Abstract: A method for roughening and thermally coating a surface, in particular a cylinder running surface of an internal combustion engine, the roughening being the preparation of the surface for the thermal coating of the surface with a coating. The method is characterized in that different roughening profiles are introduced into the surface during the roughening and the coating has different properties distributed over the surface. This allows the coating or spraying process during the later thermal coating to be carried out with substantially constant spraying parameters. The different properties of the coating, such as hardness, porosity, machinability, chemical composition, oxidation and adhesion, are then obtained just on the basis of the differently roughened surface.

Abstract: In a piston (1) for combustion engines are included a piston crown (2), a piston skirt (3) and portions (4A, 4B; 13) for receiving a piston pin (5) by means of which the piston is pivotally supported on a connection rod, whereby a protection (7) covering a major portion of a bottom side of the piston crown is supported on the piston pin. The protection is fitted in sealing engagement with a first inner portion of the piston skirt, forming an uninterrupted gap in relation to a main portion of the piston crown and with at least a portion of the protection being provided at a distance inside a second outer portion of the piston skirt.

Abstract: A piston assembly is disclosed for use with an engine. The piston assembly may include a first and second piston crown and a first and second connecting rod. The first and second connecting rods may each have a first end pivotally connected to the first and second piston crowns, respectively, and a second end with a circular opening configured to receive a throw of a crankshaft. The second connecting rod may have a running surface defining at least two outer lands and at least one inner land disposed between the at least two outer lands that alternately support a load of the second piston crown. The piston assembly may further include a bearing. Both the inner and outer lands may simultaneously support the load of the second piston crown against the bearing at a point of highest load on the second piston crown.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly is disclosed for use with an engine. The connecting rod assembly may include a first connecting rod having a first end configured to pivotally connect to a first piston and a second can with a circular opening configured to receive a throw of a crankshaft. The connecting rod assembly may also include a second connecting rod having a first end configured to pivotally connect to a second piston and a second end with a circular opening configured to receive the throw of the crankshaft. The second connecting rod may have a running surface defining at least two outer lands and at least one inner land disposed between the at least two outer lands that alternately support a load of the second piston. Both the at least one inner and the at least two outer lands may simultaneously support the load of the second piston at a point of highest load on the second piston.

Abstract: A rocker arm cover providing diagnosis and repair access to the rocker arm while the engine is running. The rocker arm is also capable of protecting a rocker arm from contacting other components of the engine, reducing contamination, and inhibiting oil and fluids from dispersing. The casing includes a multiplicity of access holes positioned along the casing, and positioned for accessing the rocker arm. A plurality of removable caps and joining mechanisms cover the access holes. Upon removal of the caps and joining mechanisms, a listening device with a diaphragm may be utilized to listen for specific rattling sounds associated with a loose rocker arm, or other valve in the cam system. After this diagnosis, a fastening device may be utilized to engage and adjust the rocker arm, rocker arm fasteners, or the intake and exhaust valves linked to the rocker arm.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder gasoline engine is provided. The engine includes an engine body having a plurality of cylinders, an exhaust manifold through which exhaust gas discharged from each of the cylinders of the engine body passes, and a controller for controlling various instruments provided to the engine body and the exhaust manifold. The engine body includes a switch mechanism. The exhaust manifold includes a plurality of independent exhaust passages, a gathering section, a negative pressure generating device, bypass passages, and openable-and-closable flow switch valves. The controller controls the injector, the ignition plug, the switch mechanism, and the flow switch valve so that a CI combustion is performed within a predetermined first operating range and an SI combustion is performed within a second operating range set on a higher engine load side than the first operating range.

