Abstract: Many IC engine inefficiencies are linked to the relatively low mixture formation rates of current injection methods. Process intensification (PI) is excellent at high mixture formation rates, high mass transfer rates, and short residence times, therefore a wall integrated injection method and device featuring PI has been provided. It allows increased number of injection sites and interfacial surface area between fluid jets and the volume of the squash area, hence high mixture formation rates shorter Liquid Lengths and the use of micro nozzles to further intensify the mixing process by locally mixing fuel and oxidant. This allows high EGR and low compression ratios and better control of HCCI start of ignition. PI effectively achieves thermo and species stratification for extending the load range of the HCCI engine while permitting effective water addition for reciprocating and turbine for lower exhaust heat and less fuel burned hence less CO2 emissions.

Abstract: A rich-lean burner includes an inner cylinder to which lean gas, which is a mixture of gas and combustion air, is supplied, and an outer cylinder that is coaxially disposed around the inner cylinder such that rich gas, which is a mixture of gas and combustion air, is supplied between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. A burner head, which has small holes and whose diameter decreases toward the leading end, is provided on an opening of the inner cylinder. The burner head is obtained by forming a perforated metal, in which the small holes are arranged in a zigzag manner, into a conical shape. An interval between each of the small holes is two to three times the diameter of the small holes. The total area of the small holes is larger than the area of an upper end opening of an upper inner cylinder.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder.

Abstract: A passive hydraulically actuated non-electric shutdown pressure relief valve relieves pressure in the high pressure volume of a low static leak common rail fuel system after shutdown. When the common rail fuel system is in operation, a transfer pump provides medium pressure to hold the shutdown pressure relief valve closed. At shutdown, the residual medium pressure downstream from the transfer pump decays back to tank, and the residual high pressure trapped in the common rail and fuel injectors pushes open the shutdown pressure relief valve to release the high pressure after back to tank.

Abstract: A differential stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine having an engine shaft and a piston configured to reciprocate within a cylinder chamber includes an inner piston part, a piston stem coupled at a first end to said inner piston part, an outer piston part which serves as a carrier for said inner piston part and is connected to said engine shaft, wherein said inner piston part is configured to operate on a cycle different from that of said outer piston part, and a control and linkage assembly coupled to said engine at an anchor point, and said control and linkage assembly pivotally coupled at a second end of said piston stem defining a copy point, wherein said control and linkage assembly guides and defines the movement of said copy point to be substantially aligned with an axis of said cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A radial, two-stroke uniflow internal combustion (IC) cylinder and multiple cylinder engine, the cylinder having a cylinder wall and a cylinder head, the cylinder head having an exhaust port, a fuel injector, and a spark means disposed through the cylinder head, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder for movement alternately through compression and power strokes, and an inlet swirl port disposed through the cylinder wall providing fluid communication into the cylinder chamber, and having an annular exhaust air manifold in exhaust gas communication with each exhaust ports, and an exhaust-driven radial in-flow turbine that drives the inlet air compression.

Abstract: A method of producing a fuel distribution pipe includes providing a forged bar made of metal, forming a main bore in the forged bar so as to extend along an axial direction of the forged bar, forming an injector bore having an injector opening in the forged bar, forming a bolt through hole having a bolt opening in the forged bar, obtaining a base pipe having the main bore, the injector bore and the bolt through hole from the forged bar, and bending the base pipe such that the injector opening of the injector bore and the bolt opening of the bolt through hole are provided along a line parallel to the axis of the main bore. The injector bore directly communicates with the main bore and the bolt through hole does not communicates with the main bore.

Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system may have a filter, a pump, and a conduit fluidly connected between the filter and the pump. The fuel system may also have a manifold, and a valve movable to direct a first portion of a fuel flow discharged from the pump into the manifold and a remaining second portion of the fuel flow discharged from the pump into the conduit. The fuel system may additionally have a flow-disruption reducer disposed within the conduit between the filter and a discharge location of the remaining second portion of the fuel flow.

