Abstract: A crankcase ventilation device features a closing valve with a valve body. The valve body executes a positioning movement between a closed and an opened position. A sensor device for detecting the positioning movement of the valve body is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A pair of suction-side scavenging ports introduces a working gas containing fuel into a combustion chamber, and the working gases are caused to collide with each other to thereby form a working gas layer in a state of two vortexes rotating in opposite directions to each other, and a pair of exhaust-side scavenging ports introduces a non-working gas having a lower fuel content rate than the working gas into the combustion chamber, and the non-working gases are caused to collide with each other to thereby form a non-working gas layer in a state of one vortex.

Abstract: Provided are a controller and a control method for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, which are capable of obtaining a highly efficient and stable combustion state over a wide range of load condition. A correction factor computing section executes combustion control with an excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3 when a predetermined condition is satisfied and computes a correction factor for correcting deviations between execution values of valve-opening timings and valve-opening periods of an intake valve and an exhaust valve and basic valve-opening timings and basic valve-opening periods of the intake valve and the exhaust valve which are previously determined for each operation condition, based on a timing at which an ion current becomes maximum detected by a combustion-timing detection section, in the combustion control with the excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3.

Abstract: A toy having a housing; a cover pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a first position wherein an internal cavity of the housing is covered and a second position wherein access to the internal cavity is provided; a launching mechanism located within the internal cavity; a first projectile configured to be launched from the launching mechanism; a plurality of second projectiles configured to be launched from a plurality of projectile launchers secured to the housing; an actuation mechanism coupled to the cover, the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers, wherein operation of the actuation mechanism causes the cover to move from the first position to the second position and simultaneously launch the first projectile and the plurality of second projectiles from the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for projectiles having a soft exterior and an open bottom with a bordering strong inner wall. The projectile's open bottom is positioned atop a slot, with respect to a launch deck and a carriage in a housing assembly. A cocking assembly includes a pivotal launch arm and a launch spring connected to the carriage movable with an engaged slide, a slide link and carriage lock, which are cocked when a user pulls the slide rearward. At a first rearward position of the slide the carrier is restrained in a cocked configuration. On the way to a second rearward position of the slide, the slide, slide link and carriage lock disengage from the carriage, launch arm and launch spring. When the carriage and launch arm are triggered, the launch spring releases and the launch arm impacts the inner wall of the projectile for discharge.

Abstract: An system is disclosed which incorporates a projectile delivery launcher which may assume numerous forms and perform numerous functions, including launching a water rescue preservation device such as a life jacket, military supplies, survival supplies, fire extinguishing supplies, or the like. The device includes a unique barrel having a low friction chrome plated inner surface which provides maximum range deployment of a safety projectile. A unique clutch-type crank mounted below the barrel and houses a thin stainless high strength steel ribbon to provide deployment of a projectile, and retrieval of a victim, supplies or the like. A C02 cartridge system, which incorporates a novel explosive chamber is also used. A method and apparatus of rescuing a victim or delivering supplies in emergency situations, or even establishing a line contact, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air path and improved safety valve combination for toy air guns including a housing in the shape of a gun, multiple barrels mounted to the housing, a piston, cylinder and spring combination for generating blasts of compressed air mounted to the housing, an air passageway structure with an air path channel mounted in the housing, and multiple valve elements movable in the air path channel between open rearward positions and closed forward positions. When in the rearward position, each valve element directs a blast of compressed air to an associated barrel because the barrel is loaded with a soft foam dart of proper shape. When the valve element is in a forward position indicating an empty barrel, the valve element causes the blasts of compressed air to cascade to the next valve element of a dart-loaded barrel in sequence and in a very efficient manner.

Abstract: An improved safety valve for a toy air gun apparatus in which the toy air gun includes a piston and a drive spring mounted in a grip portion of the air gun. A handle extends from the bottom of the grip portion and is manipulated by the user to cock the air gun by compressing the drive spring. When the user pull a trigger the piston is released and surges upward because of the expanding drive spring. A valve element located to the rear of a barrel section of the air gun receives a blast of compressed air in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the valve element and lateral to valve element movement between an open, rearward position and a closed, forward position.

