provide CPU redundancy and heating element control. Each heating element is provided with two control paths, for example a relay and a triac connected in series with the heating element and a power supply. Each heater element has one control path connected to a first one of the processors and at least one heating element has at least one control path connected to a second one of the controllers. A hardware watchdog monitors the operation of the first processor, and can be triggered by a signal from the second processor, in response to which it can disable all heating elements.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, 62, 64) is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold, and if an apnea has occurred, to determine the duration of the apnea and to cause the flow generator (34, 38) to increase the treatment pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold.

Abstract: CPR systems that provide guidance to a CPR provider are presented. Contemplated CPR systems include sensors that collect a victim's biometric data during CPR. The data is processed by an electronic assembly which provides feedback to the CPR provider. The electronic assembly can be packaged within a cranio-cervical extension device having language independent instructions encoded on a surface of the device.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to a tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from axially displacing a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. For use with known adult tracheotomy tubes which have inner and outer cannulas, the latching mechanism engages the coupling with the leading end of the outer cannula collar with the inner cannula collar sandwiched therebetween. For use with known one piece children's tracheotomy tubes, the latching mechanism is a clamshell contoured to concentrically grip the tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube. Interlocking the coupling and the tracheotomy tube prevents them from inadvertently axially displacing from each other. Non-axial force disengages the coupling from the tracheotomy tube so that the coupling can be axially displaced without exertion of excessive axial force on the system and the patient.