Abstract: A return fuel minimizing logic of a fuel pump may include:, after the fuel pump may be driven by detecting a key-on (IG ON) of engine, the pressure difference ?P (=the bombe fuel pressure Pbombe?the fuel injection pressure Pinjector) may be detected, and then the target pressure ?Ptarget may be set to the engine starting pressure Pstart or at least four different engine running pressures Prunning so that the duty can be maintained, increased or decreased by controlling the fuel pump to optimize the flow rate discharged from the pump, considering the difference of the magnitude between the pressure difference ?P and the target pressure ?Ptarget, by which the return flow rate which may be affected by the engine heat and the air temperature, can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for fuel injection control in internal combustion engine is provided. Fuel is injected during exhaust stroke from a fuel injector for port injection upstream of an intake valve. In-cylinder temperature as the engine cylinder undergoes compression is predicted. Fuel is injected during intake stroke from the fuel injector to supply fuel to the inside of the cylinder upon determining that the predicated in-cylinder temperature is greater than a temperature beyond which pre-ignition is expected to happen.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is described. The fuel injection system has an injector for metering fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The injector has an actuator, a control valve and a nozzle needle. In the method, the actuator is supplied a voltage and/or a current during an activation period. The control valve is set into a lifting motion by the actuator. The injector is opened and closed by the nozzle needle, using the lifting motion of the control valve. A further time period is ascertained. The further time period ends at the closing time of the nozzle needle. A function is ascertained, which links the activation period to the further time period. A shortest activation period, for which the nozzle needle opens and produces an injection, is ascertained with the aid of the function. An opening delay period (do1) of the nozzle needle is ascertained as a function of the shortest time period.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus with means to vary compression ratio of an internal combustion engine is provided. The variable compression ratio apparatus with reciprocating piston mechanism with extended piston offset of the invention has a rocker arm/lever assembly pivotally mounted on a crankpin of a crankshaft and a fulcrum which moves along only within confines of a pathway/guide. This confined pathway/guide itself can be either pivoted to swing from side to side on a pivot or can move only along a predefined path towards the crankshaft and away in its own defined tracks. A swing or move of the pathway/guide leads to a corresponding change in stroke positions of the piston within the cylinder. Such construction allows a simple and easy way to vary compression ratio of the engine. At the same time all benefits of the reciprocating piston mechanism with extended piston offset are preserved.

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump having a bottom inlet end configured to pick up fuel and a top discharge end configured to discharge fuel at a pressure higher than that of the inlet end. A housing defines a pressure vessel in fluid communication with the discharge end of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is secured with respect to the housing so that the pressure vessel is laterally adjacent the fuel pump and the pressure vessel and the fuel pump have overlapping heights. Exactly one check valve is positioned between the discharge end of the fuel pump and the pressure vessel, and the check valve is spaced laterally away from the discharge end of the fuel pump at an inlet to the pressure vessel.