Abstract: A power cutter powered by a single cylinder internal combustion engine, the power cutter including: a tool unit having at least one tool, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation; a drive unit including an engine, the engine including an engine cylinder having a cylinder bore centerline, a piston, a crankshaft with a crankshaft axis of rotation and a flywheel, the crankshaft running in a counter clockwise direction as seen towards the flywheel; a cutter arm attached to the drive unit in its inner end and its outer end carrying the tool unit, a centerline of the cutter arm essentially follows a connection line between the axis of rotation of the tool and the axis of rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a block splitter assembly comprising first lower and second upper opposed splitter blade assemblies. The splitter blade assemblies have a splitting blade and two or more first forming blades. One forming blade is disposed to the right of and one forming blade is disposed to the left of the first splitting blade. The forming blades have forming edges. The splitting blade has a splitting edge that is straight, and the splitting blade has a greater maximum vertical dimension than the maximum vertical dimension of the forming blades. The splitting edge of the first splitting blade is opposed to the splitting edge of the second splitting blade.

Abstract: A support apparatus of slab materials includes a support structure, defining a horizontal work plane of a slab; a plurality of first supporting and sliding rollers of the slab on a first horizontal lying plane and a plurality of second supporting and sliding rollers of the slab on a second horizontal lying plane beneath the first lying plane. The first supporting and sliding rollers and the second supporting and sliding rollers are movable along a vertical direction with respect to the support structure, to bring the first and second lying plane beneath the, or at the, work plane and to load or withdraw a slab onto/from the work plane.

Abstract: A heater apparatus mounted on a tabletop using an existing hole in the tabletop, such as an umbrella hole, includes a clamp shaft shaped for insertion through the hole. A clamp plate extends generally radially from the clamp shaft. An energy supply line, such as an electrical cord or a fuel hose, extends from a heating unit above the tabletop through an axial bore in the clamp shaft to a location below or near the table for attachment to an external energy source such as an electrical outlet or a fuel tank. One or more clamp plates may be positioned on the clamp shaft to stabilize the heating apparatus by applying a clamping force against the tabletop. A clamp fastener may also be disposed on the clamp shaft for applying a clamping force against the table between the clamp plates.

Abstract: An oven is provided that includes an internal surface that faces a cooking area of the oven. An oven door is present that has a convex surface. The oven door is movable from a closed position in which the oven door blocks access to the cooking area from outside of the oven to an open position in which the oven door does not block access to the cooking area from outside of the oven. The oven may also include a receiving compartment that receives at least a portion of the oven door when the oven door is in the open position.

Abstract: A gas oven includes an oven cavity, an upper gas burner disposed within the oven cavity, a venturi assembly coupled to the upper gas burner, a lower gas burner disposed within a lower burner combustion chamber. The channel member is communicatively coupled between the lower burner combustion chamber and the venturi assembly for the upper gas burner to provide an airflow path therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an insulated barrier within a fireplace is described. A compressible insulator may be placed in a fireplace. Within the fireplace, the compressible insulator may be placed above a lintel on the inside of a firebox opening. The compressible insulator may also be placed below a damper. The compressible insulator may be used to insulate a fireplace and increase the temperature differential between the living space and air trapped between the compressible insulator and the damper. The trapped air may also increase the temperature differential between the living space and the chimney above the damper.

Abstract: Solar system cleaning apparatuses and methods of cleaning solar systems are described. A solar system cleaning apparatus includes a vehicle. A first basin is mounted on the vehicle, the first basin to supply a cleaning medium to a solar module. A second basin is mounted on the vehicle, the second basin to collect the cleaning medium from the solar module. A filter is coupled to the first basin and the second basin, the filter to transfer the cleaning medium from the second basin to the first basin.

Abstract: The basis for the function of a linearly concentrating solar collector lies, in simple terms, in the fact that reflectors reflect incident sunlight onto a receiver tube through which a heat-absorbing medium flows. Owing to the rotation of the Earth, the reflectors need to be adjusted regularly, however, in order to ensure that the sunlight hits the receiver tube. Known tracking methods use calculated positions of the sun for this purpose, which, in the case of structural deviations, for example as a result of expansion and material stress, results in inaccuracies and losses in efficiency. The invention is intended to improve the tracking of the reflectors in such a linearly concentrating solar collector.

Abstract: A solar water heater including an outer housing and a heat absorbing water tank fixed onto the interior surface of the outer housing. The heat absorbing water tank may have a water entrance and a water exit. A heat insulating layer may be filled underneath the heat absorbing water tank between the heat absorbing water tank and the outer housing, and a transparent heat insulating board may be placed on top of the heat absorbing water tank. The heat absorbing water tank may have web system formed by tubules, or may be in a rectangular shape with reinforced concaves. The heat absorbing water tank may be manufactured by using plastic materials.