Abstract: A helical torsion return spring and a throttle body assembly for urging a throttle plate of a throttle body assembly to a default position when a throttle motor of the throttle body assembly is disabled. The return spring includes a middle portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, a first spring leg, and a second spring leg. The throttle body assembly includes a throttle shaft, a first bushing, a second bushing, and the spring defined above. A first end portion center axis defined by the first end portion and a second end portion center axis defined by the second end portion are offset from a middle portion center axis defined by the middle portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include an ignition coil that generates a pre-discharge ionization signal during charging of the ignition coil after reaching a first threshold charge level and prior to spark discharge and a controller that determines an engine operating condition, such as pre-ignition or plug fouling, in response to the pre-discharge ionization signal. The ignition coil may also generate digital feedback and ionization signals used to by the controller to control ignition coil dwell and repetitive sparking, as well as providing various combustion diagnostics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to an injection element having an inner element with a first outlet opening and an outer element. The outer element includes at least one second outlet opening structured and arranged for receiving and injecting fuel in a combustion space, and arranged coaxially to the first outlet opening. The outer element further includes third outlet openings composed of bores structured and arranged for forming a cooling liquid film layer, wherein the bores are arranged coaxially to the first outlet opening and the at least one second outlet opening.

Abstract: A fluid flow network for feeding fuel to at least one engine (2) of a power plant driving rotation of at least one rotary wing (1) of a rotorcraft. The fluid flow network includes a suction pump (3) for sucking fuel from a feeder tank (5) via a transfer circuit (4). The feeder tank (5) is fed with fuel from a main tank (9) by a transfer circuit (10) including a transfer pump (12). The transfer pump (12) is also a pump for priming the suction pump (3) by means of a feed ejector (15) provided on the feed circuit (4) and immersed in the feeder tank (5).

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for a piston engine includes a fuel injector body in which an injector needle is provided, which injector needle is arranged to prevent or allow fuel injection flow from the injection apparatus based on the position of the injector needle. The position is effected by a pressurized control fluid so that by applying the pressurized control fluid the needle may be urged towards its closed position and by reducing the pressurized control fluid the needle may be allowed to move away from its closed position. The injection apparatus includes a flow path for the control fluid, wherein the flow path for the control fluid comprises a restriction section providing a restriction effect to the control fluid flow. The restriction section includes at least one temperature-effected member providing a temperature-dependent restriction effect.

Abstract: A system, which may be embodied particularly as a fuel injection system for high pressure injection in internal combustion engines, includes a fuel distributor and a mounting support, which is used for fastening the fuel distributor to an externally-mounted structure, particularly a cylinder head, of an internal combustion engine. In this case, a damping composite element is provided, which is connected to the mounting support and/or the fuel distributor. The damping composite element includes at least one metal layer, which is formed at least essentially of a metallic material, and at least one elastically deformable damping layer.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection cylinder for an engine of a vehicle includes a direct fuel injector disposed in an injector bore within a cylinder head. A beveled conical wave washer is disposed between a shelf in the injector bore and a shoulder of the direct fuel injector. During operation of the vehicle, the beveled conical wave washer is elastically deformed by radial displacement caused by absorption of high frequency energy from the direct fuel injector. Elastic deformation of the beveled conical wave washer may reduce noise which may be caused by impact of the direct fuel injector and the cylinder head.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treating apparatus, comprising a passage allowing circulation of fluid inside, a tank port and a purge port at one end of the passage, and an atmospheric port at the other end of the passage, and provided with a plurality of adsorption chambers each filled with granular activated carbon or crushed activated carbon in the passage, and a support member set between a first adsorption chamber located closest to the atmospheric port in the plurality of adsorption chambers and a second adsorption chamber located on the tank port side of the first adsorption chamber in the plurality of adsorption chambers, to space the first and second adsorption chambers apart from each other, and at least a part of the support member can adsorb evaporated fuel components. With this configuration, evaporated fuel components escaping to the outside through the atmospheric port are reduced.

Abstract: A method for improving purging of fuel vapors from a boosted engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method increases the efficiency of a venturi that supplies vacuum to purge fuel vapors from a vapor storage canister.