Abstract: In an evaporated fuel treatment apparatus mounted laterally, in order to effectively utilize adsorbent of an upper portion in an adsorption chamber of the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus, the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus comprises: one or more adsorption chambers filled with the adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank; a tank port; a purge port; and an atmosphere port, and in the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus, a first filter is provided in a boundary portion between the adsorption chamber located closest to the tank port and the tank port, and an amount of gas, having flowed in the adsorption chamber from the tank port, passing through an upper portion of the first filter is made larger than that of the gas passing through a lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A portion of a fuel system of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a motor-generator-starter connected to an engine. The fuel system includes a fuel tank connected to the engine. The portion of the fuel system includes an evaporative emissions system and an evaporative emissions leak check system connected to the evaporative emissions system. The evaporative emissions leak check system includes a vacuum source. The vacuum source includes the motor-generator-starter connected to the engine. The motor-generator-starter actuates the engine when the vehicle is operated in a non-moving, keyed-off condition for creating a vacuum within an intake manifold of the engine. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine equipped with a supercharger, including: operation state detection means for detecting an operation state of the internal combustion engine; overlap read means for reading a valve overlap period; collector pressure detection means for detecting a collector pressure; exhaust gas pressure estimation means for estimating an exhaust gas pressure on an upstream side of the supercharger; and scavenging amount estimation means for estimating a scavenging amount based on the operation state, the valve overlap period, the collector pressure, and the exhaust gas pressure.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system according to the present invention includes an EGR passage for introducing a part of exhaust gas emitted from an engine to an intake passage, the EGR passage communicating at one end thereof with the intake passage whereas at the other end thereof with an exhaust passage, an EGR control valve for controlling the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing therein, the EGR control valve being disposed at one end of the EGR passage, an on-off valve for opening or closing the EGR passage, the on-off valve being disposed at the other end of the EGR passage, and a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust gas introduced to the EGR passage, the heat exchanger) being disposed nearer the other end of the EGR passage than the on-off valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with an EGR system that includes an EGR heat exchanger. A method for monitoring the EGR heat exchanger includes monitoring an EGR gas inlet temperature to the EGR heat exchanger, an EGR gas outlet temperature from the EGR heat exchanger, a coolant temperature and a mass EGR flowrate through the EGR heat exchanger for a present engine operating point. An actual thermal effectiveness of the EGR heat exchanger for the present engine operating point is determined. A maximum heat transfer coefficient for the EGR side of the EGR heat exchanger is determined for the present engine operating point. The EGR heat exchanger is regenerated when the actual heat transfer coefficient differs from the maximum heat transfer coefficient for the present engine operating point.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas recovery system for an engine includes generating a signal to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, and generating a diagnostic code based on a difference between coolant temperature downstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger and coolant temperature downstream of the engine. A vehicle has an engine, and an exhaust heat recovery system with an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a first temperature sensor downstream of the engine, and a second temperature sensor downstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger. A controller for the vehicle is configured to: (i) generate a signal to control exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas heat exchanger, and (ii) generate a diagnostic code based on a difference between coolant temperature measured by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: An EGR apparatus includes a EGR passage and an EGR valve provided in the EGR passage to regulate an EGR flow rate in the EGR passage. An ECU closes the EGR valve from an open state prior to start of deceleration of the engine based on engine rotation speed detected by a rotation speed sensor, accelerator opening degree detected by an accelerator sensor, and actual opening degree of the EGR valve. During deceleration of the engine, the ECU obtains a target opening degree of the EGR valve according to the separately detected engine rotation speed and accelerator opening degree from a target opening degree map and starts to close the EGR valve when a difference between an actual opening degree and the target opening degree of the EGR valve exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus of the internal combustion engine capable of removing deposited foreign matters accumulated on an EGR valve without deteriorating a combustion state of the internal combustion engine. When the vehicle is under deceleration and under fuel cut operation, the ECU opens an EGR shutoff valve and obtains an intake pressure “Pclose” under the EGR valve in the fully closed state. Then, the ECU opens the EGR valve and obtains an intake pressure “Popen” under the EGR valve in the fully opened state. Then, the ECU calculates a difference ?P between “Popen” and “Pclose”, and closes the EGR shutoff valve on the condition that the difference ?P is equal to or smaller than a threshold value “Pth1”. Then, the ECU opens the EGR valve, and subsequently opens the EGR valve.

Abstract: An engine gas-oil separator for separating oil contents in blow-by gases that are recirculated into an intake system includes a head cover, a lower plate, and a plurality of baffles. The lower plate attaches to the head cover to define a separation chamber between an upper internal surface of the head cover and a lower internal surface of the lower plate. The separation chamber includes a blow-by gas inlet, a blow-by gas outlet and at least one oil outlet. The plurality of baffles are disposed in the separation chamber between the head cover and the lower plate. The plurality of baffles, the upper internal surface and the lower internal surface define a swirling flow path through the separation chamber in a longitudinal direction between the blow-by gas inlet in the blow-by gas outlet. The plurality of baffles are also configured to direct the blow-by gases in a generally transverse direction.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a body with a metallic hollow cylinder and a high-voltage portion joined to an end of the cylinder. The hollow cylinder has a primary winding and a secondary winding disposed therein. The high-voltage portion is made of a resin material and includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder disposed outside the inner cylinder through a gap. The inner cylinder has disposed therein a conductive elastic member which establishes an electric connection to a spark plug. A resinous insulator is disposed in a gap between the first and second cylinders. The resinous insulator is higher in insulation strength than the resin material of the high-voltage portion, thereby improving the degree of electric insulation between the metallic hollow cylinder and the conductive elastic member.