Abstract: A device for storing and releasing heat energy for an electrical power production plant is described. The device has: at least one bed of fluidisable particles, arranged at least partly at receiving surfaces for such radiation; means for feeding a fluidisation gas for the fluidisation of said particles; and heat exchange elements flown through, in use, by an operating fluid and arranged at or in proximity of said bed of fluidisable particles.

Abstract: A tankless solar water heater for heating domestic pressurized water having a flexible insulated heat exchanger housing that contracts to accommodate volume reduction when the solar heating fluid cools. A check valve releases gas and solar heating fluid if interior pressure exceeds ambient pressure by more than one pound per square inch, without admitting air into the container or the heat exchanger when volume of the solar heating fluid reduces due to cooling.

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled and operated responsively to detected and/or predicted changes in insolation conditions. By placing an imaging aperture of an imaging device as part of an external surface of a solar receiver, an orientation of each heliostat in a heliostat field can be determined. The imaging device can be used to image at least a portion of the heliostat field based on light passing through the imaging aperture, which is proximate to, adjacent to, or at least partially within the capture area of the solar receiver so as to acquire at least one image indicating a change in a distribution of insolation levels falling on the portion of the field. Characteristics of heliostats within the portion of the field can be calculated based on the at least one image. Aiming directions of one or more can be changed based on the calculated characteristics.

Abstract: This invention refers to a method for reducing the color of any intermediate of a process for obtaining sugar, and sugar and a process for the production of low color sugar. This invention also refers to the use of components and combinations thereof for reducing the color of sugar and/or any intermediate of a process for obtaining sugar.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the continuous treatment of biomass comprising a pretreatment step, wherein said biomass is contacted with a first supercritical, near-critical, or sub-critical fluid to form a solid matrix and a first liquid fraction; and a hydrolysis step, wherein said solid matrix formed in said pretreatment step is contacted with a second supercritical or near-supercritical fluid to produce a second liquid fraction and a insoluble lignin-containing fraction. Also disclosed are apparatuses for the continuous conversion of biomass comprising a pretreatment reactor and a hydrolysis reactor associated with said pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: A method for the acid-catalyzed depolymerization of cellulose comprises a mechanical treatment of cellulose in the presence of an inorganic and/or organic acid. The catalytic conversion of cellulose into water-soluble products is virtually completely achieved in that celluoligomers, cellubiose, glucose and glycerol are obtained without significant byproduction.

Abstract: Aerosol generator having a liquid reservoir (10) defining in a sealed state a volume VR configured to hold an initial volume of liquid VL; a membrane (5) having openings, the liquid reservoir (10) being connected to the membrane (5) to feed the liquid to one side of the membrane, the membrane being oscillatable to transport the liquid through the openings whereby the liquid is emitted in the form of an aerosol on the other side of the membrane, wherein the volume VR of the liquid reservoir (10) before the membrane (5) is oscillated is configured to contain more than 5 ml of gas at an initial volume of the liquid VL of at least 5 ml.

Abstract: An actuator for attachment to an inhaler of the type including a pressurized canister of medicine, the actuator comprising a sensor for detecting the presence of a patient to whom medicine is to be delivered from the pressurized canister; and the actuator comprising an electrically driven mechanical linear motion to trigger a lever which is moveable between an at rest position and an in use position in which the lever exerts a force on the canister so as to operate the inhaler and thereby release medicine from the pressurized canister to provide ease of use of the inhaler for patients with reduced or limited dexterity and grip/co-ordination. The actuator device can provide data logging using non-volatile internal memory; the data being capable of being downloaded via physical interface or Bluetooth.

Abstract: A breathing protector may include an inlet and an outlet, wherein an air flow may be configured to pass from the inlet to the outlet into a trachea. A filter housing may include an inner housing part, an outer housing part, and a filter body. The inner housing party may include the outlet, a tracheal tube fitting and a support structure extending longitudinally and distally from the tracheal tube fitting. A base plate may be arranged in a proximal zone of the tracheal tube fitting and extend radially outwards from the tracheal tube fitting. The outer housing part may include the inlet and form a cage enclosing the support structure. The filter body may be arranged between the support structure and the outer housing part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngeal mask airway device (10) to facilitate lung ventilation in a patient, the device comprising an airway tube (12) extending from a proximal end (12a) to a distal end (12b) and opening, at the distal end, into the interior of a mask portion (14), the mask portion including a backplate (16) and a cuff (18), the mask portion shaped to seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet without penetrating into the interior of the larynx, wherein the mask portion of the device includes guiding means (20), said guiding means being adapted such that, when the laryngeal mask airway device is in use with a drug delivery catheter (22), the guiding means guides the drug delivery catheter towards the larynx.