Abstract: A diesel fuel supply circuit comprises a diesel engine (100); a fuel cooler (104); a fuel tank (102), and a valve (114). The valve (114) is operable to move the fuel cooler (104) from (1) a position within the circuit in which it cools fuel leaving the diesel engine (100) and going to the fuel tank (102) to (2) a position in which it cools fuel leaving the fuel tank (102) and going to the diesel engine (100) and vice versa.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine is provided which is equipped with a high-voltage connector terminal and a high-voltage output terminal. The high-voltage connector terminal is connected to a secondary coil. The high-voltage output terminal is to be joined to a spark plug. The high-voltage connector terminal has a tip portion with a rounded surface which elastically establishes an electrical contact with the surface of the high-voltage output terminal. The rounded surface serves to minimize the wear of the high-voltage connector terminal and the high-voltage output terminal which arises from rubbing therebetween during assembling or operation of the ignition coil, thus avoiding the adhesion of foreign objects to the contact surfaces and ensuring the stability of electric communication between the high-voltage connector terminal and the high-voltage output terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet ball launcher which uses a friction fit, scoop edges, and tuned tines or “fingers” which control the release of the ball and thus arc and distance thereof. Embodiments include a pivot hinged handle for added launch inertia, and a thumb latch to prevent hinging motion for fixed and controlled distanced ball launching.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a bracket for use with an archery bow, including a main body having a length extending between a first end and a second end, at least one throughbore through which a portion of a sling can be positioned, at least one passageway intersecting the throughbore, and at least one securing element positionable through the passageway and into at least a portion of the throughbore, the securing element adapted to releasably secure the portion of the sling within the throughbore. The bracket can also include at least one vibration dampener.

Abstract: A method of efficiently manufacturing a hexagonal semiconductor plate crystal with small warpage is provided. The method of manufacturing a hexagonal semiconductor plate crystal is a method of manufacturing a hexagonal semiconductor plate crystal by cutting a hexagonal semiconductor crystal using a crystal cutting wire, wherein the hexagonal semiconductor crystal is cut by causing the crystal cutting wire to move relative to the hexagonal semiconductor crystal so as to satisfy the conditions of 25°<??90° and ?=90°±5° where ? represents an angle formed by the c axis of the hexagonal semiconductor crystal and the normal line of the crystal face cut out by the wire and ? represents an angle formed by a reference axis, which is obtained by perpendicularly projecting the c axis of the hexagonal semiconductor crystal to the crystal face cut out by the wire, and a cutting direction.

Abstract: An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet with a cooking chamber for receipt of food for cooking. The oven appliance also includes features for selectively generating a flow of heated air within the chamber in a first direction or a second direction. Selecting the direction of heated air within the chamber can improve cooking of food items therein.

Abstract: A solar energy collector including a solar energy receiver defining a primary target; and a field of heliostats mounted for angular adjustment to receive and direct sunlight to the primary target and an actuator to effect the angular adjustment of each heliostat. A secondary target at or spaced from the primary target. A controller coupled to the actuator configured to sequentially cause, a temporary angular adjustment of the respective the heliostats so as to divert the beam of sunlight received at each heliostat to the secondary target for a predetermined period of time. A recorder to record a representation of each diverted beam at the secondary target. The controller is coupled to the recorder and further configured to respond to the representation of the diverted beam for the respective heliostats when a parameter deviates from norm, by activating the actuator to angularly adjust the corresponding heliostat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting solar energy (1), characterized in that it includes at least one solar receiver (2) including at least one suspension of solid particles fluidized by a gas, each suspension circulating between an inlet and an outlet of the receiver (2), wherein the volume of particles is between 40% and 55% of the volume of the suspension, and the average size of the particles is between 20 and 150 ?m.

Abstract: A process for producing a natural sweetening enhancer composition comprising at least an Rebaudioside C (RC) extract, said process comprises the steps of preparing a saccharide mother liquor comprising an RC mass content of at least 15%; preparing feed liquid from about 8-25 mg/L of the mother liquor; flowing feed liquid through a porous adsorption column, having a pore size of between about 0.001 to 0.2 micron, and at a flow rate of between 25 to 35 L/m2h and at a pH of between 6 to 8; eluting RC extract with alcohol, said RC extract having a mass concentration of at least 10%; fractionally collecting eluate based on chromatographic critical point for RC extract; concentrating the RC extract and drying the extract so formed. Another process for preparing a crude RC extract which comprises the steps of preparing a saccharide mother liquor into a feedstock solution with a mass concentration of about 0.