Abstract: A money gun shoots out paper currency and includes a receptacle for placing money and an exit slot from which the money is shot. The money gun may be used, for example, in clubs to allow customers to spend money faster while tipping dancers. By putting money into the money gun, it frees up the customer from using their hands and keeps count of all the money he or she is spending.

Abstract: A rotary wheel for a ball pitching machine includes a wheel body and a resilient member engaged on an outer periphery of the wheel body. A shaft hole is provided in the wheel body for receiving a shaft of a motor of the ball pitching machine. The wheel body includes a spring portion arranged between the shaft hole and the outer periphery of the wheel body in a radial direction and including first and second bending portions both of which protrude from two sides of the wheel body respectively. When the rotary wheel is driven to turn by the motor, a frictional force of contact of the resilient member with a ball makes the ball shot outwardly, and the rotary wheel is not broken or damaged due to the spring portion compressed in the radial direction to absorb the impact energy.

Abstract: A crossbow with rotating limb pockets has a rifle-like frame with forward, outward limb arch supports which support pivot pins at their distal ends. Rotating limb pockets are pivotally and rearwardly secured to the arch support pivot pins. Limbs with distal cams supporting cables and bow string are suitably fixed to the limb pockets such as by screws. Forwardly the limb pockets are pivotally secured to links which are pivotally joined to a forward and rearward moving actuator controlled by a crank mechanism. Extending the actuator rotates the limb pockets outwardly and the limb cams inwardly to a low poundage state for easy cocking of the string and loading a bolt or arrow. Retracting the actuator rotates the limb pockets inwardly and the limb cams outwardly to a high poundage state ready for shooting.

Abstract: A launcher has a base having a pair of opposite supports that define a channel therebetween, a hub having a body that defines a hollow interior, an inlet tube extending through the body into the hollow interior, and an outlet tube extending through the body into the hollow interior. A first tube connects the bellows to the inlet tube, and a second tube connects the outlet tube to the object. The base and the hub are constructed so that the position of the hub inside the channel can be adjusted to allow the outlet tube to be oriented at different angles.

Abstract: A toy launcher apparatus with a rotatable clip connector mounted to a lower portion of a housing. The housing also includes an upper portion, a barrel portion and a grip portion. Pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the housing is a handle and mounted to the grip portion is a trigger and a switch. Attached to the clip connector may be eight projectile clips and the clip connector is rotatable 45° every time the handle is pivoted forward. Mounted within the housing are a battery compartment, and a wheel and motor assembly. Batteries in the battery compartment may power the wheel and motor assembly after the switch is activated by a user. Pulling the trigger causes a projectile, such as a foam dart, to be pushed from a clip aligned with the barrel portion toward spinning wheels of the wheel and motor assembly, and the wheels cause discharge the dart.

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 liquid fuel combustion system is provided. The system comprises: a combustion stove, comprising a vaporization unit with a ring shape vaporization space, a burner assembly and a first pipeline; a liquid fuel storage tank, having a storage space; a second pipeline, having a third opening end open to the storage space and a fourth opening end open to the ring shape vaporization space; and a liquid fuel composition contained in the storage space, comprising a liquid fuel and an ignition promoter which provides a vapor pressure in the storage space, whereby the vapor pressure drives the liquid fuel composition to be delivered out the storage space through the second pipeline, vaporized in the ring shape vaporization space and then delivered by the first pipeline to the burner assembly.