Abstract: A modularized respiratory treatment apparatus provides various respiratory pressure treatments. The apparatus may be formed by discrete connectable modules such as a flow generator module, alarm module and/or humidifier module. Each module may include its own external casing or housing to independently retain or enclose the respective components that serve the function of the module. Different modules may be adapted with different components and functionalities and may be readily coupled using standardized gas and electrical connection configurations that have flow and communication paths that extend through the modules. When coupled, operation of the respiratory treatment apparatus may be controlled by detection of different modules, such as the alarm module that generates visual and/or audible alarms based on detected conditions, so as to selectively enable or disable different respiratory treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus, a computer program, a method and a system for portable breathing assistance. The apparatus, computer program, method, and system are directed to a portable breathing system for providing pulmonary medical care to a patient, for obtaining a plurality of metrics associated with the breathing system and the patient, and for wirelessly communicating the metrics to one or more external computing devices.

Abstract: Described are methods of administering therapeutic gases comprising high concentrations of nitric oxide, particularly concentrations above 2000 ppm. Also described are methods of administering a therapeutic gas comprising nitric oxide to a patient, wherein a dose of nitric oxide is administered from a portable device that includes a delivery system and a mini-cylinder. Methods of intermittent administration of nitric oxide pulses are also described.

Abstract: Described are methods of administering therapeutic gases comprising high concentrations of nitric oxide, particularly concentrations above 2,000 ppm. The therapeutic gas may be administered at a certain dosing rate, such as less than 166 micrograms of nitric oxide per second. Also described are methods of administering a therapeutic gas comprising nitric oxide to a patient, wherein a dose of nitric oxide is administered from a portable device that includes a delivery system and a mini-cylinder. Methods of intermittent administration of nitric oxide pulses are also described.

Abstract: A medicated module containing a medicament is configured for removable attachment to the mouthpiece of an inhaler. The inhaler may contain a first medicament such that a single firing of the inhaler will deliver both medicaments to the user.

Abstract: A pressure support device configured to provide pressure support therapy includes a humidifier that holds an enhanced amount of liquid without significantly mitigating sensitivity of respiratory event detection. The humidifier includes a chamber configured to hold liquid, and a partition that divides the chamber such that the volume of the chamber through which a flow of gas generated by the pressure support device flows is reduced. The reduction in the volume of the chamber through which the flow of gas flows preserves respiratory event detection sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for application of a transitory corrective modification to a hot-wire anemometer flow voltage and/or calculated flow rate to compensate for transient thermal response of the anemometer during a change in mixture of a mixed gas being measured. According to one embodiment a method of applying the transitory corrective modification is provided. An output signal of an exhalation flow sensor of a medical ventilator is received. The flow sensor includes a hot-wire anemometer. The output signal is indicative of a rate of flow of expired gas by a patient. Transient thermal response of the hot-wire anemometer is compensated for by applying a corrective modification to the output signal or a value based thereon. The corrective modification is based at least in part on a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) being supplied by the medical ventilator to the patient.

Abstract: Lung ventilator (14) and/or anaesthesia machine with a blender for mixing a pressurised medical gas, e.g. oxygen, with air drawn in by a blower (1), comprising a gas line (10) for the medical gas, and an air line (11), which open into a common breathing gas line (12), whereby the opening of the gas line (10) into the common gas line (12) is downstream of the blower (1) and in the gas line (10) a regulating valve (8) is provided for variable adjustment of the gas flow and in the common breathing gas line (12) a regulating valve (4) is provided for dosing the breathing gas, and whereby in the breathing gas line (12) a flow sensor (3) is provided for measuring the breathing gas flow and in the gas line (10) a flow sensor (9) is provided for measuring the gas flow.

Abstract: A control system for a high frequency oscillating ventilator (HFOV) includes an oscillator controller and a mean airway pressure (MAP) controller. The HFOV includes a reciprocating piston which is adapted to generate positive and negative pressure waves for delivery to a patient airway. The oscillator controller comprises a pair of closed loop control circuits including an oscillator pressure loop and a centering loop which are collectively adapted to regulate frequency and amplitude of piston reciprocations and centering of the piston. The MAP controller comprises a closed loop control circuit that is adapted for regulating MAP at the patient utilizing feedback in the form of patient circuit pressure. Likewise, the oscillator controller utilizes patient circuit pressure as well as piston displacement feedback in order to regulate movement of the piston.