Abstract: A system for treating a medical condition in a subject using an aerosolized solution includes a subject interface, an inspiratory limb in fluid communication with the subject interface, an expiratory limb in fluid communication with the subject interface, and a controller in electrical communication with the inspiratory and expiratory limbs. The inspiratory limb includes an aerosol-generating device configured to provide the aerosolized solution. The controller is configured to automatically regulate at least one treatment parameter based on feedback from one or more sensors operably integrated into the inspiratory limb and/or the expiratory limb. The at least one treatment parameter is selected from the group consisting of the amount, rate, and temperature of the aerosolized solution.

Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.

Abstract: A patient nasal interface is provided that includes a female portion and a first registration feature. The female portion receives a male portion of a generator head. The female portion wraps around and over the male portion when the male portion is inserted into the female portion of the patient nasal interface. The first registration feature is configured for mating with a second registration feature associated with the male portion of the generator head and wherein the mating of the first registration feature with the second registration feature provides a feedback to an operator upon proper insertion of the male portion into the female portion.

Abstract: Inhalant anesthetics are developed with a number of properties including rapid onset and recovery, controllability, and, ideally, a broad safety profile. The efficacy of these agents is measured by their ability to create anesthesia within the framework of the other desirable properties. The instant invention focuses on the dosage level where analgesia occurs but amnesia or lack of consciousness does not. In addition to identifying the dosage level where pain is sharply reduced or eliminated but awareness remains, a delivery system for safe and effective delivery of the agent is described.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a heating element including a porous structure of electrically resistive and thermally conductive material configured to substantially vaporise liquid that is passed through the porous structure. The porous structure has a liquid inlet and a vapour outlet. The humidifier further includes an outer housing surrounding at least a portion of the porous structure for containing the liquid and vapour within the porous structure. The porous structure includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first and second connectors being configured for receiving electrical power and applying a voltage across the porous structure to generate heat.

Abstract: A system for reducing sound level in a respiratory gas delivery system is described. The system includes a first portion of a breathing circuit tubing and a second portion of the breathing circuit tubing positioned in-line with the first portion, wherein the second portion of the breathing circuit tubing is a sound-reducing tubing.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing an optimized proportional assist breath type during ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes a novel breath type that delivers a target airway pressure calculated based on a desired patient effort range to a triggering patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a ventilation system is disclosed that includes a computer readable medium including instructions executable by a processor to receive a measured pressure value and a net flow value. A patient effort value is calculated based on a relationship between patient effort, the measured pressure value and the net flow value. The instructions are further executable to calculate a gas delivery metric that varies as a function of the patient effort value. Gas is then caused to be delivered consistent with the gas delivery metric.

Abstract: Respiratory assistance is provided to a subject in the form of a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The pressure of the gas is eased during expiration and increased during inspiration. Changes in pressure are triggered and/or cycled based on the monitoring of tidal volume. Volume thresholds that cause triggering and/or cycling are adjusted based on an observed or measured breath rate.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for guiding expired gas flow in a breathing circuit through a housing assembly for removing an undesired gas component is disclosed herein, The housing assembly includes a first port and a second port, one of the ports receiving the flow and another discharging the flow. The arrangement includes a gas routing device in flow communication with the breathing circuit and the housing assembly. The routing device is provided with at least two different route options. According to a first option the gas is guided to the first port and through the housing assembly to the second port and to the gas routing device for guiding for the inspiration. According to a second option the gas is guided to the second port and through the housing assembly to the first port and to the gas routing device for guiding for the inspiration.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and related medical devices for treating patients susceptible to respiratory illnesses, including respiratory distress syndrome and sleep apnea. The device and methods employ force gauged CPAP nasal interface devices for these purposes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling an exhalation valve based on pressure and/or flow measurements during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation valve controls for ventilating a patient.