Abstract: A home appliance including an appliance body having an internal framework; a metal panel covering a portion of the internal framework, the panel having a curved portion turned through the curve inwardly toward an interior of the appliance, wherein the panel surface adjacent the curve is substantially smooth and substantially undistorted, the panel being fabricated by engaging a metal sheet with a bender assembly, holding the metal sheet against translational movement, and applying pressure to the metal sheet using a punch having a curved head and being operatively associated with the bender assembly, the pressure being applied by moving the punch against the metal sheet using a damped punch driver operatively associated with the bender assembly.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes substantially co-aligned first and second valve seats and substantially co-aligned first and second valve members. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance having a cooling fan for moving cooling air through an airflow pathway is disclosed. The arrangement includes a bracket mounted to the appliance's interior frame and one or more thermal switches mounted to the bracket. The thermal switches have an activation temperature at which they signal a malfunction of the fan when the fan fails to move sufficient cooling air through the airflow pathway. The bracket is configured to secure the switches within the airflow pathway to maintain the switches at a temperature below their respective activation temperatures when the fan is operating properly. Additionally, the bracket conducts heat directly from the frame to the switches so that when the fan malfunctions, the reaction time of the switches in reaching their respective activation temperatures is reduced. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments a gas and ceramic grill combination is provided. The assembly includes a cart adapted to receive a Kamado grill. Additionally the assembly is adapted to provide a gas burner grill, storage, and removable flip-up side shelves. A sear burner is provided for some embodiments. In at least one embodiment the frame structure for the combination may be configured for separation and combining of the gas grill frame and the charcoal grill frame. The combination grill is one integrally formed structure in one embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the combination grill includes two separate structures that are adapted to be joined one to another.

Abstract: A ground excavation preparation apparatus for thawing a frozen ground surface prior to excavation, consisting of a trailer; a housing connected to the trailer; mobility means attached to the trailer for moving the apparatus; heat generation means above the housing for supplying thawing energy; heat distribution means within the housing for transferring heat into the ambient air within the housing; and hydraulic means connecting the trailer to the housing for raising and lowering the housing at an excavation site.

Abstract: [Problem] To present a solar heat collecting pipe capable of enhancing the heat collecting efficiency by suppressing the dissipation of energy transmitted to the heat medium passing through the inside of an inner pipe. [Solving Means] In the solar heat collecting pipe 1 including the inner pipe 11 for receiving sunlight collected by the light collecting mechanism 2, and transmitting energy to the heat medium 14 passing through the inside, and the outer pipe 12 covering the outer circumference of the inner pipe 11, a solar heat absorbing film 11a is applied in a portion exposed to sunlight of the inner pipe 11 of the solar heat collecting pipe 1 (the portion exposed to the reflected light of the sunlight at least on the surface of the inner pipe 11, and a heat reflecting film 11b is applied in a portion not exposed to sunlight from the light collecting mechanism 2.

Abstract: An overheat protection device (OPD) is implemented independently of the circulating system of a solar thermal collector and isolated from the environment. The system facilitates operation of a solar thermal collector at elevated internal temperatures (versus reducing or ceasing operation above a critical temperature). OPD includes a heat pipe filled with at least two fluids. In a non-heat conducting state, a temperature at an evaporator portion of the heat pipe is below a transition temperature and the dual-fluid includes at least one fluid in a liquid state and at least one fluid in a gaseous state. When the temperature at the evaporator is above the pre-defined transition temperature the OPD undergoes an abrupt transition to a heat conducting state, whereby the dual-fluid transfers heat from the evaporator area to the condenser area, thus transitioning from a state of thermal isolation from an environment to one of strong thermal coupling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar panel, and in particular to a solar panel designed to absorb heat from solar radiation. The invention provides a solar panel adapted to fit between two sheets of glass in a glazing panel, the solar panel being adapted to absorb heat from a proportion of the incident light, and to permit another proportion of the incident light to be transmitted through the solar panel and the glazing panel. The invention also provides a glazing panel fitted with a solar panel.