Abstract: A nasal cannula adapter. The nasal cannula adapter includes a chamber having cannula clips, and a connector having an opening and a connector lumen in communication with the chamber and the opening. Systems for administering a gas to a patient comprise the nasal cannula adapter, a nasal cannula, and an airway device. Methods for administering a gas to a patient comprise administering a gas through a nasal cannula operably connected to the nasal cannula adapter operably connected to an airway device inserted into the airway of the patient.

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 pivotably movable between 1) a relaxed position, wherein 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, wherein 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: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.

Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a frame including a channel and a cushion provided to the frame. The cushion includes an end portion that is inserted and retained within the channel. The frame includes a recess that communicates with the channel and a hole that connects the recess to a frame exterior. The hole and recess provide an exit route for air contained within the channel.

Abstract: A medical device configured for assistance with the cervical cerclage procedure is provided. The medical device includes a barrier structure with a finger and a therebetween. A hub is fixed to a distal end of the catheter and defines an extension with a second void between an end surface of the hub and the extension. The barrier structure and the hub are releaseably attached with the extension disposed within the first void and the finger within the second void. A wire guide withdrawably extends through coaxial holes within the hub, extension, finger, and a portion of the barrier structure to fix the hub and barrier structure together.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the delivery of a compressible implant into a bodily lumen. The delivery device includes an enlarged section that is configured to house the implant during delivery thereof into a patient. In certain embodiments, the implant is kept within the delivery device in a substantially uncompressed configuration prior to the delivery thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized lower leg protection and support system and method. The system can include an inner positioner. The inner positioner can displace and contour three-dimensionally as though it was fluid to the sides and top of the leg while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The system can also include an outer support which is received over the inner positioner. The outer support can be in the shape of an open boot. The outer support can include an ultra low pressure plenum. The ultra low pressure plenum is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the outer support, but not providing significant elevation of the lower leg and heel by itself.

Abstract: Antimicrobial skin prep solutions of the invention comprise: a major amount of at least one organic solvent, wherein at least about 80% by weight based on total weight of the solvent comprises at least one fugitive organic solvent; an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent; and an amount of at least one adhesive effective to increase adhesion of surgical drapes and medical dressings to skin prepped with the antimicrobial skin prep solution, wherein the at least one adhesive is distinct from the at least one antimicrobial agent and is a liquid at room temperature. Coated substrates, applicators, and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental device which comprises both an upper part fitted to the upper jaw of a wearer and a lower part fitted to the lower jaw of the wearer, wherein the upper part includes an upper magnet, the lower part includes a lower magnet, and the magnets are arranged so as to establish a magnetic repulsion between the magnets which opposes the closing of the jaw, thereby opposing direct contact between the upper part and the lower part.

Abstract: An animal restraining device and method provide dual capability for restraining an animal and administering medications. A first embodiment provides an administration tube connected to a body with handles which can be grasped by user to position the device either for restraining or administering medications. A second embodiment is a continuous hook-shaped member having a hollow passageway in order to introduce medications. The second embodiment is reversible to place either end of the device in the animal's mouth for restraining or administering medications, depending upon the size of the particular animal. The method of restraint includes positioning the device in the animal's mouth and applying a force to elicit a natural response by the animal which causes the animal to pause or remain motionless for a period of time while a caregiver may treat or examine the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a smoking article, the smoking article having a rod of smoke able material (15) and a cylindrically wrapped layer of sheet material, comprises a holder (3) for holding sheet material, an embossing unit (8) configured to emboss sheet material drawn from the holder and an assembling station (14) for assembling the smoking article, configured to receive embossed sheet material from the embossing unit and to wrap the embossing sheet material at least partially around a part of the smoking article.

Abstract: A supercritical extraction of characteristic fragrant substances in different fragrant tobacco leaves, which involves the following steps: 1) cutting the tobacco leaves into shreds and placing the shreds into an extraction vessel with supercritical CO2 fluid; 2) setting the extraction pressure and extraction temperature of supercritical CO2 fluid about 100 to 350 bar and 35 to 70° C., extracting statically the tobacco shreds for 10 to 35 minutes in the condition, then setting the dynamic extracting speed of the supercritical CO2 fluid about 1.0 to 3.5 L/min, and extracting dynamically the tobacco shreds for 5 to 15 minutes; 3) collecting the obtained supercritical CO2 fluid extract, and obtaining the key fragrant substances, which act as the determinants for tobacco fragrance, after completely volatilizing CO2.