Abstract: A patient interface having a forehead support adjustably. The forehead support assembly includes a support arm that is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patients of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. The pivoting forehead support bracket is self-aligning to allow the forehead pad to remain parallel to the patient's forehead at all times, thus enhancing comfort and stability. The forehead support bracket is removable from the support arm, allowing the headgear (with support bracket attached) to be donned separately from the mask and support arm. The forehead support bracket in one embodiment has a forehead pad formed from the headgear itself.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for removing carbon dioxide from patient expired gas during anesthesia is described. The assembly (10) comprises a chamber (12) configured to contain an adsorbent (14) for treating the patient expired gas during a capture mode of operation and return treated patient expired gas to an anesthesia machine; integral regeneration equipment (28, 30, 44) configured to regenerate the adsorbent (14) during a release mode of operation; and a control device for switching from the capture mode of operation to the release mode of operation.

Abstract: A breathing mask arrangement includes a mask frame, a sealing device provided to the mask frame, a forehead support device movably mounted to the frame for adjustable movement with respect to the frame, and a rotatable adjustment knob operatively associated with the forehead support device such that rotative movement of the adjustment knob is adapted to cause relative movement between the forehead support device and the frame.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube system includes an endotracheal tube having a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit being fluidly separable from the second conduit and a connector in communication with both the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a portable lightweight shoulder rehabilitation device that helps prevent shoulder injuries, helps recovery from shoulder injuries, increases shoulder flexibility, and provides strengthening of the shoulder. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a base having at least one hand grip coupled to at least one guiding path rail to provide the desired movement of the hand and arm to target the shoulder for the desired activity such as warming up, flexibility, strengthening, and/or recovery. In another embodiment, the guiding path rail is comprised of tubing in a vertical semi-circle shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of their use are described herein. In an aspect, an apparatus includes: a structure defining an aperture at an engagement surface configured to reversibly seal to a surface on an individual body, and further defining an isolation field; at least one gas port; one or more gas inlets operably attached to the at least one gas port, the one or more gas inlets oriented to maintain a non-turbulent gas flow traversing at least a part of the surface on the individual body; one or more gas outlets distally positioned on the structure from the one or more gas inlets, the one or more outlets configured to release a gas from the isolation field while maintaining a positive pressure in the isolation field relative to the outside environment of the structure; and at least one sealable access site.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

Abstract: A method for inserting an implant into a cavity in a periosteum region of a patient's palate. The method includes cutting the periosteum region with a sharp surgical tool to create a cavity, inserting a distal end of a sleeve comprising a substantially flat pouch and an implant housed within the substantially flat pouch into the cavity, and pulling a handle extending proximally from the sleeve in a proximal direction while holding a stylet disposed with the handle in a fixed contact with the implant, thus deploying the implant inside the cavity.

Abstract: A device for preventing development of infections includes a surgical drape in which a window, through which an incision may be made, is formed. The window defines borders having an inner face; a first layer of a material, covering the inner face of the borders, the first layer being configured to absorb incision secretions; and a second layer, covering the inner face of the borders, the second layer being impregnated with an antiseptic haemostatic ingredient, the second layer partially covering the first layer, the first layer being wider than the second layer. The second layer is arranged to come into contact with incision margins and cover a top part and a bottom part of an incision during installation of a spacer.

Abstract: A drape for use in cranial surgical procedures including a sterile sheet and a plurality of fluid-collection pouches surrounding a cranial region fenestration. The drape further includes a thoracic region fenestration for concurrent or directly subsequent thoracic surgical procedures. Advantageously, the drape allows for a superior aseptic surgical field and superior drainage facilitated by a multi-pouch configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling under gravity from a hopper, a storage device for articles that has the form of a columnar cavity between opposed side walls with a mass flow of mutually parallel rod-shaped articles descending from the hopper, a cavity-filling device that alternates in use between a closed configuration that blocks a downward flow of the said articles through the device and an open configuration that allows flow of the articles through the device, the device being movable in translation, in alternate upward and downward strokes within the cavity, being in the closed configuration on the downward stroke and in the open configuration on the upward stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic material having one or more smoke diluents within its cellular structure and, optionally, one or more smoke diluents on its surface.