Abstract: A collapsible grill includes two supporting elements. Each supporting element includes two lateral strips each including a first long edge and a second long edge, a major plate extending between the first long edges of the lateral strips, a minor plate extending between the second long edges of the lateral strips, and a rib extending thereon. Each lateral strip is pivotally connected to a respective lateral strip of the other supporting element. Thus, the collapsible grill is switchable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The ribs together close a space defined between the major plates when the collapsible grill is in the collapsed position. The major plates together form a V-shaped configuration when the collapsible grill is in the extended position.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid, includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of ultrafiltration membranes, nanofiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membranes, and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with warm water at a temperature of not less than 50° C.

Abstract: An aerosol generator (19), comprising a storage chamber (10), a dosing chamber (20) and an expansion chamber (30), wherein the storage chamber (10), dosing chamber (20) and expansion chamber (30) reside in a single unit and wherein the dosing chamber (20) defines a maximum volume of fluid that may be delivered from the storage chamber (10) to the expansion chamber (30), is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, a reservoir, a dispenser head incorporating a dispenser orifice, and a dispenser member mounted on the reservoir by a fastener ring. The dispenser member includes a dispenser-member body and a movable member that moves axially in the dispenser-member body while the dispenser member is actuated. The device comprises a lateral actuator system that is secured to the body, the system including an actuator element that co-operates with the fastener ring, the actuator element being movable, substantially transversally to the direction of movement of the movable member, between a rest position in which the dispenser member is not actuated, and an actuated position in which the dispenser member is actuated. The fastener ring includes a top radial flange that extends radially outwards. The actuator element includes at least one radial projection having a top edge that comes into contact with a bottom edge of the radial flange during actuation.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly is disclosed. The endotracheal tube assembly includes an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through the first flow passage.

Abstract: Low temperature electronic vaporization devices and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein the devices generate an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for supplying, generating, conserving, and managing oxygen that is ideally suited for use on-board an aircraft for supply of breathable oxygen to passengers and flight crew. The system includes several components that together optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components of the system include a pressurized cylinder of oxygen enriched gas or a chemical oxygen generator for rapid use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG) of the ceramic oxygen generator (COG) type incorporating solid electrolyte oxygen separation (SEOS) technology, a controller, a pulsed oxygen supplier, a crew/passenger breathing mask, and one or more sensors including sensors that detect inhale/exhale phases and communicate with the controller so that flow of oxygen may be regulated for conservation and to adapt to physiological needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for supplying and managing oxygen suited for use on-board an aircraft for providing breathable oxygen to pilots and cockpit crew. Components of the system work together to optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components include a rapid oxygen supply for immediate use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG), a controller, a pulsed oxygen delivery subsystem that detects inhale/exhale phases and adapts to physiological requirements, and a breathing mask for each pilot and cockpit crew member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hybrid system for generating oxygen on-board an aircraft for passengers and/or flight crew to breath. The system includes a first chemical oxygen generator component configured to promptly supply oxygen suitable for breathing upon an emergency situation arising and during an initial descent mode. Heat produced from the exothermic decomposition reactions inherent in several types of chemical oxygen generators can be harvested and feed to a second oxygen generator. The second oxygen generator is a solid electrolyte oxygen separation system that catalytically separates oxygen from air inside specialized ceramic materials at high temperatures, about 650° C. to 750° C., using electrical voltage. The ability to feed heat from the first oxygen generator to the second oxygen generator substantially reduces the lag time until the second ceramic oxygen generator is available to take over as the oxygen supply.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip of blisters each having a puncturable lid and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member. The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it out of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a housing defining a chamber to receive a strip having a plurality of blisters each containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. It comprises an actuating lever and a blister strip drive member rotatably mounted in the chamber to sequentially move each blister into a blister opening position. The blister strip drive member and the actuating lever comprise a drive gear and a drive gear element, respectively, that cooperate to effect rotation of the blister strip drive member in response to rotation of the actuating lever. The drive gear and drive gear element are disposed on the outside of the housing remote from the chamber.